NRPG: Compile Index: Day 1 (USS Mithrandir - Conference Room A - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 12:11) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 5, Operations Centre - OO Crewman Montro - 1212) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 5, Operations Centre - OO Petty Officer Markra - 1213) (USS Mithrandir - Conference Room A - FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 12:15) Day 11 (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 14:55) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris & Richard Onest 1458) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 14:59) (USS Mithrandir - Deck Six, VIP Quarters - OO Crewman Montro - 1500) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris 1502) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 15:04) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr Olorin Okita - 1600) (New Eden, Capital City, Refugee Camp, Militia Colonel Rankol, 1600) (USS Mithrandir Deck 07, Starboard, Engineering Mess ACEO Lanista 1604) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris & Richard Onest 1614) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1615) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 1625) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris - 1627) (USS Mithrandir - Deck Three, Planetology 2 - aACSO CPO Raymond Masterson - 1630) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate 2408.06.07 Day *1* <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Conference Room A - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 12:11) "Sir, you mentioned sensor efficiency will be impaired. Would now be a good time to explore the viability of the microprobe deployment system I began working on during our previous mission? If so, I have already devised a modification that will improve that system. The Mk I Mod 1 RBOMPDS would utilize specialized replicators rather than magazines. An Mk II version could be implemented using modified photon torpedo casings to carry a multiple microprobe launch system, MIRVs, Multiple Independent Reconnaissance Vehicles, if you will." Archibald nodded. "Anything that can improve the sensor resolution in the expanse will be valuable, Ensign. Go ahead with the modifications and set up a trial run. Once we reach New Eden we will test it out. That reminds me, Commander, what is our ETA to New Eden?" (reply by Lani, Olorin, any) Archibald looked around the room. "Anything else, gentlemen?" (Reply Lani, Olorin, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 5, Operations Centre - OO Crewman Montro - 1212) "Is he shy?" said the creature that Montro had happened upon. At the mention of being shy, Montro leapt forward at the indignity. Before Chrystine could restrain him, he had hopped forward right up to Markra.  "I am not shy!" he stated indignantly, his arms crossed in front of him. Markra shut down his console and moved to another table.  "So Montro, how come we haven't crossed path's before?  You haven't been hiding from me, have you?" "N..n...no," stuttered Montro.  "It's not my fault you haven't seen me.  I've been working hard!  Ensign Kitty said I needed to keep moving shifts so no one would feel deprived of my expertise!" (Reply Markra) "Have you been hiding from me?" asked Montro. "And what are you?  Why do you have those ridges on your head and where do you come from?  Have you always been in OPS?  Why did you come to the Mithrandir?  No one else seemed to know you, cause I asked, but I didn't look in your file, cause that would be rude." (Reply Markra) Montro listened to Markra's response and decided that maybe he should try to be friends.  Digging through his bag, he said, "I have the perfect thing for you.  No, that's not it.  hmmm... maybe.... no.... how about....no that'd be silly....Ah Ha!" Montro held up a fist full of two inch pieces of string in a messy ball.  "Here," he said, putting it in Markra's hand.  "This will be great for your hair!" (Reply Markra, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 5, Operations Centre - OO Petty Officer Markra - 1213) At Markra's friendly suggestion that Montro had been hiding from him, the canine stuttered, "N...n...no.   It's not my fault you haven't seen me.  I've been working hard!  Ensign Kitty said I needed to keep moving shifts so no one would feel deprived of my expertise!" Markra noticed a certain eccentricity about Montro, and with a smile he couldn't help but wonder if Kit had an ulterior motive for suggesting such a thing.  But then again, for all Markra knew, Montro was a true genius and everyone truly did relish the chance to work with him. "Have you been hiding from me?" asked Montro. "And what are you?  Why do you have those ridges on your head and where do you come from?  Have you always been in OPS?  Why did you come to the Mithrandir?  No one else seemed to know you, cause I asked, but I didn't look in your file, cause that would be rude." Markra turned, a little dumbfounded by the barrage of questions.  ~Does he take a breath?~  All he could do at first was stand still and blink, but as he noticed the averted eyes from Chrystine and the ever so slight shaking of the head, and the eager Montro looking up at him, Markra quickly tried to answer as best he could.  "I am a Xindi, and I have had my cranial ridges since birth.  My entire race has them, it just how my people have evolved." He shook his head a little, trying not have been offended by the question. ~This Montro clearly has a child-like mentality, so I will let that pass~ As he took a moment to recall what other question he had been asked he said, "I am from a planet called Azati Prime, and no, I have not always been in OPS.  Before this assignment, I was an engineer on Starbase Geneva."  With a small shrug, he decided he had managed to answer everything.  "I transferred here so I could work in OPS.  Apparently, this was thought to be the best place for someone of my skills." Suddenly, Montro delved into a small satchel that he had been holding.  Digging through his bag, he said, "I have the perfect thing for you.  No, that's not it.  Hmmm...maybe...no...how about...no that'd be silly...Ah Ha!" As Montro turned back to Markra, he held out a fist full of two inch pieces of string in a messy ball.  "Here," he said, handing them to Markra.  "This will be great for your hair!" Markra frowned, clearly not understanding what he was supposed to do with it.  With his free hand, he felt his own tightly braided hair that he wore in the traditional style of his people.  Not wishing to offend the clear attempt at friendship, Markra turned his frown to a smile and said, "Thank you Montro," and he turned and put the ball of strings onto an empty surface.  "I'll be sure to have a lot of fun with this later..." Markra wasn't really certain how else he was to respond, so he moved back to his computer console and started to recommence his work.  "Are you on shift now Montro?" he asked, looking back and smiling toward Chrystine, then glanced back down to Montro (reply: Montro IYW) (posted by Dave) (USS Mithrandir - Conference Room A - FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 12:15) Olorin sat through the briefing in silence.  He was not one for an excess of words.  The crew had already been on maneuvers for three months and he was glad that they would now have an opportunity to enter the field.  Drills served their purpose, but true action was somehow different.  In all his years, he never figured out how to inject that certain element that made the crew react in a way that they would in combat.  No matter how authentic the simulation or the exercise, there still was an element in the back of their minds that prevented the crew from acting at their best. It was only through adversity that the crew would truly bond.  Olorin had tried his best to instill teamwork amongst the departments through strict discipline.  And now they would see how well he had done his job. Olorin nodded as was appropriate to support the Captain.  As the meeting drew to a close, the Captain asked for an ETA at the planet.  He glanced down at his padd and entered a few calculations. "At Warp Six, we should arrive at New Eden in roughly eleven days, Sir." answered Olorin. With the meeting complete, Olorin walked over to Masterson and Night.  "Ensign, Chief?" (Reply Night) "Yes?" said Masterson, an eyebrow raised. "With the unusual activity in the area that we will be travelling, I want the sensors fine tuned for the journey.  Chief, work with the Ensign so that we have as smooth a trip as possible.  We'll be travelling with civilians once we arrive, so we will do our best to make sure the journey is not unduly difficult." stated Olorin. Masterson nodded in reply. (Reply Night) (Reply Night, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate 2408.06.17 Day 11 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 14:55) "ETA, Mister Night?" "One hour until we reach New Eden, Sir." Archibald nodded. "Mister Paris, contact the New Eden authorities and notify them of our impending arrival." "Yes, Sir." Then after a few seconds: "Sir, New Eden has responded. Prime Director Dak Osiris wishes to speak to you." "On screen, Ensign." The viewscreen flashed once and then showed the face of an obviously tired looking man and Archibald nodded at him. "Prime Director, I am Captain Stakes of the USS Mithrandir. We will be with you shortly." (reply by any on the bridge, Dak, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris & Richard Onest 1458) Dak had unexpectedly dozed off while reading reports, his head resting on a PADD that lay on the desk in front of him, and was suddenly startled awake by Richard Onest rapping at the door and thrusting his head around it. "Sir, message from The USS Mithrandir informing us that they're ETA is one hour!" Richard grinned, obviously excited and a little amused at the tousled look of his boss and friend. Sitting up abruptly, Dak peeled the PADD off his cheek, it's outline etched into his skin and shook his head to wake himself up, rubbing his cheek vigorously. He nodded to Richard, "Patch them through will you? I'd like to talk to the Captain." ~I'd like to see what kind of man or woman I'll be dealing with.~ The Prime Director thought. Richard nodded and his head withdrew as he closed the door behind him. A few seconds later the communications screen on Dak's desk slid up and flickered on to reveal an impressive looking man of middle years. Human, Mid 40's Dak guessed as he stared into the Captain's eyes, liking what he saw. This man had the face of experience etched into it; he wasn't one of those arrogant, young pipsqueaks that thought they knew it all and really knew diddly squat. The man nodded at him and introduced himself. =/\=Prime Director, I am Captain Stakes of the USS Mithrandir. We will be with you shortly.=/\= Dak smiled genuinely at Stakes. "You have no idea how glad I am you're finally here." He told him. "We have anticipated your arrival and have our people standing by at a moment’s notice to embark. All the heavy goods have been stored aboard the freighters already. Just tell me what you require and I'll see to it directly." (room for more here iyw) The screen snapped off and slid into its nook in the recesses of his desk. Dak interlaced his fingers and rested his forehead on them for a moment as he thought about what his intelligence people had reported to him after he'd ordered them to discover who was stirring up the revolts. Their findings were in the PADD lying on his desk - the one he'd fallen asleep on. They had found out who was at the bottom of the unrest among his people, and Dak hadn't been surprised by the name. He hadn't gotten to be Prime Director without making some enemies of the ambitious men who wanted his position, whether you were a decent man or not, and he'd always had to be careful, ever watchful for the dagger aimed at his back. Dak smiled, though it was a humorless, grim one. It was always best to know your enemies and never forget who they were. He knew that this man would stop at nothing to undermine his reputation and status with the people of New Eden, to further his own ambitions and political career. He'd heard the rumors that some people believed he had gone about things the wrong way, but he'd done the only thing he could do to keep his people safe whether they liked it or not. It was just a shame that help had taken so long to arrive, giving his enemy the time to recruit others to his way of thinking. All Dak could hope for was that in the end, the people would realize that the Prime Director had done the best he could do. (reply Stakes, any) (Posted by Sal) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 14:59) The tired man smiled sympathetically  in Archibald's direction. "You have no idea how glad I am you're finally here. We have anticipated your arrival and have our people standing by at a moment’s notice to embark. All the heavy goods have been stored aboard the freighters already. Just tell me what you require and I'll see to it directly." Archibald nodded. "Thank you, Prime Director. But for the moment we are reasonably ok. Unless you have a case of 20 photon torpedoes, Mark IV lying around somewhere. We had to use some of them during our trials and we didn't get a chance to re-stock. Apart from that we are in good shape. How long do you estimate the embarking to take? I understand we are to transport about ten thousand?" (Reply Dak, RFM) Archibald nodded then studied his hands for a second. "Uhh, Prime Director? Just so we understand each other perfectly." Archibald now looked the leader straight into the eyes. "This is a Starfleet operation. I am Starfleet, you are not. Therefore decisions regarding the mission and its course are mine and mine alone. You will, of course, be fully informed and where appropriate you will get the chance to bring forward your suggestions, but I am afraid that is all that they will be, suggestions. Oh, and if you wondered, yes, I did pass my advanced negotiation training, even if I had the lowest score in the whole Academy. But it would be better if we saw eye to eye right from the start, don't you agree?" (Reply Dak, RFM) Archibald regarded the now empty viewscreen for a few more seconds, lost in his own thoughts. ~That could have been handled better, perhaps.~ he mused but before he could continue his thoughts on his 'take-it-or-else' style of negotiating, which sometimes '*SOME*-times' yielded surprising results, he got another call. "Sir! Incoming message from Lieutenant Granger of the runabout USS Gironde. He requests a private communication with you." Archibald's left eyebrow started to rise but then he nodded. "Patch him into my ready room, Ensign. Commander, you have the bridge." As he got up, he shrugged at Olorin, showing him that he didn't know what it was about either. (USS Mithrandir - Deck Six, VIP Quarters - OO Crewman Montro - 1500) "Sit down, Gemma!" scolded Montro as he hurriedly attached the device he had been working on for the last several months onto her sunflower hat.  He had come up with this idea as he had helped with the new holographic men that the Mithrandir had.  Unfortunately, he had to rush a little since they were approaching the planet and he really wasn't sure if the VIP quarters were going to be needed. This was actually the longest he had been able to keep Gemma, Boris, Doris, and Iggy together since he had gotten them.  But all good things must end. "There that should do it!" he said, excitedly.  "Hey stop that!" Montro hopped down off the couch and picked up his bag, that Iggy was sorting through.  The squirrel scurried off, while Montro placed the contents back into his satchel.  He checked over his things, before turning back to Gemma. "Okay, now remember this is just temporary.  Boris, Doris, you need to ride on Gemma's back while we find you another room.  Iggy, I expect you to behave." Montro said, his hands on his hips as he informed them of his plan. Of course the plan really would only work if Gemma stopped when she was supposed to.  The modified communicator that Montro had fixed to the pony's hat was designed to created a holographic box around Gemma and the rest of the menagerie whenever it detected people coming their way. At least that was the plan.  Montro had tapped into the holographic projectors system, but really it wouldn't work if Gemma kept moving as a box. He checked her saddlebags were filled with their things and that Boris and Doris were properly perched on her back.  He surveyed the room one more time before saying, "Ready?" "Dead" squawked Boris. "Or Alive!" echoed Doris. "Quit it, you too.  Here we go," said Montro, as he grabbed Gemma's reins.  He popped his head out the door, looked both ways and did his best to drag the ragtag bunch out. Once the door slid closed, Gemma started moving of her own accord.  Montro hurried forward to make sure the way was clear.  So far things were moving smoothly.  He currently planned to use an escape pod temporarily.  But that was two decks up. Montro was in such a rush, he actually slammed into someone. "Oops," he said, as he bounced off.  "Sorry, are you okay?" (Reply Any) Montro looked at officer towering above him, as his eyes flicked in the direction Gemma was supposed to come from. (Reply Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris 1502) Apparently Captain Stakes did not require anything of Dak besides a case of photon torpedoes, which unfortunately Dak didn't have lying around. For a moment the Prime Director took Stakes' words at their face value, then he realized that the man had to be joking with him... Wasn't he? Dak, unfortunately, was exhausted and his sense of haha had long left him. "...Apart from that we are in good shape. How long do you estimate the embarking to take? I understand we are to transport about ten thousand?" Stakes asked. Dak rubbed his face in an effort to try to wake himself up more. It was getting harder and harder to feel refreshed after his little cat naps. "Well, I had the freighters disperse among the four cities on this continent, that is where all the survivors have congregated, so my best estimate would be 72 hours minimum." Dak was taking in to account the fact there would be livestock to get on board the freighters also. Archibald nodded then studied his hands for a second. "Uhh, Prime Director? Just so we understand each other perfectly." The Prime Director made eye contact with Stakes. "This is a Starfleet operation. I am Starfleet, you are not. Therefore decisions regarding the mission and it's course are mine and mine alone. You will, of course, be fully informed and where appropriate you will get the chance to bring forward your suggestions, but I am afraid that is all that they will be, suggestions. Oh, and if you wondered, yes, I did pass my advanced negotiation training, even if I had the lowest score in the whole Academy. But it would be better if we saw eye to eye right from the start, don't you agree?" "I see, Captain." Dak nodded wearily, "well to be quite honest with you, I'm beyond bone tired and am quite relieved to be relieved of further decision making for a while, I will be content to be a bystander for a while though I may not feel the same way once I get some decent sleep... Now, Sir if that is all I will say goodbye and I look forward to meeting you personally." The Prime Director cut the communication and stared at the blank screen as if mesmerized for several seconds before calling his Aide in to start the passenger and livestock embarkation. They would be moving people aboard the freighters every hour of the days until they were ready to head to the stars and a new life on another planet. ~I just hope the dissidents don't act up.~ (Reply by Stakes, any) (Posted by Sal) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 15:04) "Lieutenant?" Archibald started the conversation when the communication was patched through. The woman nodded. "Captain, we are glad that you have finally arrived. We, that is Lieutenant Brandebock, Lieutenant Majory and me, have been dropped off by the USS Godiva six days ago. You knew that you would get three runabouts to assist you?" Archibald nodded and Granger continued. "So we have kept an eye on things, did some patrolling and have taken stock of the situation, Sir. The heavy good transporters are all reasonable, nothing really wrong with them, but I fear that some of the personnel transporters are anything but. It looks like Starfleet did their best to get the worst and oldest freighters together. They'll do warp 4 perhaps, warp 5 tops but if you see the state of them you will see that they won't be able to do that for long. Not in their state. And we didn't have the manpower, nor the parts to improve the situation." Archibald nodded. "I'll have a word with my engineering department and see what we can arrange. It might be better to wait a few more days whilst repairing the transporters if that means we can keep on moving once we set off. But surely that did not require you to ask for a private session?" Granger grimaced for a second. "It's hard to put a finger on it, Sir. But all three of us have spent some time down below? And we all agree, something is not right. The mood of the colonists is... funny. Not all of them, but some. Like uhhhhm, they are upset about something. Not us, they seem genuinely pleased with Starfleet on the whole. We had a few attempts of some of them trying to bribe themselves on our ships, but we expected that. No, it is something else, something ......." "Funny," Archibald finished dryly. "Yes, Sir, exactly that! Or perhaps not funny, more weird perhaps. They huddle together and whisper to each other, deep growling whispers, if you catch my drift, but as soon as we get closer than it's like the sun is shining again and everything is hunky-dory." "Funny," Archibald commented again. Granger nodded vehemently. "Yes, Sir. Very funny." "Like they are upset?" Archibald had a hard time to keep himself from sighing. "Perhaps they are not too chuffed about their planet falling to bits? Shouldn't we expect a few rumblings here and there?" Granger shrugged. "Yes, I guess so. But still ....." Archibald sighed. "It's funny," he concluded before nodding. "Ok, thank you for the warning, Lieutenant. I'm not sure what we can do or even if we need to do something. Oh, before I forget it, I assume that you have been kept fully abreast of what else has happened? We will arrive at the system in an hour. The Prime Director wants to come on board when we arrive so he can inform us of all that has happened and what the actual plans are. I want you three to be there as well." Granger nodded. "We'll be there, Sir." "Good," Archibald concluded. "We will expect you then. Unless there is anything else, Lieutenant?" When the screen turned dark, Archibald let out a deep sigh. He shook his head several times, before using the comm switch on his desk. "Captain Stakes to Counsellor Alosar. Counsellor, how good are you with funny?" (Reply by Dak, Olorin, any on the bridge, Alosar, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr Olorin Okita - 1600) ~So this is New Eden~ Olorin thought with a bit of irony.  ~Will we be picking up the new Adam and Eve as well?~ "Ensign Night, put us in orbit," ordered Okita.  "Bridge to Captain Stakes." (Reply Stakes) "Sir, we've arrived at New Eden.  Orders?" asked Olorin (Reply Stakes) "Ensign Jeffries, please contact the freighter captains for an update on their status." said Olorin. (Reply Jeffries) Just from a cursory scan, Olorin wondered if Starfleet really intended for an evacuation to occur with the state these freighters seemed to be in. "Mr. Masterson, get a scan of the planet.  I want to know how long we have." he ordered. Masterson nodded in reply. (Reply Stakes, Jeffries, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (New Eden, Capital City, Refugee Camp, Militia Colonel Rankol, 1600) Hok Sorak's people had learned that a Federation ship, the USS Mithrandir, was going to arrive at 1600 hours, local time.  It was now time to implement the first part of their plan.  Standing outside the main gate of the refugee camp, Rankol barely nodded to one of his officers inside the compound.  Returning the preplanned signal, he moved into the throng of restless people. Rankol was born on New Eden, and had lived his entire life there.  He had excelled in school.  He had joined the militia.  He had met the woman that became his wife.  They had raised children together.  Now, the home he loved just as much as he loved his family, was on the verge of destruction, all because of the bumbling mistakes of Dak Osiris, a man that had been Prime Director for so long, he had become complacent and careless.  It was too late to save New Eden, but it wasn't too late to save wherever they would end up next.  Osiris would pay for what he had allowed to happen. A commotion inside the compound brought Rankol out of his reverie.  A group of citizens, people working for their side, were 'arguing' with some of the militiamen.  The argument became heated, punches were thrown, and all hell broke loose.  Playing his part, Rankol began issuing orders. Things quickly became chaotic, as more people were drawn into the fighting.  Screams of those trying to get away from the rumble, filled the air.  Children could be heard crying for their mothers. Rankol was genuinely surprised at how ugly it had become. This was something that had to be done.  This was for the good of the people and for what was to come.  The sacrifices made today, would serve to forge a better future for those that began new lives on a new home world.  What happened now, was for the best. Rankol hated himself, but he knew it was the right thing to do. An angry throng of men had encircled a small group from the militia.  Two soldiers were knocked to the ground, and another was struck on the side of the face with a rock.  Somewhere in the midst of this, the sound of a projectile weapon firing, could be heard. The screaming and shouts of fear intensified.  People began scattering in all directions.  An officer fired his pistol into the air.  By the time Rankol got there, an eerie silence fell over the camp. Lying on the ground, was a teenage girl, unmoving, her shirt soaked with blood.  As Rankol knelt beside her, he could feel the horror of the people around him enveloping him like a blanket on a cold, winter night.  Touching her neck, he felt sick throughout his entire being. "She's dead." There was no turning back now. (Reply Any) (Posted by Bob) (USS Mithrandir Deck 07, Starboard, Engineering Mess ACEO Lanista 1604) "Junk," Lanista muttered as she gazed out the windows at the assembled 'fleet' of transport ships, "just junk." Shaking her head in disbelief she exited the lower-decks mess and went to Main Engineering, which, though position just across the hall from the Mess, there was an intervening wall with no access from this corridor. Entering Engineering Proper required heading aft first then looping around. ~Inconvenient.~ Once within the heart of the ship, Lanista saw that readings on panels indicated the energy output was nominal for being in standard orbit. The ship was operating properly on normal power. The auxiliary generator for the holo-grunts had been installed but not activated, as per orders. “What I wouldn’t give for a shot at fixing some of those tubs,” Lanista muttered. “Or shots at,” she added. It made no difference, since the CO would likely not approve either extracurricular activity. But it had been so long since Lanista had sat in a Gunner’s Chair and clicked off a few disruptor bolts worth of target practice. “ACEO tlha’nISta’ to Bridge,” she said. “Since we’re in orbit, I'd like to power-down some non-critical systems to run a few diagnostics.” (Reply any) (Posted by Frank) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris & Richard Onest 1614) The embarkation process had been immediately started by Richard Onest when he received the order from Dak and although some of the refugees had been restless, things had been going well for a while. Now, Richard had to tell Dak that there'd been an unfortunate altercation in the main camp involving an angry mob and the militia. A teenage girl had been killed in the melee. As expected the Prime Director was extremely upset and angry. "I want whoever killed that girl found and brought to justice!" Dak fumed, slamming his fist on to his desk. "Get the Red House security forces investigating immediately, there has to be witnesses to the event, somebody must have seen what happened. All who are involved in the skirmish must be interrogated." "Right away, Sir." Richard replied, trying to back out of Dak's office as quickly as possible without losing dignity. "Oh, and Richard..." Richard poked his head back in the office, "yes?" "Have all the militia who were on duty replaced and confined to their barracks until we find out who is responsible, and double up on the numbers on shift at all times, we can't have things like this happening again." As soon as he was back at his own desk he notified the head of the RHSF of Dak's orders, making it plain that results were expected quickly and, of his own bat, recommending that some undercover agents should be sent out to infiltrate the refugees and keep him apprised of what was going on with the general populace. Hopefully that way they would see trouble brewing and put a damper on it right away, and as there was almost always ringleaders stirring things up, perhaps they could shed some light on who they were. Richard felt as if he'd like nothing better than to personally wring their necks. It was one thing to get the people angry about what they thought was Dak's incompetence, even though the Prime Director's was doing everything in his power to keep his people safe, but it was quite another when innocents started dying. (reply any) (posted by Sal) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1615) Shrekt was at her station monitoring the sensors for any signs of danger that might threaten the ship.  So far the journey to New Eden had been uneventful and she hoped that is how the remainder of the trip would be characterized.  However, as she reviewed a scan of the planet, she noticed in the more populated areas that a disturbance seemed to be in the works.  The remaining survivors were few in number and she was surprised to see such a thing occur. She re-scanned the area to verify her initial scan before she turned and said, "Sir, it appears that there is some kind of disturbance going on on the planet, shall I notify the Captain?" The first officer looked at her and asked, "What is the nature of the disturbance, Lieutenant?" "Unknown at this time, but the scans seem to indicate a certain amount of chaos." reported Shrekt. The First Officer nodded and said to the OPS officer, "Can you verify it with any local chatter?" After a moment, the OPS officer said, "It appears a riot has broken out, Sir." ~Fantastic~ thought Shrekt.  She rued the fact that she had so few officers with which she would be able to use in the event that a riot broke out amongst the colonist while enroute.  She'd have to station a few on the key ships to work with the colonial security to ensure their safety.  The Captain had informed them all that strict Starfleet protocols would be followed. "Notify the Captain, Lieutenant," said the First Officer. Shrekt nodded and tapped her commbadge, "Shrekt to the Captain, there appears to be a problem on the planet, sir?" (Reply Stakes) (Reply Stakes, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 1625) "Mr. Jeffries, open a channel to the planet." ordered Okita, as he prepared himself to speak with the planetary director. "Aye, aye, sir," answered the ensign.  "Channel open." "Prime Director, this is Commander Olorin Okita of the USS Mithrandir." he said with a smile. (Reply Dak) "Would you like to come aboard Prime Director to speak with the Captain regarding this evacuation?" asked Olorin. (Reply Dak) "If you don't mind my asking how much longer do you think you will need before we may depart?" inquired Olorin. (Reply Dak) "I understand that some of the freighters could use some assistance in maintaining their engines.  With your permission I would like to send an engineering team to assist them." suggested Olorin. (Reply Dak) Olorin paused before continuing, unsure if it was proper to ask his next question.  However, the delay could cost more lives, so he continued, "My chief of security has reported you may have a riot on your hands, can we be of some assistance?" (Reply Dak) (Reply Dak, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris - 1627) Dak had told Richard to put any communication from the Mithrandir directly through to his personal terminal, so when the screen slid up out of the desk unexpectedly Dak was sure that it was the Starfleet ship.   He was correct in that assumption, however the face he was expecting to see wasn't the one he actually saw, this certainly was not Captain Stakes. The Prime Director studied the face on the screen.  ~Human I think, of oriental origin by the looks of him and he looks to be older than his captain, though it's hard to tell just how old, I'm surprised he hasn't got a ship of his own!~  Dak thought. =/\= Prime Director, this is Commander Olorin Okita of the USS Mithrandir.=/\= The face said with a smile. Dak nodded.  "What can I do for you, Commander?"  He asked, his curiosity and surprise apparent in his tone of voice. Okita then asked him if he'd like to go aboard the Mithrandir to speak with Stakes regarding the evacuation, increasing Dak's surprise, as Dak had thought that he had told the Captain all he could about the embarkation procedure.  Before Dak could agree or refuse, the FO continued. =/\= If you don't mind my asking how much longer do you think you will need before we may depart? =/\= inquired Okita. ~ I guess Stakes hasn't consulted his FO about what we spoke of earlier.~  Dak smiled, it really didn't bother him to have to repeat the information. "I estimated embarkation to take approximately 72 hours." ~But that was before the hostilities.~  "I am hoping that we can still do that." ~Providing things remain calm!~  "However it could take a few hours longer."  ~And perhaps a few refugees less.~ Okita asked for permission to send an engineering team down to assist some of the freighters in maintaining their engines. Dak gave a slight shrug. "I have no objection, Commander.  Have you discussed it with your Captain?"  ~After all it was Stakes who said he was in charge, not I.~ He thought, just a little bewildered by this request.  ~Then again, I am still in charge of this planet's administration, perhaps that is why he needs my permission.~ There was a pregnant pause. =/\= My chief of security has reported you may have a riot on your hands, can we be of some assistance? =/\= ~A riot?  What the blue blazes!?....~ Dak controlled his indignity and spoke calmly as he replied. "I would hardly call it a riot, Commander.  There was some fighting and unfortunately one person died in the awful incident."  Dak sat back in his chair and considered what else he should tell this man. "I will be honest with you, Commander.  Unfortunately there appears to be a rising faction among the general populace, one that is against what I am trying to do or protests what I have done or not done, to get my people to safety..."  He frankly told Okita.  "I have undercover agents out there and have been informed that certain of my political opponents have been stirring up trouble.  As for the insurgence, those who were at fault in the militia will be found and punished." The Prime Director sighed and shrugged again.  "I am hoping there will be no further signs of aggression, but I have found that politically ambitious people usually stop at nothing to undermine their opponents in their attempts to wrest power for themselves.  I fear that there is somebody unscrupulous out there, doing all they can to undermine me, and they don't care who gets hurt in the process." (reply Okita RFM) "If my presence aboard your ship is required, I will be happy to oblige, Commander." (Reply Okita, Any) (posted by Sal) (USS Mithrandir - Deck Three, Planetology 2 - aACSO CPO Raymond Masterson - 1630) "Ensign Bellerophon, the First Officer wants a team analyzing the planet," said Ray as the doors slid open admitting him to Planetology Two.  "He wants to know how long that planet has got and he wanted to know yesterday!" (Reply Bellerophon) Ray grinned inwardly as his colleagues hurried to meet their new goal, as he sat down at a console.  The bridge science station did not seem adequate for the work he needed to accomplish, so he had gotten himself excused so that he could come down to where he could. ~Blasted paperwork~ thought Ray as he turned his attention to the console before him.  He spent nearly as much time tending to administrative matters as those of a scientific nature.  He had been able to delegate some of the more menial tasks, but there were still an innumerable amount of work that he could not extricate himself from.  He had thought that with the additional power, he would have been able to have been left alone.  But it was one thing after another, lab assignments, resource allocation, the list was endless. And now they have finally arrived at their destination and he had not managed to get the assignment from the first officer completed in the ten days since he had received it.  What was worse was that preliminary data was woefully out of date and the area was far more volatile and chaotic than he had been initially led to believe.  So any hope of a smooth passage through the expanse was basically out the airlock. And no doubt the blame would fall upon his shoulders. ~Bah!~ he cursed inwardly as he adjusted the sensor readings, trying to account for the new data they were receiving now that they were much closer to the expanse.  Now that the ship had arrived, they would have to wait to escort the fleet of colonists out. ~Hmmm... perhaps the captain will allow a fishing expedition?~ he wondered as he tapped his commbadge. "Masterson to Captain Stakes," Ray said. (Reply Bellerophon, Stakes, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho)