~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: A Dream of the Past, Day 10 - 20 Stardate: 2406.10.19 - 29 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List of Headers: (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters, MCO Major Straton, 0515) (USS Boudicca - Crew Quarters - TAC/SC Ensign Skylynx - 0535) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 0535) (USS Boudicca - Deck 8 - TAC/SC Ensign Skylynx - 0550) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 0555) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - OPS Lt. Yalta Schafio - 0855) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Melody Haverstaad - 1034) (USS Boudicca - Engineering - Lt(jg) West & Ensign Roe McLauren - 1035) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant & Grailik - 1036) (USS Boudicca - Cargo Bay 5 - Roe & Tevan - 1125) (USS Boudicca - Bridge, Lt jg Trevan West and Captain Sevant, 1132) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - OPS Lt. Yalta Schafio - 1134) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 1340) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Ensign Skylynx - 1340) (USS Boudicca - Engineering Lt jg Trevan West- 1341) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 0430) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Skylynx - 0430) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 0430) (USS Boudicca - Engineering, Lt jg Trevan West- 0431) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 0505) (USS Boudicca - Captain's Quarters - Capt Sevant - 1630) (USS Boudicca - Saim's Quarters - ACEO Enaj - 0730) (USS Boudicca - Ten Foreward - ACEO Enaj - 0750) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Sevant & West - 1120) (USS Boudicca - Security office - John Fredericks - Ensign (jg)-TAC/AST - 1210) (USS Boudicca - Cargo Bay 3- Dr Farley - 1210) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - John Fredericks & Capt Sevant - 1215) (USS Boudicca - Sicbay - Dr Farley - 1230) (USS Boudicca - Crew Quarters-TAC/SC & OPS - 1400) (USS Boudicca - Captain's Quarters - Capt Sevant - 0730) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0758) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (jg) Skylynx- 0758) (USS BOUDICCA - Main Engineering deck CEO/2O John Fredericks L.T. (jg)-08:01 (USS Boudicca - OPS office - OPS Lt. Yalta Schafio - 0850) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – LT Fredericks CEO/2O – 08:50) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACEO Enaj - 0850) (USS Boudicca - Observation lounge - 0857) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant - 0900) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Dr Farley - 0900) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Skylynx - 0900) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Madison Monroe - 0908) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant - 0910) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – CEO/2O - 0915) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – ACEO Enaj - 0916) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Start of Compile ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: A Dream of the Past, Day 10 Stardate: 2406.10.19 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, MCO Major Straton, 0515) ==================================== Eva waited patiently, she was keeping a very close eye on the assassin. Now that Eva knew who it was, there was no place on the ship the Shadow could hide. Eva waited conserving her energy till the Shadow had moved to a relatively isolated location a few decks below. Eva struck hard forcing her way past the Shadows defenses and seizing the Shadows mind in an iron grip. Eva's brow creased as she squeezed. Letting the Shadow experience the same pain and fear that it had inflicted on it's victims. The Shadow tried to fight back, something it's victims had been unable to do. Eva deflected the attacks or let them bounce of her mental shielding. Physic combat was her specialty, something she had trained her entire life for, with the practical experience to back it up. The Shadow didn't stand a chance. Eva continued to squeeze as the Shadow's strength ebbed and finally faded. With a final yank, Eva ripped the Shadows psyche asunder leaving it in pieces the body died a few seconds later. Eva opened her eyes and tapped her comm-badge. "Straton to Ensign Skylynx and Captain Sevant. The assassin is dead. Her body can be found on Deck 8, near the aft torpedo launcher storage area. I suggest you search the area to make sure she didn't leave any other surprises." Eva said, taking a sip of the glass of ice water she had placed on her desk to quench her thirst after the combat. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Crew Quarters - TAC/SC Ensign Skylynx - 0535) ==================================== =/\=Straton to Ensign Skylynx and Captain Sevant. The assassin is dead. Her body can be found on Deck 8, near the aft torpedo launcher storage area. I suggest you search the area to make sure she didn't leave any other surprises.=/\= Ryko sat up, only vaguely aware of Straton's words, asleep as he had been. He shook his head, hair flying everywhere, and got up. He rubbed his face and froze as he realised what she had said. His hand struck out and hammered his badge on the table. With too much force, it caused the katanas nearby to rattle their racks. Cringing, Ryko picked the communicator up. "Acknowledged major," Ryko said, unable to disguise his grogginess. "I'm en route to deck 8, join me if you wish," he said. He then turned to the computer terminal near his bed. "Computer, seal off deck 8 section b42, authorisation Skylynx 2 7 Delta Phoenix," Ryko said. The computer bleeped. Ryko calmed himself, a forced calm brought on by a sudden impact of drowziness. (Reply straton iyw) ~D*mn early morning shifts,~ Ryko thought as the channel closed. He got up and dressed. He took the opportunity to shower too. Part of him hurried, most of him didn't. ~Come on, it's a dead person, she's not gonna vanish or anything,~ he reminded himself. With that he slowed slightly to avoid accidents. Once he was ready, he headed out of his quarters. "Skylynx to security team alpha, assemble outside torpedo storage gamma one, deck 8, corpse retrieval," Ryko said, not bothering to mask the word "corpse". There wasn't any point in it. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 0535) ==================================== =/\=Straton to Ensign Skylynx and Captain Sevant.  The assassin is dead. Her body can be found on Deck 8, near the aft torpedo launcher storage area.  I suggest you search the area to make sure she didn't leave any other surprises.=/\= Sevant sat back in his chair and folded his hands together, satisfied. “Very good, Major.” He said. (reply: any, if desired) ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Deck 8 - TAC/SC Ensign Skylynx - 0550) ==================================== Having shaken off the cobwebs on the journey to deck 8, Ryko met up with his assembled security team, equipped with phaser rifles. Bit extreme for dealing with dead people, but regulations were regulations. Ryko nodded to each of them, a simple check of readiness, then input the code to unseal the storage bay. Raising his rifle to firing height, Ryko heard each of his team do the same, and went inside. The body of who was for a very short time known as Kerowyn McMasters lay crumpled on the floor. In the half light it looked slightly gruesome, but Ryko was hardened against such sights, especially this early in the morning with so little sleep. He approached the body and checked it for the usual protocol, boobytraps and the like. This was done automatically- Ryko's conscious mind failing to tell him that it was a dead body, no attempt at booby trapping had been done before, what was the point in being suspicious? But he checked anyway. Satisfied the body was clean, Ryko signalled for two security crewmen to pack it in a vacuum-container, a "body-bag" as old earth police would have called it, and contacted the bridge. "Skylynx to Sevant and Straton, the Shadow's body is in custody, what shall be done with it?" He asked. (Reply Straton, Sevant) "Immediate recommendation would be to jettison, sir, but considering our current locale and time, it's inadvisable. I think our only option is the ship's morgue," Ryko said, waking up at last. (Reply Sevant) "Acknowledged," Ryko said, turning to the team. ~Nothing like a good banter with the CO to wake a guy up,~ he thought. "Alright, James, Mac, take this body to sickbay, have the doctor put it in the morgue," Ryko ordered. "Sanders, Smith, escort duty," he said. "Everyone else, dismissed," he said as he himself turned to leave. "Computer, release the security seal," he ordered, and the computer complied. "Simplicity bred from the mind of genius," he said quietly, then decided to stop making philosophical quotations in the future, because he was so bad at them. He checked the time. 0610. Time to be getting back to the bridge. He made his way back to the turbolift and went through the autonamous storage of weapons before entering. "Bridge," he said simply, and went off. ~perfectly normal day,~ he thought jokingly, and prepared to exit. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 0555) ==================================== =^=Skylynx to Sevant and Straton, the Shadow's body is in custody, what shall be done with it?=^= "Recommendations?" Sevant asked. =^=Immediate recommendation would be to jettison, sir, but considering our current locale and time, it's inadvisable. I think our only option is the ship's morgue,=^= Sevant considered that. "Negative, Chief, Put it in cold storage. We have some background checking to do later." =^=Acknowledged,=^= The channel cut off, leaving Sevant alone with his thoughts. He took a breath. Now that the shadow had been caught, they could work on getting home again. So much the better. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - OPS Lt. Yalta Schafio - 0855) ==================================== Yalta had her eyes only for the screen in front on her. She was relieved that the transporter work perfectly despite that some of the away team got hurt during this mission. “Captain, confirming everyone is on board. Haverstaad got hurt and is in sickbay but other then that, everyone is back on board.” She paused. “Science department want the go ahead to study the cargo we have stolen.” ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Melody Haverstaad - 1034) ==================================== Melody cursed as she sat on the bed. She was awake now, though her head and ears hurt horribly from the close concussions of the bombs that had been tossed. She could still hear though, so at least her eardrums hadn't been ruptured. And her arm was definitely broken from that second tumble down the stairs. ~Why me.~ she thought angrily as she cracked her neck and watched the medical staff deal with the more injured members of the away team. Several had been shot, at least one was dead. The whole situation had turned into a massive cluster-f*ck. A nurse walked up, "Have you been shot as well?" he asked. Melody shook her head, "I was too close to several explosions, my ears are ringing but I can still hear. And, my arm is broken." She finished, gesturing to the arm which was folded against her stomach for support. ~At the very least, I can get rid of these surgical alterations now~ she mused as the nurse pressed a hypo against her neck, presumably for pain. A few seconds later the pain in her arm and head lessened greatly. "Thanks," she said, appreciatively. "Well, the surgeons are all busy, but I can fix you up." The nurse said as he picked up a tricorder. He scanned her, and then nodded. "Yup, you have some trauma to your ears, nothing bad, and a compound fracture of your arm. Both easily fixable. Lots of contusions, sub-dermal bleeding." He put the tricorder down and grabbed a tool from the cart, "It looks like you've been in a war." "I have," she said quietly as she looked around. The nurse grabbed her chin and turned her head slightly, "Alright, don't move." Melody found her head frozen in the direction of one of her bleeding team-mates. He was well drugged, and being operated on. Melody sighed and closed her eyes as she felt a small tool enter her ear, followed by a slow building of heat. He turned her head after a minute, and did the same to her other ear. "Alright, that takes care of that. The pain will fade in a few hours, you're body just has to catch up with the fact you are no longer in distress." He said. "The pain-killer should take most of that in the mean time." He scanned her arm again and sighed. "Alright, I've got to put the bone back in one place. The second fracture is clean, and it remained in the correct place. Can you survive without anything more powerful then you have now?" The Security crewman chuckled, "Have at, Doc." She said, gingerly offering up her arm. He nodded and gently touched her arm. That didn't hurt much; the painkillers he had given were strong enough to deal with the occasional prod. She was just about to ask a question when he, without warning, grabbed her arm and pulled. Melody gasped in pain. "Sorry, Chief, it's usually better as a surprise, so you don't tense up and make it worse." Melody had a number of colorful terms she could have used at that moment, but she didn't bother. He was right, she knew it, but it had HURT. He quick ran a bone regenerator over her arm, knitting the bones together. Once he was done and checking his work, she squeezed her fist a few times. "Better," she said, "But still tender." "Aye, it will be for a couple days." He replied. He nodded, closed the tricorder and grinned. "Alright, if you will wait here until a doctor can come and look you over and certify my fix-it-up work..." The Chief nodded, leaving the nurse to attend other tasks. She continued flexing her fist as she looked around. ==================================== (Boudicca - Engineering - Lt(jg) West & Ensign Roe McLauren - 1035) ==================================== "Welcome back, Chief." The Scientist said, after taking a glance over his shoulder. "I think I've got a good way to deliver the goop, but Ill need your help." He stepped aside, not giving the Engineer a chance to catch his breath. He brought up the specs he had been working on, for a type 9 probe. "If we pull the scientific gear out of one of these, then we would only have to use half our stock of probes to deliver the mixture, and we wouldnt have to put anyone close enough to be harmed." He crossed his arms, "But we need a way to break the case open without vaporizing any of the mix." (reply) Trevan tried to catch his breath, he had never heard anyone talk so fast before. Trevan looked at the specs and after reading over them he placed the PADD down. "Looks good Ensign, I would like to be able to use less then half of the stock class nine probes. However, this does look good. "Hrr," he said. "Ok, we can convert some of the type 8's as well." He mused for a few moments, "Ripping the guts out is easy, and will only take an hour for all of them. But Ill need help. They are already set to take guidance from the Boudicca, that's no problem." Trevan nodded, "I will let you take the lead. I will have my Engineering crew on it now." Trevan tapped his chest, "Delta engineering crew, report to Cargo Bay 5 for duty. Ensign Darsons, report for duty as well. ACEO report to Engineering." With that out of the way Trevan wiped the sweat off his brow. "I'll meet you there, I would like to run some computer simulations. Shouldn't take long. You have project lead with this, however Ensign Darsons will be most helpful,. She designed the new guidance systems for the class 6 and 7 probes. She will love this!" He smiled back but the smile was not returned. "Aight, works for me Chief." he said. "I should get a hold of Rin too, did he beam up with you or is he still on the planet?" the Astrophysicist asked. Trevan looked at the scientist with a grave look, "Ahh, yes, um. About Rin....." "Sir?" "I don't know how to put it. but something most unfortunate happened." Roe quirked an eyebrow and waited for the Engineer to continue. Trevan looked at Roe, "Do I have to spell it out for you ENSIGN? Just get back to work!" Trevan never did like giving bad news, and the pain of it all was still there in his mind, and his arm. Roe's mouth dropped open. "Oh." He picked up his tools and PADDS, "Ill be in Cargo Bay five." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant & Grailik - 1036) ==================================== Grailik stepped out of the lift onto the bridge, still dressed in his disguise. Grailik lifted his hand to his forehead ridges. Damn these things itch," He said, off handedly stepping down to the command deck. "Commander Grailik reporting as ordered, Sir." Sevant looked at the First Officer as he stepped onto the bridge. "Welcome back," he said simply. "Status of your team?" he asked. "Several wounded, one fatality so far. Rin took a bullet to the head. There was nothing that could be done for him." Grailik said, suddenly serious. He hated losing those under his command. Sevant took a deep breath and nodded his head. "Then that's that." He tapped the arm-rest on his chair, "Conn, move us away from the planet, full impulse. Once we're out of the system, engage at warp 2 until we reach the anomaly." (reply: Conn) The Captain stood up, "With me, XO." He stepped into the Ready room, made way for his seat, and sat back in his chair as he folded his hands together. "We have a problem." he said. He nodded his head to the PADD laying on his desk, the full report from science about what was required to go back, and the consequences. "Read the last few paragraphs, a summary." "Oh? Another one?" Grailik said, picking up the PADD and reading it over quickly. His frowned deepened, as he placed the PADD back down on the desk and was silent for many minuets. "What do you plan on doing?" He asked simply, looking up at Sevant. Sevant steepled his fingers and leaned back in the chair, letting it tip slightly. "I've had hours to muse over that." he said finally. "The Prime Directive occurred to me, at first, protecting life at all costs. But..." Sevant paused and quirked his head to the side. "But if we don't go back, and we don't cause the anomaly to reach dangerous levels, then the planet is never destroyed and we never would have had the opportunity to come back here in the first place. Simply, paradox, something the universe abhors. What are your thoughts on the matter?" Grailik was silent for several more minuets trying to organize his thoughts. "Normally," Grailik began, "I would disagree with that assessment. In this matter however, I think you are correct. We need to go back through the anomaly. You remember that uneasy feeling I mentioned to you when we fist arrived in this time? Well it has only gotten worse since my time on the surface. This might sound cruel, but I feel that this planet, this civilization was never meant to survive. I can't rationalize it. I just know." "I don't think we have a choice. The temporal timeline says it happens, who knows what will happen if we don't." He sighed, "Very well, lets get the ship prepared for travel XO, we have a lot of work ahead of us." "Do you plan to inform the crew?" Grailik asked, standing up, scratching his forehead again. Sevant stood, "No, they need not carry the weight of several billion. They have enough to worry about, just with our own. It would be needless." Grailik nodded, and turned to leave. "XO," Sevant sat before the man slipped out. He waited for the man to turn, and then inclined his head. "Good work on the ground, I doubt it could have been done better. We'll hold the memorial on the other side of the looking glass. Your report on the planet can wait as well, until we're out of here." Grailik inclined his head. "Thank you, sir." before turning again toward the door. ==================================== (Boudicca - Cargo Bay 5 - Roe & Tevan - 1125) ==================================== The Scientist rubbed his neck as he looked at the line of probes, all sitting open on the deck. There were a number of Engineers and scientists working feverishly on them, ripping out scientific packages. In another part of the bay, a mixture of metal was being quick-melted and thrown in with a lot of rocks and minerals from elsewhere on the planet. It was a mess. Trevan ran into the cargo bay, parts were scattered all over the floor but work seemed like it was going smoothly. "Ensign, I need to you save me one class eight probe with a photon warhead please." and with that Trevan ran off back to the bridge to talk to the Captain. "Er, Yessir," he said to the retreating chief. "What do you need with a type 8 with warhead, when a photon torpedo is practically the same thing?" he mused. After a few he shrugged and turned from his position, "Yo, Johan, pull up one more type eight and get load it with a photon warhead!" "Are you Kidding me?" "Do I LOOK like I'm kidding?" "Alright bossman, if you say so." ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Bridge, Lt jg Trevan West and Captain Sevant, 1132) ==================================== The turbolift doors opened onto the bridge, some cleanup was still going on. The aft stations were dark except for one science station and the engineering station. The Captain was in his chair having a conversation with someone, Trevan stepped up and cleared his throat, "Excuse me sir, I need to discuss something with you regarding getting out of here." Sevant quirked an eyebrow and nodded, "Continue." "Sir, I need to speak with you in private." he continued. The Captain looked at the CEO for a moment, then nodded once and stood. "Ops has the bridge." (reply: ops) Sevant stepped past the CEO and into the ready room. Once the doors had closed, Sevant crossed his arms behind him and looked at West for a few moments. "Continue."     "Sir, preparations are underway for distributing the minerals in the area, however upon further analysis we need to jump start the reaction. We need to ride the 'wave' of the singularity and the only way to do that is fire a torpedo." he paused, "However, the exposition needs to be in real-time, for only a microsecond. For that I am afraid we need to sacrifice a class 2 shuttle sir." Sevant leaned his head back to look at the ceiling, doing some quick calculations. "Very well, the shuttle is yours." he said after a few moments. "How long until preparations are complete?" The Chief smiled, "One hour sir for the shuttle, and about 2 hours for our teams to be finished in the Cargo Bay." "Very well, keep me informed." replied the Captain. Trevan tuned in his heel and marched out the doors and headed back to the cargobay. Sevant followed him out and took his seat again. "Steady as she goes." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - OPS Lt. Yalta Schafio - 1134) ==================================== Yalta was watching her controls, she knew that the Science department were working hard, but for the rest, she was in the dark. She noticed the CEO coming in, and guessed the subject, so when the Captain said. "Ops has the bridge." “Yes Sir!” When the captain came back, it was time to action, time to get back to our own time. Yalta's first thought was. ~Would they be there?~ Has the crew made the ship ready, reports were coming in. “All departments are ready Sir... we are ready to move!” Yalta just gave a look to see the captain getting ready to send a message throughout the ship. "All hands, this is the Captain." he began. "We are about to attempt a return through the anomaly. Hold on tight. That is all." Then the countdown and now they were in the anomaly again. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 1340) ==================================== Sevant folded his hands together, "Station Keeping, maintain this distance from the anomaly." (reply: conn) The Captain tapped a button on his chair and opened a channel, "Sevant to Engineering, are we prepared?" (reply: Engineering) The Captain took a breath, "Very well, launch." He refolded his hands and watched the screen. The anomaly was almost invisible; it wasn't nearly as active in this time period as it was in his own. He knew why, too. It was not something he intended to tell the crew. It would go into his personal logs; historians a hundred years from now could judge him on his actions." Several probes, which had been gutted by the Science department, were launched at the anomaly, one after the other. They were filled with the proper mix of materials. Mr. West and Mr. McLauren had perfected it on the trip here. According to them, it was ready. They were ready. =^=The goop has entered the anomaly; we're getting the same radiation patterns we got from our own time. It's ready, Chief & Captain.=^= "Mr. West, it's time for your shuttle. We'll follow it in." (reply: West) Sevant took a breath, "Conn, program the computer to follow the exact path and power settings we took to get here, in reverse." He squeezed his hands together. "Follow once the shuttle has launched." (reply: Conn) He turned in his seat, "Red Alert, all hands to battle stations. Shields up, weapons ready. Medical, prepare for casualties." (reply: Tactical & Medical) He turned back and pushed the PA. A loud whistle filled the ship. "All hands, this is the Captain." he began. "We are about to attempt a return through the anomaly. Hold on tight. That is all." He cut the link and looked over at Grailik for a moment, then back again at the screen. The ship crawled forward behind the shuttle. The computer was now retracing their steps, and the Boudicca had only just managed to crawl out of the anomaly after falling into it. Sevant grabbed his arm-rests and pulled them over his legs, then locked them. At least, this time, he wouldn't fall out of his chair in the high gravity well. Someone, Sevant didn't pay attention to who, gave a countdown. "Three... two... one... Contact." A Flash of light from the shuttle filled the screen and the ship rumbled. It was almost like reliving the circumstances of their arrival. He gripped the arm-pads as they slipped in... (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - Infinity) Time was fluid. Again. The Vulcan moved his head. He moved slowly, and each shake was getting slower the closer they got to the anomaly. Sevant remembered all too well how close they had gotten before the engines had made a breaking maneuver. They would have to relive that in reverse, it wasn't something he looked forward too. And if the computer screwed up somehow, well, then they would live for an eternity as they fell into the center of the multi-singularity. Like last time, the shields began flashing strange colors as they interacted with the compound they had just shot into the anomaly. Sevant prayed as he had never prayed before, that he had competent scientists under his command. "Report!" he said, very slowly within the time dilatation. (reply: any) The thrusters fired, knocking the Boudicca's nose slowly away from the anomaly. The impulse engines cut in not long after that. Sevant WILLED his ship forward, to survive, to fight the d*mned anomaly for all she was worth. After what seemed like a lifetime... ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Ensign Skylynx - 1340) ==================================== Ryko watched the screen, then the captain, then his console, then back to the captain again. "Station Keeping, maintain this distance from the anomaly." ~Situation normal,~ Ryko thought. ~At least as normal as it can be when you're barging through a rift in the space-time continuum.~ He found himself thinking. He checked the status of the ship over and over again as the Boudicca moved behind West's shuttle. Sevant turned in his seat, "Red Alert, all hands to battle stations. Shields up, weapons ready. Medical, prepare for casualties." "Shields raised," Ryko said. "Phaser charge full, torpedoes standing by. We're as ready as we'll ever be," Ryko said, any desire to be funny gone in a moment as important as this. (Reply Medical) "All hands, this is the Captain." he began. "We are about to attempt a return through the anomaly. Hold on tight. That is all." Ryko watched the screen and then went back to the TAC Console. "Three...two... one... Contact," he said, and braced himself for the inevitable lollop as they breached the barrier of time itself. (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Skylynx - Infinity) Ryko once again found himself moving, yet not moving. Merely looking over at Yalta took ages. He hauled his face to the screen and then to his console, where a beep had been drawn out into a long, undulating note. Like last time, the shields began flashing strange colors as they interacted with the compound they had just shot into the anomaly. "Report!" Sevant said, almost indistinguishably. "Shields are holding!" Ryko said, fleetingly thinking he was going through puberty again as his voice changed pitch so many times in that one phrase. ~Come on,~ Ryko thought, his hands clenching into fists in the TAC Console's sensors. ~COME ON!~ He thought, sure this time that he'd broadcast to all and sundry. He closed his eyes and listened to the groan of the ship's engines, then the rumble of turbulence...and then... ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Engineering Lt jg Trevan West- 1341) ==================================== "Sevant to Engineering, are we prepared?" Trevan looked up at the ceiling and spoke, "Aye sir. As ready as we will ever be." The channel closed and he turned around to his staff, "Alright everyone. You know your jobs, just do them and we can get back home. Things may get a little bumpy but just stay focused and we will be alight. I want the Shuttle ready to go now!" Trevan sent several messages to the shuttle bay and made sure everything had been checked, all the calculations had been done and now they just put Sir Isaac Newton in the drivers seat. Another message broke the silence, =^=The goop has entered the anomaly; we're getting the same radiation patterns we got from our own time. It's ready, Chief & Captain.=^= "Mr. West, it's time for your shuttle. We'll follow it in." "Aye sir, shuttle launch in 3 seconds," he waited, the doors had opened and the shuttle had begun its path into the singularity. "All systems are up and running, computer navigation is online and functioning sir." "Red Alert, all hands to battle stations. Shields up, weapons ready. Medical, prepare for casualties." Came over the speakers, fortunately Engineering was ready anything. "All hands, this is the Captain." he began. "We are about to attempt a return through the anomaly. Hold on tight. That is all." The ship crawled forward behind the shuttle. The computer was now retracing their steps, and the Boudicca had only just managed to crawl out of the anomaly after falling into it. "Three... two... one... Contact." The ship rumbled. It was almost like reliving the circumstances of their arrival. "Come on baby, hold together." Trevan whispered. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: A Dream of the Past, Day 12 Stardate: 2406.10.21 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 0430) ==================================== ... the ship broke out again. The Captain fell back in his chair, no longer suffering from the slow-down effects of the time dilation within the multi-singularity. "Move us away, scan for those enemy ships!" He flipped the arm-rests on his chair up and turned. "Put the target coordinates of that planet on screen." he said after many silent moments. His ops officer tapped some buttons, and moments later an image of an asteroid belt formed on the screen. Caladryll took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The planet was rubble again. =^=Sir, got a hold of a time beacon. We, uh... didn't quite plan it right. We skipped ahead by a day or so. Updating the computers now.=^= Sevant looked up at the chronometer. The time was 0422. "Computer, current stardate?" [The Stardate is 2406 mark 10 mark 21] "We skipped ahead two days." he said, leaning back. "I can accept that, good work Mr. West and Mr. McLauren." He rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Good work, everyone." He turned his head; Tactical hadn't said anything about enemy ships. Three days after the attack, Sevant found it unlikely they would have stayed around. "Anything on scopes?" (reply: Security) The Captain tapped the PA again, "Captain to all hands: we've made it back to our own time, or close enough to make no difference. Congratulations. Now, all decks report casualties to Sickbay." he cut the line and stood. "Stand down red alert, get us into the river quickly, Ill be in the ready room making a report. First Officer has the bridge." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Skylynx - 0430) ==================================== ... it stopped. The Captain fell back in his chair, no longer suffering from the slow-down effects of the time dilation within the multi-singularity. "Move us away, scan for those enemy ships!" Ryko busied himself with the TAC console. The enemy ships were gone, but that was no surprise. What was a surprise was that the ship seemed to be further ahead of their own time. Ryko almost missed Sevant's words. "Anything on scopes?" "All clear," Ryko said, standing the ship down to yellow alert. The Captain tapped the PA again, "Captain to all hands: we've made it back to our own time, or close enough to make no difference. Congratulations. Now, all decks report casualties to Sickbay." he cut the line and stood. "Stand down red alert, get us into the river quickly, Ill be in the ready room making a report. First Officer has the bridge." Ryko sighed a breath of relief, and looked at Yalta. "We made it," he mouthed. (Reply Yalta) Ryko smiled. ~This is it, Ryko, the most life changing decision you've ever made is about to happen,~ he said. He opened the console-console message screen. -/-As soon as we get debriefed, I have a surprise for you,-/- Ryko sent. (reply Yalta) Ryko sent no reply, but looked at her, smiled, and winked. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Sevant - 0430) ==================================== Yalta watch her controls and reports coming in. They were in better shape then when they first got in. She waited for the most important reports... namely Tactical and added her own. “Reports from through out the ship. Everybody is fine, actually we are in better shape then when we got in the anomaly. No heavy casualties to report yet Sir. Bruises and cuts for now.” Yalta turn toward Sky and gave him a smile has he mouthed. "We made it," “Yes we did.” she then saw him type in his console and a message pop on her screen. -/-As soon as we get debriefed, I have a surprise for you,-/- Ryko sent. She typed. -/- A surprise... what is it?-\- Ryko sent no reply, but looked at her, smiled, and winked ~Wonder what that is?~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Engineering, Lt jg Trevan West- 0431) ==================================== "Captain to all hands: we've made it back to our own time, or close enough to make no difference. Congratulations. Now, all decks report casualties to Sickbay." Trevan breathed again, he whipped around and looked over at his staff. Some minor injuries, and several small sparks erupted from consoles, but it could have been worse. "Engineering to Bridge, all systems online, warp power at your discretion sir. Cloak is online but is still temperamental, I suggest waiting until we are clear of the beast to use it. West out." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 0505) ==================================== "Yes Admiral." Sevant said, before reaching out and cutting the connection. He tapped a few buttons and uploaded all the ships logs for the last three days, and sent them off to the Steel Talons for LoDona and his staff to review. After disappearing from communication for three days, the Admiral had been quite curious (to say the least) at where the Boudicca had been, and what had happened. After reviewing the status of the ship, he had come to the conclusion that they did not require a stopover at Geneva. The ship was in good shape, the crew just needed a good nights rest. Sevant intended to see that it happened. He stood up and walked out of the ready room. He knew generally where they were, they had been in the river for half an hour, that put them a good distance away from the anomaly. "Bring us out of the River." he said, "Cloak the ship and come to a stop." (reply: Ops, Conn, any) "Maintain position," he said. "Begin rotating the crew off-duty, its time for a rest." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Captain's Quarters - Capt Sevant - 1630) ==================================== "Personal log, stardate 2406 mark 10 mark 21. We're back in our own time, the Science and Engineering departments managed to get us close, we actually skipped ahead by a day. That was acceptable to me, Id rather miss a day then end up another 200 years in the past." Sevant sighed as he unbuttoned his uniform and pulled off the top. "Everything was just as we left it, the formerly inhabited planet in the neighboring star system is nothing more then rubble. Although, now, we know more about the cause..." Sevant sat on the bed, his face grave. "This is something I never intend to tell the Crew, it would serve no purpose. But, we were the cause of that planets destruction. Our initial travel through the anomaly made it unstable, it began pulsing and its gravity well increased in strength. The planet would have survived had we stayed in the past; our second traverse set the instability to dangerous levels. The planet didn't have more then a few years of life by that point, it would have been ripped apart by the tidal forces within twelve years of our passage." He rubbed the bridge of his nose, "But we had to go through. If we hadn't, then we would have been in the midst of a paradox. It was the planets destruction that allowed us to travel back at all. If we hadn't come back to our own time, the planet never would have been destroyed and we never would have had the ability to travel into the past to begin with. Nature abhors a vacuum, I wasn't going to risk the continuum for anything. "Temporal Matters over-ride the Prime Directive, or so I think anyway, only History will be able to judge my actions as moral or correct. Barring injury or sickness, I should be alive when these logs are opened to historians in a hundred years. Most of my crew, however, will not. So they will never know, and I will live with the results until then." Sevant laid back in his bed, "In the mean time, we've gotten orders to continue our patrol while the Admiral's staff goes over our logs. Our ship is in good shape, I've ordered us to stand-to for a day of rest. The crew spent two days on triple shifts, and many were injured in the Away Team robbery. Be it noted, also, that our Chief Science Officer was pronounced dead on the ground from a gunshot to the head." The Captain paused, "Major Straton also noted, and killed, the sleeper-agent that found to be aboard the Boudicca. Kerowyn McMasters, and Engineer and in perfect place to do damage. She had been on the ship for a rather long time, and we caught no sniff of her intentions. It makes me wonder how many others there might be. "The situation was a mess. It was all a mess. End log." He signed, "Lights." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: A Dream of the Past, Day 11 2406.19.11 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Saim's Quarters - ACEO Enaj - 0730) ==================================== Saim was awoken by the computer giving its usual cheery beeping to awake her. Saim had to remind herself that she had asked the computer to wake her up at this time as the desire to turn over and snuggle up in the warmth came over her. Saim sighed and pulled herself out of the bed. Saim had decided the night before that today she would start to arm herself, in a way. Saim was tired of feeling defenseless. Saim's engineering savy and the Boudicca herself could only protect Saim so far and she did not want to be a burden on any one else. Saim was not gungho in the slightest, but perhaps that should change. Saim picked up a PADD that was lying next to her bed and sent a non priority message to Security asking if some one could spare the time to come down to engineering. ==================================== (Boudicca - Ten Foreward - ACEO Enaj - 0750) ==================================== Saim felt like having some life around her this morning so instead of having breakfast as she normally did in her quarters she had come to Ten Foreward. Grabbing a bowl of cereal Saim found an empty table and started digging in. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: A Dream of the Past, Day 19 Stardate: 2406.10.28 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (Boudicca - Ready Room - Sevant & West - 1120) ==================================== Sevant folded his hands together and looked at his Chief Engineer for many long moments. He had decisions to make. Finally, he said, "I've got plans to make, and so do you." He said quietly. "I have just received word that Mr. Grailik is being transferred off the ship. There was no mention of a replacement, meaning it's up to me." He sat back in his chair and put his folded hands in his lap. "That might change in the future, however. Therefore, I would like to appoint you as Acting First Officer, until I find out what LoDona means to do." Trevan sat there for a moment, contemplating what had just been told to him. His thoughts raced through his mind, "Um, sounds great sir. I won't let you down. You can count on me." were the responses he thought of, but what came out was something totally different. "I would like to accept the job sir, and I know that I will do above and beyond my best to serve this ship and her crew." Sevant nodded, "Very well, you are hereby named. It will take effect the second Grailik leaves the ship... which should be tonight." He lightly touched a small black case on his desk, and then gave it a push across to within West's reach. "With the position comes a Battle-field commission of Lieutenant Commander." Trevan opened the small box, 'About bloody time' he thought to himself. Trevan smiled at his Captain, knowing full well he would not return it. But deep down, he suspected his old friend was happy, or whatever a Vulcan would be at this moment. "Thank you sir!" and with that Trevan placed the pip on his collar stood at attention, "Request permission to replicated a new uniform and begin duty sir." Sevant stood, and offered his hand, "Yes, begin immediately, Mr. West. And congratulations." ==================================== (Boudicca - Security office - John Fredericks - Ensign (jg)-TAC/AST - 1210) ==================================== John was setting up some new patrol assignments when he received a call from the Captain. =/\=Sevant to Ensign Fredericks, report to my Ready Room immediately.=/\= "Fredericks here, on my way" John got up from the desk and straightened his uniform a bit then entered the main office. "Rodriguez, you have the duty. I need to step out for a while" Hurrying to the nearest lift John was wondering to himself what was going on ~Guess I'll find out when I get there.~ ==================================== (Boudicca -Cargo Bay 3- Dr Farley - 1210) ==================================== As Ellen stood and looked at her friend who was traped under several storage units, she began to laugh "How did you do this!?" Ellen asked adam then replies with "i triped over and fell in to the containers, ellen smiled "Well lets get you to sicbay ==================================== (Boudicca - Bridge - John Fredericks & Capt Sevant - 1215) ==================================== Arriving at the Bridge John stepped out and walked over towards the ready room he noticed Skylynx at the Tactical station and nodded in his direction. John pressed the sounder on the door and waited. "Come," Sevant said. John entered and was directed to take a seat. As they sat down the Captain placed his hands on the desk, folded the together and began speaking "Mr. Grailik is being transferred off the ship, very soon. Mr. West is moving to take his place temporarily, that leaves us with a hole in Engineering that I need to plug, if only temporarily. You, Mr. Fredericks, are my choice for Acting Chief Engineering Officer. Unless, of course, you have a problem with this?" John, a little surprised at the reassignment and promotion even if temporary cleared his throat and replied. "No Sir, No problem at all. Thank you." The Captain continued on as he sat back in his chair. "With the death of our CSO, we've also lost our Second Officer. I'm making you Acting Second, for the time being." Sevant picked up a small black box, and tossed it over to the security (now Engineering) officer. "It comes with a battlefield promotion to Lieutenant(jg)." John caught the small box as the Captain tossed it to him. Feeling a little stunned with the double Promotion, Stood and saluted. "Thank you Sir. I'll do my best." "May I ask when Mr. Grailik is being transferred, I would like to work with him for a while to ensure a smooth transition?" "Probably tonight, I would talk with him immediately. "Aye Sir, Thank you again" John said as the Captain dismissed him. John headed back to the Security office to finish out the days work stopping only long enough at his quarters to put on his new gold pip and to requisition a few new uniforms. ~Lets just see how long it takes for someone to notice~ he thought to himself with a laugh. ==================================== (Boudicca - Sicbay - Dr Farley - 1230) ==================================== Ellen scanned crewman Evans and then thaught ~why did i laugh?~ "well Adz, you have a small fracture to your patella, I can heal it but, go easy on it" "Thanks Elz, i dont know what i'd do without you" Adam smiled and walked out. Ellen walked over to the replicator "Computor, one chicken soup please" the replicator materialised a small cup of chicken soup "thank you for ordering Dr Farley" the computor said ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: A Dream Of The Past, Day 17 Stardate:2406.10.26 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca-Crew Quarters-TAC/SC & OPS - 1400) ==================================== Yalta had a short day of work today, and she wanted to have a bit of fun, maybe in the holodeck. She arrived there and saw a big back on the sofa, a single look she saw that it was Sky clothes in there. "Sky... where are you?" "In here!" Ryko said, clicking the small box closed, hiding it in the pocket of a jacket and picking up the whole pile. He headed for the living area. "Hey," he said. "How was your day?" "I had a good day... but I'm starting to wonder... what's all this all about?" Yalta pointed the 2 bags. Ryko laughed a little. "Don't worry, I wouldn't run away from you," he smiled, walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "You are far too important to me to do such a thing," he said, kissing her. “So what is going on with those?” she looked at him a bit confused. "Well," Ryko said, picking her up, spinning her around him and putting her down again, ~I've got far too much energy tonight,~ he thought. "I thought we could go for a little vacation," Ryko said, closing his bag. “A vacation... where and how long? There's not many places to go around here.” Ryko looked at her and smiled. "There's a class 4 nebula about a quarter-lightyear from here. I got us a shuttle, and that's where we'll be spending the next 3 days," he said. Ryko waited for the idea to sink in. He smiled all the while, his face alight with energy. He waited for Yalta to realise this was the big surprise he had been talking about. Ryko laughed and looked at the bag. "It's not all clothes," he said, taking a large, long case out of the bag. He walked over to her and placed it in her hands. "I was gonna give you this later, but, what the hell," he said. "Go on, open it, you'll like it." Yalta opened the box, wondering what was in there. She pulled off the silk flap that was protecting the riffle further. “A Winchester 1866. It looks beautiful.” She smiled and gave Sky a little kiss on the lips. Ryko enjoyed that kiss almost as much as the first one. It made him feel good to make her happy. "Restored it myself," he said. "For you." “You did a wonderful job on it, I will put this one in my office. That is the best place for it.” She smiled and carefully wrap the gun and close the case. “Did you pack my clothes as well?” Ryko looked guilty for a second, then blushed a little, then coughed. "Didn't want to pack the wrong things," he said, and looked at her again. “Where is my bag?” Yalta had a corner smiled, she was rather amused by his facial expression. Ryko felt a little silly. "I didn't pack it, so i wouldn't have to feel..." he laughed a little at the irony of the situation. "Stupid." he said. "BUT i did get you one, it's next to mine, nothing in it but air at the moment," he said hurriedly afterward. “Ah... Well, I guess I should go and pack it then.” She took it. “Wonder what I will put in there.” Yalta vanished in the bedroom, her tone was down right playful. ~Control yourself, man, wait til later,~ Ryko thought as he stood in the doorway to the bedroom. ~Control yourself!~ even in his head it sounded more like a plea than a thought. Yalta looked at him once or twice, turning her back to him so that he couldn't see, at least not to much what she was putting in there. Once it was full, she zipped it close.”Well, that is done!” She smiled. Ryko bowed slightly, letting Yalta go first, then, picking his bag up on the way, stepped in front of her outside their quarters. "Your coach awaits, m'lady," he said in a faltering british accent, unable to hide a laugh, and offering her his arm. Yalta laughed. “Let's go before something else happens in here.” Ryko laughed, and holding her arm in his, the two walked down the corridor, passing a few confused-looking crewmembers on the way. ~no trouble,~ Ryko said. ~We're off duty.~ The two walked into the turbolift and the doors closed. "Shuttlebay 1," Ryko said, and the turbolift moved. Ryko turned to look at Yalta. "This is gonna be great," he said, smiling uncontrollably. "I promise." “It will be great, I know that. I will need to thank the Captain for this little vacation.” Ryko smiled. "It took quite a bit of grovelling to get him to let us go," he said, recalling the long conversation he'd had with Sevant the previous day. "But it was worth it," he said, holding her, "to be alone with you." They stepped off the turbolift a few steps from Shuttlebay 1. “Here we are.” She saw 2 officers who had finished the security check on the shuttlecraft. They nodded to them with a big smile. “I think they know!” Ryko smiled. "How do these things get out?" he said laughingly, still chuckling as they ambled towards the shuttle and greeted the two. “So, who will do the flying?” They entered the shuttlecraft. Ryko smiled with a glint in his eye. "Leave that, to Sky," he said, kissing her, then taking a seat in the pilot's station. “Alright... I will go sit back and relax.” She secured their belongings and sat beside him. “I think we are ready, the main door is close.” Ryko smiled and brought the Runabout's engines online. "Runabout Pegasus to Shuttlebay control, requesting permission for launch," Ryko said, never looking away from Yalta. =/\=Shuttlebay control, you are clear to launch.=/\= "Roger that control, don't fall apart while we're gone," Ryko said, laughing a little. He closed the channel, and after the shuttlebay's doors opened, he smoothly moved the runabout out into open space, turning starboard and following the Boudicca's line for a while, from stern to bow, before arcing away towards the nebula. "That's it, we're away," Ryko said. (Runabout Pegasus - Flight Deck - TAC/SC & OPS - 1600) Ryko brought the Runabout on a slow swoop before stopping it at 500,000 kilometres from the Nebula. Close enough for a great view, far enough to keep them safe from what he knew would happen at some point in the next 2-3 hours. He brought the shuttle to a total stop, activated the auto-pilot and spun his seat round to face Yalta. "What d'you think?" he asked her, smiling and taking her hand. "It's a beautiful nebula." She smiled and looked outside. Ryko smiled back, and while she was captivated by the nebula, pressed a few buttons on the console. A few seconds later a whicker hamper and blanket materialised on the floor behind them. "Surprise," Ryko said, nodding at the picnic setup. She turned around to look at the display. "you read my mind... I was thinking that I was getting hungry. " She smiled. "What is on the menu?" "See for yourself," Ryko said, opening the hamper. Being a picnic, it was mostly small nibbles, cold meat, some cheese, vegetables, bread and the like, but it was enough for a quiet picnic under the stars. "And for dessert," Ryko said, wandering over to the runabout's lone replicator. He pressed a button and a stack of Alterian pancakes, smothered with Honey Syrup, materialised. "Just like our first breakfast," Ryko said, smilng and placing the plate down. "Oh my... I remember that. All of this is making me more hungry." Yalta made her way to Sky and passed her arms around him. "I love you!" "I know," Ryko said, folding her in his arms, and slowly swooping her to the floor. "I love you too," he said, and kissed her. She let the kissed melt in her, but her stomach was starting to get loud. "Let's eat Honey!" Ryko looked down at her stomach and laughed at the sound. "Sounds like a level 10 shockwave!" he said, pressing his ear against her stomach, he listened with mock examination on his face. Her stomach rumbled again. "No wait, level 12," he laughed, releasing her and kissing her again. When the two finally managed to stop laughing, they settled down to eat. Yalta was relieved to finally sit and start to come out the food from the basket. "Humm... so hungry, don't know what to start with." "Pick one at random," Ryko said. "I'll blindfold you if that helps," he joked. "But then it probably wouldn't there'd be stuff all over the place," he chuckled, making himself a sandwich. One of Yalta's eyebrows lifted, thinking of the proper things to say. "Yes... food would be all over instead of my stomach. Cold meat, bread, cheese, should be a good start." "Hey, relax, honey, we're all alone, in front of a beautiful nebula, just the two of us, with no more work to worry about for three days. Relax!" Ryko said, popping the cork on a bottle of Champagne. "Yes... that is true... but I'm hungry." She gave him a glass so that he put some of the champagne in. Ryko poured Yalta a glass, then himself. "To shared pasts and futures," he said. "Exact words of our first date," he laughed. "To shared pasts and futures!" They knocks glasses and Yalta took a little sip. "Very nice." She put the glass near her and pick up the bread and some and cold meat and took a carrot stick. "It is," Ryko said, looking at the bottle. "I tried to get some Chardonnay but the computer wouldn't let me," Ryko said. "Nevermind, we'll manage without," he said, and continued to eat. "Oh... yes... that computer bug. That will be solved... later." She had a corner smile that was saying a lot and then started to laugh. Ryko couldn't help but laugh with her."Alright, missy, what are you hidin'?" he said in a frankly silly accent. "I put a little program so the next time you asked for a picnic basket that only champagne would appear... and nothing else." She winked at Sky and took a bit off her carrot stick. Ryko gave her a playful look and waited for her to move the carrot stick away from her face, before moving to kiss her, but didn't quite touch her lips. Instead he tantalised her, before giving her a quick peck and moving back to where he was. "Ha," he said playfully, knowing full well he was teasing her. "I knew you would do that eventually, the when was the factor." She smiled. "I guessed that it would be for a special occasion." "Oh yeah?" Ryko said with a smile. "You were expecting that were you?" he said, sitting up again. Yalta put her glass down and nodded. "Ok then, how about THIS?" He said, and started tickling her feet. "Stop this... you know I'm ticklish." But of course, Sky wouldn't. She couldn't use her feet and push him in this close space, so she managed to get setted and started to tickle him on his sides. "Two can play that game!" Ryko couldn't stop laughing, never mind thinking of a comeback. He rolled over so she was underneath him and started relentlessly tickling Yalta's belly, moving up to her arms and then her neck. "AaaaAAaaah Sky." She managed to put her arms around him, her hands were cold from the cold meat that she was handle and she passed them underneath his shirt. Ryko flinched from the coldness of her hands against his skin. "Not enough, honey!" he said, and tickled the spot on her neck he'd found all that time ago. "AAAAAAAAAh!" Yalta knew the only way to stop that because she couldn't stand this very long. She managed to get her hand behind Sky's neck and then kissed him. Ryko relented and closed his eyes in the kiss, moving instead to embrace Yalta. They kissed for several minutes before she released him. "Good one," Ryko said, laughing a little. "You asked for it!" She gave him another kiss, and carressed his face. Near her hands was a the countainer with the strawberries, she picked one and gave it to Sky to bite in. Ryko took a bite, and left half for her. They loved playing like this, it was fun, especially together. Ryko lay on his side next to her and they lay there happily eating strawberries for a long time, until the computer console bleeped. "Humm... what is going on?" She lifted her head. Ryko smiled on the side of his face Yalta couldn't see. "Dunno," he lied, and got up to make absolutely sure he DID know. "Are we alone around here?" Yalta sat up, starting to wonder. "Of course," Ryko said reassuringly. He checked the sensors. "Elevated levels of Particle emanation. Hold on," he said, suddenly happy. "Particle emanation in a nebula means..." he said, resisting the urge to jump on the spot. "Means that we will have a light show!" Yalta got up suddenly. "Computer, close the lights inside the shuttlecraft." "Activate holo-emitters," Ryko said. He knew Yalta wouldn't expect that, but they did, and the bulkeads seemingly breaking up the view in front of them confirmed what he knew Yalta was going to say. "Hiiii.... wow!" She grabed Sky's arm, the suddenness of the images around her made her feel a bit lightheaded, or the champagne did, but either would have done that. "Like being outside!" Ryko smiled and held Yalta's arm, as much to keep her standing as anything, and the two looked out on the birth of a brand new star. Ryko was captivated by the sight, and so was Yalta. He used her distraction to retrieve the small black velvet box from his pocket, and waited. "The birth of a star is like our birth... long, hard, but then again, beautiful." "So are you," Ryko said of the last word in Yalta's sentiment. He turned to face her, his face silhouetted slightly by the brightness of the new Star outside. "Yalta, this has been bottled up inside me for a full month now, I wanted to wait until the perfect moment, and I think I've found it." He said, getting down on one knee. Yalta took a moment has she look at Sky. Everything was leaving her a bit speechless. "Sky!" She could feel her heart pounding hard in her chest. Ryko took out the small black box, opened it, and presented it to her. "Yalta Schafio, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" he said, hope etched across his face. "I want that very much so. Yes!" She smiled and look at the ring in the box. Ryko was elated. There should have been a stronger, more elaborate word for what he was feeling, but it didn't exist. "That's...that's great!" He said eventually, ecstatic to the point of speechlessness. He hugged Yalta closely and swung her around in the air, the two laughed for an amazingly long time it seemed. Ryko eventually put her down and slid the ring onto her finger. Yalta admire the ring, that was one thing in commun between human and Elasian. "I knew it would be a special occasion." She then passed her arms around him and look at the light show. "I was right," Ryko said, looking at her first then turning to the forming star before them. "I have found the perfect moment." He held her close to him, and watched the spectacle of light before him, a birth in the dark fabric of space. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: A Dream of the Past, Day 20 Stardate: 2406.10.29 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Captain's Quarters - Capt Sevant - 0730) ==================================== Sevant tapped his fingers as he lay back in the chair. His face was drawn, his eyes were dark, tired. The night had been long, and sleep had been short. There were dreams. He remembered everyone who had gone before him. He remembered the places and times and faces. Cold places, hot places, weird places, always stressful times, swollen with unhappiness, pain and fear. Some died. Some did not. It made no sense when he tried to figure it out. Why did they go before, when he was no better, was it nothing more then blind luck? Or was there a greater force at work, an age-old question. Soldiers live. And wonder why. There had been more to it then that, there always was. Something... something tickled his mind. He couldn't place it, not directly, and it didn't feel like an attack. Whatever it was, it had stirred memories he had thought long buried. The Vulcan pushed further into his chair and sighed. It had probably been nothing, just a natural reaction after extended periods of combat. The memorial hadn't been long ago. Sevant had been to so many of them, he could see the faces of everyone lost so clearly. He shook away the musings and stood, grabbing his uniform top as he did so. It was early, he was needed. He stopped by his replicator and tapped his command; a decent sized mug appeared steaming hot. He took it, and as he did every morning, looked at himself in the mirror before leaving. The face was gaunt, lined, and careworn. The scars stood out anymore, a living testimony to his chosen life. It was the face of a warrior. Soldiers live. And wonder why. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0758) ==================================== Sevant strode onto the bridge and walked around to the center seat. Lieutenant Jo'vich stood, "Sir, good morning." Sevant nodded pleasantly enough, "Report." he said, just before taking a sip of his tea. "All systems Normal Sir, on course on projected patrol route, sensors are clear. Engineering reports they are realigning the impulse generator coils, and sickbay reported that Crewman Ricks broke his left arm during a holodeck training program. The only thing on long-range sensors is a Class 2 pulsar and what appear to be the remains of a class 4 comet, neither on our projected course." Sevant nodded and sat down, "Very well Lieutenant, I have the bridge." "Aye Sir, Captain has the bridge." Sevant cradled his cup of tea and sat back in the Command Chair, "Begin day watch." The lighting of the bridge immediately changed to a brighter scheme, and all around him, the Alpha shift was taking their spots and relieving Gamma shift. Just as had been done hundreds of thousands of times throughout history. The Vulcan took another sip of his tea and gently set it aside. "Bridge to all senior staff, there will be a departmental meeting in the observation lounge at 0900 hours." (reply: any, if desired) Sevant folded his hands together and crossed his legs. "Steady as she goes." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (jg) Skylynx- 0758) ==================================== Ryko waited for the turbolift doors to open. Yet another normal day. He'd been waiting for one since the mission began. But this was good. If he could just stay normal for a while longer, everything would be ready. He was going to take a little leave, requisition a runabout, and take Yalta for a little cruise. He looked forward to it in earnest. He stepped onto the bridge. Sevant cradled his cup of tea and sat back in the Command Chair, "Begin day watch." The lighting of the bridge immediately changed to a brighter scheme, and Ryko relieved the Gamma-watch TAC/ASC officer. He stepped into the TAC console and logged on. It had been 3 days now since his promotion to Lt JG, and he was loving it. ~not long to go now, soon i'll have my own command,~ part of him thought. He was shocked that this thought made it into his head and dismissed it immediately. He shared a smiled "good morning" with the captain and listened as he spoke. "Bridge to all senior staff, there will be a departmental meeting in the observation lounge at 0900 hours." Ryko busied himself, finding absolutely nothing out of place, he relaxed a little. "I love these quiet mornings," he mused. Sevant folded his hands together and crossed his legs. "Steady as she goes." ==================================== (USS BOUDICCA-Main Engineering deck CEO/2O John Fredericks L.T. (jg)-08:01 ==================================== John was still in Engineering after having gone over everything with West and then meeting the members of the first shift engineering team when he received the call from Sevant. =/\= Bridge to all senior staff, there will be a departmental meeting in the observation lounge at 0900 hours.=/\= “Fredericks here, Acknowledged”. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - OPS office - OPS Lt. Yalta Schafio - 0850) Yalta made a detour to her office because she needed something, but then she stop has she saw the bonsai Persei with it's blood red leaf. It brought her back 10 days ago, off duty when Sky surprise her with the question she was waiting on patiently. To be his wife. She chuckled. ~Weird isn't it... on Elas we fight each other, we loose track of one another, true that we didn't know one another, just that there was something between us. Then we end up here and connect~ Yalta looked around and found the padd, in there was the holodeck program for the ceremony, didn't know when they would do that. The ceremonial oil lamp was taken out of storage. She made the image of it appear, it was old but it did survive the wars and the trip here.~Wonder when? Wonder what life we will have, well it will not be different for now, but later.~ She sigh and look at the time. “Ooops, got to go.” Yalta took a sprint to the nearest turbolift that took her to the bridge and the short walk to the observation lounge. Sky was already there. ==================================== (Boudicca - Observation Lounge – LT Fredericks CEO/2O – 08:50) ==================================== John had arrived a little early, he didn’t want to appear too anxious but he defiantly wasn’t going to be late to his first Departmental meeting as a Chief and Second officer. There were a few others in the room already and he moved to a seat at the table to take part in the small talk that always seemed to proceed these meetings. After a short while the door hissed open. The Captain walked in carrying several small boxes and two PADDs. After placing them on the table he sat down, leaning forward onto the table. Sevant quickly went over the fact that Grailik had left the ship the previous night on emergency orders from LaDona. He didn’t specify what the orders were but made it plain that Grailik was not returning anytime soon. Some this John knew already from his previous meeting with the Captain when he received his pips and field promotion, some of it seamed to be “Need to know”. He didn’t ask. The Captain went on to announce the promotion of West to FO as a LT Commander and then announced his own promotion to both the CEO and 2O post as LT (jg). Also adding as if as a reminder that the post had not been made permenant, yet. And that he expected both officers to fufill their duties to his satisfaction. “Aye Sir, We’ll do our best” he replied along with West’s response. The Captain then informed them that by Order of Fleet admiral LaDona everyone on the ship was to receive the Fleet Commanders Comendation. John was still trying to digest that when Sevant call him, Monroe and West to the front of the room. "For being wounded in the line of duty, you three receive the Ribbon of Sacrifice." Sevant handed over the medal, meant to be pinned onto a dress Uniform”. Lastly The Captain called for a Dept status report. This was easy since West ran a tight well running Dept. When the Captain got to Engineering, Fredericks replied “Nothing to report sir, LT Commander West left me a smooth running Department.” ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACEO Enaj - 0850) ==================================== Arriving ten minutes early for the meeting Saim found the place already filled with some officers. Saim smiled and nodded to them as she took a seat. (reply any, none) Exactly on time Sevant came into the room and took his central position. Saim listened carefully to the news. She had felt out of the loop for a lot of time on this mission and this was her opportunity to be finally filled in a little. When news came of West's promotion, albeit perhaps temperoray she was pleased for him. Saim had not had the opportunity to get to know him much, but working with him she knew that he was a good engineer. However Saim was slightly surprised when she heard who would be replacing West. Saim knew nothing of this man and felt a bit miffed that she had had no prior knowledge that this fellow was going to become his direct superior. Personally Saim also realised she was a bit miffed that he had been put in as CEO over her head. Saim knew that perhaps she was not completely ready for the position but she had settled in and she had run the engineering single handed for a time before West could arrive. This man was not evem engineering as far as she knew. What was with that. As this tirade occured in Saim's mind she sat back camly and smiled serenly, not allowing her irritation to show. Saim was so annoyed that the mention of medals passed her by. After the meeting Saim went up to Lt. John Fredericks and holding out her hand said, "Hello, I am Saim Ensign, your ACEO." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Observation lounge - 0857) ==================================== Yalta smiled to everyone, she noticed Sky on the bridge and gave him a bigger smile passing by to go to the conference lounge. The meeting started right after. "I will make this brief." he said after a few more moments. "Some of you might have noticed that Commander Grailik is missing, he took a runabout out last night on emergency orders from Admiral LoDona. He has been reassigned, not to return." Sevant sat back again, "In the mean time, that leaves us with two large holes in our Chain-of-Command, something I find intolerable. Until replacements arrive, I am hereby giving Lieutenant West a field commission of Lieutenant Commander, and he will fill the vacancy left by Mr. Grailik." The Captian looked at West, who already had the pips. Then, he said. "To fill his spot, and the vacant Second Officers position, I have chosen our newest Lieutenant, John Fredericks, who has the necessary skills to adequately run our engineering department." Sevant gestured to the former TAC/ASC. "These are emergency measures for the moment, they may yet become permanent. But, permanent or not, I expect both will do their duties to my satisfaction." (reply: any, if desired) "As to our slain Chief Science Officer, I am awarding the Ribbon of Sacrifice, posthumous." The Captain folded his hands together, "He died in the line of duty, we will never forget that." He looked over at Madison, "LoDona hasn't got a track officer more qualified to lead the department then you, so at least for the time being, you will continue as the acting head of the Science department." (reply: Monroe) The Captain picked up a PADD. "By order of Fleet Admiral Robert LoDona, all crew of the USS Boudicca receives the Fleet Commanders Commendation for our actions on Ceti Sigma four." He placed the first of two PADDs down and looked back up, "You will find, the next time you are near a replicator, that the computer will allow you to replicate said medal for your dress uniforms. Department heads, inform your departments of this distinction along with instructions for replication." “Yes Sir! They will be happy to hear that.” She smiled. ~I wonder what other surprises are waiting here.~ (reply: any, if desired) "We have one promotion that has come through," he said as he tapped a case with his fingertip, "Lieutenant Skylynx, front and center." Yalta turned toward Sky, she was happy for him, but couldn't express her emotions, at least not yet. She didn't hear much of what he said, just was very happy for him. When Sky came back and sat beside her, he took her hand under the table giving it a little squeeze. Yalta managed to listen to the rest of the meeting and what made her snap more in attention was the words. "Now, Status of your departments?" Said the Captain. Sky went first. After a short pause, Yalta went second. “OPS report that repairs are finish. We have finished updating the computer systems, also the cataloging of the logs and reports, and we are back on routine maintenance and repair schedules.” She thought. ~In other terms... nothing exciting.~ ==================================== (Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant - 0900) ==================================== Sevant walked in at exactly the stroke of 0900 and immediately stepped to the head of the table. He placed the two PADD's and couple small pill-boxes he was holding onto the table and looked at everyone for a few moments. "At ease," he said as he sat. He pulled at his uniform, then sat forward and leaned on the table. "I will make this brief." he said after a few more moments. "Some of you might have noticed that Commander Grailik is missing, he took a runabout out last night on emergency orders from Admiral LoDona. He has been reassigned, not to return." Sevant sat back again, "In the mean time, that leaves us with two large holes in our Chain-of-Command, something I find intolerable. Until replacements arrive, I am hereby giving Lieutenant West a field commission of Lieutenant Commander, and he will fill the vacancy left by Mr. Grailik." Sevant looked at West, who already had the pips from their earlier meeting, and nodded. Then, he said. "To fill his spot, and the vacant Second Officers position, I have chosen our newest Lieutenant, John Fredericks, who has the necessary skills to adequately run our engineering department." Sevant gestured to the former TAC/ASC, who was also sporting his new promotion already. "These are emergency measures for the moment, they may yet become permanent. But, permanent or not, I expect both will do their duties to my satisfaction." (reply: any, if desired) "As to our slain Chief Science Officer, I am awarding the Ribbon of Sacrifice, posthumous." He folded his hands together, "He died in the line of duty, we will never forget that." He looked over at Madison, "LoDona hasn't got a track officer more qualified to lead the department then you, so at least for the time being, you will continue as the acting head of the Science department." (reply: Monroe) He waited a couple seconds, and then picked up a PADD. "By order of Fleet Admiral Robert LoDona, all crew of the USS Boudicca receives the Fleet Commanders Commendation for our actions on Ceti Sigma four." He placed the first of two PADDs down and looked back up, "You will find, the next time you are near a replicator, that the computer will allow you to replicate said medal for your dress uniforms. Department heads, inform your departments of this distinction along with instructions for replication." (reply: any, if desired) "We have one promotion that has come through," he said as he tapped a case with his fingertip, "Lieutenant Skylynx, front and center." (reply: Ryko) Sevant stood, and pulled out one of the black cases, He popped it open while the TAC/SC was moving, "Lieutenant Skylynx has been promoted to full Lieutenant." He waited for Skylynx to come close, then moved forward and pined the pip onto his collar, replacing the hollow one that had been there. "Congratulations, Lieutenant." (reply: any, if desired) "And, lastly, Mr. Fredericks, Ms Monroe and Mr. West. Front and Center." (reply: Fredericks, Monroe, West) "For being wounded in the line of duty, you three receive the Ribbon of Sacrifice." Sevant handed over the medal, meant to be pinned onto a dress uniform. (reply: Fredericks, Monroe, West, any) Sevant sat back down again. "Now, we all know what happened at Ceti Sigma Four, it was not an ideal situation, yet you all acted exemplary. My complements to you, and your departments. The timeline was preserved and we made it home, I couldn't ask for more." Yet, as he said that, a small shadow passed over his face. He hadn't made it public knowledge that the Boudicca herself was responsible for the destruction of the planet. Nothing would have come of it but for a blow to morale. And the cost in life had been high, Sevant felt every crewmembers loss. He folded his hands together again, "For the time being, our orders are to continue patrolling this area. There have been rumors of a few unidentified ships in this sector, we're to search them out and identify them... if they exist. I will not put us on standing yellow alert, but be aware, we could go into combat at any time." The Captain leaned back in the chair again, "Now, Status of your departments?" ==================================== (Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Dr Farley - 0900) ==================================== He folded his hands together again, "For the time being, our orders are to continue patrolling this area. There have been rumors of a few unidentified ships in this sector, we're to search them out and identify them... if they exist. I will not put us on standing yellow alert, but be aware, we could go into combat at any time." The Captain leaned back in the chair again, "Now, Status of your departments?" Ellen looked at the captain and said "Well first just let me say congratulatins to all of you who recived awards or got premoted," she smiled (Reply: any) "and sicbay is fine not to many injouries, some but minor, and everything is prepaired for an emergency, the triage centre is also on standy" ==================================== (Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Skylynx - 0900) ==================================== Ryko was in straight behind Sevant as he entered, he took a seat next to Yalta. She was beaming, undoubtedly struggling to guess what he had in store for them both. "At ease," Sevant said as he sat. He pulled at his uniform, then sat forward and leaned on the table. "I will make this brief." he said after a few more moments. "Some of you might have noticed that Commander Grailik is missing, he took a runabout out last night on emergency orders from Admiral LoDona. He has been reassigned, not to return.In the mean time, that leaves us with two large holes in our Chain-of-Command, something I find intolerable. Until replacements arrive, I am hereby giving Lieutenant West a field commission of Lieutenant Commander, and he will fill the vacancy left by Mr. Grailik." Ryko nodded and smiled his congratulations to West. But it came as a shock to him to find out who his replacement was. "To fill his spot, and the vacant Second Officer's position, I have chosen our newest Lieutenant, John Fredericks, who has the necessary skills to adequately run our engineering department." Ryko only just managed to keep his jaw from dropping. Sure enough, there was John, two pins happily on his collar. Ryko smiled at him, and mouthed a well deserved "well done." Sevant spoke again. "These are emergency measures for the moment, they may yet become permanent. But, permanent or not, I expect both will do their duties to my satisfaction." Ryko didn't pay much attention to what was said about Rin. He was still a little surprised by seeing a LIEUTENANT John Fredericks opposite him. Sevant picked up a PADD. "By order of Fleet Admiral Robert LoDona, all crew of the USS Boudicca receives the Fleet Commanders Commendation for our actions on Ceti Sigma four." He placed the first of two PADDs down and looked back up, "You will find, the next time you are near a replicator, that the computer will allow you to replicate said medal for your dress uniforms. Department heads, inform your departments of this distinction along with instructions for replication." Ryko knew that meant he had to tell both of his new assistants what was going on, and he knew that meant paperwork. ~Ah, bliss,~ he thought sarcastically, stifling a laugh. "We have one promotion that has come through," he said as he tapped a case with his fingertip, "Lieutenant Skylynx, front and center." Ryko smiled, stood, and made his way to the captain. It seemed a little bizarre, towering over his commanding officer, but Sevant was able to reach him anyway. He stood to attention. "Lieutenant Skylynx has been promoted to full Lieutenant." Ryko leaned forward slightly to allow the captain to replace the hollow pip still on his collar. "Congratulations, Lieutenant." "Thankyou sir," Ryko said. ~Well, rank's no longer a problem,~ Ryko thought. ~Plain sailing.~ He made his way back to his seat. Ryko listened and watched as other commendations and promotions were spread around, but was unable to stop smiling. He turned to his right, and he could have sworn that Yalta's feet were bloodless, as it all seemed to rush to her face. Ryko smiled at her and clasped her hand under the table, still managing to listen to Sevant's words. He looked at him as the captain sat down again. "Now, Status of your departments?" Farley spoke up first. Ellen looked at the captain and said "Well first just let me say congratulatins to all of you who recived awards or got premoted," she smiled. Ryko returned the favour. "Sickbay is fine, not to many injouries, some but minor, and everything is prepaired for an emergency, the triage centre is also on standy." Ryko went next. "The Boudicca is at full tactical readiness, all weapons fully repaired and chargeable at a moment's notice. Our new TAC/ASCs will be briefed within 24 hours," Ryko said. ==================================== (Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Madison Monroe - 0908) ==================================== Maddie sat in the observation lounge, listening to the captain's opening comments. She was surprised about Commander Gralik leaving, but somehow felt relieved. He always just made her nervous. She looked down at her hands as he announce the awarding of the Ribbon of Sacrafice to Dr. Rin. It was what he said next that caught her by surprise. "LoDona hasn't got a track officer more qualified to lead the department then you, so at least for the time being, you will continue as the acting head of the Science department." "Ummm, me sir, " Maddie said at first. ~Oh smooth Munroe, as ever.~ "I mean, absolutely Captain. And thank you... I guess." She sat back inher chair, in shock. It all seemed so surreal. ~Damn you Kyle Rinn, why couldn't yoube more careful?~ She only paid slight attention to the rest of the meeting until Captain Sevant asked for department reports. then it was Science's turn. "Oh, yes," she said, trying not to roll her eyes at herself. "Ummm, well, the science department is fine, sir. I mean, sensors are at optimal, all teams have reported in on their work as progressing as expected. I still have a team analyzing the results of the scan of the temporal anomally, and the surrounding space. I can say, so far, that it does appear that what ever happened, we were a big part of that equation. I should have more information by the end of today." She sat back and waited for the meeting to end. ==================================== (Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant - 0910) ==================================== The Captain leaned back in the chair again, "Now, Status of your departments?" The doctor was the first to speak up, "Well first just let me say congratulations to all of you who received awards or got promoted," (Reply: any) "and sickbay is fine not to many injuries, some but minor, and everything is prepared for an emergency, the triage centre is also on standby" Sevant nodded as the TAC/SC went next. "The Boudicca is at full tactical readiness, all weapons fully repaired and chargeable at a moment's notice. Our new TAC/ASCs will be briefed within 24 hours," After a short pause his Operations officer went next. "OPS report that repairs are finish. We have finished updating the computer systems, also the cataloging of the logs and reports, and we are back on routine maintenance and repair schedules." Sevant couldn't say how good it sounded not to be in an emergency situation, where 'routine maintenance' was possible. "Nothing to report sir, LT Commander West left me a smooth running Department." His new CEO reported. Sevant nodded and turned his head as his aCSO began speaking. "Oh, yes, Ummm, well, the science department is fine, sir. I mean, sensors are at optimal, all teams have reported in on their work as progressing as expected. I still have a team analyzing the results of the scan of the temporal anomaly, and the surrounding space. I can say, so far, that it does appear that what ever happened, we were a big part of that equation. I should have more information by the end of today." The Captain managed to keep his face frozen at that, "Come to my ready room once this mission is over." He said, "So we can talk about that." (reply: Maddie) He looked back up, "Next?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – CEO/2O - 0915) ==================================== As the meeting was winding down John noticed a young woman from engineering walking toward him. He hadn’t had a chance to meet her yet but from West’s description she had to be Ensign Siam Enaj. ~This could be a bit awkward ~ John thought to himself. The young woman extender her hand and introduced herself. "Hello, I am Saim Ensign, your ACEO." “Hello Saim, Pleased to meet you. My name is John, John Fredericks. I’m sorry I haven’t had time to introduce myself yet. I had planned on us having a chance to talk before things were made public.” John raised the PADD he had been holding and looked at it briefly, he hadn’t been in the dept. long enough yet to be buried under by work. “I would like to have a short meeting with you in my office when you have time available, kind of get to each other. How is your schedule for today?” (Reply Saim) “In about two hours then? Fine.” ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – ACEO Enaj - 0916) ==================================== "Hello, I am Saim Enaj, your ACEO." “Hello Saim, Pleased to meet you. My name is John, John Fredericks. I’m sorry I haven’t had time to introduce myself yet. I had planned on us having a chance to talk before things were made public." "That's all right sir. I quite understand," Saim replied sweetly. “I would like to have a short meeting with you in my office when you have time available, kind of get to each other. How is your schedule for today?” "Whenever is fine by me" “In about two hours then? Fine.” "Good. I look forward to getting to know you better Sir." Saim nodded and smartly turned, leaving the room.