NRPG: Compile Index: Stardate: 2408.02.23 (USS Mithrandir - Deck 03 ACEO Lanista - 10:35) Stardate: 2408.02.25 (USS Mithrandir - Deck 3, Planetology 2 - SciO Crewman Raymond Masterson - 0930) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Captain's ready room - SciO Crewman Raymond Masterson - 1010) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1013) Stardate: 2408.03.06 (USS Mithrandir - Bridge -  CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1035) (USS Mithrandir - Mess Hall -  CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1040) (USS Mithrandir - Mess Hall ACEO Lanista 1042) Stardate: 2408.03.15 (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room ACEO Lanista 1432) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1437) (USS Mithrandir-A Deck 01, Conference Room ACEO Lanista  1438) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 1, Conference Room, ATac Ensign Ben Soma, 1445) (USS Mithrandir Deck 01, Conference Room FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 1505) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 1, outside Conference Room, ATac Ensign Ben Soma, 1510) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 1, Outside Conference Room, ATac Ensign jg Sanok, 1512) (USS Mithrandir- Deck 1-Outside Conference Room- ATac Ensign Ben Soma - 1515) Stardate: 2408.04.14 (USS Mithrandir-A Deck 01, Ready Room CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 09:32) (USS Mithrandir-A - Deck 01, Ready Room - Senior Pilot Hawke - 09:33) (USS Mithrandir- Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 09:35) (USS Mithrandir Ready Room SP Hawke 09:36) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - SP Hawke - 0939) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 09:41) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.02.23 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Deck 03 ACEO Lanista - 10:35) "In that case, one is satisfied," said the medieval Perky-val, but not as briefly as that. He droned on like a set of DIron (bagpipes). Lanista accepted the 'tome of knowledge' and bowed her head slightly as she did so. She grinned at the man. She liked him. "You have been most kind in pre-prioritizing these," she said. "Perhaps when you have time, if you have time, you would consider performing an efficiency analysis of the other Departments." The ACEO bowed again and clicked her heels together once before turning on her heel and exiting the Sciences section of the ship. (Reply any/none) (Posted by Frank) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.02.25 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Deck 3, Planetology 2 - SciO Crewman Raymond Masterson - 0930) Ray couldn't have been happier.  He was finally at work once more.  He sat in front of the console, transferring his stored data into the ship's computer core.  He had been sending regular updates to Geneva, so the amount of data lost on the Dennison had been crucial but relatively minor, now that he had lab access once more.  He marveled at the advanced equipment now available to him and he could not have been happier. Of course, if one did not know him, one would have thought Ray to be in one of the various levels of hell.  His fellow scientists rolled their eyes and seeming ignored him, as he complained about inadequate maintenance or some other trivial matter.  He was so engrossed in his work that he completely missed the call from the captain.  It was not until one of his colleagues decided that it was better for him to be in the Captain's hair than in theirs, that Ray was pulled out of his train of thought and sent out of the lab. (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Captain's ready room - SciO Crewman Raymond Masterson - 1010) Ray sat stunned by the news the captain had just given him.  He did not typically go in for promotions.  It meant spending time learning things that were not related to his work.  But it also meant greater access to resources and less obstacles in his way.  He had entered the Captain's ready room in a foul mood, having been pulled away from the lab so soon after having been introduced. The news of Bracken's departure left Ray with mixed feelings.  A superior who came around to one's thinkings was far better than having to administer to the department, which is what part of this job would entail.  On the other hand, he would not have to justify himself further to his own requests. The temptation that the promotion provided though held too great an allure and he replied, "I will accept this....assignment, as ordered." He felt it best to be polite, since he was now in unfamiliar territory.  He did not know the Captain at all and he seemed a formidable man.  One did not enter a battle poorly armed and prepared.  Ray may have been focused on his work, but he was not a complete fool. (reply Stakes, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1013) Archibald regarded the scientists as he mulled over the news that Archibald had given him. But when he finally spoke, Archibald nearly regretted his choice. "I will accept this....assignment, as ordered." That didn't sound too .... enthusiastic. It wasn't the reaction that he had expected but then he considered what reaction he should have expected. And to be honest, he wasn't sure there. But somehow he was sure it wouldn't have been this one. Archibald cleared his throat and nodded. "Good, Chief Petty Officer Masterson. First port of call will be a rather lengthy list that Mister Bellephoron created regarding some .... improvements." Archibald slid over a PADD to the newly appointed AASciO. "Mister Bellephoron may have some ... unrequired tendencies but he seems to be concise. See to it that his work is been given the respect it deserves, whatever you consider that required respect to be. And I believe Commander Okita is still awaiting the duty rosters for the science department. See to it that he receives them promptly." Archibald nodded. "That should do for now. Anything you wish to bring up at the moment, Mister Masterson?" (reply Ray iyw) (posted by Adrie Geuken) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.03.06 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Bridge -  CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1035) Archibald was getting more and more into his role as ship's pilot, when his comm badge beeped. =/\= Hikaru to Captain Stakes. Sir, I think you might want to come to the Mess Hall. There is something that you need to see. =/\= Archibald sighed audibly then got up. "Mister Night, I broke her in for you, she'll behave now. Commander, whilst I see what is so urgent in the mess hall you have the bridge." (Reply Ele, Olorin, any) (USS Mithrandir - Mess Hall -  CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1040) "I hope there is a good reason for this, Miss Hikaru," Archibald started as soon as he entered the small room and looked around for the female Master of the Ship, as she was called by quite a large proportion of the crew by now, even without the ship having spent time in space before. He saw her standing near a wall and nodded towards the wall, or better said, a large Klingon female who stood in front of the wall looking at it. "I know her," Archibald commented dryly. "Any particular reason to point her out?" But before Mei Ling could say anything, Lanista turned round and took a step to the side, revealing a shelf attached to the wall with a plaque attached above it and a bottle of whiskey in front of it. It didn't take long for Archibald to recognise the bottle as the one that Dale had given him upon her return. He studied the scene for a second then bent closer to examine the plaque. His Klingonese was rusty, but he could read and understand enough of the lettering to get the drift. He nodded and turned round. "Miss Hikaru, let it be known that the first one who touches the bottle unauthorised will get fifty lashes. Or a suitless walk in space, if they prefer that. You may dust it, of course." Archibald then turned back and looked at the engineer for a second. "Acceptable, Ensign. Quite acceptable. Now tend to the ship. The port thruster side seems to require some rewiring." Archibald then nodded to her and started to walk out of the hall but stopped when he was midway to the door. "It is appreciated, Ensign." he said before continuing on his way out. (Reply by Mei Ling, Lani, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir - Mess Hall ACEO Lanista 1042) Miss Hikaru had not spoken directly to Lanista about the plaque, but it was obvious the smallish woman summoned the Captain. "I hope there is a good reason for this, Miss Hikaru," Lanista heard the Captain say. "I know her," he then added. "Any particular reason to point her out?" Lani’ turned away from the Honor Display once she’d finished affixing it to the wall. She watched as the CO examined her handiwork. He seemed to squint a bit as he studied the tlhIngan inscription, then he nodded in comprehension and spoke again to Hikaru:  "Miss Hikaru, let it be known that the first one who touches the bottle unauthorised will get fifty lashes. Or a suitless walk in space, if they prefer that. You may dust it, of course." The ACEO was smiling broadly at the Captain’s suggested punishments for any disruptions of the Display. Lanista grinned even more broadly when the commanding officer said, "Acceptable, Ensign. Quite acceptable." It wasn’t gushing praise, but if it had been it would have been too much. "Now tend to the ship. The port thruster side seems to require some rewiring," said the CO, back to business. Lanista liked that. He exited then, or moved to stopping himself just long enough to comment, "It is appreciated, Ensign," before continuing on. "Thank you, sir," Lanista said. "And you’re welcome." She would next go and address the RCS Thruster. (Reply Hikaru, any present, rfm) (Posted by Frank) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.03.15 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room ACEO Lanista 1432) The XO seemed intrigued by what Lanista had suggested regarding the ANPF/BNGP, and possible uniform reform, but he seemed intrigued in spite of himself, judging by his facial expression. Commander Okita confirmed the ACEO's suspicions about his assessment when 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…" The XO scanned the room with a look on his face similar to one Lanista had seen on the ship that had been Home. Klingons can look a would-be opponent in the eye and determine, by instinct, any intent to kill. The ship's First Officer was clearly not attempting to determine if anyone present intended violence, but he certainly appeared to be attempting to measure some intangible element in each officer present. This kind of perceptual ability was unusual in a non-Klingon, at least in Lanista's experience. Lanista felt somewhat insulted by what the XO had said. She caught this, and attempted to suppress it. This man, officer or no, had questioned her ability to perform her duties.. Lanista proceeded, keeping ire out of her voice by balling her left hand into a fist, "I have already suggested what resources may be needed. Allow me to remind you, Sir, that I have mentioned the Advanced Neural Pathway protocol. If that can successfully be applied to the computer cores, the augmentation to efficiency of the ship's bio-neural gelpacks may mitigate, or entirely eliminate, any need for compartmentalized memory." (Reply any) Lanista spoke up again. "Sir, if I may. I am well-versed in holographics." She thought ~jaghraj yISov~ (Know your enemy!) before continuing, "However, if you need more support for these holo-troopers than the ANPF, the present holo-system has two separate components the holographic imagery subsystem and the matter conversion units. Both subsystems, of course, draw power. Obviously, the imagery system is required. But an LMH, for example, is given the illusion of form by magnetic constriction force field- and micro-tractor- emitters. We could cut our power consumption by half with regard to this project by using biomimetic material, instead of holomatter, to give these non-creatures actual physical form. That will prevent us from having to allocate power to maintain mere simulation of physical cohesion. There are, of course, restrictions on the application of mimetic matter." Shooting a brief glance toward the Captain, she said, "Clearance for that might need to come from Fleet Command. Barring that allowance, I recommend separating the holo system from the main power grid, and power it with an isolated auxiliary generator." Looking back to Olorin, she stated, "Beyond the implementation of these things I have mentioned, Engineering's contribution to this effort is likely to be restricted to simple preventive maintenance." ~Art thrives on restriction,~ she thought. Accomplishment when options are limited is all the more satisfying. Lanista pondered marrying this project to her own, by adding OHDs (omnidirectional holo diodes) to the fabric matrix of the uniforms she wanted to prepare. But she kept this to herself for now, tapping into her PADD-corder a few notes on the addition of OHDs into the garment alterations file. (Reply Any) (posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 1, Conference Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1437) "I have already suggested what resources may be needed. Allow me to remind you, Sir, that I have mentioned the Advanced Neural Pathway protocol. If that can successfully be applied to the computer cores, the augmentation to efficiency of the ship's bio-neural gelpacks may mitigate, or entirely eliminate, any need for compartmentalized memory." Archibald looked from the engineer to the Commander as the temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees. "Noted, Ensign," Archibald suddenly spoke up. "But if my memory serves me correctly, the advanced neural pathway protocols have yet to be tested in earnest, am I correct?" (Reply by Lani, any) "Regardless, Ensign, it would make me feel 'safer' to know that any experimental piece of software is kept well away from our normal computer systems and activities. Star Fleet is, or should be, well aware of the computer capabilities of a Nova class. But prepare a test for the application of the ANP protocols to the computer core and perform it together with Operations. It is always good to have a backup plan." "Sir, if I may. I am well-versed in holographics. However, if you need more support for these holo-troopers than the ANPF, the present holo-system has two separate components: the holographic imagery subsystem and the matter conversion units. Both subsystems, of course, draw power. Obviously, the imagery system is required. But an LMH, for example, is given the illusion of form by magnetic constriction force field- and micro-tractor- emitters. We could cut our power consumption by half, with regard to this project, by using biomimetic material, instead of holomatter, to give these non-creatures actual physical form. That will prevent us from having to allocate power to maintain mere simulation of physical cohesion. There are, of course, restrictions on the application of mimetic matter." "Of course,", Archibald cut in. "one of them being that biomimetic gels are controlled substances in the Federation and that usage of small amounts is allowed for scientific work ONLY after review and approval by Starfleet Research and Development. But continue, Ensign." Shooting a brief glance toward the Captain, she said, "Clearance for that might need to come from Fleet Command. Barring that allowance, I recommend separating the holo system from the main power grid, and power it with an isolated auxiliary generator." Looking back to Olorin, she stated, "Beyond the implementation of these things I have mentioned, Engineering's contribution to this effort is likely to be restricted to simple preventive maintenance." Archibald sighed inwardly. He couldn't see how R&D would allow the use of a significant amount of biomimetic material for a 'simple' improvement unless it was absolutely necessary. But then he thought again. Was R&D aware of the little egg that the Starfleet builders had placed ion the ship? It might very well be that they had simulated the energy expenditure of the HAP but with a cloak on board the energy distribution of the Mithrandir was anything but normal for a Nova class. But they would have to make sure that the energy use was not sufficient before R&D would even consider the possibility of the usage of the biomimetic matter. "Install the auxiliary generator, Ensign," Archibald stated. "But do not hook it up just yet. If there is any indication that our power supply is insufficient we will bring the auxiliary online and cut the HAL off the main power supply." Archibald nodded. "Anything else, gentlemen?" (reply by Lani, any) (posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir-A Deck 01, Conference Room ACEO Lanista  1438) Archibald looked from the engineer to the Commander as the temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees. "Noted, Ensign," said the CO in response to bringing up the Advanced Neural Pathway protocol. "But if my memory serves me correctly, the advanced neural pathway protocols have yet to be tested in earnest, am I correct?" "You are correct, and … not quite correct, sir," Lanista offered. "While it is perfectly true that Accelerated Critical Neural Pathway Formation has never been used in this fashion, the technology is not by any means new. It was perfected in the 2340s, and planets such as Adigeon Prime practice it as a medical procedure." Lanista nodded at the slug-steed, Nymes. She knew if the ANPF were to succeed, she would need his help. Humans and most other Federation races acknowledged the times when their codependence on each other could be an advantage. So it made sense to acknowledge the CMO. However, Klingons did not ask for help, they induced it by the application of superior strength generally. And Vulcans, though a founding race of the Federation, were not known for their indulgence in (or of) pleasantries. Thus, the nod toward the Doctor was all Lanista thought immediately necessary with regard to the Medical Department. The ACEO continued to outline the project. "Cmdr Trevan West, aboard the De’nISSon, gave me to understand that if this can be performed to enhance the formation of cognitive pathways in the bioneural gelpacks it would not be considered a type of genetic engineering, as it is when applied to the brain and nervous system of a humanoid. So, while this is a new application, we would not be pioneering a new field. If you wish me to proceed, it will … as it does when illegally applied to life-forms, tremendously increase the capacity of the starship’s computer cores in data analysis, deduction, induction, and theoretical exposition." Replied the Captain, "Regardless, Ensign, it would make me feel 'safer' to know that any experimental piece of software is kept well away from our normal computer systems and activities. Star Fleet is, or should be, well aware of the computer capabilities of a Nova class. But prepare a test for the application of the ANP protocols to the computer core and perform it together with Operations. It is always good to have a backup plan." Lanista looked to the representatives of Operations present at the meeting. She grinned as the CO went on. Her ears perked up again when the Captain commanded, "Install the auxiliary generator, but do not hook it up just yet. If there is any indication that our power supply is insufficient we will bring the auxiliary online and cut the HAL off the main power supply." Archibald nodded, which was a physical 'tell' the CO seemed to have. It was almost unvoiced punctuation in some cases. It reminded the ACEO a bit of her grandfather’s mannerisms. That, coupled with the mention of mimetic materiel, made Lanista think that she could get her hands on some of the contraband ... but she doubted the Captain could be persuaded to look the other way. "Yes, sir!" Lanista said, with a bit more enthusiasm that was truly warranted. She was excited to have been given clearance to work on her experiment, but she understood installing the generator (and keeping the ship functioning properly) was and must be her first concern. (Reply any) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 1, Conference Room, ATac Ensign Ben Soma, 1445) "I have no questions, Lieutenant," said Sanok.  "As the captain stated, we have been ordered to conduct this experiment.  Therefore, we are required to give our best.  That is what I shall do, regardless of my personal thoughts on the project." Ben listened as Sanok responded to Lt. Shrekt’s question. They were to receive 12 holographic security officers, split into two squads that they would have to train and evaluate. Reports would then be filed with headquarters on the performance of the program and then Fleet would make a decision to keep them or go back to the drawing board. "No questions, Sanok summed it up pretty good. We have our orders, and we have a job to perform. I will follow those orders and give my best effort to the project." Ben replied. "I'm not fond of Starfleet's new pet project, but the EMH has proven quite useful." ( reply Shrekt, Sanok/any iyw) ( posed by Milo Young) (USS Mithrandir Deck 01, Conference Room FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 1505) At the conclusion of the meeting, Olorin walked up to Lieutenant Nymes.  "Lieutenant, I am afraid that I have not had the opportunity to undergo my physical exam.  I was wondering if now would be appropriate or if you would like to test the LMH's diagnostic skills?" The last time he had gone down the sickbay he had chatted with a young ensign, but had ended up getting called away before he could be looked at.  The discussion regarding the LMH had reminded him that he needed to complete his physical and there was no time like the present.  As it was he had not spent much time with the ship's physician and this was a good opportunity to interact with him. (Reply Nymes) "Lead the way, Lieutenant," said Olorin, as he followed Nymes out the door. (reply Nymes, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 1, outside Conference Room, ATac Ensign Ben Soma, 1510) After exiting the conference room Ben walked over towards Sanok. Now was as good a time as ever to hear his friend’s views on the new holo program. Ben himself had reservations and it seemed like Sanok had a few of his own. The thought of officers being replaced with holograms was not pleasant, maybe Starfleet wasn't thinking about it but Ben was. If the program worked it was possible to implement the program on a starship with a couple officers to evaluate the viability of a completely hologram run ship. It may not occur in his lifetime, but eventually it may become reality. Stepping next to Sanok he said, "What do you think of the new program?" He was unsure of how his friend would react to the question, as he looked around to see that the hallway was clearing out and they would be able to speak freely. "Think the Brass will ever try to have a ship run by holograms?" (reply Sanok) (posted by Milo Young) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 1, Outside Conference Room, ATac Ensign jg Sanok, 1512) "What do you think of the new program?" said Ben. "Think the Brass will ever try to have a ship run by holograms?" "Nearly 150 years ago, Dr. Daystrom tried to have starships completely controlled by a computer, to allow people to not die in space, and to pursue other things. Starfleet and the Federation backed this failed project. It is inevitable that they will one day send ships crewed solely by holograms. If they could manage it, they would send holographic ships." Sanok paused and thought for a moment. "No matter how advanced technology becomes, exploring and learning and seeking what's out there, is all about living beings. Without that," Sanok shrugged, "what's the point?" (Reply Ben) (Posted by Bob) (USS Mithrandir- Deck 1-Outside Conference Room- ATac Ensign Ben Soma - 1515) "No matter how advanced technology becomes, exploring and learning and seeking what's out there, is all about living beings. Without that," Sanok shrugged, "what's the point?" Ben considered what Sanok had said before speaking, "Good point, guess our jobs will be safe for the foreseeable future. But you have to admit, if it did come to pass the loss of life in any conflict will be reduced to almost zero. If a ship were destroyed the only loss would be the ship." Ben paused for a moment, who was he trying to convince Sanok or himself. The program would take many years to reach the point where it could be let loose on a starship by itself, and even then there would still have to be a team of engineers on board to ensure everything was going smoothly with the holo matricies. "Anyway, we'll have our work cut out for us putting the holo-security officers through their paces. With the limited staff we have we'll have to take a more hands on approach." Ben said. (reply Sanok iyw) (posted by Milo Young) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: Interlude Stardate: 2408.04.14 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir-A Deck 01, Ready Room CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 09:32) Archibald's computer beeped a warning. He lay the PADD that he had been reading aside and assessed his computer. He started to frown when he read the system message sent to the security chief, the FO and himself to denoted that someone had tried to start a communication with an unknown person. But that person was known to the Starbase system that they were linked to. And when Archibald read on, he realised that he knew him as well. ~Why would anyone want to contact Arnie Sprakes?~ he thought. And he remembered reading that a man called "Hawke" was due to report in as senior shuttle pilot. "Computer! Cross-reference 'Hawke' with 'Arnold Sprakes'. What is the relationship?" [No relationship established.] Archibald shook his head. This could take ages. "Computer, locate 'Hawke'." [Chief Technician Hawke is currently on Deck 1, Section 1, USS Mithrandir.] Archibald frowned. "Why?" [Unable to compute]. Archibald sighed and got up. Computers may have an IQ many times higher than humans but sometimes they were so unbelievable dumb. He was about to walk out and look for this 'Hawke'-person, when he stopped in his tracks. "Computer, play the message that Hawke sent to Arnold Sprakes." There was a silence for a second for the computer to link the command with the authorisation codes that would enable someone else to listen in to the communication. =/\=Hawke, Ezekiel Odysseus, Master Specialist, Senior Pilot, Call Sign 'EaZy' to Captain Arnold Sprakes. Ah am outside y'r Ready-Aim-Fire-Room and am just itchin t'report f'r duty, sir!=/\= Archibald frowned then after some thoughts went back to his desk and sat down, overriding his door switch from his desk. "Mister Hawke, enter!" He waited for the pilot to comply and nodded once to him. "Mister Hawke, before we continue, I wish you to know that I insist on correct communication at all times. Federation standard, if you please. Also please note that you are not reporting in as a fighter pilot but as Starfleet shuttle pilot. And Starfleet does not use call signs for shuttle pilots. Oh, and in case you wonder, my name is Archibald Stakes, Captain of the USS Mithrandir. Now then, Mister Hawke, you have something to tell me?" (Reply by Hawke, any) (posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir-A - Deck 01, Ready Room - Senior Pilot Hawke - 09:33) The veteran pilot inhaled after being called into the Ready Room with a very matter-of-fact "Mister Hawke, enter!" He stepped into the Ready Room and stood at what Starfleet stopped short of calling "At Attention." The Starfleet was not a military organization, at least it preferred not to be perceived as such. There were, however, traditions that died hard. "Mister Hawke, before we continue, I wish you to know that I insist on correct communication at all times. Federation standard, if you please. Also please note that you are not reporting in as a fighter pilot but as Starfleet shuttle pilot. And Starfleet does not use call signs for shuttle pilots," said the Captain. Again Ezekiel took a deep breath. He had lapsed into his drawl during his retirement/hiatus. He had forgotten how his way of speaking informally tended to infuriate anyone not so blessed as to be born and raised in the South of Earth's North American continent. "Yessir, I understand. Correct communication is very important. I've had the great misfortune of seeing people die as a consequence of any less. I understand about the Call Sign, sir. EeZee happens to be the first two letters of mah first name, sir. I have always encouraged my friends and coworkers to call me that." "Oh, and in case you wonder, my name is Archibald Stakes, Captain of the USS Mithrandir." said the Captain. "You sure, sir?" Hawke looked at his PADD. "My transfer orders..." The pilot looked from the device to the Captain's face. He thought he saw a hint of a grimace or scowl there. "...are clearly wrong. Captain sTakes, it is." "Now then, Mister Hawke, you have something to tell me?" said the Captain. "If I may, sir," Ezekiel Odysseus Hawke said with a charming (and well-practiced) grin, "I feel I would be derelict in my duty if I did not inform you that I have flown with and for the best throughout my career. If it is a Captain's Yacht or smaller, I'm your man. Oh, and those incidents about buzzing the bridge at closer-than-regulation distance -- that was a matter of..." Hawke paused. "That won't happen now, sir." (Reply Stakes) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir- Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 09:35) "You sure, sir?" Hawke looked at his PADD. "My transfer orders..." Archibald shot the man a warning glance. "...are clearly wrong. Captain sTakes, it is." "Now then, Mister Hawke, you have something to tell me?" "If I may, sir," the pilot said with a grin that made Archibald inwardly shudder. "I feel I would be derelict in my duty if I did not inform you that I have flown with and for the best throughout my career. If it is a Captain's Yacht or smaller, I'm your man. Oh, and those incidents about buzzing the bridge at closer-than-regulation distance -- that was a matter of..." Hawke paused. "That won't happen now, sir." "I would take that as a given, Mister Hawke," Archibald responded with a short stare. "Not unless you wish to spend your time on board this vessel with scrubbing the hangar decks." Archibald fell silent for a second. "As for your record of service, you may be assured that I am well aware of your past ..... actions. And while ... rookie flying is the term isn't it? While rookie flying may have been necessary or expected in your previous employment, let me assure you that that is not the case here.  In fact, it is a flying trait that I would suggest you forget about completely. I will not accept, or allow, any actions that are unnecessary riskfull. And *I* will be the judge of what is deemed necessary or not, Mister Hawke." Again the senior pilot received a stare. "Other than that, I expect you to be fully conversant with all secondary craft that we have on board, including our waverider. I suggest you make that your first priority. As for lodgings, a bunk has been reserved for you on Deck 4, to be shared with another pilot, a Crewman ..... Taggard. I would suggest you find your place of resting and then familiarise yourself with our craft. Unless there is something else you wish to discuss?" (Reply Eze) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir Ready Room SP Hawke 09:36) "I would take that as a given, Mister Hawke," Archibald responded with a short stare. "Not unless you wish to spend your time on board this vessel with scrubbing the hangar decks," said the Captain. "As for your record of service, you may be assured that I am well aware of your past ..... actions. And while ... rookie flying is the term isn't it? While rookie flying may have been necessary or expected in your previous employment, let me assure you that that is not the case here. In fact, it is a flying trait that I would suggest you forget about completely. I will not accept, or allow, any actions that are unnecessary riskfull. And *I* will be the judge of what is deemed necessary or not, Mi ster Hawke." The Captain paused to stare, again. He seemed to like doing that. "Other than that, I expect you to be fully conversant with all secondary craft that we have on board, including our waverider. I suggest you make that your first priority. As for lodgings, a bunk has been reserved for you on Deck 4, to be shared with another pilot, a Crewman ..... Taggard. I would suggest you find your place of resting and then familiarize yourself with our craft. Unless there is something else you wish to discuss?" “Sir, scrubbing the decks is part of ground work. The leaves can't enjoy the breeze unless the roots have a solid hold, if you take my meaning, Cap'n. My “˜yeehaa’ days are long gone, sir. I consider it the folly of a misspent youth. Painted more than a few kills on my fighter, but you haven't got call for that these days. No, old men talk and young men die. I've been young, tried my hand at dying and failed at that,” Hawke said with a wink. “I figure I qualify to talk some, these days.” Hawke paused for breath. “I wrote the book on Auxiliary Craft, Cap’n. Okay, well, I wrote A book on 8em. Waveriders included. Part and parcel of the whole Pilot gig. I look forward to this Taggard person. She wouldn’t be a nice redhead, would she?” said Hawke, winking again. (Reply CO Stakes) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - SP Hawke - 0939) "Captain, Mister Hawke. Not Kep'n, Cap'n, Skipper, just CapTAIn. And whilst we are at it, I suggest you see a Doctor, Mister Hawke. You seem to have developed a significant tic. Unless you have been signaling your physical interest in me. In which case I suggest you drop that idea as I have a wife and she outranks you. OR it could be that you have not yet made the necessary connection. I am your Commanding Officer. I am *not* a buddy, I do *not* engage in wink-wink-nudge-nudge. I give orders and I expect them to be carried out without questions, without come-back. I am well aware that I may give the order that will terminate your life. So a bit more decorum, if you please," said the Captain. Hawke cleared his throat and stood (more or less) at attention. Starfleet was not a military organization so the posture wasn't exactly required, but Hawke felt it was necessary after the Captain's comment. "Yes, sir. Thank you, Captain," said Hawke. "Permission to be dismissed, sir?!" (Reply CapTAIn Stakes) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir - Ready Room - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 09:41) "Yes, sir. Thank you, Captain," said Hawke. "Permission to be dismissed, sir?!" Archibald showed the pilot a humourless smile. "Better, Mister Hawke. Much better. I see that we will get along splendidly. Good. Permission granted. Regardless of the books that you may have written about secondary craft, our shuttle bay is something that can only be believed by seeing it. I do hope you are not claustrophobic." Archibald nodded. "You may go." (Reply Eze, iyw) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Mithrandir Ready Room - SP Hawke 0942) "Better, Mister Hawke. Much better. I see that we will get along splendidly. Good. Permission granted. Regardless of the books that you may have written about secondary craft, our shuttle bay is something that can only be believed by seeing it. I do hope you are not claustrophobic." The CapTAIn nodded. "You may go." “Thank you, sir. I’ll have a look-see ahem, a look, sir,” said Hawke as he departed the Ready Room. “He’s a stiff,” grumbled Hawke, “this Archibald Stakes. The SP changed the “˜Arnold Sprakes’ that someone had entered in his transfer orders to the appropriate name. “There you go, Arch,” Hawke said to no one in particular. “Good ole stiff Archie Stakes. Starchy. Starch Arch!” Ezekiel O. Hawke reminded himself he would have to watch his step with this man, this officer, the capTAIn. And it wouldn’t be just one step, it seemed. It would have to be all of them. Still, he was grinning when he reached the Deck 01 Turbolift, and still smiling when he ultimately reached the Hangar. (USS Mithrandir Deck 04, Aft, Hangar SP Hawke 0945) “Well shoot, it is small,” Hawke said. The two primary auxiliary craft, along with the two secondary Type-16 shuttlepods, took up fully half of the shuttlebay’s available floor space. The duo of workbees at l east were stowed out of the way, up in the “˜rafters.’ There were no specialized storage areas for the shuttles (-crafts or -pods), so anything not in actual use would have to be secured with gravimetric tethers when anything came in or went out. “I’ve seen closets bigger than this!” Hawke faux-protested. He pretended to tap his combadge and said, “Hello, Room Service. Send up a larger room.” The SP then looked closely at each of the aux. craft in turn. Now engaged in business, he was all business. He began tapping requirements into his PADD, developing a list of This-Won’t-Do items he would either have to address himself or have addressed. (Reply any) (Posted by Frank)