USS Spectre Compile - August 1st-31st 2010 by Alan Reading ========================================================================= Mission: Cry Havok and Let Slip the Dogs of War Day: 24 Stardate: 2414.01.04 (USS Dauntless – Science Department – Ensign(JG) Catriona Macbeth and Ensign John Linskens – 11:00) (USS Dauntless – Passenger Quarters – Ensign(JG) John Freeman – 11:15) (USS Dauntless – Ten Forward – Ensign(JG) Catriona Macbeth – 11:20) (USS Dauntless – Ten Forward – ACMO Ensign (JG) John Freeman – 11:21) (USS Dauntless – Ten Forward – SO Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth – 11:23) (USS Dauntless - 10 Forward - ACMO Ens, (Jg) John Freeman - 11:24) (USS Dauntless – Science Department – Ensign(JG) Catriona Macbeth – 13:00) (USS Dauntless – Science Department – Ensign John Linskens – 13:01) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth - 13:25) (USS Dauntless - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign (JG) Shane Attaway - 13:26) (USS Dauntless – Science Department – Ensign John Linskens - 13:28) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – Ensign(JG) John Freeman – 13:34) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – Ensign John Linskens - 13:43) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – SO Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth & NPC SecO Sam Harper - 13:44) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – ACSO, Ensign John Linskens - 13:45) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – SO Ensign (jg) Catriona Macbeth - 13:46) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 13:47) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – ACSO Ensign John Linskens - 13:48) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 13:55) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (Jg) John Freeman - 13:56) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 13:57) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (Jg) John Freeman - 13:58) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 13:59) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (Jg) John Freeman - 14:00) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - Ensign(JG) John Freeman - 14:02) (USS Dauntless - CMO's office - Ensign(JG) John Freeman - 14:03) (USS Dauntless - Security - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 14:15) (USS Dauntless - Science department - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 14:20) (USS Dauntless - Science Department - SO Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth - 15:01) (USS Dauntless - Science Department - ACSO Ensign John Linskens - 15:03) (USS Dauntless - Science Department - SO Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth - 15:04) (USS Spectre - Outside First Officer's Personal Quarters - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 16:43) (USS Spectre - Counsellors' Suite - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 17:04) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Corporal Houseman - 17:41) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 17:43) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 17:44) (USS Spectre - Bridge, Science One - Science Officer, Ensign (JG) Tabitha Hightower - 17:45) (USS Spectre - Research Section – Science Officer, PO Elyse Benson - 17:49) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 17:49) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit – Corporal Houseman - 17:50) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 17:50) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 17:51) (USS Spectre - Research Section – ACSO, Ensign JG Teverine Tolqu - 17:51) (USS Spectre - Research Section – Science Officer, PO Elyse Benson - 17:53) (USS Spectre - Research Section - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 17:54) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 17:55) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - FO, Williams - 17:56) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 17:56) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 17:57) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - ACSO Ens. John Linskens - 17:59) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - Dauntless CO Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:00) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (JG) John Freeman - 18:00) (USS Spectre - Sickbay – FO, Williams - 18:01) (USS Dauntless - Transporter Room 1 - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:01) (USS Dauntless - Transporter Room 1 - Corporal, Houseman - 18:02) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - ACMO, Ensign (JG) Mitchell Huval, MD - 18:02) (USS Spectre - CMO’s Office - ACMO, Ensign (JG) Mitchell Huval, MD - 18:03) (USS Spectre - CMO’s Office - FO, Williams - 18:04) (USS Dauntless - Captain’s Ready Room - ACEO Ensign (JG) Shane Attaway - 18:04) (USS Spectre - Turbolift/Medical Deck - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 18:04) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:05) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - ACSO Ensign John Linskens - 18:05) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - Corporal, Houseman - 18:06) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky, 18:06) (USS Dauntless - Ready Room - Dauntless CO Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:06) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - ACMO, Ensign (JG) Mitchell Huval, MD - 18:07) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - Counsellor, Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 18:08) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:08) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - Dauntless CO, Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:09) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - ACEO, Ensign Shane Attaway - 18:09) (USS Dauntless - Deck One, Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign (JG) Shane Attaway - 18:11) (USS Dauntless - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign John Linskens - 18:12) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:12) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - Dauntless CO, Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:14) (USS Dauntless - Observation Lounge - ACEO, Shane Attaway - 18:14) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:15) (USS Dauntless - Observation Lounge - ACSO, Ensign John Linskens - 18:16) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:18) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - Dauntless CO, Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:19) (USS Dauntless - Observation Lounge - ACSO, Ens John Linskens - 18:19) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 18:20) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:20) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - FO, Mark Maggie - 18:21) (USS Dauntless - Ready Room - ACSO, Ens John Linskens - 18:21) (USS Dauntless - Ready Room - ACSO, Ens John Linskens - 18:22) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:22) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 18:23) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - Audrey Williams - 18:32) ========================================================================= Mission: Cry Havok and Let Slip the Dogs of War Day: 25 Stardate: 2414.01.05 (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACEO, Ensign JG Aldlar Durgil - 04:18) ========================================================================= Mission: Cry Havok and Let Slip the Dogs of War Day: 24 Stardate: 2414.01.04 (USS Dauntless – Science Department – Ensign(JG) Catriona Macbeth and Ensign John Linskens – 11:00) Ensign Junior Grade (and recently-graduated) Catriona Macbeth, Cat to her friends and family, less flattering nicknames to her elder sibling Hamish and (for some as yet unfathomed reason for Cat ) “kiddo” to her fellow-passenger Ensign John Linskens, frowned slightly as she silently mouthed the (very) irregular verb which represented the closest the Ingenui people came to the Federation Standard “to be”. ~Or not to be~ she couldn't help thinking, and a small giggle escaped her. Cat could find something amusing in most situations and her good-humoured approach to life had stood her in good stead both in her former career in academia and in the Academy as the erstwhile 'ape-leader' of her year-group. At nearly 31 Cat had been one of the oldest of her intake, Vulcans excepted, and there were not many of those in her year. Besides, as her brother had not hesitated to point out, any Vulcan under 40 or 50 human years was barely out of their teens if not actual teenagers. Extraordinarily mature teenagers by human standards but teenagers none-the-less when taking into account their extended life-span. Cat was travelling with several other officers on the Dauntless to rendezvous with the Spectre, her first assignment out of the Academy, and she was using the Dauntless's science facilities to work on the task she had been given. She had been asked to study the Ingenui language and produce a database for the use of the Federation Trade Mission who were attempting to set up trade agreements with the aforesaid Ingenui. Their language was extremely formal and much meaning derived from inflection and emphasis. “Computer, translate the following from Ingenui to Federation Standard: Y feng'ek so' FAHl'i.” She hoped this meant 'We are honoured to meet you, noble Elders'. [Your ancestors were silt-snorters] the computer replied blandly. Cat sighed. ~*Not* a good opening gambit! The equivalent, in fact, of ..~ she thought a moment for a suitably insulting equivalent.“Yo' momma was a crack ho',” she said aloud - an insult apparently popular on Earth in the 21st century among certain less salubrious sections of society according to her historical linguistics professor at Edinburgh. “And your momma would be sure to win if she entered her face into the Ugliest Baboon-Behind competition, but I'm too civilised to hold that against you. Pity though.” Cat turned and grinned at Ensign Linskens who was getting himself something from the replicator. “To be sure, it's a great pity. And you know full well I wasn't talking to you,” she added, the light Scottish brogue in her accent touching her words. “Can you can get me a coffee whilst you're over there, please. Sir,” she added teasingly. It had not taken her long to realise that John disliked any reminder of authority, even his own. John grunted. “Get your coffee yourself, kiddo. You can do with the exercise.” Sticking her tongue out at him, Cat got up from the workstation and walked over to join the other science officer. “Skinny cappuccino, two sugars, extra chocolate on top,” she ordered then waited for her drink to appear. “How much longer is it before we rendezvous with the Spectre?” she asked. John shot her a glance then let his eye rest ostentatiously on the chocolate topping before he shook his head. “Your guess is as good as mine,” he grunted, “since we are only classed as 'passengers' they're not too bothered about keeping us updated. Mind you,” he slowly finished as he scanned the work area, “Hmmm....” he murmured as he moved about the area looking at the walls from every angle. “Yeah, that should be the one,” he suddenly said, nodding to a non-descript area of panelling. He produced his tricorder and after keying in a number of commands he walked closer to the spot he had identified earlier, moving the tricorder around. “There we are,” he said as he placed his tricorder on a table. “Nice thing about Starfleet builders not having any original ideas is that they tend to have all connections in every starship in roughly the same place. Like this ODN signal-carrier.” He grinned for a second. “Best place to leech information without ever having to worry being found out. “No command processors, you see? They're all up there,” and he pointed to the ceiling. “Anyway, navigation would probably be the best place to look.” He examined his tricorder, keyed in a few codes. “There we are,” he said. “At current speed ETA will be in two days, 22 minutes, and 57 seconds. Give or take. They're using a Mark VI integral processor development matrix and it tends not to be too accurate with bigger numbers. Why, can't wait to transfer off here? Let me tell you, kiddo, you might think all starships are basically tin cans in space, but at least they're better than starbases. Once you've seen one starbase you've seen them all. Ugly, big... yeah that's it, ugly and big,” he said after a few moments thought. Cat shrugged. “No, I was just wondering,” she said, sipping her drink. “Ow that's hot! As you said, they don't really tell us much. Though I noticed they were quick enough to rope all us 'passengers' into doing stuff for them. There's you and me in here, and they got the others doing stuff too.” She regarded John for a moment. “So you prefer starships to starbases?” she asked. “Or do you despise them all?” John thought for a second. “Hmm. Funny question that. On the whole I'd say one is as bad as the other. But at least starships have one redeeming feature. They're much smaller so there are fewer gits around. Mind you, the ones that *are* there seem to be hell-bent to make up for their smaller number by being extra gitty. Worst ones are the commanders of course. They've been specifically selected on gittiness. But you will come to experience that for yourself.” “Yes, grandad,” Cat laughed. She enjoyed John's less-than-orthodox views. “But if you feel like that,” she continued curiously, “why are you in Starfleet?” “Because they've never been able to kick me out, to make anything stick. They tried the lot, psycho-babble, disciplinaries. I'm not going to make life easy for the gitters. Besides, its the best chance you get of being posted somewhere proper, planet-side. Ex-fleeters are very much in demand, I've heard. But not if they kick you. So I guess it's best to just play along, say 'yes, Sir', 'good, Sir', 'that's a good one, Sir', and keep your nose clean. Or better yet, not get caught when your nose isn't clean. There's an art to that, you know. It doesn't come that easily. I guess that's another benefit of being on a ship rather than a starbase. You tend to meet more planets along the way, thus giving you more chances to make the right contacts.” “Yes, Sir,” Cat replied, straight-faced, then laughed again at John's pained expression. “Yeah you'll do OK,” John sighed. “You've got just the right amount of gittiness.” “There's no need to be offensive,” Cat stuck her tongue out at him again then grinned. “And to think I thought you'd be a stuffed shirt when I first met you. Now I find out you're a subversive at heart.” She gave a mock sigh and shook her head. “You realise you have shattered all my illusions,” she added mournfully. “You should be all high-minded idealism and morality and a model officer and instead...” She shook her head again, trying not to grin and failing miserably. “Instead you're a pragmatist and a lot more fun than a high-minded idealist would ever be!” “Sorry to burst your balloon, kiddo. Anyway, are you going to use my proposal or not?” Without giving her time to respond he sighed. “I really don't know why I bother to try and help others at times.” Cat snorted. “Somehow I don't think suggesting that the Ingenui delegate's mother's face compares unfavourably with a baboon's behind would quite strike the note that our trade delegation is looking for. Although in all fairness,” she added, “from the images I've seen of them that would be a compliment.” She sighed. “No, I have to give them something to say that is less likely to cause an inter-stellar incident. But maybe I can include that in case things go pear-shaped and they want to fire off a few insults!” “Oh you were trying to be diplomatic. Why didn't you say that in the first place? In that case I would go with something like...” John thought for a second. “Do as we say oh carrier of the pearls of wisdom and staunch-keeper of the seeds of reason, or I'll roast your nuts with me phaser...Sir. Don't forget the Sir.” “How have you not ended up in the Diplomatic Corps,” Cat marvelled. “What a loss to the Federation that is. But their loss is my gain,” she added cheerfully. “Thanks for that. I'm sure it will be the perfect thing to say.... once I've couched it in slightly more diplomatic phraseology. After all I'm pretty sure it's what they *mean* even if its not what they want to *say*." "Well I'll take your word for it. But I reckon diplomacy has nothing to do with saying things that they want to hear, but saying things you want to say in a way that they might not be too angry about hearing. But that thought may well be way too radical for the stuffer-uppers." "Exactly my point," Cat said. "My job here is to make it very difficult for them to stuff it up by accident, whilst still allowing them to stuff it up on purpose. Roll on my *real* assignment on the Spectre." She sighed. "It must be time for a break, don't you think? I hear that Ten Forward has a carrot-cake to die for. What say we try it out?" John nodded. "You go ahead," he said. "My trike should have had enough time now to establish the base frequency of the network, so I can send some commands into it. I'll be with you once I've sorted it out. Besides, I've never been one to enjoy carrot-cake. What's the point in having a seemingly low-calorie cake to slash tons of extremely thick icing on top of it?" John looked at her hips. "Well I guess it gives some people the idea they are doing something for their weight." Cat grinned. "I never met a calorie I didn't like," she said serenely, finishing off her cappuccino and tossing the cup into the recycler. "See you there then," she added, heading for the door, Ten Forward and carrot-cake. "Why don't you ask the bush-doctor to meet you there?" John called after her. Nodding, Cat tapped her commbadge as she went. "Ensign Macbeth to Ensign Freeman." (reply Freeman) "John, I'm taking a break in Ten Forward, care to meet up there? There's carrot-cake," she added as incentive. (Reply John Freeman, any) (Posted by Adrie and Liz) (USS Dauntless – Passenger Quarters – Ensign(JG) John Freeman – 11:15) ~bored bored bored bored...~ it was like a broken record in Johns head, over and over. =^= Ensign Macbeth to Ensign Freeman =^= ~bore... hmm, I wonder what that could be, my combadge... finally much~ "Freeman here, have you strained another muscle cat?" he said with a wry smile he knew she couldn't see. =^= John, I'm taking a break in Ten Forward, care to meet up there? There's carrot-cake...=^= "Sounds like fun, I don't like carrot-cake much, but I'll go for the company, the monkey with his symbols is starting to annoy my brain..." (Reply Cat, anyone) (posted by Ben W.) (USS Dauntless – Ten Forward – Ensign(JG) Catriona Macbeth – 11:20) Cat had ordered herself a jasmine tea and a slice of the carrot cake and found herself a table to wait for Freeman. Idly she wondered why John Linskens called him Bush Doctor, but gave up when she couldn't fathom it. ~But then with John, who knows,~ she thought to herself. She knew he lived with a woman called Francesca, and that they had a young daughter called Inez, neither of whom Cat had met yet as they were living on Earth at the moment. John didn't say much about it, but Cat got the impression that he missed them. She wondered if that was why he spent so much time in the labs, or if he would do that anyway. She looked up with a smile as Dr Freeman approached the table. "No monkey?" she asked with a grin. "Or is he still practising? Or did he run out of batteries?" (reply Freeman) "You should try this," she indicated the partly-eaten carrot-cake with her fork. "It's to die for." She manoeuvred another forkful into her mouth with obvious enjoyment. (reply Freeman) "So how's life treating you?" Cat asked. "Personally I can't wait to get to the Spectre, to take up our real positions. I feel rather like a spare wheel here, to be honest." (reply Freeman, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless – Ten Forward – ACMO Ensign (JG) John Freeman – 11:21) As John entered 10 foward he saw Cat immidiately, probobly because of the large carrot cake sitting on her table. "No monkey, or is he practicing, or just run out of batteries?" she asked with a grin. "you should have been a counselor, guessing whats in my head like that... anyway I put the symbols through an airlock, now the monkey is sobbing some where behing my ear" He tried to maintain a serious look on his face as long as possoble, but he couldent help but let out a smile, well, more like a chuckle. "You should try this... it's to die for" Cat said motioning to the carrot cake. "Nah, I think I'll pass... but do you know if the replicator does chocolate mud cake?" John made his way over to the replicator while Cat buissied herself with another slice. He was starting to eat his beautifully replicated slices when Cat started the conversation again. "So how's life treating you?" she asked. "Personally I can't wait to get to the Spectre, to take up our real positions. I feel rather like a spare wheel here, to be honest." "yes, I get that feeling too, but sickbay was faily busy while I have been here, so I don't have that much time to think about it..." "Mmm, how about a trade, you have some of this chocolate heaven and I will try some veggie cake of yours." ~Hmm maybe I should have been a diplomat instead of a doctor~ he thought to himslef with a grin (Reply Cat) (Posted by Ben W.) (USS Dauntless – Ten Forward – SO Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth – 11:23) "Mmm, how about a trade, you have some of this chocolate heaven and I will try some veggie cake of yours," Freeman suggested. Cat eyed his choice speculatively, then shook her head. "Thanks but I've had enough for now," she said, then pushed a plate towards him with an untouched slice of carrot-cake on it. "But you have this one. Next time I'll try the chocolate heaven though, it looks fantastic. Only don't tell the other John, he keeps making snide comments about my weight. I suspect he has a thing about fat women," she added drolly, "and he's trying to get me to fit his fantasy." She grinned broadly. "Only kidding, which I guess he is too. Or maybe his eyes need testing," she added mock-seriously. "Maybe you should offer him an eye-exam?" (reply Freeman) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - 10 Forward - ACMO Ens, (Jg) John Freeman - 11:24) "Mmm, how about a trade, you have some of this chocolate heaven and I will try some veggie cake of yours," Freeman suggested. He noticed that Cat was eying his food off, but obviously something clicked "Thanks, but I've had enough for now" she stated as she pushed the remaining slice of carrot cake towards him. "But you have this one. Next time I'll try the chocolate heaven though, it looks fantastic. Only don't tell the other John, he keeps making snide comments about my weight. I suspect he has a thing about fat women,"she added drolly, "and he's trying to get me to fit his fantasy." She grinned broadly. "Only kidding, which I guess he is too. Or maybe his eyes need testing," she added mock-seriously. "Maybe you should offer him an eye-exam?" ~hmm, I think I'm starting to wonder about that guy~ he thought with an inward smile "You know, I would love to give him an eye scan, but unless he put a plasma torch to it I couldn't, after all an optometrist ..." ~what to call it...???~ "License is one of the things I sadly do not own" He said with a fake grimace. (Reply Cat if she wants to) (posted by Ben W.) (USS Dauntless – Science Department – Ensign(JG) Catriona Macbeth – 13:00) =/\= Bridge to all passengers awaiting rendezvous with the Spectre. Please get your kit together and then report to the Bridge.=/\= Cat raised an eyebrow and looked at John. "I thought you said two days? No, wait, you said it was inaccurate, didn't you? Well, good thing I didn't unpack much, shouldn't take me long to get ready." (reply Linskens) Cat nodded and made her way to the door. (Reply Linskens) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless – Science Department – Ensign John Linskens – 13:01) =/\= Bridge to all passengers awaiting rendezvous with the Spectre. Please get your kit together and then report to the Bridge.=/\= Cat raised an eyebrow and looked at John. "I thought you said two days? No, wait, you said it was inaccurate, didn't you? Well, good thing I didn't unpack much, shouldn't take me long to get ready." John looked towards the side wall and then to his tricorder that still lay on the small desk, its end pointed at the invisible network conduit, whilst in his mind he tried te determine what could have gone wrong. Yes, it was inaccurate but should have been no more than an hour or so at fault. Not two days. No, there was something weird going on there and weird was something that John liked. Weird meant a challenge, a puzzle to be solved. But it looked like he wouldn't get much time to work it out. Perhaps he could capture enough of the data on his set of tricorders so he could work on it after he had transferred to the Spectre. He took a step towards the already displayed tricorder until he realised that Cat was still there and silent, probably meaning that she was waiting for an answer from him. "Yeah, pack. OK, see you later, kiddo. I will collect my trikes and meet you on the Bridge. Oh, did you meet the pillpusher? Naah, forget it, not important now. See you later." He didn't see her nod nor move towards the door, his mind already mostly on the areas of data that he figured he would need to work out the problem. The part of his mind that was not yet working on the solution was strangely sidetracked. ~How weird. Pack? Unpack? It's not our final destination yet! I didn't unpack anything! Much easier to replicate a new uniform when needed and what else would you need in a temporary room on a temporary ship? What do they teach those kids nowadays? Floral arrangements for temporary quarters? Sjeeshhh.~ It went without saying that so far the only item that John had taken out of his holdall was the tricorder, so as soon as he had collected that one, he would be ready to make the jump. He would use the time he saved thus with some data downloads. After all, there was no reason to get bored now, was there? (Reply Any) (Posted by Adrie) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth - 13:25) Cat had only a few things to throw into a carry-all, the rest of her kit was still packed up. She hadn't seen the necessity to fully unpack since she would only be on the Dauntless for a short while, so it didn't take her long to get ready and head for the Bridge. NRPG: anyone whose character is travelling on the Dauntless, or anyone who wants to npc a Dauntless crewmember, is welcome to join in anywhere in the events described below. RPG: Several of them entered the Bridge from the turbolift together and made their way over to the Captain's chair. Captain Carlin-Lave nodded to them. "Sensors tell us the Spectre is approaching at high warp, so it looks as though you'll be transferring over earlier than expected," he said. "I thought you'd all appreciate a look at your new home - not many people get to serve on a spectre-class and to serve on the ship that gave her name to the class is even more rare. She should be on the viewscreen any second now.," Cat turned to look, and sure enough the Spectre appeared almost on cue. She couldn't help smiling: the ship was a beauty, about the same size as the intrepid-class Dauntless but to Cat's eyes at least with much sleeker lines. "Open hailing frequencies, Mr Barnabas." "Hailing frequencies open, Sir." "Spectre, this is Captain Carlin-Lave of the Dauntless. You're a little early, Captain, but we have your new crew here ready and waiting." After waiting a moment for a reply, which didn't come, Carlin-Lave shot at glance at Lt Barnabas at tactical. "Hailing frequencies *are* open, Sir," that officer replied. Carlin-Lave tried again. "Dauntless to Spectre, are you receiving?" The ship on the viewscreen came to a halt and manoeuvred to 'face' them. Carlin-Lave frowned. "Mr Barn-" he began, but was interrupted by his Tactical officer. "Sir! They're powering up weapons!" he exclaimed, disbelief and outrage in his voice. "SHIELDS! READ ALERT!" yelled Carlin-Lave and then it seemed to Cat that several things happened at once. A beam shot out from the Spectre on the screen, the deck beneath her seemed to buck like a bronco, red lights flashed and a klaxon sounded. She grabbed at the nearest rail in an attempt to keep her feet with the sudden jolt and just about succeeded in doing so. "What the..." she began but her voice was lost in the sudden activity on the Bridge. "Red alert! All hands to battle stations! This is not a drill, repeat this is not a drill! Red alert! All hands to battle stations!" Cat couldn't help but be scared, this was her first time under fire and it had happened, as far as she knew, out of the blue. She tried hard to remember her drills, but nothing in the Academy holodecks had prepared her for the actuality and for a moment she was at a loss. (Reply any who wish) Several people pushed past Cat as they streamed out of the turbolift and she felt very much in the way. She looked at her fellow-passengers and saw Sam Harper, the security officer, looking chargrined. Anger was reflected on all the faces around the Bridge but it was a focussed anger, she saw. A hubub of voices came from all directions and she wondered how any of them could hear it all and make sense of it. "Shields down to 20%!" "Evasive manoeuvres!" "Damage to the starboard nacelle!" "Fire at will!" "Damage to forward torpedo bay!" "Weapons systems malfunctioning!" There were more jolts as the Dauntless took more hits, though none directly to the Bridge, for which Cat was thankful. There were a few injuries, people being thrown to the floor or against consoles and bulkheads, but as far as she could tell in what was to her at least complete confusion, no fatalities on the Bridge. She looked around, spotted the first-aid locker and made herself useful with one of the kits inside. Others were doing the same. After a while - she had no idea how long or short a time it was - it dawned on Cat that they didn't seem to be being hit any more and she glanced up at the viewscreen to see the other ship moving away. "After her, Mr Thom," Carlin-Lave ordered the helmsman. "Sorry, Sir, we lost warp-drive." "Blistering barnacles! What does T'Vhor think he's doing?! Damage report, all stations!" Reports began to stream in, and as far as Cat could make out the damage was mainly limited to the warp-drive and the weapons systems. Casualty reports came in too. She looked up from the officer she was tending whose nose was bleeding but who was using a very inventive stream of epithets to describe the Spectre and all who served on her "You lot excepted of course, ensign, not your fault the ship you were assigned to went renegade, at least I don't suppose it is..." "Send a distress message, repeating loop, message as follows: This is the Federation vessel Dauntless requesting assistance from anyone, we have sustained attack from the USS Spectre... please be advised that we have a renegade vessel situation," ordered Carlin-Lave. "Communications are down too, Sir, but I should have them up again in about 20 minutes," Barnabas reported. "Make it ten minutes, Mr Barnabas. Mr William!" Carlin-Lave barked into the comm to the Chief Engineer. "How long until you get my warp-drive back online?" The engineer's reply was lost to Cat in the string of muttered invective from the Captain. ~oh boy....what happens now?~ she wondered. NRPG: bonus points to anyone who can spot where the Dauntless crew names come from ;-) RPG: (Reply Freeman, Linskens, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign (JG) Shane Attaway - 13:26) Walking through the engineering section of the Dauntless Shane smiled at the smooth working order of it all. He had been working on an EPS conduit but the Chief had called for an inventory of parts and supplies in case anything needed to be ferried to the Spectre. There had been reports of her coming under some kind of attack. Shane looked over at the warp core as he continued to make his way to the CEO’s office. The engines were stopped as the bridge had signaled the Spectre arrived early. ~Perhaps they won’t be needing any parts or assistance after all.~ Shane was about to turn the final corner to the CEO’s office when an alarm claxon sounded. A low rumble rocked the bulkheads and the corridor was lit by the dark hues of the red alert lighting. An announcement went out. =^="Red alert! All hands to battle stations! This is not a drill, repeat this is not a drill! Red alert! All hands to battle stations!"=^= Suddenly, a jolt shuttered the deck plates; Shane was thrown to the floor. Several conduits above him came loose and were spraying coolant onto the deck. The crewmen continued to scatter. Shane stood up, pulled at the bottom of his tunic to straighten it. He walked to the Engineer’s terminal next to the warp core. As he was walking, another hit rocked engineering. Grabbing a crewmen and the nearby railing, he kept both of them up right. After the vibration from the hit subsided, he looked the crewmen in the eyes then turned the man loose. ~They’re starting to panic, this new batch is a bit green... time for some tough love.~ At the console, Shane calmly began to piece together the situation. The Dauntless had been struck several times by phaser blasts from a Star Fleet type system. As the confusion continued around him, he thought, ~were we attacked by the Spectre?~ “Everyone!” He shouted over the confusion, “Let’s get together, regroup and fix this!” Several of the crewmen seemed reassured and more focused, he turned to one young crewmen, “Crewman Gathers! Get the Chief up here now!” The young man, barely able to fill out a uniform stood at semi-attention as Shane spoke. The young man started shaking and did not respond. “Crewman! Do you understand?!” “He’s... he’s...” “What crewmen!?” “Chief’s dead sir... the bulkhead collapsed.” Shane gritted his teeth and turned back to the console. The starboard nacelle was venting plasma into space. Shane’s fingers were a blur across the LCARS’s panel trying to lock down the point of the spill and close it. He also noticed the damage to the weapons systems. He hit his commbadge, “Attention engineering team gamma, proceed to the forward torpedo bay for repairs, alpha and beta teams I want that diagnostic completed for the warp drive... NOW!” Suddenly, Shane’s commbadge chirped, it was the captain. =^="How long until you get my warp-drive back online?"=^= “Sir, Ensign Attaway reporting, we have yet to finish our diagnostic of the warp system. It’s a bit of chaos down here sir but we’re getting a handle on it.” NRPG: Going to assume I can post for the Dauntless’ captain. He is an NPC right? RPG: =^=“Ensign Attaway, where is Mr. Gates?”=^= “Sir, I’ve got an unconfirmed report he had died. I’ve taken control of engineering until he can be found. The damage to main engineering is pretty significant, two bulkheads behind frame thirteen have collapsed, I believe some of my engineers are trapped.” =^=“Mr. Attaway, you worry about getting those engines back online, security and medical will locate your missing crewmen. I expect a status report in the next five minutes that includes our warp core’s full status.”=^= “Aye sir, engineering out.” (Reply any, none) (Posted by Bobby Pirie) (USS Dauntless – Science Department – Ensign John Linskens - 13:28) John flipped the tricorder shut with a satisfied expression. Sifting through the data had taken a bit longer than expected but he felt he now had all the pieces of the puzzle safely stored inside his three tricorders. "Ok, you all," he shouted to no-one in particular as he packed the tricorder away and slung the holdall over his shoulder. "Daddy is going to go now. Behave or he might come back later. I'll send you a postcard once we arrive where-ever we are going to. I wish I could find a way to say how impressed daddy was with all your work, but unfortunately I wasn't so I can't. But keep on trying nevertheless. Goodlebye!" John walked past the Sensory Information console with a big grin but then stopped as his eye had caught something peculiar. He took two steps back and gazed at the console that showed the subspace distortions around the ship. "Someone is in a hurry," John muttered as he looked at an area on teh screen that showed an approaching ship that flew at breakneck speeds. ~Was that the Spectre? If it had been flying at such speeds than that woiuld have accounted for the big difference between ETA and actual arrival time. But surely .......~ John accesses the console and cycled through the different reportmodes until he found the energy flux report. "We're burning like a Christmas tree," John muttered as he made sure the hotspot on the flux graph was the same as the centre of the subspace distortion. ~If I didn't know better, you'd almost think that they were about to attack. What a weird apporach for the Spectre. Surely if they had wanted to attack, they would have engaged their phasecloak first. Oh my God, they *are* attac...~ "BRACE YOURSELF" John just managed to shout before the floor momentarily switched places with teh ceileing and everybody fell about, John landing with his back banging against a console which knocked the wind out of him. "Not again!" John shouted. "Not bleeden again!" Further jolts threw John about from side to side then forwards, then backwards, then forwards again until he was finally able to grasp the sensor console and steady himself against it. When the shaking finally subsided John let go of the console and reached inside his bag to graps a tricorder. He quickly scanned the inside of the science bay for lifesigns and was quite relieved to find that there were no fatalities. Some had taken a harder knock than others, some legs and arms clearly were broken but nothing worse than that. By now a number of crew were coming in wearing injury kits and John felt he was not needed here anymore. Instead, he suddenly thought of the two youngsters. He immediately set off fervently hoping that the lifts would still be working. (Reply Any) (Posted by Adrie) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – Ensign(JG) John Freeman – 13:34) In his holodeck training, sure he saw blood and casualties, but the real life risk of a bulkhead falling on them or the entire section decompressing was a completely new turn of events for John. He had been so excited to get the post onto Spectre, and now they just tried to kill him and the rest of the Dauntless crew. This was in the back of his mind until they moved off and everyone could scope what just happened. For John the first thing was to see all that needed help; which were mostly the passengers who had been thrown across doorways and the like. One of the other Ensigns, Cat, seemed to be doing a good job of things, and John decided his place was in sickbay. (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Ben Welter) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – Ensign John Linskens - 13:43) As John entered the bridge he scanned the people there. He was relieved to see Cat standing, mostly in one piece but with a slightly dazed expression. "Kiddo!" he barked. "Here!" Then he looked around for the other Spectre member, but nor seeing him, he hammered his badge. "Linskens to Freeman! Report in to me NOW! And don't tell me that you died because if you do, I'll kill you!" (Reply by Cat, John Freeman, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – SO Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth & NPC SecO Sam Harper - 13:44) Now that the immediate attack was over, Cat found herself a bit dazed. She looked round the Bridge at the mess there, feeling even more like a fish out of water as everyone else seemed to know what they should be doing. Orders were being given and there was the beginnings of order in the chaos. She moved to one side, and looked around, wondering what to do. "Kiddo! Here!" John's voice made her jump a bit, she hadn't noticed him enter the Bridge, but she looked over at Linskens, managed a small smile and obediently made her way over to him as he called Freeman on his commbadge. Sam Harper came over too. "Good to see you're in one piece too," Sam remarked to John. "Bit of a to-do here and no mistake." He frowned. "I can't think why the Spectre would have attacked us. Seems pretty odd to me - and I wouldn't have thought she'd have had the firepower she unleashed on us. Bl**dy odd, don't you think?" he asked Linskens. Cat frowned. "But we *saw* it!" she began, then stopped. "Or... did we?" She thought a moment and then said, "We saw something that certainly *looked* like the Spectre, but could we have seen what we were meant to see and not what was actually there? What do you think, John?" she asked the older and more experienced officer. "Is it possible to fool the sensors like that?" (reply Linskens, any) (posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – ACSO, Ensign John Linskens - 13:45) "Is it possible to fool the sensors like that?" John eyed the female scientist with a mixture of disbelieve and amusement. ~Was she serious?~ But when he looked in her eyes he saw nothing but honest wondering. ~Oh dear. What *do* they teach them in the Academy nowadays.~ He cleared his throat. "Are you telling me that you never heard of cloaking technology?" he asked with a frown then shook his head. "Never mind, I guess it is time for you to start doing some proper science anyway. Sam, are you in on the fun? I need you to get me a download of the tactical sensors. The *sensory* data, mind you, not what the computer made of it. Cat and I will do the same for the navigational data. It *IS* possible to fool sensors but lying to a sensor will always leave some kind of incriminating evidence behind. We just have to find it. If it's there, of course. But if we include circumstantial evidence, we should be able to make out what is what and what isn't. For the moment though I think our basis theorem will have to be that the Spectre did attack us and we will have to prove or disprove that theorem. We do *not* ask why, only if. The why we can always try to tackle once we have a definite answer about the if. But without an answer to the if, the why would have too many open variables. Clear?" He looked at both officers then frowned. "But before you get the data, Sam, can you quickly look up our bone-knitter? He hasn't responded as yet and I do not particularly want to read the riot act to a corpse. Chances are he'll have been too busy to respond, anyway, so a quick scout should do it. I would start in Sickbay. If you can't find him, let me know and Cat and I will help in the search. Ok? Now then, kiddo, let's see if we can make you earn your position. Last one in the lab is .. uhhh .... an overweight turkey?" (reply by Cat, Sam (iyw), any) (posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – SO Ensign (jg) Catriona Macbeth - 13:46) "Are you telling me that you never heard of cloaking technology?" Linskens asked. Cat opened her mouth to say that of course she had heard of cloaking technology, just not technology that enabled a ship to pass off as a different class, shape and size, but Linskens continued speaking without waiting for her to respond. He outlined the work they would be doing and invited Sam to join in too, then asked Sam to check up on John Freeman, who hadn't yet responded to John's message. "...Now then, kiddo," he finished, "let's see if we can make you earn your position. Last one in the lab is .. uhhh .... an overweight turkey?" "You're on," Cat said, and immediately headed for the turbolift. As the doors opened she could hear Sam waylaying John with a question, and grinned to herself. ~Gobble-gobble Mr Linskens!~ (Reply None) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 13:47) Sam watched Cat skedaddle for the turbolift but before Linskens could follow he waylaid him. ~Let's give the lass a head start!~ "So tactical sensory data, right?" he said, as if locking it away in his memory. "Anything else you want, sir?" (Reply Linskens) "I'll get it to you soon as, sir. But as you said, I'll locate Ensign Freeman first." He walked to the turbolift with John. "Sickbay," he stated firmly. (Reply Linskens, Any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless – Bridge – ACSO Ensign John Linskens - 13:48) John shook his head in mock disbelieve as he saw the female ensign sprint away. He was about to follow her when Sam stoppeed him. "So tactical sensory data, right?" the tactical NCO said. "Anything else you want, sir?" John sighed audibly. "Yes, that you drop this stupid Sir-business. I really have no desire for people to consider me to be your boss. Or anyone's boss, for that matter. I have enough trouble keeping myself on the straight and narrow, thank you. Just get me the data." "I'll get it to you soon as, sir. But as you said, I'll locate Ensign Freeman first." John shook his head but this time did not sigh as he followed Sam to the turbolift but let the security man enter the turbolift first. "I'll take the next one," John said with a nod of his head. "We wouldn't want me to catch up with her, would we? Off you go." As Harper left, John grinned. On his way up he had seen some scenes that were difficult to stomach if it had been your first battle and you hadn't come to realise how close to death you really were on a ship, with just a relatively thin wall keeping you from sucked into the absolute coldness that was space. John had been there before so he he didn't lose too much sleep over it anymore. But Cat did not have his experiences and he hoped that she now would be paying more attention to getting to the lab first than to the destruction around her. John's grin suddenly disappeared when he realised how much he had changed. He actually started to feel responsible for others. He knew that this was most likely due to Fransesca, his 'better half' and Inez, their daughter but John started to feel like he didn't know himself anymore. ~And what's John when John's gone, eh?~ John gave a very deep sigh as he entered the now empty turbolift. (Reply Any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 13:55) Sickbay was, predictably, in a bustle. Sam couldn't see through the crowd crew with minor injuries waiting to be seen, so he simply raised his voice over the hubbub. "Anyone seen Doctor Freeman?" he called out. (Reply Freeman, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (Jg) John Freeman - 13:56) "Anyone seen Doctor Freeman?!" John heard someone yell it out near the doors, but he had the same problem that they did; there were too many people. He gestured to a Med. Tech to finish the treatment of the patient he was working on as he made his way over to the doors. He found the security officer standing there looking for him. "Anything I can do for you, sir?" (Reply Sam) (Posted by Ben W.) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 13:57) "Anything I can do for you, sir?" Sam grinned broadly. "Eh, thank you, sir, for the 'sir', sir, but you don't need to call me 'sir', sir. If you want to be formal, 'Master Chief' would be appropriate, or less formally 'Chief'. Or just 'Harper'. But I can see tha's busy, so I'll just get reet to it. Mister Linskens asked me to come and make sure you're OK - he was worried because you hadn't responded to his hail on the commbadge." Privately Sam considered that John Linskens would not like to be thought to be worried about anyone but he also considered that the science officer *had* been worried about the young ACMO. "I think his exact words to you were 'Report in to me NOW and don't tell me that you died because if you do I'll kill you'. But I'll be glad to let him know tha's hail and hearty and that he doesn't have to tear himself away from the labs to murder a corpse," Sam added with a chuckle. (reply Freeman) "It'd be an amazement to me if you heard it wi' all this hubbub going on," Sam said. "But as I said I can see tha's busy wi' something more important so I won't take up more of your time. Speaking of which, Mister Linskens asked me to get hold of the tactical sensor logs for him - he and Ensign Macbeth are looking in to a theory he has about the attack. Between thee an' me," he added, lowering his voice so only the doctor could hear him, "he's not so sure it was the Spectre who attacked us, but til he is it's just between us, OK?" (reply Freeman, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (Jg) John Freeman - 13:58) "what can I do for you, sir?" Sam grinned broadly. "Eh, thank you, sir, for the 'sir', sir, but you don't need to call me 'sir', sir. If you want to be formal, 'Master Chief' would be appropriate, or less formally 'Chief'. Or just 'Harper'. But I can see tha's busy, so I'll just get reet to it. Mister Linskens asked me to come and make sure you're OK - he was worried because you hadn't responded to his hail on the commbadge." "I think his exact words to you were 'Report in to me NOW and don't tell me that you died because if you do I'll kill you'. But I'll be glad to let him know tha's hail and hearty and that he doesn't have to tear himself away from the labs to murder a corpse," Sam added with a chuckle "Well, that certainly hurt my head enough, It must have been too loud in Sickbay to hear the hail, I'll go on my way now.' (Reply Harper) (Posted by Ben W) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 13:59) "Well, that certainly hurt my head enough, It must have been too loud in Sickbay to hear the hail, I'll go on my way now," the doctor said with enthusiasm. "Nay lad, if tha's mithered I can tell his lordship tha's in fine fettle," Sam said, then caught himself. "Eh, I should have said don't worry Sir, if you're busy here I can tell Ensign Linskens that you're unhurt but didn't hear his message, being so busy in Sickbay an' all. He was just..." Sam paused. He was pretty certain that John Linskens had been genuinely concerned about the well-being of Freeman, and equally certain that Linskens would hate it to be known that he did, indeed, have the occasional flash of responsibility as this would go against his carefully-cultivated persona of devil-may-care. "... making sure you were still alive and he didn't have to explain to Captain T'Vhor how come he's an ACMO short," Sam finished with a grin. "But when you're done here, and you want to look him and Cat up, they're in the Science labs. But no rush, they'll be reet busy for a while I reckon." (reply Freeman if you wish) "As for me, if you'll excuse me I need to get some information for Mister Linskens. I'll let him know you're OK," Sam said. (Reply Freeman, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (Jg) John Freeman - 14:00) "Nay lad, if tha's mithered I can tell his lordship tha's in fine fettle," Sam said, then caught himself. "Eh, I should have said don't worry Sir, if you're busy here I can tell Ensign Linskens that you're unhurt but didn't hear his message, being so busy in Sickbay an' all. He was just..." Sam paused. He was pretty certain that John Linskens had been genuinely concerned about the well-being of Freeman, and equally certain that Linskens would hate it to be known that he did, indeed, have the occasional flash of responsibility as this would go against his carefully-cultivated persona of devil-may-care. "... making sure you were still alive and he didn't have to explain to Captain T'Vhor how come he's an ACMO short," Sam finished with a grin. "But when you're done here, and you want to look him and Cat up, they're in the Science labs. But no rush, they'll be reet busy for a while I reckon." "Hmmm... sounds to me like that could be good news" John remarked with the hint of a smile "As for me, if you'll excuse me I need to get some information for Mister Linskens. I'll let him know you're OK," Sam said. "Alrightey then see you around, Sam" John finnished off. ~Hmm, I hope i wasn't too personal calling him by his first name~ As sam walked back towards his office, John headed back into sickbay with the new arrivals (No Reply needed, but sam can say cya if he wants :) ) (Posted by Ben W._ (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - Ensign(JG) John Freeman - 14:02) For the last 25 minutes or so sickbay had been filled to the brim, without even time to breathe, and now it was only a trickle of the usual plasma burns and the like that usually happen around the same time as repairs... John wasn't sure what else to do, so he patched up his last patient and headed to the CMO's office. (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Ben Welter) (USS Dauntless - CMO's office - Ensign(JG) John Freeman - 14:03) As he entered he found the CMO busy with some blood samples. "Sir, I finished with Lieutenant O'Reilley's plasma burns what should I do next?" He felt childish asking what to do next, but he honestly didn't know where to go now. (Reply any for CMO job, CMO if there's one) (posted by Ben W.) (USS Dauntless - Security - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 14:15) Sam had asked one of the Dauntless tactical officers for the use of a terminal in the security bay, and was busy downloading the data Linskens had asked for onto a PADD. He had to stop twice to explain to the Dauntless officers what he was doing and why, but they let him continue with a shrug once he did. Once he had finished, Sam thanked his temporary colleagues and took the PADD with him to the science department. (Reply None) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Science department - SecO MCPO Sam Harper - 14:20) "Eh up, Mr Linskens, sir," Sam said, proffering the PADD. "Here's the data you asked for. Anything I can do to help you and Cat here? I don't like to think that it would be the Spectre that'd attack a ship like that out of the blue, but you're right, sir, we need to work from the theory that it *was* her and disprove that before we can prove anything else." (reply Freeman, Linskens, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Science Department - SO Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth - 15:01) Cat switched between the sensor logs and the screen holding the data for the spectre-class which she had pulled up for comparison. "John," she said, her voice neutral but inwardly excited, "I think we may be on to something. That data on the hits we sustained - 8 hits in two seconds - the spectre-class has only 5 phaser positions, even though the USS Spectre herself is fitted with Mark XII she couldn't hit us 8 times in 2 seconds because of the recharge time. Unless the ship has been in for a major refit somehow without it being recorded in Starfleet records, she simply could not do it. How are you doing with your search for signs of the phase-shift from the phasecloak technology?" (reply Linskens) Cat nodded. "I know, I know, we need more than just one or two things that don't fit the theory to disprove it." She shifted in her seat. "This is a lot like linguistics, you know? Looking for patterns and anomalies. comparing to known patterns and anomalies. Forming theories and testing them. What do you want me to look at next?" (reply Linskens, any) (posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Science Department - ACSO Ensign John Linskens - 15:03) "Unless the ship has been in for a major refit somehow without it being recorded in Starfleet records, she simply could not do it. How are you doing with your search for signs of the phase-shift from the phasecloak technology?" "Nothing found yet. But that could be because there was nothing to find or because it is there but we haven't found it yet. But the computer will keep searching through all the bands. Heaven knows, it is hard enough. You can never actually *prove* that something is not, you can only prove that something *is*. But enough circumstantial evidence of reasons why it could be *not* will have to suffice." Cat nodded. "I know, I know, we need more than just one or two things that don't fit the theory to disprove it." She shifted in her seat. "This is a lot like linguistics, you know? Looking for patterns and anomalies. comparing to known patterns and anomalies. Forming theories and testing them. What do you want me to look at next?" John nearly said something then snapped his mouth shut, thinking for a second. "How about the coffee machine? I could do with a cuppa." (Reply by Cat, iyw, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless - Science Department - SO Ensign(jg) Catriona Macbeth - 15:04) "What do you want me to look at next?" Cat asked John. Linskens opened his mouth, then shut it again with an almost audible snap. After a moment he said, "How about the coffee machine? I could do with a cuppa." Cat regarded him for a moment, then stood up and walked over to the replicator. She stood there in silence for almost a minute, looking at it intently, then sighed and walked back to her desk and sat down again. "No go, I'm afraid," she said to John with deceptive innocence. "Looking at the replicator does not seem to produce any beverages or indeed consumables of any kind. But it was an interesting experiment," she added kindly. "And you know me, always glad to help out in the cause of advancing scientific knowledge. Although to be fair I'm pretty sure that someone somewhen has tried that before. However, it's always as well to try these things for yourself so feel free to give it a go!" (reply Linskens iyw) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre - Outside First Officer's Personal Quarters - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 16:43) As Williams headed back towards the Bridge, Nico stood briefly in the corridor, contemplating the rather disturbing news that Audrey Williams was unleashed on their ship and probably had a plan that would frighten the antennae off an Andorian. Her record showed similar driven traits to Williams but he, at least, seemed to be working on the side of Starfleet while his sister was now without a leader and seemingly with a new group to run with. If she was involved in the ETHOS project and the people she was working with, or for, were heading towards Earth - then Audrey was most likely looking to destabilise or incapacitate the Spectre. With a frsutrated sigh Nico walked towards the nearest turbolift, still thinking about the data he had just read. (Reply: None (just tying up a loose-ish end)) (Posted by Ben) (USS Spectre - Counsellors' Suite - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 17:04) The rooms were dimmed when he arrived, but as Nico stepped through the arch the lights began to glow brighter until he was bathed in a soothing light. The room was a standard entry to a standard counselling department as far as he could tell. A woman sat at a desk with a heads-up reading lens. She looked up when he walked in and smiled, gently taking off the lens and standing up. "You must be Nicodemo Tchaikovsky," she said with her hand outstretched. "I'm Sanna. Nurse, assistant and not too bad at crosswords." Nico smiled and took her hand. "Sorry I didn't check in earlier..." he said, looking a little embarrassed. Sanna shrugged and led him to the counter. "Hey, we don't crash into worlds every day, Ensign, so don't worry about being a little late." "Okay, duly noted," Nico said. "Should I check in with the Chief?" Sanna looked amused, but instead of answering she handed him a padd which had been docked in her counter. Nico gave it a quick read and noticed that it was a crew manifest. "Read these first and then you can go and check out the medical wing, maybe introduce yourself to the staff and see how things are travelling. The counselling department doesn't really stay in one place, Nicodemo, so you know... spread your wings a little." Nico hadn't expected to be desk-bound, and he was happy to hear that his services would be required in a mobile fashion. He nodded to Sanna and then looked around for an office. Sanna pointed to a door on the left. "You'll be sharing the office, but it's mostly left empty. Help yourself to refreshments. Call me if you get lost or can't open the door or something." Nico laughed and stepped into the office. It was nice. He ran his finger along the wall and enjoyed the holoimage of a coastal scene. ~Probably Vedea~, he thought. He slipped down onto a half-couch and looked at the padd, flipping through the senior staff quickly before slowing down when he reached security and tactical. With Audrey still on the loose it would fall to these people to stop her. Lieutenant Commander Capps had Vulcan and Romulan heritage - something which piqued Nico's interest. He'd been interested in Romulans as a teenager, but hadn't ever really managed to meet with one, or (as his heart really wanted) to travel to their worlds. With the Captain and Second Officer being Vulcan, albeit with a dash of Betazoid and Romulan, the Spectre was probably used to strategic, cold-blooded precision. Nico felt a little intimidated, and put the padd to one side. His eyes fell to the picture again and he watched as rolling dark waves crashed over a barely surfaced rock. Most of the planet had been under water, but the crashing of the waves and rock brought an excitement to Nico's body. He suddenly wanted very much to drop out of the ship and dive in and out of the surf... His commbadge chirped, bringing him quickly back to the real world. =/\= Tchaikovsky? =/\= "Nurse Sanna?" =/\= You remembered. That's great. I've got a member of the crew who would like to see a counsellor. In fact there are quite a few coming in, but I've managed to schedule the others to our resident staff. Are you up for a hosue call?=/\= "I'll be right out, thanks." (Reply: none) (Posted by Ben) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Corporal Houseman - 17:41) Houseman half listened to the conversation going between the Major and the Sergeant. Being on the Trojan had been fun at first getting away from the Spectre but it had quickly got boring as all they were getting was unconfirmed readings and nothing tangible. He was a marine scout sniper not some tech nerd. Not that Houseman was stupid in any way he could calculate the wind, speed, trajectory of a fly and then pluck off it’s wings. He was supposed to be fighting the enemy not sitting around on this ride. It was just that he found this waiting tedious, which was why he had his trusted TR-116 rifle in front of him and was field stripping it. Unlike most Starfleet weapons the TR-116 used solid ammunition rather then phaser power and was used in environments where phasers could not be used. He had pulled out the clip, piled the rounds in front of him and was carefully inspecting every bullet in the clip. "Vulcan's, they take everything so literal, no sense of humour.” The Major said after he had just finished speaking to Captain T’Vhor back on the Spectre as he worked the Trojan’s helm controls. "I hear you sir. I don't think Commander Williams should feel bad about anything. If my sister would have betrayed me and what I believed in I wouldn't hesitate to fire." ~Would not want to be her sister~ He inspected another round and placed it back in the clip. “Its family.” He muttered to himself as he picked up the next round. (Reply Kowalski, McMillan) (Reply Kowalski, McMillan, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - 2nd Lt. Robert Sykes - 17:42) Robert sat patiently and quietly in the Trojan. Though he was combat trained, armed, and well even ventured aboard a Borg Cube. His expertise was in field medicine, which is exactly why he was coming along. Cause you never knew when someone was gonna get shot. Our blown up, or get a paper cut. But if that happened Stitches Sykes as they called him back at the Academy would patch everyone up. But right now he was just quiet. He was happy listening to everyone else talk, unless he had a few beers, then he liked being the center of attention. "Vulcan's, they take everything so literal, no sense of humour.” The Major said who had just finished speaking to Captain T’Vhor back on the Spectre as he worked the Trojan’s helm controls. "I hear you sir. I don't think Commander Williams should feel bad about anything. If my sister would have betrayed me and what I believed in I wouldn't hesitate to fire." Robert dropped the Tricorder he had been fiddling with upon hearing this, and thought he had heard Corporal Houseman mutter something that sounded like family or something, he wasn't sure. "Shoot, I don't know about you guys, cause hell I was an only child, but damn, you just don't go shooting family first and asking questions later, whatever happened to due process and all that legal mumbo jumbo the JAG corp goes spouting on about. I mean I ain't a fleeter and I like being all gung ho as the next person, but if I had a sister I would'nt shoot her. Incapacitate her maybe, but I'd not shoot her, I dunno. But then again I ain't never had a sister." Robert spoke up, letting his quiet demeanour break for a moment. (Reply Kowalski, McMillan, Houseman) (Reply Kowalski, McMillan, Houseman) (Posted by Will Banowsky) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 17:43) Kowalski threw his head back in a tilt towards the medic as he ranted, normally, the guy wasn't known for hefty speeches and such but now here he was positively running out of breath. "Jeezus Sykes, what gives?", asked the MXO. (Reply Sykes, IYW) "Whad'ya mean you don't have a sister, didn't you tell me you had a sister during the Betazed tour... I'm damned sure you did", said Kowalski. (Reply Sykes) "Well, McMillan here would shoot them... but then I always knew she was a nutjob beneath that cool exterior", said the Major as he gave the navigator a playful shove with his hand. (Reply McMillan, Sykes, Any) It was then that a communication arrived from the Spectre from Ensign Hightower regarding their status and patching their telemetry to the E-190 array. "Trojan here... our status is A-OK, we have the E-190 on hook and the subspace link is green all the way", said the Major. =/\=Very well then, we’ll over take you in less than an hour. The Science Department will need access to the Trojan’s computer banks for analysis and compilation. Make sure you all have your reports ready for Tactical.=/\= "Roger that, you may correlate the data immediately you are in range to do so, we'll contact you again if anything happens that is... shall we say, out of the norm", he added with a wink to McMillan beside him as she continued scanning for active returns outside of their prescribed envelope. =/\=Copy that Trojan, thank you=/\= "Trojan out", said the Major as he reached above him to switch the AI feed to the turret and phasor arrays into automatic... just in case anything popped up out of the black unexpected. The MXO then stood and stretched his limbs before making another announcement to his crew. "I have to pee", he said succinctly and then he made his way rearwards towards the aft crew compartment. "let me know if I need to stop mid stream for anything... um, if you get my drift", he added, meaning of course, that if anything suddenly appeared that could not be ignored, someone should shout out. (Reply Any) (Posted by Alan) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 17:44) "Would you Sergeant?", Kowalski asked. Amanda paused as if she was thinking about the question, but she had already gave an opinon on the matter and she was likely going to change it now. "Yes I would. A bad person, kin to me or not, is still a bad person." "I was actually in such a position once Sergeant", said Kowalski with a quirk of his head, "you're probably not aware of that... and you have no reason to be aware of that. I'll tell you though, it isn't as easy as you might think it is, despite where you're loyalties happen to lay", he added. "My views on the ships First officer have certainly changed somewhat"... Robert spoke up, letting his quiet demeanour break for a moment. "Shoot, I don't know about you guys, cause hell I was an only child, but damn, you just don't go shooting family first and asking questions later, whatever happened to due process and all that legal mumbo jumbo the JAG corp goes spouting on about. I mean I ain't a fleeter and I like being all gung ho as the next person, but if I had a a sister I would shoot her. Incapacitate her maybe, but I'd let shoot her, I dunno. But then again I ain't never had a sister." "Jeezus Sykes, what gives?", asked the MXO. (Reply Sykes, IYW) "Whad'ya mean you don't have a sister, didn't you tell me you had a sister during the Betazed tour... I'm damned sure you did", said Kowalski. (Reply Sykes) "Well, McMillan here would shoot them... but then I always knew she was a nutjob beneath that cool exterior", said the Major as he gave the navigator a playful shove with his hand. The seargeant felt the shove and a smile rolled over her face. "And don't any of you forget it," she laughed. A communication came in and the MXO was busy for a second before he returned to their conversation, sort of. "I have to pee", he said succinctly and then he made his way rearwards towards the aft crew compartment. "let me know if I need to stop mid stream for anything... um, if you get my drift", he added, meaning of course, that if anything suddenly appeared that could not be ignored, someone should shout out. Amanda looked away from her superior officer and mumbled, "just don't miss the bowl this time." (reply Sykes, Kowalski, any) (posted by Calvin) (USS Spectre - Bridge, Science One - Science Officer, Ensign (JG) Tabitha Hightower - 17:45) Tabitha leafed through the Trojan’s scans and readouts. The tiny ship was getting closer as the Spectre prepared to overtake it. She leaned over to the long range comms panel. “Trojan, this is Science Officer Hightower. What is your status?” (Reply any on the Trojan) Tabitha smiled at the marine’s comments. “Very well then, we’ll over take you in less than an hour. The Science Department will need access to the Trojan’s computer banks for analysis and compilation. Make sure you all have your reports ready for Tactical.” (Reply any on the Trojan) “Copy that Trojan, thank you.” She sat back in her chair and smiled. This was the calm before the storm, the edge of the battle that was unending, the rush before the push into insanity. Even her logical and coldly calculating scientific mind enjoyed it. She had always found a mathematical beauty in conflicts. A carefully calculated maneuver could change the course of a battle or even a society. The thought of engaging others in this way always made her smile, she looked down at her hip. The Type Two Phaser hugged her hip tightly. It was not standard by any means for a science officer to carry such a piece of equipment. But if a boarding occurred, she wanted to taste that action. (Reply Trojan, any) (Posted by Bobby Pirie) (USS Spectre - Research Section – Science Officer, PO Elyse Benson - 17:49) She looked at the data that was running across the screen. They had been given this problem what was harder than she had first thought. She brought up another set of data readings from the computer onto her screen and compared them both. She looked over her shoulder to see Tolqu working at a nearby console. “Ensign Tolqu do you have a moment to look at this sir?” (Reply Tolqu) “Sir I have received the data from the Trojan and have been trying to combine it with our sensor reading of the ship that attacked us as well as what we have on record. I am having problem trying to get a good result from the readings so that we can get through its disguise.” (Reply Tolqu) (Reply Tolqu,any) (Posted by Robbie) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 17:49) By the time the MXO had returned from his nature break, the navigator was busy with a return that had suddenly just appeared on sensors. Apparently, something was in their path that was failing to transmit registry details of any kind... and that was odd. "Have you tried hailing them?", said the MXO as he quickly retook his seat at the helm. (Reply McMillan) "OK, garbled is better than nothing. Boost the comms and see if we can't get through that static", said Kowalski hopefully. (Reply McMillan, Any) It was then that a voice came through, and it did not sound too pleased at all! =/\=This is the Federation vessel Dauntless requesting assistance from anyone, we have sustained attack from the USS Spectre... please be advised that we have a renegade vessel situation=/\= Kowalski furrowed his brow and then glanced to each of his compatriots, then he quickly responded to the communication. "Dauntless, this is the Marine vessel Trojan One.... please stand by", he ordered before turning to the navigator once again. "It must have been the ship from Vedea IV, it's the only possibility", he said. (Reply McMillan, Any) "Lock onto the coordinates and set a course to the Dauntless, advise the Spectre of our situation but request that they delay their arrival until we can get this sorted.... the last thing we need now is the Dauntless opening fire on the Spectre when she arrives", said the MXO dryly. (Reply McMillan, Sykes, Houseman, Any) (Posted by Alan) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit – Corporal Houseman - 17:50) =/\=This is the Federation vessel Dauntless requesting assistance from anyone, we have sustained attack from the USS Spectre... please be advised that we have a renegade vessel situation=/\= Houseman paused his hand in mid air. "Dauntless, this is the Marine vessel Trojan One.... please stand by", "It must have been the ship from Vedea IV, it's the only possibility", Houseman nodded at the Major’s explanation “Sounds right Sir.” (Reply McMillan, Any) "Lock onto the coordinates and set a course to the Dauntless, advise the Spectre of our situation but request that they delay their arrival until we can get this sorted.... the last thing we need now is the Dauntless opening fire on the Spectre when she arrives.” “Not twice in a row anyway.” ~That’s right but at least this time we will be ready~ He snapped the last part of the rifle back into place and put the readied weapon in the storage rack beside him. (Reply McMillan, Sykes, Kowalski, Any) (Posted by Robbie) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 17:50) By the time the MXO had returned from his nature break, the navigator was busy with a return that had suddenly just appeared on sensors. Apparently, something was in their path that was failing to transmit registry details of any kind... and that was odd. "Have you tried hailing them?", said the MXO as he quickly retook his seat at the helm. "Aye sir," the Sergeant informed. Only seconds ago had she been joking and laughing with the crew but she was a professional and quickly bucked up once the situation appeared. "The transmission is garbled though, attempting to reconfigure." "OK, garbled is better than nothing. Boost the comms and see if we can't get through that static", said Kowalski hopefully. Amanda worked the consoles as fast as she could. She was probably one of the better marines that could work with computers. It was then that a voice came through, and it did not sound too pleased at all! =/\=This is the Federation vessel Dauntless requesting assistance from anyone, we have sustained attack from the USS Spectre... please be advised that we have a renegade vessel situation=/\= Kowalski furrowed his brow and then glanced to each of his compatriots, then he quickly responded to the communication. "Dauntless, this is the Marine vessel Trojan One.... please stand by", he ordered before turning to the navigator once again. "It must have been the ship from Vedea IV, it's the only possibility", he said. “Sounds right Sir," responded Houseman. McMillan only gave a nod, agreeing to the conclusion. "Lock onto the coordinates and set a course to the Dauntless, advise the Spectre of our situation but request that they delay their arrival until we can get this sorted.... the last thing we need now is the Dauntless opening fire on the Spectre when she arrives", said the MXO dryly. “Not twice in a row anyway," Houseman spoke up again. (reply Houseman, Kowalski, any) (posted by Calvin) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 17:51) "Trojan to Spectre," Amanda began. (reply any on Spectre) "We have received a distress call from Dauntless claiming they have been attacked by the USS Spectre." The Sergeant only gave them the short story first. (reply any on Spectre) "We request you remain where you are so we may explain and take control of the situation here, we will keep you updated." (reply any on Spectre) (posted by Calvin) (USS Spectre - Research Section – ACSO, Ensign JG Teverine Tolqu - 17:51) Teverine continued to work, he felt like he had not slept in days, and yet more work loaded upon him from other stations. He knew he and his crew where feeling the pressures of tight schedules, with everything that had gone on, he felt a little relieved the Captain had not had time to berate him for his previous misconduct of leaving his post, even if the results did end up in the ship leaving it's oceanic bed sooner than was first thought. He heard one of his fellow officers slightly cough to attract his attention before speaking. Since arriving back on board, most of his time was repairing his lab back to the way it was. “Ensign Tolqu do you have a moment to look at this sir?” "I have very few moments at this time, but I will endeavour to help, what is it ?" “Sir I have received the data from the Trojan and have been trying to combine it with our sensor readings of the ship that attacked us as well as what we have on record. I am having a problem trying to get a good result from the readings so that we can get through its disguise.” "Ok Elyse let's have a look what we have so far. What seems to be the problem ?" (Reply Elyse) (Posted by Peter Richards) (USS Spectre - Research Section – Science Officer, PO Elyse Benson - 17:53) "Ok Elyse let's have a look what we have so far. What seems to be the problem ?" Elyse looked from Tolqu to her console. “Well Sir this is the data from the Trojan, Here are the scans from us and here is the data from the files.” She pointed to them in turn. “As you can see there is a correlation between them but for the life of me I can’t isolate it to get a proper reading.” (Reply Tolqu) “From what I can see here I don’t think we will be able to disrupt their disguise but we might be able to find isolate them if we get with in scanner range?” (Reply Tolqu) (Reply Tolqu) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Research Section - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 17:54) Nico moved his way carefully through the reconstructed science section, smiling to the harried looking officers and crew as he went. He checked the time and was a little worried that nothing had seemed to come up about Audrey Williams. He had made his way to the Science sector to check up on a crewman who had requested a session, but also to see if he could accidentally stumble over Williams' plans. So far it had been futile. As he moved his way through another squabble of scientists, Nico caught sight of Teverine. "Hi Tev," he said, raising his hand to wave. The determined look on his face made Nico pause for a little, but then he realised that Teverine was probably always stressed out. As counsellor, Nico was determined to ease some of that pressure - if he could. "Is this a bad time?" (Reply: Teverine) (Posted: Ben) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 17:55) The Trojan had by now slowed to impulse and was sitting approximately ten thousand kilometres off the Dauntless' starboard aspect, Kowalski screwed his face up as he glanced out at the damage the ship had sustained, noting as he did so that the starboard nacelle and Engineering hull had borne scorch marks and deep phasor burns along it's periphery. "Ouch... that's gotta have hurt", he mused, to nobody in particular as he ran active scans on the Dauntless to get the full jist of the damage she had taken. Her shields were still partially raised, Engineering it seemed had suffered hull breaches on decks twelve and thirteen and even though the bridge looked untouched, the rest of the ship told a story of a cowardly attack, launched upon a ship that had barely had the time to raise it's shields. This had all the hallmarks of something straight out of the tactical manual of one Admiral Rodrigo Doenitz, but that could not be of course.... the man was serving time, or rather 'rotting' in a penal colony someplace, wasn't he? Kowalski put aside his thoughts for now and then hailed the Dauntless as a matter of urgency, it's Captain was clearly still under the impression that the Spectre had attacked them, and that had to be put right immediately. "Marine Trojan to Dauntless", said the MXO curtly. The response was of course pretty much instantaneous, indicative of someone eager for answers. =/\=This is Captain Carlin-Lave of the Dauntless.... I'm hoping that your not alone out there soldier, I could use some help over here=/\= Kowalski raised his eyebrows briefly and then shook his head. ~He ain't gonna like this at all~ "Help is on it's way Captain, but before it arrives it is imperative that I beam aboard and appraise you fully of the situation at hand", said Kowalski. "Lower your shields" =/\=I don't have time for games, our sensors are down and we are effectively blind here, comms are at minimal power.... what ship is coming?=/\= Kowalski paused before answering that last query and then ran a hand through his hair whilst taking a deep breath. "The USS Spectre will be here within half an hour Captain... and before you go ape on me, no it is not the same ship... I will explain when I come aboard", said the MXO. Carlin Laves response was predictable to say the very least and tinged with more than just a little aggression. =/\=Are you kidding me Marine, the ship that attacked us WAS the Spectre, unprovoked, hostile and a damned pain in the ass... may I remind you that I have sustained casualties and loss of life. Captain T'Vhor, for whatever reason HAS gone renegade and I don't buy your fable for one minute=/\= Kowalski shook his head once again but remained steadfast in his approach. "Captain, if you'll allow me to beam aboard and explain I will prove to you that this is not so.... ask yourself, what possible motive would the CO of a ship of the line, a Vulcan at that, have for attacking another Federation vessel", said Kowalski. The Dauntless' CO however was not so sure... =/\=If that damned Vulcan comes to within a click of my vessel I'll be ready for him, mark my words, heads are going to roll on this... you're a Marine, you understand click don't you?=/\= "For sure", said the MXO with a nod, "but not the heads you are expecting to roll, please lower your shields and allow me to beam aboard" The request was of course met with a brief silence as the Captain ran what he's been told over in his head, then he responded flatly. =/\=You have ten minutes, not a minute more.... Dauntless out=/\= The Comms then dropped suddenly. Kowalski turned to his crew, motioning to Houseman and Sykes as he did so. "You guys are with me, Sykes, their medical teams may be struggling, help them as need be. House, leave the cannon here... sidearms only", he urged. (Reply Houseman, Sykes) Kowalski then turned to McMillan. "Look after the Trojan Sergeant, don't break her", he said and then headed rearwards towards the transporter and took the pads with the two other marines. "Energize"..... (Reply Sykes, Houseman, McMillan, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - FO, Williams - 17:56) “Well, sir, for a person who was just shot by a phaser everything’s as to be expected, but would you mind telling me why we’re now in the business of targeting our crew. What occurred on the bridge?” Andrew looked at Huval for a moment before answering. “Dr Huval. This woman may look like a member of the crew the computer may also accept her as one but I assure you my sister is not. Under this harmless looking facade is a masterful spook who would think of nothing about killing us all if that was her mission.” He looked down at his sister. “And she nearly got away with it.” Mitch raised an eyebrow at the story. “So, she is to be turned over to security as soon as she is stable?” Andrew looked over at Capps as he stepped into the sickbay. (Reply Capps) “Well about a half an hour from now she should be coherent enough for you to take. But I would still like to get that new councilor in here first.” Mitch looked at the other two officers. “Unless anyone objects?” “Can you remove the face mask before she wakes up and can I be here when she wakes up. It would be nice to see my sister as I have not seen her for a long time?” (Reply Huval, Capps) (Reply Huval, Capps, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 17:56) Kowalski then turned to McMillan. "Look after the Trojan Sergeant, don't break her", he said and then headed rearwards towards the transporter and took the pads with the two other marines. "Energize"..... She waited until after the away team materialized off the Trojan before she responded to the Major's comment. "Oh don't worry sir, me and ships always get along." She had a really large grin on her face as she took the pilots seat and began fiddling with all the new buttons to her disposal. (reply none, any) (posted by Calvin) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 17:57) “So, she's to be turned over to security as soon as she is stable?” Mitch asked curiously. "That is correct doctor, and while this patient is under your care you will follow level 1 security protocol." Calvin said dryly. “Well about a half an hour from now she should be coherent enough for you to take. But I would still like to get that new councilor in here first. Unless anyone objects?” The doctor continued. "Not from me.." the Cheif quickly responded simply. “Can you remove the face mask before she wakes up and can I be here when she wakes up. It would be nice to see my sister as I have not seen her for a long time?” Asked the First Officer. “With the security chief’s permission, of course” Capps understood how Andrew would want to his sister, if he was under similar conditions he would probably make the same request. Calvin nodded his head with agreement. "A security team will be here if you need anything. Just let us know." (reply Williams, Huval, any, none) (posted by Calvin) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit – Corporal Houseman - 17:59) Houseman had listened to the Major’s exchange. ~This is going to be interesting when they have a proper face to face~ Kowalski turned and looked at the others. "You guys are with me, Sykes, their medical teams may be struggling, help them as need be. House, leave the cannon here... sidearms only", he urged. ”Sir.” Houseman nodded as a small smile passed his lips. He turned, pulled his pistol out of locker beside him and placed it into holster at his side. He stood up and stepped over to the transporter pad. "Look after the Trojan Sergeant, don't break her" He was joined by the others as Kowalski spoke. "Energize"..... (Reply None) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - ACSO Ens. John Linskens - 17:59) "You have ten minutes, not a minute more.... Dauntless out." John looked at the CO and considered that any man with a face that was that red should probably not be disturbed if you did not want to 'volunteer' for scrubbing the outside of the ship without a spacesuit. He reread his report then sighed as he sent it off to the Captain's screen. For a minute John seemed to be perfectly save until the CO suddenly grunted and turned his chair around to face the science console behind which John was standing. "What ...." he started and John wondered if that darkred vein on the Captain's head would actually erupt. " ... the heck is THAT!?" John smiled his most sincere apologetic smile. For him anyway. "That is a 25000 word report on my scientific assessment of the attacker, Captain." he started. "I could give you a brief synopsis, if you'd prefer." John considered that the growled grunt was probably as close to a yes as you could get from the old man under the circumstances. "At time index 13.33 this ship was hit by at least 8 phaser discharges of mark 12 calibre. The hits all occured within a two second window, which is the recharge time of a Mark 12 phaser. That means that the attacked has at least 8 phaser positions, which is 3 more than a Spectre class has. Secondly the attacker approached us with a speed of warp 9.8, which is at least two points higher than a Spectre class Starship top speed of 9.6. Thirdly a Spectre class starship has a phase cloak. The phase cloak generator holds a subspace charge that will result in a minute phase shift even if the generator is in stand by. The attacker showed no sign of a phase shift of whatever magnitude. And lastly the subspace distortion due to the warpfield is consistent with a ship of at least 2.1 Million metric tons, which is nought point four metric tons more than the mass of a Spectre class starship. " John smiled. "In other words, Sir, there is no way in hell that *that* was the Spectre. I don't know who or what that ship was .... uhhh, when I say I don't know, I mean I can't be sure, you see. Personally I would go with either a Sovereign or Prometheus or a ship of similar battle cruiser ilk. Could have been a Keldon, I guess, if they replaced the guns with Starfleet weaponry but that is a bit like clutching at straws. Now we all know what Marines are about and personally I wouldn't give a dime for whatever a Marine says but unfortunately the scientific facts seem to corroborate this Marine's story." John flashed the CO another apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Anyway .... uhhhhhh ... any questions?" (Reply by Kep'n Pugwash, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - Dauntless CO Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:00) "...but unfortunately the scientific facts seem to corroborate this Marine's story." finished Linksens, explaining why he was so certain that the Spectre had not, in fact, been the ship that attacked them. Carlin-Lave, his patience already tried to the limit today, regarded Linskens in silence for a long moment. Linskens, perhaps detecting the captain's mood, smiled apologetically. "Sorry about that. Anyway .... uhhhhhh ... any questions?" Carlin-Lave battled with his first instinct, and won. "I want your results checked, Mister Linskens, before I accept them. Unfortunately I don't have the time to digest your entire thesis before Major Kowalski gets up here, so I'm going to ask one of my people to go through it with you. Right now I'm not prepared to accept anyone's say-so on what happened to this ship just because they tell me it's so. Understood?" He stood up, not waiting for the ensign to reply. If the man didn't understand a rhetorical question when he heard one, too bad. Carlin-Lave's mood was sour and he wasn't about to worry too much about upsetting anyone. "I'll be in my Ready Room," he announced to his FO. "You have the Bridge, Number One." As he stalked off he tapped his commbadge. "Carlin-Lave to Attaway. My Ready Room, on the double!" (Reply Any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (JG) John Freeman - 18:00) Sickbay was starting to get quieter, the main flow of casualties had stopped and now there were either the extremely stubborn that did not want to interrupt, or the seconday patients that usually came at about the time of repairs. "Doctor?" The voice came from the entrance of sickbay, so John finished the scans with the PEM and made his way over to the door. "Lieutenant Smith, the doctor is busy at the moment please come over here." "Oh, ok doc" Smith got onto the bio-bed and removed his arm from the sleeve of his jacket. ~ohhh... jeez a plasma torch can do some damage if it wants to~ "Just wait there a second mate, I'll just get the dermal regenorator, mind telling me how it happened?" He added as he went over to the equipment shelf. "Well, I was repairing a EPS conduit on deck 12 and we lost grav plating for a sec there... you can imagine the rest" By this time John was back at the bio-bed. ~hmmm~ "well, it looks like second degree plasma burns, I'll run the regenorator over, but I might need to get you on a drip and give you some fluids." "Ok doc, how long untill I can get back to duty?" John stayed silent for a second as he passed the small device over the mans arm. "Well, if you heal and get those fluids, you can be out of here in 1/2 hour" "allright then" ~Well, that should do for the regenorator, he should be alright without the drip.... maybe some electrolytes might help~ He made his way back over to the shelf. "I'm going to put the drip in, but I dont think you really need it, just for 10 minutes and I'll put some electrolytes in it, but I'll need you to drink plenty of water, a lot was evaporated with that bloody torch of yours." (No reply needed, unless you need something in sickbay ;) (Posted by Ben W.) (USS Spectre - Sickbay – FO, Williams - 18:01) Andrew watched as Capps nodded in agreement. "A security team will be here if you need anything. Just let us know." “Counselor Tchaikovsky, please report to Sickbay.” (Reply Tchaikovsky) Andrew watched as Huval walked back out of the field and into main sickbay. Andrew looked at the prone form of his sister and wondered how she would react when she woke up. “Sir, we need to speak in private. My office?” Andrew nodded and had one last fleeting glance as he turned and followed Huval. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Dauntless - Transporter Room 1 - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:01) Materializing upon the transport pads of the Dauntless' transporter room, Kowalski wasted no time at all in stepping down once his molecular composition had reconstituted itself enough for him to have become himself again. His demeanour was one of impatience of course, his resultant stride through the room indicative of his need to get to the bridge and to Carlin-Lave's attention, lest he go and do something even more stupid than the Prometheus' Captain had just done in attacking the Dauntless! An Ensign had been sent to escort him of course, a somewhat sallow faced youth that looked barely old enough to wear the uniform that he stood up in. "Sir, if you'll just follow me, the Captain is awaiting you in his ready room", said the Ensign, stepping aside now as the MXO simply strode on through. "Probably better if you follow me Ensign, I know my way around the Intrepid class and we'll get there quicker", barked Kowalski as he exited the room with Houseman and Sykes in tow, followed quickly by the young Ensign himself. "Sykes, head down to sickbay, see if you can help out", said Kowalski, "Houseman, you're with me" (Reply Sykes, Houseman, IYW) The corridors were a mess, here and there bulkhead panels had been either removed, or knocked from their mounts by the attack the ship had sustained from the 'bastardized' Prometheus before it had sped on unrelentless towards wherever it had been headed when it had come across the Dauntless. Engineers were now busy within the opened up or blown compartments as the mismatched duo walked by on their way towards turbolift one with Houseman walking immediately behind looking as though someone were about to jump out of a hole and on to him. "Looks like you took a kicking son", said the MXO looking to the Ensign as he tried to keep up. "Yes sir... it came from nowhere, the Spectre... she hit us unprovoked", said the Ensign. Kowalski momentarily stopped in his tracks at the Ensigns comment and then turned towards him, an agrieved look upon his face. "It was NOT the Spectre", he snapped, "it may have looked like the Spectre and it may have sounded like the Spectre... but it was NOT the Spectre. Do you understand me?", he barked. The Ensign had stepped back towards the bulkhead, away from the MXO's somewhat unexpected and agrieved outburst. "Sir, I - I... we were told it was....", he stammered, the confusion showing now upon in his inexperienced face as he steadied himself, palms facing rearwards and against the wall. "I don't care what you were told, the Spectre is currently sitting twenty thousand k off of your ass end, she is awaiting my communication in regards authorizing an offer to help your sorry asses.... get it out of your head that she has just attacked you and accept the fact that she did not!", said Kowalski, before quickly resuming his pace along the corridor towards the waiting turbolift, which both he and Houseman stepped into. "Deck One", he snapped and the doors began to close, just as the Ensign sidestepped himself in and then moved to the rear of the lift looking as though he were hoping that he would simply blend in with the wall. "So.....", he began, "if it wasn't the Sp...." Kowalski simply turned his head, his face said everything and the Ensign ceased the completion of his sentence and instead, resorted to another. "It was'nt the Spectre", he muttered, head down now as the lift began it's ascent. Kowalski returned his gaze to the doors. (Reply Sykes, Houseman, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Dauntless - Transporter Room 1 - Corporal, Houseman - 18:02) As Houseman materialised on the transport padd and stepped off after Kowalski, he noted that a young Ensign had entered the transporter room. ~Blimy is he shaving yet~ "Sir, if you'll just follow me, the Captain is awaiting you in his ready room", He watched as Kowalski strode past the Ensign. ~Err, that would be a no mate~ Houseman suppressed a grin as it would not be proper at this moment. "Probably better if you follow me Ensign, I know my way around the Intrepid class and we'll get there quicker", barked Kowalski. "Sykes, head down to sickbay, see if you can help out", said Kowalski, "Houseman, you're with me" ”Sir.” Houseman turned, took up position behind and to one side of his major as protocol demanded. As they moved through the ship Houseman scrutinised every hole and hatch for an enemy. He was now the MXO’s protection until relieved and even though the major was one of the toughest marines in the corps, he was not going to take any chances. "Looks like you took a kicking son", "Yes sir... it came from nowhere, the Spectre... she hit us unprovoked", "It was NOT the Spectre", "it may have looked like the Spectre and it may have sounded like the Spectre... but it was NOT the Spectre. Do you understand me?", he barked. Houseman felt a slight pang of sorrow for the Ensign. He had been at the end of his MXO’s wrath before and it was not a good thing. "Sir, I - I... we were told it was....", "I don't care what you were told, the Spectre is currently sitting twenty thousand k off of your ass end, she is awaiting my communication in regards authorizing an offer to help your sorry asses.... get it out of your head that she has just attacked you and accept the fact that she did not!", said Kowalski. As Houseman stepped into the turbolift he reflected that the Ensign really should stop this line of questioning before the MXO’s chewed his head off. "Deck One" "So.....", he began, "if it wasn't the Sp...." ~Not so smart~ "It was'nt the Spectre" ~Just stop talking mate and you’ll live longer~ (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - ACMO, Ensign (JG) Mitchell Huval, MD - 18:02) “Can you remove the face mask before she wakes up and can I be here when she wakes up? It would be nice to see my sister as I have not seen her for a long time?” “With the security chief’s permission, of course” (Reply Capps, iyw) Mitch nodded at Capps and walked towards the biobed. As he stepped towards the force-fields, they released and then closed behind him, securing him inside the contained area with the patient. He reached in and removed the mask on the face of the young woman. There she was, Audrey Williams. Mitch looked down at the information on his PADD about his newest patient. He raised an eyebrow then tapped his commbadge. “Counselor Tchaikovsky, please report to Sickbay.” Mitch began to walk back out of the field. He stepped up to the First Officer. “Sir, we need to speak in private. My office?” Mitch gestured towards his door. (Reply Williams, Capps, any) (Posted by Bobby) (USS Spectre - CMO’s Office - ACMO, Ensign (JG) Mitchell Huval, MD - 18:03) Mitch walked into his office allowing the First Officer to step in first. Mitch secured the door behind them. Williams took a seat and Mitch walked to his desk. He sat down placing his PADD's and Tricorder down on the desk top. “Commander, here we have an interesting conflict of interests. You, as Audrey’s next of kin, can choose to have a psych eval or not. I as a medical officer can order one and Capps as security chief can block both of us because of fleet security directives. So the question is, what happens next?” Mitch watched as Williams absorbed the information. (Reply Williams) “I see, well obviously this is a sensitive... well sort of grey area in fleet regulations. Of course your digression in this matter can be over ruled by directives about officers whom are too close to a situation to make that kind of call.” Mitch paused, “If you want my opinion, the psyche eval might save her from serious treason charges.” (Reply Williams, any) (Posted by Bobby) (USS Spectre - CMO’s Office - FO, Williams - 18:04) Andrew sat down in the chair that Huval offered him as Huval placed his PADD's and Tricorder down on the desk top in front of him. “Commander, here we have an interesting conflict of interests. You, as Audrey’s next of kin, can choose to have a psych eval or not. I as a medical officer can order one and Capps as security chief can block both of us because of fleet security directives. So the question is, what happens next?” Andrew looked at the table in front of him as his thoughts went through his head. He took a deep breath as he looked up at Huval. “I don’t know. She has done many bad things but she is still my sister but I can’t just pass over the fact that something might be wrong.” “I see, well obviously this is a sensitive... well, sort of grey area in fleet regulations. Of course your digression in this matter can be over ruled by directives about officers whom are too close to a situation to make that kind of call.” “If you want my opinion, the psyche eval might save her from serious treason charges.” Andrew nodded. “I don’t think that she is physiologically damaged and I think what she has done will not save her from any charges of treason but I would still like an evaluation.” (Reply Huval) (Reply Huval, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Dauntless - Captain’s Ready Room - ACEO Ensign (JG) Shane Attaway - 18:04) Shane continued his brief about the damage to the ship. A single trail of blood was dried where it had trickled down his forehead. His uniform was sweaty, stained and torn. “So that’s about it captain. The warp drive will be inoperable for another two hours while we recalibrate. The starboard nacelle has been patched up for now but we won’t be able to break warp seven until we can get an overhaul at star-dock.” Shane waited for the captain’s response. (Reply CO) “Yes sir, we lost two crewmen in the bulkhead collapse and the Chief is laid up in Sickbay with several broken ribs and concussion. (Reply CO) “Yes, sir.” There was a chime at the ready room door. (Reply Dauntless CO, Kowalski) (Posted by Bobby Pirie) (USS Spectre - Turbolift/Medical Deck - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 18:04) Nico's communicator chirped: =/\= Counsellor Tchaikovsky, please report to Sick Bay.=/\= "Yes sir," Nico said quickly. "Computer, Medical Deck." The turbolift responded swiftly to the command, and within seconds Nico had arrived at the correct deck. As the doors slipped open Nico could immediately sense something was wrong, or at least the air was heavily charged with tension. The staff walked swiftly with their gaze averted, and Nico moved towards where the action seemed to be. As he approached he realised that a woman had been brought in and the security detail around her warned Nico that it was most likely Audrey Williams. ~Finally...~ he thought to himself, relieved that she had been apprehended. "Is Doctor Huval here?" Nico asked a nurse. He pointed to the CMO's office, and with just a quick glance at the security detail, Nico awaited the return of the ACMO and FO accordingly. (Reply, Huval, any) (Posted by Ben) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:05) Bruce strode confidently onto the Dauntless' bridge, eight or nine pairs of eyes turning in unison towards him as he did so. Immediately he acknowledged the First Officer, who had been seated in the command chair and had been pretty much the first set of eyes to have given him attention. "I believe I am expected", said the big Marine, pausing momentarily to glance around at the officers seated at their respective consoles. "Captain's in his ready room....", said the FO, scrutinizing the lapels of Kowalski's uniform as he paused briefly. "...Major", he added, and the Major made his way towards the respective door whilst raising a hand to Houseman to indicate non-verbally, and typically Marine-like, that he should remain on the bridge. (Reply Houseman, IYW) Kowalski then pressed the chime to the Captain's ready room and waited.... (Reply, Houseman, Sykes, Carlin-Lave) (Posted by Alan) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - ACSO Ensign John Linskens - 18:05) "Right now I'm not prepared to accept anyone's say-so on what happened to this ship just because they tell me it's so. Understood?" ~Oh yes, I understand alright. You're a git. So what else is new? See if I care. Just glad that I'm leaving you and this rustbucket soon. I'd rather be somewhere where due respect is given, not where the top think they can misuse their crew just because they are having a bad day. Hang on, did he just say Attaway? Isn't he one of the oil-spouters? Surely it couldn't be .... Naaaah, that would be stupid. How could an engineer ....... What? An engineer performing a confirmation analysis on scientific research? What kind of madhouse is this? I wonder how many tactical officers are here performing duties as surgeons on this ship. Oh dear. Why did I even try to help them. You've done it again, John. Let other people problems remain *their* problem. *Don't* get involved or you will become part of it. Well, it has happened now, no way back so lets get it over and done with.~ John sighed. Problem was that he wanted to be involved in finding these basterds. They attacked him and his charges and the first he could shrug off, and mosly *had* shrugged off, but the latter was unforgivable. He hated to be in a position of command but he *was* the senior of the three that were to transfer to the Spectre and although he didn't like it, the two 'youngsters' were his responsibility. And he didn't look too kindly at those that endangered his wards. So when he saw the engineer emerge from the CO's ready room he followed him into the observation lounge in the hope that there would be some more info about the attackers to be had. (Reply None) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - Corporal, Houseman - 18:06) Houseman followed Kowalski on to the bridge as the bridge crew turned to look at them. "I believe I am expected" ~Even if we were’nt we are now~ "Captain's in his ready room.....Major" ~He got that right, good~ Kowalski motioned to him to stay put as he moved across the bridge. ”Sir.” As Kowalski pressed the chime to the Captain's ready room, Houseman took station at the side of the door so that he could keep an eye on the whole bridge and the crew in it. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky, 18:06) Nico stood back just a little as he watched the ACMO and FO return from their meeting. "A security team will be here if you need anything," Capps said. "Just let us know." Nico took the moment to step up. "Excuse me, Commander. I was called to attend," Nico said. (Reply: Huval, Williams, Capps, any) (Posted by Ben L) (USS Dauntless - Ready Room - Dauntless CO Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:06) The ACEO had responded so promptly to the summons that Carlin-Lave was not only slightly mollified but suspected the man had already been on his way up to report in anyway. He ignored the man's appearance (there were times when looking less than pristine was acceptable, and Carlin-Lave deemed this to be one of those times) and listened to Attaway's report. He nodded at the list of damages and the potential repair times, then asked after the casualties. Attaway reported that among other casualties the CEO was in sickbay with broken ribs and concussion. Carlin-Lave grunted. "Well, until he's back on his feet you'll remain in charge, Mister Attaway. You've done a good job so far - but I want you to shave a little time off those repairs. But first I have a job for you." He pushed a PADD across the table to the engineer. "That is a copy of a 25000 word report from Ensign Linskens. In a nutshell he believes the ship that attacked us was a much larger vessel than the Spectre. I want you to go over his theory with him, he's on the Bridge now. I want to know in less than ten minutes whether you think his theory holds water or not. The actual in-depth hows and whys and wherefores can wait." "Yes sir," replied Attaway. The door-chime sounded. "That'll be Kowalski," Carlin-Lave stated. "Dismissed, Mister Attaway. I want you and Linskens back in here in ten minutes, whether or not you think his theory holds water, understood?" (reply Attaway) "Good. Enter!" the Captain said and as the door opened his Ready Room seemed to shrink as the large marine entered. Carlin-Lave waited until the door had shut behind Attaway, who he had not bothered to introduce to the Major, and then spoke. "Well, Major, what evidence can you bring to prove it was *not* the Spectre that attacked us?" He had no intention of letting the other man know what Linskens had suggested until Attaway had gone over the proofs Linskens had offered. It made sense, but Carlin-Lave liked to be sure. And after some of the shenanigans that had gone on a few years ago he wasn't taking anything on face value. Not when the safety of his crew was at stake. (reply Linskens, Attaway, Kowalski, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - ACMO, Ensign (JG) Mitchell Huval, MD - 18:07) "Excuse me, Commander. I was called to attend," Nico said. “Ah yes, Mr. Tchaikovsky,” Mitch put his hand out to the counselor and shook the man’s hand. “I’m Dr. Huval, assistant chief medical officer, we met briefly up on the bridge.” (Reply Nico) “Sir, we need you on standby here in Sickbay whilst we deal with the matter of the Commanders sister. Tchaikovsky nodded and then duly waited as requested. (Reply Nico, any) (Posted by Bobby Pirie) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - Counsellor, Ensign (JG) Nico Tchaikovsky - 18:08) The ACMO shook Nico's hand. He was friendly, but Nico could read the building stress. A quick look at Williams and the Chief of Security, and Nico realised that there was a sensitive situation unfolding. With Audrey in the room it was undoubtedly tied up in conflict of interest. "I'm Dr Huval, assistant Chief Medical Officer. We met briefly up on the bridge." "Yes," Nico said with a professional smile. "It's been a bit hectic here since my arrival." "Sir, we need you on standby here in Sickbay whilst we deal with the matter of the Commanders sister" "Yes, doctor," Nico said, already looking around the room. "I'll wait here for you then, maybe see if anyone needs a hand." The large contingent of security was hard to miss. Nico then folded his hands behind his back and watched the scene, concerned about Audrey's condition and the potential damage she could still unleash. (Reply: any) (Posted: Ben L) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:08) Marines were never the kind to particularly exhibit a state of formality when it came to dealing with fleeters, and Kowalski was no different. It wasn't that he didn't acknowledge rank of course, it went without saying that he did for it was pretty much driven into every marine from the ground up the very first day they joined the corp. It was just... well, more acknowledged when dealing with their own, and the CO of a starship, although considerably high in rank, was most definately not one of their own. After the door to the Captain's ready room had finally slid aside and an Engineering Ensign had walked out of it, Kowalski stepped casually in, hands clasped behind him and then made his way towards the seated Carlin-Lave whilst passing a cursory glance back at the departing fleeter as he did so, then he returned his attention somewhat cooly to the Dauntless' commanding officer. The Captain himself looked pensive now, which was to be expected of course what with the situation he had just had to deal with, that aside though this did not stop him from coming straight to the point in regards the Spectre's involvement, or indeed non involvement in the matter of the Dauntless' actual attack. "Well, Major", he began, "what evidence can you bring to prove it was *not* the Spectre that attacked us?" Kowalski allowed himself a cursory smile at that. Surely the Captain must have had some kind of discreditory feedback from his officers by now, or were they all just too busy putting the ship back together? Either way, Kowalski took a deep breath and then placed both his hands upon his side of the Captain's desk before speaking. "Come now Captain", he began, "you know the Spectre's specifications, little ship, phased cloak", he added before raising his hands indicatively into the air and looking all around him, "all this damage?... it doesn't take a Zakdorn strategest to work it out", he quipped. "If the Spectre had wanted to evade you, it would surely have deployed it's phased cloak and spirited itself through all of your individual innards completely unnoticed", he added. (Reply Carlin-Lave) The MXO then took a seat at the desk, regardless of the fact that the CO had not actually offered it, that inbuilt lack of inter-departmental formality rearing it's ugly head once again. "OK, bare bones", he said, "I'll give you one word.... and you tell me what it says to you" (Reply Carlin-Lave) "ETHOS", said Kowalski, and then he settled back into the chair to allow the ramifications of the word to work it's way into Carlin-Laves knowledge of supposedly long defunct civil war projects. (Reply Carlin-Lave) (Posted by Alan) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - Dauntless CO, Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:09) Carlin-Lave hadn't had many dealings with marines but he had some, and his brother held the rank of major in SFMC, like the man in front of him. So it was with a degree of resignation that he watched the man place his hands on Carlin-Lave's desk and lean forward as he spoke. ~One day,~ Carlin-Lave thought, ~I'm gonna meet a marine with manners. And then I'll probably die of shock,~ he added to himself wryly. "Come now Captain", he began, "you know the Spectre's specifications, little ship, phased cloak", he added before raising his hands indicatively into the air and looking all around him, "all this damage?... it doesn't take a Zakdorn strategest to work it out", he quipped. "If the Spectre had wanted to evade you, it would surely have deployed it's phased cloak and spirited itself through all of your individual innards completely unnoticed", he added. "Always assuming T'Vhor is a show-off," Carlin-Lave agreed dryly. "Far better to just not stop and deploy the phase cloak when we first hailed her. But I won't pull caps with you on that one, and you can assume your point is duly noted. I could, however, give you several suggestions why they might not have done that and top of the list would be the phase-cloak being out of commission temporarily for any number of reasons." Kowalski sat down uninvited. "OK, bare bones", he said, "I'll give you one word.... and you tell me what it says to you" The captain of the Dauntless nodded, musing that he could give the marine in front of him a few words too, but that they were not the kind to promote understanding and civility. "By all means," he said aloud, his curiosity piqued in spite of himself. "ETHOS", said Kowalski. Carlin-Lave frowned as he searched his memory then as he located the meaning he sought for, his eyes widened and he shot to his feet, leaning his fists on his side of the desk in unconscious mirroring of Kowalski's earlier position. He leant forward and there was no doubting his anger, although it was not at this particular moment direct personally at Kowalski. "Do you mean to tell me that some.... some *idiot* has let that particular piece of technology from that bunch of - " Carlin-Lave paused and mentally discarded the word he had been about to use and substituted a more polite one " - traitors get into the hands of some damned loose-screw who's going around attacking ships willy-nilly? Why hasn't Starfleet command issued a warning? Or are they trying to hush it up?" He thrust himself away from his desk and paced up and down, trying to master his anger. "If this is true... Your man Linskens has some kind of theory that might support it, I've got one of my people going over his evidence with him right now. Should be done shortly." His eyes narrowed as he faced Kowalski. "IF this is true, then they have to be stopped, Major. Before something worse happens than them disabling a ship. You got any idea what they're up to?" (Reply Kowalski, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - ACEO, Ensign Shane Attaway - 18:09) "Dismissed, Mister Attaway. I want you and Linskens back in here in ten minutes, whether or not you think his theory holds water, understood?" "Aye sir, we’ll use the observation lounge." Shane walked towards the door to the ready room. As he exited a marine entered. Shane noted the man for a moment then proceeded on to the bridge. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Bobby Pirie) (USS Dauntless - Deck One, Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign (JG) Shane Attaway - 18:11) Shane pulled two of the “table top” XL-PADD’s from their shelves on to the Lounge’s center meeting table. He turned to the scientist who had joined him. NRPG: So, I once saw Picard using one of these in a TNG movie. It looked exactly like a PADD but was the size of a flat screen TV or a small coffee table. Attaway has taken two out and they are side by side on the observation lounge table... I’ve always looked for an excuse to write one in, now I’m using two... oh boy!!! RPG: “Alright, these are Star Fleet’s official schematics and operational parameters for the USS Spectre as of her last refit. And this,” he opened a new set of data windows on the opposite PADD, “Is all the data our scans collected on our attackers.” (Reply Linskens) Shane clicked on the portion of the Spectre’s schematics pertaining to her warp drive configuration. “Well, you see here that the Spectre is operating at this set warp signature, almost like a fingerprint for the Spectre.” “This,” Shane tapped furiously on the other PADD, “was our attacker’s warp signature.” (Reply Linskens) “Correct, almost the same but not quite. This would be very hard to distinguish with passive scans alone. My best guess is that you're right and that there is actually a much larger energy supply hidden under some elaborate cloak.” (Reply Linskens) (Posted by Bobby Pirie) (USS Dauntless - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign John Linskens - 18:12) “Alright, these are Star Fleet’s official schematics and operational parameters for the USS Spectre as of her last refit. And this,” the sengineer said as he opened a new set of data windows on the opposite PADD, “Is all the data our scans collected on our attackers.” John suppressed a yawn. He still wasn't happy about it all but he felt he really shouldn't take it out on the hapless engineer. It wasn't his fault, after all, that his CO was a jerk. "All the data that could be retrieved," John mentioned. "Some of the data carriers were severly damaged in the attack. But go ahead, anyway." Shane clicked on the portion of the Spectre’s schematics pertaining to her warp drive configuration. “Well, you see here that the Spectre is operating at this set warp signature, almost like a fingerprint for the Spectre.” “This,” Shane tapped furiously on the other PADD, “was our attacker’s warp signature.” John leaned over and reviewed the data set, wondering what the engineer was hinting at. "Yep, to any untrained eye they must look the same. Point being?" “Correct, almost the same but not quite. This would be very hard to distinguish with passive scans alone. My best guess is that you're right and that there is actually a much larger energy supply hidden under some elaborate cloak.” John suppressed a grin. If 25K of words were not enough to convince the git, a 'best guess' would certainly not do. "Look", John said with a sigh. "I have no idea why your boss is being such an arse but Ensign MacBeth and me have crawled through all the sensor logs thousands of times. That is how we were able to come up with the report. The report contains all the information that we felt relevant to the case.and that is, in fact, proven. We don't operate on best guesses. We leave those for the gi.... people in charge. Gives them the feeling that they ... uhhh ... know what they are talking about. Even if they are not. You're close with the warp signature, though. But a slight imbalance in the anti matter feed would be enough to change the warp signature ever so slightly so the difference that we see is not enough to act as proof of it either way. It's a pointer that there is more to this than meets the eye. There are ways to change a warp signature but what *they* can't change, nobody can change, is the effect they are having on their surroundings. Say for example that you somehow manage to envelop a stone with a cloak, *We* wouldn't be able to see the stone because it is cloaked. But if you throw that stone into a pool, it would create ripples on the water's surface and splash up an amount of water dependant on it's weight and size, even though we would not be able to see the stone for ourselves. These 'indirect' observations can tell us most of what we want to know about the object in question. A splash wouldn't tell us what colour the stone had, but it would definitely tell us that it was there, even though we can't see it directly. And like I said, those effects can not be masked." John keyed in a few commands on the two padds. "So" he continued, " we look at that which surrounds the warp field, namely subspace. And there we see clear differences between the two." The scientist brought up the subspace graphs. "There you can see what we found. Look at how subspace has been curved around the ships. This subspace distortion field is bigger for the attacker than for the Spectre. That tells us two things. One that the attacker flew at a higher warp speed, since the higher the speed, the greater the disruption of subspace but you can also see that the distortion is much more pronounced for the attacker. Which tells us that the attacker is a good deal heavier than the Spectre since you need more energy to envelop a heavier object in a warp field. And more energy means more distortion. You see where I am coming from?" (Reply Attaway, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:12) Well, Kowalski had hardly expected the Captain to react so wildly, he had assumed that he might think something along the lines of 'what the.....', but the rising stance and the heavy reactionary he had received pretty much took him aback, indeed the MXO had even shifted rearwards slightly in response to Carlin-Laves clear annoyance. It went without saying of course that any CO that did not know at least something of the covert SO projects being worked upon during the civil war, was probably flying his ship from his quarters. Carlin Lave obviously was not! He was still pacing when he finally went on to factor his 'If's' into the equation, 'If' this was true, and 'If' this was true yet again.... all in one sentence, before going on to mention an officer going by the name of Linskens and referring to him as 'his', before then stating with some degree of seriousness that whatever this ship was, it would have to be stopped. The Major nodded in agreeance and then furrowed his brow slightly at the mention of this, 'Linskens' character. "Excuse me Captain, 'My' man Linskens?", he enquired, "I'm sorry, but I have nobody serving under me going by that name", he added quizzically. (Reply Carlin-Lave) Kowalski huffed and then raised an eyebrow quizically. "It's the first I've heard of it, but then.... who am I but a lowly Marine to receive info from someone as lofty as a ships CO", answered the MXO rhetorically, and somewhat sarcastically. "I have little to do with transferring fleete... err, Starfleet officers", he added, correcting his remark, "my remit is to defend the boat against hostile air, land and lately, sea based threats, said Bruce, detracting from his rhetoric just briefly to add that Carlin-Lave would no doubt hear of that little episode later. (Reply Carlin-Lave) Carlin-Lave by now had settled somewhat from his earlier anger at the notion that someone had got their hands on an ETHOS system but the frustration was still showing upon his face. Kowalski brought his hands together in front of him, then he addressed the Captain once again with a pertinent query. "I trust that I have just earned an extention to my 'Ten' minutes and not a moment more?", said Kowalski with a smile. (Reply Carlin-Lave) (Posted by Alan) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - Dauntless CO, Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:14) "Excuse me Captain, 'My' man Linskens?", Kowalski said, his brow wrinkled, "I'm sorry, but I have nobody serving under me going by that name." Carlin-Lave frowned. "Not yours personally," he said testily. "Yours as in the Spectre. We're bringing you several officers in fact, and this Linskens fellow is one of them." The Major replied that he didn't have much to do with transferring Starfleet officers, and stated somewhat unnecessarily (to Carlin-Lave, whose patience was wearing thin) that his remit was defending the 'boat' (as he referred to his ship) against hostile threats, including rather to the Dauntless Co's surprise, sea-based threats. Kowalski added briefly that no doubt Carlin-Lave would hear more about that later. Carlin-Lave, whose interest in any past threats against any other ship was at the moment minimal, merely nodded. Another time his curiosity might have been piqued but for now his mind was on his own ship and their attacker. Kowalski, who Carlin-Lave was by now mentally categorising as ~a typical bleeping marine~, brought his hands together and smiled. "I trust that I have just earned an extension to my 'Ten' minutes and not a moment more?" he asked. The Captain grunted non-commitally. "My knowledge of the ETHOS project is limited to *what* it can do, not *how* it can be done," he said abruptly. Carlin-Lave had taken the civil war almost as a personal insult, and had spent some time afterwards pouring over whatever information he could find pertaining to both sides. To that end, he had called in some favours and gained access to records not issued on a widespread basis. His opinion of Doenitz and his cronies had been freely expressed to his fellow officers on numerous occasions along the lines of "Shootin' would be too good for that shower." Not a man to take things on trust lightly, he had also been deeply suspicious when so many of the 52nd's ships had vanished and then reappeared, although he had been somewhat reassured by the results of the enquiry afterwards. "Linskens has been examining the data we gathered on our attacker," he continued. "Don't know if it will help but you're welcome to take a look at his conclusions. All 25,000 words of 'em," he added with a certain degree of malice, as he tapped his commbadge. "Carlin-Lave to Linskens and Attaway. My Ready Room, on the double." He sat down and crossed his arms. "If Attaway agrees with Linskens and it wasn't the Spectre who attacked us, then I suppose T'Vhor will be wanting his new officers. How soon can the Spectre get here?" Carlin-Lave wasn't prepared to admit it just yet but the ETHOS theory was making sense. He didn't know T'Vhor well personally, but what he knew of him didn't chime with the man going rogue. However, the civil war had taught him that you couldn't always bank on that, and even so many years after it had ended Carlin-Lave wasn't prepared to gamble his ship and the lives of his crew on a perception. (Reply Kowalski, Linskens, Attaway, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Observation Lounge - ACEO, Shane Attaway - 18:14) "There you can see what we found. Look at how subspace has been curved around the ships. This subspace distortion field is bigger for the attacker than for the Spectre. That tells us two things. One that the attacker flew at a higher warp speed, since the higher the speed, the greater the disruption of subspace but you can also see that the distortion is much more pronounced for the attacker. Which tells us that the attacker is a good deal heavier than the Spectre since you need more energy to envelop a heavier object in a warp field. And more energy means more distortion. You see where I am coming from?" NRPG: Good to get into some awesome posting... Let’s have some fun with this engineer shall we? RPG: From Shane’s point of view, Linskens had tried to round out his statement as to not upset the engineer. ~A complement sandwich of sorts~ Shane thought. It was too much for the ensign to take and just enough to send him reeling. “Really, is that how subspace works? It’s funny that you didn’t let me finish, but if you want to belittle each other about how subspace works...” Shane scratched his head as he responded sarcastically. He hated the science types and being interrupted, but he hated even more to be all but side-bared by a smart-aleck who had also just insulted his captain. Shane was normally all too eager to listen to how people like Linskens theorized things work. He always considered this funny as no theoretical scientist had to actually work on or with the things their research produced. Shane looked at the man’s graphic for a moment and paused. Then, he opened his mouth as only an upset engineer can, “Sir, if it was your intent to get under my skin, well done. Yes, yes, it all makes perfect sense; your report was very similar to mine. But you science types always have to make the mess we engineers clean up.” Pulling out several boxes from a bag Shane had brought with him, he set down the data chips that contained the scientist’s report on the table. It was a considerable lot. Shane looked down at the chips then back to Linskens. “Before you say anything else, *yes* I had a chance to view you report. It’ll make a great door stop when we get back to Earth. Now tell me, if you were an ‘arse’ of a CO with over four hundred crew, some badly injured, would you have time to go over this?” Shane paused, but not long enough for Linskens to respond. He had meant the statement to be rhetorical, but was on the edge of being blind with anger. “We’ve been attacked you idiot! We need concise and understandable information, not a frelling thesis... and on the topic of your attitude, first of all, *I* know how warp signatures are formed *and* the intricacies of sub space, so let’s just say, before you don’t let me finish *again*, that I passed ‘Linsken’s Sub Space 101,’ *okay*? Your subtle little jabs at the degree of my intelligence are neither welcome in this conversation nor becoming of an officer. We are both men of science, you’re obviously theoretical and I’m *applied*, so let’s cut the crap! I’m not just some knuckle dragger that fell out his mother and onto a wrench; I carry two masters and an PhD!” “Second, this ship that attacked us had some serious mind blower technology. The likes of which are so theoretical, we dumb ‘knuckle draggers’ haven’t gotten the chance to blow each other out of the sky with them yet! *Why’s that*? Oh, because we’re too busy to fixing the rest of the crap you giant brains design and then not follow through on enough to make work. That said, *third* we need to figure out *how* this type of deception is possible, not sit here interrupting when others are speaking, not to mention when they are agreeing with you! Can you respect that long enough to work with me?” Shane was breathing heavily now, he felt the vein in his forehead pulsing. He wasn’t sure if he had over stepped his bounds... or even made sense. NRPG: Certainty hope I didn't and did, respectively. RPG: His verbal lexicon was expanded but the use of it was at times beyond his own judgment. It had been a long day, Shane had lost two close friends in the bulkhead collapse and this scientist was stepping on his foot, in a big way. He was hot, aching, tired and in all honesty need of a stiff drink. (Reply Linskens, any) (Posted by Bobby Pirie) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:15) The Captain was now sitting patiently in the centre seat of the Spectre's bridge, eagerly awaiting some kind of call from the Major, who by now was surely aboard the Dauntless. It had already been passed back to him of course that the crippled vessel had assumed that his own ship had attacked them, and that he himself was responsible for that! If indeed it had been true, T'Vhor knew that it would not have been logical to simply open fire on another vessel without provocation, what was Carlin-Lave thinking to even assume that he would do so? The Captain had met the man briefly during the mass conference at Khitomer after the 52nd had returned from their jaunt in time, he had seemed slightly 'on edge' even then, but nonetheless approachable, and certainly less hostile than some of those in attandance. There were some of course that had doubted the validity of the claims each Captain had brought to the arena, it was an expected scenario but the rivers apparent sentience and expansion soon convinced those doubters. T'Vhor raised an eyebrow at the thoughts that occupied his mind, then he returned them to the present and the situation ahead of them, quickly addressing the Science officer at Science One for an update on sensor data. "Ensign Hightower, there is an inhabited class M planetoid in the vicinity as you are no doubt well aware", he began, "are there any broadcasts coming from that planetoid that make mention of anything out of the ordinary in it's vicinity?", he added. (Reply Hightower) The Captain gripped at his chin with three of his fingers and a thumb, whilst the remaining forefinger spanned upwards over his right cheek as he contemplated the information he'd just been given. It seemed to lead nowhere in particular and was more a long shot than anything else, he then queried the SO once more. "Are there any important dignitories travelling through the Sol system within the next few days, that might perhaps be listed as needing Starfleet transport and protection?", he asked in an attempt to ratify why the enemy vessel might be heading to Earth with a fully functional ETHOS system installed on board. After all, why else would a ship so equipped be headed there, if not to assume the identity of another vessel once it had arrived on station? (Reply Hightower, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Dauntless - Observation Lounge - ACSO, Ensign John Linskens - 18:16) John had listened to the rant with his arms crossed in front of his breast. The ferocity of the riposte had surprised him. ~Perhaps there's some backbone in this guy after all.~ he thought suppressing a grin. He was still living above his station, though, if he thought that he was equal to a scientist. Degrees didn't make scientists, mindset did. You had to be quite quirky, total nutters, really, for your mind to see the links between two different theorems, establish the process boundaries and work out how to change them to get the result you were after. Of course you'd never get the perfect score straight away so you'd need others who would tweak things a bit. Others like engineers. A system that worked remarkably well ... as long as everybody stays at their level, didn't live above their station, and didn't think they were more than they actually were. Having come this far with his thoughts, John suddenly noticed a silence and he looked up to the flushed face of the engineer. ~Oh? We're done?~ John cleared his throat, looked around the area and headed for one of the small settees that were at either side of the room. He draped himself on it like a cheap cover. "Sorry to burst your bubble, mate, but you are not going anywhere fast. So there is little need for you to concern yourself with how to catch the bast*rds. From what I have seen the warp nacelle linings are cracked and you'll need to go into spacedock for replacements. But, of course, you already knew that. Until then you'll be doing warp 6, warp 7 max? Nowhere near fast enough to catch the baddies. I do understand that you'd rather go after them, make them pay for the attack and all that but I would also say that you better get used to being attacked because it will happen many, many times more. And you do get used to it after a while. Never a nice thing to happen to you and your mates but that won't stop it from happening again. You can trust me on this one, I've had my fair share of attacks. Just keep your head down, your wits about you and breath more freely once its over. It's a pain when it happens and more often than not it will be unexpected but you and your ship survived to fight another day, many ships and crew haven't been that lucky. But you can thank your lucky stars that you haven't been boarded. That is the fun quadrupled." John fell silent for a second, remembering his first boarding attack on the first day that he had embarked on the Boudicca. He sighed, then cleared his throat again. "As for finding the gits, whatever their technology, and *I* wouldn't call them advanced, just because they have a new toy, it is safe to assume that they must be using a lot of power for it. In fact, you can see that on the energy graphs. Sooooo ......" John changed his position on the couch to be a bit more comfortable. "So I reckon that they only use this gizmo to cover the standard frequencies. No cloak can operate on all bands, it would simply require too much energy. So I have 'suggested' to my colleagues on this ship to change their carrier wave to the Zheta-bandwidth. No-one ever uses that bandwidth because of the interference spectrum that Zheta wavebands have. I am waiting for the first Zheta-runs and I will have the computer compare them with sensor runs with normal carrierwaves. Once it has found the differences, I'll have it go through all the logs from the attack and we'll see then how 'advanced' they really are. If you want to call *them* advanced even when they have nothing like phase-cloaks, which *we* do have." John grunted. "Mind you, I am glad that you told me that you have read through my report. Now, as I understood it, the Captain wanted someone else to check it out. Which you did so I guess we can now go back to him and you can tell him either: I have checked the calculations of this moron and he doesn't have a leg to stand on or I have checked the calculations of this moron but unfortunately I have to agree with his conclusions." John grinned. "It's not like I am a betting man, but if I were I would think I would put a few bars of Latinum on the latter option. Don't you agree?" (Reply by Attaway, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:18) Carlin-Lave paused just briefly at the Majors suggestion, Kowalski of course had fully expected the Captain to aquiesce, and although he never actually gave an affirmative on the extention to his 'Ten minutes and not a moment more', the nod had duly confirmed it. "My knowledge of the ETHOS project is limited to *what* it can do, not *how* it can be done," said the Captain moving on now, his thoughts clearly elsewhere right now. Kowalski allowed him the liberty to dwell on whatever it was that he was currently dwelling on, glancing briefly around the room at the Captain's trinkets and choice of decor as he did so, his eyes finally settling upon what appeared to be an eighteenth century musket fixed upon the wall. Bruce was about to query him on that but then the Captain spoke again. "Linskens has been examining the data we gathered on our attacker...Don't know if it will help but you're welcome to take a look at his conclusions. All 25,000 words of 'em," he said before tapping at his combadge and summoning the man in question. Kowalski allowed the thoughts of the musket to dissipate, then he settled back into the chair as the Captain continued on. "If Attaway agrees with Linskens and it wasn't the Spectre who attacked us, then I suppose T'Vhor will be wanting his new officers. How soon can the Spectre get here?", he asked. Kowalski quirked his head slightly, then he answered. "Well Captain", he began, "she's really not as far away as you might think.... the Spectre is currently twenty thousand clicks of of your ass.. um stern", he added, correcting the marine casual mode of banter as he did so. "If you will allow me, I'll have her come alongside and offer the assistance you surely need" (Reply Carlin-Lave) The MXO then opened a channel to the Spectre via his combadge and extended the CO's acceptance, just as the chime to the door sounded and the two requested officers entered at the announcement from the CO to do so. The first man to enter looked somewhat pompous, tall as well and with an aire of superiority about him. ~So this must be Linskens~ thought Kowalski, as the man duly approached. His demeanor though was flawed to say the very least and his opening remark left the Major in no doubts as to exactly what he felt about Marines... or was it just him. "I didn't expect that he was still here", he had said, failing to address the Marine by anything even remotely resembling courteousness. Bruce simply raised an eyebrow almost Vulcan-like, he could have dressed the Ensign down of course but it was probably pointless given his countenance right now. Instead, Kowalski dismissed the mans attitude and then turned his attention to the Captain as Linskens then offered his compatriot the chance to back up 'his' initial findings. Kowalski shook his head slowly... ~Arrogant p....~ (Reply Carlin-Lave, Attaway, Linskens) (Posted by Alan) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - Dauntless CO, Captain Carlin-Lave - 18:19) "Well Captain", Kowalski answered Carlin-Lave's question about the Spectre, "she's really not as far away as you might think.... the Spectre is currently twenty thousand clicks of of your ass.. um stern", he corrected himself. "If you will allow me, I'll have her come alongside and offer the assistance you surely need" Carlin-Lave gave a sharp nod. "That would be acceptable, Major." As Kowalski was passing on this message, the door opened and Linskens and Attaway walked in, Linskens as usual looking like the cat who not only got the cream but also could quote its molecular make-up. Linskens' attitude towards the marine made Carlin-Lave's look positively welcoming, and caused the Dauntless's captain to frown. Linskens, he thought, could do with coming down a peg or two. When the scientist finished speaking with a 'Sir' added as an obvious afterthought, Carlin-Lave's lips tightened. "Ensign Linskens, I don't know what kind of ship you are used to serving on but whilst you are on *this* ship " ~which hopefully will not be much longer~ "you will show the proper respect for rank to *all* officers of *all* branches of Starfleet, do I make myself clear? Good," Carlin-Lave continued without waiting for a reply. "Now, Mister Attaway, what is your opinion of Mister Linskens' findings?" (reply Attaway) "Thank you, gentlemen. Major Kowalski, do you have any questions for either Ensign Linskens or Ensign Attaway?" (reply Kowalski, room for more if he does) Once Kowalski had signalled he was satisfied, Carlin-Lave dismissed Linskens and Attaway. When they had left, Carlin-Lave nodded to the marine. "Couldn't help noticing you were looking at my little display piece earlier," he said, indicating the musket that had caught Kowalski's attention earlier. "Collecting ancient firearms is by way of being a hobby of mine, and that one is a particular favourite. Belonged to my great-great-something-great-grandfather. Would you like to take a closer look?" he asked. "Damn fine piece, if I say so myself." He had not forgotten his feelings about marines but Kowalski's apparent interest in his favourite hobby-horse had warmed him to the man a little, and like many enthusiasts he was eager to share his love of his collection. (reply Linskens, Attaway, Kowalski, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Dauntless - Observation Lounge - ACSO, Ens John Linskens - 18:19) John regarded the Engineer in silence still sitting/lying/having draped himself around the sofa. He jawned and shifted his position slightly in a clear indication that he had said all that he had intended to say. He considered for a moment if he should start whistling but decided against it as that could be regarded as a sign of weakness, of being uncomfortable in silence. Instead he started to study his fingernails in great detail until his comm-badge suddenly sprang to life. He quickly glanced towards Attaway. =^= Carlin-Lave to Linskens and Attaway. My Ready Room, on the double. =^= "Your master's voice," he quipped as he got off the sofa and stretched himself. "Not very comfortable, these sofas," he said as he nodded to the engineer. "So, shall we?" (Reply Attaway) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (Marine Trojan - Cockpit - Sergeant Amanda McMillan - 18:20) ~Seriously!~ Amanda huffed to herself. She had been sitting in a somewhat cramped compartment for about an hour. "How long could it take," she asked herself out loud this time. She was wondering how the MXO was doing on the Dauntless. She was certain if it was her who was in command she would have been able to get the Captain to surrender to the correct story already. She was bored and didn't have much to do. She had already gone through the news bulletin for the Spectre, and her monthly computer based marine training. She passed all end of scenario questions perfectly as usual. When she began to go through her personal media files a beep sounded from the console to her left. She quickly checked on it. "Ah, about time." The alert informed her that the Spectre was now on its way to the Dauntless' location. ~So, he was able to finish the job after all.~ (reply none, any) (posted by Calvin) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:20) The Captain wasted no time at all after the call from the Major had finally arrived. Immediately he addressed the helm with an order to proceed to the Dauntless at full impulse and then ordered a channel to be opened to the ship itself, which culminated in an affirmative from both stations, followed by the image of the Dauntless FO appearing in the viewscreen, seemingly none to pleased. NRPG: Anyone want a stab at playing the FO? (Reply Dauntless FO) "Captain T'Vhor of the USS Spectre", said T'Vhor, "I have been given authorization to come alongside and offer assistance in any manner you may deem necessary", said the Captain. (Reply Dauntless FO) The Captain remained unphased at the FO's attitude, clearly the message had not quite filtered through to him yet, either that or he was still uncertain that the Spectre was entirely blameless! "Nevertheless, we are here to offer assistance, I have medical and Engineering crews ready to beam aboard," said T'Vhor. (Reply Dauntless FO) The Captain then closed the channel and then opened a channel to both the Engineering department and Sickbay. "I want teams assembled and ready to go immediately, an Engineering team led by Ensign Durgil and a medical team headed by either Doctor Huvall, if he can be spared, or any other senior medical officer on hand", said the Captain. (Reply Durgil, Any Engineering, Huval, Any Sickbay) (Reply Dauntless FO, Durgil, Any Engineering, Huval, Any Sickbay, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Dauntless - Bridge - FO, Mark Maggie - 18:21) Mark was just informed of an incoming message. He was irritated already by the news that the Spectre that attacked them was in fact not the Spectre but from some program named ETHOS. He didn't exactly agree with accepting this Spectre with open hands. "Tactical, keep a tight lid on it." "This is First Officer Maggie, to whom am I speaking?" =/\=Captain T'Vhor of the USS Spectre=/\=, said T'Vhor, =/\=I have been given authorization to come alongside and offer assistance in any manner you may deem necessary=/\=, said the Captain. "We do not...require your assistance Captain," he said realizing he was speaking to a Captain. The Captain remained unphased at the FO's attitude, clearly the message had not quite filtered through to him yet, either that or he was still uncertain that the Spectre was entirely blameless! =/\=Nevertheless, we are here to offer assistance, I have medical and Engineering crews ready to beam aboard,=/\= said T'Vhor. He was still on view screen so he smiled and answered, "very well, we will be ready to receive you." The comm closed and the FO turned around to everyone on the bridge. "Tactical, make sure you double check every possible possibility that THAT isn't the ETHOS ship." He said pointing to the view screen. "Security, have security forces set up around the ship. Engineering and Sickbay be ready to accept personnel." Mark then turned back to the view screen and took a seat to go over the read outs on his arm pad. (reply any, none) (Posted by Calvin) (USS Dauntless - Ready Room - ACSO, Ens John Linskens - 18:21) "Captain," John said with a nod when he suddenly noticed the other man. "Oh," he said half loud. "I didn't expect that he was still here." John nodded the briefest of nods to the Marine as he stepped sideways so he could hold the position where the Marine was slightly to the front and right of him. He kept his eyes on the marine as he nodded his head towards the engineer. "Mr. Attaway knows what my position is, as do you, Captain." John stopped for a second, just so the marine would understand that John couldn't care less if the Marine knew his position as well. After all, he was a Marine, not someone important. "Anyway, I maintain that it is extremely, extremely, extremely unlikely that the Spectre was the vessel that attacked us for the reasons that I have given previously. I guess it is now for Mr Attaway to inform you whether he agrees with me or not." John took a small step back, still keeping the Marine in his field of vision when he realised his mistake. "...Sir." he finished. (reply by Attaway, Carlin-Lave, the other one present, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless - Ready Room - ACSO, Ens John Linskens - 18:22) "Ensign Linskens, I don't know what kind of ship you are used to serving on but whilst you are on *this* ship you will show the proper respect for rank to *all* officers of *all* branches of Starfleet, do I make myself clear?" John opened his mouth but just nodded in the end. Somehow he gathered that the bloated git would not appreciate John's notion that the butcher was a marine and therefore hardly worth the notion of respect. That was, unless you felt that marines killing 23 unarmed scientists had performed a brave act and therefore were due some respect for the utter eagerness with which they literally blew apart John's shift. But somehow the git didn't strike John as being of high moral fibre. Well, he was a CO, after all, and so far John had met only one CO who had been 'reasonable'. John sighed, wondering where she now was. ~Good ones always go first. Pity. On the other hand, just more proof that those that stay, *are* in fact gits, on account of them still being there. Did you make yourself clear? Oh yes, even more than you thought you would, your gitted gitness.~ John's train of thoughts suddenly broke when Attaway turned to walk out. ~Hmm, should I have paid attention? Probably. Well, I guess it's leaving time now. Hmmmm, I think I'll go left of the butcher. I'm not going to show my back to any marine. Probably very eager to up their tally to 24. But like in the lab, I wont be that easy to get. Uhh, what did I do with my disruptor pistol? Hmm, better find it. Might need it.~ John followed Attaway out with a refound urgency. (reply Attaway, Kep'n Git, Butcher, iyw, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dauntless - Captain's Ready Room - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 18:22) Kowalski did not turn to look at Linskens as he was 'dressed down' by the Dauntless' CO, indeed he hardly even took note of it. Clearly though, Carlin-Lave was not a man that tolerated lack of respect for senior officers and for that, the Marine warmed to him just a little more. As a Marine of course, respect for the senior ranks was pretty much driven into him and to show little was tantamount to a slap in the face! So, Linskens was coming to the Spectre was he? Kowalski duly marked his card and then listened to the report from the other officer, which did indeed back up the senior of the two officers findings. Carlin-Lave then dismissed them and after an audible exhale, he turned to look at the very same musket that Kowalski had been admiring just a few minutes beforehand. "Couldn't help noticing you were looking at my little display piece earlier...... Collecting ancient firearms is by way of being a hobby of mine, and that one is a particular favourite. Belonged to my great-great-something-great-grandfather. Would you like to take a closer look?", asked the Captain. Kowalski turned his attention once again to the weapon, then he stood with a respectful nod. "British if I'm not mistaken", he said, moving now towards the display piece itself and then running a finger tentatively across the worn, wooden body. "Long land pattern, standard infantry issue but..... lacking the percussion cap, which means that it is early eighteenth rather than late" (Reply Carlin-Lave) "May I?", asked Kowalski, gesturing then to remove the weapon from it's hanger for a closer look, and more importantly, feel of the thing. (Reply Carlin-Lave) NRPG: Assuming a yes here. RPG: Kowalski then withdrew the musket from it's clips and then 'felt' it's weight in both hands, noting that the metal parts were brass and not iron before drawing it carefully up to his shoulder and then taking aim at an imaginary target. Linskens briefly entered the Marines thoughts once again as he did so, he smiled and then returned his thoughts to the musket once again. "If this is what I think it is Captain", said Kowalski, "then you have a rare find indeed, probably post seventeen thirty six", he added, "now if it had sported ironwork instead of brass, we would have been talking pre thirty six" (Reply Carlin-Lave) Kowalski lowered the weapon once again and then slowly cocked the firing mechanism, a smile forming upon his face at the feedback offered by the still working firing mechanism. "Wonderful", he said, "can you imagine what it was like to fight with one of these Captain?", he asked, "inaccurate, prone to misfire, unpredictable...", he mused, "a real weapon of war which tested it's bearer to the limits without giving him a substantial edge over his opponent... magical indeed" (Reply Carlin-Lave) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 18:23) The ship was now on its way to the Dauntless. Captain T'Vhor had opened a channel and was hesitantly received by the Dauntless' first officer. There was no question that the Dauntless still had some doubt in the story they were just given. Calvin was now back on the bridge behind the tactical console after he finished his business in Sickbay with Audrey. He felt comfortable that she was in secured hands with Chief Rock and his team. Audrey was a well trained person and Calvin would need to keep her in close check. As of now though, the Chief was running short to mid range scans for any detected ships. It was improbable but possible that the attacking ship was still around somewhere. ETHOS had everyone going crazy including the Lt Cmdr. A ship with that much power was dangerous and it was Calvin's job to keep the Spectre safe. (reply none, any) (posted by Calvin) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - Audrey Williams - 18:32) The quiet blackness was all encompassing. Holding her tight, protecting her from harm and made her feel safe. Voices came out of the darkness. It hammered at her from all sides. She wanted it to go away so that she could return to the quietness she had had before but it was drawing her away. Her eyes opened for a second before she squeezed them shut as her mind was overloaded by the images she was. The people, bright lights her brain slowly pulling all the images together so that they made sense. She felt her mind sluggishly connect with the rest of her body. The sound of unintelligible speaking as well as the hum of the room around her became distinguishable to her. Her fingers twitched uncontrollable as her mind fought to control her body. She opened her eyes again. This time she concentrated on the faces before her and her surroundings. ~Sickbay, well at least I am not dead or saved by Admiral Doenitz cronies~ Her eyes moved around her field of vision without moving her head. ~Come on Audrey they want you to say something to make sure that you are not just being obstinate~ “Nice to know Andrew can still shoot straight.” (Reply any in sickbay ) (Reply any in sickbay, any ) (Posted by Robbie) ========================================================================= Mission: Cry Havok and Let Slip the Dogs of War Day: 25 Stardate: 2414.01.05 (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACEO, Ensign JG Aldlar Durgil - 04:18) "Yeah, go ahead and leave that until you've gotten the adjacent areas repaired. Durgil out." Aldlar closed the comm line and updated the log. The entire port side of the saucer section had been finished... Now it was just for the main body to be finished... Aldlar was glad that half of the job was done, but he'd be happier if the rest were already done. He sat back, looking at the screen. Everybody else was at work, but he was just sitting there, going through reports... It was tiring. He turned to the last person still in main engineering. "Do you mind watching this while I go grab some more coffee?" (Reply, anyone who want to NPC an engineer.) "Thanks. And, if there are any problems, let me know immediately." (Reply, any) (Posted by: John) =========================================================================