Compiled by Calvin Capps ================================================================ Mission: Bandits on the Surface Day: 14 Stardate: 2414.03.12 ================================================================ (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCMO Ensign Mia Saryn - 0547) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0557) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aOPS Lt. Deynyk Rinn - 0559) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - aCMO Ensign Mia Saryn - 0604) (USS Boudicca FO Quarters Dahlia Jackson 0606) (Broken Wing - Bridge - Captain Ral Toulin - 0615) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aOPS Lt. Deynyk Rinn - 0617) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0619) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 0620) (USS Boudicca - Cargobay - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0633) (USS Boudicca - Deck 14 - Away Team Staging Area - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 0635) (USS Boudicca - Cargobay - CO Captain Calvin Capps & Captain Ral Toulin - 0636) (USS Boudicca - Cargo Bay - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 0640) (Broken Wing - Bridge - Captain Ral Toulin & Nikoli Jeswa - 0650) (USS Boudicca -Brig - Lieutenant Sarah Becks - 0831) (USS Boudicca - Brig - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 0835) (USS Boudicca - Brig - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0852) (USS Boudicca - Brig - Lieutenant Sarah Becks - 0854) (USS Boudicca - Brig - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0856) (USS Boudicca - Brig - Lieutenant Sarah Becks - 0901) (USS Boudicca - Brig - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0903) (USS Boudicca - Captain's ready room - Assistant Tactical Officer Ensign(jg) Lennex - 1000) (USS Boudicca - Brig - Lieutenant Sarah Becks - 1001) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1002) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - ACTO Lennex - 1003) (Runabout Valarian - Cockpit - Commander Victoria Sevant - 1015) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1017) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - NPC Ensign Josh Woo - 1018) (USS Boudicca - Deck 12 - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1019) (USS Boudicca - Shuttlebay - Commander Victoria Sevant - 1020) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1022) (USS Boudicca - Bridge, Outside Ready Room - Commander Sevant - 1026) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 1055) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - Ensign(jg) Elizabeth Caspian, Dr. - 1057) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - aCMO Ensign Mia Sary - 1059) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1059) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Commander Sevant - 1059) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCOPS Lt. Deynyk Rinn- 1102) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - Ensign(jg) Elizabeth Caspian, Dr. - 1104) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1109) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCMO Ensign Mia Saryn - 1110) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - aCMO Ensign Mia Saryn - 1110) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1111) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - Ensign(jg) Elizabeth Caspian, Dr. - 1116) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1119) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 1125) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCOPS Lt. Deynyk Rinn- 1126) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1128) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 1130) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1133) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1135) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 1155) (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 - Shuttlecraft Cartecay - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1230) (USS Boudicca - Shuttlecraft Cartecay - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1238) ================================================================ (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCMO Ensign Mia Saryn - 0547) "Ensign Saryn, thank you for this information. And I shall always appreciate your professional opinions. Unfortunately I believe this information maybe helpful in getting us out of this situation. I will however, tread lightly, as you put it." She nodded and said, "I knew you would, Sir. I just wonder what effect this is going to have on the crew but i also know that they are strong and will not be demoralised." "Good. If you will return to sickbay and check on Commander Jackson. I need him back up here as soon as possible." She rose and said, "Of course, Sir. I'll head back there right away." (posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0557) "Captain!" he called across the bridge. "I have some data that is going to help us get back underway, and that will also possibly help us track our mysterious pirate ship." "By all means Lieutenant," Calvin exclaimed with excitement in his voice. The conversation he just held in his ready room didn't really have his mood on the positive side but this news quickly changed that. "I conducted a multispectral analysis of the complete power distribution system and I discovered why we suddenly lost power. Just before complete power loss the Boudicca was struck by a grade six subphasic burst of energy, that originated when the mines stuck us and detonated. That explains the lack of physical damage. The bursts interact with our navigational screens by converting the high energy particles into a transitional balyric charge. This charge adheres to the EPS conduit casings and the additional energy field causes the magnetic waveguides to narrow until almost no power can pass through the constriction." "It's a very ingenious weapon, really. but it's easy to overcome. You re-polarize the EPS conduits with a Saltoric radiation burst. It breaks down the Balyric charge and once the charge is gone the magnetic waveguides return to normal and power is restored. This has to be done by hand and is hazardous requiring a type four hazmat suit to be worn, to protect against the upper elements decay as they are decontaminated. We'd also have to move crew out of the areas as we treat them to avoid radiation injuries." "And how does this help us find their ship?" The Captain inquired. "As to how it helps us. That ship had to have been within range of the bursts. they reacted too fast to the event. A database search revealed that Tricobalt-carbon ceramic alloy sheathing can be used to shield against that sort of radiation. Which means that the pirate vessel has to have it. The catch is that exposure builds up a subspace charge, which affects the ship's warp field and coils. We can attune the sensors to possible pick up on that charge." "And how long will it take to disolve the Balyric charge?" Calvin knew that the process Deynyk was talking about would take some time. Deynyk shrugged. "I don't know it depends on how many handheld decontamination units engineering can put together to emit Saltoric radiation and how many Haz-4 suits they have. I'd say four men can probably decontaminate the majority of the primary systems within 4 to 6 hours." Captain Capps was a little stunned by the lengthy time quoted, but believed every word from his acting Chief of Operations. "We need to get started right away. Meet with Ensign Jacobs down in Engineering, inform him of your findings and form a team and a plan." (reply Rinn) As the officer began to walk away the Captain quickly spoke up, "Lieutenant keep yourself armed. We may be boarded again at anytime. We don't know how many of them there are." (reply Rinn) Deynyk was no longer in Calvin sights. He moved his attention to defending the Boudicca from any more boarders. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aOPS Lt. Deynyk Rinn - 0559) "We need to get started right away. Meet with Ensign Jacobs down in Engineering, inform him of your findings and form a team and a plan." "Aye Captain." Dey replied and then motioned for one of the bridge specialists to relieve him at the Operations Console. He started for the Jefferies tube that ran the vertical length of the ship when he heard the Captain call out to him. "Lieutenant keep yourself armed. We may be boarded again at anytime. We don't know how many of them there are." Deynyk stopped and nodded as he replied, "Aye Captain." He then stepped over to the weapons locker on the bridge and withdrew one hand phaser. He affixed it to his belt, closed the locker and continued on his way to Main Engineering. (posted by Daniel Greene) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - aCMO Ensign Mia Saryn - 0604) Mia stood outside Sickbay for a moment and tried to catch her breath. It had been a long time since she'd had to crawl through so many Jeffries tubes and it showed. Steadying her breath, she rubbed down her uniform, straightened it and walked through the doors. She spotted the Commander almost straight away and Caspian watching over him. Catching Lizzy's eye, she walked over to her and said, quietly, "How's he doing?" (Reply Caspian) Mia nodded. Thinking of how to approach this, she decided that the best course of action would be simply to tell him that the Captain wanted to see him, immediately. She looked at Lizzy and said, "Oh have i got a story to tell you later." Sighing, she walked to the Commander's side and said, "So how are you feeling now, Sir?" (Reply Jackson) "Good. Captain Capps wishes to see you, Sir. Immediately." (Reply Jackson) Mia noted the small look of concern on his face and said, "I'm sure it's nothing. He probably just wants to know how things went down there." (Reply Jackson) Mia nodded and said, "Well, under Doctor Caspian's excellent care, you've healed well. I'm sure she's already told you to take it easy with your ribs?" (Reply Jackson) Mia smiled and replied, "Then you're free to go. I would go straight to the Captain. He seems eager to see you." (posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Boudicca FO Quarters Dahlia Jackson 0606) Dahlia had been worried when the ship had violently been brought to a halt. Thomas had left earlier and not called her as yet. She was worried. She tried calling the bridge and noticed comms were dead. Lighting was barely on. Nothing worked. Dahlia was getting scared. She tried to exit their quarters and found the doors would not open. Being married to a former COPS had its benefits. She remembered there was a manual door release lever to the right of the door. Dahlia activated the lever and soon was in the hallway. The lighting was minimal and there was very little traffic in the hallway. She grew more worried. The few people in the corridor had little additional information. They told her the ship had halted. They advised her to stay in her quarters. She dis as they suggested. Once in her quarters she sat down and thought. She tried to contact Tom and let her know she was o.k. ~Thomas, we are ok take care of yourself. We three live you~ she sent mentally. (posted by Bill West) (Broken Wing - Bridge - Captain Ral Toulin - 0615) With only four men left on his ship, the rest had been captured by the Starfleet crew, Ral had to handle double duty. He was angry at himself for underestimating his enemy. He had never once lost such a high number of crew members during a raid. He would have to get them back. He was also annoyed by his first lieutenant. For some odd reason she went berserk and began attacking one single officer with craze. He swore that there was some story there he was missing. Never the less she had failed him, and he would never forgive her for that. For if she had stayed with him, they could have succeeded in their plan, but because she didn't Captain Toulin had do increase the measure of violence. Violence that he secretly enjoyed using, but wasn't sanctioned to use from the colony elders unless and only under extreme necessity. Ral had the privilege of making such a decision. Instead of sitting in his chair barking orders like he normally would, Ral was standing behind the tactical board. He was readying the weapon once again, but this time it would punch a lot harder. "We are 2 minutes till full charge, begin target initiation." Another member of the crew pushed into their board the commands needed to open a hatch underneath the Broken Wing. A large piece of equipment was then lowered with a hydraulic system. "Weapon ready sir," the newly appointed operations member stated. He was only 17 in earth years but the colony didn't have millions or even hundreds of people to choose from to go on missions such as this. Once a member was old enough to shoot straight and run a board they were quickly placed on a ship. "Target is fixed, fire in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 fire." Captain Toulin said the last word in a whispered voice. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aOPS Lt. Deynyk Rinn - 0617) Deynyk would have been exhausted by his descent down the Jefferies tube to the Engineering deck if he wasn't used to freestyle rock climbing. Even so, the trip had taken him longer than he'd liked, due to being forced to manually actuate several of the emergency doors that closed automatically whenever the starship lost primary power. They were a fail safe for massive environmental decompression, a good one, although they were definitely a piece of work whenever you had to crawl through the guts of the ship. As he emerged from the shaft, he found himself breathing heavy from the exertion. He wiped the sweat from his brow with the sleeve of his tunic and took a moment to collect his breath before continuing on his way. He arrived in Main Engineering to find a group of boarders taken prisoner by the Engineering crew. A quick look around also indicated that the Chief Engineer wasn't in immediate sight. Deynyk approached one of the other engineers. "Where can i find chief, Jacobs?" he asked. "Upper level, power distribution control." the woman answered without missing a beat. "Thanks." Deynyk was climbing the ladder to the second upper deck when the ship jerked hard and the little bit of power that the ship had failed, almost completely. He was nearly thrown from the ladder, but once again was fortunate that he had the reflexes of a climber. What bothered him worse than the prospect of falling was the slowness of the limited restoration of power. They had to be having a great deal of difficulty just keeping things running. He made the top deck and fought down the urge to head to the console and start managing power flow himself. He knew that his personnel were well trained and he didn't want to give them any indication that he didn't trust their judgment. He stepped into Power Distribution Control. To find Jacobs and some other engineers working diligently. "Chief. I've figured out why the power isn't getting out to the systems." He said as he entered the compartment. (reply Jacobs) "The EPS conduits are covered in a transitional balyric charge, which is constricting the Electro-plasma flow. We need to decontaminate the casings with Saltoric radiation, but we'll need hand-held emitters and Haz-4 suits." (posted by Daniel Greene) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0619) The ship rattled like toy in a baby's hand. The effects of the hit even lasted longer than the previous ones. Standing up Calvin couldn't reach anything in time to hold himself up so he plunged to his knees. Once again darkness and complete silence, except for the moans and cries of the crew, overcame the bridge. He couldn't believe it, he couldn't say it, he couldn't even think it; but he knew. Calvin knew that he had been beaten by a trick. A trick designed just for such a ship. Although his ops officer had called the trap an ingenious one, it didn't make the Captain feel any better of being duped by it. Moments later, one of the back up systems in place came to life, but it didn't bring any relief. For the blue lights began to blink and the klaxon sounded. At this moment Captain Capps knew that life support was failing. In minutes, if not fixed, life support would completely stop working and the Boudicca would only have 12 to 24 hours left. And at that point he would have to give the order to abandon ship. His first mission as Captain, such a disaster, such a failure. He hung his head as he thought, there was only one thing left for him to do. He was going to play cat and mouse with unstoppable authority. Like clockwork, Toulin's voice, even with main power out, was heard over the communication system. His voice seemed higher pitched this time with a slight of anger a fixed to it. "Captain Capps, I am aware of your little situation. For it was I who did it. Captain, I give you one more chance and let me make it clear to you. You are trapped with no power, surrounded by hundreds of thousands mines, and I have a weapon that can knock your power out at any time. You have only but one choice, give me what I want and I will leave you alone." Calvin had already made his mind up. He didn't need Ral reminding him of his failings. "Deal!" he shouted through gritted teeth. A silence filled the air, as if Ral was caught off guard by Calvin's sudden and un-fought agreeance. "Good, I am glad you have come to your senses. A team and I will come aboard in your cargobay in 10 minutes." Calvin was sure Captain Toulin was now done speaking so he went in to action. He turned to his First Officer. "Commander, accompany me to the cargobay." (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 0620) Jacobs and another engineer were trying to set up a portable power unit to the engineering power distribution terminal. These small devices, that engineering kept stored for emergencies like this, were doing the bare minimum but were still working. The console flickered to life as the portable power unit began transferring what it could to the computer. There were other engineers moving frantically behind him trying to get other power systems up while not skipping a beat and avoiding bumping into each other. Suddenly the ship shook and immediately followed a lapse in the emergency power lighting the room. It felt like another mine had collided with the ship. The abrupt shake didn't stop the two from working but a voice actually caught their attention. "Chief. I've figured out why the power isn't getting out to the systems." Lt. Denynyk voice caught Jacobs attention and interest all in the same sentence. "By all means sir, lets hear it," he responded, relieved there was a possible answer to their predicament. The Lt. was very articulate in explaining what happened to the ship and the methods in which to rectify the situation. As he spoke Henry motioned him to continue explaining as they walked over to a locker. Before the Lt. completed his analysis on what was needed Henry began handing him several Saltoric radiation emitters. Once he heard what the problem was he came to the conclusion of what was needed. He was greatly impressed that the Lt. was so well versed in the upkeep of the ship and saw that he would be working with him more often in the future. "The Haz- 4 suits are up one level in the away team staging area. If we split into teams of five we can get this in about three hours. We can meet back on the bridge and report to the Captain there. I'll be able to reestablish shipwide communications from there." (reply deynyk) Henry issued orders to engineering teams two and three and everyone followed in tow over to the jefferies tube to make their way up to the Haz - 4 suits. (posted by Darryl McDaniel) (USS Boudicca - Cargobay - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0633) It was no joke, the 20 deck climb down did a number on Calvin's arms and legs. He considered his workout routine average to above average. When he started the climb he didn't think anything about it. One he had other important matters bouncing around in his head and two he felt his fitness was of no concern. The constant and repetitive release in his muscles as he let go of the bar and then the tension again when he grasped the next rung began to take its course. When he took that last step off the ladder and back on to the flat surface of deck 20 he felt his muscles burn. Captain Capps and his First Officer who was following right behind him moved away from the ladder and began their fast pace to the cargobay. Once they arrived they found the 8 security men that Ensign Trei had set up and Ensign Trei himself. The cargobay doors were already open. As the two command officers, and 9 security men began to enter the bay a junior crewmen approached the Captain. "Captain, I was sent to speak to you about one of the persons we captured. He is screaming random names and numbers, claiming that he is trying to give us vital information to stop Toulin." The young man waited with a pant for Captain Capps' response. There wasn't enough time to think or debate on what to do. He wished for Commander Jackson to remain but he knew that was't possible at the moment. He turned to his First Officer. "Commander, go back with the crewman and see if there is any truth to the prisoners allegations." After a positive response from Tom he walked away and back toward what would be another grueling climb. Calvin stepped forward through the bay doors to await Toulin and his men. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Deck 14 - Away Team Staging Area - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 0635) Everyone had made it up to the staging room and grabbed a Haz - 4 suit. As they all got dressed Jacobs took the time to remind everyone that there were still possible intruders onboard the ship. "I hope I don't have to remind anyone to watch themselves. Stay armed and alert. When you are done report to the bridge." he issued the orders as he put his haz -4 helmet on. (posted by Darryl McDaniel) (USS Boudicca - Cargobay - CO Captain Calvin Capps & Captain Ral Toulin - 0636) Ral materialized in the Cargobay with two men. He wished it was more, but as he only had 3 left and he had to keep at least one on the ship 2 was all he got. Upon receiving full sight he could see Captain Capps and what he could only describe as a small gang. He looked around and found his two men standing next to them. He gave them a nod of the head to have them begin their tagging. Toulin walked toward Captain Capps, "Greetings Captain, I hope that you are not planning on anything that would be considered futile." Calvin stayed his ground and looked into Ral's eyes. "No, wouldn't think of it." The Captain hated that there was actually some truth to what he had said. At this point he was going to allow this man to raid his ship and there currently wasn't anything he could do about it."Just make it quick." Ral laughed hysterically. He kept a close eye on every one as he waited for his men behind him to inform him whey the cargo was ready. It would only take them 2 minutes to finish tagging the containers in the room. They knew the longer they were on the Boudicca the risk increased for them. When Captain Toulin received the word he acted immediately. "Captain Capps, I thank you for your generosity but we must be leaving now. But before I go I have one more surprise for you." Ral raised his left hand and showed a small device which appeared to have one button and three dials on it. His thumb pushed in on the button, but nothing happened. Calvin was curious if he had been duped yet again by this maniac. But he felt no immanent threat so he stayed his ground without concern. Before his eyes Ral and his 2 crewmen were gone with nearly all of the containers that once was in the cargobay. Calvin turned to Ensign Trei and began giving orders. "Ensign I need you to do full checks on all decks. We need to make sure we don't have any stragglers on board." (reply Trei) "Very well, get to it." Captain Capps then moved over to one of the ops crewmen. "Begin an inventory of what was taken and have it sent to me as soon as it is ready." He heard a quick yes and the crewmen was off. As Captain Capps began to leave the cargobay an Ensign approached him. "Captain, all the captured intruders are gone. They beamed away somehow when all the cargo and Toulin beamed off the ship." Captain Capps thought something like this would happen. That must have been what the small device was in Ral's hand. It didn't matter anymore, Calvin needed his ship back in order first and then he would go after Toulin and show him how hard a Starfleet vessel such as the USS Boudicca really punches. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Cargo Bay - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 0640) CPTCapps turned to him and gave him the order to check all decks for stragglers. He turned to respond. "Understood sir. We have our orders men. Lets move." He didn't relish climbing up to all the decks for the purpose of searching for stragglers. He shot a look over to CPTToulin nasty enough to turn him to stone. If looks could kill, he would have shot knives at him until he felt every blade. He moved over to the Jeffrey's tubes and ordered his team to climb. He started his climb when all of his team entered the tube. At the next deck he waved the team to fan out. When he found no intruders, he let the team rest for a moment before continuing their search. (posted by Edward Engel) (Broken Wing - Bridge - Captain Ral Toulin & Nikoli Jeswa - 0650) Ral and his team were beamed back onto the bridge of his ship. He wasted no time to get as far away from here as he could. "Is our entire team been beamed aboard?" Nikoli answered the Captain's request, "All but one sir. Sarah." "Yes, I know. She betrayed us Nikoli. I left her there for her to fight her past. She deserved what she'll get." Nikoli wasn't for sure how he felt about this matter, but once again the young man took his superior's word for granted and as law. "Now, Mr. Jeswa. Take us home," Ral said with enthusiasm. Nikoli ran his hands over the controls to plot the course home. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca -Brig - Lieutenant Sarah Becks - 0831) Her eyes flickered open and a groan escaped her lips. Raising a hand to her head, she righted herself and swung her legs over the bunk to a seated position. Her head began to swim a little and she closed her eyes a second. Trying to take a deep breath hurt and she reasoned that Tom had broken at least one of her ribs, not for the first time. Thinking back to those steamy nights on the pleasure planet brought a smile back to her face but what had happened after that brought the familiar anger back as well. Sure, she'd given him a good beating earlier but she wasn't done yet. Knowing what Toulin would probably do next would buy her some leverage but she knew it wouldn't be much. Holding an arm across her chest, Sarah walked to the forcefield and stared out. No-one was around, not a soul. Sighing, she said, "Hey, is anyone there?" Silence was her answer. She knew that there would be someone in the outer office, keeping a close eye on them but they were not foolish enough to come in here. Furious with herself for being captured, she paced for a few moments and then, not being able to hold it in any longer, she yelled, "Hey! Get that soft, Ferengi wannabe in here so i can finish what i started! HEY! I'm talking to you!" Still no answer, this was getting old. She sat back down on the bed, her ribs aching. She laughed a little and thought to herself, ~I never thought that Starfleet officers would leave their prisioners in pain. They're more like us than they think.~ Lying back on the bed, she rested for a second and then a thought hit her. Smiling, not moving from her position, she said, "You know i know what Toulin is planning. I'm in a forgiving mood. Get the Captain down here NOW! I might just tell him...." ~About his First Officer and what he's like~ she added in her mind. That was something that she wanted to do. Destroy Jackson like he'd almost done to her. He'd driven her to become what she was now and it was only fair that she return the favour.... one way or another. (posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Boudicca - Brig - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 0835) He took a relaxing rest in the office for an hour or so when he heard the female intruder start to yell. She started to rant about CDR Jackson and what she would tell CPT Capps when he came down to see her. He listened to her rant with a perverse amusement as if a raving lunatic stated her case from the cell and he was the unseen judge to rule on her testimony. He saw how badly she hurt CDR Jackson and would like a round with her just to see if she could hang with a Klingon Warrior. He suspected she would have a small chance to beat him with his warrior training but she had the chance if she wanted it. He waited for CPT Capps to come and deal with the prisoners. (posted by Edward Engel) (USS Boudicca - Brig - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0852) With only minimal power on Calvin had an easier time getting around the ship, but there was the occasional necessary climb involve. On this particular deck, to Calvin's surprise, about half of the doors actually opened without manual help. He walked into the brig wondering why exactly Sarah, as he was told her name was overheard by another officer, was left behind. The rest of the intruders that had been captured by the Boudicca had all been beamed away cleverly. As he passed the desk that held the security officer currently at guard duty, the man behind the desk rose quickly and asked if he could help in any manner. Captain Capps declined the offer and continued to walk to cell 3. He already knew where Sarah was located. She was awake and sitting down on the small cot offered to all prisoners. Calvin could clearly see the bruises on her skin. It must have been a brutal fight between Tom and her. It didn't look like Sarah had noticed him enter so he cleared his throat loudly. When he was certain that she knew someone was there he introduced himself. "My name is Captain Capps, I am the commanding officer of the USS Boudicca." (reply Becks) Calvin knew asking obvious questions wouldn't get anywhere, besides there were other qualified people to do so. But he could't really say he did his duty if he didn't at least try. "Where is Toulin and his crew going, what will he be doing with our cargo." (reply Becks) "You defend your Captain. Very noble, but did you know every we captured was beamed back to your ship with Toulin except for you. Why do do you believe that is so?" Calvin was personally interested in this question. Was it another end game? Was Sarah part of another trap? To leave behind one of their crew and later she would strike suddenly? (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Brig - Lieutenant Sarah Becks - 0854) Sarah sat on the edge of the cot with her head in her hands. The pain of her injuries was beginning to really hurt and throb. It still shocked her that she had been lying or sitting here, in obvious pain and no-one had come to treat her. It seemed that Starfleet were becoming more like pirates than she had thought. Hearing someone clear their throat outside her cell, she slowly, raised her head and saw a man stood before her in a command uniform. She knew instantly who this was, before he spoke, "My name is Captain Capps, I am the commanding officer of the USS Boudicca." She smiled and replied, "At long last. The mighty Captain has come to see the poor defenceless pirate. What's the matter, Captain? Scared of the little girl locked in a cage?" "Where is Toulin and his crew going, what will he be doing with our cargo." A Laugh escaped her lips. Did he really think that she would betray Toulin? She looked at him and said, "You don't seriously expect me to answer that question? Betray Toulin. Not a chance. He's the greatest Captain i've served with." "You defend your Captain. Very noble, but did you know every we captured was beamed back to your ship with Toulin except for you. Why do do you believe that is so?" Sarah sighed. She knew that her fight and personal vendetta against Tom had cost her her position and ship but she couldn't escape it any more than she couldn't escape this cell. Since the night he left, she had always known that their paths would cross again and that nothing would stand in her way. She cocked her head and said, "You'd have to ask him..... Oh wait, You can't can you? He walked away without so much of a fight from you." She laughed, a hearty deep laugh that soon had her ribs aching with pain. Wincing, she held them tight and said, "So much for the mighty Starfleet." (Reply Capps) She shook her head and said, "What is more interesting is the fact that you have left a prisioner in your custody sat with painful injuries for a number of hours now. What about this mighty Geneva Convention? What about fair treatment of prisoners? Or is that something that Tom has told you doesn't apply to me?" (Reply Capps) Still not sure if Tom had grown a pair and actually told the Captain about their previous relationship, she continued, "You know he did this. He beat me, a defenceless woman. That's what sort of a man Tom Jackson is." The edge of absolute hate on her voice was palpable and she knew it. Better still, she didn't care. She hated Tom Jackson with a passion. But inside her at the moment was burning a new hate. A new reason in life that she hadn't have expected. A hatred towards this ship and her crew. Tom had been a part of them and they had taken her prisoner and not allowed her to continue on with Toulin. She vowed in her mind, there and then, that she would have her revenge upon them and it would be sooner rather than later. (posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Boudicca - Brig - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0856) "You'd have to ask him..... Oh wait, You can't can you? He walked away without so much of a fight from you." She laughed, a hearty deep laugh that soon had her ribs aching with pain. Wincing, she held them tight and said, "So much for the mighty Starfleet." Unfortunately what Sarah was saying was almost true. The Boudicca security team had done a magnificent job of stopping and capturing the first round of borders. But in the end Toulin's trap had proved too clever to halt. Captain Capps saw no other option but to give in to Ral's demands. But one thing Sarah didn't know was that Calvin himself had created a vendetta for Toulin. "Starfleet will prevail," Calvin said with a clear deep voice without any emotion rooted into it. "I am certain that our resources are greater." The Captain wasn't for sure is Sarah had agreed with his last statement or if she wasn't really listening to him for she continued to her next concern. "What is more interesting is the fact that you have left a prisioner in your custody sat with painful injuries for a number of hours now. What about this mighty Geneva Convention? What about fair treatment of prisoners? Or is that something that Tom has told you doesn't apply to me?" It was definitely now confirmed that Sarah and Tom knew each other and very well. For this prisoner to call him by his first name and with such anger only told the Captain that she had a vengeance against the Boudicca's First Officer. As for the bruises, "Superficial injuries, time will heal them. Any major needs were taken care of." The Captain had ordered exactly that for Becks. Still it seemed that Sarah only was trying to find a trigger button to push on Calvin. She skipped over his responses and continued into a mini rant. "You know he did this. He beat me, a defenceless woman. That's what sort of a man Tom Jackson is." "Ms. Becks I hardly consider you a defenseless woman. Looking at the damage you and Toulin did I would say that you are the complete opposite." The Captain didn't mention how hurt his First Officer had come out. He didn't want Sarah to feel any more empowered than she already did. (reply Becks) "Listen, I am not interested in all your side conversations and distractions. I'm not interested in becoming your friend. What I want is my cargo back. You give me something that can help that cause now, or I walk out of this room. You, you can stay in this brig until we get back to our Starbase." (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Brig - Lieutenant Sarah Becks - 0901) "Ms. Becks I hardly consider you a defenseless woman. Looking at the damage you and Toulin did I would say that you are the complete opposite." Smiling, she rose from the cot and walked towards the forcefield and said, "well on that front, you might be right. But let me out of this cage and you will see what damage i can really do." "Listen, I am not interested in all your side conversations and distractions. I'm not interested in becoming your friend. What I want is my cargo back. You give me something that can help that cause now, or I walk out of this room. You, you can stay in this brig until we get back to our Starbase." Looking at this man, this captain that had her in a bind, Sarah felt a flash of anger and knew there and then that she would take her revenge on this man. She vowed that silently in her own mind whilst she replied, "You think i really want to help you? My god, you're even more stupid than i thought you would be. You really do have no clue about what's going on here. What we're trying to achieve." (Reply Capps) Watching him walk away, she yelled, "Captain, wait." She watched as he turned slowly, (Reply Capps) Sarah forced her anger down and smiled sweetly and said, "I apologise. My anger towards Tom blinded me. I would like to help you....... in return for something." (Reply Capps) She sighed and said, "I'd really like something to eat and drink. Nothing fancy. Bread and water if you're feeling generous." (Reply Capps) A Plan was forming in her mind and it was a good one. She knew what she was doing and how and when to do it. They'd run through simulations like this many times, her pirates and her. She had this plan down to a tee and really was looking forward to a chance to put it into action. (posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Boudicca - Brig - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 0903) The woman on the other side of th force field stood and smile deviantly, "Well on that front, you might be right. But let me out of this cage and you will see what damage i can really do." "Listen, I am not interested in all your side conversations and distractions. I'm not interested in becoming your friend. What I want is my cargo back. You give me something that can help that cause now, or I walk out of this room. You, you can stay in this brig until we get back to our Starbase." "You think i really want to help you? My god, you're even more stupid than i thought you would be. You really do have no clue about what's going on here. What we're trying to achieve." "Your choice." Calvin needed information from her but he threatened that he would leave the room if she didn't talk. It would seemed she called his bluff so he had no choice but to now act on it his promise. He turned on his heels with no expression on his face and began to walk away. Watching him walk away she yelled, "Captain, wait." She watched as he turned slowly. "I apologise. My anger towards Tom blinded me. I would like to help you....... in return for something." He stood his distance from the cell. He didn't want her to think that she had won by him returning back to his previous spot. "And what might that be Ms. Becks?" She sighed and said, "I'd really like something to eat and drink. Nothing fancy. Bread and water if you're feeling generous." Captain Capps couldn't find any harm in giving Sarah what she asked for except maybe to give her exactly what she wanted. He turned one last time and looked at the security crewmen working the board. "Give her a Klingon food pack," he said loud enough for Becks to hear. He continued through the inner room and walked out of the thick double doors. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Captain's ready room - Assistant Tactical Officer Ensign(jg) Lennex - 1000) The Romulan stepped onto the deck of the Boudicca. On the journey here, he had researched this particular ship, and was eager to begin his duty on such a historically esteemed vessel. He saluted the crewmen in the main docking bay before briskly walking to the nearest turbolift. As he proceeded, he wondered, ~How many Romulans would have longed to walk these halls before me? I am truly blessed to serve on such a craft.~ Moments later, he stepped onto the bridge. As with any starship, the consoles hummed quietly as the crew manned their stations. Lennex hoped that, in time, this ship would be as much of a home to him as the Kazhar had been. After a moment, he shook himself back to the present and found himself before the ready room, pressing the call button. (posted by Albert) (USS Boudicca - Brig - Lieutenant Sarah Becks - 1001) Sitting on the cot, her body now sated by the food that she had eaten, her mind began to wander. She knew that her time was up and that she was heading for a federation prison and she knew it would be for a long time. Piracy was still thought of harshly and this was something that they had all known, going into the mission. This was different though. This was Tom's fault she was sat here. It was his fault that she was going to prison and she was damned if she was going to go down without a fight. Firstly, a way out of here. ~Well, got that covered.~ she thought to herself. The next thing would be where to go. This was something that she had to think about but she knew exactly when she was going to move. This was going to be quite a shock to the Captain and that brought a smile to her face. Revenge truely was a dish that was best served cold and it was about to get very cold for this crew. (posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1002) It had been a few hours since Ensign Jacobs and Lieutenant Rinn begin restoring power to the Boudicca. It was a slow process, and one that would still need more time. Some power however had been restored. For instance when Calvin heard his door chime rang, he was surprised to see that the door opened to its own accord. A Romulan entered his ready room which startled the Captain. He stood immediately, but he slowly paced his thoughts. He noticed that the gentleman was wearing a Starfleet uniform. And on that uniform were the pips of an Ensign Junior Grade. Calvin was certain he would remember such an officer aboard his ship if one existed. He waited for the man to introduce himself. (reply Lennex) Now knowing who the Ensign was he was curious how he had arrived just in time for his shuttle to have been welcomed aboard with power. For if it was merely an hour earlier he was certain that it would have been impossible. Captain Capps was also curious how Ensign Lennex got around the mines, but flying a small shuttle and the mines were now exposed convinced the Captain that it was possible. "Do you have your orders Ensign Lennex?" The junior officer took a PADD that he was holding and handed it over to Calvin. The Captain took a seat and motioned for Lennex to do the same. He began to read over the PADD. It seemed the i's were dotted and every t was crossed. He placed his personal code into the correct field and as he suspected it was accepted. Now certain that Lennex was indeed suppose to be on the Boudicca, the Captain looked up from the PADD. "Welcome aboard the USS Boudicca Ensign Lennex." (reply Lennex) "I see that you were part of the exchange program. What made you want to be part of that program," the Captain asked curiously. (reply Lennex) "Very well. I see that you have experience on starships already and have a very prestigious resume in the academy. I understand how you were given the position of Assistant Chief in your department. How do you feel your past experience can help on the USS Boudicca," Captain Capps continued getting to know his new officer. (reply Lennex) "Excellent," Calvin so far thought that having Lennex aboard would be very beneficial. "Do you have any questions Ensign?" (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - ACTO Lennex - 1003) As the door whisked open, the young Romulan sucked in a breath, hoping it would be covered by the miniature decompression that accompanied each such invitation to enter. What would this captain expect? How would he differ from Lennex's past Romulan commanders? Perhaps he would be more lenient - Starfleet was always said to be more 'laid back,' as the Terrans termed the foolish levels of relaxation aboard their vessels. Nervous nonetheless, Lennex stepped in, saluted, and announced himself to the captain, "Ensign Junior Grade Lennex reporting for duty, as ordered, sir." He added a polite, if forced smile. "Do you have your orders Ensign Lennex?" "Here, Captain," he hands the senior officer a PADD, seating himself across the table from his commanding officer. "Welcome aboard the USS Boudicca Ensign Lennex. I see that you were part of the exchange program. What made you want to be part of that program?" the Captain asked curiously. "Thank you, Captain. I elected to participate because Federation tactics and technology has always fascinated me - forgive the stereotype, sir, but on Romulus, many of my people consider the Federation to be," he hedges, grimacing, "undisciplined. I have discovered, however, that this is not at all the case. A pleasant finding, I assure you." "Very well. I see that you have experience on starships already and have a very prestigious resume in the academy. I understand how you were given the position of Assistant Chief in your department. How do you feel your past experience can help on the USS Boudicca?" Captain Capps continued getting to know his new officer. The Romulan nods, "Indeed. My past experience in the Star Empire has prepared me for multiple situations - bridge duty, emergency tactical response, and even limited command responsibilities. I was Fourth Officer aboard the D'lyrandar, in addition to the tactical responsibilities I held." "Excellent," Calvin so far thought that having Lennex aboard would be very beneficial. "Do you have any questions Ensign?" "No sir, only when I may begin active duty." The Romulan moves to stand. (posted by Albert) (Runabout Valarian - Cockpit - Commander Victoria Sevant - 1015) "She doesn't look any different." Vicki said with a small smile as the Boudicca came within visual range. The Boudicca was a battleship, beautiful for all that she hadn't been built to look pretty. Vicki had served on that ship in two different realities, it was one of two constants about her world in this universe. And now she was about to serve for a third time, in a position she'd long wanted to try. A touch of sadness touched her, she'd met Caladryll on the Boudicca, she'd watched him die there in another lifetime. She'd been in one losing battle after another while on the bridge, only to be snatched away by a spatial anomaly and eventually sent to this Boudicca for the final battles of the war. The Civil War had gone so much better in this universe than in her own, she'd survived to the end and watched over a battle-ravaged Earth while Starfleet reorganized and the Boudicca was repaired. And now Vicki was back, to help command her, if only for a short time. She leaned back in her chair as the pilot opened communications, "Runabout Valarian to USS Boudicca, permission to land and offload personnel." (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1017) After Ensign Lennex left the Captain's ready room Calvin returned his full attention to the lack of power on his ship. His acting Chief Engineer had given him an estimated time that was nearly up so he expected to have power soon. To his delight his mere thoughts of the matter seemed to activate the last needed element for this very thing to happen. Captain Capps looked around his room amazed how differently it looked in full light versus emergency lighting. He now expected to hear from Ensign Jacobs. (reply Jocobs) "Excellent work Ensign Jacobs. Also extend my gratitude toward the other officers and crewmen that helped you succeed with the task." (reply Jacobs) The communication channel closed, but he quickly initiated another one. "Captain Capps to senior crew, there is a conference at 1100 hours." (reply all) Before Calvin could prepare for the conference an urgent message appeared on his screen. He voiced his commanding officer level security code and an astonishing unbelievable message appeared before his eyes. It appeared that BUPERS had made a fatal mistake regarding Tom Jackson as First Officer of the USS Boudicca. They were now recalling him back to Starbase Geneva for redeployment to another vessel. The commander and his family were to use the same shuttle flown here by Ensign Lennex to return back to Geneva. Captain Capps was furious. He needed a First Officer, and relieving his FO of his duties now would almost mean suicide. The situation called for a good and strong crew. As far as Calvin was concern he had exactly what he needed to get this job done. Never the less, orders were orders, and Captain Capps followed orders. But before he could close the report something caught his eye. He nearly missed it, but there was a second report attached to the first one. He opened it up and to his surprise and delight BUPERS had found it fitting to go ahead and send along a replacement for the now open First Officer position. It didn't say exactly when that person would arrive, but he had a feeling it would be soon enough. He tapped his combadge one more time to call his First Officer to his office so he may receive the horrific news. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - NPC Ensign Josh Woo - 1018) Ensign Woo had been monitoring the on coming runabout craft the best he could from the ops console. The intermittent power was beginning to be annoying, but continued to work with the power outages. To his surprise a comm channel was opened between the runabout and the Boudicca. "Runabout Valarian to USS Boudicca, permission to land and offload personnel." Josh answered the runabout almost immediatly. Runabout Valarian had already sent its security codes, but what the Ensign didn't know was if the Runabout was able to enter the shuttlebay. "Runabout Valarian this is the USS Boudicca. Please hold..." (reply Runabout Valarian, iyw) Through his console he ran his fingers to double check that the shuttlebay power was currently up and running. After he received a positive reply he turned his attention back to the waiting Runabout. "USS Boudicca to Runabout Valarian. You are clear for main shuttlebay." (reply Runabout Valarian) The comm closed and the Ensign returned to his some what normal duties. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Deck 12 - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1019) The work that Henry had promised to be completed was taking a lot longer than he anticipated. For the most about the Haz-4 suit was greatly slowing him down. None the less he was almost done radiating the last EPS conduit to restore power to the ship. Section by section the ships lights started to return to full power. It was instinctual to tap his commbadge and check in with the Captain, and he did so, without actually knowing if it would work or not. For the months that Jacobs had been on the Boudicca he had found that the more he worked on her the more she would comply to him. The channel opened without a problem and Jacobs began to report his success to his superior. "Ensign Jacobs to Captain Capps, it looks like all the teams have successfully radiated the condiuts. Full power should be restoring shipwide." Excellent work Ensign Jacobs. Also extend my gratitude toward the other officers and crewmen that helped you succeed with the task." The captain responded with nothing but praise. "Aye sir, I will relay the message." The channel closed and Jacobs smiled in the direction of the other engineers in his group. He ordered them to return the Haz-4 suits to the away team staging area and he continued on make his way to the nearest turbolift to get to the bridge. The doors didn't open as he approached and it was clear that his previous luck had run out. He now had to climb the jefferies tube to get to the bridge. He mustered up his strength and began climbing as a shipwide channel was opened. The Captain ordered the senior crew members to the conference room for 1100. Since he had not passed the floor that the conference room was one he continued his climb until he made his way to deck 4. (posted by Darryl McDaniel) (USS Boudicca - Shuttlebay - Commander Victoria Sevant - 1020) Vicki stepped off the runabout, her mouth set in a frown as she looked around and soaked in the ambiance. What she saw didn't excite her much, the mood was somber and reminded her all too much of the days when she had been running in constant combat operations. Security was much tighter than it should have been; In fact, some of the guards looked downright vengeful right now, and she wasn't particularly in love with the glares they were throwing her way. She hefted her duffel and stepped up to the Officer of the Deck, "Commander Sevant, requesting permission to come aboard." "I require proof of your identity, Commander." The OoD said crisply. Vicki quirked her eyebrow and reached into her uniform. She pulled out a PADD and handed it over, it showed her identity and current orders. The OoD checked them over, twice, and then handed the PADD back. "My apologies Commander, permission granted." She took the PADD from his hand and stuck it back into her inner uniform pocket as she looked around. "Thank you, Ensign." She said absently as she up her duffel and tossed it back toward the runabout. "See that this gets to my quarters." She stepped away and headed for the main doors. Whatever was going on, she obviously wasnt going to have time to get comfortable with her old ship again. She tapped her badge, "Commander Sevant to the Captain, I would like to report - what is your location?" (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1022) =/\=Commander Sevant to the Captain, I would like to report - what is your location?=/\= The name at first threw the Captain off, but after he repeated the name to himself he realized it was the replacement First Officer sent by BUPERS. He tapped his combadge, "Commander Sevant I am in my ready room." The commander answered back quickly enough and the comms fell silent. Calvin took a quick glance around the room and was happy that it looked respectable. After a moments thought he laughed at himself. Even though he was the Captain he still wanted to look good for any member of his crew. Of course Commander Sevant was a little different. She is the wife of an Admiral. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Bridge, Outside Ready Room - Commander Sevant - 1026) ~Unchanged.~ Vicki thought as she looked over the bridge. Her post at Ops was filled by someone she didn't know, but that wasn't a surprise. She hadn't had a chance yet to memorize the crew roster. Still, it felt odd not to be sitting there herself - or be standing off to the side on one of the secondary consoles in standby as she so often had as the Relief. This time, she'd have a different chair to fill. Victoria smoothed out the front of her uniform and took a brief breath before pushing the enunciator to the ready-room. She couldn't hear it, not through the door, but she knew the Captain would be aware of her presence. (reply: if desired) Vicki stepped in and came to light attention just inside the door. "Commander Victoria Sevant, reporting for duty, Captain." (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 1055) He entered the conference room and went to the replicator as the power was restored. He ordered his usual glass of Earl Gray and took a seat near the front. He pulled out his PADD and made some notes before the meeting. He waved at the crew as they filed in and waited for the meeting to start. ~This ought to be fun.~ (posted by Edward Engel) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - Ensign(jg) Elizabeth Caspian, Dr. - 1057) Elizabeth made her way the beginning of a massive headache was already well on its way. Its been some time since she used her telepathic abilities in such an intense way for quite some time, and she could feel the tension building behind her eyes. Elizabeth was relieved when full power was restored and medical could resume normal operations. That was one more stress lifted from her mind, has she entered the Conference room, she smiled and nodded to Ensign Trei in greeting before she found her own set. Which she settled into and sighed deeply. (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - aCMO Ensign Mia Sary - Day 14 - 1059) Mia walked into the conference room and gazed around. Spotting Lizzy, she walked over and sat next to her. "Busy day then?" She asked with a smile. (Reply Caspian) Mia smiled and said, "I wanted to ask you something." (Reply Caspian) "If you have some spare time tonight, care to join me for some dinner in my quarters?" (Reply Caspian) Mia nodded and said, "Indeed we do." Mia's head turned as Capps began the meeting. (posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1059) Calvin walked into the room quickly noticing some but not all of the officers were already in the conference room. He took his seat and placed the PADDs he carried onto the table. His thoughts wondered as he sat waiting for the rest of his senior crew to show. He couldn't believe that he was about to announce a change in the command staff of the ship. It was so sudden and may look mysterious to the crew, but he would tell them exactly what he was informed. He also knew that some of this crew had a certain closeness to Commander Jackson. Hopefully his new First Officer would also be able to connect with this crew. His thoughts slowly faded away as a few more officers entered the room. He looked around to notice that there were still a certain officer not in the room. Lateness was something that definitely bothered him. It was one of his pet peeves. But he tried to give the engineer the benefit of the doubt. The aCEO had just gotten the ship up and running and moving around the ship was still difficult because of intermittent power outages. Even without everyone there he needed to start the meeting. He would start with a subject where anyone missing could catch up at a later point. "Thanks everyone for coming on such a short notice. We have a lot to discuss, and when we leave here today I hope to have a plan to track Toulin and his men to get our cargo back and to bring justice to all the other crews Toulin has tricked and stolen from. So lets gets started." Calvin paused for just a second. He swallowed and then continued. "You may have noticed that Lieutenant Commander Jackson is not sitting to my right like he normally would. He was called back to Starbase Geneva by BUPERS where he will be stationed else where. He will be on board the Boudicca for just a short while longer. Before we leave this area he will take a runabout back. You may say your goodbyes then." "Commander Sevant will be taking up the role as First Officer. Give her you complete support, cooperation and respect that she deserves. I am certain that her experience will be invaluable to us." The Captain then turned to face Vicki. "Do you have anything you would like to say Commander?" (reply Sevant) After the FO was finished the room was joined with another officer; the missing aCEO. Without missing a step Calvin picked the meeting back up. "Alright, reports from all departments." (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Commander Sevant - 1059) Vicki sat with her hands carefully folded as the Captain rose to speak. She'd spent her childhood learning how to be polite, to behave, and how to act with the perfect grace that was associated with the family of an Ambassador. After all, it would have looked bad if a top level Federation ambassador couldn't control his family, it would have weakened him at the negotiating table. Of course, that was also where she'd first glimpsed her future husband, though she'd had almost no contact with him. Ambassador Sevant had been one of the most feared men in the Diplomatic Corps before his untimely death, if one could attach the word 'feared' to a full-blooded Vulcan. He would often have been paired with a human, someone with more of an emotionally expressive face, so that they could play 'good cop/bad cop'. Her father had been chosen once or twice for just that reason, he'd been a jovial soul. So while her father brought peace to worlds, her mother endeavored to drill the very art of British cordiality and discipline into her young daughter. The lessons had took, Vicki rarely showed more than mild annoyance in public - and that rarely. Add her crisp British accent to her well tutored manners, and she could pass as the matron to any high-blood house. "Commander Sevant will be taking up the role as First Officer. Give her you complete support, cooperation and respect that she deserves." The captain said after a minute or so. "I am certain that her experience will be invaluable to us." The Captain then turned to face Vicki. "Do you have anything you would like to say Commander?" Vicki looked at the crew. All new faces, so many changes had been made in such a short time. She nodded and stood, coming to her full five and a half foot height, and clasped her hands behind her back - unconsciously imitating her husband as he spoke. "This will be my third time serving on the Boudicca. I was married here, most of my children were born here. I served with her in peace, in war, and everything in between. My laughter has rung through the corridors, and my blood has been shed on her decks... this ship is as much my home as ever I've had. " Her voice was loud enough to be heard around the table, but not uncomfortably so, she'd had long practice making herself clearly understood without yelling from Bridge duty. "It was with great pleasure that I accepted this position, for all that I know you were fond of my predecessor. Very few of you know me, that will change in the coming days and weeks. I look forward to it, for the former crews I have worked with here have been the very best, the bravest, that our civilization has produced - I'm glad to see that tradition has been continued." Vicki nodded to the Captain and took her seat. They were joined not long later by an officer in Engineering yellow - and the Captain called for status reports. To these, Vicki listened most closely. (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCOPS Lt. Deynyk Rinn- 1102) Deynyk had barely made it into the conference room in time to avoid being late. He'd managed to help clear the areas of the unwanted radiation that was constricting the electroplasma flow throughout the ship, and despite his knowledge of engineering principles, the monotonous repetitive repair had all but drained away any thrill he had found for having discovered the solution to the problem in the first place. He had quickly changed, dumping his hand-held emitter and Haz-4 suit into the decontamination chamber, and had hurriedly dressed in his uniform and huffed it up the several decks to the conference room, since the Turbolifts were still constricted until the smaller power distribution trunks that supplied them with power were restored. He had slid into his seat, as quickly and quietly as he could , just barely before the chronometer slipped over to the time that the briefing was supposed to start. Dey felt as if he had been running a marathon, climbing a freestyle cliff face and carrying a heavy backpack all at the same time, which was to say he was a bit fatigued by the extra workload he had assumed for the last few hours. He was therefore a little slow to notice the new face amongst them in a timely manner, and it wasn't until he noticed that Commander Jackson was missing, and apparently replaced by this mysterious woman with commander's pips, that he realized he'd missed something important. Interested to find out what that may be, he took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds and let it out slowly as the briefing got underway. (posted by Daneil Greene) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - Ensign(jg) Elizabeth Caspian, Dr. - 1104) Elizabeth watched has the rest of the senior staff waled into the conference room. She also noted and smiled has Mia entered the room and sat next to her. "Busy day then?" Mia asked with a smile. "Just a tad bit more than normal, yes." Elizabeth asked returning the smile. "I wanted to ask you something." Mia continued smiling "No go right on ahead." Elizabeth answered "If you have some spare time tonight, care to join me for some dinner in my quarters?" Mia asked. Elizabeth became puzzled by the request. "Sure I have time, I believe there is much we need to talk about" Elizabeth became silent because the meeting was soon to start. There was however another puzzle that weighed on Elizabeth's mind she noticed Commander Jackson at that time was still absent from the meeting but yet another new female commander who had newly arrived was seated at the table. Things in this mission were becoming more and more complex. (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1109) Henry strolled into the conference room still holding the helmet from his Haz-4 suit. He didn't have time to return the suit as he came straight from radiating the last EPS conduit to the conference room. He understood that he was late and he would deal with any disciplinary action after the meeting, what was important was that he had restored power and the ship was getting back under control. The room was already filled with the other senior staff members. Without introduction he walked over to an available seat and began to pay attention to what was already being discussed. (posted by Darryl McDaniel) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCMO Ensign Mia Saryn - 1110) Mia watched Henry as he walked into the conference room and sat opposite her. She smiled a welcome at him. They'd had a few dates whilst the ship was on it's way to it's present location but nothing much had happened. Mia really enjoyed his company but now she was beginning to wonder where things were heading. He had been a perfect gentleman and never pushed anything but it was almost as if she had an itch building up that she wanted to scratch. She knew that it may come as a bit of a shock to him but she'd learnt through her life and Saryn had taught her. He'd been warming more and more to him as they continued to enjoy each others company. Suddenly, she realised that she had been staring at him for a good few seconds with dreamy eyes and shook herself out of her revelerie. She knew he'd been watching her and her cheeks flushed a little. She wanted to catch him after the meeting and see if would come to a late lunch with her. ~Maybe he'd help me scratch this itch.~ She thought to herself with a smile on her face. (posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - aCMO Ensign Mia Saryn - Day 14 - 1110) Mia listened to the new FO talk and thought that having another woman on board was a good idea. It was beginning to feel like a very manly ship, which she didn't mind, but having a woman on the command staff could only be a good thing. As she listened to the status reports from other departments, she spoke, "Sir, The medical department is ready to go. I'll let Dr Caspian give you a full update. " (posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1111) Henry's heart had finally started to slow down as he took his time and relaxed sitting in his seat. There was major discussion coming from the head of the table but his interest seemed to be in another section of the table. He had not noticed it at first but Mia was sitting across from him. After the first glance he was warmed by her smile but as he continued to glance back in her direction he started to notice that she had been engaged in the same gaze since his initial look. What was more interesting was the fact that his smile was turning from that to more of a blank slate. He was starting to wonder if he was as interested in her as he had been since he met her. He needed some idea of where their relationship was going, if there was a relationship to even talk about. But that would be an issue that would be addressed at another time. Hoping she would understand his gesture he sat up in his chair and turned his attention back to the meeting. He was in more than enough trouble for entering the meeting late, he didn't need to draw any unnecessary attention to himself. Now that his attention was back into the meeting he noticed that there was a new officer in the room. Looking at her red collar he noticed the three full pips classifying her as a commander. What was more troubling was the fact that Tom was not in the meeting. The new person was sitting in the traditional FO's seat as if she claimed it as her own. These two occurrences were not sitting well with Henry and he feared what he was going to learn in the meeting. (posted by Darryl McDaniel) (USS Boudicca – Conference Room - Ensign(jg) Elizabeth Caspian, Dr. - 1116) "Sir, The medical department is ready to go. I'll let Dr Caspian give you a full update. " Mia spoke has Elizabeth took the floor. "Sir, medical stands ready we have two reactionary medical teams on stand-by. We are currently inventorying what loss medical supplies so they can replaced. Back up power generators are prepped and ready in case of another wide spread power failure. If nothing else this last attack we were able to determine who has the skills needed to operate in certain needed medical fields. It seems we have quite a few combat medics that know the skills to operate in situations where power is limited. I know the thought might seem barbaric at first but by using that knowledge we have been further able to cut back power consumption by thirty percent. Which to me seems promising. Like Ensign Sayrn said Medical will be ready." Elizabeth took a seat has the Captain continued the meeting, which outlined a plan of action. Upon hearing what the captain had planned Elizabeth knew that medical had to be ready. It was very possible that this could turn into a full fledged altercation very easily. Everyone had to be ready. (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1119) The news had just been broken. While Henry sat Ensign Romanoff filled him in on what he had missed. "Commander Sevant will be taking up the role as First Officer. Give her your complete support, cooperation and respect that she deserves. I am certain her experience will be invaluable to us," Romanoff repeated from what the Captain had said. Jacobs turned his head in her direction to take her in in all respects. He wanted to make sure he developed the same type of relationship he had developed with Tom. Speaking of Tom made him realize that he wanted to make sure he said goodbye to him before he left for his reassignment. He clearly heard the Captain's voice announce that he wanted reports from all departments. It was loud enough to shake Henry out of his thought of Tom and the new FO. Since no one jumped right into their reports Henry raised his hand to begin. "We had about five engineering teams scattered across the ship following Lt. Rinn's plan to radiate the EPS conduits to restore power to the ship. For the most part this plan has been working as the majority of the ship's systems are back online. My team just finished the last radiation treatment just before this meeting was called. Main power is steadily returning to 100% and all ship systems should be restored within the hour. Additional engineering teams will be dispatched to ensure all systems are online." (reply Capps, Deynyk) "As far as getting the ship out of the mine field," he thought back to the initial bussard collector flush which decloaked the proximity mines, " we can continue to decloak the mines but moving through them will take some time." (reply any) "We can use the deflector dish to depolarize the mines and effectively push them out of the path of the Boudicca. Very similar to a cow herder in front of a farming tractor. Like I said this is going to take time. At least 14 hours to reconfigure the deflector dish to work as a reverse magnet. Even then the ship should not use anything more than maneuvering thrusters until we clear the mine field." (reply Capps, any) "This would defeat any attempts of tracking and pursuing the bandits and the cargo. Even if we could track them," Henry finished. Before anyone else could respond Ensign Romanoff interjected. "We can track them," he said. Jacobs took a second to think about what the other Ensign was saying. He had an idea but he didn't know how much time they had. Jacobs had a solution. "I have an idea." (posted by Darryl McDaniel) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 1125) He listened as Jacobs gave his report. He though Jacobs posed some good points but, he felt that the pursuit of the pirates was more pressing. He also had a question to pose if the mines could be attracted to the pirates therefore forcing them to reveal themselves. He stood up to report next. "Security is working as usual after the power outage. The incident with the pirates caused us to climb down to the Cargo Bay. I was able to take out some of their team on the way to saving Dr. Saryn inside the bay near some crates. I stunned a female member of the pirate team and took her to the Brig by way of the Jeffrey's Tubes. It was hard but the job was done. Back in the Cargo Bay, the pirates used a device to teleport themselves to their ship with the cargo they were after. I took my team as ordered and swept the decks for stragglers. When we found none, we returned to report the result to CPT Capps . I think Jacobs's idea of the "cow catcher" is good, but I think pursuing the pirates is the more pressing issue. Is there way to make the mines attract to the pirates therefore forcing them to reveal themselves?" (posted by Edward Engel) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCOPS Lt. Deynyk Rinn- 1126) "We had about five engineering teams scattered across the ship following Lt. Rinn's plan to radiate the EPS conduits to restore power to the ship. For the most part this plan has been working as the majority of the ship's systems are back online. My team just finished the last radiation treatment just before this meeting was called. Main power is steadily returning to 100% and all ship systems should be restored within the hour. Additional engineering teams will be dispatched to ensure all systems are online." Jacobs explained in response to the captain's request for departmental reports. "I concur, Captain." Deynyk added, "The engineering teams have been working solid on restoring the power flow to the primary trunks. as a result we have most of the ship back to full operating capability. Phasers, shields, impulse and Warp drives have been restored to full power. It's the secondary systems, such as the replicators, transporters, turbo lifts and some of the other minor systems that are powered by the tertiary power feeds that are still off-line. Until we can get them decontaminated, we'll won't be completely capable of full functionality. Currently we're at 65% total operational capacity power wise." "I also have a team taking a complete inventory of the cargo that was taken from the cargo bay. As well as a detailed analysis being undertaken to figure out how they were able to tap into our communications array when it was clearly off-line." Jacobs continued, "As far as getting the ship out of the mine field, we can continue to decloak the mines but moving through them will take some time. We can use the deflector dish to depolarize the mines and effectively push them out of the path of the Boudicca. Very similar to a cow herder in front of a farming tractor. Like I said this is going to take time. At least 14 hours to reconfigure the deflector dish to work as a reverse magnet. Even then the ship should not use anything more than maneuvering thrusters until we clear the mine field." "Security is working as usual after the power outage. The incident with the pirates caused us to climb down to the Cargo Bay. I was able to take out some of their team on the way to saving Dr. Saryn inside the bay near some crates. I stunned a female member of the pirate team and took her to the Brig by way of the Jeffrey's Tubes. It was hard but the job was done. Back in the Cargo Bay, the pirates used a device to teleport themselves to their ship with the cargo they were after. I took my team as ordered and swept the decks for stragglers. When we found none, we returned to report the result to CPT Capps . I think Jacobs's idea of the "cow catcher" is good," Trei interjected, "but I think pursuing the pirates is the more pressing issue. Is there way to make the mines attract to the pirates therefore forcing them to reveal themselves?" "This would defeat any attempts of tracking and pursuing the bandits and the cargo. Even if we could track them," Henry finished. "I have a thought,"Deynyk said then, "Ensign Trei, has an interesting idea, a means by which we could render the mines inert without requiring a long length of time to implement complex modifications to the ship's main deflector. And I also believe that with some basic modifications to his idea and implementing some of the ideas that our CEO has put forward that we can possibly implement a means to get through this minefield without too much of a delay and with minimal risk to the ship." (reply Capps) "We can shield the EPS conduits aboard ship with Tricobalt-carbon ceramic alloy sheathing to prevent the build up of the Balyric Radiation, but for the Boudicca that is a process that will take hours. However, one of the Danube class runabouts could be modified in a little less than an hour with the shielding. A pilot could then direct that runabout ahead of the Boudicca, drawing the mines out of her path. Judging from their output ratings, during our collision, the runabout could survive innumerable collisions with those mines, provided that she maintain her shields, which shouldn't be a problem to do since she won't suffer from the constriction of her EPS flow." "Basically we use the modified runabout as our cow catcher, facilitating our ability to catch and overcome the pirates. We reduce the risk of losing them as a result of time lost, and we minimize the damage that could be done to the Boudicca in attempting to maneuver the minefield. While we're under way, we can institute the same Tricobalt-carbon ceramic alloy sheathing to the Boudicca's primary and secondary power trunks. Then if time allows we can start on the tertiary power distribution trunks." "The sheathing is sprayed into place and will adhere to the conduits readily and without difficulty. My Flight operations teams in the shuttle bay can handle the modifications to a runabout or two so that we can leave the engineering teams to handle the bulk of the work needed on the Boudicca." (posted by Daneil Greene) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1128) The Captain had listened to his new First Officer and felt that she would do well on the Boudicca. Her experience on this very ship alone could prove to be a major advantage. After she sat down from her simple yet energetic and uplifting speech Calvin listened in to the reports from all the departments. It would seem, all things considered, the Boudicca was bouncing back very well. All departments reported with positive feedback and the Engineering and Operations team had some good and interesting ideas on how to leave the mine field quickly enough to catch up with Toulin but safely enough to not damage the Boudicca any more than it already was. Lieutenant Rinn finished explaining his full plan and Calvin couldn't find any fault in it. He turned to his CEO. "Ensign Jacobs would you agree with Lieutenant Rinn's plan?" (reply Jacobs) "Very well," he turned his attention tot he entire crew. "Begin preparing the runabout with the necessary modifications. Within the hour we shall begin with the eradication of the mines so the Boudicca can go after Toulin and his men. Ensign Jacobs continue on getting the Boudicca back to full power and if you can spare the men assist Lieutenant Rinn and his team with the Runabout. Ensign Trei prepare 8 warning probes to set on the perimeter of this minefield to prevent it from harming anyone else. I will be sending a communication to Starfleet to send another ship to this location to permanently take care of the mines. Dr. Saryn and Dr. Caspian some medical supplies was stolen from us. Ensure that we have the necessary supplies or replacements as needed. Also prepare sickbay for injuries if the Boudicca does go into battle." Calvin took a breath and looked around at his team. "Unless there is anything else, you are dismissed." (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/S ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 1130) He listened to the orders given out by CPT Capps. He understood them fine except for where he was going to execute those orders. He suspected the Bridge but asked to be sure. "Understood Sir. I will get right on that. Will I be executing the action from the Bridge or from one of the lead shuttles?" It is always best to be sure about any actions that need executing even though he runs on instinct most of the time. (posted by Edward Engel) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1133) It was decided, with the pooling of available resources and ideas, that modifications would be made to one of the available shuttles to effectively disarm and move the mines out of the way of the Boudicca. Lieutenant Rinn finished explaining his full plan and Calvin couldn't find any fault in it. He turned to his CEO. "Ensign Jacobs would you agree with Lieutenant Rinn's plan?" "Absolutely," Henry responded. "The idea is sound and works perfectly with the amount of time available to us." Henry's input seemed to be enough for the Captain to push forward with his orders. "Begin preparing the runabout with the necessary modifications. Within the hour we shall begin with the eradication of the mines so the Boudicca can go after Toulin and his men. Ensign Jacobs continue on getting the Boudicca back to full power and if you can spare the men assist Lieutenant Rinn and his team with the Runabout. Ensign Trei prepare 8 warning probes to set on the perimeter of this minefield to prevent it from harming anyone else. I will be sending a communication to Starfleet to send another ship to this location to permanently take care of the mines. Dr. Saryn and Dr. Caspian some medical supplies was stolen from us. Ensure that we have the necessary supplies or replacements as needed. Also prepare sickbay for injuries if the Boudicca does go into battle." Calvin took a breath and looked around at his team. "Unless there is anything else, you are dismissed." There were already multiple engineering teams continuing the remaining repairs necessary to restore full power and Henry felt that they were very much able to handle the task on their own. "Sir," Jacobs spoke up, "My engineering teams are well underway with the remaining repairs. I would like to volunteer to operate the shuttle during the mine removal. This is something too delicate to leave to auto-controls and I am prepared for the real time calculations and adjustments. " (posted by Darryl McDaneil) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - CO Captain Calvin Capps - 1135) "Sir," Calvin heard. He turned his head toward the officer who said it. It would seem that Ensign Jacobs had something else to discuss. "Yes," Calvin said simply giving the CEO the approval to move forward with his comment or question. Jacobs spoke up, "My engineering teams are well underway with the remaining repairs. I would like to volunteer to operate the shuttle during the mine removal. This is something too delicate to leave to auto-controls and I am prepared for the real time calculations and adjustments." Calvin took a second before he answered. It did make sense to have someone who understood the systems and modifications being made to the runabout so well. He also recalled that the Ensign had substantial amount of time in flight simulations and many hours logged in for piloting. "Agree and granted Ensign Jacobs," the Captain said as he thought how once again his crew showed their uncontested dedication. (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC ENS(SG) Detron Trei - 1155) After being dismissed from the meeting, he went directly to Security. He constructed the warning probes as ordered. He took the time to make them the best possible but not too much time to risk holding back the pursuit. He placed the probes in proper position to be launched and returned to the Bridge and his duty station. He turned to CPT Capps and told him the probes were ready. "The probes are ready to deploy sir." (posted by Edward Engel) (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 - Shuttlecraft Cartecay - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1230) Jacobs had just sat down to the controls ofnthe shuttle. He instantly thought back to the last mission where he piloted the Blackwater down to the surface of Dovek II. It was not a hard task, piloting the shuttle, but he enjoyed every opportunity to brush up on his skills. He typed in an initial command and the shuttle lights came to life. Systems one by one began to power up and this was all a good sign. The shuttle had been prepared quickly by the operations crews, a testament to themselves and Lt. Rinn who commanded them. Enough time had been lost restoring power to the ship and now Henry was ready to move out. He began the initiation sequence. The shuttle nacelles began to vibrate as the matter- antimatter intermix began. "Shuttle Cartecay to ops," he queried. "Ready to disembark from Cargo Bay 2." Looking down on his console Henry saw the clearance for departure. Initiating the take off procedures the Shuttlecraft hovered off the shuttle bay floor. Since the shuttle was about to disembark all the remaining crew members left the shuttle bay to other activities. Jacobs activated the maneuvering thrusters and the shuttle moved forward, clearing the shuttle bay force field. "Shuttle bay cleared," Jacobs said, reporting his progress to operations. Within the next few minutes Henry positioned the shuttle in front of the Boudicca. There he waited for further orders. (posted by Darryl McDaniel) (USS Boudicca - Shuttlecraft Cartecay - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1238) The Cartecay was in position a few kilometers in front of the Boudicca. (reply Capps) "Aye sir, bringing the shield modifications online now," he responded to the Captain's order. There were still several hundred mines that had been decloaked by the Boudicca from the first attempt and the Cartecay began to move forward in their direction. The shuttle's deflector was powered up and ready to begin demagnetizing and moving the mines out of the path of the Boudicca. The initial results were as expected as the demagnetized mines drifted out of the way of the shuttle. Henry signaled to the Boudicca that all the visible mines had been moved out of the way and that he was ready to proceed with decloaking the remaining mines. "Boudicca, the first phase is complete. We are gonna need to move on and start a concentrated flush of the bussard collectors to decloak the remaining mines. " (reply Boudicca) Henry needed a better look at how many mines were actually standing in between the bandits and the Boudicca. ~electromagnetic view~ Jacobs thought to himself to activate his occular implant. Henry stood from his seat to look out of the front viewport of the shuttle. The view out of his right eye dramatically changed as he literally saw thousands of mines surrounded by brilliant orbs of electric blue. "Shuttle Cartecay to Boudicca," he said in awe still looking at the vast see of cloaked mines, "There are still thousands of mines out there, this may take a bit longer than we initially projected." (reply Boudicca) "Very well, I am ready here on your command." (posted by Darryl McDaniel) ================================================================ Stardate: 2414.01.08 (USS Spectre - Strategic Operations Center, Admiral's Office - Admiral Caladryll Sevant - 1354) Sevant looked at the screen, Earth was a blue pearl as it sailed under the ship. He folded his arms behind him as he watched, looking for any evidence of the war that had raged there not so long ago. So many of the ugly marks had disappeared, washed away by progress and rebuilding. Most of the major devastation had been removed - only small things remained, certain small areas that remained a scar on the face of the planet. There was unrest, there was unhappiness, but the Federation survived and the people were starting to move back to normalcy. It was one good thing in a dark universe. The war and all those millions of deaths had not been in vain. Sevant prayed, as he had so many times, that he would never again have to take up arms against the defenses of Earth again. One run against the brutal might of the Mars Defense Perimeter had been quite enough for his lifetime. The door opened behind him and a familiar presence filled the room. Sevant looked up from the monitor and turned, to behold the sight of his wife back in military kit. He almost smiled, and would have had this not been such a serious situation. He'd always admired how she looked in a uniform. Three full pips rode on her collar, freshly requisitioned and provided with her reactivation in the fleet. For all the times that he forgot she was from an alternate universe, there were times when the differences slapped him in the face, and this was one of them. The Victoria from his universe had died as a Lieutenant, this Victoria had bridged universes as a Commander. She had taken the place, in her universe, that Caladryll had filled in his. "Reporting as ordered, Admiral." She said in dulcet tones that he loved so much. Caladryll looked at her for long moments, "You are sure this is what you want to do?" Vicki nodded once, "It is." Sevant sighed and took a PADD from his desk, part of a parcel he'd gotten from Fleet Command earlier in the day. "Commander Sevant, you are forthwith ordered to the USS Boudicca as First Officer, pending permanent replacement from BUPERS." He held out the PADD, "This is expected to last from three to nine months. You will report back here upon completion of your tour of duty." She took the PADD and nodded, "Understood, Sir." Sevant walked around the desk and then sat on it, "You have a shuttle waiting for you, the cruiser Indefatigable will be escorting several supply ships back out to the fringe, that's your ride. A runabout will take you the rest of the way... you will rendezvous with the Boudicca in two months." Victoria took a brief look at the PADD. "Will that be all?" Caladryll looked at her, "Not quite." He held up his hand with two fingers extended, "Be careful out there, my wife." Vicki reached up and touched her fingers to his, completing the familiar Vulcan marriage bond. It thrilled through him, as it always did. Their bond was strong, he could always feel her emotions, but everything was magnified with such crystal clarity when they were touching. He sensed a great deal of warring emotion within her: desire, worry, a touch of depression... amongst other things. She wanted to go, and she didn't want to be parted again. She was bored on the Spectre, Sevant knew that, this was a chance to do something with her skills. A chance he would not, under any circumstance, deny her- whatever it might cost him. "It's only for a little while," she said quietly. "By then you could probably transfer your flag and I could serve with you." His return smile was wan, "Perhaps, we shall see." He broke the bond by squeezing her hand, "You have a shuttle to catch." he said quietly. She sighed and pulled away. "Keep your head down, Callie." She said before turning on her heel to leave. Sevant looked down at the floor. Just before she walked out the door, Sevant raised his head. "One thing." As she paused and looked back, he quirked both his eyebrow and the corner of his mouth. "Say hello to the old girl for me, I miss her." Vicki's face split into a grin, "I'll try not to be jealous." The door closed behind her, leaving Sevant very alone in the room. (posted by Trout) ================================================================