Compile #6 - The Third Law - 7th to 13 March ========================== Mission: The Third Law Day: 2 Stardate: 2414.3.16 ========================= (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 2 - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 1750) ========================= (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 2 - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 1750) "I won't pretend I don't mind what happened back there, Ben," he said earnestly. "But you did what you had to do at the time. You acted as you had to considering the threat I posed. It may not be right, but it was justified. I forgive you." "Thank you Eian." Ben replied. "That means a lot to me." He thought back to those events and what he had done, there were a couple things he hadn't been particularly proud of. Sure he could have said it was all in the name of duty, he did what he did to protect the crew and the ship, but it wouldn't be completely true. "There were things I did then that I question myself about now." Ben continued offering Eian an explanation. "I may have been overly aggressive considering my past with the Borg. They hurt me and I was getting the chance to hurt them back, it wasn't professional but it's what happened. When you found us I didn't see you for you, all I saw was another drone another chance to get back a small fraction of what I lost so long ago." Ben offered a smile then. "I'm glad the doctors were able to restore your humanity so you could continue serving with us." He said. "How are you doing, no uncomfortable side effects I hope." (reply O'Neill) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 7 Stardate: 2414.03.21 ========================= (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1411) (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 1417) (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – SciO – Ensign David Spenser – Day 7- 1419) (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – ATAC/SC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos – 1420) (Rogue Planet - Landing Site Alpha - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 7 - 1421) (USS Rosenante– Bridge– CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid– Day 7- 1423, 1623) (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1424) (Rogue Planet - Beta Site One - SciO – Ensign Emma Leep – Day 7- 1447) (Rogue Planet - Landing Site Delta - SciO Ensign Pembrook Carter - Day 7 - 1620) (Rogue Planet - Landing Site Delta - Lieutenant sg Sanok - Day 7 - 1622) (Rogue Planet - Landing Site Delta - Lieutenant jg Viskhard - Day 7 - 1624) (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Delta – CEO Lieutenant Commander Steven Matrix – Day 7- 1626) (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Delta – CEO Lieutenant Commander Steven Matrix – Day 7- 1651) ========================= (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1411) A few moments had passed while Andrew reprogrammed a small portion of the Nanites he brought with him for a biological survey. He wasn’t exactly sure how effective they would be, after all biology wasn’t one of his strong sciences. In those same few moments Spenser had already collected all the samples that he wanted. "Commander. I've collected all the outlying samples I want. I'd like permission to collect some samples near the plumes, specifically the mid-order life forms. I'll need a hand with the jellies, since I can't think of a good way to collect them at present." David called. “Granted.” Commander Sullivan responded. “Mister Maddox, accompany Mister Spenser, give him any help he needs.” “Aye, sir.” Maddox responded. ~I just modified these nanites and now I don’t need them.~ “Which life-forms did you want to collect?” Maddox asked Spenser. (reply Spenser) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 1417) "Everyone, over here!" Eian called, and waved the team over. T’Larah didn’t want everyone rushing over for this possible monumentous discovery. The stomping of feet could destroy any possible artifacts or remains, if this was what she hoped would garner such a response from the young engineer. “Stay on your tasks everyone.” T’Larah called out. “What do you have Mister O’Neill?” (Reply O’Neill, Signos) “Really, and there can be no mistake?” the Commander asked. (Reply O’Neill) “I’m going to need verification. Mark the area off with IR warning beacons. Get a DNA or RNA analysis, and quantum dating with the remains and the out surrounding rock. That will let us know what exactly what we are dealing with. If you are unfamiliar with the procedures, consult Ensign Spenser or Mister Maddox when they are finished with their tasks. The remains have been there for a while, and they aren’t going anywhere. “ she said. (Reply O’Neill) T’Larah tapped her combadge. “Alpha team to Rosenante.” She reported. (Reply Salid) “I understand sir, you aren’t coming in the clearest either, however we have discovered something substantial at the Alpha site.” (Reply Salid) “Mister O’Neill has uncovered what seems to be humanoid remains. We will run definitive tests to determine the age of the remains and if enough is left we may be able to construct at least a partial genetic profile.” She said. (Reply Salid) “Understood we will keep you informed, Sullivan out.” (Reply Salid, Alpha team.) (posted by Todd) ------------------------- (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – SciO – Ensign David Spenser – Day 7- 1419) “Granted.” Commander Sullivan responded. “Mister Maddox, accompany Mister Spenser, give him any help he needs.” “Which life-forms did you want to collect?” Maddox asked Spenser. Spenser walked over to where Maddox was and gave the man a smile. "Looks like you were in the middle of your own experiment. Why don't we finish yours and then we can work out a means to capture the other specimens?" (reply Maddox) It was about that time that O'Neill called out that he had located a specimen of some sort of humanoid remains. Sullivan gave orders for cordoning off the specimen as David and Maddox headed for the plumes. David scanning the plumes for chemical composition as well as temperature and other particulates. "The plumes are very carbon rich, and filled with basic amino acid chains." he reported. "I'm reading methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and o-zone." He frowned, "Ozone isn't normally found in volcanic venting, and there's very little sulfates and nitrates other than nitric oxides. If I didn't know any better, I'd say there was a lightning storm taking place underground." (reply Maddox) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – ATAC/SC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos – 1420) Has they spoke Jessica was aware how close Eian inched to her side, she smiled, Jessica had hoped that they would find a way out of the darkness. Few knew the truth about her past the fact that Eian had decided to accept it was enough and spoke volumes on how deeply he loved her. For the first time in a long time Jessica was starting to find a place where she belonged, a home. Eian continued to inch closer by her side, he was so close, Jessica wanted nothing more to hold him and feel his warm touch on this cold near lifeless rock. Has if reading her mind his hand came down upon her shoulder it was a friendly touch and Jessica understood it. She reached up covering his hand with hers. "I'm going to keep walking around,"Eian spoke to her."Make sure we don't get attacked by any giant bacteria or something," he joked, and patted her shoulder one last time as he walked off. Jessica smiled has she kept to her task and watched has Eian walked off. He didn't get far before he tripped and nearly fell. Jessica moved with a skill and grace that was unmatched. "O'neil are you ok?" She tried her best to keep the sound of concern from creeping into her voice. "Whoa..." Eian exclaimed has he turned, and squatted low to examine what had tripped him. Pulling out his tricorder, he scanned the object that looked to him like a hip bone. It was embedded in the ground. "This confirms it. Jessica...this is humanoid." He looked up, a smile of wonder growing on his face. "Yes it would seem so," Jessica replied. "Sharing in Eian's excitement, has he called to the rest of the team. Jessica used the optical sensors on her circlet that were linked to her tricorder and began to scan to object has well has the surrounding area even back into the snowbank. She heard the orders called from the First officer, and nodded in fact that she did hear them but Jessica chose to keep to her work. Indeed this was an important find, if her initial scans were correct. "Lt. O'neil... Eian..." Jessica called to get his attention. "Come here please and confirm these scan reading while I set the markers." If Jessica's optical sensors were right back with the snowbank lied the rest of the skeletal structure, an almost completely preserved upper torso preserved under the snow. "I think the hip bone became exposed has the volcanic vent melted the snow in this area." Jessica moved to let Eian confirm her scans while she placed the markers around the find site. "What do you think." (reply Eian, T’Larah, Alpha team.) (posted by Matthew Locke) ------------------------- (Rogue Planet - Landing Site Alpha - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 7 - 1421) “Stay on your tasks everyone.” T’Larah called out. “What do you have Mister O’Neill?” Eian realized that in his excitement, he had violated basic protocol and given what could have been considered as an order for everyone lower ranking than he to drop everything and approach his position. He addressed the Commander. "I have what looks like the remains of an alien species, Sir." “Really, and there can be no mistake?” the Commander asked. "The skeletal structure isn't something I've seen before, but I'm not an anthropologist." “I’m going to need verification. Mark the area off with IR warning beacons. Get a DNA or RNA analysis, and quantum dating with the remains and the out surrounding rock. That will let us know what exactly what we are dealing with. If you are unfamiliar with the procedures, consult Ensign Spenser or Mister Maddox when they are finished with their tasks. The remains have been there for a while, and they aren’t going anywhere. “ she said. "I can complete those tasks, Sir," Eian said, and got to work procuring the IR warning beacons from a nearby ensign who approached, carrying the equipment. "Lt. O'Neill... Eian..." Jessica called, and he turned to her. "Come here please and confirm these scan readings while I set the markers." She had pulled out her optical scanner on her tactical circlet, a device that made him uneasy now that he knew where it came from and how she procured it in the first place. "I think the hip bone became exposed as the volcanic vent melted the snow in this area." Jessica moved to let Eian confirm her scans while she placed the markers around the site. Eian stared at her readings and compared them with those on his tricorder. It had been a while since he had done any kind of study of natural phenomena, and he found himself struggling to remember some of the more obscure details of scientific analysis. It was one thing to repair the inner workings of a starship...it was quite another to confirm geological or anthropological data with a standard tricorder. "What do you think?" Jessica asked after she set up the markers, and Eian looked up to see her approaching until she was standing next to him. It was a strange time to take notice of the fact that she was several inches shorter than him and so slight of build...he couldn't help but notice it again, though, as if he was noticing for the first time. He found himself tracing the outlines of her small but toned muscles that seemed to wrap around her bones and leave no room for fat. She had her hands on her hips, her winter gear opened to let some air in as the temperature rose in their area. The utilitarian attire only enhanced Eian's imagination, and for a moment he found himself stuck in an almost adolescent trance. The way her hips had moved as she approached him, the way she stood next to him now...the way her hair smelled in contrast to the odd scent of this rogue planet's atmosphere...he found himself energized, and completely forgot what her question was. He also realized that while time seemed to stretch on in that moment for him, that it was only seconds for Jessica, because she didn't seem to react to his momentary pause until after he asked, "Sorry...what?" (reply Jessica) "Oh, about the readings...yeah, I really can't confirm much with this, unless you happen to remember how to read raw anthropological data from a standard scanning tricorder." He showed her what he had on his screen. "See, it's gibberish..." (reply Jessica) "I agree, the best we can do is to determine that it's authentic and that it's not on file. We need an actual scientist over here to analyze it." (reply Jessica) "O'Neill to Willowbrook." =^=Willowbrook here, Sir.=^= "If you're not engaged in something critical, find out who on the science team has a background in anthropology and send them to Ensign Signos' and my location. If there's no one on the Alpha team, then contact the Rosenante and request that someone beams down when the secondary teams are ordered to the surface." =^=Understood, Sir. Is there anything else?=^= "No, Ensign. O'Neill out." (reply Jessica iyw, anyone else there) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante– Bridge– CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid– Day 7- 1423, 1623) =^= Alpha team to Rosenante.=^= Sullivan's voice came through. Ahmed tapped his commbadge. "Go ahead commander. You're coming in a little hazy." “I understand sir, you aren’t coming in the clearest either, however we have discovered something substantial at the Alpha site.” "What have you found?" he asked =^=Mister O’Neill has uncovered what seems to be humanoid remains. We will run definitive tests to determine the age of the remains and if enough is left we may be able to construct at least a partial genetic profile.=^= She said. "I see. Proceed carefully. and take all precaution." =^=Understood we will keep you informed, Sullivan out.=^= (reply none needed) (USS Rosenante– Bridge– CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid– Day 7- 1623) =^= Matrix to Rosenante. Delta Team at drill site two. We have a possible contact about 7 meters below the surface. We're conducting detailed scans at this time. =^= called Matrix. Ahmed was almost startled by the suddenness of Matrix's voice over the commchannel, because the captain was so intent on the detailed scans being run from the bridge of the Rosenante. It was beginning to turn into a series of very interesting details that were beginning to form into a very unusual history for the rogue planet below. He tapped his commbadge, never taking his eyes from the scan displays at the science station, a position that he seemed to have taken over beginning with their arrival at the bizarre planet. The explorer in him couldn't resist the opportunity. "Excellent news commander. Proceed with extreme caution." =^= I'm getting a bit concerned about the weather down here. There appears to be a storm moving in our direction and the temperature continues to drop. Please advise. =^= requested Matrix. Ahmed pulled up the meteorological report and took a look at the weather flow. "Commander, I am showing a storm system moving north- Northwest adjacent to your position. It does not appear that it will be hitting you directly, but you may get some of the outlying aspects of the storm as it passes by your position. I'll maintain a continuous watch on the storm. If there is any serious increase of danger take refuge in the crawlers and I'll have you beamed back aboard. If you feel it prudent, we can transport you back to the ship at any time." (reply Matrix) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Alpha – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1424) Spenser walked over to where Maddox was and gave the man a smile. "Looks like you were in the middle of your own experiment. Why don't we finish yours and then we can work out a means to capture the other specimens?" “The Nanites I brought with me were originally configured for geological survey, I was attempting to modify them to accomplish what you have already done manually. Any analysis they could have accomplished you will accomplish in more complete detail once we’ve reach the ship. I agree the Nanites will take some time to gather their information, that will give us time to collect your specimens.” Maddox replied. (Reply Spenser, room for more) O’Neill called out for everyone’s attention but the Commander told everyone to stand fast with their assigned tasks. So Spenser led the way to the plumes. Spenser started a detailed scan and Maddox readied the Nanite containers for their deployment. "The plumes are very carbon rich, and filled with basic amino acid chains." Spenser stated. "I'm reading methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and o-zone." He frowned, "Ozone isn't normally found in volcanic venting, and there's very little sulfates and nitrates other than nitric oxides. If I didn't know any better, I'd say there was a lightning storm taking place underground." ~Underground lightning, carbon rich releasing amino acid chains, that would mean…~ “Literally tons of organic building blocks and an extreme amount of energy, I’m not a biologist, basic chemistry states lots of reactants and energy equals a lot of product. With this much material no wonder the life forms here are so diverse in such a small habitat.” Maddox interjected. “With this kind of growth and the materials and energy available, this can’t have been here very long, well at least geographically, measured in hundreds of years instead of millions, would you agree?” (reply Spenser) “Yes, sir the nanites are ready.” Maddox stated. (Reply Spenser) “Deploying Pod one.” Maddox said and released the nanites. The only indication that the microscopic machines were released was a little orange light on the outside of the pod. (Reply Spenser, Alpha) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (Rogue Planet - Beta Site One - SciO – Ensign Emma Leep – Day 7- 1447) " Report Ensign." Caskie called as she reached her. "There was some sort of artificial gravimetric pulse that emanated from the near core of this planetoid just a microsecond before the tremor." Emma reported. "I was just thinking about the paradox of such a small planetoid maintaining a liquid iron core for this long after formation, and was taking deep core compositional scans when the tremor hit." She took a deep breath. "I think that the iron core is being 'churned' for lack of a better word by an artificial gravimetric burst that agitates the iron core and keeps it liquefied through friction and also maintains the unusually high magnetic field that surrounds this world. in sort commander, I think someone is trying to terra form this planet to make it class M." She concluded. "Take a look at the scans." She held out the tricorder to Caskie so that she could look at the scans herself, when a second minor tremor hit. the tricorder detected the gravimetric waves and immediately let out a small beep indicating a sudden change in the normal background levels. (reply Caskie) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Rogue Planet - Landing Site Delta - SciO Ensign Pembrook Carter - Day 7 - 1620) "Ensign Pembrook, detail the scan and use the portable energy modules to augment your work. I want to verify that this isn't simply space junk or some part that fell off some sort of probe." said Matrix. "Aye sir." Pembrook replied, " I should be able to do an isolation scan and determine radio isotope decays to determine if the material has been subjected to solar radiation variances that would be caused by passing through an instable radiation belt, such as a magnetosphere." "Matrix to Rosenante. Delta Team at drill site two. We have a possible contact about 7 meters below the surface. We're conducting detailed scans at this time." called Matrix. =^= Excellent news commander. Proceed with extreme caution.=^= The captain's voice replied. "I'm getting a bit concerned about the weather down here." Matrix continued, "There appears to be a storm moving in our direction and the temperature continues to drop. Please advise." =^=Commander, I am showing a storm system moving north- Northwest adjacent to your position. It does not appear that it will be hitting you directly, but you may get some of the outlying aspects of the storm as it passes by your position. I'll maintain a continuous watch on the storm. If there is any serious increase of danger take refuge in the crawlers and I'll have you beamed back aboard. If you feel it prudent, we can transport you back to the ship at any time.=^= Pem stepped out of the way so that Sanok and Fuller could set up the weather tent and the deep scanning array. While they did that he continued to operate the smaller scanner and use the optical relays on the end of the drill to get some images of the device that they had discovered. (Reply any on delta team) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Rogue Planet - Landing Site Delta - Lieutenant sg Sanok - Day 7 - 1622) Matrix ordered Sanok to assist with the cold-weather tent. Sanok did another tricorder scan to make sure the area was clear, and climbed down from his ice ridge, joining Fuller as they moved towards the ice crawlers. "Lieutenant, have you ever put up one of these before?" said Fuller. "Only once, Mister Fuller, during my cold-weather survival training while I was a cadet at Starfleet Academy." Reaching the crawlers, the two men removed the tent assembly and within a short time, had the shelter erected. "I think that will do it, sir," said Fuller. "Now, how about that depth gear?" Sanok tilted his head to one side and studied Fuller for a moment. If he got this excited over setting up a shelter and depth gear, what would he be like when something truly exciting happened. In another few minutes, the depth gear was set up and ready to go. Nodding to Fuller, Sanok moved back to his ice ridge and climbed on top of it again, running another tricorder scan. While the science people began their investigation in the ice sea, Sanok's mind drifted to Klagth, the guilt that the Klingon had not been able to escape during the Marah rescue, welling inside him again. Was Klagth still alive? If so, what tortures were being done to him? Sanok knew he would try to rescue him one day, but when would that day come now that they were on a long-term assignment in a remote sector? Sanok knew the right decision had been made. If he would have tried to drag the heavy Klingon to the transporter pad, neither of them would have made it. Still, it didn't make him feel better. Feel. Sanok wasn't supposed to feel anything. He had enjoyed his time living with his emotions, but when he had made the decision out of necessity to suppress them, it was a commitment of which he was 100% sure. When it turned out his emotions were still there, just under the surface of Vulcan discipline, he realized he was living the best of both worlds, though there was a fine line to walk. Sanok snapped out of his reverie by shouts from the science people that they had found something buried beneath the ice. Perhaps the trip to this ice ball would amount to something significant after all. (reply Delta) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Rogue Planet - Landing Site Delta - Lieutenant jg Viskhard - Day 7 - 1624) Visk was already clambering around on the icebound surface, looking for good spots to set up equipment. He noted the two not far away setting up the shelter and left them to it. Contrary to science, where the more heads you could gather, the better things went, setting up equiptment usually went better when there were fewer bodies to muddle things up. ~Besides, shelter equipment is simple enough for a single person to establish - they are nearly TWO many now.~ Chuckling at his own pun, Viskhard continued to wander afield. (reply any at Delta Site, iyw) (posted by Lori) -------------------------- (Rogue Planet – Landing Site Delta – CEO Lieutenant Commander Steven Matrix – Day 7- 1626) =^= Understood Sir. Thank you. Matrix out. =^= Matrix looked up at the storm, then to his team, "The Rose says the storm isn't likely to make its way directly toward us, but will keep us advised. Lets get busy on getting some data. Let me know what you come up with. I'll be in the crawler setting up the comm-link." said Matrix. (Reply Pembrook, Fuller, Sanok, Viskhard) (Posted by Steve) ------------------------- Rogue Planet – Landing Site Delta – CEO Lieutenant Commander Steven Matrix – Day 7- 1651) The wind had died down a bit in the past half an hour and the crew was nearly complete with their scans. Matrix wasn't in a rush to get back to the Rose, but the thought of a hot cup of Vulcan coffee appealed to him. Kneeling next to Pembrook, Matrix was reviewing the scan results on a bright yellow PADD. "These look promising." he said aloud. (Reply Pembrook, any) "Definitely a significant discovery wouldn't you say?" asked Matrix. (Reply Pembrook) "Mister Fuller, Sanok...how close are you to wrapping up? I'd like to start thinking about getting back to the drop point and then back to the Rose." asked Matrix. (Reply Fuller, Sanok) "Mister Viskhard, are you okay with that timeline?" asked Matrix (Reply Viskard) "Don't forget we need time to review and summarize our findings. I'm sure there will be a meeting shortly after we get back to the ship. " said Matrix. (Reply Pembrook, Fuller, Sanok, Viskhard) (Posted by Steve) ------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 8 Stardate: 2414.03.22 ========================= (USS Rosenante – Deck 10 Crew Mess – CEO – Lieutenant Commander Steven Matrix – 0451) (USS Rosenante - Captain's Galley- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 8- 0600) (USS Rosenante - CMO's Quarters - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8 - 0610) (USS Rosenante – Bridge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 0613) (USS Rosenante - Personal Quarters - ATAC/SC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day 8 - 0950) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 8 - 0957, 1007) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 8- 1002) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge- SciO Davolo Farelli, Day 8- 1004) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 8 - 1010) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8 - 1015) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day 8 - 1017) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 1018) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Lieutenant sg Sanok - Day 8 - 1019) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge – LT Chance Raschen - 1021) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 1025) (USS Rosenante – Shuttle Bay – Lt JG Tayla Fraiser – 1150, 1205) ========================= (USS Rosenante – Deck 10 Crew Mess – CEO – Lieutenant Commander Steven Matrix – 0451) Matrix hadn't slept well the night before and was starting to feel a bit under the weather. A hot shower and a good breakfast would likely provide him a jumpstart to his day. Matrix sat down at an empty table in the crew mess and put down his customary PADD, all three of them. "I'll have the Sunrise; 3 eggs scrambled, onion, green peppers, cheese, toast, bacon and Vulcan coffee black please." said Matrix to the waiter. The bright yellow PADD contained the raw data from the data gathering activity on the planet below. Its data had already been uploaded to the mission folder for team Delta on the main computer core before they had even left the surface. Much of the data was already analyzed by a multitude of routines for such missions. This automated analysis saved hundreds of hours drudging through raw data streams and allowed the crew to focus on the bigger picture. The weather pattern analysis wasn't anything too unusual, but the planet's atmosphere did present some interesting phenomenon nonetheless. The more interesting find was what Pembrook had discovered at site two. Signs of a civilization of some sort. He would allow each team member the opportunity to detail their findings in their respective reports, but Matrix thought this might well be an interesting discovery worthy of more data gathering. The core samples were nothing short of interesting as some of the chemical analysis suggested the deeper subsurface layers were once exposed to much higher temperatures akin to tropical climates. The pollen content alone suggested heavy vegetation in the region at both drilling sites. The machinery discovered at site two wasn't yet fully realized. Pembrook and the others were certainly detailing the scan results. Hopefully they had enough information to have the computer formulate a 3D schematic of the drill site. The raw data indicated possibly deeper materials, but the weather and the mineral deposits within the ice at the drill site hindered scanning past about 15 meters. Matrix thanked the waiter has he brought over the large breakfast and topped off his coffee. The meal was delicious and he immediately felt better than he had in a few days. ~Better get to engineering and review the preliminary reports.~ through Matrix. =^= Matrix to Pembrook, Fuller, Sanok and Viskhard. Please have your draft findings to me no later than 0930 this morning. I'll be in engineering if anyone needs me. =^= (Reply Pembrook, Fuller, Sanok, Viskhard) (Posted by Steve) ------------------------------ (USS Rosenante- Captain's Galley- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 8- 0600) Ahmed was sitting, enjoying the relative peace and quiet that a morning breakfast alone in his mess offered him for a change. His personal chef had gone out of his way to make him a wonderful breakfast of hot cereals and fresh fruit, something that he enjoyed whenever the time allowed. He was eating and as was his custom reading up on the latest reports from the away teams that were still on the surface. Though the original teams had long returned to the ship, their findings and discoveries had been intriguing enough to have additional teams beamed down to the sites for follow-up investigations. Larger teams with more equipment and an even deeper desire to study what was slowly turning out to be an amazing find. It was amazing to him that all three of the teams had discovered independent data that the planet below them was in the process of being terraformed, or rather that it had been at the time that it had been knocked out of orbit. The fact that the equipment had managed to maintain even a sliver of life in this otherwise impossible situation was a testament to the builders of the world. Underground ion generators were generating artificial lightning storms to pump o-zone and other basic life-building blocks into the atmosphere. Massive pumping stations beneath the ice shelves were warming and circulating water to the best of their ability beneath the ice sheets. They had probably begun their work simply filling the oceans in the first place, pulling the base elements from the atmosphere and condensing them into liquid water. And then there was the gravimetric pulses that kept the small dwarf planet's iron core liquid and fluid, generating a magnetosphere that was essential for any life to develop. It showed an incredible understanding of planetary science, to be able to manipulate the forces present here in such a manner to promote the development of life. The real question was whether the mysterious bones of the humanoid that Fuller had discovered was a member of the species that had done the terraforming or if they belonged to a visiting species who, like his own crew, had discovered this oasis of life floating through the Galaxy. Still the hypothesis was that whomever was terraforming the world had not intended to create evolutionary life, but had only intended to make the world habitable, perhaps for later colonization. It was the event that threw the planet out of orbit and into the depths of space that had prevented the full fruition of the development of the planet. The life-forms that were here had developed independently, finding the needed building blocks to sustain them. Islands of life had flourished, ticking close to the machinery that was maintaining the thin environment that they needed to survive. Ahmed popped a couple of large grapes into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully as he considered the ramifications of what they had discovered. If even one piece of this technology could be deciphered, the Federation's Terraforming programs would be made that much more efficient. Instead of centuries to terraform a world from inhabitable to barely sustainable, they could do it in decades. Add a little more time, and they could have entire non-marginal class M worlds within a century. Every lab and available console was being utilized to explore and study this world. The remains of the humanoid were being genotyped and cataloged in sickbay. Organic specimens being studied in the life sciences bays, engineering crews working on the deep scans of the artificial equipment to see if they could figure out how it worked. Even the astrophysics department was busy to find out where this world had come from and where it was going. Three-quarters of the ship's compliment were directly working on something related to the study of this world. The rest were supporting those doing the study. There was a chirp as his commbadge sounded. =^=Lieutenant Farelli to Captain Salid=^= Ahmed smiled, he realized it was likely that Farelli, one of the leads on the astrophysics teams had found either the origin or the destination of the rogue world and had wanted to share. Of course Ahmed had expressed an interest in the information. He tapped his commbadge. "Salid here, go ahead lieutenant." =^=Sir, the team has determined the course of the Rogue planet.=^= he began. ~As I suspected~ The captain thought with a smile. =^=Long-range scans indicate that it is going to pass by a binary star system in grid reference 586 by 12 by 47.19. There is a planet there sir, orbiting the binary pair.=^= ~Interesting~ =^= Scans lead us to believe that there could be sentient life on the planet, most likely in a pre-warp stage of development.=^= Farelli continued. Ahmed dropped the grape that was halfway to his mouth back onto his plate. "What are the chances that this is going to cause any disruption to the inhabited world?" He asked, suddenly acutely aware of the situation. =^= All our simulations say that there is a 100% chance that the fly-by with shift the orbital path of the inhabited world significantly. Enough so that there will be cataclysm and that the world will likely be thrown from orbit as a result of the near miss. All life on the world will become extinct within a decade after the rogue passes by.=^= Ahmed nodded to himself, knowing that no one could see his action. "Thank you Lieutenant. Put together a detailed briefing, I need you to give a briefing to the senior staff at 1000 hours today. Get as much information as you can together." =^=Aye Captain.=^= "Salid out." The channel closed and Ahmed suddenly realized that he was no longer hungry. There was now a situation that had to be dealt with and that situation held the fate of an entire world in it's hands. He pulled the cloth napkin from his lap and dropped it on his plate. He then rose and crossed the room to the old style intercom. He pressed the button that would connect him MC1 and spoke. "Attention all hands this is the Captain." a slight pause. "All senior officers are to report for a senior staff briefing at 1000 hours today in the Observation Lounge. Bring all pertinent data you've found concerning your research on the rogue planet. That will be all." He released the button and took a deep breath. He tapped his commbadge. "Salid to Raschen," (reply Raschen) "Chance, have all the away teams and survey equipment on the surface recalled and returned to the ship within the next two hours. I want all samples and exploratory gear stowed and the ship ready to depart no later than 0930 hours." (reply Chance, All senior officers) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante- CMO's Quarters - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8 - 0610) Josh had been up for a while now. When you had pets you tended to forgo sleeping in. So she had been up for a while, walked Lulu and fed both her and Bruiser. Showered, changed and was finally sitting down to what could laughingly be called a breakfast when she heard Captain Salid's voice over the inter ship channel. "Attention all hands this is the Captain." "All senior officers are to report for a senior staff briefing at 1000 hours today in the Observation Lounge. Bring all pertinent data you've found concerning your research on the rogue planet. That will be all." Josh checked the time and realising that she had more than enough time to finish her breakfast simply went back to her tea and toast whilst still calling up any reports from Sickbay that she might need for the meeting. Josh had spent most of yesterday evening running tests on the partial remains that had been found and she did indeed have a report ready for the Captain. Whether or not he would be pleased with the report was debatable, since everything she knew now didn't even please Josh. The specimen had been there for far too long to extract much DNA sampling so all Josh could definitely say was that it was humanoid, but not human. Definitely bipedal given the length of the bone, but slightly smaller than the average humanoid. Possibly around 5'3" in height and that was all. Josh didn't even know if this was an adult, an adolescent or a child, and nothing in what they could find regarding the DNA sample matched any sample in Starfleet records. Josh would be interested to find out the dating of the ice core samples found around the bone, since that would at least give then a timeline on when. She made a note on her padd to ask if anyone had checked that. Finally having done as much as she could for now she began organising all her information for the briefing. (No reply needed) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Bridge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 0613) T’Larah sat in the center chair as she perused the reports coming in from all over the ship. It was around shift change so all the end of shift reports were flooding in. It was a long night and most of the other officers and crew that were on the away team were still in their quarters, getting some much deserved rest. She gave an optional two hour late call to those that were on the rogue planet, most of the away team took it. She was pleased with how well the away teams had done. All of them had made some discovery that was another piece of the puzzle that was a planet in the middle of space. One thing that T’Larah liked about this mission is that there were more reports coming in from the science labs then there were from the tactical systems. An anomaly that she hoped had become more of a regular occurance. =^=Attention all hands this is the Captain.=^= The whole bridge paused as the Captain not only addressed them all, but the entire ship as well. =^=All senior officers are to report for a senior staff briefing at 1000 hours today in the Observation Lounge. Bring all pertinent data you've found concerning your research on the rogue planet. That will be all.=^= “OPS ensure a text alert copy is sent to all personnel who were on the away team. This will ensure they don’t oversleep.” She said. She was only taking a precaution. She knew the officers in question were not slackers, but on the astronomical chance they didn’t show, T’Larah wanted every effort made that they weren’t forgotton. “Aye sir.” (Reply any on bridge, those alerted but not necessary) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Personal Quarters - ATAC/SC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day 8 - 0950) Jessica had just woken from a restful night sleep, had a small breakfast, and had a refreshing dip in the sonic shower when the call came though for all senior crew to report to the observation lounge for another briefing. Jessica nodded has she slipped into a fresh uniform, and made she that it was all to rights before grabbing a set of PADD's that she's been working on. One of those being the PADD containing all the information her circlet had picked up. Tactically it was worth little, scientifically the data was worth far more. It didn't take Jessica long to get herself in order and leave her quarter and head to the Observation Lounge. Throwing her hair into a pony tail along the way. She wondered why this meeting had been called what new developments had occurred that would require the need of gathering all the senior staff. (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day 8 - 0955) She entered the Observation Lounge she noted that there were a few other officer there before her, and they chatted among themselves mostly about what new discoveries were being made about the rouge planet. Jessica decided to move over to the replicator and ask for a glass of pomegranate, blueberry tea. Once heer desired drink had appeared. She moved to take a seat at the table and glance around to see if by chance Eian had made it there yet. Not seeing him, she took a sip of her tea and waited for the meeting to start. (reply any in attendance.) (posted by Matthew Locke) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 8 - 0957) Eian entered the Observation Lounge with a PADD in his hand regarding the findings of the skeleton on the surface and the subsequent anthropology team's results. He spotted Jessica and took a seat next to her. He strategically chose this seat so that he could be close to her, but would not stare at her during the briefing. While he thought better with distractions around him, that kind of distraction was not helpful. Particularly after the moments on the planet in which his ability to be physically attracted to someone was reawakened from its previously dormant state. Assimilation was hard on one's sex drive. (reply Jessica, anyone else, iyw) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 8 - 1007) ~Fascinating,~ Eian thought, finding himself intrigued and not the least bit in need of a distraction to stay focused. A moral dilemma, a debate about the Prime Directive...it was a history buff's small taste of heaven. When it was appropriate, Eian spoke. "Sir, if I may, General Order 24* specifically prohibits any violation of the Prime Directive even in the event of extinction of a species, unless the event is a direct threat to the Federation or the species has already been exposed to advanced cultures. Do we know how this planet ended up on its current course, and if it has anything to do with the attempt to terraform it? If it was the mistake of a currently warp-capable civilization that caused the course, then it may not be against the Prime Directive to track them down and explain the circumstances to them, though that may take too much time in our 35-day window." (reply any, room for more) "Also, this case has a precedent**. On Stardate 42695.3, a pre-warp species inhabiting Drema IV was facing extinction and a child living there was in communication with an officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D. The Enterprise interfered and saved the planet from extinction, but this was later ruled not a violation of the Prime Directive because the girl was already in contact with the officer at the time of their interference, and they later wiped her memory and returned her to her planet. The unique circumstances enabled the Enterprise to save the planet without any of the inhabitants knowing about it. It would seem that we would have to first determine if the people on this planet, although you did say they're pre-industrial, have developed any kind of telescope technology that would enable them to know of their fate?" (reply any) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 8- 1002) Ahmed stepped into the compartment and swept his gaze across the compartment to take stock of those officers that were present. He moved quickly to his position at the head of the table and took a seat before he spoke, "Thank you all for being on time. We have a great deal to discuss, especially where the rogue planet is concerned. Before we begin those detailed reports, I'd like for Lieutenant Farelli, from Astrometrics to give you all some information concerning the path of the rogue planet. We can then determine our course of action if any." Ahmed turned to the lieutenant, "Lieutenant..." Farelli stood and began his presentation. When he had concluded, the Captain once again took command of the briefing. Having heard the briefing, he now turned to the assembled officers at the table. "Let's here some comments." he requested. NRPG: This is where the Captain is looking to see what the individual officers assembled think, before determining his course. You are free to discuss the applicable nature of the Prime Directive and to argue it's morality or application in this instance. We can also discuss any ideas as to how to deal with this situation. (reply All present) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- SciO Davolo Farelli, Day 8- 1004) Davolo listened intently as the Captain called the meeting to order and gave a very brief description of what the briefing would contain. He had only been to departmental briefings and those few had been usually short and confined to just the tasks of the day. Astrometrics didn't need to have very long briefings even with the survey mission that they were undertaking at present. As a result of this, he felt a little uncomfortable being this close to the entire senior staff of the ship. Not that he was a shy man, but just that it was such an uncommon thing that it seemed to strike him as uncomfortable. Davolo snapped back to the present as the captain introduced him. "Thank you all for being on time. We have a great deal to discuss, especially where the rogue planet is concerned. Before we begin those detailed reports, I'd like for Lieutenant Farelli, from Astrometrics to give you all some information concerning the path of the rogue planet. We can then determine our course of action if any. Lieutenant..." Davolo stood up, took a deep breath and began, "Thank you captain. we've been working on plotting out the path of travel for the Rogue planet since we assumed standard orbit around it. The captain asked us to see if we could trace her point of origin, which is still in the works, as well as the path that she will be taking on her journey." "We've taken into account the gravitational eddies of the region and after refining and reworking our calculations, we've determined that the planet will be passing through a binary system." "That system is only about five days from here at warp six, and at the planet's current speed it will take 35 days for it to reach the outskirts of the system in question." He punched up a display of the system, recreated and rendered from the long range sensors. He superimposed the path of the rogue planet through the system. "As you can see, there is a single planet orbiting the binary pair, which in itself is very uncommon. What is even more uncommon is that the planet remains within the habitable zone of the binary pair and is in a stable solar orbit. With that discovery, we began looking at the world a little closer." "Long range sensors give a strong indication that the planet has a significant biosphere, and there are significant amounts of minor refined gases in the atmosphere, that are not naturally occurring, but are side affects of certain types of chemical refinement. Further studies indicate that there is likely a mostly pre-industrial society here; ranging on the Richter Scale of Cultural Development somewhere between a rating of D minus to D plus. This means that they are basically equal technologically to earth just prior to and during the earliest years of the industrial revolution." "The disturbing part of all this is that we have extrapolated the affects of the rogue planet's passage through the system. The gravitational pull of the intruder will be enough to tug the inhabited world just enough to disturb her orbit. The destruction won't be immediate, but within a decade of the passage the planet will begin to suffer from extremes of climate, drought, uncommonly strong weather disturbances, massive tidal extremes and eventually, they will become so radical that all life on the world will be extinguished. Within a period of four decades, the orbit of the planet will be so erratic that the world's surface temperature will range from that of molten lead during the closer passages to their stars and that of boiling water on the cooler. one century later the planet will collide with the larger of the binary stars and be consumed." "We currently estimate that the planet possesses as many as three billion in population. Of course the Prime Directive prevent us from interfering, but I think that we should consider options. That's all. Thank you." (reply all) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 8 - 1010) Parker listened to the conversation, and frowned in annoyance. His frown deepened when he heard O'Neill speak, trying to find a 'way out' of the Prime Directive. He shook his head and interjected before someone else interrupted, leaning forward from his previous nearly slouching, indignant position in his chair. "Forgive me, but I don't think this is a conversation we should even be having." He folded his hands on the table and tried to look like he wasn't reacting emotionally to this discussion. He was, after all, a counselor. But it was conversations like this that historically had put his training to the test. "We're sitting in this climate-controlled room, with full stomachs and a good night's sleep, and no one presently trying to kill us, and we're all in good health and have a good chance of living till tomorrow morning," he started. "And we're debating whether we should or should not alter the course of history--saving billions of lifeforms on a planet, yes, but at the same time, changing the course of history in this sector--without even knowing whether the planet's present course is a natural phenomenon or not. I agree with Lieutenant O'Neill--we should try to figure that out. But...with respect to everyone here...unless we can do it in thirty-five days, I think it takes a lot of arrogance to assume we have the right to even consider altering its course. Those conditions I listed that we all enjoy, we could alter those conditions for an infinite number of possible beings, sentencing them to death, if we alter this planet's future. We may never meet them, and they may exist millennia after we all die. But we will have sentenced them to a fate by "messing" with something that might be a natural phenomenon. Or we may indirectly cause our own demise by securing their survival. That's exactly what the Prime Directive is written to prevent. It's to prevent Starfleet Officers with big hearts from getting big heads, and forgetting that there are consequences to our actions that we can't forsee." He hoped that he had not spoken out of turn, but this was a subject in which he was emotionally invested. His radar went off whenever a Starfleet Officer or other Federation official started to talk about finding ways around the rules because they thought they "knew better" or it was "better for the people", whomever it happened to concern at that moment. The moment an officer took that initial step, it could very easily lead to justification of any number of offenses that had far more obvious consequences. This kind of moment, in this observation lounge, was the exact sort of moment that inspired most of the former Federation personnel that he had counselled in the Brian Hill Penitentiary to do whatever had gotten them incarcerated. (reply any) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8 - 1015) Josh had listened to both Misters O'Neill and Davis and had tended to agree somewhat with both premises, however, she and every other medical person in Starfleet knew that the Prime Directive brought up the kind of medical and ethical dilemma that would eventually turn round and bite them on the butt at some point in their career and most, if not all of them had thought long and hard about it. Josh had made up her mind a long time ago with regard to this so she opened her mouth to begin to add her thoughts but found herself instead reciting the first line of the Hippocratic Oath. "I swear by Apollo the Physician and Asclepius and Hygieia and Panaceia and all the gods, and goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfill according to my ability and judgment this oath and this covenant: " As everyone's eyes turned towards her she smiled somewhat deprecatingly. "Long before I took the Oath to Starfleet I took another oath. Part of that oath states 'I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.'" "Also, The Declaration of Geneva further states 'I will not permit considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient.' These people will die if we do not help them. Everything I have been taught, everything I have learned during my career as a doctor, everything I am as a person says we should go help them. I guess that pretty much sums up my thoughts on the matter for whatever it's worth." (Reply any, all) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day 8 - 1017) Jessica listened has different people voiced there opinions about the prime directive. She was happy that Eian was by her side. Jessica's mind raced with the possibilities she more than anyone knew the cost of going against the prime directive and the cost of saving or more importantly condemning life. The decision, the conversations that were crossing the table tore at the core of Jessica's small frame. Slowly Jessica stood from her chair which only succeeded to bring just over the head level of most of the people gathered. She glanced around the table before addressing the Captain. "Sir if I might be so bold." (reply Salid) Jessica took a deep breath has she steadied herself, "Freya give me strength." she spoke the prayer softly only the closest to her would be able to hear her. "I agree with Lt. Davis, we should no having this conversation. For it waste what little time we have to find out what we can about the rouge planet and if indeed the race in question is actually outside the scope of the prime directive. I am sure that you all would agree with me that there are many different ways to measure the progress of a society that your sensors can not perceive. They could be more medically advanced or mentally advanced than anything the federation knows about. I'm not saying they are but I am saying that it's something to consider." She took a deep breath before continuing. "Lt. Davis you isn't inaction still an action. "It was a cryptic comment and she offered a moment of silence so those gathered to ponder the thought. Before she continued. "Whether we decide to interfere on this alien race or not we will have to deal with the chain of events that will inevitably come out of your action or inaction. The truth is Lt. Davis you don't know if by helping this race we will condemn the federation. It is just has easy that by doing nothing we could still condemn the federation. I believe what you are referring to Sir when people act based on emotion instead of considering the logic or lack there of behind there actions." Jessica smiled has she was sure what she spoke had shocked the souls of those people who knew what truly lived with her. ~If someone like me can be saved who has been the cause of so much blood shed, then absurdly this race that has done nothing more than try to survive can be saved has well. To do anything less would be hypocritical.~ I took all of Jessica's will power to keep that thought firmly locked behind her lips. "Figuring out all we can about the rouge planet and if there is a way to use the equipment with the planet has a way of stopping it should be our first goal." Jessica lowered herself back into her seat, with what she though would be a rather pointed comment. They were there to investigate the planet if they did not stop it the planet would be destroyed and they would have nothing of the technological advances that lied with in the planets shell. Once back into her seat she looked over to Eian, Jessica completely expected to see the surprised look on his face. "Every one risked so much for me, would it not have been easier to let me go, and let the darkness have me." She look away from his face. It was times like this her past weighed heavily upon her. "Like me, isn't making the right choice mean that it may not always mean the easiest. And the question of whether if we made the right are wrong wont be decided till history has made that distinction for us. All we can do is act and hope for the best." It was another cryptic comment, those who knew how she fought against the Borg, how she ended Volus would think of the many times that she defied death with the aid of the Rosenante's crew. Those that knew her better and knew who she was would she spoke of what was risked to rescue a living weapon out of the hands of Section 31 and the give her a life where she could decide her own fate. She looked around the table searching for how others accepted what she said. Jessica felt small in the overwhelming silence that followed. Then someone else spoke up. (reply whoever want the ball next) (posted By Matthew Locke) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 1018) Ben listened as a debate broke out about what to do about the rogue planet now that they knew it was going to disrupt the ecosystem of another planet, apparently it was going to cause an extinction level event. It wouldn't happen over night but within a decade all life on the planet would perish. The prime directive was mentioned, the race was pre warp and therefore as a rule they couldn't interfere with the natural development of the planet or it's inhabitants. But was this the natural course of action for the planet, could it be possible that what ever caused the rogue to be thrown from it's own orbit wasn't a natural occurrence. Eian had given an example of how the Enterprise-D had intervened and saved a planet. Jessica agreed with the counselor to a point, seems the rogue had presented them with more then an opportunity for study. "This is quite the can of worms we're opening." Ben stated. "If we alter the course of the rogue we'll be in violation of the prime directive, if we do nothing we're condemning a sentient race to death. We don't know these people but they may one day be the Federations greatest ally, they may develop some new technology that may significantly benefit everyone in the galaxy or discover a way to eliminate disease. Can we just sit back and watch as these people go the way of the dinosaurs? How do we know the rogue wasn't intentionally set on it's present course by someone?" Ben wasn't sure how everyone else felt but he wanted to help these people if he could, they had the knowledge and the power to act. The big decision was the Captain's of course but he had given his two cents worth for consideration. (reply any present) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Lieutenant sg Sanok - Day 8 - 1019) Sitting in the observation lounge, listening to the briefing, Sanok sighed inwardly after learning it was a matter clouded by the Prime Directive. He understood the need for such a law, and there were times it was needed, but based on what he studied about it in the Academy, Sanok felt it was brought into a situation far more than it ever should have been. "Captain Salid, if I may," said Sanok, when there was a moment for him to speak. "It seems to me, that the only reason we would choose to not save the people, is if the rogue planet heading towards them was a completely natural occurrence. Even if it were, I see no reason to let them die. "Who are we to judge whether these people should live or die, based on what kind of people they may or may not become? Who are we to not save someone we could save, simply because they haven't developed a technology of sufficient levels to save themselves? "Captain, if these people had the technology to save themselves, they would. If it were Earth or Vulcan, we would save ourselves. If it were the Borg home world, if there was such a place, or the Klingons of the 23rd century, they would save themselves. Being 'good' or 'evil' would have nothing to do with it. It would simply be a matter of having the ability to do it. "Look at the history of your Earth. Were there not times of natural disaster, where countries joined together to aid other nations, even though they were enemies or they disliked each other? During wartime, did not one nation rescue enemy combatants that were shot down in planes or from a warship was sinking? Did combat medics treat the wounds of enemy soldiers? "There will always be someone out there that is a threat or a menace. That is the way of the Universe. If our ideals stand for anything at all, we have no choice but to save the people and their planet. It is the *humanitarian* thing to do." (reply any) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge – LT Chance Raschen - 1021) Sitting in the observation lounge, listening to the briefing, Raschen had gotten sick and tired of the fates of unwitting worlds being clouded by the Prime Directive. He understood the need for such a law, and there were times it was needed, but based on what he studied about it in the Academy, Chance felt it was brought into a situation far more than it ever should have been. Fortunately, Sanok had made several compellingly good points that Raschen actually agreed with. "Sir, there is no point in even having this debate unless we have someway of helping the people on that planet. That being said, I have something to add to this craziness." he said when there was a moment for him to speak, he stood up and began. "This has become a Prime Directive issue. I got it, I understand it; but let me ask everyone of you in this room something. No, scratch that. I don’t need to know about any of your beliefs,” Raschen started after reconsidering what he was going to say. “…but whether or not I go to Heaven or Hell when I die is not based on what is good for the damn Federation.” Raschen turned his head so that he could look each individual in the eyes before he continued. “I think I can safely say that I am probably the biggest, utter bastard in this gathering if not on this ship. I can also speak from the perspective of someone that has not only given the order, but actually pulled the trigger myself on innumerable beings. I have also stood by and done nothing to prevent others from doing the killing.” (Reply any iyw) “I agree that combatants and battle are totally different. I’m talking about innocents. And from what I’ve heard the only folks the beings on that planet have hurt are each other. In addition, we can’t prove that the rogue planet didn’t go off on this course by itself.” (Reply any iyw) Taking a deep breath, Raschen used the moment to think through what he was about to say. “To kill a star system, you only have to get rid of one planet. What if some unnatural force, some military super-power, managed to send this planet off its original orbit for who knows what reason. Consequently it simply started to get slung from gravity well to gravity well until it found its way here.” Chance then steeled himself for the fallout of what he had just implied. (Reply any) Holding up his hands and sitting down, Chance finished up by stating “If it is unnatural then someone else has already tampered with the natural evolution of this planet. So even I cannot in good conscience sit here all fat and happy and not do anything to try and save that planet. Wether it is with or without their knowing.” (Reply any) (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 1025) The discussion in the observation lounge became as heated as it could and still be a disciplined conversation. Somewhere during the middle of it, T’Larah felt a feeling of disgust eminating from Chance, she knew him well enough from her Katra bouncing around in his head that he was about to speak, and he didn’t disappoint her. "Sir, there is no point in even having this debate unless we have some way of helping the people on that planet. That being said, I have something to add to this craziness." he said when there was a moment for him to speak, he stood up and began. "This has become a Prime Directive issue. I got it, I understand it; but let me ask everyone of you in this room something. No, scratch that. I don’t need to know about any of your beliefs,” Raschen started after reconsidering what he was going to say. “…but whether or not I go to Heaven or Hell when I die is not based on what is good for the damn Federation.” He looked at each individual. His gaze settling on each person, turning his head to do so, before he spoke. “I think I can safely say that I am probably the biggest, utter bastard in this gathering if not on this ship. I can also speak from the perspective of someone that has not only given the order, but actually pulled the trigger myself on innumerable beings. I have also stood by and done nothing to prevent others from doing the killing.” “Most of the veterans of the civil war here can say the same thing Lieutenant.” T’Larah responded. “I agree that combatants and battle are totally different. I’m talking about innocents. And from what I’ve heard the only folks the beings on that planet have hurt are each other. In addition, we can’t prove that the rogue planet didn’t go off on this course by itself.” T’Larah could see and feel that Chance was getting flustered. This matter obviously had him worked up. “Take your time Chance.” Taking a deep breath, Raschen used the moment to think through what he was about to say. “To kill a star system, you only have to get rid of one planet. What if some unnatural force, some military super-power, managed to send this planet off its original orbit for who knows what reason. Consequently it simply started to get slung from gravity well to gravity well until it found its way here.” Chance then steeled himself for the fallout of what he had just implied. T’Larah looked at the Captain, “I can see what you are saying. If this rogue planet were constructed or somehow knocked out of orbit it ceases to become a natural phenomenon.” Holding up his hands and sitting down, Chance finished up by stating “If it is unnatural then someone else has already tampered with the natural evolution of this planet. So even I cannot in good conscience sit here all fat and happy and not do anything to try and save that planet. Whether it is with or without their knowing.” (Repy any) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Shuttle Bay – Lt JG Tayla Fraiser – 1150) Tayla stretched as she walked out of the shuttle that had brought her to her new home. She glanced around the shuttle bay of the USS Rosentante and smiled. ~So this is my new home. Well, not right here but so far so good.~ She thought to herself. Smiling, she walked up to the waiting crew member and said, “So where can I leave my stuff?” He looked at her and said, “You can leave it right here until Captain Salid let's you know where your quarters are.” Tayla smiled widely and replied, “Well, thankyou, Kind sir. Make sure you look after everything. Don't go peeking either.” She turned and walked out of the shuttle bay. (USS Rosentante – Bridge – Lt JG Tayla Fraiser – 1205) As the turbolift doors opened, Tayla caught her first sight of the bridge. As a doctor, she rarely got the chance to see the place where all the major decisions were made and, even now, it still sent chills down her spine. She took a moment to take it all in and then set foot onto the bridge. A hive of activity, it still amazed her. Glancing around, she spotted the man she had come to see and walked towards him. Taking a small breath, she coughed and said, “Captain Salid?” (Reply Salid) Tayla nodded and replied, “Lieutenant Tayla Fraiser reporting for duty, Sir.” (Reply Salid) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ------------------------- Compiled by Marilyn =========================