Day -4, 1150 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (Earth, Starfleet Command Admiral's Mess, Admiral Errol Heatherby, Day -4, 1150) Errol took his seat at the table in the admiral's mess and smiled as the waiter poured him a glass of ice water. "Will you be dining alone today Admiral?" The Bolian server asked him. "No, I'm expecting Captain Saleke to join me for lunch. please see to it that he won't have any difficulties gaining access to the mess." The Bolian nodded once. "Of course Admiral. I'll make certain of it." The server then filled a second glass with water before disappearing to await the admiral's guest. Errol had been in the service of Starfleet for a very long career. A long serving member of the admiralty, he had found himself serving on the admiralty board during the Doenitz regime. A moderate by choice and design, Errol had managed to keep his position and his head during that turbulent time. He had been given command of the third fleet, which thankfully he managed to use in ways that would not be seen as dishonorable. To a degree he had believed in Rodrigo's vision, although not his method of bringing it about. Heatherby had been given the good fortune to be assigned with his fleet to secure the borders of the warring Civil war against the Cardassians, Romulans and Klingons that might think about rushing across the border to snap up a few choice morsels of Federation territory. This had placed him into a few minor skirmishes with both the Klingons and the Orions. The former as they were beginning to lend their support to Robert LaDona's rebellious 52nd Fleet. In the end, Errol had managed to personally take command of his fleet on the border rather than remaining at Command. It was a maneuver that would allow him a great deal of autonomy, while giving the illusion of remaining strictly loyal to the fundamentals of the Federation. He managed to keep his fleet intact by inflating the threats of activity along the border, rather than allowing Rodrigo to send it into some slaughter against another Federation world or against a significant force belonging to the 52nd Fleet. Now, he was reaping the rewards of his forethought. He had performed his duty completely and honorably. There were no questionable acts on his record. He had treated prisoners with compassion and in the end the Tribunal could not find any fault in his actions. he had walked away from the War unscathed and promoted to Vice Admiral. He could see the irony in having lunch with the very captain, whose ship he had destroyed during one of the engagements of the civil war. Captain Saleke had lead a very stealthy strike against one of Heatherby's supply depots, setting back his supply chain considerably. The raid had been a complete success for the 52nd Fleet. but in the end, it was the Flag ship of his fleet, the USS Hornet that had destroyed the Norway class starship responsible for the attack. At the time, Heatherby had thought that it had been destroyed with all hands, but apparently that had not been the case. If he had known otherwise, Captain Saleke would have spent several months in a brig aboard the Hornet rather than stranded on a hardly habitable hunk of rock. It made little difference now. None of value beyond the immediate irony anyway. Of course, Captain Saleke had been left waiting in the wings since his recovery by a Bajoran vessel. No one in the admiralty was quick to reassign him to command of a ship. They all suspected that the Vulcan had some personal issues that may make him unsuitable for command of a starship again, although those were only suspicions. The real reasons that they had denied him his command was because of his physical injuries. But now those were healed and Saleke had been given a clean bill of health. In fact, Errol was counting on the possibilities of Saleke having personal issues, or at the very least sticking to his principles with unerring resolve. He knew what to expect of the captain, his former enemy. He had faced off against him in the thick of things and had seen his resourcefulness and his inability to concede defeat. He knew that Saleke would make the perfect surgical instrument when the time came. He glanced up from the menu and noticed the captain's arrival at the maitre d's stand. ------------------------- Day -4, 1152 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (Earth, Starfleet Command Admiral's Mess, Captain Saleke , Day -4, 1152) The Vulcan scanned the hall as he stood waiting for the head waiter to move in his direction, his sharp eyes settled on the vice-admiral almost immediately. Saleke had very little dealings normally with any of the higher ranking fleet officers beyond Commodore Sanchez who had been his point of contact at starbase Geneva and this call to Earth had been highly unorthodox in his estimation though of course his induction into the fleet and the following promotions had been during a time of war when the 52nd fleet had cut itself off both militarily and by distance from Star Fleet headquarters on Earth. After his rescue by the Bajoran Free Trade ship Mesipal he had also spent his convalescent leave on Geneva to recuperate from the severe bout of toxemia, anemia and dehydration suffered on a formerly unnamed planetoid near the Canopius system now given the simple designation Alpha Serapsis 149. But now with a clean bill of health just granted only days ago came this summons. Logically then it stood to reason that some in the admirality had taken an interest in him though he of course had no interest in that conclusion beyond the intellectual exercise and the possibility that a ship might be made available for him. StarFleet as he had known it had changed completely in the eight months since the USS Poseidon on which he had last served had been destroyed in action. The hall was opulent in a word with five stories above and around them of shining metal and translucent windows through which could be seen the countryside surrounding StarFleet headquarters on Terra of which this gleaming building housing the offices of the admirality was a part. The tables were laid with crystal, china and white linen, in comparison the starbase had been utilitarian and more in keeping with the tastes of a follower of logic and clarity. While such exhibitions of ostentacious wealth and luxury were a known complement of rank and and diplomacy, kept at great expense for the display and pleasure of the makers of policy and treaties their subtleties were lost on one such as he who saw illogic in its grandiose visions. Forms however must be followed when dealing with those who graced these environs, he had worn a more formal version of his command uniform to this meeting. Saleke stood with his hands cupped behind his back, balanced lightly on the balls of his feet as the Bolian maitre-de made his way toward him with a slight smile upon his face as if trying to impress upon him the importance of his appearance, again lost upon the Vulcan who found the gesture to be unnecessary. "Captain Saleke I presume." He nodded slightly in acknowledgement causing the four gold pips upon his collar to sparkle momentarily. "The Admiral has been expecting you, I have been given instructions to facilitate your entry. Please come with me." Having spoken the Bolian then turned and moved toward the admirals table followed by Saleke who held himself ramrod straight and tall while walking with that gait which more than one person had commented on in the past, likening it to the grace and stored energy of a stalking bengal tiger. Indeed his strength and vigor had fully returned over time and due to his training regimen even increased by an estimated 6.3 percent along with an additional two pounds in weight due to an increase in muscle mass. The waiter moved to the admiral and stooped down slightly to gain his attention and spoke to him softly before straightening back up and nodding toward Saleke. Saleke nodded as he stepped deftly to the table. "Good day Admiral, Captain Saleke reporting as ordered." An eyebrow was raised at the invitation but he nodded and accepted the proffered seat, noting a ready glass of chilled water in a sweating crystal glass though he made no move toward it. He chose instead to wait on the admiral to explain the purpose of the summons. ------------------------- Day -4, 1155 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (Earth, Starfleet Command Admiral's Mess, Admiral Errol Heatherby, Day -4, 1155) Errol watch the Vulcan captain as he made his way across the room to his table, where Heatherby was waiting. It was apparent that Saleke was uncomfortable or disapproving, although it was not clear which of the two was the most likely case. The Vulcan's body language spoke of rigid discipline and his eyes seemed to have a keen shine to them as he crossed the room. He exuded confidence and ability, both were attributes that all starship captains should have. The waiter led Saleke to the table then stepped over and whispered quietly in Errol's ear. "Captain Saleke, admiral." Errol nodded, and replied with, " Thank you. I'll let you know when we are ready to order our meal." The waiter straightened up and with a single nod made himself scarce. "Good Day captain," the admiral greeted the Vulcan standing before him. Saleke nodded as he stepped deftly to the table. "Good day Admiral, Captain Saleke reporting as ordered." "Welcome captain, please be at ease and have a seat." Errol replied with a short hand gesture to the chair across from him. An eyebrow was raised at the invitation but Saleke nodded and accepted the proffered seat. "I certain that you are aware of the reason that I've asked you here captain." Errol began. "It's a simple matter of logical deduction. I know that you're aware that one of the reasons that you've been sitting on the sidelines was because of your physical health. That is no longer a factor. There was also the added complication that there are still a significant shortage of operable starships for the qualified Captains that we seem to have in surplus these days." "That said, the admiralty has been reviewing the service records of those surplus captains and making some hard decisions as to the disposition of those personnel. That is to say that we are asking some Starfleet Captains to accept early retirement or accept non-ship command posts." Errol picked up his glass of water and took a sip, allowing the condensation to drip onto the linen table cloth before replacing the glass on the table. "You have an exemplary command record Captain. And no one could claim otherwise. You've achieved every mission ever set before you exercising good judgment and technical and practical experience. You've commanded one of the most advanced class of starships in the fleet efficiently and effectively. But this was during a time of civil strife." Errol paused again before continuing. "As you are aware, there is a certain degree of bias against officers that were promoted to their captaincy during the civil war. Most of those officers don't have the experience or skill to conduct the day to day operations of a starship outside of the military scenarios that the civil war made necessary. That's why I've called you here." "On the contrary captain. While several of my fellow compatriots doubt that you have the ability to perform well in the non-militaristic future for Starfleet, I suspect otherwise. I'm here to offer you the opportunity to show the rest of the admiralty that they are wrong about you and that you not only have the ability, but the wisdom to continue to serve the Federation as a starship captain. How do you feel about that?" Of course, Errol knew that as a Vulcan Saleke wouldn't have any feelings about his previous statement one way or the other. He was however, interested in hearing the captain's reply to his emotional question. The admiral nodded. "Let's have lunch, shall we?" the admiral asked then and waved the waiter over to the table. Before the Bolian arrived the admiral continued, "I recommend the plomek soup. I understand it is simply amazing." The waiter reached the table and immediately asked, "What can I get you gentlemen?" "I'd like a pair of grilled Portabella Mushroom Caps with the balsamic demiglaze, some asparagus and bowl of plomek soup to begin please." The waiter nodded, apparently memorizing the admiral's order. "And for you, Captain?" the waiter asked turning his attention to the Vulcan. The waiter nodded, "I'll have those out straight away gentlemen." Once the Bolian was gone, Errol turned back to Saleke. "Starfleet Intelligence has been working overtime since the restoration of the presidency to root out the more clever supporters of the previous Doenitz regime." Heatherby continued, "There are several members of Command that seem to think that this is a waste of valuable resources since those elements are no longer a threat to the security of the Federation, now that Doenitz is no more. My personal opinion is that just because you kill the biggest snake in the nest doesn't mean that the others aren't poisonous." "Most of the starships assigned to patrol along the Cardassian-Federation border are commanded by prior Doenitz supporters who were exonerated by military tribunals. Somehow BUPERS managed to assign them to this particular region of space in numbers. To me this is asking for trouble. The area along this border is full of uncharted planets which could serve as a rally point for a resurgence of hostilities." "There are also sources that have verified that Dominion warships have managed to infiltrate Federation space entering our territory from the adjacent Cardassian sectors. Which leads me to wonder if there is a faction of the fleet that may be negotiating an alliance with either the Dominion or the Cardassians to support an insurgency or at the least to help destabilize the Federation in return for some unspecified rewards." Errol nodded. "In the yards at Utopia right now is the USS Furious, she's a Prometheus class ship. She will be ready to leave dock at 2300 hours today. Captain Harney was originally assigned to take command of her, but he was killed in a freak transporter accident arriving aboard ship yesterday morning. I need a replacement captain who knows what is at stake and is capable of working within the unwritten code of conduct and duty that we're sworn to. I've come to believe that you are such a Commanding Officer, captain Saleke." The Bolian waiter returned then with their meals, and placed them in front of the tables occupants. "Is there anything else I can get you gentlemen?" Errol smiled then replied, "No thank you. Just some privacy." The Bolian nodded and made himself scarce. Errol looked at Saleke. "This is a serious situation. And every action I've taken is calculated, including having this discussion here instead of in my office. It's important that people realize that you have been assigned as Harnet's replacement. That means that you could well be at risk if Harney's mishap was anything other than an accident." "If you agree to take the command, knowing now what I've told you, then the Furious is yours, otherwise you take your chances that another command may not open up in the future. In the meantime, I'll assign you to the Advanced Command Training Academy as an instructor." The admiral nodded and then smiled. "Then here are your official orders captain. You are to take command of the USS Furious and take her to the Ikev Sector, adjacent to the Federation Cardassian border, where you are to conduct border patrol operations. This is to take place at 1400 hours. Your first officer is Commander Erin Sloane." "Now let's have our lunch and make small talk. It's important that you stay here long enough for the word to filter out before assuming your new command. And for what it's worth Captain, congratulations." ------------------------- Day -4 - 1157 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (Earth, Starfleet Command Admiral's Mess, Captain Saleke -4, 1157) As the Vice-Admiral was dismissing the waiter Saleke used hus acute mental faculties to weigh the man set before him, the Vulcan had taken a keen interest in the study of behavior in humans from the beginning of his term in the Academy now less than two years ago. This of course fit quite nicely into his original chosen profession, that of a science officer which had been fulfilled literally full bloom from the beginnings of his career when he had stepped aboard the USS Nimitz as its CSO. The man who sat before him had begun his career in StarFleet some twenty six years ago and had worked his way up through the OPS position to sit today upon one of the pinnacles of his profession and at the age of fifty three was a highly capable commander of starships. The most intriguing question about the man though lay not in his command ability but in his adaption to the halls of power within the inner circles of the UFP, a circle which had only recently borne out the caution voiced during the dawn of Renaissance civilization upon Earth upon the dangers of power when courted too heavily. Such environs tended to change men in ways that were at times clearly definable and at other times not so much so. The political intrigues and powerplays molded some into oily perveyors of thinly veiled lies and doublespeak while others resisted the temptations and trappings of inherited glory though changing in other ways such as becoming guarded and distant, hiding their true intentions and thoughts behind false smiles and cameraderie. A few... and only a few such as LoDona and Jopek retained their original principals and used them to forge a new Federation from the ashes and scorched earth left behind by one of the former. From Admiral Heatherbies portfolio then he knew him to be neither the former nor the latter which was partially a credit then to his account. Not supporting Rodrigo Doenitz so zealously that he became entangled in the mans fall yet not with the insight, logic or fortitude to stand in a pronounced fashion against his depredations. Errol Heatherby had that distinctly human capability then of smiling at the approaching Captain while hiding other thoughts behind hooded eyes. Even for a Vulcan who espoused logic over emotion such signs as a slightly mocking or possessive smile denoting hidden intentions could be quantified and weighed if the individual knew of their unique traits and was observant enough to consider them. Saleke then having that capability had already weighed that information and filed it away behind an impassive mein. With the Bolian scurrying off the admiral then turned his attention back upon his invited guest. "I certain that you are aware of the reason that I've asked you here captain. It's a simple matter of logical deduction. I know that you're aware that one of the reasons that you've been sitting on the sidelines was because of your physical health. That is no longer a factor. There was also the added complication that there are still a significant shortage of operable starships for the qualified Captains that we seem to have in surplus these days." That was undeniable fact of course, the attrition upon the resources of StarFleet on both sides in the manner of hundreds of warp capable ships among them the larger and more heavily armed cruisers and warships had been tremendous. Without the help of their allies the Klingons it would have been unavoidable to have one of the Federations enemies test the newly rebuilt governments resolve and might long before now despite the best efforts of the UFP to keep those numbers secret. It wasn't even a consideration for the Vulcan, whether or not those numbers of lost ships would figure into the time frame for a new command. It was all inherently and undeniably logical. "That said, the admiralty has been reviewing the service records of those surplus captains and making some hard decisions as to the disposition of those personnel. That is to say that we are asking some Starfleet Captains to accept early retirement or accept non-ship command posts." That was also fact, every StarFleet Captain had been informed of the new procedure which was designed to reduce the backlog of promotable command officers. As the admiral took a drink Saleke also knew that the moment had been drawn out for dramatic consideration or as a form of test. An emotional being might have summed it up as baiting, this also dovetailed quite logically with the Vulcans early observation of the admirals manner. If the Admiral then was looking for some form of reaction he found none, only an impassive visage that was as calm and dispassionate as though they were discussing one of the facets of the IDIC. "You have an exemplary command record Captain. And no one could claim otherwise. You've achieved every mission ever set before you exercising good judgment and technical and practical experience. You've commanded one of the most advanced class of starships in the fleet efficiently and effectively. But this was during a time of civil strife." After listing an overview of his exemplery record and therefore conceding his strengths the admiral once again took a short tack that listed the weakness in his record as he had deduced the man would. "As you are aware, there is a certain degree of bias against officers that were promoted to their captaincy during the civil war. Most of those officers don't have the experience or skill to conduct the day to day operations of a starship outside of the military scenarios that the civil war made necessary. That's why I've called you here." Saleke relaxed against the back of the chair and crossed his right leg over his left as he shifted his head slightly in preparation for his answer. "Understood Admiral, a purely military operation is not the same as the day to day operation of a Federation ship of the line. To claim otherwise would be grossly illogical and underscore the lack of comprehension of anyone who expressed that point of view. Logically then had you believed my skills to be insufficient for such a posting I would not have been called to this meeting." "On the contrary captain. While several of my fellow compatriots doubt that you have the ability to perform well in the non-militaristic future for Starfleet, I suspect otherwise. I'm here to offer you the opportunity to show the rest of the admiralty that they are wrong about you and that you not only have the ability, but the wisdom to continue to serve the Federation as a starship captain. How do you feel about that?" An eyebrow quirked at the Admiral's reply, obviously he had expected Saleke to reply differently and had overlooked or dismissed what did not fit his own preconcieved notion of the direction of this conversation. Admiral Heatherly had also asked what was obviously a rhetorical question, had Saleke not been confident in his own abilities to make the trip would have been both illogical and wasteful. Normal tide of the conversation then would normally be channeled into the one being offered the position thanking the one who was graciously offering their support... it was the political and emotional thing to do. Saleke though was a-political by nature ... as well as being not at all prone to emotional outpourings. "My record as you have stated Admiral is proof of my command abilities." Was his concise reply. After a brisk nod his host changed the subject abruptly, flagging down the waiter as he spoke. "Let's have lunch, shall we? I recommend the plomek soup. I understand it is simply amazing." If it lived up to its reputation then it would indeed be worthwhile, good plomeek soup was difficult to find away from Alpha Eridani III orbiting the star 40 Eridani A. "Thank you Admiral, the suggestion is a logical one, worthy of my full consideration." The meeting such as it was had taken several detours but he calmly and stoically awaited the rest which the admiral apparently wished to discuss while eating which was highly unorthodox. Saleke himself had used an unorthodox method to gain information from one of the Bajofrans on the Mesipal, one which the captain of the ship had seen through after it had already served its purpose. "Im smarter then to think this was just a random display Captain, what was your purpose in showing up my guard?" Likewise he knew that the admiral had some motive for doing as he was, eventually that motive would be made known. The waiter arrived promptly. "What can I get you gentlemen?" "I'd like a pair of grilled Portabella Mushroom Caps with the balsamic demiglaze, some asparagus and bowl of plomek soup to begin please." The waiter nodded then turned to Saleke. "And for you, Captain?" "Plomeek soup as well with steamed Kerl." He replied. "And hot Kala tea." "I'll have those out straight away gentlemen." "Starfleet Intelligence has been working overtime since the restoration of the presidency to root out the more clever supporters of the previous Doenitz regime." Heatherby continued, "There are several members of Command that seem to think that this is a waste of valuable resources since those elements are no longer a threat to the security of the Federation, now that Doenitz is no more. My personal opinion is that just because you kill the biggest snake in the nest doesn't mean that the others aren't poisonous." "Logical admiral." He noted. "While their power base has been eroded any supporter of the regime linking up with like-minded supporters is a danger whether to greater or lesser degree. While they are unlikely to cause undue distress on their own they could supply intelligence to enemies of the Federation and the firepower of their ships added to that of an enemy might possibly tip the balance of power enough to seriously threaten UFP systems if not member worlds. Logically then every effort should be expended to root out or rehabilitate any who participate in anti-Federation activities that might endanger the peace." And this was what being a starship captain in a time of peace hinged upon, its successful protection from any who might threaten it; unlike his former post of being a warrior on a vessel of war he would now be a keeper of the peace. "Most of the starships assigned to patrol along the Cardassian-Federation border are commanded by prior Doenitz supporters who were exonerated by military tribunals. Somehow BUPERS managed to assign them to this particular region of space in numbers. To me this is asking for trouble. The area along this border is full of uncharted planets which could serve as a rally point for a resurgence of hostilities." "There are also sources that have verified that Dominion warships have managed to infiltrate Federation space entering our territory from the adjacent Cardassian sectors. Which leads me to wonder if there is a faction of the fleet that may be negotiating an alliance with either the Dominion or the Cardassians to support an insurgency or at the least to help destabilize the Federation in return for some unspecified rewards." ~Unlikely but possible.~ "A possibility admiral that should not be overlooked, if it turns out to be a dead end the time investigating it would not have been wasted. When one has an unknown logically one first crosses off the knowns until the correct answer set is left." Errol nodded. "In the yards at Utopia right now is the USS Furious, she's a Prometheus class ship. She will be ready to leave dock at 2300 hours today. Captain Harney was originally assigned to take command of her, but he was killed in a freak transporter accident arriving aboard ship yesterday morning. I need a replacement captain who knows what is at stake and is capable of working within the unwritten code of conduct and duty that we're sworn to. I've come to believe that you are such a Commanding Officer, captain Saleke." A thank you at this point was warranted and expected, while he was a-political he was also unfailingly polite. "Thank you Admiral." After their meals were set before them Errol pointedly dismissed the waiter. "This is a serious situation. And every action I've taken is calculated, including having this discussion here instead of in my office. It's important that people realize that you have been assigned as Harnet's replacement. That means that you could well be at risk if Harney's mishap was anything other than an accident." ~And now the motive is revealed.~ "Risk is inherent in the command of a starship admiral, I am cognizant of it." "If you agree to take the command, knowing now what I've told you, then the Furious is yours, otherwise you take your chances that another command may not open up in the future. In the meantime, I'll assign you to the Advanced Command Training Academy as an instructor." It would be illogical to do so. "I accept the command of the Furious admiral." The admiral nodded and then smiled. "Then here are your official orders captain. You are to take command of the USS Furious and take her to the Ikev Sector, adjacent to the Federation Cardassian border, where you are to conduct border patrol operations. This is to take place at 1400 hours. Your first officer is Commander Erin Sloane." The first officer then had already been chosen by command according to policy. "Acceptable Admiral but I reserve the right to bring on board an officer of my choosing with whom I have worked in the past as the Chief science officer. I trust that will be acceptable as it is within my right." Saleke nodded his assent, with the preliminaries taken care of he could get down to the business of taking command of the Furious after the meeting, there would be large amount of paperwork to be reviewed before he could become accustomed to the new crew and they to him, not to mention any changes in technology that had been added in the interimn. Precautions would of course be taken and if one or more of the crew were found to be complicit in the death of Captain Harney they would be summarily charged and handed over to a starfleet tribunal for punishment. "Now let's have our lunch and make small talk. It's important that you stay here long enough for the word to filter out before assuming your new command. And for what it's worth Captain, congratulations." Saleke nodded his head in recognition of the well wishes before taking up the cup of tea and taking a sip, only the slightest hint of sweetness to take the edge from the bitterness of the root. Since it was Admiral Heatherbies wish that he stay long enough to make the conversation a memorable one to any who were interested in watching he would do so out of duty. After taking a sip of the soup he nodded at the other man. "You were correct admiral, my compliments on your choice." ------------------------- Day -4, 1159 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (Earth, Starfleet Command Admiral's Mess, Admiral Errol Heatherby, Day -4, 1155) "Acceptable Admiral but I reserve the right to bring on board an officer of my choosing with whom I have worked in the past as the Chief science officer. I trust that will be acceptable as it is within my right." Errol smiled and then nodded before replying. "I see no reason not to allow that. Of course you may. I'll have the Furious' current CSO reassigned elsewhere in the fleet effective immediately." he replied. The two officers continued to chat about small things such as personal interests and even some of the aspects of their Starfleet Careers. Eventually however, their meal ended and there was no longer any logical reason to keep the captain away from his duty. Errol was already certain that enough people had seen them together to know what was transpiring between them. He understood that a discreet inquiry would discover the orders for Saleke to assume command of the Furious. ~The game is afoot.~ he thought to himself. Let's see who shows their hand first. "Thank you captain Saleke for joining me, but I am afraid that I have work to attend to sometime today and you have a ship to take command of." he finally said as he rose from the table. ------------------------- Day -4, 1325 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (USS Furious, Bridge, Commander Erin Sloane, Day -4, 1325) Erin Sloane was a beautiful human woman of forty years whose Raven black hair was cut into a short regulation hair cut more fitting a marine than a Starfleet officer. She sat on the Bridge of the furious rechecking the last of the progress reports from the Engineering yard. Her hazel colored eyes scanned the PADD that she was reviewing, taking in the entirety of the ship's status for the third time in an hour. Everything had been completed, the ship was in top shape and the engineering team aboard ship had already agreed that all the repairs that needed to be finished had been finished, yet for some strange reason they were not releasing the Furious from dock until 1400 hours. That in itself was a very off thing, since her understanding was that there was a huge backlog of ships that required repair. It then followed that the Furious would be cut loose as soon as possible in order to move the next ship into the vacated repair dock. She sighed and looked up at the ship's chronometer. Soon Captain Saleke would be arriving aboard ship. She had never served under the command of a Vulcan Captain before, although she had served with enough of them to have an idea what to expect. It was a sobering thought to know that the only reason that the Vulcan was taking command instead of Harney, was because of a freak transporter accident. The engineers at Utopia and on the Furious couldn't find anything wrong with either set of transporters. And at this very moment, the entire transporter system from transporter room three was currently disassembled and it's pieces were spayed out all across cargo Bay four's compartment, with a team of engineers going over every single component. She stood from the center chair and stretched. She'd been sitting so long, that her feet were getting that tingling feeling and it wasn't one that she particularly enjoyed. ------------------------- Day -4, 1800 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (ISS Rosenante, Bridge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid (MU), Day -4, 1800) Ahmed leaned forward in his command chair, as he carefully watched the Rosenante's drop from the Spiral drive's conduit into normal space. The main view screen shimmered as the sensors compensated for the return to normal space, and the distant star of the Sunali system was merely a bright spec in the distance. "Initiate the HISS", Salid ordered, and waited for his Chief Intelligence Officer, Nayati to reply. "The HISS is activated, all sectors are showing on-line and emissions controls are active and in place." Nayati replied from the Intelligence console. "Very good." Ahmed replied, "what do our passive scans show?" "Sensors detect twenty-two Klingon ships, twelve K'Vort class, six B'rel class Birds-of-Prey and four modified D-7 battle cruisers. There are also eighteen Galor Class Cardassian cruisers in the system." Sullivan reported. Ahmed's eyes narrowed. There were already more ships here than they had expected. "What about the mine perimeter?" he asked as he raised the fingers of his right hand to rub his chin as he thought. "The Perimeter is still incomplete. The Intelligence was sound." Sullivan replied again this time with a glance to Nayati. "Very good." "Mister Midas," The Captain called out. "Captain!" Midas responded enthusiastically. "Bring us around to enter the perimeter defenses along course two-six-two mark eight." He commanded the helmsman. "Aye captain, two-six-two mark eight." Midas repeated. The Rosenante began a slow methodical approach towards the mine perimeter. It was fortunate that the Cardassian mine layers had been intercepted and destroyed before they could complete the perimeter of the system. Their replacements were still a few days away and that fact alone would probably save their miserable hides from the firestorm of jihad that Salid was about to unleash on his enemies. Time passed slowly as the cloaked vessel slipped past the perimeter and past the patrolling Klingon ships. Soon they were rapidly approaching the planet. Sunali II had been a jewel in the military gauntlet that was the Imperial Union of Planets. That was until they defected over to the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance. Their strategic location and their excellent ship yards had begun to be refitted to churn out Cardassian and Klingon ships rather than those of the Union. That was something that was simply intolerable in the eyes of Regent Doenitz. While Doenitz was the will behind the IUP, Ahmed was his strong right arm; the hammer blow of his fury against those that would threaten the IUP. He was merciless to his enemies and his reputation was such that most people wouldn't even mention his name aloud. He was about to increase that reputation. ~It was such a shame to destroy such a beautiful planet. but if 18 billion Sunali had to die to make it clear to other Union planets that defection was not an option than so be it.~ he thought. The fact that the Rosenante would also have the opportunity to destroy an entire enemy task force at the same was just another added benefit. "Correct course to an intercept course with the system's sun. Bring us to one point eight billion kilometers." Ahmed ordered. Midas quickly made the adjustments with an "Aye sir." The range wasn't a requirement, but Ahmed didn't want to take a chance. He knew that the weapon could easily travel 80 light years, and while it was heavily shielded and protected, there was no reason to launch it from a distance and take the chance that one or more of the enemy vessels or mines in the system could intercept it and possibly destroy it. "We are in position, Captain." Midas reported. "Hold station." The Captain ordered as he rose from his chair. He took two steps away from the center chair and turned to look at his bridge crew. They were all there, of course: Caskie, Bird, Weaver, Sullivan, Jackson, Wyler, Smith, Raschen, Nayati and more. They were his crew, hand picked for their skills and ruthless desire and loyalties to serve the Union. "It is time." Salid said simply. "Prepare the Device for launch." Sullivan and Raschen moved to disengage the safeties from the device, so that it would be useable by the captain in a few short minutes. Their individual command codes would start the arming sequence. Salid could have overridden all of the sequences, of course- but he'd rather allow the crew to feel the exuberance of the act they were about to commit. It was an act that would earn them the highest honor in the Union, and one that theygreatly deserved. "Computer, begin Arming Sequence for the Omega Device, Sullivan Delta-Three-Three-Sigma-Epsilon" [First arming sequence initiated, please initiate secondary arming sequence now.] The computer replied with cold efficiency. "Computer initiate secondary arming sequence, Raschen Eight-Lambda-Lambda-Three-Nine-Easy Ed" Raschen verbalized. [Secondary arming sequence initiated, please initialize firing unlock authorization.] The computer intoned. Salid looked at Caskie. The woman was vivacious and he knew that she would enjoy the chaos and destruction that she was about to release. "Computer initiate firing unlock authorization, Caskie Tribecka-Zero-Six-Union-Eight Unlock initiate" [The Omega Device firing Lockout is now disengaged.] The computer advised. "Computer transfer targeting control of the Omega Device to the Tactical One Station on the bridge." Salid ordered. [Targeting control transferred.] Salid stepped over to the tactical one station as Sullivan stepped aside. He entered the targeting coordinates himself; the star of the Sunali system. He double checked his work, then locked out the targeting controls using his command codes. No one would be able to alter the weapon's course now. The moment it launched the two light year targeting threshold directive would engage and the weapon would unerringly seek out it's target. "Computer launch the Omega Device, Authorization Salid- Two-One-Jihad-Baker-Nine Enable and Execute." [Launch sequence enabled. Weapon will launch in 10 seconds.] The computer advised. Salid smiled then headed down to his command chair. As he sat down, he commanded, "Disengage the HISS." "HISS Disengaged" Nayati replied. "Captain. A group of Klingon vessels are in route." "How long until they are in weapon's range?" Salid asked. he knew this would be risky, but he could not remain cloaked and fire the Omega device. The power requirements were too great even for the Rosenante's dual warp cores and advanced impulse reactors. "Two Minutes" Sullivan replied. Ahmed nodded. "Take us to Red Alert, " He said with a grin, although he already knew that the Klingons would reach them too late. The weapon would be launching in two seconds. [The Omega Device has been successfully deployed] The computer reported. [Time to target- five minutes.] "Helm turn us about and accelerate to maximum impulse past the planet, then line us up with our insertion point and engage the spiral drive." he ordered as he leaned forward in anticipation of engaging the Klingons on their way out of the system. "Sullivan, Raschen, Haverstaadt" initiate the Tactical Holographic Interface System and engage enemy vessels at will. Three interactive T.H.I.S. systems went live as each of the officers brought their personal version of the interface on line. The Rosenante began spitting phaser fire and torpedoes at the enemy ship's even before the Klingon Birds-of-prey were within their own weapon's range. Salid activated his holographic command display. A ring of holographic data encircled his head , allowing him a 360-degree lateral view of the ship's surroundings. Data scrolled around the outside of the display, showing ship's status, speed, heading, torpedo stores and other critical combat factors. He glanced through the semi-translucent display to see that Caskie was doing the same. Ahmed watched as the Rosenante weapon's fire made incredibly fast work of the closest Klingon Ship. It still amazed him how dangerous the Rosenante could be in a fire fight. The advanced tactical systems, holographic interfaces and power from dual warp cores made her one of the most powerful ships in the quadrant. Powerful enough to have dual shields as well as selective ablative plating. Speed, armor and defense made her the biggest predator around and enough so that Salid wasn't really concerned about the massive numbers of ships that he was facing. Another Klingon vessel disintegrated under blistering fire as all three of his senior officers unleashed Hell on the advancing enemy fleet. The Rosenante banked into a shallow turn as Midas realigned her with their exit point. Even then, angry red phaser fire ripped through a third Klingon ship without difficulty and a stream of torpedoes slammed into the first of the Cardassian Galor class ships to reach weapon's range, causing it to blossom into a brilliant flower of red and orange plasma as it's warp core breached. The Omega Device reached it's target and detonated. Midas had taken too long to get them into place. They only had a few moments before the subspace strata of this system and a sizable area for light years surrounding it was damaged enough to prevent warp travel or communications. The Star was rapidly blossoming outwards as it's interior was ripped apart by the subspace stresses unleashed by the omega molecule. Ahmed bound from his chair, took three steps forward as he drew his dagger. In an instant the blade was pressed against Midas' throat and Salid was whispering in the now terrified CONN officer's ear. "Initiate the spiral drive or I cut your throat." he hissed. Midas, reached forward and initiated the spiral drive, just as the subspace ripple washed over them. The drive activated, the conduit formed and the Rosenante slipped inside, but just a moment before the subspace fracture began to break down the conduit. The conduit shimmered and started to collapse. Strange colors dance along the interior of the conduit body. The turbulence was incredible also. It was the only thing that had saved Midas' life, since Salid was thrown to the deck in such a manner to prevent him from killing the man where he sat. The ship jerked and time seemed to stretch as the laws of physics fought to return to their natural state. The conduit was collapsing behind them, but the conduit ahead was holding steady, despite the incredible forces that it was under. Suddenly the conduit collapsed and the Rosenante was flung out of the spiral conduit, spinning on her lateral axis. The ship's Structural integrity fields compensated as Midas struggled to stabilize the ship. When the vessel's movement had stabilized enough, Ahmed pulled himself to his feet. He took a quick look around the bridge daring anyone to say anything to him that was caustic or sarcastic. With no takers, he sheathed his dagger and looked up at the main view screen. There dead ahead lay the Sunali System, intact. ~How can that be, I watched the sun explode my self.~ "Computer what is our current location?" Salid asked, anger beginning to grow inside him. [Current coordinates are sector grid reference three-eight-three by nine-zero-one.] Came the response. Those coordinates placed them just outside the Sunali System. Had they traveled backwards in time? "Computer extrapolate current ship's time by stellar comparison." Salid ordered. [Working.] There were a few moments of silence. [Ship's time is 1910 hours on Stardate 2408.07.29] Ahmed looked up at the chronometer. It was accurate. There was only one explanation, they'd slipped through a dimensional rift of some sort. "Doctor Wyler" Salid called out. "Captain." the doctor replied. "Take Mister Midas to the Agonizer. He has earned himself a reprise from death, but he must be taught a lesson. An hour should suffice nicely." Wyler's face lit up in a smile as she directed two security officers to detain Midas, who had lost his color and was almost quivering with fear. "Gladly Captain." she cooed. Nevertheless, Midas realized that Ahmed was being merciful this time, and so he attended the two security men and the sadistic Doctor with only a momentary glance back to the bridge as the doors slid closed. Now to figure out where they were and how they could get home. ------------------------- Day -4 1802 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I MDay -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (ISS Rosenante, Bridge- COPS, Lieutenant Thomas Jackson (MU), Day -4, 1801) Jackson was monitoring the readouts and managing the consumption levels. Unconsciously he reached up and massaged a big purple scar running along the back of his neck up and across his right cheek. He grimaced at the memory of how he had gotten it. It was years ago during a raid into Dominion space. He had been on a raiding party and a Jem Hidar warrior had sliced him neatly before Jackson could react. Tom's fury at being caught unawares spurred him into action. Rolling away, Jackson labored to his feet. The Jem H;adar warrior advanced and Tom parried his thrust and used a piece of wreckage to impale the warrior. Captain Salid was just a Lt Cmdr then and saved him from further injury. Since that time, Jackson had pledged his loyalty and life to Salid. As the Roseneate neared the mine belt, the ship slowed to the position Captain desired. Sullivan readied the planet destroying weapon called OMEGA. The launch sequence was initiated and the launch countdown began. The atmosphere was tense on the bridge. All there were professionals and utterly dedicated to Doernitz. Tom felt no compassion fro those about to die. He was as close to a living killing machine as possible, He ruled Operations with an iron fist. Loyalty he reward, failure he punished severely. Jackson;s attention snapped back to the here and now by the annoucement ""Captain. A group of Klingon vessels are in route." Tom Jackson scanned the readouts and p[repaired to divert non-essential systems to their shields and Inertial stabilizers if needed. "How long until they are in weapon's range?" Salid asked. he knew this would be risky, but he could not remain cloaked and fire the Omega device. The power requirements were too great even for the Rosenante's dual warp cores and advanced impulse reactors."Two Minutes" Sullivan replied. Jackson made sure the weapons had all the energy they needed. The Klingon's were closing but effective return fire from the Rosenante dispatched one Klingon Battle cruiser and fired torpedo's at the Cardassian vessels. Out of the corner of his eye Jackson saw Captain Salid lunge at Midas. Midas had been slow to get them to the point where the spiral drive could be engaged. Their time was close. Midas initiated the spiral drive as the blossoming effect of the Omega device began its destructive path. The Rosenante dived into the Spiral Drive's conduit. The transit seemed, well, different somehow. The ship jerked and time seemed to stretch as the laws of physics fought to return to their natural state. The conduit was collapsing behind them, but the conduit ahead was holding steady, despite the incredible forces that it was under. Suddenly the conduit collapsed and the Rosenante was flung out of the spiral conduit, spinning on her lateral axis. The ship's Structural integrity fields compensated as Midas struggled to stabilize the ship. When the vessel's movement had stabilized enough, Ahmed pulled himself to his feet. He took a quick look around the bridge daring anyone to say anything to him that was caustic or sarcastic Shaking his head, Jackson reviewed his readouts all seemed normal yet?? After verifying they were where they were not supposed to be, Salid had Midas sent to Dr Wyler for a discussion' - Wyler was an expert at these 'discussions'. Tom waited for the CO's orders. ------------------------- Day -4, 1805 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day 4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (ISS Rosenante, Bridge - FO - Cmdr Jennifer Caskie (MU) - Day 4 - 1805) [Secondary arming sequence initiated, please initialize firing unlock authorization.] The computer intoned. Salid looked at Caskie. The woman was vivacious and he knew that she would enjoy the chaos and destruction that she was about to release. Jennifer had simply been lounging in her chair, her chin resting on one hand until the Captain turned towards her. She smiled lazily at him, her eyes narrowing, cat-like, as she began speaking. "Computer initiate firing unlock authorization, Caskie Tribecka-Zero-Six-Union-Eight Unlock initiate" [The Omega Device firing Lockout is now disengaged.] The computer advised. She watched avidly as the Captain began the firing sequence that would wipe out 18 billion people. Jennifer had never killed 18 billion in one fell swoop before and she was curious to see whether it would feel any different or not. Leaning forward, her chin still resting lightly on her hand she waited in anticipation and smiled as the Captain finally fired the weapon. As the HISS was disengaged to fire the device their enemies finally spotted them and began converging in a futile attempt to destroy them. Josh smiled again. ~Come do your worst, and we will show you ours, and we will make such a game of this.~ Activating her holographic command display Jennifer watched the battle unfold before her. Sullivan, Raschen and Haverstaadt were doing well enough that there was so need for either she or the Captain to intervene, so she simply smiled as each of their enemies in turn, was blown into microscopic dust. Jennifer watched on her display as the device reached the sun and detonated. The sun bloomed, almost like a flower and as the shockwave began to expand in all directions each and every planet in the solar system and more and more of the enemy ships were caught up in the holocaust. Jennifer smiled, but then her smile froze on her face as she realised what the Captain had also realised several seconds before her. They were not yet in the correct place to engage the spiral warp drive and were in danger of being caught up in the holocaust behind them. The Captain bounded forward, his personal blade at the Conn Officer's throat and Jennifer leant forward avid to see what would happen next. Thankfully for the Conn he had enough time to activate the spiral warp drive before the shockwave hit them and as the Rose passed into the conduit Jennifer leant back in her seat thankful that they had escaped. Several seconds later she was back upright in her seat since nothing she saw on the screen made sense to her. The colours, the ship harmonics, nothing seemed quite what it should be and as they began to be tossed around Jennifer barely managed to keep herself in her chair. Once the ship had stabilized she looked around. Most everyone had managed to keep their seats except the Captain. He was picking himself off the floor beside the conn with a look in his eye that promised a lot of pain for anyone who dared to comment on it. Jennifer simply pretended not to see him pick himself up of the floor and as he reached his seat and began trying to figure out their position she simply began to work with him to pinpoint it. She wasn't stupid and she came to the same conclusion almost the same time he did but simply decided that this time silence should be the order of the day. Jennifer kept her eyes straight ahead since she would rather not have the Captain's gaze fall on her at present. None of this was her fault and she would rather not have him come up with a way that he could blame her. Thankfully most of his attention, for the blame at least, fell on the Conn Officer and he ordered Dr Wyler to send him to the agoniser for an hour. Wyler was only too happy to obey that order and Jennifer smiled knowing that Alee would at least have fun for the next hour. Lucky Alee. ------------------------- Day -4, 1820 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (ISS Rosenante, Sickbay- CMO- Lieutenant Aleesa Wyler (MU), Day -4, 1820) "Again!" Aleesa ordered the technician who sat at the controls of the agonizer. The technician nodded as he pressed the activation button that sent Ensign Midas into such painful convulsions that he screamed until his voice broke like water over the rocks. The Doctor's face was one of sheer pleasure. There was nothing that excited her as much as having complete control over another life. It was an aphrodisiac unlike any other that she had ever found. Watching others writhe in pain gave her a pleasure that was better than chocolate or even sex. It made her heady with the power of life or death over another. It was a complete control that was hers to exercise as she saw fit. "Enough." The technician removed his finger from the button and Midas stopped his screaming and began to cry. he was a tough one, Midas. Very few men could withstand a session set to level 9. Yet Midas wasn't begging for his life. Instead he was simply crying. It was a completely natural response to pain, one that was so sublime when it occurred so naturally and wasn't accompanied by whining or begging, although even those aspects had their moments. Alee stepped around the divider so that she could see him better. His body had been wracked by muscular convulsions of such strength that there were distinct bruises beginning to show just under his skin. Of course in his convulsions he had rubbed a patch of skin from his wrists raw. The retention straps were sturdy. And not even Midas' inhuman tolerances to excruciating pain could give him the strength to break free. "My aren't we a tough one?" she cooed as she crossed the small chamber to place her hand on his bare sweaty chest. "I'd bet you could keep at this all day Midas. It's a shame that the Captain only gave me an hour." Midas for his part was breathing heavily, which was a natural response to having almost every single nerve in one's body activated as a pain receptor for a few moments. "I don't forget much, Doctor." he said then through jagged breaths. "No I suppose you don't ,Midas. I suppose you don't." Alee stepped back away from the chair. Then spoke to the technician on the other side of the operation console. "Take him to level 10." She ordered. Midas raised his head and gave her a glare that sent tiny little electric tingles down her spine. She raised a single hand into the air and allowed a sweet and innocent smile to grace her face. "Only another 45 minutes Ensign, and then I'll have someone drag you to your quarters." She whispered just enough for him to hear her. "Again!" Midas' body convulsed as the agonizer activated and sent every muscle in his body into a single painful twitching mass of flesh. ~Delicious.~ she thought as she watched him writhe in agony. ------------------------- Day -4 -1821 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (ISS Rosenante - Sickbay - Chief Agonizer Technician - SCPO Nathan Fuller - 1821) "Again!" the sadistic Doctor ordered. Fuller did exactly as commanded, and activated the agonizer booths controls, sending pain shooting though the nerves in Midas. Fuller had even as a child had a talent for pain. He would catch small animals, mice, voles, birds, and any pets that were unlucky enough for him to catch. He would find ways to torment the animals to vent the frustrations of his life. His father was an alcoholic, a trait that Nathan had inherited, and his mother was unfaithful, sneaking around the small town of Riverside. This made his father the laughing stock of the town, and in turn, so was Nathan. "Enough." she said calling for a small reprieve in the pain the apparatus was inflicting. Nathan had made sure that each time the agonizer was used, he was at the controls. If he did well and ensured that he was the best at what he did, he surmised correctly that he would be promoted and he was, all the way to Senior Chief. "My aren't we a tough one?" she cooed as she crossed the small chamber to place her hand on his bare sweaty chest. "I'd bet you could keep at this all day Midas. It's a shame that the Captain only gave me an hour." Midas for his part was breathing heavily, which was a natural response to having almost every single nerve in ones body activated as a pain receptor for a few moments. "I don't forget much, Doctor." he said then through jagged breaths. "No I suppose you don't ,Midas. I suppose you don't." Alee stepped back away from the chair. Then spoke to the technician on the other side of the operation console. "Take him to level 10." She ordered. Nathan moved the dial to level ten as ordered. She whispered in Midas's ear, the tone was too low for Nathan to hear. When she was finished she ordered another round. "Again!" As Midas writhed in pain a thought came to Nathan's head. ~In 45 minutes I'm probably going to be dragging this guy to his bunk.~ Suddenly this agonizer session wasn't as fun anymore. ------------------------- Day -4 - 1825) Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (ISS Rosenante - Sickbay - ACMO- Ensign (jg) Sam Lopez(MU)- 1825) Sam could hear the agonizer going on and off from where he worked in sickbay.He still could remember his times in the agonizer~there was so much pain~ and he hated the agonizer.still this did not stop him from being loyal to the captain. Sam did not feel the same way for his CMO and still wondered how she had become a doctor when she loves pain. ~i should be the CMO because i`m a better doctor, but how...~ ------------------------- Day-4 - 1827 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 - 1827 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (ISS Rosenante - Sickbay -Head Nurse - Ensign (jg) Kitty Fisher (MU) Day 4 - 1827) Kitty knew now was probably the best time. The CMO was busy torturing some poor soul who had been sent to the Agoniser. Fuller was busy working it and Lopez was as per usual off doing his own thing. Crossing Sickbay she tapped E'Mpak on the shoulder. "I've been ordered to do an inventory of our supplies. I've picked you to come help me. Follow me." As E'Mpak followed her into the room Kitty locked the door behind her. Knowing E'Mpak she immediately held her hand up to stop her and began speaking. "Nurse, I know this looks bad, but it is not what you think it is. I have a proposition to put to you. And I would like you to hear me out before you start beating me up." "I know that you as a Klingon are not regarded well on this ship. I know a way to change that permanently. "Our First Officer is always looking for people who would be willing to be on her side. I am here to offer you such a position. Please think about it at get back to me." ------------------------- Day -4, 1920 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (ISS Rosenante, Main Engineering, CEO- Lieutenant Paul Bird (MU), Day -4, 1920) Paul came stalking into main engineering like a lion on the prowl for a hearty meal. His eyes scanned the engineering crew, those that shrink back away from the glaring green glow of his left optronic device. The captain may be the Alpha on the entire ship, but Bird was most assuredly the alpha in his little section. He walked up behind crewman Winters, a petite brunette with short hair and slapped her derriere with a loud smack. She winced in pain for just a moment and he saw that her eyes flashed angrily, until she saw who it was that had laid hands on her. "Sir?" she asked immediately submissive. Paul smiled, the scar tissue around his left eye stretching somewhat oddly. "Exactly where are my field integrity reports, crewman?" he asked her. "Field integrity reports, sir?" she questioned. Bird's face fell for a moment to show his mocking sense of disappointment. He had, of course, failed to ask her for the afore stated reports. But it was enjoyable watching her sweat for a few minutes. "Yes the reports. The reports that I'm just now asking for, crewman." he replied with a sly smile. "If I don't have them inside the hour, I'm afraid we'll have to have another performance review." putting a lewd reference on the last two words. Bird smiled again, this time it was a predatory smile. he loved giving Winters performance reviews. "Am I understood?" Winters nodded meekly. "Completely sir." "Good, see you in an hour." He replied, knowing that there was no way that she could complete the task he had just assigned her in the allotted time. He knew that she'd submit to his advances then, because it was either that or a session in the good doctor's Agonizer. And he was most assuredly the lesser of two evils. He turned and stalked towards the CEO's office to review paperwork before she arrived for her review. ------------------------- Day -4, 1925 Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day -4 Stardate: 2408.07.29 (ISS Rosenante, Main Engineering - ACEO - Ensign (jg) Mitena Rixx (MU) - Day -4, 1925) Mitena had heard the doors open to main engineering but hadn't looked up. Judging from the way the already hushed conversations had come to a halt there was no doubt in her mind that the Chief had entered. Not wishing to garner any unwanted attention by moving on to the next junction on her checklist, she began the calibration check again, surreptitiously deleting her initial findings. Like everyone else on shift that possessed at least half a brain, she listened to the exchange between the CEO and Crewman Winters. You never knew when something was going to be said that would be useful. To her ears, the conversation was very useful. Had the crewman started an hour ago she still wouldn't have had the reports in the timeframe that the Lieutenant had allotted her. It wasn't that the report couldn't be done that quickly; it was just that Winters just wasn't clever enough to get the work done. Of course, that was probably the reason for the unprovoked attentions of the CEO. Once the Lieutenant had headed into his office, everyone within eyesight of crewman Winters suddenly found they had things to do. People who had been standing nearby headed off, with purpose, into other parts of engineering. While it hadn't been directly stated that Winters was to do the work on her own, no one seemed inclined to assist the crewman and therefore become a party to any punishment that may be netted out to her when she inevitably failed. Mitena had no sympathy for the crewman. In fact, she had no sympathy for any of her crewmates and expected them to have an equal level of apathy for her. Self promotion was very important in a competitive department like engineering. Assisting the crewman held no benefit for her and therefore she wasn't inclined to do so. Helping herself however, was on the forefront of her agenda. It wasn't like she wanted to stay a lowly junior grade ensign forever. She knew that she could easily have the report ready in time. In fact, the protocols to pull the report were already in the system, you just had to know how to access them and have the proper authority to do so. Closing up the junction and filing away her recaptured data, she headed to her normal work terminal and began the process of pulling the information that would be necessary for a completed report on the field integrity of the vessel. Since it would take several minutes for the data to collated, she began reviewing the power allocation requests for the day so that an end of shift report could be compiled and analyzed. The CEO would no doubt want to know how well the system tolerated the resource pulls for the day once he'd finished with the field integrity report. ~Anticipation of needs was a good thing to have. It usually kept one on the good graces of ones superiors.~ She thought half heartedly. Her eyes darted to the end of the log and noted the spike in the distribution for Medical. It looked as though someone had the misfortune of finding themselves in the doctor's agonizer. Judging from the time indexes, she wondered how long it would take before the name of the individual made its way to engineering. The rumor mill was most likely already weaving its way through the ship. Looking back over to her PADD and it's partially collected data. She sighed and glanced around the open area to see who was doing what. "Crewman Lassiter." She said plainly and clearly, her voice slightly elevated to make sure that he heard her. He looked up at her, pausing in his current task. "Yes you, Lassiter." She said when he didn't head in her direction immediately. "Yes sir?" He said approaching. "Perhaps I should recommend that you be sent to medical to have your hearing checked." She said with mocked concern. Lassiter had recently spent a day in medical after he'd been sent there for a session with the Agonizer. She knew he wasn't inclined to go back any time soon, for any reason. The fleeting look of concern crossed his face and she dismissed it. Picking up the PADD, she handed it off to him. "Take Crewman Alla and check for stress fractures in the plasma manifold relays. When you've completed that task, run a Magnaflux check on the RCS thruster assemblies. The Chief is going to need the results from those tests as soon as possible." She added to spur on their enthusiasm for the task at hand. She returned her attention to the two waiting reports on the console and made a shooing motion with her hand at the crewman, "That means 'go now'." -------------------------