NRPG: Compile Index: Stardate: 2408.02.22 (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes - 14:42) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 4, Junior Officers Quarters - A-OPS Ensign (jg) Jefferies - 1800) Stardate: 2408.02.23 (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - ACEO, Ens JG LaVigne 0954) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 09:56) (USS Mithrandir Deck 02, Sickbay ACEO Lanista 1006) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 03 - SciO Ensign (jg) Percival Bellephoron the Third - 10:28) (USS Mithrandir Deck 03 ACEO Lanista 1030) Stardate: 2408.02.24 (USS Mithrandir Ready Room CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 2254) (USS Mithrandir Personal Quarters CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 2342) (USS Mithrandir CO's Personal Quarters SPC Admiral Lydia Stakes 2344) Stardate: 2408.03.06 (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1000) Stardate: 2408.03.15 (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes - 13:55) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes - 14:25) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes - 14:27) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - ACEO, Ensign SG Lanista - 1429) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1430) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 1, Conference Room, ATac Ensign sg Sanok, 1431) (USS Mithrandir- Deck 1- Conference Room-ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1432) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.02.22 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes - 14:42) As Sanok sat, he said, "Yes, but with greater rank, comes greater expectations and  responsibilities.  We're both held to a high standard, but Starfleet expects far more from you, than from me." Archibald regarded the Ensign through slotted eyes for a second and nearly smiled. Heaven knew what Starfleet expected of one and all but somehow Archibald was not convinced that they expected more from a CO. CO's tended to be set in their ways, experienced, but it was the experience that made them also less flexible. Less open to consider other points of view. And to be fair, with so many lives and regulations depending on a Captain's actions, his actions tended to be quite predictable. Young officers, on the other hand were less ... predictable. And sometimes, just sometimes, their actions would point to a direction any seasoned commander would never even have considered. And that was Starfleet's real strength. A mixture of individual thinking and rigid regulations, with structure and flexibility in the same package. No, Starfleet did not expect nearly as much of Archibald as they did of the junior officers. And that's how it should be. "Ensign, a personal question, if I may, you made a choice about your guiding principles.  Why did you choose the way you chose?" Archibald saw the Vulcan shrug. and answer him. "At the time, it seemed the logical thing to do." For the first time in his career, Archibald allowed himself a grin with a junior officer present. ~Structure and flexibility.~ "Of course you, did, Ensign. Of course you did. Thank you for your answer. It confirmed my faith in Starfleet. Unless there is anything else, Ensign, you are dismissed." (Reply Sanok, iyw) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 4, Junior Officers Quarters - A-OPS Ensign (jg) Jefferies - 1800) Alex was sat in his quarters on deck two starring out of the window at the star scape in front of him, in his hand he held a padd which contained detailed deck plans for the Nova Class ship that he was now serving on.  He had already put his belongs out to make the room more homely he'd been studying the data for almost an hour now and he was staring to feel comfortable that he would be able to walk the corridors of the ship with his eyes closed, his thought process was interrupted by the door chime. ~Wonder who that could be~ "Come" he called out The doors slide open and he saw someone he didn't expect to see, in the door way stood a young female human, with shoulder length ginger hair, Alex jumped out his seat on rushed over to the new comer and gave her a hug. "Hhayley what they hell are you doing her?" he asked "Last time we spoke you were still on the Paschendale" Alex was shock to see Hayley he hadn't seen her for over a year now not since she left san Francisco, he'd first meet her when he moved there to take his place at the Academy Hayley was taken aback by Alex's welcome she hadn't really expected it. "I was on the Paschendale but I was offered a position on the Mithrandir, as you need a communications specialist, and after two years of being cramped in a defiant class ship i thought it was about time for a change" Hayley replied Alex then lead here into his quarters so they where no longer standing in the door way. ~I can't believe she's actually here.~ "So Hayley you checked in with the captain yet?" he asked. Hayley nodded. "Yeah just come from the ready room now, you mind if we continue this is the mess hall, as i'm starving." Alex looked over to the clock on the wall, "I’ve got nothing else planned for this evening so yeah that sounds like a plan." They both stood up and Alex led Hayley to the mess hall, while they chatted about all the things they had missed in the past year. (reply none) (posted by Tom) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.02.23 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - ACEO, Ens JG LaVigne 0954) "Mister LaVigne," he started. "Welcome on board. Starfleet informed me that you would be arriving. Assistant Engineering Chief, I understand. Good, we will need all the assistance that we can get. We are a small crew, Ensign. And a small crew means that everyone will have to pull their weight. We will all depend on each other. Combined with the fact that I run a tight ship, a *very* tight ship may make this ship more than the standard new arrival from the Academy can handle. So now I should ask you if you feel that you are the right person for us." CO said Archibald looked at her. "However, I have been long enough in the chair to know that when I ask that question any new Ensign will give me the same answer and that therefore the question will not fulfill its purpose. *However*," The look turned into a stare. "However, mister LaVigne, it should not surprise you that I am not exactly thrilled about the prospect of taking on board someone who could turn out to be a liability. So I am having a problem, Ensign. Any idea how to resolve it?" Sharon had no idea what to say . She had been left speechless. Her heart beat jumped in overdrive as she searched for a answer. She looked at the CO's eyes and wondered if he’s joking. ~Hmm Say something Sharon~ Her mind reminded her. Without thinking too much Sharon said "You can’t know a asset from liability until you try SIR!" She studied CO's face for a few seconds and continued "As for me , I am willing to help you find out weather I will be a asset or liability to you and the ship Sir." Sharon was really impressed with the answer. But she still nervously awaited CO's response to it. (Reply CO) (Posted By Ash Divay) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 09:56) Archibald regarded the young ensign with interest. It gave him time to consider what his own reaction would have been had anyone asked him that question. In fact, he wasn't sure that there *was* an answer to give to a question like that. "You can't know a asset from liability until you try, SIR!" Archibald slotted his eyes and peered at the Ensign as she continued. "As for me, I am willing to help you find out whether I will be a asset or liability to you and the ship Sir." Archibald inwardly shrugged. "Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of the question, Ensign? To wait and see if things go bump in the night, and when they do, then declare that things will go bump in the night? The intention is good, Ensign, make no mistake about that, but I'm quite peculiar in that I would like to know upfront. Know, Ensign, is here the key word. As in knowing that you will make mistakes. As in knowing that you will learn from them. As in knowing that you will falter. As in knowing that you will get back up right after that. We are not looking for Gods, Ensign. Just fallible creatures with the knowledge to make things better. And all I can really ask of you is that you accept that and work with that. The only way that someone can become an asset is by doing everything to prevent himself or herself becoming a liability." Archibald fell silent. "And follow the rules, of course," he then finished. "Did I mention that I run a tight ship?" (Reply Sharon, room for more) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir Deck 02, Sickbay ACEO Lanista 1006)  “Thank you. Show her in please,” the Doctor said to Nurse Duande. Lanista heard this, while someone else might not have, because her Vulcan heritage gave her rather acute hearing. Lanista entered the room Dr. Nymes occupied, smiling pleasantly at the Nurse as she did so. Sickbay was remarkably different from Engineering smaller, and far too quiet. It was a section of the vessel that waited to be used. Engineering was the heart of the ship. It was possible that Sickbay was the lymphatic system. Lanista decided not to ponder the matter further; biology was not her strong suit. Lanista noted Nymes regarded her carefully as she strode to the center of the Doctor's circular office/alcove. That sort of attentiveness from a fellow Warrior would be cause for readying a weapon. ~chorlIj Dab gharghHom'e'. 'ey'a'?~ Lanista thought. (The minor worm that resides in your belly… Is it tasty?) ~…No,~ she corrected herserself, ~Katra over qa' today (Vulcan soul over Klingon spirit).~ To respond as a Klingon now would likely land her in the brig. Lanista took a deep breath and tried to force herself to relax. This would not escape the Doctor's notice, Lanista knew. “Ensign, I am Doctor Nymes; from your record I can see that you were on the Dennison, but I don’t recall you coming to Sickbay back then.” He said, before affably continuing “But no matter. The nurse informs me that your medical tests are finished, and my overview of them convinces me that you are fit to fly, and so I will extend my welcome to the Mithrandir to you.” "It does not surprise me that you do not recall my coming to The Bay of the Sick, sir, as we have not met formally until this moment. I did, however, think your duet with Ensign Night at Yeoman Stakes' Age of Inclusion Ceremony was not unpleasant. I appreciate your pronouncing me fit to fly, even if the statement is somewhat colloquial. As to the welcome, I was unaware that the Doctor aboard a Federation vessel acted as Bosun as well. Still, I believe the appropriate response would be 'Thank you, sir.'" (Reply Nymes, frm) The Doctor went on, “However, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you to summarise your medical record for me; any conditions that I should be aware of before we leave the Starbase, that sort of thing.” ~hrikha~hassu'ar, an actual question. Not just a formality then. I suppose I won't be able to 'Kirk' my way through this after all.~ Lanista thought before answering. "As you may have already observed, or perhaps read in my file, Doctor, I am a hybrid," she said. "As such, I exhibit a condition referred to by those in your profession as 'heterosis' or 'hybrid vigor.' My father believed this was evidence my jak'tahla would be perpetual. While he has never been wrong about that which is truly important, I am not so sure that this is … important. As I am sure you are already aware, Hybrid Vigor results in over-expression of the desirable qualities of both parents. For example, I do not exhibit the Vulcan tendency to experience That Time of the Decade. I can, therefore, mate when I wish to rather than be a slave to plak tow. My Klingon brak'lul also grants me great endurance – even should I be injured in the performance of my duties. I had Rop'ngor as a child and a bout with Nanadekh as an adult. I am far too young to be susceptible to Bendii Syndrome. I have not to my knowledge been exposed to whatever may cause Pa'nar Syndrome or Tuvan Syndrome. It seems Vulcans are entirely unimaginative in the naming of their illnesses. Ah, and my heterosis renders me immune to Trellium-D, a neurotoxin to which Vulcans are susceptible." (Reply Nymes) The Doctor then asked if Lanista had other business, to which she responded, "I was going to ask if you had any experience treating Klingon patients, but I recall reading in the Dennison's logs that you once dealt with a laceration to the neck of Security Crewman Ch'Mok. Let me tell you that I have been accidentally injured more severely at the breakfast table. But yes, I do have a few questions. You may, of course, decline to answer them if they are too personal. Which name pertains to the host and which to the symbiont? And which, host or symbiont, is the actual Doctor? I suspect the host is the Medical Officer. I understand you were Court-Martialed once but exonerated. Did you ever avenge the insult of the surely false accusation? Lastly, is there a Trill equivalent of the Klingon Plea for the Dead? Your biographical data mentions the loss of a sibling. I would happily assist you in the lighting of candles and burning of incense if it would help your sister enter your version of Sto-vo-kor. That is, of course, provided you have one." (Reply Nymes) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 03 - SciO Ensign (jg) Percival Bellephoron the Third - 10:28) =/\= My dear, charming, toute-de-Sweet Prince belle'vor'a', what shall cure this exceptional pleasure? =/\= "I do not require much, dear lady," Percival responded, having deduced the attempt by the engineer to engage in proper communication. "But Madam's assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated," =/\= Sir, definement suffers no perdition in you; though, I know, to divide inventorially would dizzy the arithmetic of memory, and yet but yaw neither, in respect of quick sail. But, in the verity of extolment, I take you to be a soul of great article; and your infusion of such rareness =/\= With eyes wide, Percival reconsidered the statue of the woman at the other side. She was indeed well tongued and obviously of better standing than her position as engineer indicated. "As, to make true diction of him, his semblable is his mirror; and who else would trace him, his umbrage, nothing more. " Percival quoted, the words coming easily, even eagerly, then bowed deeply. "Your ladyship speaks most infallibly of him". =/\= Do you realize, Ensign, that you probably just used more words in describing your concerns than you have concerns. Upload your list to the database. I shall coordinate with Ops, and with Sciences, in prioritizing and addressing, in order of importance, anything truly necessary. I suspect each item may take less than a day to fix, but if I am wrong, and there are truly that many serious flaws with this vessel, we won't be leaving spacedock for almost a year. Surely, you don't want to give a false indication of the ship's abilities, or lack thereof. =/\= Percival now frowned. Was she jesting? Surely a woman of pure breeding would not stoop so low? "You are lucky you brought this to my attention, rather than a senior officer's. I recommend you continue to not trouble the Line Ranks with trifles, Ensign. I shall keep the secret of your tendency to panic, if you will. Oh, and I will very happily refer to you as 'Ensign Percival Bellephoron the Third' if you will address me as jawbe'wI' tlha'nISta'" "One indeed would be honoured if one was allowed such privilege, My Lady tlha'niSta. Yet in answer to My Lady's comments, may I inquire into the nature of Madam's misconceptions? Has Madam indeed conducted a through study of the scientific equipment on board this vessel that I was unaware of and that would dwarf my own? Has Madam indeed received a sufficiently thorough education that indeed she is master of all scientific matters so that she has the ability to determine herself what and what not requires mending? Could one be in the presence of such a magnificent mind?" Percival stood there, eyes blazing. "For if My Lady tlha'niSta does not, what reasons would she have to deny a man of science his due rights. For I, My Lady tlha'niSta, *am* currently the highest authority of all matters scientific on board this vessel and without good reason, will not be thwarted. I do not fear the words of those of higher rank than my lowly self for I am sure of the worth of my work and have the knowledge on my side. What, pray, does My Lady have to offer? More threats? If My Lady wishes to inform an officer of higher rank, then by all means let her do so. And let her explain why she refuses to provide which is not her right to refuse." (Reply Lanista, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir Deck 03 ACEO Lanista 1030) During the Science Officer's long-winded explanation/protest, the ACEO had moved to his location. "Sir Percival Bellephoron III," she said to him as she entered the room in which he worked. I am curious as to what misconceptions you believe I may have. Did I not say to upload your concerns to the database? Did I fail to mention that, while your Science Department concerns would be of great importance to a Science Vessel, that I would coordinate and prioritize with Ops and with you in solving these matters? I believe I communicated those sentiments. No, I have not conducted a thorough study of the subsystems that presently vex you personally, but as a cold-start of the warp drive could result in unforeseen temporal anomalies, I am positive that you understand that the needs of the Captain and Conn officer in getting us to the designated 'where' and the appropriate 'when' we're to be will take precedence over your desires or mine. I did study at the Vulcan Science Academy, at the behest of my mother before her untimely death. Thus, while your expertise probably outstrips mine in an as yet undisclosed number of specialty areas, I believe I can say with pride and confidence that you are indeed in the presence of a magnificent mind." Lanista was grinning as she stood before the SciO. The 2.25-meter-tall woman held her right palm flat against the ceiling 3 meters above the deck. There were probably few people aboard who could do that, and Lanista thought a little physical intimidation would help her in this verbal sparring match. Initially, Lanista had thought that this man wasn't the hottest injector in the plasma relay, but now she had changed her mind. This wasn't true mu'qaD veS (curse-warfare, a war of words), but this was likely as close to that hallowed Klingon tradition as Lanista would experience in Starfleet. She gazed back at Perky, the fire in her eyes matching that in his. Percival said, "For if My Lady tlha'niSta does not, what reasons would she have to deny a man of science his due rights. For I, My Lady tlha'niSta, *am* currently the highest authority of all matters scientific on board this vessel and without good reason, will not be thwarted. I do not fear the words of those of higher rank than my lowly self for I am sure of the worth of my work and have the knowledge on my side. What, pray, does My Lady have to offer? More threats? If My Lady wishes to inform an officer of higher rank, then by all means let her do so. And let her explain why she refuses to provide which is not her right to refuse." And Lani' replied, "If you heard me clearly and correctly parsed the meanings of my statements, I have not denied you anything but priority. You must see that I must be responsive to needs in addition to yours. Everything you want can and will be dealt with. But what you have claimed as a right is actually naught but privilege, based solely upon your need being greater than those of others. If and when a need of yours is greater, you will receive the greater portion of my attention and exertion." (Reply Perky) (Posted by Frank) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.02.24 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir Ready Room CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 2254) Archibald watched the CMO enter, carrying a PADD and a case. There were questions Archibald wanted to ask, needed to ask, but he refrained himself from speaking and made a gesture for Lewis to start. “Sir. As of 2242 hours today, Lieutenant Dale Anne Bracken was advised to take a medical leave of absence under the SFM protocol. As you are aware, this provides the capacity for current orders to be superseded by the CMO and the officer in question to be transferred to a location properly equipped to diagnose, investigate and treat any ongoing medical condition which is beyond the means of the current station. Lt Bracken has therefore been transferred to a specialist medical facility on Earth.” Archibald sighed inwardly, the original communique from Starfleet had prepared him for this but to have it confirmed still upset him. Especially considering the likelihood that there was some devious plan behind it all. ~Take my ship, take my crew, return one, then take the one back again. And just sit there, nodding and smiling because someone doesn't want the truth to be known.~ Archibald nearly grunted. There were times when he wondered if he was the only one who wanted to know. ~Couldn't upset the precious balance, now could you? Some dogs were just meant to be left asleep. Too bad if the dog was yours.~ Archibald licked his lips, considering the thoughts as futile as upsetting. "How, Doctor?" Nymes continued. “In our earlier conversation you voiced a concern that Lt Bracken may have been psychologically affected by SFI debriefing. During my medical examination, I can confirm that a technique called TSP or Telepathic Static Projection was used. If untreated, TSP can lead to irreversible damage to the victim. A full briefing on TSP is in that PADD, sir. If you have any questions regarding this, I will endeavour to answer them, within the normal limits of confidentiality.” Archibald regarded the PADD for a second. The information was of interest but probably too technical to fully comprehend. Besides, would it have the information that Archibald really wanted to know? "Any idea when she was 'infected'? Or how? Apart from the fact that I find it incredulous that someone wanted to go all that way, the fact that they attacked a high ranking Starfleet officer shows they have little care for anyone else. I will have to inform Starfleet of this, of course, but I am not too sure that that would make any difference. They may not be too keen to find out where the poisonous asp lies, but you, on the other hand, have a vested interest in this. You were close to her, you served with her. And you will stop at nothing to find out who did this to her." Archibald fell silent for a second. "Well, one can only hope. This is not a situation for orders. Too messy in the end and it may upset those that do not wish to be upset." (reply Lewis, rfm) “As the lieutenant was serving as a command officer, all access codes have been reset as per protocol.” Archibald nodded. "Of course, Lieutenant. All by the book. Thank you. Now if you don't mind, I guess I will have to inform Starfleet Command of this." (reply Lewis) (USS Mithrandir Personal Quarters CO, Captain Archibald Stakes 2342) Archibald sighed as he stood outside the door to his quarters. Linden had been ..... less than impressed and had probed him for answers that he did not have or did not want to give. But that was cool, sometimes all you had to do was to remember that Starfleet officers were chosen because of their mental prowess, their ability to make decisions, their flexibility to understand that lines drawn often needed to be redrawn. That sometimes you needed to understand that in order to do the right thing you had to do the wrong thing. Of course, if things went pear shape, there would be no denying and you had to face the music. But it was a risk worth taking, as far as Archibald was concerned. Risk was all part of the job. Archibald regarded the door and he sighed. Personal risk was one thing, allowing it to affect the others close to you was completely another thing. Yet Archibald felt he would not be able to  keep his 'war' hidden from the ones behind that door for long. But they could not become involved. It was not their fight. Archibald sighed again, then opened the door and walked in. Almost immediately the lights dimmed and it took Archibald completely by surprise when suddenly calypso music started playing. He saw his wife get up and walk over to him and take the comm badge off his uniform to toss it away. "Well?" she said. "You heard what the man said. Kiss the girl." Despite the situation Archibald could not help himself from grinning. "Yes, Sir," he said and he did. (Reply Lewis, Lydia, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir CO's Personal Quarters SPC Admiral Lydia Stakes 2344) ******************************************************************************* ******************************************************************************* *********************************CENSORED*********************************** ******************************************************************************* ******************************************************************************* ******************************************************************************* (Reply None) (Posted by Liz) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.03.06 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1000) Ben was at the tactical station standing beside Sanok. The bridge of the Mithrandir was smaller than that of the Dennison but functioned just as efficiently. The tactical setup was basically the same, only a few minor differences that he noticed. The display was smaller and the interface was more condensed, which was understandable considering this was a scientific vessel, fire power was not a main concern for the Nova class project it seemed. He took a look around the bridge as Captain Stakes took the CONN from Ensign Night. Seemed strange for a CO to take the helm but as Stakes said it was Captain's prerogative. "Helm ready, Commander," he reported, "Maneuvering thrusters online and active." Olorin's voice boomed. "Inform the Starbase that we are ready to depart. Be ready to disengage the umbilical cords on my mark. ... Mark." The ship shuddered as the lifelines were disconnected from her and withdrawn to the starbase. "Starbase acknowledges, Sir. They wish us u 'bon voyage'." "Thank them for their best wishes. Captain, take us out, thrusters only." Archibald nodded and keyed in a few commands, activating the aft thrusters for a split second to start the movement forward. "Dock doors opening." The ship began moving towards the doors, the opening to the great beyond. Ben was glad to be heading back out amongst the stars and hopefully soon they would have a new purpose. The ship drifted to port a bit and Ben wondered if it was a miscalibration or if Stakes was trying to see who was actually awake and paying attention. After a moment the drift was corrected and the Mithrandir was once again heading towards the door. Ben looked towards the view screen as the ship began to increase speed towards the door, it seemed that the doors would not be open when the ship reached them. As they neared the door Ben almost thought they would graze the edges as they passed through but no proximity alarms were sounded as the ship left the starbase and entered deep space. "Ship has left the base, Commander," Stakes commented. "waiting for a destination." Ben wondered what their new mission would be like on this new ship, hopefully this time they would return with the ship intact and no crewmembers missing. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.03.15 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes - 13:55) Archibald looked around the Bridge and noticed that things seemed to be improving. They had found plenty of systems that had needed tweaking, and the list of actions still to be preformed was still large, but at least the amount of new entries to the list was waning. That was, of course, only to be expected, but it was good to know that none of the issues found had required a return to space dock to have it fixed. "Sir! Incoming message from Starfleet HQ on channel 14, marked private and urgent." Archibald frowned for a second and looked at Olorin before he got up. "My Ready Room," he said to the OPS-officer before turning to Okita. "Commander, you have the bridge." (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes - 14:25) Archibald regarded the now dark screen in front of him and started drumming his fingers on the desk as he considered the rather surprising 'request' that he had received from Starfleet Research and Development. He gave the matter some thought before he got up and walked out. (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - CO, Captain Archibald Stakes - 14:27) Archibald stood still for a second as he entered the new conference room and regarded the table in front of him. It had taken them quite some time to combine part of the mission control room in the front of deck 1 with the old conference room next door, but the large, slightly curved table with seats for nineteen people was monstrously long. He sat down in the middle of the table and activated the comm system in front of him "Stakes to Commander Okita, Lieutenants Nymes and Shrekt, Ensigns Spero, Jefferies, Soma, Sanok, Lanista and Yeoman Stakes, report to the Conference Room immediately." Archibald started tapping his fingers on the table again as he waited for all officers to attend. Once they did he gestured all to sit down and regarded them all before he spoke up. "Thank you all for attending so promptly. I have just received an instruction from Starfleet Research and Development regarding the holo-emittors that are found all over the ship. I originally thought that they were installed to give our LMH a large area of operations but that is apparently only half of it. Which reminds me, Doctor." Archibald looked at the Trill. "I was informed that the LMH-2 is a prototype, designed to give around the clock cover for medical issues. R&D has requested me that we keep the hologram active for as long as possible, so that they can determine the validity of the project. In short, they do not wish us to use the MH as a backup as we would do with a normal EMH but to keep him online at all times. They consider it necessary to track his progress and capabilities on a long term basis. Apparently the LMH-2 is a redesign of the standard LMH and we are not allowed to change it but R&D would appreciate any feedback on its actions and reactions and any improvements to the core program that we can identify. I of course informed R&D that we would oblige them." Archibald nodded to the doctor before shifting his gaze to the others. "As I said, the holo-emittors serve a duplicate function. Apparently the Mithrandir was chosen to be a testbed for the introduction of the Holographic Assistance Programme. This HAP was set up to augment any crew with holographic specialists on a wide range of subjects, like the EMH is augmenting the medical staff." "This programme consists of the introduction of holographic personnel for every department on a starship and R&D Holographics are currently working on the creation of holograms with specialist knowledge on different subjects. The first template has just been completed and will be transferred to us in the next few days. This template is for a Security Officer and again Starfleet R&D has requested us to test out this new concept. As soon as templates are created, they will be unloaded to us for us to test them out. Mister Spero and Jefferies, this will mean that we have to arrange for a part of the computer to be sectioned off. The intent is that we will create as many holographic security personnel as are required so we would need enough computer 'space' to allow us to create multiple copies at the same time. Yet every copy has to be as autonomous as an EMH or LMH. Mister Shrekt, Soma and Sanok, it will be your task to assess these ESH's and supervise them. They should be tasked with security tasks only as that will be their remit. They are ultimately supposed to be as autonomous as EMH's but will for now require a command structure to work with, that is, someone will have to give them orders. Starfleet has considered that they feel it would be improper to make them fully autonomous until the tests are completed and they are indeed performing as well as they should. We have had some trials previously where the computer was given full autonomy with over all disastrous effects. Again R&D would appreciate any feedback on the ESH's actions and reactions and any improvements to the core program that we can identify. See to it that they receive them." Archibald nodded. "I guess we should feel proud that we have received such an important task but if I had been given a choice, I would have declined. We have a limited crew number already and I can not see the benefit of creating more work for the limited number of crew that we have. Unfortunately I have not been given the choice therefore we will manage it. Any questions?" (reply by all in the meeting iyw) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - ACEO, Ensign SG Lanista - 1429) The Klingoness had been summoned, as had all the primary and support staff officers. She reported to the Conference Room, as ordered. It took three minutes. The CO surveyed the room as though looking for a would-be assassin, or perhaps some potential 'ay' wejmaH wa'* or SFI conspirator. "Thank you all for attending so promptly," the CO said. "I have just received an instruction from Starfleet Research and Development regarding the holo-emitters that are found all over the ship. I originally thought that they were installed to give our LMH a large area of operations but that is apparently only half of it. Which reminds me, Doctor…" Lanista politely ignored the commentary directed only at Nymes. She kept her eyes on the Captain, though, paying attention to who he might regard or address next. When next the CO addressed all present, he said, "… the Mithrandir was chosen to be a testbed for the introduction of the Holographic Assistance Program. This HAP was set up to augment any crew with holographic specialists on a wide range of subjects, like the EMH is augmenting the medical staff." ~Testbed, good. Holographic Assistance Program, not so good,~ thought the ACEO. Lanista liked experiments but despised holograms. She shrugged. ~When on Romulus, do as the Romulans do.~ The CO explained the experiment: "This program consists of the introduction of holographic personnel for every department … this will mean that we have to arrange for a part of the computer to be sectioned off.  They are ultimately supposed to be as autonomous … if I had been given a choice, I would have declined. We have a limited crew number already and I can not see the benefit of creating more work for the limited number of crew that we have. Unfortunately I have not been given the choice therefore we will manage it. Any questions?" Sanok spoke up, saying to his to his partner, "You'd better be good, or you might find yourself out of a job." And Soma responded quietly, "Scary thought isn't it. Holograms replacing personnel on starships, photons and force fields instead of people." Lanista did not care for the whispers, and voiced her own response boldly. "QI'yaH*!" she said. 'Every department' included Engineering, of course. She apologized for her outburst, then proceeded with a professional assessment. "Sirs, this experiment is first intended to be an adjunct to Security, and I will lend my support to that Department in making sure this project meets with the success it deserves. The Advanced Neural Pathway protocol I began on our previous vessel could help here. Applying that to this ship's bio-neural gelpacks should more than make up for any deficit in processing power created by sectioning off the computer core. The expanded computing capability will also permit the construction of a subroutine that will prevent these ultimately autonomous non-creatures from becoming an independent force of artificial Brownshirts. Clearly, R&D's intent is that these things be tools. It should go without saying that the choice of tool in work is up to the discretion of the person performing the work." Lanista looked at Sanok and Soma, and nodded. "Certainly I trust the discretion of my fellow officers. However, I have two suggestions that may ease any pain associated with this assignment. "First, there were exocomps, created around 2370 by a Dr. Farallon to be employed as maintenance robots, but they unexpectedly developed sentience because of a failure on the part of Farallon. The programming of those tools of almost half a century ago would be relevant here and now. Obviously if Farallon had understood the software subsystem could have resulted in sentience, some sort of sentience inhibitor could have been created, or the programming could have been rewritten entirely. "Second, since our manpower is ostensibly limited, having more tools is nothing to complain about. In that spirit, I have a proposal for an improvement to the fabric of the uniform. Based on increasingly capable comm, sensor, and materiel technologies, and the need for ever-greater awareness and responsiveness to threats such as the Borg, I propose a reconfiguration of the Uniform. It can, and should, be more than clothing. If the appearance cannot be changed from the present nIvnav*-like one, the fabric could be made into a useful piece of equipment such as an expanded commbadge antenna and/or a sensor web, for example. Or, a new weave, incorporating an electrically-charged polymer with electrophoretic dye could actually change color in response to alterations in lighting conditions. This would dramatically increase survivability in situations where simply being perceived constitutes a hazard. The immediate application would be camouflage in combat missions or Marine deployments, of course, but there are assignments, such as scientific "duck blind" missions, where concealment would be desirable. The inner lining could include microsensors that monitor the crewmember's health, and provide instantaneous feedback to the Medical Department. The material could be pre-impregnated with enzymes that would automatically break down any toxins or other agents anticipated in environments to be explored. It might even be possible to design a fabric that could absorb an individual's perspiration and process it to be a supplement to fresh drinking water. As you can see, I have thought about this at length. I have in mind a seven-part modular system of improvements that I could fully outline if warranted. But if Starfleet has deemed us capable of accomplishing this mission, they must also believe that this vessel's crew is innovative enough to meet the need. "Lastly, and this is based on personal experience. I don't believe our manpower is limited. I grew up on a starship with a crew of only eleven people, myself included. We accomplished our missions." NRPG: *'ay' wejmaH wa' Section 31. *QI'yaH literally means 'military duty station' but is used as an invective to protest objectionable assignment. *nIvnav, pajamas. RPG: (Reply any) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1430) Ben entered the conference room as requested by Captain Stakes not knowing what was to come from the meeting. When everyone was assembled Stakes gestured for everyone to have a seat. Ben sat as directed along with the rest of the assembled officers. The Captain then explained about the holo-emitters on board and the apparent multi function they served. It seemed that they were also there to augment every department on the ship and not just sickbay. Starfleet was using the Mithrandir to test the validity of holographic crew members serving on a long tern basis, not just as required. This generated mixed messages for Ben, it was common knowledge that holographic programs degraded under continuous use, they became unstable and at time dangerous and unpredictable. Apparently the first program to be tested was that of a security officer, which would arrive in a few days. If it proved out there were definite advantages to the program, a hologram could not be physically injured which would help in the event of a firefight on board the ship. They could send the hologram into a locked room and use it to secure a scene without the risk to living crew members. It did have a few bright spots to look forward to. Ben didn't like the idea of having the untested programs running around on the ship, but what choice did they have. Captain Stakes himself said he didn't have a choice in the matter, they would have to make the best of it and hope the program worked as intended. (reply any in the meeting) (posted by Milo Young) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 1, Conference Room, ATac Ensign sg Sanok, 1431) Sanok followed Ben into the conference room for the meeting called by the captain, standing at his friend's side.  The meeting turned out to be about testing a new security hologram. If Starfleet keeps doing things like this, thought Sanok, the vision Dr. Daystom had nearly 150 years ago, will come to pass. Sanok didn't like that at all.  Holograms were tools.  They shouldn't take the place of actual personnel.  He leaned towards Ben and whispered in his ear. "You'd better be good, or you might find yourself out of a job." (Reply Ben, Any) (Posted by Bob) (USS Mithrandir- Deck 1- Conference Room-ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1432) Ben had been listening to the Captain explain the dual function of the holo-emitters and his purpose in testing the new features and programs when Sanok leaned towards him and whispered, "You'd better be good, or you might find yourself out of a job." Ben had considered that himself, what if the program worked and Starfleet decided to utilize it to cut down on losses of personnel. If a ship came under attack by an unknown force and was destroyed then the only real loss would be the vessel. It was a slightly disturbing thought but it was a possibility to be considered. It may be years before it would happen but sooner or later it would happen and wars would be fought from Starfleet headquarters with very little risk. Ben replied by whispering back, "Scary thought isn't it. Holograms replacing personnel on starships, photons and force fields instead of people." The idea had a few major draw backs, the holograms would be unable to leave the ship so away missions would be out of the question. And if something happened to the computer core that affected the emitters the ship would become a derelict, there would be no crew manning it so the ship would just drift in space until someone claimed it or another vessel was sent to tractor it to a starbase. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young)