********************

Mission: All the King's Horses 
Day 1 
Stardate: 2413.10.15 

********************
 
(Starbase 47 - Operations - Commander Durand & Commander Dorga 
'cha Nooras - 0800) 
 
Alan had been cooling his heels yet again. He was well used to it, as 
even an organization as fine as Starfleet contained long periods of 
'hurry up and wait', just as lesser bureaucracies did. 
 
He had arrived, largely unnoticed, several days ago when the USS 
Vincennes had made a port call at the starbase to make some personnel 
transfers and reprovision. The Vincennes departed the previous day, and 
BuPERS had flashed priority orders for him to disembark, and 'stand 
ready for reassignment', whatever that meant. He had been around the 
block enough times to know what it meant, at least in the general and 
broad sense. 
 
As to the specifics, he had no clue. He only knew that he had sealed 
orders, which were to be opened jointly by he and Commander 'cha 
Nooras of the Boudicca, whom he had so briefly met not all that long ago. 
He was as much looking forward to seeing her again as he was curious 
about the orders. She was supposed to meet him here at 0815, and he 
was betting and hoping she would be early. He hated surprises, and this 
one was likely to be a most unpleasant one. He was trying not to pace in 
the operations area, even though there was room aplenty. Pacing was a 
'nervous' habit, and senior officers were *not* supposed to betray that 
sort of emotion. 
 
Sometimes he really envied Vulcans and their emotional control. 
 
She arrived, as he anticipated, just a bit early. 
 
~That's her Vulcan side, no doubt... punctual to a fault!~ 
 
Dorga arrived at Operations several minutes early, she had a distinct 
aversion to being late and purposefully made sure she arrived before any 
appointed time for meetings of any kind.  As she reached the door and 
stepped inside, her dark gaze swept the interior until she spotted the 
man she was looking for. 
 
He stood straight after getting out of the chair he had found in an out 
of the way corner, and quickly made his way over to the Commander. 
He smiled and extended his hand. "Good morning, Commander... it's a 
pleasure to see you again so soon." 
 
 
Clasping his forearm, Dorga shook his *hand* in the Klingon warrior 
fashion.  "Likewise, I'm sure."  She told him, giving him a warm smile. 
 
 
Pleasantries dispensed with, his smile faded and his look grew serious 
indeed. "Shall we solve the mystery of 'our' orders together, Dorga?" 
 
 
A one nod met his question.  "I have to admit I am very curious."   ~  
All the more curious because it involves you.  ~  She kept to herself. 
 
 
Together they found a quiet corner, and dumped the orders from the 
PADD into the desk terminal. They were encrypted, 'eyes only', and 
required authorization codes from both officers to decrypt and download. 
He keyed in his codes, and waited for her to do the same. 
 
 
Dorga wasted no time adding her codes and the file opened. 
 
 
As they read the orders together, a feeling of amazement slowly overtook 
him. He said nothing, suspecting that his voice would betray his true 
feelings. He wore his best 'poker face' but suspected with her 
background and insights she would read him like a book. 
 
 
~Better to be forthright and get this out now,~ he thought. 
 
 
"Do you have any idea why this is happening?" he asked in a voice so low 
he was certain only she could hear it. 
 
 
It was apparent to Dorga's practiced eye that Durand was clearly amazed 
by what he'd read even though he was trying to hide it.  She also was 
quite surprised although in true Vulcan manner her face was inscrutable. 
It certainly wasn't what she would have expected and she was unsure 
whether she was disappointed or relieved by the orders. 
 
 
He looked her in the eye, and was fairly certain he could guess how she 
must feel. He continued on in a barely audible whisper. "This makes no 
sense to me... but the orders are coded and verified, so they *must* be 
authentic. I don't understand them, but they don't leave any room for 
interpretation, do they?" 
 
 
Again Dorga gave her one nod.  "The orders are quite concise, Commander, 
and may I say that I find I am pleased to be working with you again. 
Although I am somewhat perplexed about not knowing where either Captain 
Stakes or Captain Rivers is." 
 
 
"The pleasure is mine entirely... but I don't want this to be awkward. 
Are you certain you don't have issues with this? If you do, I would prefer we 
air them out right now before they become a problem down the road." 
 
 
Her left eyebrow arched.  It was her only indication that she thought the 
question to be unnecessary even if it was relevant.  "You have no need 
to be concerned, Commander.  Although I confess I am surprised that I was not 
offered the position, I am however a professional, and realize that even if we 
do not see the logic in some of our superiors' actions and decisions, a 
high percentage of the time they come to their decisions through knowledge we 
do not always have.  I am sure that we will get along just fine working 
together. However I will carry out my duties as First Officer fully, even if I 
must criticize some of your views or disagree with you in any way." 
 
 
It was somewhat disconcerting that she hadn't at least had the courtesy 
of being offered the temporary command of the Boudicca, although she 
realized that she probably would have turned it down due to personal 
reasons, namely her son Parami, who was acting very strangely.  Had she 
failed to perform her duties adequately in the times she'd stepped into the 
aCO position? 
 
 
"It's certainly still your show, Dorga. I'm guessing you would like to 
tell the crew yourself?" 
 
 
"Yes I think that would be appropriate."  The aCO agreed, thinking that 
it was best they heard the news from her. 
 
 
 
 
(USS Boudicca - Bridge - Commander 'cha Nooras & Commander Durand 
- 0825) 
 
They stepped on the bridge from the turbolift together, Alan making certain 
that Dorga preceded him by the proper two steps, in deference to the fact 
that she was still master of the vessel. He had put aside his personal 
reservations, after they had their frank and earnest discussion. More would 
be said, he was sure... much more... but that would come later, and in 
private. 
 
 
As soon as she sat in the Command chair, Dorga pressed the all stations 
tab and informed the crew and civilians of the new temporary CO. 
 
 
After listening to her announcement to her crew, he stepped to the center 
of the bridge, and looked around at each of the faces there as he spoke 
over the comm circuit. 
 
 
"Officers and crew of the Boudicca, this is Commander Durand. As you 
just heard, I've been assigned temporary command of this vessel, and 
hereby assume the duties and responsibilities thereof. Some of you have 
met me previously, others have not. That will soon change. We will get 
to know each other. Rest assured, you will earn,  and be given, the trust 
and respect that you had with, and for, your prior commanders, and in 
turn I intend to earn the same from you. Carry on. Durand out." 
 
 
He tabbed off the intercom and spoke again. "As of now," he glanced 
at the bulkhead chronometer, "0828 hours, per order of Starfleet 
command, I am assuming command of this vessel. Duty officer, so note 
in the ship's log, please. Computer, transfer my personal command codes 
and files, authorization Durand Tango Alpha Charlie six zero six." 
 
 
[Acknowledged. Codes and files transferred.] 
 
 
Dorga then rose from the command chair and sat in her usual chair.  At 
least she was still the first officer, that is until such time as Bupers 
decided she wasn't. 
 
 
(reply All) 
(posted by Russ and Sal) 

*******************

USS Boudicca - Bridge - aCO Cmdr Durand - 1015) 
 
Alan had been in extended conference with Commander 'cha Nooras until just a few 
minutes previous. They had reviewed duty rosters and departmental status reports 
at length, along with some more personal issues. Chief among those were her 
request for an emergency leave of absence, which he had duly granted. The actual 
details were hers alone to know, and he had no intention of broadcasting her 
issues about the ship. He had merely sent a message shipwide that the FO would 
be on leave, altering the chain of command accordingly. 
 
He settled in to the 'center seat', a position to which he was not wholly 
unaccustomed. It was a position he had occupied in the midst of battle not all 
that long ago. He fervently hoped no hostilities were to commence anytime soon. 
 
He was manifestly a fast learner, but with a complement of three hundred odd 
souls, he hadn't yet matched a name with every face... nor had he even seen 
every face as yet. 
 
He turned to the young officer at the OPS station. He would have preferred 
someone more seasoned, but the Chief of OPS was on a leave of absence. It almost 
felt as though there were a sickness running throughout the fleet... but they 
*would* get things moving with the fine complement that they did have. 
 
"Mister Grimaldi, begin a recall of all personnel not on official leave, and 
make all preparations for getting underway." 
 
"Aye aye sir," the young man responded and immediately began to send a battery 
of orders throughout the ship. 
 
"Engineering, this is Durand." 
 
(Reply Engineering) 
 
"Standby to 'answer bells' on all propulsion systems. We are scheduled to depart 
at 1200 hours. Any reason we can't make that deadline?" 
 
(Reply Engineering, Room for more) 
 
"Very well, thank you." 
 
NRPG: Not certain where Trei and Rel are at this point, but I know the ships 
comm system will track them down anyway.... 
 
RPG: 
 
"Lieutenant Trei, Lieutenant Rel, would you join me in the ready room at your 
earliest convenience, please? Mister Grimaldi, you have the bridge." 
 
"Aye sir, I have the bridge." 
 
With that, Durand rose and headed for the ready room to await the two department 
heads. 
 
(Reply Trei, Rel, Any, ALL) 
(Posted by Russ) 


***********

USS Boudicca - CEO's Quarters - 2O/CEO Lt. Cmdr Lorimar - 0847) 
 
Lorimar felt awful. He had just *almost* literally crawled back to bed after yet 
another bout of nausea and vomiting. At first he had thought it might be food 
poisoning from his meal aboard the starbase the previous evening, but as he 
thought more about it, he slowly realized that he had been feeling poorly even 
before that. 
 
Another trip to the bathroom, more coughing and unpleasantness. 
 
~Ah thought ye were supposed tae feel *better* after vomiting?~ 
 
He tried taking a sip of water to rinse the horrible taste from his mouth, but 
even water refused to stay down. With great effort, he pulled on a shirt and 
pants, and headed in stocking feet for sickbay after notifying engineering that 
he would be later still for his shift. 
 
(USS Boudicca - Sickbay - 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar - 0858) 
 
The walk to sickbay, normally a short one, had seemed unbelieveably long and 
unpleasant. He managed not to be sick on the way there, but it was a mighty 
effort indeed. He stepped through the doors to Sickbay and looked around, making 
eye contact with the first person he saw. 
 
"Ah hate tae be a burden... can someone gie me a hand?" 
 
(Reply Medical, Any) 
(Posted by Russ) 

***************

(USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Doctor/Probationer Basil Candle - 0859)

“EXCUSE ME!!!!” 

 

Basil reached out in panic, grabbing the desk close by. He had almost fell off his chair because he again had dozed off. His probationary work took him throughout the night and Basil had spent it scrubbing a variety of small mechanical parts with a brush that had seen better days. He was ready for bed when he was ordered to sickbay to cover the early morning shift. Apparently Doctor Jahlen was elsewhere and despite their being other relief Doctors he, Basil Candle, was more qualified to cover.

He didn’t mind too much, he was used to working long hours but recently he could feel a little fatigue slowly encroaching like a hunting beast. Once it pounced he would not be fit for anything.

Basil blinked at the young nurse that had awoken him. He wondered how many times she had tried. 

“I’m sorry ….” his brain was still curled up at a doze so her name was lost to him, “…. nurse. What is it?”

“We’ve had someone come in,” 

Basil shrugged, still not fully awake.

He stepped into the main medical bay and saw one of the bio beds occupied. Hestrode over the the bed when the main medbay door opened.

"Ah hate tae be a burden... can someone gie me a hand?"

Before the accent and intonations were recognized Basil saw it was the second officer Lt Cmdr Lorimar.  

Basil quickly grabbed him under the arms and was aided by the nurse that had awoken him earlier.

They got him onto the bed and Brain, alert now, started to see what ailed Lorimar. 

(USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Doctor/Probationer Basil Candle - 1041)

“Dolensia Siccus Fossa or Dry ditch - nothing to worry about, sir. Now I‘m going to give you a sedative just to make you sleep. We‘ll treat the disease but it‘ll take a few days or so.”

(reply Lorimar)

“Now is there anything you would like me to do or pass on to anyone?” 

(reply Lorimar)

“Do not worry sir, you’ll be up and about very soon” 

Basil administered the sedative, sending Lorimar off to sleep. He stepped away from the bed and the quarantine field flickered into place. 

“Are you sure the first man has the same symptoms?” 

“Yes” said the Nurse

~By my stars and garters where did he catch such a thing?” 

He tapped his commbadge 

“Basil Candle to Ensign Gesar” 

(Reply ACEO Gesar) 

“Sorry to bother you but two things firstly Lt Lorimar has been taken ill with a bad case of Dryditch so he won’t be fulfilling any Enginneering duties for a while” 

(Reply ACEO Gesar) 

“The second thing is I need to find out how he caught it. I am sure its nothing but you’re not aware of any malfunctions in the bio-screening are you?” 

(Reply ACEO Gesar, Lorimar, any)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Sickbay - 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar - 0901) 
 
Bob could honestly say that he had never been so happy to see Dr. Candle. By the 
time the doctor and nurse made it to help him, he was feeling very weak indeed, 
and would certainly have collapsed to the floor without their assistance. The 
pair helped him to a biobed and let him lay back, which didn't help his nausea 
at all. He wanted to speak up and thank them, but he feared if he tried to talk 
he would just vomit again. 
 
Exhaustion nearly taking him, Bob drifted off slightly as the doctor ran some 
diagnostic equipment over him. 
 
(USS Boudicca - Sickbay - 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar - 1043) 
 
He came back to full alertness after what seemed a lifetime, but he was certain 
not *quite* that long. 
 
“Dolensia Siccus Fossa or Dry ditch - nothing to worry about, sir. Now I‘m going 
to give you a sedative just to make you sleep. We‘ll treat the disease but it‘ll 
take a few days or so.” 
 
~Ah've got WHAT?~ 
 
"Disease? What is it Doctor? Where in the world would ah get something like 
that?" 
 
(Reply Candle) 
 
As Candle finished his explanation, Bob was about to make a request, but the 
doctor beat him to the punch. 
 
“Now is there anything you would like me to do or pass on to anyone?” 
 
"Aye, if ye please, Doctor. Notify engineering that ah willnae make mah shift, 
and let the duty officer on the bridge know as well, thank ye." 
 
“Do not worry sir, you’ll be up and about very soon” 
 
~Aye... easy for ye tae say... yer not the patient!~ 
 
He felt the gentle hiss of a hypospray against his arm, and the world faded to 
blackness. 
 
(Reply Any) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

USS Boudicca - Ready Room - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 10.16)

Detron heard the request for himself and Ayslin Rel to come to the ready room.  Detron had no idea what this could be about, but followed orders as usual.  Detron suspected it had something to do with the mission he commanded.  He entered the ready room and took a seat.  Behind the desk was Durand.  Detron deducted that Durand was assuming command of the Boudicca at this time.  He waited for Ayslin to join him and replicated a glass of Earl Gray.

(Reply Durand, Ayslin)
(Posted by Edward)

**************

USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCO Cmdr Durand - 1018) 
 
Durand raised a curious eyebrow when the door to the ready room opened, and 
Lieutenant Trei entered, sitting down without so much as a by-your-leave from 
him. He had been in a good mood, but that was quickly changing. First things 
first. 
 
"Engineering," he spoke into his desk comm pickup, "There seems to be something 
wrong with the door to my... to the ready room. Would you kindly put it on your 
gripe list to be checked out?" 
 
(Reply Engineering) 
 
He managed to keep his temper, even while Trei made use of the ready room's 
replicator to make a cup of steaming... tea, it smelled like. He smiled across 
the desk at the Klingon TAC/SC. That smile, however was quite deceptive... and 
most assuredly did not extend to his eyes. "Comfortable, Lieutenant?" he 
inquired in an icy tone. 
 
(Reply Trei) 
 
"I hope you find the replicator recipes to your liking?" 
 
(Reply Trei) 
 
Durand nodded across the table. "Very well, now that that is out of the way, I 
have a question for you. Just exactly whom do you think is in command of this 
ship, Mister?" Before Trei could answer, he held up his hand. "To be fair, I 
cannot, and will not, hold you accountable for the policies of those fine 
officers who commanded this vessel before I have. The fact is, Lieutenant, that 
*I* am in command at the moment," 
 
~For however long *that* may last!~ 
 
"and I will expect proper protocol and decorum be followed. This room is not the 
mess hall, nor is it the observation lounge, nor is it anywhere or anything 
else. This is the Commanding Officer's private office and lounge, which has many 
uses both official and otherwise. While I am in command of this ship, neither 
you, nor any other officer or member of this crew will enter without permission, 
nor will you make yourself 'at home' unless told to do so. Am I clear, 
Lieutenant?" 
 
(Reply Trei, Room for more) 
 
Durand nodded, keeping his real thoughts to himself. "Very well Lieutenant. Now, 
as to why I called you here. I'd like your frank assessment of your department. 
I've read the official log and current status reports... that's not what I'm 
looking for. I'd appreciate you speaking freely, and please give me your honest 
assessment." 
 
(Reply Trei, Room for more) 
 
"Alright, thank you for your candor. Now, as to the other reason I asked to have 
this chat... you and the science department both have very green -- fresh from 
the Academy, actually -- assistant department heads. Have you had an opportunity 
to speak with Ensign Signos since she reported aboard? What is your initial 
impression of her?" 
 
(Reply Trei, Any, Again Room for more) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****************

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG)  Detron Trei - 10.20)

Detron listened to Durand lay into him on how he wants him to act and stated that the ready room is to be private.  Detron didn't like the tone coming from Durand, but could work around that since he had to be strictly professional before.  It looked like he would have to do that again.  

"Understood sir.  I have not had the chance to meet Ensign Signos and am aware of how green she is.  As long as she does her job, there will be no problems with me."

~You on the other hand will be a pain in my ass.  Mr. Griiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinch.~

Detron held his temper and waited for anything further from Durand.

(Reply Durand)
(Posted by Edward)


******************

(USS Boudicca, CSO's Office - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1017) 
 
Ayslin sat at her desk looking over PADDs when her comm badge chirped. 
 The new Captain requested her presence at her earliest convenience. 
She informed him she'd be there in a few minutes and quickly finished 
up her current task. 
 
(USS Boudicca, Bridge/Ready Room - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1022) 
 
Ayslin walked onto the bridge, and down to the Captain's ready room. 
Her long red hair was pulled up into a neat bun, and her uniform was 
neatly pressed.  She pressed the door chime and waited for the Captain 
to respond. 
 
(Reply Durand, assuming he lets Ayslin in...) 
 
Ayslin walked in and nodded to the Captain and Lieutenant Trei.  "Sir, 
reporting as requested," Ayslin said. 
 
(Reply Durand, Trei iyw, Any) 
(Posted by Patrick D.) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO Ensign (Sg.) Anton Gesar - 0826)


Anton was listening to the message from the new aCO Durand.  Apparently they had a new commanding officer.  It dawned on Anton that perhaps being a CO is not all that it's cracked up to be as the Boudicca seems to be experiencing a revolving door or officers sitting in the big chair.  Hopefully this change will bring them some kind of mission that will take them away from the base as his itch to get into trouble was beginning to be come unbearable.


(USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO Ensign (Sg.) Anton Gesar - 1019)


Anton was beginning to wonder where the chief was.  He had been busy replacing some components that had suddenly failed and now looking around Main Engineering realized that he had not seen the chief all day.


=/\=Engineering,=/\= Anton recognized the voice of the aCO, =/\=There seems to be something wrong with the door to my... to the ready room. Would you kindly put it on your gripe list to be checked out?=/\=


Anton looked around Main Engineering again and Lorimar was still not there.  Anton had never met the new aCO and quite frankly knew very little about the guy, which for some strange reason made him a bit hesitant.  Taking a deep breath he tapped his comm badge.


"This is Engineering, will get someone on that right away sir."


(USS Boudicca - Bridge - aCEO Ensign (Sg.) Anton Gesar - 1024)


Anton walked onto the bridge and looked around.  The aCO was not there which meant he was probably in the Ready Room.  Anton nodded to some of the bridge crew who turned in his direction when he came off the turbolift and headed for the ready room.  As he approached the door and extended his hand to press the call button the door opened on it's own.  Sitting inside were Trei and Rel as well as the new aCO who were now all staring in his direction.  Anton has experienced very few such moments in life, but at that very moment he really really wished he had sent someone else to fix the door.


"I think I know uh... what the uh.... problem with the uh.... door is.  I'm just gonna step back here and uh... run some diagnostics from the outside."


(Reply Any in room or Bridge)
(Posted by Oleg Kislyuk)


*****

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCO Cmdr Durand - 1021) 
 
Durand managed to not-quite-scowl across the desk, but he was slightly annoyed 
anyway. He could tell that he and the TAC/SC were *not* getting off on the right 
foot, not at all. He wondered silently if he was not explaining himself properly 
to the Lieutenant? 
 
"Mister Trei, we have been given orders from Starfleet, and I am interested in 
the status of your department, which is why I asked for your evaluation. If you 
have nothing to add to the *official* status report, that's fine, please say 
so." 
 
(Reply Trei) 
 
As he waited for the Klingon to respond, Lt. Rel answered his summons, asking 
permission to enter. He granted it immediately, with not so much as a glance at 
Trei. 
 
"Sir, reporting as requested," Ayslin said. 
 
"Have a seat Lieutenant, thank you for coming. Would you care for anything? If 
so, Mister Trei is fully qualified to operate the replicator," he quipped, with 
a smile in Trei's direction. 
 
(Reply Rel, Trei iyw) 
 
"Now that we sorted that out, down to business. I've asked you both to join me, 
for several reasons. First, as I explained to Mister Trei, both your departments 
have gotten new assistant department heads, fresh from the academy. Have you met 
your new assistant, Ensign Martin? Any issues with your department that didn't 
make the official reports?" 
 
(Reply Rel, Any, Room for more) 
 
As he listened to the reply, the Ready Room door opened yet again, with an 
embarrassed looking engineer (he assumed it was an engineer), who took a moment 
to find his voice. 
 
"I think I know uh... what the uh.... problem with the uh.... door is.  I'm just 
gonna step back here and uh... run some diagnostics from the outside." 
 
Durand gave a slight smile and nod in his direction. "Engineering works quickly 
on this ship I see. Come on in if you need to. I'm Commander Durand, Ensign...?" 
 
(Reply Gesar, Any) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 10.22)

Detron was getting increasingly irritated with Durand at his insistence for a department report when none was needed.  Detron thought for a moment then responded to Durand's request.

"There is nothing to report really.  The away mission used a good portion of the department.  They performed with honor as I expect them to and kept the ship secure with the personnel left.  As for the greenness of my new assistant chief, that will be worked out in time since we have no real danger at the moment."

~This guy is a real Grinch.   GRRRRR.~

(Reply Durand)
(Posted by Edward)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCEO Ens. Anton Gesar - 1023)

The officer behind the CO's desk in the ready room gave Anton a slight smile and a nod.  "Engineering works quickly on this ship I see. Come on in if you need to. I'm Commander Durand, Ensign...?"

~Dammit.~

Recovering from being caught off guard by the door Anton was back to his smiling charming self.  "Gesar sir, aCEO Anton Gesar."

(Reply Durand, Any in room)
(USS Boudicca - Turbolift - aCEO Ens. Anton Gesar - 1044)

Having survived the encounter with the new aCO, Anton decided to head back to engineering.  The door should have been an easy fix but for some reason it took a while to fix it.  

=/\= Basil Candle to Ensign Gesar. =/\=

"Yes Basil what can I do for you?"

=/\= Sorry to bother you but two things firstly Lt.Lorimar has been taken ill with a bad case of Dryditch so he won't be fulfilling any Engineering duties for a while.=/\=

"And Second?"

=/\= The second thing is I need to find out how he caught it.  I am sure it's nothing but you're not aware of any malfunctions in the bio-screening are you?=/\=

"Not that I am aware.  Send me data on the illness and I will run some diagnostics.  Is the Chief going to be alright?"

(Reply Candle)
(Posted by Oleg Kislyuk)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Doctor/Probationer Basil Candle - 1046)  

=^=Not that I am aware. Send me data on the illness and I will run some diagnostics. Is the Chief going to be alright?=^=  

“I will do and not to worry - it’s nothing really a case of flu with intense dry coughing and possibly itching over the most of his body. He’ll be up and about in a short time.. The ship’s system’s should have picked this up so just trying to figure out how he got it. Its not contagious but … whatever you can find or not find would be helpful.” 

(Reply Gesar) 
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

*****

USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCO Commander Durand - 1023.5) 
 
"Gesar sir, aCEO Anton Gesar." 
 
Durand smiled back with a glint of amusement in his eye. “Very well, Ensign, 
carry on with your repair. I suspect it may be a software issue, as the door 
chime is clearly working; Lieutenant Rel used it just a few moments ago.” 
 
(Reply Gesar iyw) 
 
Durand returned his attention to the TAC/SC. “Lieutenant Trei, if you have 
nothing further, you may return to your regular duties. Dismissed.” 
 
(Reply Trei iyw) 
 
“Now... Lieutenant Rel, where were we?” 
 
(Reply Rel, Any) 
(Posted by Russ)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1025) 
 
Ayslin had only started to give her report when Ensign Gesar had come 
in.  Ayslin got the sneaking suspicion from the look on the Captain's 
face that she was missing something, but she wasn't going to bring 
that you.  She learned long ago that post docs didn't try and get in 
on the Dean's inside joke. 
 
Once Trei was dismissed the Acting Captain turned to look at Ayslin. 
“Now... Lieutenant Rel, where were we?” 
 
"Department reports, and my new ACSO, sir.  And as to the latter no, I 
haven't meet him yet.  To the former, Science is running at strength 
and nothing much is out of the ordinary.  Most of my staff, myself 
included are still trying to catch up with advancements of the last 
five years and restart research projects, but with the entire 52nd 
Science doing the same thing, the backlog for study approval is a 
little long.  I've given pro-tem approval for anything that doesn't 
require excessive acquisitions or doesn't need to go through an ethics 
or safety approval process.  Still, I think a lot of the researchers 
in the department are still stunned, it's hard for most of us to have 
what we were working on suddenly meaningless or completed by someone 
else.  Everyone has to find a new starting point."  Ayslin said with a 
shrug.  She wasn't sure what department the Captain had served in 
before he'd become a command officer, but if he wasn't science, she 
wasn't sure he'd really understand. 
 
(Reply Durand) 
(Posted by Patrick D.) 

*****

USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCO Commander Durand - 1027) 
 
Durand listened to Rel as she answered his questions, and he gazed unblinkingly 
across the desk at her. He placed the thumb of his right hand under his chin, 
his index finger straight across his upper lip. It was manifestly a 
contemplative pose, but it was merely a habit of his and he gave it no notice 
whatsoever. 
 
“Everyone does have to find a new starting point Lieutenant.” 
 
~Even... or perhaps *especially* me~ 
 
“But I would hardly call anyone’s work ‘meaningless’. Just because you weren’t 
around to finish things, or follow them through doesn’t lessen your 
contribution. Just because Cochrane is no longer around to see the advances in 
warp propulsion doesn’t lessen his contribution in any way. The same for 
Daystrom, Hypatia, Bohr, Einstein, Surak... the list is endless. As they say, 
‘We see further because we stand upon the shoulders of those who came before 
us’. Perhaps those of you in the ‘Phantom Fleet’ have a unique opportunity... 
one that those historical folk never did. You started things, had others carry 
the mantle, and now you’ve returned and can build upon *their* work. Something 
to think about, wouldn’t you say, Lieutenant?” 
 
(Reply Rel, Room for more) 
 
“At any rate, if you encounter any... shall we say, ‘administrative roadblocks’, 
please bring them to my attention and I’ll do my best to expedite things for you 
and the department, alright?” 
 
(Reply Rel iyw) 
 
“If you have nothing further Lieutenant, I won’t keep you from your work. I must 
confess that I’m not entirely sure exactly what your department will do in 
regard to our mission. In fact, I suspect that you know far more about the River 
than I do. If the ship receives any further directives, I’ll pass them along. 
Thank you for your time. Dismissed.” 
 
(Reply Rel iyw, Any) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Bridge - ACSO Ensign(jg) David Martin - 1044)

David exited onto the bridge and went to the Ready Room and pressed the bell. While he stood there waiting he briefly remembered the two week journey to get to Starbase 47. It had begun with graduation from the Academy.
 
Stardate 2413.09.01 
 
(Earth - Academy Offices - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin - 0900)
 
David left the Academy offices, he had to catch the Academy shuttle to the Earth Spacedock,  and tapped his comm badge, "Ensign Martin to Spacedock".
 
=^= Spacedock, Lt. Kros here. =^=
 
 "Requesting shuttle to station." 

 =^= Negative, Martin. Shuttles are busy we will transport you directly to the station. Are you ready? =^=
 
"Yes, Sir."
 
=^= Stand bye... Transporting now. =^=
 
David saw a blue energy field form around him and the Academy grounds disappeared. 
 
(Earth Spacedock - Transporter Room - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin - 0915)
 
He reappeared on a transporter pad on in a small room with a young woman behind the console and a middle aged man standing next to her.
 
"Ensign Martin?" the man said.
 
"Aye." 
 
'Ensign, You are to report to the Excalibur, she will take you to Starbase 47 where you will  meet up with the Boudicca."
 
"Understood, where do I find the Excalibur?"
 
"Take a left out the doors then a right and you cant miss her. To get to the the boarding shuttle take another left and it will be on the right. You will be looking for Lt. Johnson as he will be there shuttling the crew to the ship. 
 
"Understood." 
 
(Earth Spacedock - Corridors - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin - 0920)
 
David left the transporter room turned left walked about twenty feet and turned right about thirty feet he saw a small lounge With large picture windows. On the other side of the window was the secondary haul of a ship. David quickly walked over to the glass and to see how much of the ship he was able to see. The ship was sleek and a dark blue-grey.He stood there lost in the ship, He couldn't believe the beauty of her. The sleek shape and design. David took one last look at the ship and turned to his left and headed on to the boarding shuttle dock. Once there he checked in with  Lt Johnson. 
 
(Earth Spacedock - Shuttle Pod Jumper - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin - 0940)
 
David took a seat and within a few minutes the shuttle detached from the station and headed out into the inner space of the Station. Johnson flew out down the port side of the ship banked over the bow of the ship then down the starboard side. It docked on the secondary hull just under the primary hull support. Dave enjoyed the close view of the ship.
 
(Earth Spacedock - USS Excalibur - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin - 0955)
 
David disembarked the shuttle pod with four others and found a long line of people waiting for quarter assignments. He waited in line for about an hour to get his quarter assignments. Once he got his assignments he went to his quarters and replicated new uniforms. he changed into his Ensign uniform and went to 10 Forward to watch the ship pull out of Space dock.
 
(Earth Spacedock - USS Excalibur  - 10 Forward - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin - 1030)
 
He walked into 10 Forward and the bartender looked up and said,"I sorry we don't open till tomorrow."
 
"I tell you what," David said, "you let me stay and watch the ship pull out of space dock, I will set your tables and chairs for you. Deal?"
 
"Fine. You got about an hour."
 
David walked over to the pile of tables and chairs and started pulling the tables out to the  the floor. He got all the table and all but four chairs in place when he heard the Captain announce that the ship would be leaving spacedock in about three minutes. He sat down at a table near the main window and grabbed the last chairs and placed them at the table. A hum could be heard and felt through the deck plates.
 
"I am assuming your not on duty." The bartender said as he set David down a drink.
 
"Your right. I am just here as a passenger on route to Starbase 47 to meet up with my ship the Boudicca." Dave replied gesturing for the bartender to sit. 
 
"The Boudicca, a fine ship, named after a Celtic princess correct?"
 
"I would say so. I only know of the one Boudicca."
 
"First assignment?"
 
"Yes, just graduated and received assignment today."
 
"I see you where the blue of science/medical which are you."
 
"I actually studied both, but I am assigned as Asst. Chief Science Officer. I hope to do some work in some command situations once I get a bit settled in my current field. I tried to study a bit of everything in the Academy."
 
"So where do you see yourself in say five to ten years?"
 
"Commanding my on ship. I would like to have one like this."
 
"Well I do believe that may be possible one day. I came here from an Ambassador's ship and was told that the Excalibur class was to take the place of the Excelsior and Ambassador class ships as the backbone of the Fleet."
 
"I guess that everyone will be serving on these then."
 
The humming grew louder and then the captain announced that the ship will is now leaving 
Spacedock. 
David turned his chair so he was facing directly ahead and said to no one."Helm, Take us out one quarter impulse power." as if he actually giving the orders the ship began to slowly move forward. 
 
The bartender sat back and listened to Dave as he "ordered" the ship out of space dock.
 
David began to count down from 10 at 5 he announced,"Space dock this is Excalibur request permission to disembark." he continued counting down at three he said,"Permission granted Excalibur." 
 
He continued counting down at zero the Space doors began to open. he began counting back up at three the Space doors had opened wide enough for the ship to began to pass through.
 
At five he said,"Helm full impulse." At seven David announced to the bartender,"we are now out." 
 
At nine David said,"Helm set course for Starbase 47 maximum warp." at ten he said,'Engage." outside the stars streaked as they made the jump to warp.
 
David finished his drink and stood. He pushed in his chair and thanked the bartender.
 
"So what are you going to do now?" the bartender asked.
 
"Well I need to find out how fast the ship is actually going so that I can figure out how till we arrive. Then I'll brush up on the layout of the Boudicca and prepare for duty." David left 10-Forward and went to his quarters. 
 
(USS Excalibur  - Ensign Martin's quarters - ACSO Ensign Martin(jg) - 1030)
 
Once there he used his computer he accessed the layout of the Boudicca and found it to be a very intriguing ship design one he was not very familiar with. She had 19 decks and was just shy of 542 meters long. Normally She was commanded by a Captain Susan Rivers who was currently taking a leave of absence. The first officer was also intriguing to David, a half Klingon half Vulcan that was named Dorga 'cha Nooras.
 
He spent the next month studying various manuals relating with science medical engineering and tactical. David was determined to be a very well rounded officer but his chief goal was still to make captain and get his own ship,
 
Stardate 2413.10.14 
 
(USS Excalibur  - Ensign Martin's quarters - ACSO Ensign Martin(jg) - 2330)
 
With less than 24 hours before arriving at Starbase 47, David went back to checking on the Boudicca's status.
 
David noticed that the First Officer Commander Dorga 'cha Nooras has put in for a leave of absence, and the Captain still hasn't returned, thus leaving the ship in the hands of the Second Officer Commander Durand. 
 
The Boudicca was currently on a rescue mission of a freighter in a near-by system and would be returning to starbase 47 within a day or two of David's arrival. David tapped is communicator. 
 
"Computer. What is our current speed?"
 
[Current speed is Warp 9.563.]
 
"What is the time of arrival at Starbase 47?"
 
[At current speed, 15 hours and 17 minutes.]
 
David shut down his computer consule and left his quarters and went to the ship store's. While there he picked up a couple starfleet issue duffel bags, several starfleet blue uniforms, and a Padd unit. He paid for his things and headed back to his quarters. He packed his new uniforms and connected his Padd unit to the computer terminal to download various info. He then turned into the bed.
 
(USS Excalibur  - Ensign Martin's quarters - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin  - 0900)
 
Star Date 2413.10.15
 
He awoke several hours later and took a sonic shower. He disconnected the Padd unit from the computer terminal and packed it into a duffel. He checked the arrival to Starbase 24, and found he only had a couple hours. He decided to go to 10-forward for some breakfast. 
 
(USS Excalibur  - 10 Forward - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin  - 0900)
 
David sat and ate his meal while talking with the bartender, until he heard the Captain announce that they had arrived at Starbase 47 and were now docking. He paid for his meal and said goodbye to the bartender. He exited the Excalibur and entered the starbase 47 he went to the Dock Master and asked if the Boudicca has arrived yet, he said that they have and they were at docking bay 14. 
 
(USS Boudicca - Docking Hatch - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin  - 1000)
 
David went to Docking Bay 14 and entered the Boudicca. He then went to the nearest control panel and tapped the comm button.
 
"Computer, location of Commander Durand."
 
[Commander Durand is in the Ready Room on the bridge.]
 
David headed to the turbo lift and requested the bridge. 
 
(USS Boudicca - Bridge - ACSO Ensign(jg) Martin  - 1044)
 
He exited onto the bridge and went to the Ready Room and pressed the bell. 
 
He stood there remembering the trip here over the last month, The sound of someone say something on the other side of the door snapped David back to the present,and he stepped forward to enter the room, the doors opened and David stepped inside. He walked over to the desk where Commander Durand was sitting. David walked over and announced,"Ensign David Martin, reporting for duty. Sir."
 
(reply Commander Durand)
 (posted by David Deffenbaugh)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCO Commander Durand - 1045) 
 
Durand nodded at the young man who entered the ready room after asking 
permission to enter. The doors shut behind him, and the aCO gave him an 
appraising look as he approached the desk. He appeared to stand just about six 
feet tall, and was stocky... almost slightly overweight for his frame. The 
goatee and mustache completed the ‘scholarly’ look in Durand’s appraisal. 
 
"Ensign David Martin, reporting for duty. Sir." 
 
“At ease, Mister Martin... have a seat.” 
 
(Reply Martin iyw) 
 
“I see that you have come to us fresh from the academy... rest assured that any 
gaps in your training will be provided by the officers aboard the ship. Your 
department head is Lieutenant Rel. She has a stellar reputation -- no pun 
intended -- as a scientist of distinction. The entire department, as well as 
*all* departments aboard this vessel are some of the finest in the fleet. Make 
no mistake about it... during her last refit this ship underwent a thorough 
conversion to an exploratory vessel. She can still fill the warship role, but 
I’d say you are rather fortunate to draw the assignment here. Your opportunity 
for scientific endeavor is impressive indeed.” 
 
He took a long sip from his ever present cup of coffee then continued. 
 
“Have you any questions for me Ensign, regarding your duties or anything else?” 
 
(Reply Martin) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - ACSO Ensign(jg) David Martin - 1044) 
 
"Ensign David Martin, reporting for duty. Sir."
 
“At ease, Mister Martin... have a seat.”
 
"Thank you, sir." David sat in the chair across from the Commander. He waited for a split second while the Commander sized him up. David hoped to have made a good first impression.
 
“I see that you have come to us fresh from the academy... rest assured that any gaps in your training will be provided by the officers aboard the ship. Your department head is Lieutenant Rel. She has a stellar reputation -- no pun intended -- as a scientist of distinction. The entire department, as well as *all* departments aboard this vessel are some of the finest in the fleet. Make no mistake about it... during her last refit this ship underwent a thorough conversion to an exploratory vessel. She can still fill the warship role, but I’d say you are rather fortunate to draw the assignment here. Your opportunity for scientific endeavor is impressive indeed.”
 
The Commander took a long sip from his cup then continued.
 
“Have you any questions for me Ensign, regarding your duties or anything else?”
 
"No, Sir. I think I can find my way to the Science Labs and the CSO's office on Deck 6."

(Durand iyw) 
(posted by David Deffenbaugh)

*****


USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCO Commander Durand - 1046) 
 
~No questions huh? He will have soon, I'm certain. Lt. Rel is just the person to 
answer them...~ 
 
"Very well Mister Martin, I'd suggest you do report to Lieutenant Rel without 
delay then." 
 
He stood and extended his hand across the desk. "Welcome aboard, Ensign." 
 
(Reply Martin iyw) 
(Posted by Russ)

*****

Mission: All the King’s Horses, Day 1
Stardate: 2413.10.15
 
(Boudicca - Deck 6 - Out side CSO office - ACSO Ens. (jg) David Martin - 1100
 
David pressed the comm button on the door and after waiting for an answer before he entered. He had just left the bridge and after meeting with the acting commanding officer. He was now checking in with his department head.
 
Upon hearing the okay to enter he stepped in and the first thing he noticed was her red hair and green eyes. The next thing he noticed was her pale skin and the "Trill spots".  
 
He walked over to the desk and announced.
 
"Lt. Rel? Ensign David Martin reporting for duty. I am your new Assistant Chief Science Officer"

(Rel)
 
"I look forward to working with you, Sir, and am ready to get started whenever you are."
 
(Rel)

(posted by David Deffenbaugh)

*****

USS Boudicca - TAC's Office - ATAC Ensign(jg)  Jessica Signos - 1100)

She had left the bridge after handing over her orders commander Lorimar She then glanced over at the TAC chief nodding slightly before leaving the bridge. That was some time ago. She heard that again command of the Boudicca changed hands again.

Jessica now waited in the TAC's office. Since Lieutenant Trei was called to the captain's ready room, it looked like she would have a decent wait to ponder over the many procedures and policies that pertained to her new position on the Boudicca.

~ I wonder how long this meeting is going to last.~ 

(reply Lt. Trei)
(posted by Matthew Locke) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 11.01)

After Detron was dismissed by Durand, he took his Earl Gray and went to QV.  Detron ordered some of those beetles and a sandwich to go because he had to meet his new ASC/TC.  Detron ran into his office apologizing for the rush and sat at his desk.  Detron punched some keys on the PADD and looked up to greet his new assistant.

"Welcome to the Boudicca Ms. Signos.  We will get along fine as long as you do your job.  What can you offer the department that may be useful to me?  Try to keep it brief because I have Bridge duty and have to get back to the Bridge."

(Reply Signos)
(Posted by Edward)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - ATAC/SC Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos  - 1106)

 
She was gad that she did not have to wait long before the doors of the lieutenant office slide open, and in ran a hurried lieutenant Trei, as he sat quickly behind his desk.

"Welcome to the Boudicca Ms. Signos.  We will get along fine as long as you do your job.  What can you offer the department that may be useful to me?  Try to keep it brief because I have Bridge duty and have to get back to the Bridge." Even, Trei's words seemed hurried 

~Hmmm, the meeting with the new CO must not of gone to his liking...~

"Has for what I can offer the department... " She replied, coming to her feet. "I can offer an continued security presence so you can get back to the bridge, before our new CO has kittens." 

She made her way to the door "If you have nothing else, I think I will start with a tour of the ship. Starting with medical to drop off medical records and to get my coming on board physical taken care of." She smiled hoping that would take some of the pressure of her new boss.

(reply Trei, but none needed.)
(posted by Matthew Locke.)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 11.08)
 
Detron heard what Signos had to say and was amused by the kittens reference.  He would have to ask her about that later.  Detron nodded in confirmation that what she said pleased him.
 
"Good.  On your tour of the ship, stop by QV and talk to Ariana.  She is a very nice person."
 
(Reply Signos iyw)
(Posted by Edward)
*****

Starbase 47 - Personal Quarters - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 1100)
 
Her orders had finally come in this morning and not a moment too soon.  Josh had been kicking her heels on Starbase 47 for the last two weeks, not entirely sure where she was being sent.  ~That's what you get for arguing with an Admiral's aide in Personnel and a Vulcan one to boot.~
 
Josh smiled as she remembered her interview.  The young Vulcan male hadn't bothered asking her to sit but had merely regarded her from behind his desk, raised the requisite eyebrow and began to question her about whether her request to be transferred back to Medical was a proper use of Fleet resources given the amount of effort Fleet had put into training her for Command.
 
On someone else that might have worked, but not with Josh.  She merely raised an eyebrow back and mentioned that two weeks Command training plus a year as an FO honestly did not stack up against all her years graduating Edinburgh University Medical School, Starfleet Academy, Starfleet Medical and all the time she had spent as an ACMO and CMO on various ships in the fleet.
 
To give the aide his due, he had tried his best to intimidate her into backing down, but to be honest Josh had served her time with some of the best Captains in the Fleet before the Civil War, during it and afterwards and one little Admiral's aide wasn't about to change her mind.  Had it been the Admiral, then maybe, but then, maybe not.
 
So that is how Josh finally found herself sent to Starbase 47 to await her fate.  It was the aide's only revenge and she had been cooling her heels here for the last two weeks.  Finally, this morning her orders had arrived.  She was to report to the USS Boudicca as their CMO.
 
So... here she was, all her belongings packed into the carrysack that was draped over her shoulders.  Her dog and her cat crated and sent on ahead along with her rocking chair and Starbase Operations notified that she would be vacating her quarters today.
 
She took one last look in the mirror and grinned to herself.  Seeing herself in the Blue Collar of Medical took some getting used to, but to be honest seeing herself back in a Fleet uniform took some getting used to as well.  Giving herself one last look over Josh decided that she felt extremely comfortable back in Medical Blues and finally giving herself a mental note to get hold of a medical overcoat once she got aboard the ship she left her quarters and head off towards the Boudicca.
 
(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 1115)
 
As soon as Josh stepped onto the ship and proffered her credentials the Master of the Boat took the time to inform her where she needed to be, where Sickbay was, and where her quarters were.  Josh listened to him without interrupting him.  She had served years ago on the Boud but Josh knew from first hand knowledge how much things could change.  She smiled at him and thanked him for his help and made her way to the Ready Room.
 
Standing outside she pressed the chime and waited for a reply.
 
(Reply aCO)
 
The doors opened and Josh walked smartly through.  Stopping just short of the desk she proffered her padd.  "Cmdr Jennifer Caskie reporting as ordered Captain."
 
(Reply aCO) 
Posted by Marilyn

*****

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCO Cmdr Durand - 1116) 
 
Alan was reviewing the mass of administrative details, large and small, that 
fell into his lap upon the change of command. Temporary though it was, he was 
now both legally and morally responsible for the entire vessel and her crew. 
 
The responsibility was truly awesome... being both wonderful and at once 
terrible to contemplate. Some officers wilted under the burden, some thrived as 
though born to it. 
 
He fervently hoped he would be among the latter group. 
 
Any such speculation was idle and pointless, and his train of thought was 
conveniently interrupted by the door chime. 
 
"Enter," he responded, thankful for the distraction. 
 
A tall, slim redheaded woman stepped in as the door slid open. Wearing medical 
blue, and with her striking bearing, Commander's pips, and good looks she could 
only be one person. 
 
~What is it with Starfleet? Redheads... always redheads!~ 
 
She stepped smartly to the desk, handing over a PADD with her orders. "Cmdr 
Jennifer Caskie reporting as ordered Captain." 
 
He accepted it, moving to his feet as he did so. He gave the ship's new CMO a 
warm smile and gestured toward the empty chair opposite his. "Please, take a 
seat. Do you prefer to be addressed as 'Doctor', or 'Commander'?" 
 
~Either one is an impressive feat to achieve... and judging from her service 
record...~ 
 
(Reply CMO) 
 
"Very well, I'll do my best to remember that," he chuckled lightly. "Would you 
like anything? I believe the replicator is working nicely today." His smile 
broadened at the private joke, wondering if she would question him on it or not. 
 
(Reply CMO) 
 
He had been viewing her service record a few minutes prior, and he called it 
back up on his desk reader. Glancing at the few details he had not already 
committed to memory, he gazed across the desk at her. "You've an interesting 
service record here, very interesting indeed. Care to hit any highlights for me, 
or does the record speak for itself?" 
 
(Reply CMO, Room for more) 
 
"I know that you have not been aboard for long, but I wonder have you had a 
chance to look in on our Chief Engineer? I'm told he's down with... some sort of 
'condition'. A 'dry itch' or something? I don't recall that from my father's 
practice, but perhaps its a xeno-medical condition? We didn't have a lot of 
those in Colorado." 
 
~Of course, half the time I wasn't listening to Dad, was I?~ 
 
(Reply CMO, Any) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 1118)

 
As she proffered her padd the Captain rose to his feet and welcomed her.  Gesturing towards an empty chair opposite him he smiled.  "Please, take a seat. Do you prefer to be addressed as 'Doctor', or 'Commander'?"

Josh sank gracefully into the chair and returned the smile.  "I freely admit I have never been big on rank so Doctor suits me fine for formal occasions.  Informally I prefer to be called Josh.
 
"Very well, I'll do my best to remember that," he chuckled lightly. "Would you like anything? I believe the replicator is working nicely today."  His smile broadened at the private joke, wondering if she would question him on it or not.

Josh merely cocked her head to one side and raising an eyebrow smiled at him again.  "Well in that case, how can I refuse.  A cup of Lapsang Suchong tea would be much appreciated.  No milk or sugar thank you sir."
 
Once the Captain had placed her tea in front of her he sat down opposite her and began speaking.  "You've an interesting service record here, very interesting indeed. Care to hit any highlights for me, or does the record speak for itself?"

Josh picked up her cup and took a sip, using the time to frame a reply to his question.  "Well sir, my career with Starfleet has indeed been interesting.  At least that is one word I might use to describe it anyway.  But basically, what you need to know is that I am not a 'spit and polish' officer.  I don't dot my I's or cross my T's and as CMO I prefer my staff to call me Josh rather than Sir, but, from the moment I boarded this ship my job was to make sure that you have the most efficient and well run Sickbay that I can give you."
 
(reply Durand iyw)
 
"I know that you have not been aboard for long, but I wonder have you had a chance to look in on our Chief Engineer? I'm told he's down with... some sort of 'condition'. A 'dry itch' or something? I don't recall that from my father's practice, but perhaps its a xeno-medical condition? We didn't have a lot of those in Colorado."

Josh shook her head.  "I reported here first sir, but my next port of call will be Sickbay to introduce myself and take command and I will make it a priority to find out about it and update you as soon as I can."
 
(Reply Durand iyw)
 
Josh took a final sip of her tea and setting her cup back on the table simply looked across at her new Captain.  "Now sir, unless there is anything else you wish to discuss I should probably report to Sickbay and get started.  I will have a preliminary evaluation report for you by the end of Alpha Shift and a full one ready within 24 hours."  She smiled one last time at him.  "Thank you for the tea sir, it was much appreciated."
 
(Reply Durand iyw)

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aCO Commander Durand - 1120) 
 
After he replicated her requested cup of tea, Alan set it down in front of the 
doctor and then returned to his own seat behind the desk. He listened with 
interest as she fielded his questions. He noted almost immediately that here was 
an officer (and person!) who was self confident, organized, and evidently sure 
of who she was and what she wanted. He liked and admired that immensely. 
 
He smiled warmly at her as she gave him an opening to respond. “Never fear... I 
don’t stand on protocol either... at least not privately. You’ll get no 
interference from me in running your department. I *don’t* micro-manage... in 
fact I hate officers that do that. I find things far more efficient if you issue 
general directives, and keep things on course. We have talented folks in the 
fleet, and they know their jobs. They don’t need me breathing down their necks 
every second." 
 
He stopped and took a sip of the black coffee he had made for himself, and 
considered what she was saying fully. “I appreciate your forthright manner. Does 
the invitation to call you ‘Josh’ extend to me as well, or is that limited to 
your staff?" 
 
(Reply CMO) 
 
“Alright. In that case, if you feel comfortable doing it, call me Alan, at least 
in private. I prefer all of us keep things on a professional level when on duty, 
do you agree?" 
 
(Reply CMO) 
 
After she responded, he inquired about the CEO and his medical condition. She 
assured him she would look into it, and he felt a small clarification was 
needed. “I’m not prodding you, far from it. But he *is* my acting second in 
command at the moment, so I do need to know what is going on with him. As soon 
as you tell me he is up to having visitors, I’d like to pay him a visit, 
alright?" 
 
(Reply CMO) 
 
“Excellent, thank you very much." 
 
"Now sir, unless there is anything else you wish to discuss I should probably 
report to Sickbay and get started. I will have a preliminary evaluation report 
for you by the end of Alpha Shift and a full one ready within 24 hours." She 
smiled one last time at him. "Thank you for the tea sir, it was much 
appreciated." 
 
“Most welcome. Take your time with the reports, I’m sure you have more pressing 
matters to attend first." 
 
(Reply CMO iyw, Any) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 1120)

 
The Captain sipped his coffee and regarded Josh over his desk before speaking again.  “I appreciate your forthright manner. Does the invitation to call you ‘Josh’ extend to me as well, or is that limited to your staff?"

Josh flashed him a smile.  "Of course it extends to you sir.  Please feel free to call me whatever you feel most comfortable with."
 
“Alright. In that case, if you feel comfortable doing it, call me Alan, at least in private. I prefer all of us keep things on a professional level when on duty, do you agree?"

Josh flashed him one of her wicked grins this time.  "Very well Alan, thank you.  However whilst I am happy to have my staff call me Josh, I most certainly understand the need for the senior staff to be professional whilst on duty and I have no problems with that."
 
The Captain then began to discuss the condition of the CEO.  “I’m not prodding you, far from it. But he *is* my acting second in command at the moment, so I do need to know what is going on with him. As soon as you tell me he is up to having visitors, I’d like to pay him a visit, alright?"

Josh simply nodded.  "I'll make it my first priority sir and I will let you know as soon as he is awake."
 
(Posted by Marilyn)

*****
 
(USS Boudicca - Sickbay - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 1202)
 
Josh stopped just short of the doors to Sickbay and took a deep breath.  It had been well over a year since she had walked into a Sickbay in any capacity other than a visitor and she was vain enough to want to savour this moment.  Finally she took another deep breath and grinning stepped forward enough to allow the doors to slide open.  As they did Josh took the final few steps into her new domain and allowed her gaze to travel around Sickbay.  
 
It was quiet as it should be whilst docked at a Starbase however there was one patient she could see asleep on one of the biobeds.  ~Must be the Chief Engineer that the Captain mentioned.~
 
She could see that all eyes had turned towards her, another clue that Sickbay was indeed quiet, since had it been busy no-one would have paid her the slightest attention.  
 
Crossing to the nearest member of staff she stopped the young nurse.  "Good afternoon.  I am Commander Caskie your new CMO.  Precisely who is in charge of Sickbay at present and where are they?"
 
The nurse hesitated for a moment and then began speaking.  "That would be Doctor Candle sir.  He is.. uh, that is... uh I believe he is resting sir.  He has been doing back to back shifts."
 
Josh simply nodded.  "Understood.  Please lead the way so that I may relieve him of duty."
 
The nurse led her to the doctor who was fast asleep in a chair and Josh tsked at this.  Not that he was fast asleep.  Josh knew full well that as a doctor you could be on call anytime and the ability to grab sleep when you could was a prerequisite of the profession.  What she was annoyed about was that he was asleep in a chair of all things.  Adding a roll out bed in the CMO's office to her list of things to do she leant over the doctor and gently shook him awake.
 
"Dr Candle wake up please."
 
As his eyes flickered open she smiled at him.  "Good afternoon Dr Candle.  I am Commander Caskie, your new CMO."
 
(reply Candle iyw)
 
"I believe you have been on duty for a while now.  If you would be so good as to update me on our patient you may then go off duty until 0800 tomorrow morning.  I believe the EMH and I can cover Sickbay until then."
 
(Reply Candle) 
(Posted by Marilyn)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Doctor/Probationer Basil Candle - 1204)  

Basil dream’t of trees. The gentle swaying as the wind whispered through the branches, the collective murmuring rustle to each other. The enclosing greenness mottled with splashes of brown, peeking through at Basil huddled amidst the towering figures. Not a dream a nightmare…. 

Suddenly he mildly jumped awake in his chair, eyes flickering open. He could see one familiar face but another not so familiar. 

"Good afternoon Dr Candle. I am Commander Caskie, your new CMO." 

The concept of a commanding officer would not reach his brain until much later in the day as he was taking a sonic shower. But for now he just blibked and said, 

“Hello, Prob… Dr Candle at your service” 

"I believe you have been on duty for a while now. If you would be so good as to update me on our patient you may then go off duty until 0800 tomorrow morning. I believe the EMH and I can cover Sickbay until then."  

“ … Thank you. Ah yes our patients.” Struggling to function without any artificial stimulus he dredged the details from his mind, 2O and CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar and Ensign Tien 

“These are two cases of Dryditch. As you are aware this causes an influenza-like illness with fever, an extremely dry cough, headaches, nausea, myalgias and in some intense cases a rash. Its not contagious or fatal but my immediate concern is how they got it.” He was musing aloud now,

“The ship’s systems tend to screen these diseases so the fact that we have one is bad enough but two?” 

(Reply Caskie iyw) 

“Anyway thank you for relieving me,” .. still not with it but getting there he was sure he should be saying something else,

As he was leaving he said, 

“ … oh and welcome aboard”  

(Reply Caskie, iyw) 
(Posted by Warren Simkins) 

*****

USS Boudicca - Bridge - aCO Cmdr Durand - 1158) 
 
Durand had emerged from the -- alright, 'his', at least for the time being -- 
Ready Room, finished for the moment with the series of personal staff meetings. 
He settled lightly into the center seat once again and looked around at the 
officers working busily at thier stations. 
 
"Operations, are we ready?" 
 
"Aye sir, all stations signalling 'ready for departure.'" 
 
He nodded slightly. "Very well. Starbase 47 OPS, this is the Boudicca, 
requesting permission to depart." 
 
There was a slight pause, then the speakers clicked to life. "Boudicca, this is 
Starbase Operations. You are clear to depart, no inbound or outbound traffic... 
you are a fleet of one. Good luck sir, and take care of yourselves out there." 
 
"Acknowledged OPS, and thank you." 
 
"Viewer ahead, Mister LaRoche," he said to the officer at conn. Durand 
suppressed a chuckle when he looked at the viewscreen image. 
 
~Why doesn't anyone ever think of *backing* into the garage?~ 
 
He shook his head in a slight display of amusement. "Alright, viewer astern, and 
'single up' all moorings." 
 
In response to the orders, the image shifted to the cavernous opening of the 
space doors leading out of the docking bay, as seen down the length of the 
ship's nacelles from forward aft. Ensign LaRoche at conn released all but a 
single tractor beam at the bow and stern holding the ship against the various 
docking ports and points. All retractable umbilicals, tubes, and gangways had 
already been cleared; the only thing holding the mighty ship still now were 
those tractor moorings. 
 
"Thrusters to station keeping, and clear all moorings." 
 
"Ready sir." 
 
"Right... here we go. Maneuvering thrusters, dead slow astern. Engineering, 
standby on all engines." 
 
(Reply Engineering iyw, Any) 
 
He watched in silence as the starship began to gather momentum astern, toward 
open space. He could barely contain his enthusiasm; after all, even a patrol was 
better than being tied up at the dock, right? 
 
~Oh without a doubt!~ 
 
He tabbed open the shipwide comm on the arm of his chair. "Attention all hands, 
this is Commander Durand. We are departing Starbase 47 for our new mission. As 
soon as we clear the system, we will be setting course for a terminus of the 
Subspace River, designated Alpha Seven. We are to monitor the terminus for any 
activity and report same. The length of our mission assignment at this point has 
yet to be determined. I *can* tell you that this mission is of greater 
importance than it might sound. Starfleet expects the very best from us, and we 
will deliver no less. That is all." 
 
In the time it had taken to make his short broadcast, the Boudicca had cleared 
the doors and was backing away from the station. Another 30 seconds passed in 
silence, then the report from conn that Durand had been waiting for. 
 
"Sir, we are clear, and free to navigate." 
 
"Very well conn. Lay in a course for River terminus Alpha Seven, and go to warp 
five when we are clear. ETA at that speed?" 
 
"Seventeen hours, forty one minutes sir." 
 
"Excellent. Mister Trei, you have the bridge." With that, he rose and headed for 
the turbolift. 
 
(Reply ALL) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 11.59)

Detron heard the passing of control to the bridge to him as Durand went to the turbo lift.

"Understood sir."

Detron settled into his command posture

(Reply any)
(Posted by Edward)

*****

(Federation Colony Jahdara III - Admin Office - Administrator Burke - 2348) 
 
Franklin Burke looked out the windows of his office, imagining the panoramic 
view that would be afforded someday. Not soon, but not all that long from now, 
either. As each minute, each hour, each day passed, the atmospheric processing 
equipment churned away doing its magical work in turning Jahdara III’s native 
atmosphere into something much more closely resembling a terran standard. 
 
That was, after all, a full third the purpose of the colony. Eventually, the 
goal was to have a thriving agrarian economy, but given the state of progress in 
Terraforming, he knew that was several years in the future as yet. Humanoids 
could exist without specialized equipment in the atmosphere as it was, but it 
was hardly a pleasant environment. It wasn't a likely vacation destination, that 
much was certain. 
 
The final third of the raison d’etre for the colony was progressing much faster 
than anticipated. Burke didn’t know exactly how Gnarrtok, the Tellarite mining 
engineer was motivating his miners, but it was certainly effective. They had 
reached the tonnage goal for six months already, in less than half that time. 
 
He had read and reread the report on his desk several times, and yet he still 
marveled at the amount of Topaline they had managed to uncover thus far. Deep 
shaft mining, even in this enlightened age, was a dangerous and dirty job, to be 
sure. 
 
He glanced again out the windows at the billowing clouds of vapor from the 
atmosphere processor, thinking of the fortunate happenstance which allowed the 
colony to use unrefined topaline as the active material in the processor. It 
consumed a fair amount of bulk ore in performing its function; but there was a 
plentiful surplus of the ordinarily rare material. Enough of a surplus, he 
thought, that Federation freighters would soon be calling to retrieve it. 
 
But not just yet. 
 
The dimly lit scene afforded him a view of the main square of Bishop’s Landing, 
the primary settlement on Jahdara III. It was planetary night, but he knew that 
the second and third working shifts were overlapping, so the miners, at least, 
were very active. The balance of the colonists -- engineers, medical personnel, 
support professions, administrators, laborers, etc -- were mostly asleep in 
their dwellings, worn out from another long day’s labor. 
 
He looked out at the settlement, overshadowed by the atmosphere processor and 
its dark, looming bulk. He wondered, as he did so, about the dreams of the five 
thousand odd souls whom he sheparded. It wasn’t like they were in combat with an 
enemy, though their work was arduous and daunting at times. 
 
As he thought more of it, looking out his third floor office windows, he 
imagined he could feel a vibration beneath his feet. 
 
~Heavy equipment? At this hour?~ 
 
He was reaching for his desk phone to make a call when the building shook. 
 
Suddenly. Violently. He was thrown from his feet as though struck a powerful 
hammer blow. He could hear the windows flex and shatter, feel the rain of shards 
upon him. His last conscious act was to reach for the emergency alarm button on 
his desk. He almost made it, before the section of ceiling fell atop him, and 
his world went black. 
 
(Reply None... yet) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

*********************************************************************
*********************************************************************

Mission: All the King’s Horses, Day 2 
Stardate: 2413.10.16 
 
(USS Boudicca - Guest Quarters - aCO Commander Durand - 0503) 
 
Alan lay awake in his bunk not quite ready to get up, but planning his day just 
the same. It had been a short night, as he had spent a good deal of it roaming 
the ship, giving himself a familiarization tour. He had taken the opportunity in 
the wee hours when duty shifts were shortest staffed and off duty folk were 
least likely to be roaming the ship. 
 
He liked what he had found. It seemed this ship was well run, all the 
departments he had looked in on had been operating efficiently even at the hours 
when circadian rhythms effected performance the most. He had been in Starfleet 
long enough to know well that the ‘grapevine’ would report his activities soon 
enough. The whispered conversations about the ‘Old Man’ being an insomniac that 
sneaks around the ship might well have already started. He’d actually enjoy 
being ‘a fly on the wall’ in the Boudicca’s Goat Locker; after all, that was 
where some of the most important business was conducted aboard any ship in the 
fleet. The very thought made him smile. Senior enlisted would know just what he 
was up to, as well as some senior officers might. 
 
The rest didn’t need to know... but it would be fun to let them figure it out. 
 
He’d take a more formal tour, the de rigeur ‘official inspection’ at some time 
when he wouldn’t make a nuisance of himself. That could wait. At the moment, he 
lay staring at the overhead, not really seeing it, but rather reviewing in his 
mind the events of the previous day and night. 
 
He was halfway or so through today’s schedule when the ship’s comm system beeped 
for his attention. 
 
“Go ahead.” 
 
=^=Sir, you have a message from Starbase 47.=^= 
 
“*I* have a message, or the ship does?” 
 
=^=Addressed to ‘Commanding Officer, USS Boudicca’ sir,=^= responded the voice 
from the bridge. 
 
“Pipe it here, would you please?” 
 
=^=Can’t sir... you need a terminal capable of encrypt/decrypt at command access 
level. You don’t--=^+ 
 
“--have that in these quarters, do I? Okay, record and hold, I’ll be there in 
two minutes.” 
 
Even before he finished speaking, he had rolled out of his bunk and was pulling 
on his pants and a shirt. 
 
(USS Boudicca - Bridge - aCO Commander Durand - 0508) 
 
It had taken him just a few seconds less than the two minutes he had stated he 
would need to dress and reach the bridge. He exited the turbolift and took in 
the scene. Again, he was pleased. The staffing on gamma shift was a bit lighter, 
as it normally would be on any ship, but everyone was alert and hard at their 
duties. As he took the center seat, he spoke to the young officer at OPS. 
 
“On screen Ensign.” 
 
In response, the Starfleet logo appeared on the main viewer, with a prompt 
awaiting his authorization. “Computer, decrypt and display buffered message, 
authorization Durand Beta two one Alpha.” 
 
[Confirmed. Message decrypted.] 
 
The face of Captain Bianca, one of the duty operations officers at Starbase 47 
Durand had met during his time there, appeared on the screen, and spoke without 
preamble. 
 
=^=Commander, we have a change in your orders, high priority. Just over two 
hours ago, we received a subspace distress burst transmission from the 
Federation colony on Jahdara III. They are a mining/terrraforming operation, 
numbering over five thousand workers and colonists. From signal analysis and 
based on the strength and duration of the message, we surmise it was sent from a 
portable emergency transmitter. That itself indicates some problems, as it means 
both their primary and secondary communication arrays were somehow rendered 
inoperative. The transmission itself, along with all relevant data on the colony 
are appended to this message.=^= 
 
The face on the screen paused, and took on a grim, determined look. Clearly not 
pleased with what he had to say next, or perhaps what he had already relayed. 
 
=^=Durand, you are ordered to suspend your current operation, and proceed 
immediately to Jahdara III, where you are to investigate, evaluate, and report 
on the situation. Render all possible aid and assistance that they may require, 
and keep us informed. Although we have no reason to suspect hostile action, take 
all precautions. Starbase 47, out.=^= 
 
“Alright people, you heard the man. First off, acknowledge that message. Helm, 
lay in a course for Jahdara III and engage at warp seven. ETA?” 
 
“Just over nine hours sir.” 
 
“Very well, make it warp factor eight.” 
 
“That makes is... four hours, forty one minutes sir.” 
 
“Very well. No sense in waking everyone just yet. You have the bridge, I’ll be 
in my quarters showering if you need me, you have the bridge.” 
 
(Heads up ALL, No reply needed) 
 
(USS Boudicca - Bridge - aCO Commander Durand - 0730) 
 
Durand had taken the time to shower and change into a fresh uniform. He had the 
computer read the data files on Jahdara III to him as he did so, committing the 
salient points to memory. 
 
He hoped everyone was well rested; he would need them all at their very best. 
 
It was time. “Durand to all senior staff. Meet me in the observation lounge at 
0800. There has been an interesting development overnight.” 
 
(Reply ALL) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - CMO's Quarters - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie  - 0732)
 
Josh had stayed in Sickbay until midnight and had then activated the EMH and told him to take over.  She had spent her time checking over Sickbay, supplies, personnel files and finally ended up reviewing as many medical files as she could before she finally retired for the night.
 
She was up having breakfast when the comm came to life.  =/\= Durand to all senior staff. Meet me in the observation lounge at 0800. There has been an interesting development overnight. =/\=
 
Josh frown, sighed and crossing to her computer downloaded her reports to a padd in readiness for the meeting.  Sitting back down again and finishing up her tea and toast she shook her head.  The words 'senior staff meeting' and 'interesting developments' never boded well when used in the same sentence and Josh began to wonder why she had rejoined the fleet.
 
Recycling her dishes she set off to the Observation Lounge.
 
(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie  - 0752)
 
Entering the lounge Josh simply nodded to the people already there and sat herself down in a spare seat and waited.
 
(No reply needed) 
(Posted by Marilyn)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 07.55)
 
Detron walked into the Observation Lounge and ordered Earl Gray from the replicator.  Detron took a seat near the front as he always did and waved to anyone there.  Detron took his PADD out and prepared for the meeting.
 
(Reply Any at Meeting)
(Posted by Edward)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge -  ATAC/SC Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos - 0757)

It was an early morning for the young Ensign she was up and out of her room at 0500 in the morning a cup of hot tea in one hand the remains of a bagel and cream cheese in the other has she made her morning rounds and tour of the boudicca. Both of which where gone by the time she made her way into Observation Lounge at 0757 She glanced around the room. Few where there but she figured most would be filling in at any moment. She did however see Lt. Trei sitting off to one side of the long table, She was glad to see her immediate superior already there, and less hurried than she saw him yesterday. She moved across the room and pulled and seat next to him. 

"Good morning Lieutenant Trei, hope everything goes well?" She asked kindly before greeting the other occupants in turn. After which she pulled a PADD already full of notes from her morning tour of the ship ready to take more notes on the meeting tha was soon to start.

(reply Lt Trei and any who wish.)
(posted by Matthew Locke)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 07.57.5)

Detron saw Signos take a seat next to him at the table.  She had a glass of tea and said good morning to him.  Detron thought it was a good time to ask about the expression she said to him in his office.

"Good Morning to you Ms. Signos.  Has the tour of the ship gone well and has Ariana greeted you warmly?  What did that expression about kittens mean the other day?"

(Reply Signos iyw)
(Posted by Edward)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge -  ATAC/SC Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos - 0758)

"It was nothing, just a saying my mother used to say when I was young." She answered in soft tones knowing that the meeting could start at any moment. She looked into the empty glass, then to the PADD. 

"Has for my walks they go well." She answered Smiling which only made her look more kid like than the starfleet officer she was.

(reply Lt Trei and any who wish.)
(posted by Matthew Locke)

*****

(USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 0758.5) 
 
Ayslin hurried through the door, aware that the meeting was about to 
start.  She had PADDs in her hand, and she quickly found a seat. 
Spreading her PADDs out in front of her, she quickly braided her long 
red hair with deft hands.  She didn't know why the meeting had been 
called, she had quite a few people in her department looking forward 
to studying the river.  She smiled at those around her and waiting 
patiently for the meeting to start. 
 
(Reply Any/none) 
(Posted by Patrick D.) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - aCO Commander Durand - 0800) 
 
Alan walked in to the meeting precisely on time. He normally would have 
preferred to get in a few minutes early, both to chat and observe his fellow 
officers, but he had been delayed in the ready room with the latest data on the 
Jahdara situation; Starfleet had sent a follow up message which he had just now 
finished reviewing. 
 
He took his seat at the head of the table. He was far more used to being just 
one seat away, in the First Officer’s customary position, but that particular 
luxury was not his this morning. 
 
~Don’t get used to it... you are only here until someone more permanent comes 
along!~ 
 
He looked around and was not pleased to see a handful of empty chairs. Some 
absences were accounted for... others were not. He would deal with *that* issue 
later, however. 
 
He placed the PADD he had been holding down on the flat top of the table, then 
looked at the assembled officers. 
 
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for turning out first thing this morning. I 
won’t keep you long, as we have work to do. It would seem our mission has 
changed somewhat. Our assignment to monitor the subspace river terminus is on 
hold for the moment, and we’ve been given priority orders.” 
 
He gestured out the viewports at the starfield streaking by in high warp 
velocity. “As you can see, this is a ‘hurry up’ job. Starbase 47 has received a 
subspace burst transmission -- a distress call -- from the Federation colony on 
Jahdara III. Signal analysis indicates the transmission came from a portable 
emergency transmitter. The colony has no orbital relay beacons in place as yet, 
so we were lucky to get it at all, so I’m told. It’s audio only, no visual 
component on this style unit.” 
 
He tabbed a command into his PADD, and the speakers in the lounge crackled with 
a weak, but audible transmission. 
 
=^=This is Deputy Administrator Regina Cole, Jahdara III colony. We require 
immediate (inaudible). Something has happened, not certain what. Quake on a 
(inaudible) scale. Happened in the middle of the night, local time. Casualties 
many, estimate (inaudible). Mining operation (inaudible). Atmosphere processor 
heavily damaged. Many miners trapped under (inaudible). Starfleet, request 
immediate assistance.=^= 
 
He let the import of the message settle in before continuing. “That’s been 
enhanced several times, according to the operations people on the Starbase. They 
conjecture that the intermittent loss of signal is most likely due to 
atmospheric instability local to the transmitter, but they are not positive.” 
 
He tabbed in a few more commands, and the large monitor mounted on the bulkhead 
filled with an image of the Jahdara system. As he spoke, the perspective of the 
camera flew through the system at high speed. He narrated as appropriate to the 
moving images. 
 
“Jahdara is a K type star, similar to Alpha Centauri B. Jahdara III is a Class L 
planet, with some Class M characteristics. For that reason, and something I’ll 
mention in a moment, the Federation choose it for a terraforming colony. The 
eventual goal is agriculture, but not the short term one.” 
 
He took a sip of his coffee, very unobtrusively watching for reactions around 
the table. He let none of his emotions show, at least not at the moment. 
 
“The planet is also rich in topaline deposits. I’m sure you are all aware that 
refined topaline is used throughout the Federation in atmosphere processing 
equipment. It’s relatively rare, a real challenge to mine, and to produce a 
small amount of usable material requires a rather large amount of unrefined ore. 
Initial mining assays and production reports from the colony indicate that 
Jahdara III is exceptionally rich in topaline, and it is present in much higher 
grade ore than normal. All of that put together makes it an ideal site, 
especially given the fact that the atmosphere processing equipment can utilize 
the unrefined topaline ore.” 
 
He looked around once again, took another pull of his coffee then got to the 
heart of it. 
 
“We are ordered to proceed to Jahdara III, evaluate the situation, render 
whatever aid is necessary until better equipped vessels arrive. Our initial 
survey will determine just what resources that Starfleet sends. After the 
obvious priority of life safety, we need to determine what material aid we can 
provide, *and* of course we have to ascertain precisely *what* happened, and 
*why*. Questions or comments thus far?” 
 
(Reply ALL) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

(USS Boudicca, Candle’s Quarters - Probationer/Ensign Candle- 0756) 

[Your presence is requested in the Observation Lounge at 0800] 

“What? When? Why?” asked Basil 

Basil checked the time. He was going to be late, very late. He had turned off his commbadge as he wanted to sleep so if a message had come through he wouldn't have heard it.  He assumed that he was not important enough to get called. How wrong he was 

[There is a meeting of senior officers] 

“Computer I am still on probation are you sure that means me” 

[Your name is on the list requesting your presence in the Observation Lounge]

~Hmm I guess I can’t say no now. Maybe I should just not turn up?~ 

He shook that thought from his mind - turning up late is one thing but not at all? 

~Anyway it must be better than whatever work was planned for me….. well I hope it is anyway~

(USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge - Probationer/Ensign Candle- 0806) 

Basil walked straight in and the assembled faces turned around. The acting captain Durand had been speaking so sheepishly he apologized 

“Very sorry I am late, sir” 

(Reply Durand) 

He scuttled to an empty chair hoping he can pick up what the briefing was all about without asking too many questions or any at all if he was lucky 

(Reply any in briefing iyw, any)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 0807)
 
As soon as the Captain entered the room he immediately got down to business.
 
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for turning out first thing this morning. I won’t keep you long, as we have work to do. It would seem our mission has changed somewhat. Our assignment to monitor the subspace river terminus is on hold for the moment, and we’ve been given priority orders.”

Josh began listening to the message being played, took notes on her padd and when the Captain finished speaking and asked for question or comments she immediately jumped in.
 
"I will immediately start our Search and Rescue, Evac and Disaster programmes.  However Sickbay is going to have to work closely with Ops for them to be effective.  How long until we reach Jahdara III Sir?
 
(Reply aCO)
 
"Understood.  We will have a plan by then."  
 
(Tag anyone in Ops)
 
NRPG:  Lorna, not sure if you are still here.
 
RPG:
 
Posted by Marilyn

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - aCO Commander Durand - 0808) 
 
Just as he had called for input, the doors swished open, and in came Doctor 
Candle. He immediately apologized for his tardiness. Betraying no outward 
reaction, Durand nodded at Candle, and said simply “Have a seat, Doctor" while 
he caught Commander Caskie’s eye. He hoped that knowing her reputation as a fine 
officer she would realize that he expected her to deal with her subordinate 
appropriately. 
 
Also given her reputation, Durand was unsurprised to hear her speak up first. 
 
"I will immediately start our Search and Rescue, Evac and Disaster programmes.  
However Sickbay is going to have to work closely with Ops for them to be 
effective.  How long until we reach Jahdara III Sir?” 
 
“Very well Doctor, excellent first steps.” He glanced at the bulkhead 
chronometer. “Just under two hours Doctor, at our current speed.” 
 
(Reply Caskie, Any) 
 
“Now... for the rest of you. Questions? Recommendations?” 
 
(Reply ALL) 
(Posted by Russ)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 0808.5) 
 
Ayslin  listened to the briefing and already had questions.  "Sir, do 
we have the most recent geological survey report from the Federation 
Colonial Council?  We'll also need whatever maps of the topaline 
deposits that they can get us in time.  Topaline is going to reflect 
sensor readings around, but we should be able to compensate so long as 
we know where the topaline is.  The computer can be programed to take 
the reflections and give us the actual readings."  Ayslin said picking 
up one of her PADDs and pulling up a variety of data on both topaline, 
the colony, it's personnel as well as geological specialists in her 
staff. 
 
Ayslin was worried about the people on the planet, but she had her 
problems to solve and that was enough to keep her mind off of things. 
 
(Reply Durand, any) 
 
"Of course sir, so long as there aren't any surprises that the colony 
hasn't reported on, this isn't anything we can't take care of by the 
time we get there."  Ayslin said with a nod. 
 
(Reply Durand, any) 
(Posted by Patrick D. 

*****

(USS Bouddica - Observation Lounge - AOPS Lt (jg) Roberts - 0809) 
 
Doug Roberts was fairly new to the Boudicca and her crew, but he was certainly 
not new to the Fleet. He had served on several vessels, been well recommended by 
their command staffs, and had done his duty well. 
 
~As I intend to do here,~ he thought to himself. 
 
He had arrived nearly ten minutes early, and was in fact the second one in the 
room. He sat quietly unnoticed in his corner seat at the end of the table 
opposite the aCO. He had listened with full attention to the beginning of 
Commander Durand’s briefing. And now, the man was soliciting input, though Doug 
was certain that he wasn’t finished issuing orders and imparting information. 
 
In the meantime, Doctor Candle, the physician on probation had made a 
fashionably late appearance to the meeting, apologizing to Durand as he did so. 
Silently Doug speculated about how that was going to play out; Durand’s 
reputation as a stern taskmaster, if true, would not be likely to sit well with 
someone arriving late. Speaking of which... he noted with dismay that no one 
from engineering had appeared as yet. That was troubling, as both Lorimar and 
Gesar were reputed to be reliable and competent officers. Especially troubling 
was Lorimar’s absence. Wasn’t he the de facto First Officer in Commander ‘cha 
Nooras’s absence? Disturbing indeed... 
 
Presently there was a pause in the conversation and a question he could field 
had been presented.He interjected in his usual quiet and direct way. 
 
“Commander Caskie, I’m Lieutenant Roberts, Assistant OPS officer. I’m here 
representing the department while Lieutenant Lebranski is on leave. I’ll need a 
few minutes, but I will begin preparing a list of consumables versus replicator 
capabilities to supplement our ready stocks of emergency supplies. I’m afraid 
some of that is more an engineering function...” He trailed off then quickly 
continued, not wishing to place any other officers in an awkward position. “As I 
was saying, I’ll have a preliminary report shortly, with a more detailed one to 
follow. I know that contingency plans can be rapidly implemented to turn the 
secondary shuttlebay, at least one cargo hold, and ten forward -- pardon me, 
‘Q.V’ -- into emergency medical facilities. With the recent refit I understand 
holo-emitters are available in all of those areas, which should allow you 
greater utilization of the EMH if needed, Commander. Whatever you need, OPS is 
on it.” 
 
(Reply Caskie, Any) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 08.10)

Detron hear Ayslin voice her questions as he expected her to do.  Detron really didn't have any questions but put in his comments.

"Security will be ready sir.  It is a much larger search and rescue from my last mission but we will be ready sir."

Detron looked over to Signos to gage her reaction.

(Reply Durand, Signos)
(Posted by Edward)

*****

USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO Ens. Anton Gesar - 0731) 


Anton had been in Engineering since 0630 and he was deep into the work.  He woke up in the middle of the night realizing that if something happened to the ship while Lorimar was in Sickbay he would never hear the end of it.  After that, he simply could not go to sleep.  So here he was checking yet another thing off his list.


=/\=Durand to all senior staff. Meet me in the observation lounge at 0800. There has been an interesting development overnight.=/\=


~I guess this means me as well.~  Anton put down his tool bag, grabbed a blank PADD to take notes on and headed out the door.  ~I think I'll stop at the QV on the way and get a quick breakfast.~


(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - aCEO Ens. Anton Gesar - 0810.5)


Anton tried to calm his breath as he walked through the door and prayed that he would not be in too much trouble for being late.  He was enjoying his breakfast and looked like he was getting ready to leave when one of the people working at the QV mentioned a broken replicator.  Only when the replicator was repaired did he realize the time.  Anton was prepared for all the eyes to turn in his direction as he entered, something to be expected when coming in this late.  


"Sorry sir," he nodded in the aCO's direction, "broken replicator.  Lost track of time.  Won't happen again."  Anton waited for the queue from the aCO that he can take a seat.


NRPG: It's been a while since Anton's been yelled at by a superior officer.  


(Reply Durand, Any)
(Posted by Oleg Kislyuk)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Science Lab - ACSO Ens. (jg) David Martin - 0722)
 
NRPG: I found a post that described briefly a "river" that I am assuming is in space as I was not able to find a planet that was associated with it. I also can no longer find this post. I did find a mention of it by Rel during her post of waiting for the mission briefing.
If I am wrong about this please ignore it as it is no longer relevant outside the first paragraph.

David was preparing for an upcoming mission in which they would be studying a river that is apparently in space. Dave couldn't remember but it didn't matter he was preparing a program that when imputed would automatically recalculate the sensors based on the programmed specs. While it would take a small team of engineers several hours, this would let the ships computer do the work and only take minutes, not to mention the time to reset the sensors.
 
(USS Boudicca - Science Lab - ACSO Ensign (jg) Martin - 0730)

He was just finishing up and getting a report for Lt Rel ready when he heard the ship wide communication link open.
 
=^= Durand to all senior staff. Meet me in the observation lounge at 0800. There has been an interesting development overnight. =^=
 
Dave grabbed his Padd unit and headed to Lt.Rel's office. He dropped off his report. He then took the turbo lift to the bridge he stepped out and headed to the observation lounge.
 
(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ens. (jg) David Martin - 0755)
 
David entered the lounge and noticed a few people already there he took an empty set near the middle of the table.

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign (jg) Martin - 0800)
 
Over the next couple minutes several more people came in and took seats. Finally Durand came in and began the meeting. David listened with intent he went over the mission. Several things during the briefing stuck out to David. He was already trying to put some pieces of the puzzle together. 

“We are ordered to proceed to Jahdara III, evaluate the situation, render whatever aid is necessary until better equipped vessels arrive," said Durand. "Our initial survey will determine just what resources that Starfleet sends. After the obvious priority of life safety, we need to determine what material aid we can provide, *and* of course we have to ascertain precisely *what* happened, and *why*. Questions or comments thus far?”
 
The Medical and Ops representatives announced plans to be ready. 
 
Lt Rel then spoke up, asking about getting maps of the topaline deposits so the sensors to scan the surface accurately.
 
(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Ensign (jg) Martin - 0811)

Finally David spoke up."Uhmm. I think we need to include the possibility that this was a non planet issue. What I mean is it could have been cause by something not on the planet. Something near the planet, or depending on the mass and gravitational pull. near the system could have caused the quake. Depending on the composition they would be rendered invisible to most mining stations sensors, especially since most focus their sensor down and not up."
 
(Reply Durand, any) 
(posted by David Deffenbaugh)

*****

(USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge - Probationer/Ensign Candle- 0814) 

Having slunk into his chair Basil listened intently to figure out what had happened. A Lieutenant Roberts was answering about emergency supplies and altering a shuttle bay in an emergency medical facility.

~Okay that means we have the potential for taking on lots of casualties. Ship in distress or …. Oh no a planet~  

Then Rel spoke up talking of a geological survey and Topaline. 

~Dammit to the stars, a planet and … hold on did she say Topaline~ 

A few others mentioned there areas and what they could do then Basil decided to pipe up, 

“I know this may be considered and I am sorry of this has been mentioned but could what have happened ….”

~whatever it was~ Basil thought, ~ be vague about it Basil~ 

“.. could it be sabotage or something else? Reason why I mention it is that Topaline Ore has a history of conflict.” 

(Reply Durand, any) 

“Sir, as you may be aware in the 22nd and 23rd centuries, Topaline was highly-prized by the Klingons and there were many ‘engagements’ with us during that time. Luckily the Klingons had discovered dozens of worlds rich in Topaline since then but other ‘empires‘ still seek it. For us after Altimara ran out of the mineral the race to find sources and … exploit them was quite brutal. Luckily the Ore was discovered in the Maxia Zeta Star system and other areas like Jahdara two … or is it three. I can never remember that one. Anyway ever since the war there has been an increase in demand for Topaline for refugee habitats and new colonies. It is a prized possession that anyone would be willing to go to great lengths to obtain.” 

(Reply Durand, any)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos - 0815)

She was buried in her PADD and not seeming to be paying attention to the conversation when actually not one detail was missed. On her PADD was a going list of equipment, concerns, and mission supplies. This kind of mission was always one of the hardest for one never knew what they would be getting into.

~ What else could we need: Beacon transmitter, rope, repelling equipment, demolitions, heavy security equipment ~  The list going in her head went on. She knew she would have to talk to Lt. Trei on all the intracies that would be asked of the security department. She wished they could have a person from medical for every search group, but that would be asking a bit much from a department that would already be taxed and in triage operations, which were never easy.

 
When Detron spoke up."Security will be ready sir.  It is a much larger search and rescue from my last mission but we will be ready sir."

Detron looked over to Signos to gage her reaction. Jessica looked up from her PADD, and growing list of concerns. She had only one question the one that needed to be asked. 

"Do we know how many souls were at that colony and the possible percent of dead or wounded?" Her voice was soft has she spoke the every thought of it was sobering. 

(reply Durand)

Taking in consideration that they were going in blind only made this a bigger nightmare for security. Because this could of been caused by an outside source, the Boudicca could be flying right into a trap, If anyone thought they could destroy a colony and it would not be investigated would be sadly mistaken, and Jessica did not think they would not be so lucky. She cept her thought to herself, these were Security concernes and they only had two hours to be prepared. They could update the Co has needed after the meeting. Suddenly Jessica felt nervous her feet swinging back and forth in her chair. A nervous habit and She hoped the meeting would end soon. So Work could be done.

(reply Durand, and any who wish.)
(Posted by Matthew Locke)

*****

(USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - aCO Commander Durand - 0816) 
 
Durand listened intently to the flurry of questions and suggestions which 
resulted from his request for input. Though he appeared to be letting 
information slide by unnoticed, nothing could be further from the truth. He had 
listened intently to everything said, and taken notes where appropriate. 
 
"Very well, I'll field all your questions in order. Lieutenant Rel, I've 
requested all data available on the mining colony; some has come through 
already, but that's the basic numbers and whatnot. I wasn't aware that Topaline 
had sensor reflective properties... can you compensate for that?" 
 
(Reply Rel) 
 
"The more technical data is being organized, and will be packeted to us as soon 
as it's ready. Other than what you already mentioned is there any specific data 
you are looking for so I might request it?" 
 
(Reply Rel) 
 
Next item. 
 
"Mister Trei, I appreciate your enthusiasm... I'm certain your department will 
be ready. You will need to coordinate with all the other departments to see what 
their individual requirements are, to say nothing of the fact the your people 
will be responsible for site security, patrolling, etc." 
 
(Reply Trei iyw) 
 
Deciding not to comment on Gesar's apology for being late, instead he addressed 
him on point. "Mister Gesar, unless the medical staff informs me that Commander 
Lorimar will be returning to full duty immediately," he cast a glance in Doctor 
Caskie's direction, but returned his focus immediately to Gesar, "you will be 
our point person from your department. If the disaster looms quite as large as 
it appears from the message, you are going to be quite busy indeed. If this 
*was* a planetary quake, there may be miners trapped underground -- I understand 
that topaline is deep shaft mined -- in which case they may need some 
engineering miracles. Then there are all the other obvious potential problems... 
structural damage and whatnot. I don't think I need tell you what a big job your 
people will be tasked with, do I?" 
 
(Reply Gesar) 
 
"Doctor Candle, we simply don't know what to expect. As you heard in the 
message, even the colonists themselves don't seem to be certain about what 
happened. So, it will be out job to figure it out... and rest assured we will be 
acting with an abundance of caution." 
 
(Reply Candle) 
 
Durand had been surprised to hear the very young looking ATAC officer speak up. 
She did sound a bit timid but he remembered his first staff meeting oh so long 
ago... 
 
"Ensign Signos, according to the data we have," he paused to tab another command 
into his PADD, which changed the bulkhead display to technical schematics of the 
colony and more statistics about the personnel. "The data indicates there are 
five thousand and eighty one colonists, at last report. You can see the 
breakdown of different professions for yourself on the screen. As for 
casualties... you heard the message from the Deputy Adminstrator. She appeared 
to be trying to tell us something about casualties, but as you heard that 
portion was not clear." 
 
(Reply Signos iyw) 
 
"Very well Mister Martin, your concerns about stellar and systemic events is 
duly noted. I trust that our sensor suites will be far more capable than those 
of the colony. I'm certain you and Lieutenant Rel will come up with a survey 
plan for us which will answer all those questions." 
 
(Reply Martin, Rel iyw) 
 
"Alright then. We'll be going to yellow alert shortly; I don't want to be caught 
unaware. Let's plan for the worst and hope for the best people. If there is 
nothing further, you are all dismissed. Doctor Caskie, Mister Gesar, would you 
remain a moment, please?" 
 
(Reply ALL) 
(Posted by Russ) 

*****