NRPG: Still fishing. You'd think I'd have caught something by now. I'll be back tomorrow. Honest. Today's Compile Index was the only thing caught except for a slight sniffle: Day 1 (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge- CEO- Lt. Matthew McLaren-- 1316) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - Captain Zachary Falthgood - 15.30) (USS Boudicca - Corridor - ACEO Ensign Lorimar - 1735) (USS Boudicca - Corridor - CIV Arania - 1736) (USS Boudicca - Corridor - ACMO Gates - 1740) (USS Boudicca - Quarters - ACMO Gates - 1830) Day 3 (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, StratOps\MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 23:30) Day 4 (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, StratOps\MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 03:30) Day 6 (USS Boudicca - Private Quarters- CEO- Lt. Matthew McLaren-- 1316) Day 7 (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, ATT Lt. Commander Zzt, 1330) (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - Yeoman - PO Esmeralda Stakes - 1845) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 1 Stardate: 2407.06.28 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge- CEO- Lt. Matthew McLaren-- 1316) "And this ... set of additional auxiliary primaries, could we extend the range of the generators? 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. (reply Stakes, Stolev) (posted by Daniel Greene) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - Captain Zachary Falthgood - 15.30) Zach paused just inside main engineering and looked around. There were people everywhere, making sure this and that were still operational. Security and Marines were posted in dark corners, against the possibility that the Boudicca would be forcibly invaded during fleet maneuvers. Personally, Falthgood didn't find that much of a possibility. Knowing Sevant as he did, odds are they'd dash themselves head-long into the base. Of course, one never knew. He pushed the shades down on his face and looked around, until finally, he saw the face that he'd been forced to memorize. He pushed the shades back up and began walking to a Master console in Engineering... where his target awaited him. "Mister al-Sharif, you're with me." He said, as he stepped up to the rather short woman. Not that she really was, but almost everyone was dwarfed by his seven foot frame. (reply: CEO) "We won't be long; your Assistant can cover you for twenty minutes. Besides, this is not a suggestion." Falthgood gave a brief nod to the people around and began walking back to the turbolift, moving slow enough that the CEO could keep up without running. Once in the turbolift, he barked "Main Cargo Bay." The doors shut and the lift began moving. Falthgood pulled out one of his spheres and activated it, preventing anyone from listening in. Afterwards, he took off his shades and said, "Lift, halt." The lift stopped on command, they now had a few moments to speak. He turned to the engineer and said, "Alright, Captain Lise Arianna. It's time we had a small... chat." His smile was distinctly unpleasant, but not because he was speaking with her again. He knew what was in store for the next twenty minutes. (reply: CEO, any) (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Corridor - ACEO Ensign Lorimar - 1735) "Arania dera (from) Iradon, I am well content to meet you." "I am... well content to meet ye as well, Arania dera Iradon." Bob inclined his head slightly in return before turning back to the Doctor. "Ah must confess, lassie...errm, Doctor... ah dinnae ken if this wee Nanny goat is passenger, crew, or cargo, tae be honest. Goin' wie the assumption that she isnae a shape-shifted alien terrorist," Bob chuckled quietly, 'Mah guess would be she must belong to, or wie someone of the crew." Bob looked the Doctor over more closely, and noted her blush. "Are ye alright Doctor?" he asked with some concern. "Indeed, perhaps a fever, you have!" Arania suggested. "Um, yes I'm fine, sorry. I've just had a rather hectic day, like you wouldn't believe, and I think I've managed to embarrass myself abit much. So, um, do you think you can manage with the goat? To get it back to where it should be I mean? I really should be getting to my quarters, and um, cleaning up." Bob glanced at the rapidly retreating Doctor and wondered just exactly what he had done wrong. ~I *must* smell bad... mah hands are clean... surely she cannae be afraid of a goat? It has to be me.~ Bob felt a bit wounded, though he tried hard not to be. He surely didn't wish to let it show. "If ye need anything, just ask," he called after the departing Doctor. Bob turned back to Arania and the Goat. "Well... Arania dera Iradon... shall we see if we can find where this wee nanny belongs?" he asked rhetorically. He thought a moment, then tapped his commbadge. "Lorimar to OPS. Is there someone that is available to meet me on Deck 3, section 24? I hae... something I could use a bit of help with." He smiled and shrugged at Arania, waiting a reply. (Reply OPS, Any) (Posted by Russ) (USS Boudicca - Corridor - CIV Arania - 1736) "Are ye alright Doctor?" The man called Lorrymar asked, looking at the woman with some concern. "Indeed, perhaps a fever, you have!" Arania suggested. "Um, yes I'm fine, sorry. I've just had a rather hectic day, like you wouldn't believe, and I think I've managed to embarrass myself abit much. So, um, do you think you can manage with the goat? To get it back to where it should be I mean? I really should be getting to my quarters, and um, cleaning up." ~A lesson in good manner, she needs.~ Thought Arania with a snort of annoyance. "If ye need anything, just ask," the man called after the retreating figure and then turned to Arania. "Well... Arania dera Iradon... shall we see if we can find where this wee nanny belongs?" he asked rhetorically. "Please! To call me Arania is more than much." She told him, but before she could volunteer to find out who owned the Baahdret he tapped his commbadge. "Lorimar to OPS. Is there someone that is available to meet me on Deck 3, section 24? I hae... something I could use a bit of help with." He smiled and shrugged at Arania while awaiting a reply, and she took the opportunity to study him closely. He was at least two hand widths taller than her and stocky, with a beard and very short hair. He was not unattractive and she guessed he was human like Matthew, but she had learned from Matthew that not all 'human looking' people were actually human. ~Baytah-zoy-yid also human are looking, perhaps he is of those, and read minds they can too, as the Anointed did.~ Her eyes widened. ~Perhaps he is my mind reading even now!~ She attempted to think of nothing as she stood beside the Baahdret, one hand clutching a horn. The Baahdret was being very well behaved, Arania was sure that whoever owned her had trained her well. She was also sure that the animal could find its way home, all they had to do was release it, and with that thought, eying the man as she did so.... Arania let go of the Baahdret's horn. "Go home!" She said, "home!" (Reply OPS, Goat, Lorimar, Any) (Posted by Sal) (USS Boudicca - Corridor - ACMO Gates - 1740) Georgia became aware of someone else joining them, as the woman knelt down and began to stroke the goat. "Aren't you a beauty?" She said softly, smiling at it as she continued stroking it in a calming manner. "You give the best milk, I am sure... My name is Arania, what pretty blue your eyes have." She glanced up at Georgia. "A female Baahdret would never harm you unless you were trying to harm its young." ~ a female what?~ Georgia studied the young woman for a few moments, trying to recognise what race she was. Her musing was interrupted by the engineer. "Ah'm afraid we havnae met... my loss, surely. Arania ye said? Bob Lorimar, assistant engineer." Georgias attention switched to Lorimar, though she made an effort not to be too obvious about it. ~it’s that damn accent, I'm sure of it~ "Arania dera (from) Iradon, I am well content to meet you." Georgia looked at the other woman sharply, wondering just where Iradon was exactly. It wasn't any planet she had any knowledge of, and she was about to question the woman further when Lorimar smiled at her. "Ah must confess, lassie...errm, Doctor... ah dinnae ken if this wee Nanny goat is passenger, crew, or cargo, tae be honest. Goin' wie the assumption that she isnae a shape-shifted alien terrorist," Bob chuckled quietly, 'Mah guess would be she must belong to, or wie someone of the crew." Listening to Lorimar, was almost like being transported back in time. Georgia was sure if she had closed her eyes right then, she could almost imagine it was *him* speaking, right there, somehow still with her. She felt herself begin to blush again, and inwardly cursed her fair skin, and the two people now staring at her. "Are ye alright Doctor?" Lorimar asked with some concern. "Indeed, perhaps a fever, you have!" Arania suggested. Knowing there was really no way to stop a blush once it had started, other than to escape from the situation, Georgia did her best to try and do just that. "Um, yes I'm fine, sorry. I've just had a rather hectic day, like you wouldn't believe, and I think I've managed to embarrass myself abit much. So, um, do you think you can manage with the goat? To get it back to where it should be I mean? I really should be getting to my quarters, and um, cleaning up." she finished lamely, beginning to back away from Arania and Lorimar. (USS Boudicca - Quarters - ACMO Gates - 1830) Georgia surveyed her room which now looked like a bombsite. She had managed to unpack all of her belongings, in an attempt to personalise the sterile Starfleet quarters, but the problem was that she wasn't quite sure where to put things. As a result, most of her things were strewn about the floor. Her eyes fell on a photo that was sticking out of one of her books, and as she pulled it free she felt as if an icy hand had reached into her ribcage and clutched her heart. It had been taken while they were on holiday from the Academy. He was standing on a walkway beside a small garden area, smiling directly at the camera. Smiling at *her*. It wasn't until she noticed the spots appearing on the photo, that she realised there were tears running down her cheeks. (reply any) (posted by Wendy) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 3 Stardate: 2407.06.30 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, StratOps\MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 23:30) Eva, dressed in a flowing green night gown, stood brushing her long red hair while watching Sasha, who was fast asleep in their bed. Both of them had been extremely busy the past few days and they had only managed to catch a few fleeting moments together. Today had been no different, she had returned late from StratOps to find Sasha already fast asleep in their bed. After having finished a modest dinner, modest for a woman pregnant with twins anyway, she had taken a shower and now stood brushing the kinks out of her hair. After laying out fresh uniforms, one for each of them, Eva moved over to her side of the bed and carefully climbed in. She rolled over and kissed Sasha gently on the cheek before turning back and laying on her side, putting a spare pillow between her legs. ~What was I thinking? I'm going into the largest battle possibly in Federation history five months pregnant with twins!? Alura preserve us.~ She thought as she laid her head down on her pillow and closed her eyes. ~I feel so vulnerable. I'm going to be in big trouble if StratOps gets invaded during the battle.~ With a sigh, pushed the negative thoughts from her mind and concentrated on calming her mind and emotions, soon she was fast asleep. *******Dreamscape******* Stardate: 2408.03.22 (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, StratOps\MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 19:45) The past four months had been a living hell for Eva Straton. The twins were now almost four months old and Eva still had not gotten use to the role of motherhood. Her long red hair was a mess full knots that kept getting in her face and eyes. She had dark circles under both of her eyes from the long sleepless nights and she had been unable to shed the weight she had gained during pregnancy. Her once healthy complexion was now sickly pale and patches of an ugly red rash could be seen on her bare forearms and legs. Dressed in a white bathrobe, Eva sat in the living room of the quarters she shared with Sasha the twins were both in carry seats on the table in front of her a bowl of baby cereal in next to both of them as Eva tried to feed both of them at the same time, with little success. Each of them tended to get more cereal on their chins, cheeks, and bibs then stayed in their little mouths, and both fussed noisily. "Come on, be good for mommy" Eva said, brushing stray hair from her face while putting another spoonful up to one of the babies mouths. "Eat your din din." The cereal went in the little mouth, there was a faint chewing motion before most of it was pushed back out by a little tongue and smeared by little fingers. Eva sighed and grit her teeth, anger building up inside her. Just then Sasha came walking out of the bedroom wearing a fresh uniform right out of the sonic shower. "So making any progress?" He asked, adjusting his uniform jacket. "You could help you know," Eva snapped looking up at him and frowning. "Sorry,"Sasha said shaking his head. "I've got to work to do and need to get back to my office. I'm over seeing an important investigation." "Can't it wait till tomorrow?" Eva asked, looking up at Sasha pleadingly. "Sorry, I can't. Captain wants the matter resolved as soon as possible," Sasha said, as he came forward and kissed both to the twins on the top of their heads. ~Did he just lie to me?~ Eva thought, stunned by the revelation. Sasha looked up at her and flashed his most charming smile. "I'll see you when I get back tonight, don't wait up for me," Sasha said as he turned and headed out the door. Eva sat stunned staring at the door for several minutes until the twins crying snapped her out of it. She looked down at the two babies and she thought how much they looked like their father. Her eyes narrowed suddenly and she jumped to her feet and rushed to the door. As the door opened, Eva grabbed the first crewman that walked past and ushered them toward where the twins were sitting. "Keep and eye on them," She said, "I will be right back. Anything happens to them and I *will* hold you responsible." The crewman swallowed the sudden lump in their throat and nodded. Eva turned and headed in the direction she knew Sasha to be. Several minuets latter, Eva came around a corner heading toward Sasha's office and stopped suddenly her eyes going wide in surprise. At the other end of the hallway, oblivious to her presence, Sasha and a pretty young blond Ensign wearing Science blue were locked in a passionate kiss. Eva's mouth dropped open as Sasha's hands moved over the young woman's body down her back to her buttocks then around and up her stomach to caress and palm the young woman's ample breasts. Eva's mouth moved silently as tears started to run down her cheeks at the sight of Sasha in another woman's arms. Eva could feel the passion and desire filling Sasha for this woman nearly half his age, a passion he once had for Eva. Pain and anger welled up in Eva and her hands knotted into fists as she was filled with righteous anger. "Come on," Sasha said to the young Ensign. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to search you more thoroughly." "A strip search I hope," The young Ensign replied. "My favorite kind," Sasha replied as he started to unbutton and remove the Ensign's jacket while pulling her back into his office, their lips meeting in another kiss. ******End Dreamscape****** >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 4 Stardate: 2407.07.01 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, StratOps\MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 03:30) Eva awoke suddenly, tears streaming down her cheeks and her hands going to her swollen pregnant belly. She turned over suddenly and shoved Sasha completely out of bed and onto the floor with a loud thud. "I'D KILL YOU!!" She shouted at him as she struggled to get out of bed. "YOU HEAR ME!? I'D KILL YOU!!" With tears running down her face the image of Sasha passionately kissing another woman in her mind, Eva ran as best she could into the bathroom slammed the door shut and locked it. Suddenly out of breath and panting heavily, Eva sat down on the toilet and leaned back, her hands on her belly, as she sobbed while trying to catch her breath. (Reply Sasha, any) (posted by Wes) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 6 Stardate: 2407.07.03 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Private Quarters- CEO- Lt. Matthew McLaren-- 1316) Matthew stepped into his quarters worn out from the long hours and constant work that they had been performing. With the help of his… al-Sharif's Engineering staff, they had finally completed the installation of the additional shield generators, modified the auxiliaries and sensors and worked out the power consumption issues associated with installing so many additional generators, without sacrificing combat potential. There would be a couple of non-vital decks that will be completely powerless as a result of the modifications, but if he had to choose between that or combat capability, he'd choose the latter. He was pleased to see Arania playing a musical piece on one of her new musical instruments. Matthew was pleased that she was adapting to life on the starship, but he had some very important news to tell her that really couldn't wait. He was carrying, a gold foil wrapped gift with a bright red bow under his arm. Arania looked up from her music as he entered and Matthew smiled at her despite his fatigue. She made him genuinely happy and he hoped that she felt the same way about him. "Hello dearest." he said smiling and bent down and kissed her on the forehead as she played. He didn't want to interrupt her, since he knew how much she enjoyed her music. He went over and sat down on the couch, waiting for her to finish. Once the music was done, he clapped and smiled. "Very nice. Is that one new?" (reply Arania) (posted by Daniel Greene) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 7 Stardate: 2407.07.04 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, ATT Lt. Commander Zzt, 1330) Zzt licked the blood from his fangs as he finished his lunch while reading over the technical data on his terminal screen. The past week had been hectic but things were coming together well, or so Zzt thought. He'd heard that the Task Force was nearly all gathered and that the attack would commence in the next few days. ~None of us may survive this battle.~ He thought with a sigh. ~Sure would be nice to get together with the old Nimitz gang one last time before we go to the entering the Great Hunting Ground.~ "Computer, record message," Zzt said, his mind suddenly made up. " Begin message: Hi. This Zzt. Zzt want know if you all want meet Zzt here on Boudicca 10 Forward for milkshake. Zzt think be nice to get together with old Nimitz crew one last time before big fight where we may all die. You come and have final drink with Zzt? How about tonight around 2100? May no be time tomorrow. Bring friends or family too if want. Zzt be glad to meet. May Goddess keep you and bless you. End message." The computer beeped indicating that it had stopped recording. "Send message to Admiral Seevarnt, Captain Fallgood, Commander Stoolelf, on Boudicca and Captain Ribbers Commanding Officer USS Champlain." The computer chirped again and the message was sent. Zzt leaned back in his chair and scratched his snout. ~I wonder if anyone will actually show up or if I'm just wasting my time.~ He frowned displeased by the thought that his old crew mates wouldn't want to get together for one last drink before a titanic battle that would probably be the death of them all. (Reply Sevant, Falthgood, Stolev, Rivers, Any) (posted by Wes) (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - Yeoman - PO Esmeralda Stakes - 1845) Archibald looked up from the sofa as he heard his door swish open. He nodded to Esme who came in looking quite haggard. She stopped briefly and for a moment he noticed her sagging shoulders perk up again, only to drop back a moment later. "Was it difficult?" he asked even though her whole demeanor showed that it had been. She didn't reply but schlepped herself to the sofa and let herself drop down. She stared in front of her for several seconds before she sighed. "Not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. But most civilians were already expecting it. Only Arania ... she didn't want to go ... at first." She sighed again and pulled off her boots. "But all civilians will be on the shuttle tomorrow morning to take them to safety. And don't you dare ever to give me a command like that again. Next time you can clean out your own rubbish. By the way, what's for dinner? I'm starving." Archibald smiled as he got up. "I thought we'd have pipa fritters tonight. It's been a while since I last made them. With Anzac biscuits and hokey pokey, of course." Esme's eyes grew wide for a second. "Wow! What's the occasion? I mean, you haven't cooked that since last time we were together with mum....oh." She looked up with a guilty expression. "I'm sorry, dad. I didn't think." Archibald had caught himself quickly when his daughter had made the faux-pas, but the half a second of time of him being frozen on the spot showed her that it still hurt him. Even his 'sincere' smile when he told her that it was ok didn't fool her for a second and she could kick herself for being so flippant. A prolonged silence followed, only broken when her father decided to act. "No, no specific occasion. Just thought I'd do it. Like I said it has been a while." Having said that, he went into the kitchen area and she could hear him stumble with the pots and pans and she could just picture her father attacking the food preparation task as a military battle. Obviously all kitchen utensils had already been laid out in order of usage and the pans inspected and placed in the right positions. He then would look at the utensils and nod and grab the first pan and pick at a non existing spot until he was satisfied that the spot was just a visual illusion. Esme smiled as she rubbed her aching feet. Some things never change. It was her families motto, after all. She grinned and wondered briefly when she would be allowed to cook again for him. The fact that she was only thirteen when she burnt the baked beans hadn't stopped him from ever allowing her in the kitchen to cook again. ~Yep, some things never change,~ she thought with a grin until she suddenly froze as she desperately tried to recall something. ~Some things never change? Where was he when I .... was he still in the room? He must have been. But he can't have been because he always makes a comment about cheese when I take my boots off in the living room.~ Suddenly it clicked in her head and Esme looked up. "Dad?" she started quietly. "Yes?" came the reply from within. "What *is* the occasion?" A pan was dropped and a silence followed and then a sigh before she could hear him walk back. She looked at him as he emerged from the kitchen, carrying a PADD. "I was going to give this to you after dinner," he said as he gave the PADD to his daughter. She looked at it non-plused then back at him. "What is it?" she asked, not really sure that she would want to read it. Archibald shot her a weak smile, and Esme's stomach knotted. This wasn't her dad. Something was wrong, seriously wrong. "Your marching orders," he finally said. "You are to report to the shuttle as well. I have to be realistic, Esme. There is a good chance that after the battle both me and your mother will be dead. And I would like to have someone to remember us by, to know who we were. To continue where we fell. So I arranged for your transfer. You'll be brought back to Geneva and you'll start a position as the Yeoman to the base First Officer there. I hear he is quite a reasonable sort of chap, even if he is a bit ... unorganised." The blood drained from her face as she looked at her father, then at the PADD, then back at him. "You're sending me away?" she asked almost without a sound then started blinking to keep the tears away. "You can not..... must not....no." She burst into tears before she suddenly vehemently shook her head. "I won't go," she was barely able to say. "No matter what you say, I won't go. I don't want to, you can't make me." Archibald narrowed his eyes. "But you must and you will find that I, actually, *can* and *did*. The decision is final, Esme." "No, you can't!" Esme interjected. "And I'll tell you why you can't. *If* you and mum and Will die at the battle, *you* will all have died together. and *I* will be all alone and I will never see any of you again. But I want to see Mum and Will and you and if that means that I must die to finally be together with *MY* family again, then so be it. I don't care. *ALL* I want is the chance to once more see *MY* mother and *MY* brother and make *MY* life as meaningful as theirs and yours, even if it kills me. I will *NOT* be robbed of my chance to spent my last days or hours or minutes or even seconds of *MY*life if that means I can be together with you all!" Having worked herself in a frenzy Esme had stood up from the sofa and wriggled her finger at her father. "And now I will tell you exactly why *YOU* can *not* make me. Because like *you* I am a Starfleet Officer and I have taken the same oath as you have. And *you* can not send *me* away to a place of safety because *YOU* would do anything in *your* power to make sure *you* would not betray *your* fellow crew members in the same situation. And *neither* will I. So there!" Archibald had watched his daughter work herself if a raging state and watched amazed at the fire that sprayed from her eyes. He saw a side of her he never even realised that was there, but it was a familiar sight. Despite the situation he could do nothing but to break into a big grin. "God, I never realised how much you are like her," he said. "What?!" "I said, I never realised how much you look like your mother. Especially when you are angry. Talk about being outflanked." Esme shook her head and look at him still not really understanding. "Huh?" "Oh, never mind," Archibald replied as the grin dissipated. "You'd probably need to be a parent to appreciate it." "You're not making sense," Esne said annoyed. "Can I stay?" Archibald looked up at the ceiling. "You and your mother? I'm outgunned and outnumbered." He sighed for a second then turned to walk back into the kitchen. "Oh, and you better get changed. Dinner will be ready in forty minutes. And put something on your feet, will you? Cheese doesn't go well with pipa fritters." (Reply none) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) NRPG: What the..... Okay, we've got to go out and find him. Something's not right. Just the other day, he was freaking out about another day and look at this. Something's not right. -USS Boudicca, NCC 49901 Star Trek: Freedom - http://www.startrekfreedom.com