Compile summary Your adoring CO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2407.02.04 (Deep Space- Cabin of the Shuttle Magellan- Ensign Naraht- 1400) (USS Mystique - Bridge - AOPS/CONN Ensign Ash Physioc - 1407) (USS Mystique - Bridge -OPS, Lt (jg) David Adams - 1410) (Beta Sector- Cockpit of Shuttle Magellan- Ensign Naraht (jg)- 1411) (USS Mystique - Bridge - AOPS/CONN, Ensign Ash Physioc - 1414) (USS Mystique - Bridge - OPS, Lt. (jg) David Adams - 1416) (USS Mystique - Bridge - AOPS/CONN, Ensign (jg) Ash Physioc - 1418) (USS Mystique - Shell - Pattia - 1419) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- begin compile Stardate: 2407.02.04 (Deep Space- Cabin of the Shuttle Magellan- Ensign Naraht- 1400) Day 1 Naraht was enthralled with seeing the stars at warp speed from deep space and never seemed to tire of peering out of the starboard view window of the shuttle. He had dreamed of getting this close to the stars ever since he had gotten interested in old Samuel's stories about traveling in space. He could feel the warp engines throbbing with power as they sped between the stars. He was so glad to finally graduate from the Academy. He had somehow managed to prove to all those doubting stalks that a Horta could serve and contribute to the Service. ~Just because I am closer to the ground doesn't mean I can't serve somewhere in the Fleet,~ thought Naraht as he peered out of the small round window with his longer phalange. ~In fact, most of those doubting stalks seemed to think that the only thing I could do was be in Security, until I proved them wrong. Security might have been Ok since an immovable salivating Horta was pretty intimidating to many of the younger stalks, but I know I will be happier in the Science Department. Just because I am rocky in body does not mean I am less agile of mind. And Mama was so proud to know that I graduated with honors!~ "Well, we are makin' good time Mr. Naraht," said Lt. James Montgomery in his brogue. "We aught to have you and these extra supplies to the Geneva space station in another five days. To what ship have you been assigned?" asked the tall lanky human pilot, coming back into the passenger area of the cabin. "Don't worry. I have the shuttle on autopilot right now and everythin’ is pretty clear sailin’ out here." He sat down on the seat opposite from Naraht. Naraht had squeezed himself as close to the small round window in the cabin as he could in spite of the passenger seat which faced out into the cabin underneath it. He politely pulled in his phalange, coiling it away underneath him and rumbled himself reluctantly away from the window. "I have been assigned to the USS Mystique, an Akira class ship. I am told they are heavily armed, but small and very fast. What else can you tell me about it?" The shuttle pilot smiled and said, "Ah the Mystique!" He nodded his head. "She's a neat quick little ship all right and got a right good crew aboard her. I know she has a cloaking device and some of the firepower had to be sacrificed to make room for it. She's not as heavily armed as some of the other Akira class ships, but she has a lot of strategic advantage as a ship's cloak is not standard issue for an Akira." They talked for a while about different ships and their classes, maneuverability, armament and firepower. Lt. Montgomery knew an extensive amount about the 52nd Fleet. But he had been piloting supplies to the Geneva Space Station for about a standard year now. "Mr. Naraht, I'm going to get something to eat. Could you keep an eye er...watch out of the cockpit for me?" Eagerly Naraht said, "I sure would! I was hoping to get a look out the front cockpit window, but I didn't want to be in the way. I have been trained in shuttle basics, but I'm afraid I am no great gravel as a pilot. I only know how to fly in a straight line and slow and speed up. I'll start watch right now! “ Naraht rumbled quickly up to the front view window in front of the pilot's seat and got as close as he could in spite of the two chairs bolted to the floor. James St. John watched curiously as Naraht extended his phalange above his rocky body up to the controls and higher towards the viewing window. He shook his head in amazement that nature could equip an obviously intelligent living creature with such a strange form. ~Incredible!~ thought Montgomery. ~Such an eager young mind in such a strange body. I think I like him. At least this particular milk run won’t be so borin’. Wait til I tell the fellas on the Geneva about this Starfleet graduate!~ He shook his head, bemused. He stood up, stretched his tall lanky form and went aft to get a meal. Day 5 On the fifth day out from the Academy, the subspace communications equipment crackled to life. =^=Shuttle Magellan, this is Geneva Space Station. Do you read us?=^= Lt. Montgomery answered promptly, “This is Shuttle Magellan. We read you loud and clear, Geneva.” =^=We have orders for you to divert course to an unexplored region of the Beta sector to rendezvous with the USS Mystique. It will add some time for your trip, but you should be able to reprovision with supplies from the Mystique if you need it. Then come back to deliver your cargo to Geneva PDQ. We’re sending the coordinates in a scrambled electronic burst.=^= “Copy that Geneva. Got the new coordinates. See you when I get back on the return trip. And say ahoy to my buddy Charlie Rhondell for me. I’m lookin’ forward to that drink he owes me. Montgomery signed out. He sighed and looked down and over to Naraht. “Sorry Naraht, I know you were looking forward to seeing Geneva, but we’ve been diverted to meet the Mystique directly. I guess that might be good news for you though. You’ll be getting there sooner.” He smiled. “I had to go to Starbase 32 for testing prior to getting in the Academy, so I have seen a facility like that before,” Naraht said cheerfully. “Nobody was sure that there was a way that a Horta could be in Starfleet, and they had no idea if a being structured physiologically as I am could function on board a humanoid based vessel but I overturned their rocks on it.” Naraht swayed his long phalange in front of him in a way that the shuttle pilot had come to know was indicative of laughter. “And it seems, from my studies, that many star bases are much the same, each with an engine or power room, drinking and socializing common area, a section for businesses and shops for trade, various computer systems, shields, some type of weaponry and so on. The design and layout differ depending on who built it and when. But the basic ideas are much the same. They all stay in the same places they are constructed in." "Ships can so widely differ in structure, layout, size, crew complement and speed, but most importantly, in destination." continued Naraht. It’s one reason why I decided to ask for a posting on board a ship. I found myself more fascinated by the ships coming and going at Starbase 32 than the station itself. I couldn’t help imagining what strange new worlds those ships could be going to and what their crews have seen. If you stay on board a space station, you don’t get to explore the universe for yourself because the view never changes!” Naraht waved his longer phalange again in good humor. “I might as well have stayed in my own tunnel! I wanted to get out there to explore and experience the universe for myself. What wonders and terrors exist out there to be discovered?” “Besides,” said Naraht, “It is truly amazing to me that such stalky graceful creatures as yourselves would build ships to travel between the stars out of such rich Horta delicacies as metal! Compare it to flying about in a carved out giant apple, cucumber or loaf of bread or any of your other foods. It’s funny when you think about it that way, isn’t it?” Naraht waved his phalange again while James St. John threw back his head and laughed. “I never thought about it that way before, but yes, I suppose that could be true. There’s often something out there that can eat you if it’s big or hungry enough, but I think the most dangerous are the ones with two legs!” After waving his phalange again in humorous agreement, Naraht said, “You know what the Vulcan motto about life in space is, don’t you? IDIC. Infinite diversity in infinite combinations. I would have to say that we Hortas are proof of that ideology.” “Yes,” agreed Montgomery, smiling. “You certainly are!” Time passed pleasantly for the two alone in the tiny shuttle in the vastness of space. Day 7 By the middle of the seventh day the officers had gotten to know each other fairly well. Naraht had more of his many hundreds of questions answered about human culture and mannerisms, while James Montgomery learned more than he ever dreamed about the Horta species. ~Imagine their surprise on Geneva when I tell them, “From under what rock did you crawl out?” is a popular Horta pickup line! Who’d a thunk it?~ chuckled Montgomery to himself. “We’re about to drop out of warp at the coordinates, Lt. Montgomery.” The stars stopped streaming past and Naraht felt the warp engines quiet down. “We are heading to the fourth planet in this solar system. That scrambled burst Geneva sent indicated it was a Class M planet in a solar system of six planets. Look, there they are! And it looks like they are towing another Akira ship!” said the shuttle pilot. The ship was framed against the swirling colors of the planet below. “Oh Lieutenant, she is a lovely ship! She looks so sleek and graceful. But it looks as though she’s seen some action. Look at those cargo doors. They look crumpled. How will we dock?” asked Naraht. “I don’t know, Ensign. We better hail them. Would you like to hail them yourself?” “I would be delighted Mr. Montgomery,” said Naraht with a small crisp snap of the tip of his phalange. He reached up to the communications console and deftly tapped buttons. “Calling USS Mystique, this is the Shuttle Magellan. Calling USS Mystique, this is the Shuttle Magellan. Come in Mystique.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Bridge - AOPS/CONN Ensign Ash Physioc - 1407) Ash looked around the bridge. He hadn't had a reply from Miss. Alessi yet, but that was understandable. He couldnt even be sure that she would even reply. He had sensed hostility in her the first time they had met, and it was quite obvious that she held little regard for Ash. Ash since he had sent the message had continued working over search results and making sure new diagnostics were taking place. He was making sure the ship was in spic spec condition. Considering he was now linked to the ship he couldnt have it dieing out on him now incase his life force fled with it also. He had no ambition to die, infact he was quite looking forward to living for a fair few more years yet. As his diagnostics took place Ash, decided to make sure Operations within the ship were within normal parameters. He checked power outputs and power inputs, the output was much higher than it should have been. He ran another diagnostic and it came back positive. The holodecks were being over used, he would have to shut one of them down for the time being. Being the nice, gentle person Ash was he chose Holodeck 3 - it had little people init and they were using it for a recreational activity, when it wasnt booked. Instantly Holodeck 3 had its power cut too it and it closed down. Whoever the people were, they would have to find another way of having fun. Suddenly a beeping red light emigrated from his console. He checked it and then spoke up to the Commanding Officer on the bridge, "Sir, There is a shuttle named Magellan closing in on our position, they are transmitting clearance codes - its definitely Starfleet. There hailing, should i put them through?" Ash asked as politely as he possibly could. (Reply CO on bridge) "Aye sir." Suddenly the whole of the bridge heard a voice.... =^=Calling USS Mystique, this is the Shuttle Magellan. Calling USS Mystique, this is the Shuttle Magellan. Come in Mystique.=^= Ash looked around to the Commanding Officer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Bridge -OPS, Lt (jg) David Adams - 1410) David tapped his foot against the command chair as he looked about the bridge, the staff meeting had run a bit long and immediately afterwards the officers had dispersed to various assigned duties leaving him on watch and he was not expecting anything untoward happening, there were no more Doenitz ships in the area according to intelligence reports and the region they were in appeared to be too far from any known travel routes to happen upon an unsuspecting ship. It wasn't often that he had gotten to hold down the bridge like this and he was enjoying it although there was certainly work to be done, sensors were continuing to actively sweep the planet in preparation for manned exploration parties later according to Saleke's orders. The planet which had been given the designation Beta Seranis 4 was a green, blue and white marvel on the viewscreen, the high cloud cover masking 48% of the surface, 44% of what remained the sparkling blue of open water and the green of the terrain covered the remaining 8% of what was on the screen. His eyes were drawn inescapably to the planet again and he considered... no he longed for an opportunity to set foot on its surface and find a relaxing spot to lounge, they had been cooped up on the ship too long under stressful conditions and it was high time for some R&R. An alert sound from the console manned by the new Betazoid OPS officer beeped and he knew instantly what it was before he ever looked to see the red light, after all he was intimately aquainted with that position. "Sir, There is a shuttle named Magellan closing in on our position, they are transmitting clearance codes - its definitely Starfleet. There hailing, should i put them through?" David nodded to himself as he tensed in the chair just a bit. "On audio Ensign." "Aye sir." =^=Calling USS Mystique, this is the Shuttle Magellan. Calling USS Mystique, this is the Shuttle Magellan. Come in Mystique.=^= David noticed Ash turn his head to look at him. "Anknowledge their hail Mr. Physioc, open a channel." (Reply: Ash) "This is the Mystique, shuttle Magellan. We read you. What is your purpose here?" (Reply: Naraht) ~What a time for a new officer.~ He thought. "Transmit your orders for verification and stand by for instructions." He pulled a finger across his throat as Ash watched which meant for him to mute the communication from the Mystique end. (Reply: Naraht, Ash) David waited as Ash received the orders and looked them over carefully, when the officer turned he said. "Are they genuine Ensign?" (Reply: Ash) He nodded then in agreement. "Resume normal communication." When the nod was given he spoke out again. "Magellan you are to move into transporter range and we'll beam the new officer aboard, shuttle bay is temporarily out of service, I repeat move into transporter range and prepare for beamout, we'll signal you when ready." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (Beta Sector- Cockpit of Shuttle Magellan- Ensign Naraht (jg)- 1411) =^=This is the Mystique, Shuttle Magellan. We read you. What is your purpose here?"=^= Narht knew his slightly tinny voice sounded a little strange to most when he met them in person. He had no idea how bad it might sound over the comm link. His phalange shook a bit, but he straightened it in an attempt to keep it from shaking and calm himself. "I am Ensign Naraht (jg) enroute from the Starfleet Academy. Admiral Green assigned me here, saying that the USS Mystique needed me and my particular talents. I am reporting in, but we don't know how we will dock with you as we see damage to your bay doors. And Lt. James Montgomery will need some provisions for his trip back to Geneva." Naraht paused and shifted, rumbling uncertainly. "I hope you are prepared for my physiology, but if you like, we can we discuss this on board. Though I ate very well before leaving, I haven't had a meal for about a week as facilities on board the Magellan do not permit to me to eat safely and I am becoming.... hungry." =^=Transmit your orders for verification and stand by for instructions.=^= Naraht responded, "I am transmitting orders with verification and standing by." Naraht transmitted his orders and the folowing code from his data PADD. The time ticked by and it seemed like forever to Naraht. Then the communication console crackled to life again. =^=Magellan, you are to move into transporter range and we'll beam the new officer aboard, shuttle bay is temporarily out of service, I repeat move into transporter range and prepare for beamout, we'll signal you when ready.=^= "Copy that Mystique. I will position myself in the center of the shuttle. I will send you my personal frequency from my combadge to help verify." Naraht backed carefully from the cockpit and squared himself in the center of the shuttle. He had already had his few small personal items in his cloth bag including his PADD with his orders from Admiral Green, sitting on the flattest place on his armor next to his vox. He activated his built in commbadge in his vox. "Mystique, I am ready for transport when shuttle is in range. Beam me aboard when ready." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Bridge - AOPS/CONN, Ensign Ash Physioc - 1414) Ash turned his head to his superior as the transmission came through, as he did so David said "Anknowledge their hail Mr. Physioc, open a channel" Ash nodded, He sent an acknowledgement to the shuttle then opened a channel to the shuttle. "Transmit your orders for verification and stand by for instructions." David said from behind him, =^=I am transmitting orders with verification and standing by.=^= Ash didnt need to see David to know that he made a movement to cut the link. His mind had been on Davids movements, he cut the link. The orders and code came through, Ash quickly looked through them and before the computer told him officially they were indeed correct. He knew by instinct, and telepathic connection to the ship that it was indeed 'proper' orders. As Ash turned around to give his report, "Are they genuine Ensign?" Ash nodded his head, "Pretty Much, Sir" He then turned back to his console. David told Ash to resume normal communications and then spoke with the shuttle again. Once the communiqué was over Ash recieved some more things from the shuttle. "Sir, i have the personal Frequency. Permission to beam aboard?" Ash said (Reply David) "Beaming in progress, Sir. Should i go down and meet the new crewmember. A security escort has already been assigned, but maybe i should go down and take down some of Mr. Narahts personal needs?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Bridge - OPS, Lt. (jg) David Adams - 1416) =^= Mystique, I am ready for transport when shuttle is in range. Beam me aboard when ready."=^= The message from the shuttle sounded odd, almost tinny David thought as though someone was speaking through a metal cone.... a very inhuman sound. "Sir, i have the personal Frequency. Permission to beam aboard?" Ash said David nodded slowly, noticing that the Betazoid didn't even turn but caught his movements somehow and was reaching for the correct switches even before he spoke, he found that more than a little spooky. "Beam Ensign Naraht aboard Mr. Physioc." "Beaming in progress, Sir. Should i go down and meet the new crewmember. A security escort has already been assigned, but maybe i should go down and take down some of Mr. Narahts personal needs?" That was an excellent question and since David was on the bridge he could cover until a replacement came. "Go ahead Ensign after you've called for a replacement, I'll handle things here till they arrive." (Reply: Ash) As Ash rose from the OPS console David was also rising from the command chair, he stepped aside slightly as the Betazoid in the blue robes swirled past him... there was something unsettling about the new man that chilled him, he turned his head to watch the young man enter the turbolift aware that if earlier was any indication Ash knew that he had done so and he found that to increase his unease. ~What is this guy aiming for? And why can't I shake a premonition that this is going to come to no good?~ He stepped down to the OPS console and took a seat as he tried to put the matter behind him, there was work to do. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Bridge - AOPS/CONN, Ensign (jg) Ash Physioc - 1418) "Go ahead Ensign after you've called for a replacement, I'll handle things here till they arrive." Before David had finished half of the sentence Ash had begun calling for a replacement. He began to rose from his chair as the OPS officer did also from the command chair. Ash turned and walked past the OPS officer, his blue robes swishing in the movement Ash was making, he had withdrew his mental aura from the bridge, but still couldnt bring himself away from the ship. Hopefully David might relax a little now, Ash had the suspicion that the OPS officer didnt like the fact that Ash could do certain things before he had been told to do so, most of it was common sense in Ash's mind. He heard something and put it too good use. He wasnt violating any laws, he want entering peoples personal thoughts. Most non-telepathic let stray emotions out of there head that anybody with the correct training can pick up easily. Thats all Ash did, they wernt in anyway particularly useful, and most of the time Ash did it Un-awares. He moved into the turbolift and the doors shut behind him. Before Ash could say anything the lift began moving instantly. ~Huh?~ Ash smiled, it must be one of the benefits of being linked to the ship, although he still didnt like that idea.... ~Linked to the ship... Not a good idea...~ Ash looked around the turbolift, Maybe he would suggest it to be abit more colourful. In truth he didnt like Starfleet vessels, they were too dull. They needed more colour, although the feel of the ship was great and almost luminous... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Shell - Pattia - 1419) Pattia had been observing this new curiosity since he had come aboard, this one called Ash Physioc, she had sensed as his mind had circumnavigated the ship, searching out its numerous nooks and crannies even as he considered and weighed the beings there... of course in his searches he had overlooked her as she had planned and machinated. She had retreated into herself as the beings that ran the ship went about their various chores and allowed them free reign which was difficult... the Founders had designed the stations to be able to run themselves and repair damage which meant that they were always in control and self-sustaining. Coming to this StarFleet vessel that did not have that technology but used the beings aboard it for manual labor took much of the control of it out of her hands and made it less pleasant of a duty if duty it was and much of her time had been spent in contemplation... that is until Ash decided to become one with the ship. This amused her for a time and she allowed him to access the "Mind" of the ship for a while and "see" through its sensors and "use" its inputs and outputs for a time, this amused her and allowed her to gauge his abilities and potential from up close even as she hid herself from him. ~This one thinks too much of himself, if he knew who I really was would he use my synapses and circuits so cavalierly? No, I doubt it.~ It was time to make herself known to him, she had no reason to fear him as his powers were not a match for hers nor she judged of the one called Riven who had foiled her when she had tried to take control of the ship using Angeni as a hostage. Yes it was time for her to make herself known to him. "Go ahead Ensign after you've called for a replacement, I'll handle things here till they arrive." She watched as he entered the turbolift which took them from one deck to another and whispered in his mind. ::Welcome Ash, I have followed you closely since you came aboard and allowed you some freedom to use my neural pathways but it is time for you to return as you were.:: (Reply: Ash) The one called Pattia smiled within herself at his audacity, he did not have the direct connection to the ship that she had nor was he a part of it as she was, he was living on borrowed time and she was turning over the hourglass. ::Goodbye Ashlitu Physioc, if you wish to become one with me again you shall have to ask permission.:: (Reply: Ash) Her mind expelled his then, returning him to the world of his own senses and she erected a barrier aginst any further encroachment by him in the future. This one she would have to watch, his reach seemed destined to exceed his grasp. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------