NRPG: Compile Index: Stardate: 2408.02.22 (USS Mithrandir - Deck 2, Mess Hall - OPS Ensign Kit Spero - 1200) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 2, Sickbay - OPS Ensign Kit Spero - 1202) Stardate: 2408.02.23 (USS Mithrandir Deck 02, Sickbay CMO Nymes 1010) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 03 - SciO Ensign (jg) Percival Bellephoron III - 10:34) Stardate: 2408.02.24 (Starbase Geneva - Masterson's Quarters - MO and SciO Carl and Ray Masterson - 1800) (USS Mithrandir Ready Room CMO, Dr Lewis Nymes  2255) Stardate: 2408.02.25 (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 10:00) Stardate: 2408.03.06 (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr Olorin Okita - 0957) (USS Mithrandir - Security - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1001) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 4, Port Aft Phaser Control - SecO Crewman Abu Nighy - 1200) Stardate: 2408.03.15 (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - FO Cmdr Olorin Okita - 1430) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - OPS Ensign Cattia Spero and YEO PO2C Esme Stakes - 1431) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1435) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1436) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 1440) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.02.22 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Deck 2, Mess Hall - OPS Ensign Kit Spero - 1200) "....And here we are in the most important place on the ship," Kit finished with a smile as she stood back to allow Markra and Tom to enter the Mess. "How about some lunch?" she added. (reply Markra, Tom) Kit was about to enter her order into the replicator when her commbadge gave it's beep. =/\=Doctor Nymes to Spero. Please report to Sickbay at your next convenience.=/\= Rolling her eyes towards Markra and Tom, Kit responded, "On my way, Doctor." (reply Nymes iyw) "Sorry, guys," she said to her companions, "Duty calls. Markra, good to meet you, and I'll catch you later. See you later too, Tom!" (reply Markra, Tom iyw) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 2, Sickbay - OPS Ensign Kit Spero - 1202) It took Kit less than a minute to get from the Mess Hall to Sickbay, and she as she walked in she saw a few people waiting for their medicals. She was surprised not to see the LMH; she would have expected him to be assisting with the medicals, especially since there were 80 crew to be got through. Stopping a passing medical orderly, she asked, "Where can I find Dr Nymes?" "You'll have to wait your turn," the orderly told her. "As you can see we have our work cut out, with no ACMO. Dr Nymes is on his own." Kit frowned. "What about the LMH?" she asked. "Isn't he helping?" The man shrugged. "Dr Nymes turned it off. Now sit down over there, please, and wait your turn." "Turned it off?" Kit asked, surprised. "Why?" The orderly shrugged again. "Who knows, I heard he just didn't like it. But you can't believe everything you hear. I'm sure he had a good reason, after all he's not going to make more work for himself and everyone here on a whim because he takes a dislike to the LMH is he? I mean, that's not reasonable." Kit shook her head. "No, I'm sure he had a good reason," she replied. "Would you let him know that Ensign Spero is here? He required me to report in as soon as possible." The orderly shrugged again. "Sure, just be prepared for a wait. We're already behind. Now if you'll excuse me, I got a million and one things to do." Kit sighed and seeing that the few seats there were were occupied, she leant against the wall, wishing she'd thought to bring a sandwich along. (Reply Nymes, Tom, Markra, Any) (Posted by Liz) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.02.23 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir Deck 02, Sickbay CMO Nymes 1010)  "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.'" “When needs must, Ensign.” 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.” 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." “Valuable to note. It seems that there were some discrepancies in your record from the Dennison, I believe the EMH must have seen you and a glitch meant records were misfiled. We have an LMH on this vessel, so hopefully there will be no similar problems.” 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." Nymes smiled, it wasn’t the first time he had been asked that question, but never had he been asked so bluntly. “The symbiont is “Nymes”, and is in its 7th host, which is myself, Lewis Gemill. Over the course of the Nymes lifetime, he has been a politician, diplomat, intelligence officer, pilot and a doctor twice, both times having become a medic before the joining. As for the court-martial, it is water under the bridge, ensign, water under the bridge.” Nymes drew silent, contemplating his next words before continuing, the loss of his sister was still a sore point to him. “My sister was killed by the Breen; an incursion still not understood. At the time I grieved doubly the host and the symbiont but perhaps the time has come to move on further. It is soon time for the Remembrances Soliloquy for the departed.” (reply lanista) (Posted by GC) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 03 - SciO Ensign (jg) Percival Bellephoron III - 10:34) "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." Percival looked at the woman as she towered over him, even touching the ceiling at one point without problems. Percival was well aware of his stature. He was tall, and he could touch the ceiling himself but he also knew it would cost him more effort. But that was not the reason why he did not attempt it. He considered that mental discipline and flexibility were vastly more important than physical prowess. And as far as Percival's experiences went, there were remarkably few that had mastered both. Her position as an engineer strengthened Percival in the belief that she had not either. After all, weren't engineers nothing more than mentally deficient scientists? Ones that were able to experience the relationships between machine settings and outcome, yet were unable to understand the precise relations? It was quite clear that the art of higher communication was lost on her. She could use the words, but did not really understand their true meanings. Not that Percival considered himself superior to her, even if he was. No, if anything, she was to be pitied. Drinking the clear nectar, never truly being able to appreciate the richness of the divine drink. One could only expect so much of a peasant. Which did not mean that the peasant could not live a fruitful and fulfilling life. It was just less ...... demanding. But worthwhile, none the less. With that in the back of his mind, Percival nodded to her. "In that case, one is satisfied. My Lady, please allow me to pass to you the tome of knowledge, as it contains the fruits of three days labour. One would be eternally in Madam's debt, if she could follow the numerological structure laid down in said document. It is quite imperative that the repairs and enhancements are done in the exact order as they are described within, for greatest efficiency. One would, of course, be utterly willing to assist My Lady if she required any assistance regarding the notes in this tome as one realises that a certain scientific background would be required to understand these notes fully. Madam, I am your grateful servant." (Reply by Lanista, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.02.24 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Starbase Geneva - Masterson's Quarters - MO and SciO Carl and Ray Masterson - 1800) "Ray! Ray!" shouted Carl as he burst into their quarters. The room was dark, as it had been since they had arrived in the station.  It matched the foul mood that Ray had been in and had only gotten worse in the last few days. Ray did not respond to Carl's disruption. "Ray!" Carl shouted again. "Great news!" Still, Ray did not stir from his corner, his face buried in a padd he was studying.  A treatise on torture. "Ray!" Carl shouted. "What?!?" snarled Ray. "You've been assigned to the Mithrandir?" said Carl, a big grin on his face. "Oh?' said Ray, nonchalantly, the padd now hanging limply from his hand. "Yeah, I saw your name on the crew roster for medical fitness check." said Carl.  "Ain't it great?" "Yes, I suppose." replied Ray with apparent disinterest. "Come on, Ray, we've got to get packed and onboard the ship!  You can start your research again!" Carl said encouragingly. "Yes, yes," said Ray as he rose lazily.  "I suppose that Lieutenant had a change of heart.  I'm surprised she's seen the logic." "Who cares why, let's get going!" said Carl as he began to pack in earnest.  He had held off, since he wasn't sure what he would do if Ray hadn't been assigned to the Mithrandir.  He didn't want to hurt his brother's feelings. "If you must, go ahead." said Ray, who sat at the table and drank some tea. "This is gonna be great, Ray.  You'll see!" Carl said, throwing things into two cases he had pulled out. "Yes," agreed Ray reservedly, a small smile on his lips as he drank more tea and continued to read. (Reply Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir Ready Room CMO, Dr Lewis Nymes  2255) "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." “I understand, sir. Such a vipers nest should not be disturbed loudly. I have a contact with a SFI medical officer: Commander Falkirk. I may have an opportunity to contact him regarding the status of Ensign Ash Divay in the future.” Nymes said, before moving on “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." “Of course sir.” Nymes took that as his cue of dismissal, about turned and walked back to his sickbay. (Reply Stakeses, none) (Posted by GC) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.02.25 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 10:00) "Mister Masterson," Archibald said as the science officer said down, having been called to the ready room. "I am afraid that Lieutenant Bracken has been transferred off this vessel. This will leave us short in commanding staff for the science department. Unfortunately I have just been informed by BuPers that a replacement officer has been requested but will not be available to us soon. I have therefore given the matter some thought about who will be in charge until an officer becomes available and although we have one officer in the department who is of higher rank, BuPers feels that he would not be suitable for that position. Therefore, Crewman, I have received approval to offer the position of Acting Assistant Chief Science Officer to you. The positions will entail a promotion to Chief Petty Officer, until a replacement officer becomes available. However, Mister Masterson, if you do not wish to accept that position than I am afraid that I will have no other alternative than to offer the position to Ensign Bellephoron. But I hope it won't have to go that far." (reply by Ray, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.03.06 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr Olorin Okita - 0957) "Status, Mister Okita?" asked the Captain. Olorin looked down at the screen to his left and punched up the relevant data.  A quick review gave him the necessary information and he looked up at the Captain. "All systems green, Sir." Olorin reported. What happened next surprised Olorin, as the Captain rose and motioned for him to take the center seat. ~What the...?~ wondered Olorin as he did as he had been ordered. As he sat down again, he saw the captain relieve the helmsman and take the conn. ~I wonder what else he plans to do.~ After a few moments, the captain said, "Helm ready, Commander.  Maneuvering thrusters online and active." ~I guess even Captain's like to fly.~ Olorin thought. Olorin nodded, "Inform the Starbase that we are ready to depart. Be ready to disengage the umbilical cords on my mark. ... Mark." Olorin felt the ship slip free from her moor. "Starbase acknowledges, Sir. They wish us 'bon voyage'." reported Ensign Jeffries. "Thank them for their best wishes." Olorin said.  "Captain, take us out, thrusters only." Olorin watched the main viewer as the Captain maneuvered the ship through the dock, towards the doors.  It was not often that Olorin had taken a ship out, much less with the Captain still on the bridge and actually piloting the vessel. ~Hmmmm~ pondered Olorin, it would certainly be a new experience.  After his long years of service, he was surprised to be surprised.  It was a good feeling. As the ship cleared the space dock doors, the Captain said, "Ship has left the base, Commander, waiting for a destination." Olorin checked over the systems status before saying, "On your toes everyone, let's see what she can do.  Captain if you would take us out to the designated coordinates, we can begin our trials." Olorin forwarded the coordinates to the helm.  "Let's try not to break her too much." (Reply Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir - Security - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1001) Shrekt felt the ship slip free and smiled.  For all her complaints of being stuck on a small ship, she was glad to at least be back on duty and a ship was a ship.  While the Captain had tried to be helpful, his words did not quite strike true with her.  She appreciated the effort, but knew that she would have to work it out herself.  He suggested she talk to the counselor, but she was loath to air out her troubles. Completing some final paperwork, she began her inspection of the various tactical stations onboard the Mithrandir.  Rather than monitor things from the bridge, she decided she would see how each member of her team performed personally.  So she had sent Soma and Sanok to the bridge to get some more bridge experience.  With such a small department all of them would be on duty should the ship enter combat situations.  More importantly nearly all of them would be at tactical stations.  Only two or three would be available to act in a security capacity. Shrekt was actually trying to work out some classes to help improve self-defense amongst the crew.  In the event they were boarded, there was no guarantee a security team would be available or close by.  The crew would need to sharpen their own self defense skills, just in case. But being a science vessel, Shrekt hoped that red alerts would be few and far between.  Why would Star Fleet send a science vessel into the hazard, something it wasn't really meant to do.  Things couldn't be that bad still.  Could they? (Reply Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 4, Port Aft Phaser Control - SecO Crewman Abu Nighy - 1200) Abu stood like a stone statue at his post.  Sweat glistened from his brow and slowly trickled downward.  His eyes flicked nervously to the corner of his eye, as he pretended not to notice his observer. The tall, red headed security chief seemed to have eyes that bore straight into his head.  It was like she was peeling away the layers within him, making note of those pieces of information she wanted and discarding anything not worth remembering.  Which for Abu probably meant quite a bit was left on the floor. He had been warned that she was making the rounds from his fellow security officers, but he was still unprepared when the doors slid open and she stalked in.  So far she had been in the room for eons.  Abu's eyes flicked over the panel checking for anything he might have to do. His jacket wasn't exactly what one would call the epitome of a perfect officer, so he certainly didn't need to provide extra information to be added by his department head.  He was still a bit tender about having gotten himself burned in the candle shop.  The station security seemed almost happy when they heard he was being transferred to the Mithrandir. He would certainly miss the station.  All those treats.  But he was a security officer, no matter what some might think and he was determined to prove himself.  His only problem at the moment, aside from the intense scrutiny his superior officer was applying to him, was his stomach.  Normally he'd walk over and get lunch around now.  But he didn't think he could do so with Lieutenant Shrekt just standing right there. Despite his own hesitation to say something, his body had no compunction against letting it be known that it had needs and it would not be ignored. The Lieutenant raised a solitary eyebrow at his body's protest. He looked in her direction, apologetically.  "Sorry," he said meekly. "You won't have a partner to back you up on this ship, Crewman." said Shrekt sternly.  "You will prove yourself or you will learn how cold space can really be.  Don't expect others to cover for you.  A single mistake can cost us more than just a little owie.  Now go feed yourself before you embarrass yourself further.  Go!" ~Brrr...~ thought Abu, as he said, "Aye, aye!" He scrambled out and headed for the mess hall, thankful to have escaped the chilling heat of the Lieutenant. (reply Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.03.15 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - FO Cmdr Olorin Okita - 1430) Olorin sat to the Captain's right as he delivered a briefing on the Hologram testing program that the Mithrandir had been saddled with.  On one hand, he did not like being a guinea pig, but it fit the ship's mission profile. Handing holograms weapons seemed a bit extreme.  But at the same time, medical holograms had been in use for decades and was it really that different to have a hologram have one's life in its hands versus defending the ship.  Olorin wasn't sure yet, but he was sure that he would decide by the end of the experiment. The reactions around the room were interesting.  The concerns from the security corner were understandable, although medical did not seem to have similar concerns.  One would have thought the success of the EMH might give the security department some assurances, especially given the limited personnel resources available to defend the ship against boarding.  One would have thought that medical would be more concerned about getting replaced by the LMH, which had far greater long term repercussions. Perhaps the most interesting event to occur during the meeting so far was actually the assistant Chief Engineer sharing some of her ideas.  Olorin had met numerous engineers who enjoyed tinkering.  And some of the ideas did sound interesting.  But this was not the time or place. When the opportunity arose, he said, "Ensign, those are very interesting ideas.  However, the purpose of this meeting is to discuss the hologram program.  Submit your ideas along with the resources you believe you will need to pursue this project and I will see what we can do about pursuing it.  Resources are limited, but perhaps we can arrange something.  As for the size of our crew, we shall put ourselves to the hazard and we shall see what we are made of.  I have no doubt we shall succeed, do any of you?" Olorin's gaze swept the conference room, testing the officer's confidence. (Reply Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - OPS Ensign Cattia Spero and YEO PO2C Esme Stakes - 1431) Esme had almost collided with Kit as they both hurried into the Conference Room. The two girls had grinned at one another as they sat down and waited for everyone else to arrive. When the Captain began the meeting, Esme began taking notes of everything that was said. Later she would check with the recorded log that she hadn't missed anything and transcribe the minutes. Kit listened with interest to what he had to say. She was both pleased and a little surprised at the news about the LMH. She made a note on her PADD to monitor its performance. Her ears perked up when she heard the news of the template holo-security officers. She noted on her PADD the need to section off a part of the computer core, and then looked round the room as she felt hostility to the idea from somewhere. But it wasn't until the ACEO spoke up that she realised with some surprise that it was coming from the two TAC/ASCs. ~Don't they realise that the holo-security officers are merely a tool for them to use? Surely they can't seriously believe that Starfleet would ever replace a whole crew with holograms!~ she thought incredulously. ~That's just ludicrous. The Captain just explained what they're here for.~ When the Captain asked for questions, Lani, Kit's room-mate, was first up, not so much with a question as with a suggestion of her own. Kit raised her eyebrows. The idea of the fabric of the uniform having so many functions sounded like a hotbed for things going wrong to her, but she wasn't an engineer. She liked the idea of augmenting the commbadge signals but the rest of it sounded too complicated and too prone to break down at the wrong moment. ~Suppose instead of growing dimmer and blending into the shadows it were to malfunction and glow like the Shrine of Light at Bennefal?~ "Lastly, and this is based on personal experience," Lanista finished, "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." "With respect," Kit interposed dryly, "You can't really compare the two. The Nova class is considerably larger and has a much more complex specification than a K'Vort class Bird of Prey. It is also a vessel dedicated to scientific discovery, not a former war vessel turned into a priv-... trading ship. It is possible to run this ship efficiently with 80 crew but given that we all need to sleep at *some* point, I wouldn't like to try with less. The HAP should eventually enable us to augment the numbers we have in all departments - beginning of course with Security - and increase the efficiency of the vessel." She turned to the Captain. "Sir, I appreciate your concerns about the extra work it will entail for our crew but I for one will gladly volunteer to work on the project in my spare time. I really do think it could make all the difference in the long run, and perhaps in the short term too," she added, her enthusiasm breaking through the professional tone in which she spoke. (Reply any at the meeting) (Posted by Liz) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1435) ~Holographic warriors.~ thought Shrekt. ~Heh.~ she scoffed inwardly. ~What will they think of next?~ she wondered incredulously.  ~How do they expect me to train holograms?  Personnel is a bit short, but it's not that bad is it?  This is a science vessel after all.~ She laughed inwardly when her subordinates expressed their doubts.  Her face remained impassive throughout. ~As though flesh and blood were so easily replaced.~ she thought, her arms crossed akimbo.  Her own thoughts drifting to her family. When the meeting ended, she said to Sanok and Soma, "Looks like we're going to be part of the experiment, gentlemen.  Regardless of how we personally feel about this project, it is now part of our duty.  We shall adjust our training schedules to include time with these holographic automatons.  The captain has informed me that we will begin with an initial allotment of twelve, divided into two squads.  We'll start with simple training and later if they perform well, we can introduce them into the rotation for guard duty.  Any questions?" (Reply Sanok, Soma, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1436) Archibald looked across the room after all has spoken up. "First off, let me make the purpose of this meeting absolutely clear. We are performing a test as requested by Starfleet. And as I said previously, these trials will be performed by us. Let me add that we are expected to do so regardless of our personal wishes or desires. Whether someone considers this path a path of folly is irrelevant, it is a Starfleet order that we do so. We will perform the trials to the best of our abilities and observe the results and report them objectively. Naturally if the test subjects are deemed a danger to this vessel or her crew then we will stop the trial and we will inform Starfleet of this. We will, however, not tinker with it ourselves, we will not add, we will not remove, we will run the tests, observe and report. I am afraid that that means that the additional subroutines are nor permissible as they could affect the outcome of the trials. As for the status, the holograms have been called a tool and after the trials and reports that may very well be Starfleet's decision. Until that time, however, they are test subjects that we have been requested to test. And we can only test them whilst they are 'on the job'. Again, whether or not the usage of such tools is acceptable to you or not, that does not matter. You *will* use them as that is the purpose of the trial." Archibald nodded. "Resources are always limited on a starship. Any benefits we can receive from other sources will allow us to perform more tasks than we previously could. And personally I would be all for that. Oh, and Mister Sanok and Mister Soma, please do not whisper. If you have anything to add to a discussion, then you may do so without risk of it being used against you. But if it has nothing to do with the discussion, then please refrain from it and keep your attention to the issues at hand." The CO looked round and nodded at the staff. "I am always pleased to hear my crew speaking their mind and coming up with ideas and solutions. You may be certain that during a discussion your thoughts and opinions can be freely expressed. In such cases where changes are permissible, your inputs will determine the route that we will take. In those cases where changes are not permissible, the discussions will still be useful perhaps even more so that we all can understand what exactly is required of us. However, regardless of the route of decision making both Starfleet and I expect that once a decision is reached, you will do your utmost to follow the directive, fully, completely, as if it was our own invention, with the same eagerness." Archibald stared at Kit for a second. "Eagerness is a positive mind setting, but it lacks a certain .... objectivity." The CO scanned the personnel in the room again. "Objectivity is what is what is expected of Starfleet personnel, more than anything else. I hope you will not disappoint us." (reply all) (posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 1440) "Resources are always limited on a starship. Any benefits we can receive from other sources will allow us to perform more tasks than we previously could. And personally I would be all for that. Oh, and Mister Sanok and Mister Soma, please do not whisper. If you have anything to add to a discussion, then you may do so without risk of it being used against you. But if it has nothing to do with the discussion, then please refrain from it and keep your attention to the issues at hand." The CO looked round and nodded at the staff. Ben nodded his understanding and made a mental note to keep his mouth shut unless actually voicing his concerns rather than whispering about them. He was unaware that he and Sanok had been over heard, they would have to keep such comments to themselves in the future and express them outside of the briefing room. He made another mental note to discuss the situation with the holograms with Sanok at the earliest convenience.  The holograms could be a useful tool especially seeing how the ship had a much smaller crew than the Dennison. The security forces were a mere fraction of what they had previously, holographic security officers could be an asset if everything worked as it should. At least security would have the opportunity to test it first during a time that was slower, better now than when their full attention would be required if they were on the front lines. The EMH had been in service for decades with little trouble, but then again they were also unarmed. He listened as the Captain continued. Then he looked around at his assembled crew and said, "Objectivity is what is what is expected of Starfleet personnel, more than anything else. I hope you will not disappoint us." (reply by any) (posted by Milo Young)