NRPG: Hi, I'm afraid I didn't do a very good job, yesterday. I have a pile of notes telling me what to do. But they don't all make sense. It's like the guy was crazy. I promise to do better from now on. Now it mentions something about old tv show themes. I'll have to look into that. Please bear with me, I'll get this. In the meantime, here's today's Compile Index: Day 1 (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 0540) (USS Boudicca - Johnson's Office – AOPS Ensign (Jg) Carft Kea - 1250) (USS Bouddica – Corridor – AOPS Ensign (Jg) Carft Kea – 1252) (USS Boudicca – Deck 6 -AOPS Ensign (Jg) Carft Kea - 1300) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge- aFO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 - 1300) (USS Boudicca – Science Research Facility – AOPS Ensign (Jg) Carft Kea – 1304) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Acting CO - Archibald Stakes - 1335) (USS Boudicca - Laroon's Quarters - aFO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 - 1533) (USS Boudicca -- Deck 20 - Cargo Bay One -- OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 1720) (USS Boudicca, Corridor - CIV Arania -1741) (USS Boudicca - Corridor - Goat Nanny - 1742) (USS Boudicca - Corridor-AOPS Lt. Tollian Yalix-1743) (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - acting Counsellor Oggie Marsh - 1841) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Staff Nurse Beatrix Mason - 1931) Day 3 (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 1600) Day 7 (USS Boudicca - Donald's Quarters - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 1800) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 2000) (USS Boudicca, 10 Forward, ATT Lt. Commander Zzt, 2045) (USS Boudicca- Transporter Room 1 - Yeoman - PO Esme Stakes - 2057) Day 8 (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Staff Nurse Beatrix Mason - 08:11) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 0815) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 1420) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 1 Stardate: 2407.06.28 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 0540) "The machines called rep-lick-ators...Can they musical instrument make?" asked Arania "Certainly," replied Donald. "I desire to have stringed instruments, a percussion instrument anything that music will make. My pipes I love, they once belonged to my mother's mother's mother's mother, but I yearn to play others." supplied Arania. "Not a problem at all. Let me check some things when I go on duty. Just send me any drawings and details you have and I can have someone help you put them together." answered Donald. (USS Boudicca - Johnson's Office – AOPS Ensign (Jg) Carft Kea - 1250) "Have a seat," Donald said as he took a seat behind his desk. "What do you think of our mission?" he asked ”I think it’s going to be tuff one,” Carft quoted with a grin. "Any suggestions you think we need to look at specifically?" Donald asked, as he picked up his padd to go over the current ship status. Carft gave a look at Tollian, “I don’t think so, Tollian?” Carft asked a bit unsure. (Reply Tollian) "I believe we're going to be running drills for a few days and I want you both to get bridge time. I know it may be asking a bit much, but I would like both of you to do a few hours on each of the shifts that you are not assigned on. Just for the practice. I'll be on the bridge more often, but I will use the mission ops station to monitor our daily operations. We do seem to have a problem with our matter reclamation systems. I have a team working on it, but if either of you fell up to it, I would appreciate it." said Donald. Carft answered with a simple nod to the Lieutenants instructions. (Reply Tollian) He and Tollian then both left. (USS Bouddica – Corridor – AOPS Ensign (Jg) Carft Kea – 1252) “So … what do you think about the new crew and staff,” Carft asked as Tollian an he were both walking through the corridors. (Reply Tollian) Carft nodded as an indication of understanding “You know actually I’m a bit worried about this new mission more then I’m letting on, what do you think” he asked. (Reply Tollian) (Reply, Johnson,Tollian,any) Posted by: Maarten (USS Boudicca – Deck 6 -AOPS Ensign (Jg) Carft Kea - 1300) Carft was on the way to the science department to try and get some help with his new instructions. After a while he finally found the Science Facility. Carft’s was thinking for a few seconds an then it happened again the flash backs of the damaged Bouddica, the wounded crew. Carft shook his head and tried to focus. ~Were working on the best way to prevent those things~ Carft’s thought trying to remove the images from his mind. Suddenly he felt calm again and walked towards the door they slowly opened.He entered the room unaware who he was going to meet. (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge- aFO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 - 1300) Stolev waited as the rest of the senior staff filed out of the observation lounge, until only McLaren, Stakes, Stakes's yeoman, and himself remained. "Sir, what did you have in mind?" McLaren asked. Stakes waved to the yeoman to leave as he sat himself down and signaled the two officers to do the same. He keyed in a few commands into the computer and the screens in the lounge showed a sideview of the Keltoi class vessel. "The other side has taken great length in determining the strengths and weaknesses of all our ship-classes," he started off, then went into a detailed description of what intelligence reports had surmised were the particular strengths and weaknesses of the Keltoi class. Stolev listened impassively, taking mental notes on what areas he should have the security staff take special interest in, as well as what effect the report would have on their tactical approach. "Those are the main points for now," Stakes concluded, "and probably enough for you to make a start with, Mister McLaren. But rest assured, once these alterations are done, there will be plenty of others. I will send you both a full list of weakpoints and the list of proposed improvements. In the meantime, Mister Stolev, we need to make sure that the human factor will not fail the mechanical one. As soon as one area has been changed, the crew will need to be trained on the new requirements and they must be able to use them with their eyes closed. That will be your main focus." Stolev nodded. "We have the best crew in the fleet, sir. I'll see to it that they'll be our strongest asset, just as they always have been." Archibald looked at his hands. "Remember, gentlemen. A ship can only be effective if both ship and crew are adequately prepared and enhanced. Unfortunately, you only have one week to make it happen." "Sir, if I may offer a refinement to your first requirement?" suggested McLaren. Stakes looked up, then nodded as he made a waving motion with his hand. "You're the mechanical expert here, Mr. McLaren, go ahead." They then listened as the Engineer explained how he wanted to modify Stakes's plan to shore up the shields without compromising any of the others. Stolev glanced over at Stakes, who appeared to be literally licking his lips at the thought of this new suggestion. "And this ... set of additional auxiliary primaries, could we extend the range of the generators?" asked Stakes. "Like placing the auxiliary shield *outside* the envelop of the primary shields? So the auxiliary shields become the primary ones and the primary ones become the auxiliaries, when they have been worn down? At the touch of a button? That would double our shield protection and might just give us enough durability to make it all the way." "I don't see why not, provided we realign the auxiliaries shield harmonics properly. It shouldn't be too complex. I'll need some help with ops to write the shield transfer protocols and make sure they work properly, but I don't see it being an issue with anything other than time." Matthew replied. Archibald narrowed his eyes as he studied the Lieutenant, then looked back at Sasha. "How's Mister Laroon holding up?" he suddenly asked. "To be honest, I first thought about not making you the new FO because I did not think a green Ensign would be the best choice when a seasoned veteran could be at the helm of the tactical department just before a major, and I mean *major*, battle. But you should have seen enough of him by now to tell me that I was right, or wrong, in my assessment of his abilities." Stolev paused for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden change in subject. "Laroon? He's, uh... well, he's done pretty well in the limited engagements we've had since he came aboard. He's pretty good with the TIHS, which is going to no doubt be critical. How will he do under fire in a massive space battle?" He shrugged. "Based on what I've seen, I think he will be fine, but you never really know until you're there." (reply Stakes, McLaren, iyw) (posted by Aaron) (USS Boudicca – Science Research Facility – AOPS Ensign (Jg) Carft Kea – 1304) A woman stepped towards him, Carft saw that she was a Lieutenant and tried his best to remember her name when he suddenly vaguely thought. “Lieutenant Munroe I presume,” Carft asked as he extended his hand. (Reply Munroe) “Ensign Carft Kea AOPS,” Carft answered. “I have been given the task to tune our sensors and reinforce the communication system and I was told to work with your department,” Carft quickly explained. (Reply Munroe, Bellephoron, any) Posted By: Maarten (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Acting CO - Archibald Stakes - 1335) Having returned from the impromptu meeting with his triumvirate, Archibald had settled in his chair to keep abreast of the large number of reports that had come in. He read them on his screen but with lacking emphasis as he considered what Stolev had said in that meeting. Yes, they were a good crew, even if slightly chaotic at times but they had the spirit. He smiled for a second then sighed, wondering how many of them he would lead to their deaths. There were times when he wished he was still just a simple ensign, as far away from command as possible. But those bouts of self-doubt rarely lasted long. He knew he was capable enough to make a difference. And that, really, was all that one could hope to do. At war people would die, no matter how good you were, that was a reality. It just was the case of making sure the number of deaths would be as low as possible. Archibald's head jumped up when the computer beeper caught him by surprise, signaling that a message had arrived for him. As always he sighed at the intrusion even if he felt somewhat 'rescued'. Reality always came to the rescue, he considered as he accessed the messaging service. He noted that it had come from Johnson and he nodded appreciative. He read the message and then leant back, considering the proposal, weighing benefit against expenditure. To have all ships suddenly appear to be copies of one ship in itself was hardly going to make a difference. It was not like the enemy would be gunning for one particular ship, just anyone that dared to come too close. He briefly considered having all ships appear to be a Neg'vahr but then decided against it as those ships would be the first to open fire thereby giving themselves away. But perhaps ...... . Suddenly he grinned. The one thing a platform would never fire upon was a fighter, they were too small and a hit would just be pure luck. He typed in a reply. "Approved, as long as you make us all look like Mako's. Stakes." He grinned again when he pressed the send button, then continued to read his reports. However, as soon as the grin had disappeared, he heard his door open and he saw his daughter coming in. She was clearly agitated as she stepped from one foot onto the other and back again, like she was walking on burning coals. He kept 'reading' his report and felt how she was nearly ready to burst. "Yes?" he finally said, still looking at his screen. He heard her grunt, then suddenly burst out: "You never gonna believe what I just found out!" she almost screamed. Archibald shifted his gaze upon her and lifted one eyebrow before apparently returning his attention to the screen in front of him. "Really?" was all he said. Esme watched her father with amazement and waited for him to say something else. But after half a minute she realised he wasn't going to bite. "Yes, really," she said a little bit sharper than originally intended, annoyed with his playing silly games. "Frank is coming!" she suddenly said, watching his face intently as it watched the screen in front of it. She knew her father well enough and his minute reactions, which incidentally became more minute as he was more surprised. So when the eyelid over his left eye suddenly twitched three times, she grinned. ~Gotcha!~ "So Frank is coming," Archibald stated having resisted the urge to look at her face. "That's nice." "Yes," Esme said sharply. "Nice, in'it? And you know what's even nicer? He's bringing the Rose with him! AND with most of our crew!" This time Archibald's eye only twitched once. Esme wondered what the knowledge that Archibald's ship, the Rose of Samarkand, a converted Sovereign, the ship and crew that he had taken to this side of the fence, was going to be fighting in the same battle, would do to her father. Especially when it was commanded by Frank Bates, the only one that could be loosely called her father's friend. Her father's only friend. Archibald blinked once. "Very nice, dear," he stated. "Now can you get me a cup of coffee?" Esme stared at her father goggle-eyed, until she suddenly snapped. "Aaargh!" she cried before storming out of the Ready Room. Archibald closed his eyes and sighed, his right-hand fist punching the air. "Yes!" (Reply Johnson, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Boudicca - Laroon's Quarters - aFO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 - 1533) Lorak nodded at Stolev and then leaned next to him and pushed a display button on the computer. "You should see this before you go sir" came Lorak's reply. The computer then opend 3 more files and placed them side by side with each other. Stolev looked at the files, but couldn't make much sense of them until Loran placed a PADD in front of him and pointed to a passage as he read it. "I asked Robespierre to meet me in docking bay 2 so we could go over how best to get the 2 new recruits weapons for their upcoming assignments. It should be easy for him to obtain as he is around phaser weapons all day." Lorak looked at Stolev and then started reading more. "I will send the information I have gathered and then delete these logs after I take care of Rivers, as she knows too much already." Lorak looked back at Stolev with his ears lowered and his eyes narrowed. "I think this Robespierre is Vanderman and I would like to take him in Sir." Stolev looked back up at the files on the console and considered what he just heard. After a moment of thought, he turned back to Laroon. "Not if this is the only evidence you have. You can bring him in for questioning, and you can initiate further surveillance of him, but if you arrest him with this, it'll never stick. And if he is Robespierre, as you suspect, he'll either kill himself or be killed or fed misinformation as soon as he or his associates realize we're on to him." Stolev rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I suggest increased surveillance on Vanderman as well, for now. Watch and wait for him to make a mistake. That's the best way to catch a spy, and also the best way to roust his associates. Keep me posted." (reply Laroon) (posted by Aaron) (USS Boudicca -- Deck 20 - Cargo Bay One -- OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 1720) "Lieutenant Johnson? I presume?" said the young engineer. "Quite right, ma'am" he said, his hands still held up. "What can I do? What seems to be the problem?" al-Sharif asked. "Well, as you can see we have a good number of guards who just happen to be guarding an object that lies in the direct path of a substance that is leaking from the reclamation machines next door." Donald explained. "It is eating through the wall and could very well eat through a good deal more. I could use your assistance with this teeny tiny problem." (Reply al-Sharif) "I've been trying to explain all this to these gentlemen, but they won't take off their helmets to smell how bad the odor is." he explained. "It think it is a slow acid, so they can't detect it with the equipment they have. Perhaps you will have better luck explaining it to them than I have." (USS Boudicca, Corridor - CIV Arania -1741) "Go home!" Arania urged the Baahdret, "home!" The animal just looked at her blankly, obviously it didn't know what she was talking about, and then went on with chewing on the newcomer's pant leg. It was quickly beginning to look a little frayed. Somebody cleared their throat and then spoke. It was another man. "Is there something I can help you with Ensign Lorimar? Miss Arania?" He asked them. Arania looked at him and wondered how he knew her name. Lorimar straightened and addressed the officer. "Sir, mah apologies for disturbin' ye, but as ye can see we have found a lost soul wanderin' the ship." He gestured at the goat and continued. "Ah was hoping ye could tell us... is this wee goat cargo, passenger, or pet? Ah know that OPS would have access tae the full cargo and passenger manifest... as well as know pretty much where everyone and everything, even every goat... is supposed tae be." He studied the newcomer. "Can ye help us sir?" (Reply Yalix) "What was it that ye called her? A 'Bah-Drat?' Ah take it thats what ye call goats where ye grew up lassie?" Lorimar asked. "Baahdret." Arania corrected his pronunciation. "it is on Iradon, what her kind is...yes, and she is of fine making for a Baah...goAtt, but now return to ten forward I will, feel like making music again, I do. The goAtt is in well keeping." These two men didn't need her around to find the beast's owner. She bowed her head politely. "Farewell." Without further words she turned and headed back to the lounge. (reply Lorimar, Yalix, iyw) (posted by Sal) (USS Boudicca - Corridor - Goat Nanny - 1742) Nanny looked at all the tall people who now surrounded her. Although she no longer felt threatened. She watched them make noises at each other, while she took a quick nibble of one of their pants. It tasted different than the pants of her human. It was then that she noticed one of them making noises at her pointing away. "GASODFUKANG" she heard it say. ~Hmm... It must mean something~ her horns thought ~But what....~ "GASODFUKANG" she heard it say again. ~Must be important,~ her horns thought, while her mouth nibbled on someone else's pants. ~These taste much better than my human's. I wonder why~ her horns pondered. (Reply Any) (posted by Tardy Kaweo, Punny Kaweo seems to have gone on vacation) (USS Boudicca - Corridor-AOPS Lt. Tollian Yalix-1743) "Can ye help us sir?" Lorimar asked him. "You are in luck, ensign. It seems I know to whom this Capra Hircus Linnaeus belongs." While Lorimar started talking again to the Iradonian. Tollian tapped his commbadge. "Yalix to Chief Johnson." he said. (reply Johnson) "Sir, I have need of your assistance on Deck 3, section 24. It is a matter of some importance, sir. Please do not tarry, Yalix out." "You're pants appear to be of nutritional value to this animal ensign. I suggest that once this animal has been returned to it's owner that you return to your quarters and replicate yourself a new pair. A hole in the knee of you uniform trousers is hardly regulation." (reply Lorimar) It was at that point that he realized that Arania had left them. ~Now this truly does appear to be an odd sight.~ (reply Johnson, Lorimar) (posted by Daniel Greene) (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - acting Counsellor Oggie Marsh - 1841) Sighing she got up with a lack of enthusiasm that would be clear to everyone who hadn't just put both of his eyes out with knife and fork, whilst having dinner. "It's nice to meet you, um, Oggie did you say? It's very nice of you to come and see me. Um, I'm not really sure if I could stomach a meal right now. It's just, well you probably heard what happened earlier in the Captains Office. I had a bit of an upset stomach. But thank you for the offer, um......" She fell silent and stood there seemingly not sure what to do with her stance, another sign of insecurity. He had a hard time suppressing his frown though, as he considered that Archibald had left out a vital clue after he had contacted him. ~She was sick? In his office?~ Oggie nearly sighed. He should have been told that. Shaking his head briefly, he regarded her for a second. "Thank you for your offer, now get the h**l out of my room, right?" he said with a brief grin. "Don't worry if you think you can offend me, you can't. You can shout, rant, rave, whatever you like or you feel necessary. I've seen and heard it all before, really. But I catch your drift and I will leave you be. But we *are* going to have our dinner. For one we *will* be seeing lots more of each other and I *do* want to connect to all aboard. I'm not your enemy but I doubt you'd be taking my word for it. So I'll give you the time that you need to ... appreciate me a bit more." He shot her a quick smile. "Good night, Georgia, it was a pleasure meeting you." He turned and started to walk out but halted midway. "Oggie Boggie," he said solemnly without turning. "That *would* offend me. I hate that name. It's so .... demeaning." As he continued to walk out, he wondered why he had said that. it was a stupid thing to do... or was it? Oggie sighed. ~Time will tell, I guess ~ he thought as he left the room. (Reply Georgia, iyw, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Staff Nurse Beatrix Mason - 1931) "Excuse me Staff, but I think the new ACMO has arrived, she's in the office!" Nurse Betia announced. "Did you hear about her and the goat?" she added gleefully. Bea looked at the junior nurse sternly. "No, Nurse Betia, I did not. Nor do I wish to hear ship's scuttlebutt being repeated in this Sickbay," she added in a quelling tone. "If I thought you were repeating it, I would not be pleased. At all." "No, Staff. Sorry, Staff. " Bea nodded, stood up and headed for the office to introduce herself. As she cleared her throat, the woman in there turned and dropped the PADD which hit the floor with a clunk. "I beg your pardon for startling you, doctor," Bea said. "I am Staff Nurse Mason." She was about to stoop and pick up the PADD, but before she could do so, Dr Jahlen's voice sounded from behind her. "Hello, who are you?" (reply Gates) Jahlen stepped closer, "I am pleased to meet you, I am Doctor Jahlen." Bea took the opportunity to pick up the PADD and handed it back to the new ACMO. "I apologise for dropping the PADD, Doctor," she said smoothly, holding the younger woman's eyes with her own. "I'm not usually so clumsy." ~Don't want you to feel bad in your first few minutes here~ she thought to herself. Not that the younger woman could have picked up the thought even if she'd been a telepath, which she didn't look to be. Bea was that rare thing, a human born with a natural block to all telepaths and empaths. It made some of them uncomfortable around her, but in Bea's view that was just too bad. "If you'll excuse me I'll leave you and Dr Jahlen to get to know one another," she added. "I'll be checking the rosters for the next few days if you need me." (reply Gates, Jahlen, any) (Posted by Liz) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 3 Stardate: 2407.06.30 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 1600) Donald had developed a cough this morning and he didn't want to make a big thing out of it, but he did not like being sick. It could be very inconvenient especially with the battle coming up and he didn't want to jeopardize anyone. If it turned serious, he would let one of his assistants take over. Besides it would be a good way to meet the acting chief medical officer who had only just arrived and to get rid of the cough at the same time. He took a sip of some tea he had been carrying around all day with his padd. He was afraid if he needed anything else he would have to put on a bandoleer to put everything in to carry around. ~Hmmm... might be a good place to put extra food.~ he thought, when he walked in and surveyed the sickbay. ~I hope this place is empty after the battle and that the morgue isn't full.~ "Excuse me." he said, "Might I see Doctor Gates?" (Reply Gates) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 7 Stardate: 2407.07.04 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Donald's Quarters - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 1800) He finished packing the last of Nanny, Thelma, and Louise's things into a crate. He'd have them anesthetized while they slept tonight so they'd be taken off ship easily. He gave each them a lingering rub on the head hoping this would not be the last night he saw them. Granted that they were only animals, but he cared about them nonetheless and not just because of the delicious food that they allowed him to enjoy. He had spoken to Mei Ling about caring for them, since they would all leave in the morning. He had decided that as a thank you he'd visit Mei Ling one last time and share a drink with her. ~Best clean up~ he thought, as surveyed the room, imagining how empty it would seem. He recalled in history how battles could last days and months. ~This will be among the most fiercest battles. The stakes are so high.~ He stepped into the sonic shower and uttered a small prayer. (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 2000) Donald had selected two of his better bottles of alcohol he had received from a friend before his last exploration tour. He saw the lounge crowded with folks, but the conversations seemed hushed, as though the calm before the storm. He waved at a few of the crew as he walked toward the bar, bottle in hand. He had taken to carrying his padd with him at all times in the last week. So many updates going on. But the work had been worth it, the decks that were considered expendable had been cleared. It would allow the ship to call on power to systems necessary during the battle, she might not normally have been able to. The reinforcing of the communication systems had taken a little doing, but they would be ready in time. "Honor me with a drink?" Donald offered, as he sat at the bar and raised his bottles onto the bar. (Reply Mei Ling) (USS Boudicca, 10 Forward, ATT Lt. Commander Zzt, 2045) Zzt looked around the room, the final preparations for his little get together now complete. He had gotten some help from some crewmen in engineering and a milkshake\sundae bar had been set up along one wall where people could help themselves and make their own milkshakes or ice cream sundae's, or they could order one made for them by one of the crewmen that would be there to help. There was a wide assortment of flavors and topping available. Zzt had been nibbling on the cherry's and nut topping until one of the crewman had smack his paw and told him save some for everyone else. Zzt had moved several tables together up near the view ports so that everyone could sit comfortably and still be able to see everyone else at the table or look out at the stars as they wished. A large sign had been strung over the table that read 'Welcome'. ~I just hope someone actually comes.~ Zzt thought worried that no one would bother to even come and share a milkshake with him. ~Maybe they're all too busy.~ Zzt licked his fangs nervously as he moved up and sat down on the floor in the spot he had reserved for himself, looking at the bar again and thinking of all the effort he and the others had put into getting it set up. ~Well Captain Rivers did say she was coming and she's never lied to me before. I do hope a few others can make it too. I really do want to see all of them again one last time.~ With a sigh and a nervous growl Zzt looked toward the doors expectantly hoping that people would start to arrive soon. (Reply Those Invited, Any) (Posted by Wes) (USS Boudicca- Transporter Room 1 - Yeoman - PO Esme Stakes - 2057) Esme wiped the cheesy grin of her face, that had been almost permanently there since she made her father do a u-turn and not send her off the ship prior to the battle. Truth be told, she did feel a knot in her stomach when she thought about the days ahead but whatever happened, the chance of seeing *them* again would make it all worthwhile. She straightened her back as the transporter operator started the proceedings and she gestured the first group of two honorary guards quickly to take their position. She watched and tried to be as impassive as her father could be but only half managed it as the first group materialised. She scanned through the group until her eyes met with the man that she recognised of the pictures she had been shown. She stepped smartly in front of the group as they left the platform and came to attention. "Captain Sash, welcome to the USS Boudicca, Sir. I am Petty Officer Stakes and assigned to our distinguished guests to ensure you will have a pleasant evening during your stay on our vessel. I also have to inform you that Commander Stakes regrets that he is unable to attend at this point in time but he is hoping that he can attend at a later time." Her smile broke for a second as she considered how pompous those words must have sounded but then she caught herself again. "These gentlemen," she said as he gestured towards the group of honorary guards, "will take you to the the place of venue. Please do not take them as mark of disrespect or as sign that you may be at danger, they are simply .. protocol. My fa... Commander Stakes is a great believer in protocol. I will await the arrival of the second group from the USS Nimitz and once they have arrived I will take them and meet you at Ten Forward. If in the meantime you have any questions or wishes, our guards have instructions to be as open and forthcoming as possible, Sir." She flashed the Captain a quick smile, wondering how it had come across. Personally she felt that it had been too ... stuffy and formal. But it was amazing what her father could get away with being stuffy and formal. ~Yeah, but I'm *not* my father,~ she thought. (Reply Sash, any in the party from the Hades, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 8 Stardate: 2407.07.05 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Staff Nurse Beatrix Mason - 08:11) Bea listened calmly to the Commanding Officer's announcement, although some of the younger nurses looked a bit scared. She was confident however that they'd do their jobs well enough in the end, whatever they had to face. ~They may be silly, gossipy things but they've been trained well~ she thought. "Nurse Mason?" Dr Gates said, and Bea turned to look at her. "I know we've got everything organised, thanks to your hard work, but maybe a last minute check is on the cards? And could you arrange maybe a meeting of the senior medics this afternoon in my office. I'll expect you to be there of course." "Certainly, Dr Gates. I agree, best to make sure everything's in order. I'll get Nurses Betia and Herken to do it, it'll take their minds off what they've just heard. I'll contact all the senior medics - would 1400 be a good time for you? It's shift changeover so only the third shift will have to come in specially," she added (reply Gates, any) (posted by Liz) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 0815) Donald sat at his station, as the shuttles left with the civilians and Nanny, Thelma, and Louise. He closed his eyes and just paused a moment to think about them before continuing his business. The combat drills had been revealing and both his assistants had done well. He had notified them this morning that when combat began, he wanted them both on the bridge at the Environmental OPS station and the Mission OPS station. The extra hands would help to get repair crews where they were needed and regulate the power in the heat of battle. Donald listened while Stakes addressed the crew, while keeping his eyes on his screens. He heard the confidence that Stakes was demonstrating in his speech, he hoped that he had been half so successful in the past week. He had pushed aside the doubts that had come early on, but they lingered in the back of his mind persistently. The precautions he had taken while they had the week to prepare, he wished they had more time, but was thankful for the week they had had. Stakes left the bridge, Donald nodded in acknowledgement, as Stolev assumed the center chair. ~Now that is an uncomfortable looking piece of furniture.~ (USS Boudicca - Bridge - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 1420) "Mister Sevant, take us underway to Alpha point. Yellow alert. Ready all systems. Gentlemen, this is it. Earth awaits us in four days time." said Stakes, as he walked onto the bridge. Donald looked over at Yalix, who was sitting at the OPS station and nodded. They all moved to switch positions as they had discussed. As Donald took his seat at OPS, he looked over the panel just to be sure again. ~David walked into the valley~ thought Donald, as he looked up at the viewscreen into the endless black. (Reply al-Sharif, Gates, Hikaru, Any) (Posted by Kaweo Kanoho) NRPG: Well, at least this new gal is a might easier on the eyes. But where did she come from? I didn't know we had substitutes. I wonder if they get better money. Maybe I'll keep an eye on her this time. You can wait here. What? What do you mean, you have things to do. Fine. Be like that. -USS Boudicca, NCC 49901 Star Trek: Freedom - http://www.startrekfreedom.com