NRPG: Compile Index: Mission: Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate: 2408.06.07 Day: 1 (USS Mithrandir - Conference Room A - ACEO Lanista - 12:11.1) Day: 11 (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO captain Archibald Stakes - 15:12) (USS Mithrandir - Counselors Office - Counsleor- Lt. Alosar - 1514) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1602) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 16:18) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1620) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 2, Planetology Lab - SciO Ensign jg Percival Bellephoron III - 16:35) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room -Ensigns Soma and Lanista- 1700) (SS Wanderlust - Bridge - Master Sean MacDonough - 17:04) (New Eden - Red Mansion, Transporter Conduit One - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1706) (New Eden - Red Mansion Grounds - CoSF/Col. Troy Reville - 1708) (New Eden - Red Mansion - CoSF/Col. Troy Reville - 1711) (New Eden - Red Mansion, CoSF Office - CoSF/Col. Troy Reville - 1712) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - Master Sean MacDonough - 17:16) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 17:17) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 17:18) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 17:20) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ACEO Lanista - 1721) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ACEO Lanista - 1722) (Transport Shuttle Phendrana - Passenger Section - ACEO Ensign (j.g.) Elith Rejal - 1945) (U.S.S. Mithrandir - Shuttlebay - ACEO Ensign (j.g.) Elith Rejal - 2000) (U.S.S. Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 20:04) (U.S.S. Mithrandir - Ready Room - ACEO Ensign j.g. Elith Rejal - 20:05) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate: 2408.06.07 Day: 1 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Conference Room A - ACEO Lanista - 12:11.1) Lanista had just brought up her RBOMPDS or the Rapid-Bloom Offboard Microprobe Polyhedral-Deployment System in response to the CO's statement about the sensor difficulties the Mithrandir was likely to encounter on this mission. The Captain nodded in response, then added, "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" "Yes, sir," Lanista said with some evident pride. As the ship's commanding officer said "That reminds me, Commander, what is our ETA to New Eden?" to Olorin, Lani' was silently glad she had continued her work on the microprobe deployment system during her off-hours back on Geneva. The endeavor had been conceived and designed even before that. So this was not something the ACEO believed would take much time at all to accomplish. (Reply Lani, Olorin, any) (Posted by Frank) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Day: 11 Stardate: 2408.06.17 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO captain Archibald Stakes - 15:12) =/\= Funny Captain? I am uncertain as to your meaning. Humor is such an emotional state. It is difficult to know whether one is being humorous or not at times as it often requires the use of misdirection or untruths. I would have to say that in that frame, I am not very good with funny. Did you have a joke that you wished my input on? I could direct you to some crewmen who have a rather highly, almost overly, developed sense of humor. =/\= Archibald nearly rolled his eyes and he was about to ask the Counsellor of he had been drinking. But he didn't as he knew that that would be very unlike the Vulcan. So instead he simply replied. "Funny, as in a funny mood, Lieutenant. I have just been advised by a runabout commander that the mood on the planet in the camps is funny. So how good are you with crowd control? From a psychological point of view? I do not particularly fancy us traveling at lowish warp for months with five powder kegs with lit fuses. And I will expect you to assist in defusing these powder kegs." (reply Alosar) (posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir - Counselors Office - Counsleor- Lt. Alosar - 1514) =^= Funny, as in a funny mood, Lieutenant. I have just been advised by a runabout commander that the mood on the planet in the camps is funny. So how good are you with crowd control? From a psychological point of view? I do not particularly fancy us traveling at lowish warp for months with five powder kegs with lit fuses. And I will expect you to assist in defusing these powder kegs. =^= Alosar's eyebrow raised. Humans always had such curious ways of putting things, and much like their humor, they rarely meant, exactly what they said. He believed the term was sarcasm, and he studied it quite thoroughly for a little over a year, one year two months and 6 days to be precise. In that time he was still not able to decipher the purpose of sarcasm and metaphors in general speech. "Ahhh, I see," Alosar replied. "You mean funny as in peculiar. As far as crowd control is concerned I am quite versed in negotiation techniques, as is in my record. I am also capable of performing in more unorthodox methods of calming masses of people. Be it known, sir, that I am at your disposal." He paused for just a moment. "Captain, I also would not want to travel on such an explosive device. Is there a reason we would consider such an undertaking? Would it not be more logical to beam such explosives into space, where they would be harmless? After all, I believe that the vacuum of space would extinguish the fuses and rid us of the explosives at the same time." (reply Stakes) (posted by Al Muir) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1602) =/\= Bridge to Captain Stakes. =/\= Archibald regarded the comm system for a second as he flipped down his computer screen. The informational reports that he had received from Starfleet had been quite interesting, especially the one about the planet of Galactic Peace. But even though the news had been fascinating, duty would always come first. "Yes, Commander?" Archibald responded =/\= Sir, we've arrived at New Eden. Orders? =/\= The CO shrugged for a second. "Standard orbit, Mister Okita. And ping the freighters for a status report. Also instruct the transporter room to expect the staff of the three runabouts. Send them to my ready room as soon as they arrive. Stakes out." (Reply Olorin, if you wish, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 16:18) =/\= Shrekt to the Captain, there appears to be a problem on the planet, sir? =/\= Archibald put down the mug of coffee that he had been drinking and shook his head. "Appears, Lieutenant? Explain." Archibald listened then when Joan described what she had picked up. When she finished, Archibald pursed his lips. "It was to be expected, I guess," Archibald responded. "Anxiety, displacement, it tends to get the worst out of people. Tell Commander Okita to offer our assistance if it is required. But until the settlers are on board the freighters and we have left the planet, this is a matter for the New Eden security forces. We do not have the manpower to make a difference on the planet. But I want round the clock patrols on the freighters, two man squads. Any holes that they leave on the ship will have to be filled with the holograms. From your latest reports they seem to be working acceptably so we might as well chance it. " (Reply Joan, any) (posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1620) Shrekt listened to the captain's orders. Two man squads? For all five of the freighters. That'd take nearly her whole department. Sure the holographic officers were progressing, but she never imagined the safety of the ship would be put in their hands so soon. Her mind raced with the implications as well as trying to figure out how to implement it. She knew she'd have to remain onboard with one other assistant. They had a few days, as she understood it, before the rag tag group would begin its journey. She would work it out somehow. These thoughts flew through her mind in a blink of an eye and all that the captain heard was, "Aye, aye, sir." ~Maybe I can get Kit to loan me some help.~ she thought, as she prepared to relay the Captain's orders to Commander Olorin. ~He is going to love this. I can tell.~ "Sir, the captain wants us to...." (USS Mithrandir - Deck 2, Planetology Lab - SciO Ensign jg Percival Bellephoron III - 16:35) "He wants to know how long that planet has got and he wanted to know yesterday!" Percival frowned for a second at the highly illogical statement then cleared his throat. This required some ... finesse. "I believe I made such a determination not more than twenty five hours ago, if good Sir wishes to remember. Granted that at that time the distance between this vessel and the planet was considerably more than it is at this present moment but the gravitational force lines were quite significant for us to determine a reasonable estimate. I believe the requested value was ninety eight days, 13 hours and twenty minutes. That is if, as I pointed out, the Starfleet equipment is left working for that period of time. It is folly to consider that our sensory equipment, especially the long range versions that have been installed in this vessel, would not be able to determine gravitational forces at an extended range." Percival then clicked his heels together. "Yet I will endeavour to re-examine the data that has been collected in the interim time and we will recalculate the time period to ensure that no mistakes were made. Masters Hayford, Bellingwood, we have a task to perform. Please occupy your places as you did yesterday and we will take it from the top once again. I will remain here to direct the logging data to our computer. Chop, chop, gentlemen, the Commanding Officer is waiting." Percival nodded to the scientific leader as he placed himself behind a console and the two science crewmen made their way towards the sensor control suites along the deck. He noticed Masterson walking away to sit behind a different console and with an small sigh he started to redirect the data as it came through to his console. He must have been busy with it for several minutes when he suddenly jumped up when his leader suddenly spoke out. "Masterson to Captain Stakes," Ray said. Percival frowned for a second, considering that he had not yet had sufficient data to start the calculation. But he continued doing his work and disregarded the: =/\= Yes, Mister Masterson? You have something to report? =/\= (Reply Ray, Any) (posted by Adrie Geuken) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room -Ensigns Soma and Lanista- 1700) Soma asked an interest question, one that surprised Lani' since thus far anyone she had mentioned mutiny to at the Academy had suddenly discovered they were late for class. The TAC/SEC officer said, "I would like to see the result of that mutiny. How would you dispose of Kortar? You can't kill what is already dead." "You'd like to see it?!" Lanista laughed aloud as the two of them made their way through the Wanderlust. "Well if it can be arranged, I'd love having you fight by my side. I suspect that your afterlife -- such as the one you described -- would be less ... satisfying. Disposing of Kortar would be much the same as the original Klingon actions against their so-called gods. If it could be done then, in the Heroic Age, it can be done again! I am no less a hero!" Lani's laughter and bluster sent one or two Wanderlust crewmen scattering like Academy cadets shunning anyone who might use the word 'mutiny.' "Tell me, do you often invoke that response in others?" "What? The fight or flight response? Yes," Lanista answered, holding her right hand near her hairline. "Comes with the heritage." Lani' grinned. She tapped her commbadge then and said, "Lanista to Mithrandira, we're aboard. Lanista out." When the ACEO had finished her brief transmission, she noticed her companion looking around. Lanista wondered what details he was studying with his Tactical eye and his mind on Security. "You do appear somewhat intimidating on a first meeting. That poor crewman back there will probably have nightmares tonight when he turns in, no disrespect intended." Ben said hoping he hadn't offended Lanista, one does not offend a Klingon without consequences, but on the other hand one cannot offend a Vulcan, so maybe she would dismiss the remark. "I appear intimidating on second and third meetings too. Though in my pre-Academy experience, there were rarely chances to make anything but a ... belligerent ... first impression. And if the crew aboard this bucket of bolts can't handle me, they've no business in space. Didn't I overhear you, or Sanok was it, saying something to that effect after the first meeting about the holograms? What would be the point of space travel if people weren't out doing it themselves?" "That was a very good point that Sanok made. I realize that Starfleet is trying to make our workload easier by developing holographic soldiers, and there are benefits to them. I feel that the more they augment our systems with holo technology the less important I feel we are. That is what we were referring to in the discussion." Ben explained. "That reminds me..." Lani' said. "Sanok -- he's a Vulcan, right? Not a Regulan or Mintakan or some offshoot. He doesn't seem particularly logical. What is it -- that time of the decade for him?" "Sanok is a Vulcan, there is no genetic diversion in his heritage. As for that time of the decade, as you may be aware, he had opened up his emotions in the past. And having dealt with them for a period of time he returned to Vulcan and had them purged. I believe he still has some internal struggle with them so his responses are not that of your average Vulcan." Ben said to Lanista. " But if you are referring to the pon farr, that is one area of Sanok's life I will not intrude upon. There are some areas of a person's life that are just to private, if you catch my drift." "I know what you mean," Lanista said. She wasn't convinced she'd let the matter drop, but she would drop it with Soma. ~When you want to say something to a horse, go straight the horse's ear,~ or some such thing. Human idioms were so ... well, Human." "Soma, I think you and Sanok have overstated the nature of the holo dilemma. As I said in the meeting, they're intended to be tools. Making more use of holo technology is not something to be feared. I have some ideas myself in that field. But to suppose that even ubiquitous use of them would diminish or trivialize the persons who made them seems a bit like suggesting that the betleH is more important than the warrior who wields it." Ben considered what the ACEO said and thought about his response carefully before saying anything. "The program will have it's benefits," He said," as well as it's downfalls. They could be used onboard to defuse tense situations without the loss of our officers. But on the same note they cannot be used off ship, so your comparison to the bat'leth is flawed." Ben realized who that statement must sound coming from a human, he was certain that had Sanok been present he would had said that Ben was finally g etting a grasp on logic. Seems having spent some time with his fellow security officer was having an effect on him. Before Lanista could challenge his statement he added. "I understand where you are coming from on this matter, but do you understand where myself and Sanok are coming from? We understand the benefits of the holo security officers, we also acknowledge that it is not a perfect system. Unfortunately, the Mithrandir has been selected as the guinea pig to test it. I will follow Starfleet's orders to evaluate the project, but I do not have to like it." "Yes, I understand your point of view better." (Reply none) (Posted by Frank and Milo) (SS Wanderlust - Bridge - Master Sean MacDonough - 17:04) "Where are they????" "I don't know. They left the transporter room right after they arrived. They must be in sector 17 now, where the inner sensors don't work." Sean MacDonough cursed loudly. "I told you to keep those do-gooders at bay! What if they find our cargo?!" Sean cursed again as he turned away after shooting his second in command an angry stare. It was bad enough that they had just picked up some 'essentials' at Gamara 4 when they had been ramrodded into service by Starfleet. Essentials that, sold at the right place, would create enough profit to allow the Wanderlust to be repaired. And it needed repairs alright. The problem with a ship like the Wanderlust was that it was built solely for the purpose of moving a large number of people about. And there weren't that many opportunities to do that, a bit of human trafficking here or dropping off a small colony there, but that was about it. Combined with the fact that there were at least ten of those monstrosities built, it meant very meager work for either of them. And because of the ship's built they were hampered when transporting 'normal' cargo. Quite soon after purchasing the very cheap ship, Sean had found out that cheap wasn't always good. In fact, he found out why the ship had been so cheap. Cheap in purchase, expensive in maintenance. Especially their engines. Once state of the art and of extremely innovative design, it meant that most repair shops were unable to do anything with them. And the few that did had high price tags. "I should have scuttled her when I had the chance," Sean growled. "Then, with the insurance pay out I could have got a decent ship." Sean cursed again, then looked over at his first mate. "Where's the screwhead?" "Dargar is on deck 4, repairing the power conduits to the center section. They blew as soon as we tried to bring the whole center section on line." Sean nodded. That was to be expected. Repairs on that part had been neglected longest. "Ok, tell him to drop it for now and meet me in sector 17. Perhaps these do-gooders can be of some use to us after all. I mean, they would like this ship to be working correctly, right? Oh, and get those crates out of site. I don't want those fleet people snooping around but they'll do that never the less. I'm going down and find those fleeters myself." He didn't look back to see if his second in command did as he was told, because he knew he would do. instead he headed out of the bridge looking for the two troublemakers. (New Eden - Red Mansion, Transporter Conduit One - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1706) Shrekt followed the leader of the escort that greeted them. She was only slightly alarmed that they were outnumbered and an armed guard seemed to imply that things were not as peaceful as the Prime Director would have the Captain and the Commander believe. Their surroundings seemed to confirm that New Eden had been a beautiful place, but the massive geological disruptions were being felt everywhere. She noted the cracks that were found in all the buildings, as they moved. As they walked her inner marine was calculating the odds that she and Sanok could take out their escorts and make off without getting killed. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate the offer, but know that we are here to assist you. Before we go to further in our discussions, I do not believe I have had the pleasure of your name," said Shrekt. (Reply Reville) "I have been sent to be briefed on the current status of your security, as well as the arrangements that have been made for during transit to our destination. I understand that there are some disrupting factions within your population, which is par for the course in any large group of people. However once the fleet has departed from New Eden, the safety of all of your people will be Starfleet's responsibility. My Captain has said to relay that planet security is wholly your concern. And until we depart we are at your disposal." said Shrekt. (Reply Reville, Sanok) "What are your current areas of concern in terms of security?" asked Shrekt. (Reply Reville, Sanok, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (New Eden - Red Mansion Grounds - CoSF/Col. Troy Reville - 1708) "I have been ordered to aid you in any way I can, Lieutenant, just let me know in what ways." Col. Reville told Shrekt, as she was obviously the one in charge. The CTAC thanked him and stated they were there to assist him, she then politely reminded him that he hadn't introduced himself. "Please excuse my bad manners. I am Colonel Troy Reville, Chief of Security Forces. My immediate and only superior is the Prime Director. He is the only man I answer to, and I have complete control over my people and the safeguarding of our Leader, Red Mansion and as of thirty minutes ago, the Refugee camps." The grounds of Red Mansion had been glorious before the earthquakes had devastated the area, however what was left was still beautiful and worthy of enjoyment, so Reville led their guests through the least ruined parts as he headed towards the Mansion and his offices. Lieutenant Shrekt explained that she'd been sent to be briefed on the current status of security there and the arrangements that had been made for security during transit to the new colony. Reville nodded in understanding as the young woman continued, bringing up the disruption that had occurred in one of the camps, which had instigated the Prime Director to transfer complete control of all matters of security to his trusted CoSF. "...However once the fleet has departed from New Eden, the safety of all of your people will be Starfleet's responsibility. My Captain has said to relay that planet security is wholly your concern. And until we depart we are at your disposal." She concluded. "Be assured that the process for getting our people on the transporting vessels is well underway, and apart from the one incident of violence and protest, there have been no further uprisings. I have doubled up on security personnel in all areas and replaced the Militia aboard the freighters with my own people." "What are your current areas of concern in terms of security?" asked Shrekt. The Colonel held up a finger to indicate he would answer later on, as by now the group had reached the large, grand door of the Red Mansion where two armed guards stood at attention in front of them. The guards immediately stood aside when they saw the CoSF, to allow him and his two guests to enter. (New Eden - Red Mansion - CoSF/Col. Troy Reville - 1711) Reville turned and dismissed the guard of honor before leading Shrekt and Sanok to his large office, situated a short distance down the left wing of the huge building. Work crews were still cleaning up the mess in the hallway caused by the major earthquake tremors that had caused so much damage. (New Eden - Red Mansion, CoSF Office - CoSF/Col. Troy Reville - 1712) Silently, the Colonel closed the door behind them and strode over to an area of the office that housed several leather armchairs around a low table. "Please be seated," he requested, "and be assured I will answer your question momentarily, however I have not eaten since breakfast at 0600 hours and feel the need to eat. May I offer you some refreshments?" Troy indicated a sideboard with a small pile of plates, a thermal coffee jug and accoutrements, a large plate of thick sandwiches with a variety of fillings, and a sleek metal tray with some amber liquid in a decanter together with some chunky glasses, sitting on it. (Reply Shrekt, Sanok, Any) (posted by Sal) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - Master Sean MacDonough - 17:16) Sean rounded a corridor and suddenly saw them, one rather skinny looking guy and a tall Klingon both in yellow. ~Must be engineers, then.~ "Hey, you two over there! Yes, I mean you, the fleeters. What are you doing here? This is still MY ship and I do not like people snooping around. Or did anyone say that it was OK to walk around and stick your noses in places where they don't belong?" (reply Lanista, Ben, any) (posted by Adrie Geuken) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 17:17) "Hey, you two over there! Yes, I mean you, the fleeters. What are you doing here? This is still MY ship and I do not like people snooping around. Or did anyone say that it was OK to walk around and stick your noses in places where they don't belong?" Someone called as Ben and Lanista continued done the corridor. He turned to see who was talking, and sized him up a moment before speaking. "This is your ship, of course, but it is being used by Starfleet to ferry passengers to a new home. As such we a able to board these vessels for inspection as we see fit, if this does not suit you I recommend filing a complaint with fleet headquarters." Ben said to the individual in front of him. "I am Ensign Ben Soma and this is Ensign Lanista," Ben introduced himself and Lanista. "Ensign Lanista is an engineer and has been sent here to asses your freighter and the rest in the convoy and make any repairs she deems necessary. I am here escort and will do what ever I can to assist in repairs." Ben didn't want to reveal his status as a security officer until he felt it was necessary, he introduced Lanista as an engineer and they both wore the same colour uniform, so for the time being it was probably best if they assumed he to was an engineer. Having security on board may spook the crew and convey the sense of mistrust. "I have introduce myself and my college, now who exactly are you sir?" Ben said. (reply Sean/Lanista) (posted by Milo Young) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 17:18) Somebody said "...I do not like people snooping around. Or did anyone say that it was OK to walk around and stick your noses in places where they don't belong?" Lanista was immediately glad that Soma spoke first. His rather extended introduction let the ACEO cool off. ~Klingons DO NOT snoop!~ had been her gut reaction to the accusatory approach of this particular ship captain. "I'm familiar with this class of vessel. It's old, built around 2360? Tarellian. And built as personnel transports. Sad thing is that the 'creature comforts' are practically integral. And these ships have very finicky drive systems, don't they? I'm supposed to get your cruising speed up to Warp 5, if that can be managed. So, if you'll let me get to it..." (Reply Sean, Soma, any) (Posted by Frank) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 17:20) "For your information, gentlemen. Starfleet hired cargospace, not a ship. So if you want to 'inspect.'" Sean's voice dripped with sarcasm, "Then you may inspect the cargo-space. *Just* the cargo-space. For anywhere else, you will need the permission of the ship's master. Which is me, Sean MacDonough, Master of the SS Wanderlust. And guess what? You are in section 17, which isn't part of the hired cargo-space. " Ben listened as the individual "Sean" explained that they were not welcome in other sections of his ship. Something about that statement bothered him, why were they unable to access the rest of the ship for the inspection, what were they hiding. He made a mental not of the incident, Lt. Shrekt would be informed at the earliest convenience. Sean looked around and said, "I wondered where you were, Franklin. You can come out now, they are friendly." Sean then looked at Ben and he could have sworn that Sean was grinning at him, then he continued to introduce Lanista to the blue skinned dwarf. The dwarf walked forward and stared first at the Klingon then at the other officer. Then he took a step forward to the Klingon and sniffed loudly. He nodded and mumbled something then turned to Soma and sniffed loudly again. His head turned to Sean. "He isn't...." he started. "I know," Sean said. Ben wondered what the sniffing was all about, could the dwarf smell something on them that would confirm they were engineers, if so Ben's position as an engineer was already blown, perhaps he should have spent a little time in engineering before coming aboard the freighter. The dwarf sniffed at the Klingon again. "She is. Good smell. Lots of metal. Earthen. I might take her as apprentice, if you can stomach another mouth to feed. She'll pay for herself, though." "I have no doubt, screwhead," Sean said. "But they are otherwise engaged. Oh, yes, gentlemen, this is the resident engineer on the Wanderlust, Franklin .. something. But we all know and love him as screwhead." Ben considered what the dwarf had said, and if Lanista wasn't a Starfleet officer he felt she might take him up on the offer. The ACEO appeared very comfortable in this environment, probably felt more like a Klingon vessel to her. Ben thought a change of subject at this time would be a good idea. "If you would show us to your engineering section we could complete its inspection and begin repairs to your engines. I'm sure we can requisition what ever parts are necessary to get you up to warp 5, and thus have you released from service sooner rather than later." (reply Sean/Lanista/Franklin) (posted by Milo Young) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ACEO Lanista - 1721) "This is your ship, of course, but it is being used by Starfleet to ferry passengers to a new home. As such we are able to board these vessels for inspection as we see fit, if this does not suit you I recommend filing a complaint with fleet headquarters." ~Good. Let someone with a better head for it handle diplomacy,~ thought Lanista. Though this Sean person seemed to be the sort who preferred to negotiate during (or after) a brawl and a round of drinks, Lanista had not come to the Wanderlust for either of those activities. Sean said "For your information, gentlemen. Starfleet hired cargospace, not a ship. So if you want to 'inspect.'" Sean's voice dripped with sarcasm, "Then you may inspect the cargo-space. *Just* the cargo-space. For anywhere else, you will need the permission of the ship's master. Which is me, Sean MacDonough, Master of the SS Wanderlust. And guess what? You are in section 17, which isn't part of the hired cargo-space." "Perhaps, if you had not wanted us wandering your Wanderlust, you might have arranged to have someone meet us," Lanista suggested. "If you are not interested in our help, I can report that back to my Commanding Officer..." It was then that something that it turned out was named Franklin appeared, heralded by MacDonough's saying, "I wondered where you were, Franklin. You can come out now, they are friendly." Franklin's arrival seemed to prevent Sean from immediately responding to Lanista's idle threat to simply leave the Wanderlust unimproved. (Reply Sean iyw. I assume not, but can repost if so.) "This here is ... Lanista, right? She wants to give us warp 5. You think that can be done, screwhead?" Sean said, to which the small blue something replied "Warp 5? Sure! If she has the parts. And a few weeks. Oh, the power distribution grid is back up and running. Don't know for how long, though." Franklin then approached Lanista and ... sniffed her. That was almost more than Lanista was prepared to deal with in the name of interspecies civility. ~petaQ!~ she managed to only think, rather than actually say. She missed a short exchange between Sean and Franklin, and was caught off guard when the dwarf-thing sniffed her again. "She is. Good smell. Lots of metal. Earthen. I might take her as apprentice, if you can stomach another mouth to feed. She'll pay for herself, though," said Franklin, to which MacDonough said, "I have no doubt, screwhead ... But they are otherwise engaged. Oh, yes, gentlemen, this is the resident engineer on the Wanderlust, Franklin .. something. But we all know and love him as screwhead." Either because she had not been in a fight in too long, or because she objected strenuously to being smelled as a greeting, Lanista barked "taHqeq!" (NRPG: an epithet) then reached to make a grab for Franklin's collar. She intended to hoist him up to her eye level... (Reply Soma, MacDonough, Screwhead, any) (Posted by Frank) (SS Wanderlust - Section 17 - ACEO Lanista - 1722) Lani' had just made her grab for Franklin when Soma said, "If you would show us to your engineering section we could complete its inspection and begin repairs to your engines. I'm sure we can requisition what ever parts are necessary to get you up to warp 5, and thus have you released from service sooner rather than later." Once again, Lanista was glad she had not come to this transport solo. She was now in debt to Soma for his reminder that she was her on Starfleet's business, not her own. Withdrawing her hand from the dwarf's personal space, the ACEO took a step back. "Yes. If you want Warp 5, we'd better get to that..." she said. (Reply Soma, Sean, Franklin) (Posted by Frank) (Transport Shuttle Phendrana - Passenger Section - ACEO Ensign (j.g.) Elith Rejal - 1945) For all that the Federation was hailed for across the quadrant, Elith Rejal still had a few qualms with them. For one thing, he had to board what was essentially a glorified bus, full of people he would rather not talk with. He was on his way to his new posting, the U.S.S. Mithrandir, a Nova-class scout/explorer. It was the first non-warship that Elith had ever served on. Well, it wasn't exactly a "vanilla" Nova, it did have a cloaking device, but it was still an explorer at heart. The other passengers that filled the small shuttle were mainly techs, engineers, and nurses, just random faces in the crowd for him. He was sure that he wouldn't see most of them on the ship, except for the engineers. His mere presence seemed to make all of the other passengers on edge, it would appear that the Federation still had some...issues with Cardassians. Elith was also annoyed at the time that the trip took. He had five hours on this shuttle, going at it's maximum speed of Warp 7. On a Cardassian shuttle, he would probably make it there in three hours, maybe four. Then again, most Cardassian pilots weren't afraid to take shortcuts, no matter how dangerous. Federation pilots didn't really do this, they were too worried about, well, everything. This pilot, in particular, took the safest route possible, avoiding anything that would be a problem area. For the most part, Elith simply read a novel, as there wasn't really anything else to do. After a few hours, he then started going over his military training in his mind, close-quarters combat, disarming security devices, his usual routine. While he wasn't exactly a soldier anymore, or one that wouldn't see that much action, he still wanted to stay on the top of his game. After an unknown amount of time, he heard a voice over the intercom. [Attention. This shuttle is now 15 minutes away from the U.S.S. Mithrandir, captained by Captain Archibald Stakes. All passengers, please prepare to disembark.] ~It's about time. This ship better be worth the wait.~ He rechecked the PADD with his orders, and awaited his departure from this damned shuttle. (U.S.S. Mithrandir - Shuttlebay - ACEO Ensign (j.g.) Elith Rejal - 2000) "Welcome to the Mithrandir, Ensign!" The unusually chipper pilot said on Elith's way out. "Yes, yes, thank you. Goodbye." Elith said, not caring at all. He was assured that his luggage would be in his room when he got there, and Elith wasted no time in walking to the Captain's ready room. He didn't feel any need to stick around, he had business to take care of. Besides, he already knew that he wouldn't be seeing any of these people again. Soon enough, he was at the Ready Room. He hit the door chime, and he was let in. He observed his new captain as he walked up. Elith wasn't really sure to make of him, he looked like so many Starfleet captains he had fought in the war, but he slightly hoped that this man wasn't just another cookie-cutter Starfleet captain. Elith really hated those guys. He stopped in front of the captain's table, and said, "Good evening, Captain Stakes. I am Ensign Elith Rejal, your new ACEO. Here are my orders, sir." He handed the PADD to Stakes, and awaited his reply. (Reply Stakes) (Posted by Matt Kirk) (U.S.S. Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 20:04) "Good evening, Captain Stakes. I am Ensign Elith Rejal, your new ACEO. Here are my orders, sir." Archibald looked up when the new arrival addressed him and handed him a PADD. He reviewed it quickly then flipped open his computer to mark the new officer. "Ensign Rejal, welcome on board." The CO got up from behind his desk and extended his hand. He narrowed his eyes and studied the Ensign as Rejal shook his hand. Archibald nodded and walked back to his chair. "At ease, Mister Rejal," he said as he sat down again before studying the personnel file on his computer. He shot him a quick stare but then looked back at his screen. "Right," he said when he finally had read enough. "I see you have ties with the Obsidian Order. Or had ties, according to your file. But I'll dispense with the question whether you still have ties with them. In any case the answer would be no, so I won't bother. And I have sufficient trust in the capabilities of Starfleet to consider them giving you a full going over before passing you fit to enter a Starfleet vessel. Although they might have been playing the safety card when they put you on a science vessel. Are you interested in science at all, Ensign?" (Reply Elith, room for more) "Anyway," Archibald continued. " I DO hope that Starfleet Academy has taught you well regarding embracing other cultures. For if not, you will have a difficult time on board. Your colleague Assistant Chief is a hybrid Klingon/Vulcan. Will that be a problem, Mister Rejal?" (Reply Elith, room for more) Archibald was about to dismiss the man, when he looked at the Cardassian. "Before I sent you on your way, Ensign, just one more question. I can see why you left the Cardassian military. But then to attempt to enlist on the other side? Why?" (reply Elith, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (U.S.S. Mithrandir - Ready Room - ACEO Ensign j.g. Elith Rejal - 20:05) After shaking Elith's hand, the captain went to sit down again. He started to look at his screen, then shot Elith a quick look before looking back at the screen. ~Obviously looking at my file. I don't blame him, I'm not exactly your standard Cardassian.~ "Right," he said when he finally had read enough. "I see you have ties with the Obsidian Order. Or had ties, according to your file. But I'll dispense with the question whether you still have ties with them. In any case the answer would be no, so I won't bother. And I have sufficient trust in the capabilities of Starfleet to consider them giving you a full going over before passing you fit to enter a Starfleet vessel. Although they might have been playing the safety card when they put you on a science vessel. Are you interested in science at all, Ensign?" ~Of course they have.~ "I have a...passing interest with science, sir. It interests me enough to make my posting here fulfilling, but it's not something I want to pursue in my life. More than anything, I'm an engineer. I don't mind what kind of ship I'm assigned to, they all have a need for a good engineer. I've come to expect Starfleet Command playing it safe when it comes to me, it's been happening since I enlisted. Not every day they find a former Cardassian soldier trying to enlist in their navy." (Reply Stakes, if you want) "Anyway," Archibald continued. " I DO hope that Starfleet Academy has taught you well regarding embracing other cultures. For if not, you will have a difficult time on board. Your colleague Assistant Chief is a hybrid Klingon/Vulcan. Will that be a problem, Mister Rejal?" "Absolutely not, sir." Elith was expecting this question, he got it all the time in the Academy. "I'm not the racist kind of Cardassian that seems to inhabit the minds of every, well, non-Cardassian. In the war, I met many different types of races and cultures, on both sides of the battlefield. In the end, it doesn't matter what kind of race you are, or what kind of culture you hold dear, you're just another faceless number with a phaser. You won't have any trouble with racism, sir." (Reply Stakes, if you want) Stakes looked like he was about to let Elith go, however he gave him one last look. ~Looks like he's not done yet. I know what he's going to ask...it's usually the question right after the last one.~ "Before I send you on your way, Ensign, just one more question. I can see why you left the Cardassian military. But then to attempt to enlist on the other side? Why?" "I have my reasons, sir. I would rather not get into it, but rest assured, I'm not out to stab you in the back. I'm not an agent of the Obsidian Order, I'm simply a tired soldier looking for a new life." (Reply Stakes, any) (Posted by Matt Kirk)