~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Start of Compile, Part 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Dream of the Past, Pre-mission Day -9 thru -3 Stardates: 2406.10.01 - 2406.10.07 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List of Headers: (USS Steel Talons - Admirals Quarter, Admirals Briefing Room - Admiral LoDona, Captain Lowell, Captain Sash, Captain Rofellian, Captain Sevant, Captain Winters, Captain Ktell & Others - 0800) (Steel Talons - Observation Lounge - Flt Adm LoDona, Capt Winters, Capt Sevant & Lt Major Lee - 0900) (Boudicca - Transporter Room - Sevant & Kestra Troi - 0925) (Boudicca - Bridge, Ready Room - Capt Sevant & Lt(jg) McQuade - 1100) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -Stardate:2406.10.01 ==================================== (USS Steel Talons - Admirals Quarter, Admirals Briefing Room - Admiral LoDona, Captain Lowell, Captain Sash, Captain Rofellian, Captain Sevant, Captain Winters, Captain Ktell & Others - 0800) ==================================== LoDona looked around the room, there were at least twenty-five Captains in here, everyone that had been close and could immediatly make it for a conference. Of the other one hundred and eighty CO's, most were already on assignment and would get thier orders via subspace. Consiering the fact that he hadnt given anyone any warning, he thought it was a good turn-out.Besides, he hadnt wanted every ship here, it would have made far to rich a target-of-opportunity. He rapped his metal-bound knuckles of his borg-implants on the podium to get everyones attention, and nodded when he saw he was being watched. "Welcome to the 'Talons," he began. "Though I wish it was under better circumstances." He took one more look at everyone, then stepped aside and walked closer, so he wouldnt have to bellow. "In the last several months, you all know we have been preparing for what could be a very long and costly campaign, with what appeared to be a very low chance of sucess." He paused for a few seconds, "But we are no longer alone. In the last two weeks, Ive gotten reports that at least two other fleets on the outer-rim of the Federation have declaired war on Doenitz and pledged support in bringing him down. As far as our agents can tell, the Federation Council still doesnt know what is going on, so we have avoided a full-scale civil war. With any luck, and a mircale, we could still avoid one... we could keep it in the family. That is my hope, though we are preparing for the worst." Robert took a breath, "For the time being, we are still mostly safe, there are few loyal ships to Doenitz within two weeks travel. He may be ambitious, and he certainly isnt stupid, he is going to do away with us as quickly as he can and as quietly as he can, meaning he will send ships en-force. We need not worry about more then minor skirmishes for the time being. That gives us time to prepare, to explore this area and prepare it for our stand." He paused, "But first, I would know your thoughts on the matter. Regrets, opinions, I don't care." He turned his head, "Anyone?" Alexandra had arrive with the captain's yatch but not alone, she had 4 security officers and Tahl was with her in spirit in this room. She was really happy that he was with her on this trip, they could have some time together. She had time to say hello to everyone and talk to them a little, even more so the new faces. She look up to the Admiral. "I just might as well start, it's probably more or less the same for everyone. My crew, took it more or less great. I have manage to put things to right but they all feel the stress, behing faraway from home. I do also, I have been boosting work to better the Cochrane who needs a major refit. We have done some of the work but it's time intensive and this is in between the research and exploration of this sector. We have also went into a skirmish with 2 federations ships, they wanted to take over the Science Station Regula V who is newly installed, but it's now secured. It reminded everyone what was going on and they are not happy. I know just to well about Doenitz and the possibilities and also, it's not only one man that we will have to bring down but a legion who is behind him also. We need a more secure communication net between us." Remae looked around the room, looking at the Captains, in all these years, he couldn't remember a gathering such as this. He then caught an eye out the window, it was hard to miss the sheer volume of traffic out there. Starships were backed up as far as the eye could see, Remae wondered to himself how such a large gathering was going to pass unnoticed to the likes of Admiral Doenitz, no matter how far his fleet was from Geneva. When Captain Lowell had finished Remae took himself to speak up, he wasn't flavour of the month with the brass at the best of times, but nevertheless. "Secure comms are essential, Captain Lowell is very correct. this is the time to organise the codes and frequencies we are to use. If we keep away from regular Starfleet frequencies, and use our own encryption codes, that'll be a good start." The Bajoran stood up and headed for the large screen on the back wall and after pressing a few buttons, a map of the area came up, with a large blank space covering 4/5ths of it. "I want to give an overview of sector 21912, the area we currently are in. It is virtually unknown to us, however, we do know this. The subspace rivers end here, the last point on the river ends at Geneva, beyond, we don't know why, but there are no other subspace tunnels. One theory is that the subspace river begins here, not ends." "With the help of Admiral Jopek, who came on the Spectre to take command of the new Phoenix Shipyards, we've analysed the results Starfleet had recently obtained with probes that were sent into this unexplored region of the Alpha Quadrant." Remae nodded to Admiral Jopek, thanks to his help, they had gained some ground into what was in store for them. "Evidence of an advanced species lies in the centre of this sector of space, power readings and a barrier of immense energy has been identified but not explored, so whatever lies beyond, is anyone's guess." Remae returned to his seat but didn't sit down, "Finally, we've gathered information that we, the 52nd fleet, aren't the first to arrive here, Klingons, Ferengi and many more species are on the way to explore this area, we're bound to run into some new species too. I full expect Geneva to rapidly become a hub of activity for this area of space, it's the biggest thing around." He sat down, unless the fleet began to explore this area of space soon, they could well find themselves with a renegade fleet on one site and several species on the other, and in the middle of all that, a chance that some advance species that created the subspace rivers was just waiting for them, in the centre of the sector. It was the first time that Vladek was taking part in such meeting, most of the Captains were unknown to him, he was of course knowing well Captain Lowell, she had spend recently quite some time onboard the station, He was also knowing Captain Sevant the CO of his former ship, the Uss Boudicca, he was FO of the Nimitz the last time the ship had stopped to the station. He had heard about the loss of his family and he was planning to speak with him after the meeting. Vladek had patiently listened the explanations of the Admiral and Lowell, Ktell's concerns, he was glad that the Bajoran was speaking about his station As the Spectre's Captain sat down Vladek took the floor to say " I'm glad that Captain Ktell has dealt with this subject, those who knows me knows that, as former TAC/SC, Security has always been my first concern and I must tell you that I'm currently very worried for the security of the station and all the civilians we've got onboard. I know that I'm sometimes coming within an inch of paranoia but it's probably due to my Romulan heritage." he said in smiling. "Anyway, Geneva is stationed at the end of the subspace river if Admiral Doenitz plan to send a fleet in the Beta Quadrant, we'll be in the first line and concerning the new species, we don't yet their intentions regarding us. I know that the station is quite capable to defend herself against an aggression but who knows against a massive attack. One of the station's support ship is a science vessel, that's leaving us with only one battle ship. So I think that one of our first concern should be to make some allies in the quadrant. I've already taken the liberty to send the Uss Nautilus to chart the area and to make a report of the major powers we'll have to deal with." Vladek stated In exposing these problems, he was knowing that he wasn't speaking for the entire fleet but only for his station but with her strategic position Geneva was one almost the master piece of the Fleet and they couldn't avoid to loose it. Robert had listened to the three officers, then brought up a hand. "A few points. One," he looked at Captain Vladek, "As the headquarters, you will never lack for Support. If the Talons is not immediatly available, I will have at least one other Battle-Cruiser Class ship in the immediate area on standby duty." He looked out again, "Strategic Ops, myself, and a host of others chose this spot for three primary reasons. One, its isolated and fairly unknown to the Federation. two, one way or another, there is a terminus to the River here, so unless Doenitz's forces pop out, they will have months worth of travel to reach us. Three, this area is not completely unexplored, there are nebula and subspace phenomina Galore all over this sector of space. If, and I mean if, we get into serious problems are are forced to wage a gurella war, then we will be able to hide whole squadrons amung subspace phenomina and quasars, and numerous other things." Robert looked over everyone, "Aye, we have races here we've never met. We have a few old faces, though they don't seem to be here in any kind of force, that doesnt mean we want to launch a war with them or any of the other races around. There have been indications that the Xenolithe might be out this way too, that is something I want everyone to be well aware of. Otherwise, this is a utopia for science. When you are not actively fighting, I want you to be recording. I will not have this opportunity wasted." The Fleet Admiral took a breath, "I am a battle commander, that is what I know best. I have been dedicated to the security of the Federation since long before I recieved my Class Ring." he held up his left hand, and flexed it to show the Borg Implants. "I can tell you now that this is going to be a very difficult battle, a quasi-civil war that will be fought with vile weapons and dark deeds. We are fighting our own, and don't think I don't realize that nor agonize over it. However, even our own can be turned if we make enough of a fuss. If we can convince everyone that we are not out to subvert the government, we stand a chance of sucess. We will NOT win by pure force-of-arms. I will NOT d estroy our defensive capability. This means, Captains, that if you get a chance to talk someone over rather then firing a photon torpedo at them, you do so." Sevant, the Captain of the Boudicca, stood. "Sir, to do that will require more then hiding out in this backwater. We will need to run sorte's into the space we just abandoned, and even deeper into the Federation. If anything, we will need to start a propoganda campaign." "Yes, and no, Captain." LoDona immediatly answered. "In fact, you hit one fact on the head. Once you have your ship in full working order again, and you shake her down, you will be going back to formally held space. You will recieve details on that at a later time, but it's suited to you and your First Officer." Sevant quirked his head and nodded, "Understood." Robert continued with "I will not innitiate a propoganda campaign until this breaks into public knowledge, which probably won't be long. If it is known that a signifigant portion of Starfleet is rebelling, then it could insite the entire Federation into a Civil War, which will destroy the very foundation of trust we have built over the centuries. I will ONLY innitiate propoganda if it becomes necessary." He looked over at the Captains, "I have orders for you all, in this newsection. Some combat, some science, all of it vitally important." As one of the few non-ship captains in the room Tahl was feeling quite alone. When Admiral LoDona mentioned Strategic Ops he perked up and thought about standing, and then decided against it. This was not the time. He was aware of the current situation, perhaps moreso than mostof these cpatains. He's seen the most recent data. He also knew that he was not long to enjoy his new bride. Since he and Alex had gotten married it had been one thing after another. They had hoped to find some down time. But now he was certain that there was a specific duty for him coming up that would, once agan take him from the comfort of his home on the Cochrane. It had been difficult, but it had been something that he had been able to keep from Alex. Of course she knew there something going on, but she respected his privacy and would not discuss it with him. He looked over to see her amidst the sea of captains, and couldn't help but smile. The smile faded as he realized that very soon, one of them could be dead. Vanyssa had sat beside Devan, listening to what was going on around her. She caught herself reaching up to touch the fourth pip and stopped herself. This day had seemed like a dream so far. The others had hit the nail on the head when they spoke about the races here, the need for defense for Geneva, the need for tighter communications. Her thoughts were on the Nimitz's crew, and the people that they had lost that were not here because of the war. She was the kind of person that always thought about people first, and how things would affect them. She also didn't tend to speak unless she had something to say. That would need to change, but she was in shock from all the changes. How would it get out to the rest of the Federation? What would her grandmother say? She looked up as the Admiral said her name, and waited patiently for the assignment of the Mystique. She already had a vague idea of what it would be.... she just had to be patient for the details. Sash looked over at Nessa. She litterally beamed with joy. Her pride of her recend promotion was a mirror of his own. He had known she was ready, and was gratified to know that Robert LoDona had concurred. The speaches that had been made were very nice, but Sash, like LoDona, was a man of action. He had been produced to fight wars, and wound up in a civil war of his own. He had prayed that he would never live to see another war so brutal. He still maintained that prayer, but had grave doubts of its possibilities now. He had seen the winds of this falling a long time ago, he had just hoped that people would come to their senses before it was too late. But "too late" was right on top of them now. Now it was simply a matter of time. Some gung ho commander, looking to make a mark in the universe, will start something that could potentially lead to the end of the Federation as we know it. He caught sight of Sevant as he recieved his orders. Nimitz, itself, had just finished it's shake down from repairs and upgrades and was ready to roll. Sash was curious to the mission that was being held for them. He felt his ship and his crew were ready for just about anything. Suddenly he felt stirred to say something. He stood up and cleared his throat. Sash was not an easy man to ignore. It didn't take long for all eyes to turn to him. "Captains, Admiral," he began, "as many of you know I am a man of few words. But I want to take amoment to say this. Our future looks grim, and fraught with peril. What else is new in Starfleet? We didn't take our jobs to sit in the back-ground and watch as events took control of us. We are the ones that have taken control of our destinies. And it appears that we must do so once again. I want to say this to you Admiral LoDona, the Nimitz and her crew are at your dispossal. We are ready to do what in needed to be done." Sash looked around the room, making eye contact with many of the captains he knew. "Just remember, stick to the principles that have gotten where we are today, and we are sure to prevail. As is the motto of the Nimitz. Where there is darkness, let US bring light." At that Sash took his seat. "Very good, Captain." LoDona said with a small nod. He pulled a PADD from the podium, and handed it over. "Your orders, for the Nimitz, Captain Sash. We are perilously short of Anti-matter, it will be your job to procure some." Robert looked at Jopek for a moment, "You should have your supplies within a month, if all is agreeable." Without waiting for an answer he pulled another PADD and handed it to Captain Ktell. "The Spectre is small, hard to find. You, Captain, Im sending on an errand. We have heard rumors of a buildup, not far from our old position. We would already konw, but for a plethora of subspace events all round the area, the same patch of thorns that gave us headaches not so long ago. Take the Spectre, scout the place out. Only engage if necessary, the rest of your orders are on the PADD." The Admiral pulled out another PADD and handed it to Captain Lowell. "The details for your mission is also on the PADD. We have some exploration that needs done, something that allows you to get your ship put back together." Robert tossed Captain Rofellian a PADD and looked at him. "You, Captain, will take your two support craft into the river and deposit sensor mines in strategic points in and around the river. We need any warning we can get of approaching fleets. This takes special signifigance if Captain Ktell finds anything of substance in these buildup rumors." He then picked up the last PADD, and handed it to his newest Captain. "And for you, shakedown time. Take the Mystique to these coordinates and map the area. You have a general time-frame of six weeks, if you need more shake-down time after that, contact me directly." He looked around, "That is all, Dismised." -Stardate:2406.10.07 ==================================== (Steel Talons - Observation Lounge - Flt Adm LoDona, Capt Winters, Capt Sevant & Lt Major Lee - 0900) ==================================== =^=Sir, we have passed the Defensive net.=^= Robert nodded to himself as he looked out the windows of the lounge, "Very well Captain, bring us into a standard orbit." He turned to Captain Winters, this would be the first official view of her ship, once the docks came into view. Her new MCO was also present, standing at light attention, his new Company patch decorating his arm. Rich and LoDona got along well, they had much in common. The Talons turned slightly, following a set path through the defensive nets, and bringing the yards into view. He grinned as he saw the ships in place, the Boudicca was there being patched up. And right next to her was the Mystique, fresh out of repairs and ready to be commanded. "Captain, I present the Akira class Mystique." he said, as he gestured out the window to the Akira. Vanyssa grin widened, as she leaned slightly forward. She knew Rich well, and was glad that he was here with her. It was unfortunate that David could not be, he would have been so proud of her. "She's beautiful." Vanyssa breathed out, her words very light. Her eyes wandered over the Mystique, and she felt herself fall in love. This was the feeling that all the Captains talked about, the first time you saw the ship that you were going to Command, it was bliss, it was better than any drug you could take. It made everything, almost, worth it. The doors slid open, and a well-built half-vulcan walked in. "Admiral, Captain, Major." he said in a bass voice. Sevant was no stranger to any of the people in this room, he had served with all but the Admiral on the Nimitz not so long ago. Rich Lee nodded to the Captain and turned back to his new command as the Vulcan slid next to him. Sevant spent a few moments looking at the Mystique, then turned his gaze to the nose of his own ship, the Boudicca. Both ships were a departure from traditional designs. His was a warship, hers would be an explorer. In a way, he almost envied Winters, she would only need be on the front lines when it was necessary. He would be going back almost immediately. He placed his hands gently behind his back, "She is a lovely ship, Captain Winters." he said quietly. "Serve her well, and she will assuredly do the same for you." Vanyssa looked up at someone else she knew fairly well. "Thank you, Captain Sevant." She said, very formally, her eyes never leaving the Mystique...until the view changed to that of the Boudicca, showing closer looks at the damage that had been done to it. "My goodness." She breathed out, and took another deep one in. She had heard of all the things that had happened on the Boudicca, but she hadn't believed that the damage could be as bad as it was. "How long ?" She asked Sevant, knowing that he would know exactly what she was asking. The Vulcan narrowed his eyes at the ship briefly, "If all goes according to plan, a week. There was more then just battle damage to contend with, she was originally rushed through her refit and into duty, these yards weren't around then." he said in the same even tone. It was nearly a physical ache, looking at his ship hurting as she was. The Boudicca had been his first assignment out of the Academy, and she had been his first permanent command. He abruptly turned on his heel, "And, myself and Mr. Grailik have work to do on her." He half-bowed to Winters, then looked at the Admiral. "With your permission, sir?" The Admiral nodded, "With my compliments, Ill be over later." "Aye, Sir." Sevant said. He walked up behind Winters, then paused. He put a hand on her shoulder, "Keep safe, Vanyssa, as much as you can." Vanyssa looked up into Sevant's eyes, and squeezed his hand. "I should be wishing you that, Cal." She gave him an impulsive hug and projected to him. ::I think that both Vicki and David would be pleased with us.:: The Vulcan smiled, thoroughly grim. "I'm suited to this duty, though its logical enough to wish us both luck." he said as he pulled away from the hug. ::Likely, I can only hope. Pain eventually fades, as does the memory of love. with luck the hole it leaves will not be replaced with dark hatred. Keep safe, Vanyssa, and pray I do my job well enough that you need not join me on the front lines. We have all lost enough already.:: Captain Sevant nodded to Lee once, then turned and left before he could receive an answer. NRPG: This is where I break off from the already established joint post, and go to Sevant only. RPG: He turned through the bridge and into a turbolift. He picked up his small knap-sack from beside the turbolift, already packed, all he had to do was procure some transporter time. He quietly entered the turbolift, "Transporter Room three." he said in his usual monotone. The people he had commanded, not so long ago, were now commanding themselves. This civil war was pushing responsibility on so many people before their time, Vanyssa would be grey long before she had to be. Sevant would as well, come to think of it. Nominally, he should have been in the fleet for a few more years before a command opened up. It was not an ideal situation, but then again, nothing ever was. ==================================== (Boudicca - Transporter Room - Sevant & Kestra Troi - 0925) ==================================== Sevant materialized onto the pad, and was immediately assaulted by the ring of a boson's pipe. "Captain is aboard!" Sevant waved the Officer of the Deck down, and immediately strode out of the transporter room. He had immediate orders to give, he had things to do. He slung his pack over his back and tapped his badge, "Commander Troi to the ready room." It had been a very quite time aboard, no one knew where the ship was heading. Everyone was told just to go about their normal business and that everyone would be informed of our mission when the time had come. The ship still badly needed to be repaired from the battle of the spider creatures and their senders needed to be stopped. Kestra had spent days helping all the wounded on the ship and there had been numerous crewmen that had returned to duty. Her outlook brightened each time a crewmen was returned but she still could not get over the numerous ones that had their minds wiped. These were going to have to be transported to Geneva to see if they could do anything for them. If not then they would be transported to their home world for them to do what they wanted. Her combadge had brought her out of her thinking and she recognized Sevant's voice to realize that he had returned. "Aye Captain on my way sir." She replied and head there. Sevant walked into the ready room and dropped his small duffel as he immediately went to the replicator. "Tea, herbal, hot." he said. He took a sip and closed his eyes for a moment, before turning his head to look out the window. The ship had looked far worse then she was anymore, all that was left was some mass-replacement of hull-plates. Most of her internal damage had been utterly erased in the three months they had here at Spacedock Codename Phoenix. The hull-plates were easy, they had already been replicated, they just needed to be put down. If the job were done quickly, they could be done in two days time. In fact, that was exactly what was going to happen, baring problems. He had his orders, they would be departing in three days. The Mystique, he had an excellent view of her from his ready-room, would be leaving a couple days before him. ~Good luck, Captain~ he thought quietly as he looked at her. He took another sip of his tea as he turned his gaze to the half-constructed starbase there. A good portion of his crew was going to be transported over in the course of the next three days, all of them were currently on Phoenix or the Talons. His injured crew were going to be mass-transported over to the Talons before she left later today, that was one of two things he had to discuss with her immediately. He sat down behind his desk and leaned back, letting his impressions of the last two weeks wash over him as he waited for Kestra. Kestra arrived on the bridge soon after talking with Sevant. The Spacedock on the front view screen caught her attention as it would anyone seeing it for the first time. It was an awesome spectacle, large and majestic sitting in space above the planet below. Many ships were there and a lot of worker bees were buzzing around them. She also noticed that the Flagship of the fleet, which Admiral LoDona had set up his command on was there. She could only think that there was something about to happen that was very secret. Pushing the door chime to his ready room, she immediately heard that distinct voice telling her to enter. Entering she walked up to his desk, "Lt Commander Kestra Troi reporting as ordered sir!" "At ease, and have a seat." he said as he placed his tea aside. "I have a couple orders for you. First, the seemingly irrecoverable crew we have, and those from the Backtron, will be transferred to the Talons in the next couple hours. You will oversee that, they will be taken to Geneva for long-term care." He leaned forward in his chair and cupped his hands over the tea mug. "Your notes will be uploaded to the Talons as well, along with any other pertinent information, so the doctors there can work on them. We will also be sending examples of the psi-ders, maybe their scientists can make something more of it. Every 'brain' we have is being sent along as well, in case memory-patterns were stored in them." Kestra entered seeing the wondrous view his ready room had of the area around the Spacedock, she also saw something that she had not noticed in the front screen, that was a ship she had never seen before. It was a beautiful ship and she guessed an Akira class, which, she could not remember one being in the fleet before. Sevant had caught her attention when he told her to have a seat which she did but still sat more or less at attention as she knew that important information was about to be conveyed to her. She listened to what he said and only nodded in the appropriate areas. "I will ensure that I also update the information that we send to them on the 'zombie' crew members. Sir will we also send over the crew members that are in serious condition from the injuries that they sustained from the battle?" She asked as there were still some of the crew that had sustained serious injuries that were a long time in healing. "If they will take more then a week or two, then yes, we will send them off and pick them up on our return." He said, "I don't plan on giving up any of my crew if I can possibly help it." He paused, "Which brings me to my next order of business. You will be going along with the Talons to Geneva, you have been reassigned by Admiral LoDona." "Understood Captain" Kestra replied on the wounded crewmen, then it dawned on her what he said afterward. ~reassigned by Admiral LoDona?~ she quickly thought to herself ~I have only been here a short time and now he is reassigning me?~ "Sir? Reassigning me? What happened? Is he not satisfied with my work here?" She asked wondering why she would be reassigned so quickly. At this point she was confused by his actions and there were only a couple of possibilities but she thought she would let Sevant tell her why. Sevant held up a hand, and pulled a small PADD from his uniform. "On the contrary, you are being given a promotion." he said. "To first officer of the Nimitz." He handed the PADD over, "If there is a bump in your rank, it will be given by Captain Sash or Admiral LoDona, no such note has been given. But the transfer is in place immediately, you have six hours to get your gear, the Talons leaves Phoenix then." ~Promotion to FO of the Nimitz? What happened to Vanyssa?~ She thought then got a bit worried. "Sir, what happened to Vanyssa Winters, is she wounded or something?" She asked quickly as she took the PADD that he offered her. Her joy at this assignment was dampened only because of the question about Vanyssa The PADD did not really state what happened to Vanyssa just that she was to report to Captain Sash as his FO. It also stated that she was to be transported over to Geneva to catch the Nimitz via the Talons. She was happy that she was finally getting to be FO and of the Nimitz no less, but, she was still worried about Vanyssa. She had trepidations on the subject of Captain Sash as there had been something started before she left and where it could have gone if she had not left she could not fathom. Sevant turned and scooted back so the Doctor could see, and pointed to the ship biggest in his window. "The USS Mystique, Akira class. An explorer by designation and departing immediately for shakedown and mapping operations. Commanded by Captain Winters." he said, answering the question in a round-about way. He signed as he looked back at her, "So many of us are being shifted around, I fear this is only the start." "Cap..tain .. Winters?" Kestra could barely hide her astonishment at the news. She could scarcely hide her large smile that found its way to her face at the news. She wanted so much to congratulate her friend on her promotion and honor of becoming a starship Captain. She could remember the day that the then Admiral Aragorn had given her the captainship of the Nimitz not long before she resigned her commission. She had resigned to accompany him and Louise to the Vegan home planet to help find a cure for his disease. She did not regret helping him, but, did regret giving up the Nimitz. Staring out at the Mystique, she replied, "My friend you deserve it" saying it to no none in particular. Then she returned to the present, "Sir, I believe that ship is in very capable hands and I am honored to be the one to fill her shoes on the Nimitz." Sevant nodded, and stood. He offered a hand, "Congratulations. I thought we would be together for a while when you were transferred to the Boudicca with me, I was wrong. I look forward to seeing you again in better circumstances. Perhaps," he paused and mused for a moment. "Perhaps when this is all over and we can be regular people again." "Sevant, if I may, I have enjoyed our working relations not only here but on the Nimitz as well. I wish you and your ship all the luck in your endeavors. I especially hope you win over the creatures that we left behind as I know that you will return. If I know you even a little bit, it was hard for you to leave them undefeated after they did such damage to your people and ship." Kestra saw the many faces of the wounded and dead that she had looked at after the battle and shivered. "If there is anything that I can do to help you or your ship, call my friend." Kestra then, knowing that it was against the rules and probably against Vulcan etiquette, she hugged him tightly. Sevant, cautiously, returned the hug. After a few seconds he stepped back again, "You have very little time, and much to do before you leave. Be well, Kestra, and dismissed." Kestra stepped back and for once in her career she saluted a senior officer. "Sir, I will ensure that all data pertaining to the discussed is completed before packing." She swiveled on her heels and left the room with a tear making its way down her cheek. Sevant watched her leave, then slumped back in the chair and put a hand over his eyes. He felt as he had aged at least ten years in the last few months and it was only going to get worse. He looked up after a few moments and opened his eyes. He had work, lots of it, the ship had to be ready in time. -Stardate:2406.10.07 ==================================== (Boudicca - Bridge, Ready Room - Capt Sevant & Lt(jg) McQuade - 1100) ==================================== Chris had been transported to the Secret space dock by the flagship, Talons. He had been refused access to the bridge while in route but he had plenty to accomplish as he had been assigned temporarily to the medical department of the Talons. He had plenty to do than to worry about where they were going until they had arrived. He was then told by the Admiral that he would transport over to the Boudicca and report to the captain. He had gathered his few personal belongings and headed for the Boudicca and wondered what type of ship it would be. He had not went to the computer to find out what the ships classification was as it really did not matter to him. He would work where he was assigned. As he materialized on the Boudicca and requested permission to come aboard the transporter chief gave permission. This was really just a formality as all persons coming aboard a new ship for the first time had to request permission even if they had orders. He then made his way to the bridge and to the ready room of the Captain. He pressed the door chime and waited for the captain to acknowledge him then give permission to enter. Sevant turned in his chair, "Enter." He ran his hand over the monitor he was looking at, and turned it off, when he noticed an officer walk in. Chris entered on command to walk up to the desk in front of him with the captain sitting behind it. He stopped and raised a crisp salute, "Sir, Lieutenant Junior grade Christopher Douglas McQuade reporting for duty as your new Chief Medical Officer." He finished his speech then held the salute until the Captain returned it as customary. Sevant gave a sketchy salute, "At ease." he finally said. "Orders?" Chris was a little disappointed at the salute that was returned but then again a captain can do any they liked. He stepped forward and handed him the PADD, he returned to a parade rest stance until the captain read the PADD. Sevant took the PADD and looked at the officer for a few more moments, then turned his eyes to the PADD. The orders were proper, Sevant could see that much. He took a breath as he put the PADD down, and folded his hands together. "Welcome to the Boudicca." he finally said. "You will notice we are just recovering from months of repair, I recommend you contact Commander Troi before she leaves to get fully caught up." "Sir with all due respect, I did not look over what the Boudicca had been through. I worked my want to her on the Talons and then was transported over here. I came directly here from the transporter room not paying much attention to what was around me. I figured there would be time for that after I finished reporting to you. I will endeavor to meet with Commander Troi and get her report of what has being going on and what I need to know about what will be left to do when she leaves. Sir." Chris thought that being honest with his new captain would be the best thing to start out with. Sevant sat back in his chair, "In that case, you will notice it." he finally said. "we've just been through battle, and we are racing to finish so we can charge right back in the mouth of hell and poke at the devil for our ideals. Time is short, patience shorter, and we have absolutely no room to fail. That is what you've walked into Lieutenant, the Boudicca is a warship and we are in the midst of war. I hope you like the Rage of War, Doctor. You will be busy." "Sir any doctor will tell you that we do not like the rages of War as you call it, but, we do not shirk the responsibility to serve our crew members in such a case. I will not relish battle nor will I shy from it, I will do my duty as well as I am able. I do not foresee letting you or the fleet down as I do my duty." Chris replied still a bit stiffly. There were things that he was not sure if the Captain knew or not which he was not sure he wanted to go into them at this point. "Good." Sevant replied, his hands still folded and his gaze penetrating. "Then we will have no problems." He took a breath, "You have three days or so to settle in, and get used to the crew. We are running on light duty shifts, all except Engineering. Commander Troi leaves in a few hours, I won't keep you longer." He stood, and offered a hand. "Again, welcome to the Boudicca." "Thank you sir" Chris replied and again went to attention then saluted. "Dismissed, Lieutenant." Chris lowered his salute and made a crisp turn then marched out of the room ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End of Part 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~