USS _Soval_The_Lesser_Evil_Compile_03 ============ NOTE: I counted the days back and adjusted it to the other. Mission: The Lesser Evil Day: 0 Stardate:2414.05.14 ============ (Starbase 989 - Ensign Morris aCSO - 1236) (USS Soval, - Ensign Morris aCSO - 1245) ============ (Starbase 989 - Ensign Morris aCSO - 1236) Jason moved through the almost never ending corridors of starbase 989 gliding around other officers all heading to different destinations. Morris was making his way to one of the many bases transporter rooms so he could be transported to his assignment aboard the USS Soval. Jason had been more than excited when he received his orders to the Soval because it meant that his work over the last four years at the academy was paying off. After making one last turn, Jason arrived at transporter room 11 and without hesitation, the new Ensign entered through the parting doors. In the room, the transporter technician standing behind the console smiled as Jason gave his PADD over to confirm why he was there. "Make you way to the transport pads Sir." the technician stated as he smiled again. After taking several steps forward, Jason placed himself in the center of the first pad and took a deep breath in. Jason was well aware of the mechanics of how a transporter worked and they were completely safe, but it still made him nervous from time to time. Within seconds, Jason brought himself back into focus and watched as the transport technician nodded. "Gods Speed, Sir." The technician stated as he activated the transporter controls. Within seconds, Jason was enveloped his a shimmering glow and the transporter room slowly faded and was replaced by the transport room aboard the Soval. Jason stood in place for a few moments as his senses caught up with him and then stepped down the platform onto the deck. "Welcome aboard the Soval, Ensign." the slim looking Lt. greeted as he movied from around the transporter console. "Glad to be aboard Sir." Jason responded. "If you will follow me, I will show you to your quarters before you report in" the slim Lt. stated as the two moved through the parting doors. (Posted by: Mark) ============ (USS Soval - Ensign Morris aCSO - 1245) Jason Strolled across the main area of his new quarters and placed his single bag onto his bed as he fell to a setting position at the end of it. After a few moments, Jason pulled his small bag onto his lap and quickly unlatched its clasps with one hand and then swung the lid open with his other. moments of shuffling through the small amount of personal items that he brought with him, Jason pull a framed picture out of the bag that caused a smile to come over his face. Sliding the bag off of his lap and then quickly standing, Jason looked for the perfect spot for his picture. Taking no time, Morris grinned and moved across to his desk that sat off to the side of his quarters. After setting in the chair that was behind the desk, Jason placed the picture on the right side of the computer monitor that was built into the top. "We made it Brenda." Jason said aloud running his fingers across the image. Jason smiled as he remembered the exact time the picture had been taken with best friend at his graduation celebration. Brenda Lewis had be more than just a fellow cadet, she had been a good friend as they made their way through Starfleet academy together. She was a year behind Jason at the academy and was hoping to become a medical officer in the fleet and was doing well when Jason shipped out. Both cadets has been labeled as insepraretble from the moment they met during lecture on Xenoboilogy. Both had passion for their craft and each looked forward to the adventures that lay ahead of them in Starfleet. Lewis made him promise that he would take their picture with him no matter where he went so he could remember her and their friendship. Jason mind snapped back to reality and quickly grabbing his PADD, Jason stood up from his seated position. "Computer, location of sickbay." Jason stated clearly. "Deck 12" the computer responded Jason moved from behind his desk and exited his quarters through the parting doors that lead into the main corridor filled with other officers. Morris, after a few moments arrived at turbolift 5 and entered through the parting doors on his way to check in with medical for his physical that was required for all new assigned crew members. As Jason turned around facing the now closed doors, tugged at his tunic top and stated clearly to the computer. "Deck 12" With in moments, Jason was off to meet his CMO and ships councilor and start his Starfleet career aboard the galaxy class vessel Soval. (Posted by: Mark) Ensign Jason Morris ============ Mission: The Lesser Evil Day: 15 Stardate:2414.05.29 ============ (USS Soval, Personal Quarters, CTO Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos- 0215) (USS Soval - Bridge - CO Captain Syuvik - 0902) (USS Soval - Bridge - ACSO Ensign Yeates - 0904) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room –Yeoman Ensign j.g.- 1825) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1827) (USS Soval Observation Lounge - LCDR Tom Jackson 2O - 1828) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - Yeoman Ensign j.g. Ansia Rozen - 1830) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1831) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room – Yeoman Ensign j.g. Ansia Rozen - 1832) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1838) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - FO Commander Matrix - 1841) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1901) (USS Soval, Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room - CTO Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos- 1903) (USS Soval, Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room - CTO Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos- 1909) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1912) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 1914) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1916) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 1918) (USS Soval - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Matrix - 1919) (USS Soval - Bridge - ACSO Ensign Yeates - 1922) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1923) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 1925) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1927) (USS Soval - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Matrix - 1928) (USS Soval - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign Yeates - 1929) (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CC Lieutenant j.g. Cecilia Bruce - 1930) (USS Soval, Hydroponics Bay, CTO Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos and aCTO Ensign (jg) Alex Hartmann - 1936) (USS Soval - Deck 12, Gymnasium -CO Captain Syuvik & CIO Lieutenant Jennifer Bates - 1945) (USS Soval - Outside Observation Lounge - LCDR Tom Jackson 2O - 2000) (USS Soval - Deck - Observation Deck LCDR Tom Jackson 2O - 2001) (USS Soval - Crew quarters – aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann, Yeoman Ensign j.g. Ansia Rozen - 2002) (USS Soval - Hartmann's quarters - aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 2100) ============ (USS Soval, Personal Quarters, CTO Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos- 0215) The days have long since started to blur but Jessica continued to grind away at the many task before her. Sitting behind her desk lost behind a sea of PADDs she worked. After sacrificing a goodly amount of her free time and sleep she finally had built a computer model that would run how the explosion would have happened. "Computer with the known outcome of the explosion run the simulation." She yawned has she watched the holographic display show in detail the destruction of Quazlth. To say it was a well planned attack was an understatement, it was a deadly work of art. But it was incomplete Jessica knew this. The computer beeped acknowledging the completion of the simulation. Jessica nodded. "Computer list all variables that were in contradiction of the simulation." The computer beeped and a list appeared before her eyes. "Hmmm." She pondered looking over each entry. "Ok a simple overload could not of caused the explosion, there had to be a catalyst blast to crack the shielding on the reactor chamber." She spoke to herself reviewing the data. "Computer how was the final debris field accomplished." "During the catalyst reaction to reactor entered a emergency shutdown that caused a system dump of all stored energy into the planetary grid before the reactor shield became compromised" The computer replied. "What's the accuracy of that simulation given current data." Jessica asked. "Simulation is running at a accuracy of 95 percent given current data." Was the response from the ships computer. Jessica then saw something out of place with what the computer was showing her. "Computer, where is the genetic data from the final debry field." "Genetic data was removed from simulation." "WHY" Jessica yelled at the computer her patience running short. "Genetic data inconsistent with simulation data." Rubbing the bridge of her nose Jessica asked. "Why is the data inconsistent." "With current data and blast analysis there is less than 0.0125 pecent chance of any genetic data surviving the explosion. Simulation shows any genetic data in the volume recoverd to be vaporized by the explosion." The computer answered. Jessica's eyes went wide if that was the case than that would prove that the team from the Soval were indeed framed for the explosion. Because that material should of never exsisted, and would have to be placed there after the fact for the sole purpose of being found. She saved the simulation data to four different PADD because if they were being set up this would be the only evidence to clear their names. It had to given to people she could trust who she knew would stand by her side if the worst were to happen. (Reply none) ( Posted by Matthew Locke ) ============ (USS Soval - Bridge - CO Captain Syuvik - 0902) All in all, Syuvik was only able to spend 20 minutes working on the away mission. Twenty minutes later, a new report forced him to return to the bridge. Quezalth was not in short sensor range of the ship. It wasn't supposed to be. "What is our location?" he asked. (Reply any) Syuvik examined the data more closely. "Expanding...hmmm." he said. "And our sensor didn't sense it. That would explain why, despite taking a precautionnary distance from the anomaly, we were still 'in'. This time, he didn't wanted to take the risk to bring the ship back inside the anomaly. Yet, they couldn't stay there without taking the risk of being detected. Adressing the Conn officer. "Ensign, bring us around the anomaly at half impulse." he said. "We must remain hidden from sensors.." he explained to the officers on the bridge. He continued. "Ensign Yeates, make sure the expansion of the anomaly do not encompass the ship once again. If the sensors cannot be trusted, use the naked eyes." (Reply Yeates) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval - Bridge - ACSO Ensign Yeates - 0904) "Ensign Yeates, make sure the expansion of the anomaly do not encompass the ship once again. If the sensors cannot be trusted, use the naked eyes." " Aye Captain " Ensign Yeates answered before hurriedly tapping at the science station console. "It's staying put for now but not sure for how long" Ensign Yeates said looking at the captain. (Reply Syuvik) (posted by Yeates) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room –Yeoman Ensign j.g.- 1825) Captain Syuvik was talking about how he was seeing her and her answers. "No need to. We already have someone from Starfleet Intelligence on the ship. I believe you met her. Lieutenant Jennifer Bates. She will check out your story." Syuvik said. "So you knew nothing about Section 31 before you joined them? You never heard until now what they did or could do to achieve their means? I have difficulty believing your story. How did they recruit you and for how long?" he asked. ~Something in her past broke to the forefront. There were sounds of explosions in the background, sounds of laser fire, people screaming, building crashing around her. These sounds were foreign to her as she had been protected from these since birth by her family, mother, father, two older brothers, and sister. She was now so scared she was uncontrollably trembling at the school she had recently started. She was not at present with her family and was not at ease with the people appointed to teach/protect her while she was at school.~ ~Suddenly some official looking people came in and started rushing her along with the other kids out of the classroom. They were being hoarded to shelter underneath the school that was to protect them and their teachers. As the kids were of the more intelligent classes, they were not screaming or crying as they followed their instructions. Once they finally arrived far under the school, the sounds from what was going outside had diminished. Their teacher returned to teaching to put the kids back into a familiar setting to keep them calm.~ ~At the time the parents were supposed to take them home, they were hoarded up again and taken to a lower facility where there were living quarters set up. Each child was taken to where they were to sleep until they were picked up by their family or appointed guardian. As she was in the more intelligent section of the school, she kept track of the time she and her class stayed underground. She tracked more than four weeks of being hidden underground had pasted before a significant change happened.~ "I am not a Vulcan that investigates everything they hear for it's voracity. I guess maybe I should question everything. I heard rumors and I don't go off on every rumor, if I did I would not get anything done. I am not a scientist with an inquisitive mind like them. I take offense to you insinuating I am gullible and a liar." she replied to the captain's talking down to her. ~Shaking her head as there were officials standing in the front of the room reading off family names of the deceased. "ROZEN" was next name on the list. Not who of the family, but, the entire family had been killed. She had not noticed, but, as she started to pass out, someone had caught her as she was falling from her chair.~ Coming back to the present, "You do realize there are some possible contradictions in what you are saying. The information you are providing me seem to be old. Yet, you received a mission from them just a week ago. So you were in contact with them. Where were you based when you were informed of your new mission and who gave you that mission? It also means, if you no longer belong to them... you mean from now on, since it is clear a week from now you were still taking orders from them." she heard Captain Syuvik say next. ~It was years later when things came back. She was looking at her advanced computer test paper she had just aced. Anything that involved computers, she took and aced. She was now considered the person to talk to when the discussion was about anything computers. After she lost her family in the raid that destroyed the outpost, she wanted answers and the only place to find them was on the computers, so, she set out to learn everything related to them.~ "I said the information was probably old. I was not in contact with them, the last contact was on Starbase 968 before being sent here from Major General Marsoke. A week from now could be different now that I have told you everything. But I am not the scientist you are, so, if you do something different, couldn't it change the future events?" she replied. ~Her next memory was in what looked like a Starfleet dormitory room, she was talking to her roommate. It sounded like they were talking about Section 31, they were huddled tightly so no one could hear what was being said. The first memory of learning about them. At that time she found that her roommate was put there to try and recruit Ansia. Ansia had grown up with so much drive to find out actually what had happened to her family. Section 31 according to her roommate had.~ Ansia noticed that she had sat down, when she didn't;t know. Tears were running down her cheeks as she remembers. "Yes, I have known Section 31 ever since i joined. They have been using me to get what I want the most." she said as she (reply any) (posted by frank) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1827) Syuvik was questionning Ansia. If he wanted to learn the truth, he needed not to spare her feelings. "I am not a Vulcan that investigates everything they hear for it's voracity. I guess maybe I should question everything. I heard rumors and I don't go off on every rumor, if I did I would not get anything done. I am not a scientist with an inquisitive mind like them. I take offense to you insinuating I am gullible and a liar." she replied to the captain. "It was one or the other, not both." Syuvik said. "Perhaps those words are not those you want to hear, but they are legitimate questions." As she did not answer, he continued. "You do realize there are some possible contradictions in what you are saying. The information you are providing me seem to be old. Yet, you received a mission from them just a week ago. So you were in contact with them. Where were you based when you were informed of your new mission and who gave you that mission? It also means, if you no longer belong to them... you mean from now on, since it is clear a week from now you were still taking orders from them." "I said the information was probably old. I was not in contact with them, the last contact was on Starbase 968 before being sent here from Major General Marsoke. A week from now could be different now that I have told you everything. But I am not the scientist you are, so, if you do something different, couldn't it change the future events?" she replied. Syuvik took a few seconds to answer. "It would change the future if I would do something against them here in the past. But that would be a violation of the Temporal Prime Directive. So unless our path crosses, what you have said here and now should have no effect on the future." The ensign sat and started crying. Apparently, she had not listened to what he had said. She seemed more focused on her own memories. Syuvik wondered if she was sincere or acting. She would not be the first to act a deeply troubling past just to gain sympathy and manipulate someone. However, sympathy was not something he was capable of. Vulcan had simply no ability to replicate others emotions. "Yes, I have known Section 31 ever since i joined. They have been using me to get what I want the most." she said. Syuvik replicated a tissue and handed it to her. "They are known for manipulating people." Syuvik simply said. "That is why we can't trust any of them. Speech is a faculty they use to conceal their thoughts and emotions to conceal their beliefs and motives. We can't trust either." he said. She really seemed sincere...but he really couldn't afford to believe her just because of a few tears. Yet, perhaps it was best to stop the conversation here. "If I may give you an advice, meditation and solitude often help me find the answers I seek. You should reflect on all this, and we shall resume this conversation at a later time, when the time will be proper." (Reply Rozen) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval Observation Lounge - LCDR Tom Jackson 2O - 1828) Tom entered the observation lounge a bit early. He sat down and tried to relax. Slowly sipping his coffee, Tom thought about their upcoming mission. Could they actually change history? This whole mission gave him a headache. He was not a specialist in temporal dynamics. If they could change history, what other effects would they cause? The more he thought about it the more his head ached. Jackson's mind shifted to a more personal matter. If they changed history would he lose Dahlia and the kids?This was something Tom wasn't prepared to do. He felt useless ! The military side Tom Jackson took over. There were many things to work out. To go uniformed or not? To have a larger combat patrol or a more stealthy group? What if the populace resisted? What about if the time period SF people resisted? Tom leaned back and closed his eyes. (Reply : none) (Posted by: Bill) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - Yeoman Ensign j.g. Ansia Rozen - 1830) "Yes, I have known Section 31 ever since i joined. They have been using me to get what I want the most." she said. Ansia surprised herself at her weakness as she has never cried or shown emotion since the incident at the outpost when she was young. Over the years most of her peers called her either a fish or nerd which never bothered at all. She had a thing in mind and that was all she cared about. Captain Syuvik replicating a tissue and handing it to her surprised her. That was the first act of kindness she had received in a very long time. "They are known for manipulating people." Captain Syuvik simply said. "That is why we can't trust any of them. Speech is a faculty they use to conceal their thoughts and emotions to conceal their beliefs and motives. We can't trust either." he said. "If I may give you an advice, meditation and solitude often help me find the answers I seek. You should reflect on all this, and we shall resume this conversation at a later time, when the time will be proper." Ansia considered his actions and what he had said to her. Yes he was a bit rough with her, but, considering what she had told him and her actions so far left him no alternative. Seeing what S31 does and has done no wonder the non-trust he has in her. She has really not given him anything to trust her on. "Sir, I agree on the break for now, but, since you are trying to figure all this out, I will break my oath with S31 a bit further." she started as she regained her composure and after wiping her nose she continued. "I know everyone has their problems, but, I want to explain a little bit of my reason behind joining S31. When I was very young my family and I was somewhere under Starfleet's orders as my parents apparently were working with them. For some reason one day the outpost was attacked and my family were killed along with just about everyone else. I swore at that point I would do anything to find out what happened and why." She paused to sniffle again, then, she continued. "I figured early on that mathematics was the bases for or of language and computers were where to find anything you wanted to know if you knew how to use them well. I started to focus everything I had on those aspects. I became the one to ask when it came to those, hence, one reason S31 sought me out. The other reason was my desire to keep the Federation safe, to stop what happened to my parents again to anyone else if I could." She paused again, this time to try and judge how the Captain was taking this information. "S31 found out that the Quezalth are selling resources used to build weapon of mass destruction'....to build Scimetar ships Because they are building the weapon themselves and are only 'commencing', neither Starfleet nor the Federation are stopping them, even though they know what it will be used for. So it is S31 responsibility to stop this commerce. My job has/is not to stop the commerce....another S31 team has been sent for that, which, I honestly don't know who. My job has been to make sure the USS Soval does not interfere with the S31 team sent to stop the commerce. Sir, at this time may I take a break, either in the brig or my quarters?" She finally stopped and waited to see what reaction the captain had or what he would say. (reply Syuvik, any) (posted by frank) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1831) After telling openly the doubt he had in her, Ansia at least acted in such way to regain his trust. "S31 found out that the Quezalth are selling resources used to build weapon of mass destruction'....to build Scimetar ships Because they are building the weapon themselves and are only 'commencing', neither Starfleet nor the Federation are stopping them, even though they know what it will be used for. So it is S31 responsibility to stop this commerce. My job has/is not to stop the commerce....another S31 team has been sent for that, which, I honestly don't know who. My job has been to make sure the USS Soval does not interfere with the S31 team sent to stop the commerce. Sir, at this time may I take a break, either in the brig or my quarters?" she told him. At that moment, Syuvik had heard his first officer ringing and probably waiting outside of his office and didn't wanted to make him wait. "Not that I don't want to believe you, but what you just told, we already knew. It proves nothing. Your best chance to have trust in you is to continue collaborating. But you have to realize, trust will take time, so you will have to compose with our suspicions and precaution for a long period of time. And yes, you can retire to your quarters. Another way to prove you are trustworthy is to comply with the interrogation process. The question will be different, but you must still meet all three." (Reply Ansia, iyw) "Good evening ensign." Syuvik said at the end, as a gesture. (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room – Yeoman Ensign j.g. Ansia Rozen - 1832) "Not that I don't want to believe you, but what you just told, we already knew. It proves nothing. Your best chance to have trust in you is to continue collaborating. But you have to realize, trust will take time, so you will have to compose with our suspicions and precaution for a long period of time. And yes, you can retire to your quarters. Another way to prove you are trustworthy is to comply with the interrogation process. The question will be different, but you must still meet all three." ”I am resigned to answering any and all questions, and do anything I am asked/told to do.” she repied to the captain, “good evening sir” "Good evening ensign." Syuvik said at the end, as a gesture. Ansia rose from her chair turned toward him, then, saluted him and as she turned to leave, she smiled nervously at him. (Posted by frank) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CO Captain Syuvik - 1838) "Much of the crew are continuing to investigate the anomaly...on my orders. I feel it beneficial to learn as much as we can about it while we are in close proximity. It may help us in ways we can't understand now. However, I and the third officer, and additional support staff are directly addressing the current situation." replied Matrix. "I understand" Syuvik replied. "But time normally only goes onward. The time we lose here is a time we will not have to carry our primary objective. And if we lack time, all we will have will be regrets. I won't have this. So refocus the crew attention to the away mission." Syuvik ordered. "Section 31 is almost certainly already out there and we must accomplish our destiny and prevent them from completely annihilating the planet." Continuing, "Understood Captain, we have already begun preparations under that very assumption. I will finalize the briefing and have it ready at 1830. Is there anything else sir?" asked Matrix. "In fact, there is." Syuvik continued. "There is a reason why I am more confident that section 31 is behind it. You are probably not aware of it yet, but I have proof Section 31 has at least two operatives currently on board. I believe they know we were meant to travel through time. Not here, but in our reality time, they were able to infiltrate an operative just before we left orbit. Maybe more. And they will do whatever they can to undermine our efforts to stop them." (Reply Matrix) "I don't know commander. It doesn't add up. The operative herself, Ensign Rozen, told me she was an operative. Considering Lieutenant Signos had also told us of her involvement with the organisation, why would Section 31 want us to know they are operatives? I cannot believe they have recruited unloyal officers. The only conclusion I can come with, is the fact they want us to use their knowledge of Section 31, perhaps to lead us in the wrong direction. Yet, their knowledge are valuable if we want to carry this mission. We will have to be smarter than they are. How to use their informations without being manipulated by them?" (Reply Matrix) "Let's reflect on it. Meanwhile, let's prepare the away mission." (Reply Matrix) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - FO Commander Matrix - 1841) "Much of the crew are continuing to investigate the anomaly...on my orders. I feel it beneficial to learn as much as we can about it while we are in close proximity. It may help us in ways we can't understand now. However, I and the third officer, and additional support staff are directly addressing the current situation." replied Matrix. "I understand" Syuvik replied. "But time normally only goes onward. The time we lose here is a time we will not have to carry our primary objective. And if we lack time, all we will have will be regrets. I won't have this. So refocus the crew attention to the away mission." Syuvik ordered. "Section 31 is almost certainly already out there and we must accomplish our destiny and prevent them from completely annihilating the planet." Continuing, "Understood Captain, we have already begun preparations under that very assumption. I will finalize the briefing and have it ready at 1830. Is there anything else sir?" asked Matrix. "In fact, there is." Syuvik continued. "There is a reason why I am more confident that section 31 is behind it. You are probably not aware of it yet, but I have proof Section 31 has at least two operatives currently on board. I believe they know we were meant to travel through time. Not here, but in our reality time, they were able to infiltrate an operative just before we left orbit. Maybe more. And they will do whatever they can to undermine our efforts to stop them." Matrix reflected on Syuvik's comment, puzzled slightly be the Captain's assumption, "I am aware of your investigation and I also know or at least suspect S31's involvement. That information came to light during some of our scans and research of the anomaly. The very work you have just ordered me to abandon. We detected temporal anomalies within the phenomenon and have identified it with at least seven similar Star Fleet events in the past several years. Information that only now puts some of the pieces of the puzzle before us...what I don't understand is why now?" "I don't know commander. It doesn't add up. The operative herself, Ensign Rozen, told me she was an operative. Considering Lieutenant Signos had also told us of her involvement with the organisation, why would Section 31 want us to know they are operatives? I cannot believe they have recruited unloyal officers. The only conclusion I can come with, is the fact they want us to use their knowledge of Section 31, perhaps to lead us in the wrong direction. Yet, their knowledge are valuable if we want to carry this mission. We will have to be smarter than they are. How to use their informations without being manipulated by them?" "S31 is said to have some of the best minds in the Federation...it would be a challenging task to out smart an organization with unlimited resources and time. If we did get ahead of their next move, who's to say they can't backup time a bit further and adjust whatever we do to their liking? For all we know we have already been manipulated and are carrying out their plans willingly." "Let's reflect on it. Meanwhile, let's prepare the away mission." "Very well Captain. I will assemble my team." replied Matrix as he stood and left the Captain alone in his ready room. (Reply Syuvik - IYW) (Posted by Steve) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room -CO Captain Syuvik - 1901) Syuvik was continuing his discussion with his first officer when the CTO and aCTO arrived. "Enter he said." Without a moment, Signos started. "I have found something I think you would want to know about." she said. Syuvik wondered if it was the same thing he just learned half an hour ago. "I'm listening, lieutenant." She continued. "With the delicate nature of our current mission and the appearance of several new crew members from alternate realities. We have been verifying the stories those that are new to the ship. While most have nothing to note worthy to worry about there is one." She handed over her PADD and the one of the yeoman. "Has you can see all the PADDs belonging to people from alternate realities all show a break in operation. Her's does not. Also when I checked the maintenance logs they were encrypted with a S31 security algorithm. You either need to be familiar with S31 systems or be a S31 agent to know those algorithms." Syuvik examined the PADD. Though he already knew she was S31, he acted as if he did not. "Well done lieutenant. And why would S31 infiltrate the USS Soval? What would they try to accomplish?" (Reply Signos) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval, Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room, CTO Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos- 1903) ( NRPG: since Nick just 1902 and I don't want to use a .5 timestamp I jumped to 1903.) Syuvik examined the PADD. Though he already knew she was S31, he acted as if he did not. "Well done lieutenant. And why would S31 infiltrate the USS Soval? What would they try to accomplish?" Jessica took note of his response. She knew Vulcan's had tight control over their emotion but his reply was misplaced. Would he rather know what steps were being taken to insure the safety of his crew. "Sir, S31 tends to keep their true objectives clouded. But believe me no agent takes action without the greater view of what they are to accomplish in mind. From the reports I have studied it was said that the crew of the Soval was on Quealth before the explosion and we provided vital aid in making sure that the explosive force of the blast was lessened. If S31 is behind all this that means they have had six months to try to change history to where we fail. Six months to study this anamoly and set there pieces into motion. Make no mistake we a severely behind S31 intelligence and planning on this mission. Has for your question any attempt to cause the Soval to waste time and not attend focus on S31 operations on Quealth is in their benefit, also and mistrust, divisons, or decent they can muster in the crew only increases the likely hood that we will fail." ( Reply Syuvik ) "Now what would you like done about the agent in our mist. I have already issued orders to a security team to guard her quarters and not to let her wonder this ship unattended." She eyed the captain knowing he distrusted her. But the coming of another threat expecially a S31 agent was something she needed to know about. How could she provided for the safety of the crew if the captain was keeping knowledge from her that effected that safety. "Sir, now allow me to be blunt because I know of no other way to put this. How did and when did you know she was a S31 agent. Remember my training and what I am capable of even Vulcan I know how to read. Logically upon figuring out that there was S31 agent aboard your first conservative should of been the safety of the ship. Similar to your reaction when you learned of me." ( Reply Syuvik, Hartmann, any) ( Posted by Matthew Locke ) ============ (USS Soval, Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room, CTO Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos- 1909) But so far, you have either been cooperative or followed the path I expected you to follow. So, so far, the risk was below the limit of tolerance...so I have let you free. If it increases, a new decision will have to be taken. But I cannot predict when and what it will be." the Captain spoke fdinishing his thought. "A S31 agent knows how to seem cooperative til the right time to strike. And when they do your time to act will be past. I know you do not trust me a mindset shared with others from the crew of the Soval." Has she spoke she glanced to Hartmann and smiled. "I understand the precarious nature of your situation. The crew will not follow someone in the command staff if they can not trust them. Your crew is splintering, they are well trained but that will only carry so far. Trust me Captain if I felt Rozen was a immediate threat to this crew. I would of tossed her out the closet airlock and be done with it. I don't trust her just has you don't trust me. Which is why I have taken the liberty and have been keeping the aCTO close. As I bring him up to speed on the mission and trained to my standards. Remember these measures are a two way street providing safety to the crew and the S31 operatives on board." ( Reply Syuvik ) ( Posted by Matthew Locke ) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room -CO Captain Syuvik - 1912) "A S31 agent knows how to seem cooperative til the right time to strike. And when they do your time to act will be past. I know you do not trust me a mindset shared with others from the crew of the Soval." Signos replied. "I understand the precarious nature of your situation. The crew will not follow someone in the command staff if they can not trust them. Your crew is splintering, they are well trained but that will only carry so far. Trust me Captain if I felt Rozen was a immediate threat to this crew. I would of tossed her out the closet airlock and be done with it. I don't trust her just has you don't trust me. Which is why I have taken the liberty and have been keeping the aCTO close. As I bring him up to speed on the mission and trained to my standards. Remember these measures are a two way street providing safety to the crew and the S31 operatives on board." Keeping his back straight and a very relaxed demeanor, Syuvik replied. "Starfleet personnel respect the chain of commands. The crew may not always understand my motives and what are the complications I have to deal with, but they trust I am fully competent and in the right state of mind to lead them. This is not a concern right now." Syuvik replied. He continued. "Wouldn't you say Lieutenant that if you were indeed a Section 31 collaborator, an aCTO could discover what you are doing and become a huge obstacle in your plans. So, the best way to insure that such assistant would not be an obstacle would be to win his confidence, keep him close and use your authority to make him act in a way beneficial to you without his knowledge? So the presence of Ensign Hartman at your side is actually increasing rather than decreasing the probability that you are indeed still collaborating with Section 31. To be honest Lieutenant, so far, I have trusted you because I saw no reason for you or Section 31 to undermine the USS Soval mission. But right now, with so much at stake, if they kept you waiting for so long, that would be for this. So until that mission is over, don't be surprise if I take all the precautions and then some." (Reply Signos, Hartmann) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 1914) Keeping his back straight and a very relaxed demeanor, Syuvik replied. "Starfleet personnel respect the chain of commands. The crew may not always understand my motives and what are the complications I have to deal with, but they trust I am fully competent and in the right state of mind to lead them. This is not a concern right now." Syuvik replied. He continued. "Wouldn't you say Lieutenant that if you were indeed a Section 31 collaborator, an aCTO could discover what you are doing and become a huge obstacle in your plans. So, the best way to insure that such assistant would not be an obstacle would be to win his confidence, keep him close and use your authority to make him act in a way beneficial to you without his knowledge? So the presence of Ensign Hartman at your side is actually increasing rather than decreasing the probability that you are indeed still collaborating with Section 31. To be honest Lieutenant, so far, I have trusted you because I saw no reason for you or Section 31 to undermine the USS Soval mission. But right now, with so much at stake, if they kept you waiting for so long, that would be for this. So until that mission is over, don't be surprise if I take all the precautions and then some." Hartmann's eyebrows raised in consternation. He did not much like anything he was hearing. Jessica was Section 31? A good portion of the crew - including the captain - didn't trust her? That would explain why Syuvik hadn't shared his discovery about Ensign Rozen. Alex didn't know much about S31, but he knew they were bad news, and certainly nothing he wanted to be connected to. The situation was deteriorating rapidly, and Alex decided to try to defuse things a bit. ~Ok, time to do something really stupid.~ He cast a sidelong glance at Jessica. ~Please don't take this the wrong way, Chief.~ "Sir," he said to Syuvik, "with your permission I will accompany Ensign Signos as she performs her duty on this mission. If in my judgement she takes any action to purposely sabotage the mission or interfere with the operations of the Soval or any of its crew, I will take her into custody myself." He then pressed his lips shut and tried to look as confident and competent as possible. He was almost certain that if he did try to take Jessica into custody it would not end well for him. Not to mention he was not yet even an official member of the crew and had no real authority to make such a statement. Desperate times, however, sometimes called for completely idiotic measures. Either the captain would decide to trust Hartmann, or Alex was about to have the shortest Starfleet career on record. He stood rigidly at attention and waited to see which it would be. (Reply Syuvik, Signos) (Posted by Tony) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room -CO Captain Syuvik - 1916) At a time, he had almost forgotten Ensign Hartmann was there with them. Signos was sitting on the left, Matrix in the middle and Hartmann on the right, so he was almost out of his sight. "Sir," he said to Syuvik, "With your permission I will accompany Ensign Signos as she performs her duty on this mission. If in my judgement she takes any action to purposely sabotage the mission or interfere with the operations of the Soval or any of its crew, I will take her into custody myself." Syuvik smiled. It was probably to be expected. "Ensign, I thank you for you offer but it won't be necessary. Lieutenant Signos is right about one thing. If she is indeed still collaborating with Section 31, it's not your presence that will prevent her from carrying out her mission. Section 31 are often one step ahead. If I was convinced the Lieutenant would be a threat, she would be on the brig, not here. If I trust her enough to be free, I trust her enough to be on that away mission and not have a security detachment following her every move. Doing so would only hinder our efficiency and risk compromising the mission. In fact, it is clearly already influencing your decision. In fact, if I was to send you on that away mission, based on what you just said, I believe you would focus more on observing the Lieutenant than on the current mission. Which I don't want in my away mission. Commander Matrix will be in charge of the away mission. He will be watching her." (Reply Hartmann) (NRPG: A pretext for Syuvik to have a private meeting with Hartmann to tell him more about a special task he will give him) RPG: "Ensign, have you forgotten I am your captain. I don't know how things were in your reality, but we should have a private chat about proper bevahior, once this meeting is over." (Reply Hartmann, any) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 1918) Syuvik smiled. It was probably to be expected. "Ensign, I thank you for you offer but it won't be necessary. Lieutenant Signos is right about one thing. If she is indeed still collaborating with Section 31, it's not your presence that will prevent her from carrying out her mission. Section 31 are often one step ahead. If I was convinced the Lieutenant would be a threat, she would be on the brig, not here. If I trust her enough to be free, I trust her enough to be on that away mission and not have a security detachment following her every move. Doing so would only hinder our efficiency and risk compromising the mission. In fact, it is clearly already influencing your decision. In fact, if I was to send you on that away mission, based on what you just said, I believe you would focus more on observing the Lieutenant than on the current mission. Which I don't want in my away mission. Commander Matrix will be in charge of the away mission. He will be watching her." Hartmann's eyes widened at the prospect of being excluded from the mission and he sat forward, nearly bolting from his seat. "Sir, I assure you I am perfectly capable of performing my duty in the mission! I will not allow any distraction...." "Ensign, have you forgotten I am your captain. I don't know how things were in your reality, but we should have a private chat about proper bevahior, once this meeting is over." Alex opened his mouth to reply again, but thought better of pressing his luck. Instead he said a meek "Yes, sir," and sat back in quiet contemplation of what the captain's 'private chat' might entail. (Reply Syuvik IYW, any) (Posted by Tony) ============ (USS Soval - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Matrix - 1919) It was late in the day, but Matrix had one more thing to do. Crew reports were typically a good thing, but with a large crew often promotions were a source of competition and animosity. Department promotions were often the worst to deal with as there were very competent and driven people who deserved the opportunity. Nonetheless, Matrix had to make a decision and it was time to inform a specific individual. "Commander Matrix to Ensign Yeates...if your duties allow it please report to the observation lounge." ordered Matrix. (Reply Yeates) (Posted by Steve) ============ (USS Soval - Bridge - ACSO Ensign Yeates - 1922) =/\= Commander Matrix to Ensign Yeates...if your duties allow it please report to the observation lounge." =/\= ordered Matrix. Having Just finished his most recent task , Callum Instantly replied with " On my way sir " With that he turned towards the turbo lift and started for the Observation Lounge. Upon Reaching the Observation lounge , Ensign Yeates found Commander Matrix already waiting for him. "Sir You asked for me" The ensign asked quizzically. (Reply Matrix) (Posted by Yeates) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room -CO Captain Syuvik - 1923) The meeting was over. Syuvik waited for Matrix and Signos to have completely left the office. He then started. "Ensign, relax. I kept you here for another reason. Your surprise was understandable and you did not show any disrespect." Syuvik said to pease the ensign. (Reply Hartmann) "Something must be done in case Signos or Rozen are still collaborating with Section 31, but it isn't what you suggested. I will send a second away mission unbedskown to the first. In order to remain under cover, Lieutenant-Commander Noah will proceed to change the appearance and scans to look and be identified as Quezalth. Your mission will be the same, except you will be free from any Section 31 influence. So you will be responsible to identify the Section 31 under cover on the planet and stop them from destroying the planet. If Lieutenant Signos or Ensign Rozen are among them, to stop them as well. As for the first away mission, any valuable information they found will be given to you. Of course, you will have to speak of this to no one. Lieutenant Jennifer Bates will be in charge of that away team. You must report to her at 1400 tomorrow. Any question?" (Reply Hartmann) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 1925) "Ensign, relax. I kept you here for another reason. Your surprise was understandable and you did not show any disrespect." Syuvik said to pease the ensign. Hartmann visibly relaxed in his seat. "Thank you sir. If I may ask, then, why did you want to speak with me?" "Something must be done in case Signos or Rozen are still collaborating with Section 31, but it isn't what you suggested. I will send a second away mission unbedskown to the first. In order to remain under cover, Lieutenant-Commander Noah will proceed to change the appearance and scans to look and be identified as Quezalth. Your mission will be the same, except you will be free from any Section 31 influence. So you will be responsible to identify the Section 31 under cover on the planet and stop them from destroying the planet. If Lieutenant Signos or Ensign Rozen are among them, to stop them as well. As for the first away mission, any valuable information they found will be given to you. Of course, you will have to speak of this to no one. Lieutenant Jennifer Bates will be in charge of that away team. You must report to her at 1400 tomorrow. Any question?" "No sir, I understand," Alex replied. "I appreciate the confidence, and I will certainly keep quiet about the mission." (Reply Syuvik iyw) (Posted by Tony) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room -CO Captain Syuvik - 1927) Vulcans were not known to hope. But some of the human culture sinked in and in this precise moment, Syuvik hoped Signos was not a traitor. He hoped that when Lily's katra wasn't in control, Jennifer had indeed control of her actions. He needed Jessica to identify who on the surface were working with Section 31. But if she did, how could he trust she was giving the right information and not leading the away team astray? And the same applied to Ansia. And even if the both were to recognize the same person as a secton 31 operatives, it was as likely they were working together. He needed a plan B. He needed a group he could rely on to both uncover any treachery and to have the freedom and liberty of mind to make the rights conclusions instead of the hinted ones. And he needed a specialist of psychology to help, in her best of her ability, to distinguishes the lies from the truth. "Lieutenant Bruce. I need you in my office right away" Once she arrived, Syuvik accompanied her to his office. "Lieutenant, what I am about to tell you is of critical importance. Obvisouly, you can't speak of this with no one except Commander Matrix and myself." (Reply Bruce) "There are at least two Section 31 operatives on the ship. One is Ensign Ansia Rozen and the other Lieutenant Jessica Signos. Ensign Ansia Rozen pretends Section 31 took profits of her weakness when she was young and she was unaware of what Section 31 could be capable of. She claims she is not longer working for them, but this is questionnable. As for Jessica Signos, we know there are two katra in her. One is called Lily and she is a dangerous assassin who collaborates fully with Section 31. Jessica katra seems to be a normal human being. The two Katra seems to be able to communicate and share memories. It is impossible to know if Lily has control over Jessica or if Jessica is in entire control of herself when she is present. Needless to say, both constitue a huge risk of betrayal. But at the same time, they are perhaps our best hopes at identifying Section 31 on the planet. If only one of the two is genuinely collaborating with us and not leading us astray, we stand a chance. I am aware it's way beyound the normal duty of a councellor, but you remain the person the most well placed to judge the truthfulness of their stories, their honesty, and detects any deceit during the mission." (Reply Bruce) "I have an additionnal task for you. Since I cannot trust fully Ansia and Jessica, I prefer to have a second away team, unbedknowns to the first away mission, altered to look and be scanned as Quezalth. They will be free from the influence of the two operatives, so they will only make the conclusions that are they. Nevertheless, I will need someone to oversee the information gathered by the first away team and give them those considered valuables. I know such task would normally fall on Commander Matrix. But, to be on the safe side, I prefer someone who has absolutely no relation with Jessica Signos and has a solid background. I chose you to serve as liaison." (Reply Bruce) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Matrix - 1928) Matrix noted the young officer as he entered the observation lounge. "Ah Mister Yeates...please have a seat." said Matrix pointing to the open chair across from the small table at the back of the room. "Thank you for meeting with me on short notice, but I wanted to catch you before gamma shift started. I know you're busy so I'll make this short." Matrix paused. "As first officer I am responsible for crew evaluations and performance critiques. You've been on the Soval for sometime now and have done a good job in your role as assistant chief science officer. Obviously the Soval has been functioning without a chief science officer...that is what I wanted to talk with you about." continued Matrix. (Reply Yeates - IYW) "We have been fortunate with a great staff and I would be lying to you if I said the decision to name just one chief science officer was an easy choice. I'm sure you would agree?" asked Matrix. (Reply Yeates) "Nonetheless, I would like to name you as chief. But I must warn you the title comes with increased duties and expectations. Are you up for the challenge...can I count on you, can the crew count on you to fulfill this role and responsibility?" asked Matrix. (Reply Yeates) "Excellent. I will make a note in the ships logs as of this stardate. So you won't mind then if I assign you to a new away mission? We will leave tomorrow and I am counting on you, your experience and training to help us with the current mission on Quezal." continued Matrix. (Reply Yeates) "Mission details will be forthcoming. I will have a briefing tomorrow at 0900 in cargo bay 39D, deck 39. Check your duty PADD for details early tomorrow. Any questions Chief?" asked Matrix. (Reply Yeates) (Posted by Steve) ============ (USS Soval - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign Yeates - 1929) "We have been fortunate with a great staff and I would be lying to you if I said the decision to name just one chief science officer was an easy choice. I'm sure you would agree?" asked Matrix. "Yes sir" Ensign Yeates Nodded "Nonetheless, I would like to name you as chief. But I must warn you the title comes with increased duties and expectations. Are you up for the challenge...can I count on you, can the crew count on you to fulfill this role and responsibility?" asked Matrix. " Yes sir. I must have said it many times but before I entered the Academy I studied with the Vulcan Science Council. So what ever challenge stands ahead of me will be met head-on" Replied Ensign Yeates "Excellent. I will make a note in the ships logs as of this stardate. So you won't mind then if I assign you to a new away mission? We will leave tomorrow and I am counting on you, your experience and training to help us with the current mission on Quezal." continued Matrix. Ensign Yeates gave a smile and replied with " Looking forward to it sir " "Mission details will be forthcoming. I will have a briefing tomorrow at 0900 in cargo bay 39D, deck 39. Check your duty PADD for details early tomorrow. Any questions Chief?" asked Matrix. " None what so ever " Replied Yeates (Reply Matrix) IYW (Posted by Yeates) ============ (USS Soval - CO Ready Room - CC Lieutenant j.g. Cecilia Bruce - 1930) Red had been working overtime trying to discern if the new personal were a threat or not. She had interviewed most of them and had not come across a threat yet, but, she had not gotten to Rozen, the one she sort of knew off and on during childhood. She knew Rozen was a troubled child,but, didn't know exactly why. She knew Ansia had little friends cause she was always studing. She was about to call Rozen in when her comm went off. =/\=Lieutenant Bruce. I need you in my office right away=/\= Captain Syuvik said "aye Sir, Omw" she replied then shutting her station down she headed there, Once she arrived the bridge, Captain Syuvik accompanied her to his office. She settled herself into a soft stance in front of the captain's desk as he began to speak. "Lieutenant, what I am about to tell you is of critical importance. Obviously, you can't speak of this with no one except Commander Matrix and myself." "Aye sir as always" she agreed with him. She could tell what he was going to say had a high degree of significance to the mission and further more than likely. "There are at least two Section 31 operatives on the ship. One is Ensign Ansia Rozen and the other Lieutenant Jessica Signos. Ensign Ansia Rozen pretends Section 31 took profits of her weakness when she was young and she was unaware of what Section 31 could be capable of. She claims she is not longer working for them, but this is questionable." "I agree sir as from what i know, those that start working for them, for whatever reason, S31 never lets them go" She acknowledge the captain "As for Jessica Signos, we know there are two katra in her. One is called Lily and she is a dangerous assassin who collaborates fully with Section 31. Jessica katra seems to be a normal human being. The two Katra seems to be able to communicate and share memories. It is impossible to know if Lily has control over Jessica or if Jessica is in entire control of herself when she is present. Needless to say, both constitute a huge risk of betrayal. But at the same time, they are perhaps our best hopes at identifying Section 31 on the planet. If only one of the two is genuinely collaborating with us and not leading us astray, we stand a chance. I am aware it's way beyond the normal duty of a counselor, but you remain the person the most well placed to judge the truthfulness of their stories, their honesty, and detect any deceit during the mission." "As for Jessica/Lily, I have not witnessed the Lily version first hand, but, it should be easy to sense when the transference happens, if she is near." she replied, "As for Rozen I do know a little about her and I think she will be easier to figure out." "I have an additional task for you. Since I cannot trust fully Ansia and Jessica, I prefer to have a second away team, unbeknownst to the first away mission, altered to look and be scanned as Quezalth. They will be free from the influence of the two operatives, so they will only make the conclusions that are they. Nevertheless, I will need someone to oversee the information gathered by the first away team and give them those considered valuables. I know such task would normally fall on Commander Matrix. But, to be on the safe side, I prefer someone who has absolutely no relation with Jessica Signos and has a solid background. I chose you to serve as liaison." "I will try my best for you sir. When are we leaving?" she asked (reply Nick) (posted by frank) ============ (USS Soval, Hydroponics Bay, CTO Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos and aCTO Ensign (jg) Alex Hartmann - 1936) Jessica waited for Alex to exit the Captain's Ready room has an odd silence fell over the pair. Jessica walked on as Alex fell in step behind her. She was sure Alexis head was full of questions and concerns. Things that needed had to come to handled if Jessica ever expected to keep his trust. They entered the hydroponics bay not that they needed to be there but it was quite and without all the chaos their jobs brought. She sat down on a bench overlooking one of the gardens. The plants were in bloom filling the air with the soft scent of their aroma. Beyond the plants were the stars that existed beyond the Soval large hydroponic bay windows. "So what questions do you have?" ~Oh, she's good.~ Aside from creating your own scene on a holodeck, it was hard to find a more peaceful place on the ship than hydroponics, and Alex smiled despite himself. By bringing him here, Jessica must have figured the atmosphere would help him relax and think more clearly. No wonder she was the CTO - even off the battlefield she knew how to manipulate situations to her best advantage. "What the hell did I drop into?" he asked with a smile, the tension from their meeting with the captain slowly falling away. "More specifically, what exactly is Section 31, and how are you connected to it?" "Fair enough." She spoke. "This reality is far darker than the one you are used to." She sighed before continuing, "Section 31 is a non-existent part of the federation that is determined to protect the federation and her assets no matter what the cost or sacrifice." She looked to Alex the next part of the tail was hard for her it was always the hardest part of her life. "When I was a child S31 arraigned to have my family killed and everything about my life erased. I was kidnapped, tortured, violated and finally broken. After that I was experimented on till I was rebuilt as an assassin. My past is not pretty, I have killed, tortured, and have committed great evils to further the goals of S31." Alex's smile quickly faded. He cast his eyes toward the floor and made several sputtering, guttural sounds in his throat while he processed what he'd just heard. Finally he looked sorrowfully back at Jessica. "That's...uh...that's definitely darker than I'm used to. They don't sound like the kind of organization that just lets people walk away. How did you manage to get out?" "I'm not" she spoke sadness and sorrow filling her voice. "Do to a abnormality I was born with they will never let me go. But after the civil war S31 and federation high command figured I would do more good on the line. This ship is my prison and I know that." She shakes her head. "My life is one of seclusion and exile." So, she was still technically a Section 31 operative. In that case, perhaps the captain's mistrust was justified, but Alex's gut told him otherwise. "Well, we have one thing in common, at least," he said gently. "We both took different paths to get here, but right now this ship is all either of us have. That's why, Section 31 or not, I don't believe you'd do anything to endanger the Soval. For what it's worth, I trust you." "I know it's a lot to take in. Understand the assassin in me takes form as an alternate persona called Lily, do to wounds suffered the barrier between us as fallen and the personalities have been merging. Make no mistake I am a bio weapon. I just hope I can start to atone for the life's I have destroyed." She pulled her knees in close wrapping her arms around them. Which only proved to show how small and how child like she was. "Can you imagine not being able to remember you past. Only now can I start to piece together who and what I am. To shift though what was fact and what was a lie. I am broken and nothing can change that fact. Thank you for trust, even though I have done nothing to earn it. I more than most know how precious a gift that is." Alex leaned back on the bench and took a deep breath, trying to wrap his mind around this new information. "I'm not sure what sounds worse," he replied, "not remembering your past at all, or getting those memories back and realizing how horrible they must be. But if I'm understanding you properly, this Lily is the one to blame for all the things that were done, along with Section 31 for making her a part of you. It sounds to me like Jessica hasn't done anything wrong. The fact that you want to make things right proves to me that you're not some kind of monster, and I certainly wouldn't consider you broken." Her fist clenched has she thought of S31 and what was done to her. She spoke softly almost a whisper. "Lily is not to blame like me she is a victim. A product of her design, if one only knows how to be a killer. Then that person will be a killer. That's what Lily is like. Since the merge as started she has had the chance to see though my eyes and learn what as been kept from her." She paused. "S31 is the true monster but they can not be stopped. They know to much about what happens in the shadows. Even if you could find them. They are to powerful to be wiped out." Alex turned to face Jessica, pulling his leg up onto the bench. "What about the civil war inside of Starfleet? Was Section 31 behind that too?" "No that was fought for other reasons. But I would be lying if I didn't say it was in there interest. S31 work for both sides during the war making sure both sides paid heavily for the war." "If the federation can no longer govern itself then it as no right to govern at all." "How many times did I hear those words. S31 drained both sides while increasing there own strength and numbers. They were the ones who truly won the war. Sacrificing little to gain a lot." Alex sighed. "You know, I'm really starting to miss my old timeline," he said with a humorless smile. "I'm going to have to do a lot of reading to catch up on current events. Heck, I barely even know what's happening on the Soval. I'm not going to make a very effective assistant until I have a better grasp of what's going on." Suddenly he realized he was getting ahead of himself. "And that's assuming I even get the position officially! Tomorrow I have to get a physical exam with Noah, and I have to see Bruce for a psych eval. And I'm guessing the captain will want your opinion on whether I'm a threat to the crew or not. I have to say, for someone who doesn't trust you, he certainly seems to respect your ability to do your job." This time Hartmann's smile was genuine. "He might not trust me but he knows I am the best at what I do. My record will speak for itself in that regard. As for this reality it will take some time but you'll get the hang of it. Who knows we might find a way of sending you home. If not you'll do fine this ship is full of people to stubborn to fail. They will help you out." Alex laughed. "'Too stubborn to fail', I like that!" he said. "Well that's good to know. Oh, and speaking of helping me out, I know the tactical role requires certain combat abilities. When it comes to ship-mounted weapons, I can shoot the nav beacon off a runabout from half a light year away, but I have to admit my hand phaser skills are only decent. And my hand-to-hand style can best be described as "slapstick". You've told me before that your standards are very high, and if you're willing to help I'm willing to work hard to meet them." "I plan on it." She spoke to Alex looking at him from over her shoulder. "Good, I look forward to it! At least, I think I do." Alex rose and stretched his arms and back. "I'm sure I'll have more questions for you when my brain is fully functional, but for now I'm spent. I think it's time to turn in. Thank you for being so straightforward with me. I promise you that everything we discussed here will stay between us." As he walked past Jessica, he placed a friendly hand on her shoulder. "And hey, you know where my cabin is. The next time your life feels like 'one of seclusion', feel free to drop in. I enjoy getting visitors, and who knows? Maybe some company from time to time would make exile a little more bearable." He winked at her as he started toward the hydroponics door. His hand came down on her shoulder and Jessica tensed Alex was kind and it was a friendly gesture. She understood that but it was not a common place in her life. Even now it took time before she allowed a level of familiarity. So lost in thought she nodded to his comment. "Good night, Chief!" Hartmann called back over his shoulder. "Good night" she finally answered. Watching him leave. (Posted by Matthew and Tony) ( Reply None) ============ (USS Soval - Deck 12, Gymnasium -CO Captain Syuvik & CIO Lieutenant Jennifer Bates - 1945) Syuvik did not had the intention at first to send a second away team. When he only thought Signos was a S31 collaborator, one away team could have managed...with with Rozen as well, this was when he decided to send a second team. So, even though he had informed members from the second away team to report to her, she wasn't informed yet. With all the conversation he had, having Jennifer report on the bridge would be a 'give away'. So he chose instead to head to the gymnasium. This would give him the opportunity to speak to Jennifer about the mission, while looking as if he was off. Jennifer was surprised by the invitation. It was very rare for Syuvik to invite her on recreational activities. Especially since he had become a commanding officer. THe mission always precehed recreation, and even during his days off, he prefered use his time for 'constructive purposes'. Inviting her now, just before an away mission? Even though the mission was taken its hold on everyone, including Syuvik, relaxation wouldn't be the way Syuvik would try to relaxe. So there was something behind that invitation. Nonetheless, it was nice to have a work-out session. It made her remember the old time when they are at the academy. What would she gave to be back to those times when duties and obligations where very far. They had been working out for a few minutes now. Jennifer was wondering what was taking him so long. "So, what is it. Why have you asked me here?" "I thought it would please you." he said without even looking at her. "Yeah, right." Syuvik didn't tried to pretent. He went right to business. "We have a second Section 31 operative on board. Ensign Ansia Rozen." Jennifer immediately stopped what she was doing and looked at him. "How do you know that?" "She told me." he said, with a calm antithetic to what he just said. "What?!?! She told you?" Jennifer said a bit too loud. Luckily, no one was around. "Why would an operative told you she is one?" "That is what I have been asking myself for the last hour. She said she did not know about section 31 involvement and lack of ethics." Jennifer stood up. "Do you believe her?" Syuvik paused. "I would if it was not the fact she was really quick to change her view about section 31. I did not needed to go into a lengthy argument and show proofs of what I claimed. She believed me right away." Jennifer looked down on the floor to find a place to sit and sat right in front of Syuvik. "Too easy, hey. You are right. She cannot be trusted. But what should we do? Send her in the brig?" "She could still be helpful." "How?" she wondered. All the informations she would be providing would be likely false. "A collaborator or not, she will need to gain my confidence and I made it clear all the informations she provided so far were useless. She knows she will have to do better than this. I will be watching her very moves, so the only way to gain my confidence would be to reveal a few valid intelligences at first. Only when I will start trusting her will she starting feeding us with false information. So for a brief period of time, the intelligence she gave us will be genuine." Jennifer took a sip of water. "Yeah, but she cannot gives you information that would be too helpful. She will try to win your trust without sacrificing her goals, leading us astray." "Indeed. This is why we must make it the harder possible. The closer we will be to finding the section 31 operatives on the planet, the more she will need to gain our confidences to lead us away. That is when the intelligences should be the most helpful." Jennifer didn't liked the idea. "And how do we know if we are any close. She may lead us away right at the start." Syuvik grinned. A look Jennifer knew too well. "That is where you come in." "I knew it.....So what do you have in mind." she asked, unconsciously bending forward as if a few centimeters closer would help get the answer faster. "There will be a second away team, and you will lead it." he said. "Okay....go on." "You will take the identifies of Quezalth officials. Not even the first away mission should know you are on the surface with them. Your task will be the same as the first, finding the section 31 operatives. However, you will be free from Section 31 influence and will be able to find them before the first away team." Jennifer was surprised by the decision. It was clever, but why her. "Why me? Why not Commander Matrix or Lieutenant-Commander Jackson?" Syuvik paused. "Because I need someone I can trust and someone who won't raise suspicion. Having Matrix or Jackson not part of the away mission would sound an alarm to the operatives." "And I won't?" she said out loud. "While your presence could have been beneficial, the fact you know they are Section 31 and do not trust them make you succeptible to refuse to take their information. The disruption will make me unwilling to send you on that away mission, and will prefer to keep you on board to monitor their progress and what they find out." Jennifer was insulted. "You think I am foolish enough to let my emotions, or disapproval get in the way of my duty. You know better of me. I don't like you are trusting them both, but I have come to respect your decisions and even if I didn't, I will always obey my superior. You know that." Syuvik grinned once again. "Of course I know, but they don't. And that is why they will believe it. All you have to do is to give a good show." Jennifer eyes were shinning. "Oh...you can count on me." Her mind was going crazy, reflecting on the little show she could be giving. Then, she started thinking about the away mission. "Who will be in it." "Lieutenant-Commander Noah, Ensign Hartmann, Ensign Moores and a marine." Jennifer was surprised by the selection. "Why not Lieutenant Brown and Ensign Yeates? They have more experiences. Sending rookies straight up from the Academy in such a vital mission. Sometimes, I don't follow you." "Once again Jennifer, you forget if indeed Ansia and Jessica are still operatives, they will follow our very moves. If my best officers wasn't on the away mission, they would suspect something. However, they would never monitors the actions of rookies. As for their competences, Starfleet Academy as always proven to be a very good learning ground. They will carry their duty well." Jennifer wasn't convinced. "When do we leave", she asked. "As soon as the first away mission has left and your appearance have been altered. They will report to your office at 1400 tomorrow." "At 1400....okay. Is that all?" she asked "No. Lieutenant Bruce will be reporting to you any vital information the first away team discover. She is the only one to know you will be there. Not even Commander MAtrix knows." That once again surprised Jennifer. But she did not dare ask why not telling Matrix. (Reply none) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval - Outside Observation Lounge - LCDR Tom Jackson 2O - 2000) Tom was heading to a much needed meeting with the First Officer concerning the AWAY mission. There was a lot to discuss. One important issue was how to 'blend in'. ============ (USS Soval - Deck - Observation Deck LCDR Tom Jackson 2O - 2001) Tom entered and saw his superior and oldest friend deep in thought. "Hi Steve" Tom said. (Matrix: reply) Tom went on " What's your take on the mission?" (Matrix: Respond) Jackson listened as his friend outlined the purposes of the mission. Tom thought about the mission and asked a pertinent question. "Steve, should we alter our appearance to resemble the locals? " (Matrix: Reply) "Also, what are the rules if we run into opposition?" Tom asked. Jackson realized stealth was necessary but also realized a fight was very possible. (Matrix: Reply) Tom listened as his friend spoke. This was a pit of quicksand. (No reply) (Posted by: Bill) ============ (USS Soval - Crew quarters – aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann, Yeoman Ensign j.g. Ansia Rozen - 2002) Hartmann yawned as he made his way down the corridor of living quarters, searching out the location of his own cabin. Although the hour was not especially late, the day had been draining and he looked forward to stretching out and relaxing in his own bunk. He continued down the hall until he found the room number that matched the one entered into his new PADD. Just as he prepared to enter he heard the door of the room next to his slide open. She left the captain’s ready room and took a deep breath, it had been a very rough start on the USS Soval. She had decided that she ‘would’ do everything necessary to belong, finally to a ship worthy of her. She slowly made it to her quarters thinking on all the events of the day, finally noticed she was standing in front of her quarters. Also, notice that the security guards were gone. Silently she thanked the captain. As she was opening her door she noticed Ensign Hartmann and thought that he was there to secure her in her quarters, as he was security. “Ensign, look I am sorry I was not totally truthful with you earlier. So you can report to your superiors I made it here and did not mess with anything I wasn’t suppose to” She said to him a little short before he could order her in. Alex turned to Ansia quizzically. "What? I have no idea...." Suddenly it dawned on him that she was entering the cabin next to his. ~You have to be kidding me.~ He looked back at the number on his door and checked it again against the number on his PADD. "Well," he said to Ansia. "It looks like we're neighbors. That's...that's great," he stated with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm. “You mean you were not told to keep an eye on me?” she asked suspiciously "No, I wasn't. Why would I...did you get in trouble after you left the security office?" Suddenly Alex perked up. "Oh, tell me all about it.” She not sure she could trust him now, cause, she was sure he his Chief had already had her quarters searched. “well since you already had my quarters searched, sure, come on in” she said as she turned and walked in holding the door opened. As he walked in, she shut the door behind him. Then walked over to her secret hiding spot, checked it, finding it empty. “yet you had security check my room, find the info useful?” She asked as she came back to face him. Alex raised his hands palms outward in a placating gesture. "Hey, I didn't search your place," he protested. "When I'm the official aCTO you can be as upset with me as you like, but for now your anger is misplaced." She looked at him for a moment, then sighed. “look I am sorry, we got off to a bad start, look since you are here, have a seat, please.” she motioned her hand to the living room where the couch and chair was. “I know your chief and you think I am part of S31. I was up to today,” she started talking not really knowing if he was even listening as she continued to talk as she sat down. “I confessed to the captain, i already told him all I know and what my mission is or was here.” She looked up at him. ~So that's how Syuvik knew before Jessica and I did.~ Alex decided not to bring up the discussion he had with Jessica about Section 31 and instead learn what he could from Ansia. "So just like that, you're no longer part of S31? They're just going to let you walk away? And what happens when they find you you gave them up and spilled their plan to the captain?" “They never really let go of anyone once they have them. I don’t know what they will do to or with me, but, I am done taking their orders. I am not saying that because you are security, I really am done.” She said as she was wringing her hands as if she was washing them. “I finally faced my demons when I was talking to the captain. I really could use a friend now, I don’t care if it is a security person.” she kept looking at him to see his reaction. Alex watched her with suspicion, wondering if An was trying to play him. He knew she was telling the truth about confessing to the captain, but what if she gave him false information? Even so, she'd probably be in trouble with S31 just for revealing herself as an agent. Unless, of course, she really wasn't an agent at all. But then why would she pretend to be one? Hartmann's head was spinning with potential questions. He realized that if he kept second guessing everything he would never be able to decide on a course of action and most likely wouldn't find the answers he sought anyway. Eventually he would have to just do what he felt was right. After all, he knew Jessica was an operative for S31, but he was able to trust her right away. Why not give Ansia the benefit of the doubt? If nothing else, it would make it easier to keep an eye on her. He sat back comfortably in his chair. "'Friends' seems like a strong word," he said with a playful grin. "But there's no reason we can't at least be civil. How about we start off as neighbors and crew mates and take it from there?" Ansia smiled as she listened to him, liking him more. “Well, neighbor, drinks?” she said getting up moving to the replicator. Hartmann thought for a moment, then smiled. "How about a Tarin juice? I'm trying to cut down on alcohol." “You know not a not a bad idea, I will join you,” she said then turned to the replicator, “two Tarin juices” when replicated she handed one to Hartmann and sat down beside him. “cheers to being neighbors.” (Reply None) (Posted by Tony and Frank) ============ (USS Soval - Hartmann's quarters - aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 2100) Alex couldn't help grinning as he left Ansia's quarters. They had certainly gotten off to a rocky start when they first met in the security office, but after spending some time with her under better circumstances he thought she might not be so bad. Of course, he would never admit it to her. Finally he stepped into his own quarters for the first time since boarding the Soval. The room was sparsely furnished - a bed, a couch, a small table and some chairs - but compared to the quarters found on most other vessels it was almost palatial. And best of all, it was all his! No need to share a bunk bed with a roommate like back at the Academy. He took a moment to wonder how Sato was doing, then kicked off his boots and flopped down on the bed. As much as he wanted to just close his eyes, he was determined to get a head start on preparing for tomorrow's mission. He rolled onto his side and set his PADD on the mattress next to him, bringing up information about Quezal, its inhabitants, and the progress of the Soval's mission here. What started as an interesting read about the Quezalth's appearance and culture - something with which he would soon be intimately acquainted - turned to horror as he discovered what exactly brought the Soval here. His mood darkened as he flipped through screens detailing the deaths of millions of Quezalth, blame falling on the Federation and the suspected involvement of the Romulans and Section 31, which brought his mind back to his own mission. It chilled him to think that Jessica and Ansia were a part of such an organization, albeit unwillingly. If S31 really was involved in this, if they were willing to wipe out millions of innocent people just to get at something they wanted, what would they do to those who tried to leave their influence and reveal their secrets? Alex turned off the PADD, changed out of his uniform and returned to bed. As tired as he was, he suspected sleep would not come easily. (Reply none) (Posted by Tony) ============ Mission: The Lesser Evil Day: 16 Stardate: 2414.05.30 ============ (USS Soval - Science Labs - CIO Lieutenant Jennifer Bates - 0656) (USS Soval - Science Labs - CIO Lieutenant Jennifer Bates - 0657) (USS Soval - Deck 10 - Liaison officer's office – aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 1400) (USS Soval - Deck 10, Liaison Office - CIO Lieutenant Jennifer Bates - 1401) ============ (USS Soval - Science Labs - CIO Lieutenant Jennifer Bates - 0656) Jennifer had examined the crew roster and she saw that Ensign Moores shift was starting at 0700. So after an healthy breakfast, she headed for the science labs. As expected, the Ensign was present, preparing for his alpha shift. "Oh, you must be the new ensign. Ensign Moores is that right? I was curious to see you, but during those three weeks, we never had the chance to meet until now." she said. "Oh, sorry. I forgot to present myself. I am Lieutenant Jennifer Bates. Starfleet Intelligence Liaison Officer." she said presenting her hands. (Reply Moores) Jennifer realized, it seemed a little weird indeed. "Before joining Starfleet Intelligence, I was a Chief Science Officer. So, I was asked to give my opinion about you. It seems they have followed it, since you are on board. I was quite amazed by your work on space radiation." (Reply Moores) (Posted by Nick) ============ (USS Soval - Science Labs - CIO Lieutenant Jennifer Bates - 0657) Jennifer had examined the crew roster and she saw that Ensign Moores shift was starting at 0700. So after an healthy breakfast, she headed for the science labs. As expected, the Ensign was present, preparing for his alpha shift. "Oh, you must be the new ensign. Ensign Moores is that right? I was curious to see you, but during those three weeks, we never had the chance to meet until now." she said. "Oh, sorry. I forgot to present myself. I am Lieutenant Jennifer Bates. Starfleet Intelligence Liaison Officer." she said presenting her hands. "Pleasure to me you Lt. Bates." Jason replied with a warm smile. " Jennifer realized, it seemed a little weird indeed. "Before joining Starfleet Intelligence, I was a Chief Science Officer. So, I was asked to give my opinion about you. It seems they have followed it, since you are on board. I was quite amazed by your work on space radiation." " Thank you." Morris grinned. " I can't take all of the credit, but radiation is one of my passions, I guess." Jason placed his PADD on the counter next to him and then sat back into the chair he had been setting in previously. " I have been busy myself, getting orientated to the ship and my duty schedule, so I haven't had much time to meet the majority of the crew yet, but it is on the top of my list." (reply Bates) (Posted by Mark) ============ (USS Soval - Deck 10 - Liaison officer's office – aCTO Ensign(jg) Alexander Hartmann - 1400) After taking some time to review information on the Quezalth, Hartmann was as ready as he'd ever be to get started on his mission. It felt odd going behind his direct superior's back, but in order for this to succeed he had to keep Jessica and others in the dark. So far he had been able to do just that, even passing off his anxiety as homesickness when he spoke to Counselor Bruce. It helped that it wasn't a total lie - he did have genuine concerns over emerging in a new timeline - but even so he was proud of himself for being able to keep his secret from a Betazoid. He allowed that pride to feed his confidence as he straightened his uniform and pressed the door controls. "Ensign Hartmann reporting," he said as he entered the office. (Reply Bates) (Posted by Tony) ============ (USS Soval - Deck 10, Liaison Office - CIO Lieutenant Jennifer Bates - 1401) Jennifer was discussing with Ensign Moores and Lieutenant-Commander Noah when Ensign Hartmann arrived. It was exactly 1400. "Ensign Hartmann reporting," he said. Jennifer stood up and invited him to take a seat. "Ensign. We were awaiting you. You are not late, but almost. So why was it, if I may ask, busy, simply perfectly efficient that you arrive exactly on time or you weren't finding the place?" She asked, smiling. (Reply Hartmann) "I see." she replied. "I believe you know everyone in the room. You have already encountered Lieutenant-Commander Noah and you graduated the same year than Ensign Moores, so you certainly have been in the same classes more than once?" (Reply Hartmann, Moores) This little chat over, she resumed the core subject of the meeting. "We will all be part of a special away mission on the planet. Captain Syuvik suspect someone among is Senior Officers is collaborating with Section 31, but he does not know who. All that he is certain is that it is none of us. So that is why he need a second away mission, unknown to the first, that will carry exactly the same objective, except without the danger of betrayal. He has elected us to be that away mission. In order for our identities to remain hidden, even to our own crewmates, Lieutenant-Commander Noah will procede to a DNA alteration so that we look in appearance and in scan as Quezalth. This should provide us with the cover needed to act almost freely on the planet. Our main objective is to identify and stop the section 31 operatives to carry out their mission, which is to cause the explosion of the planet. We know the intented target, the fusion reactor in the Quezalth capital, and we know it will explode in **:**:**. What we don't know is when it was installed, who did it, and how they managed to install it. So this is what we must find out. Our secondary objective is to determine if and who is collaborating with Section 31 and how deep are they connected to the organisation. It is important, yet secondary, that we know if all our officers could be trusted. We don't want that traitor to be manipulating the first away mission away from their objective. We stand more chance if both away teams has a chance to stop them. But it is more important that we stop them, than that we identify the traitor, if there is one." (Reply any) (Posted by Nick) ============ ============ end of compiles ============ ============ compiled by Franklin Rogers ============