Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jun 3, 2017 0:04:11 GMT
With the USS Excalibur in Space dock orbiting Earth the crew had been afforded shore leave privileges
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Commander Schirra had suspected something was amiss with Commodore Ryat, the Commanding Officer of the Excalibur Privately, he decided the issue was worth looking into more thoroughly, but then Commodore Ryat suddenly informed him she was going down to Starfleet Command Headquarters She gave him no explanation, which again aroused his growing suspicions that something possibly wrong, so, using his Intelligence Division Access, he began to dig deeper, following the Commodore to the surface But before he could find any useful information news came that Commodore Ryat had gone missing !
Commander Starfleet requested his presence, informing him that the search for the Commodore would be carried out 'without' the help of the Excalibur But after convincing the Admiral that they were best suited to undertake the search, he ceded to their argument and allowed the Excalibur to undertake the search, with one proviso:
Daniel Schirra would be promoted to the rank of Captain and made 'Acting' Commanding Officer, Karka Psonoir, Second Officer, would also be promoted, to Commander, and appointed 'Acting' Executive Officer These promotions, while unnecessary in the two Officers' minds, were mandatory and non-negotiable
The USS Excalibur would leave Earth orbit with all due haste and begin the search for their missing Commanding Officer
Thus
The Search begins
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jun 3, 2017 1:36:37 GMT
"The Excalibur cannot be taken out without a Commanding Officer Mister Schirra, so what will be your pleasure ?" Dan remained silent, knowing that Karka was thinking exactly as he did, but it was take the orders or sit on their haunches and wait for someone else to look for Ryat, "Very well, Captain, Commander, you can depart at your leisure." the Admiral said, taking their empty glasses before vanishing back into his office. His Adjutant approached with a PADD:
"Thumbprints please, Gentlemen." both Daniel and Karka placed their thumbs on the PADD in turn, effectively transferring their roles on the Excalibur, albeit temporarily.
"Bloody great !" was all Dan could say as they stepped into the San Francisco sunshine .......... That was twenty four long hours ago .... They, well he, had, somewhat foolishly, expected that the Excalibur would be ready and waiting to depart the moment they stepped aboard, that alas, was not the case: The new warp cores, thought to have been ready were in fact faulty, to the point that they were removed from the ship and replacements brought up from the surface. Every moment cost them valuable time and intelligence, every second the were stationary, relatively speaking of course as you would have to dismiss the seventeen thousand plus miles per hour the ship and the Space Station she was docked to were doing to remain in geostationary orbit high above San Francisco. He had stepped onto the Bridge wearing the Command Gold tunic for the first time hours earlier, and sat in the Command chair he was still uncomfortable and much preferred his black tunic denoting his actual profession. He had seen little of Karka, the Chief Engineer driving his teams of Engineers hard to ready the ship for the most prudent departure possible. He still wanted to sit down with the man and ask about his initial, seemingly 'out of the blue' suggestion regarding the possible start-point for our search ... Did Psonoir know more than he was letting on, that was clear. Was it vindictive in any way, no, Daniel didn't think so. He'd worked alongside the man for some time now, and had almost come to terms with his inexplicable uncanny insight at times. "Captain ... Command are requesting an update on our departure." Jenni gold, the Communications Officer said. Dan spun his seat to face the young woman: "Inform Command, with my respect, that if they would like to come up here and help then I'd be more than happy to let them ....." he said, realising the woman would never consider transmitting such a message, unless directly ordered of course, Dan shrugged, he looked at Milyanov who was holding up two fingers, "Tell them ..... Two hours ..... Oh, while your at it, ask them if there is any further information regarding our, mission." He sat in silence for a few moments then Lieutenant gold spoke again: "Sir, in the time-frame between the Commodore leaving the Bridge, and her being confirmed missing, forty one vessels of various size and warp capability departed Sol System. Thirty eight have been accounted for with thirty four having been stopped mid-journey and thoroughly searched. Only two vessels have deviated from their original logged destination, a Coridan Freighter, and a large Shuttle ... The Freighter reported warp core problems sixteen hours out and has since been reported as missing, search vessels are en-route to it's last known location." ".... and the shuttle ?" Dan asked. "Nothing Captain, it was dropping off sensors sporadically eight hours out and has since vanished." Gold said. "What was the distance between the Coridan Freighter and the Shuttle when they disappeared ?" "Approximately zero point three light years." ".... Put tactical view on the 'window' .... Plot both vessels projected courses and superimpose the location of Eyrie Syphax VII." It was clear that both the Freighter and the Shuttle could have both been heading into the System, not necessarily to the planet in question, but then they may not have needed to go directly there if they were met en-route. His other concern, apart from his tunic, which he seemed to be devoting much too much time to, why was the shuttle, a seemingly basic warp-capable transport, disappearing from long-range sensors sporadically ? ... Milyanov approached the center seat while he was mulling over his inner questions: "Sir, Commander Psonoir's respects, he is wondering why we're still in orbit above San Francisco ....." "What ?" Daniel said as his now Executive Officer entered the Bridge and told his deputy to monitor drive systems. "Whenever your ready." he said to Daniel, a wry grin on his face. Schirra turned his attention to the Helmsman: Lieutenant Reneus, disconnect all umbilicus, back us away and set course for the Eyrie Syphax System." "Should I inform the Dock Master Captain ?" "No, if they're surprised all well and good." he looked up at Karka who was stood beside his seat and nodded, as the Excalibur rotated, leaving the massive Starbase on her Port side, Daniel spoke again, "Helm, Full impulse until we reach Saturn's orbit, then go to warp five." The man couldn't stop himself from looking back at his Commanding Officer, but Daniel just raised his eyebrows at the unspoken query ... Moments later the massive vessel jumped to warp ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jun 5, 2017 18:41:32 GMT
Karka had been ambushed en route from Starfleet Headquarters to the drydock directly above, which held ensconced the Excalibur. Making to board the shuttle Deianeira at one of the many launch pads situated about HQ, he'd been given pause by the flight engineer NCO who stood by the port-side door of the shuttle.
"Tickets please," the man said, taking a small pad of real paper with a list of names on it out of a breast pocket and regarding Karka neutrally. With a sigh Psonoir pushed past his friend and climbed aboard, to take up a seat extreme aft; aside from Lirwa and the pilot, he was the only one aboard.
"So, how long did you spend in the 27th century?" he asked Lirwa - in his flight engineer costume - quietly as he sat opposite him.
"I don't know what you're talking about. This was common practice in the early 20th century," he said, brandishing a wad of tickets, "You're supposed to have yours, and I was supposed to have used this." He displayed a small silver whistle as the craft got underway, Frisco shrinking from an all-encompassing landward expanse to a vanishing speck as the dark globe of the universe settled in around them - Deianeira passing through the ionosphere.
"Two years as scheduled," Lirwa eventually answered, "It seems the construction plant's had a bit of a mishap; your Commodore's shuttle - if it actually did switch places with the copy the fraud landed in a... a few hours ago, here in San Francisco - was obliterated along with a quarter of the planet's construction facilities, and a sizeable portion of its crust, in the year 2695 by the Cetans."
"The Cetans? I don't recall that event in the planet's history."
"There's a fork in the road in that sector; parallel worlds exist in the same intersubjective world-line of the conscious lifeforms of that sector from 2674 until 2707; they experience two versions of events simultaneously; it seems the archives only recorded one version, the one where Syphax remains intact."
The first thought in Karka's mind had of course pertained to the well-being of the Commodore, though if his and Lirwa's suppositions were correct, then Ryat wouldn't have been transported through time with her shuttle. The idea couldn't be discounted however, that she had in fact gone, which raised the question of whether she would have (or will have) appeared in the 27th century before or after 2695 (if the former, then deduce total disaster, as she could've been atomised by the Cetans).
"She'll still be here, in your present," Lirwa virtually read his thoughts, "Whether or not she's on Eyrie Syphax VII, that's yet to be seen." While both of them should be able to see all events pre-2900 and thus know whether or not Ryat would be found on Syphax - being from the 29th century, it was all in their recorded history - this particular patch of history had been made cloudy by the recent temporal disturbance (the disappearance through time of the original Excalibur shuttle).
They were rapidly catching up to the drydock, the shuttle starting to refine its trajectory such that its orbit became geosynchronous. Karka espied out the front viewport - over the shoulder of the pilot oblivious to their conversation - the dot that was the Excalibur in the drydock.
"I get off here," Lirwa announced suddenly and made for the aft compartment where Karka surmised there was a null marker. He wondered when his friend would next show up with his helpful advice.
2 hours later...
As the Excalibur made it past the confines of the Kuiper Belt and on into the outer darkness at warp speed, Karka entered the bridge. Being first officer as well as science officer made Karka's situation unusual, as owing to his nominal position, he suspected his advice would consist mainly of science - not always the best thing.
He had in progress a minute analysis of the Commodore's passage from Excalibur to shuttle to San Francisco, each line in the data being scrutinised for anything that may indicate - amongst many other things - a temporal disturbance.
For a switch to have occurred, Ryat would've had to have been aboard the shuttle, because not only was the shuttle replaced but Ryat was, too. They could therefore discount the possibility the shuttle had been replaced at any time during the last assignment.
The easiest time to do it would've been when the shuttle was relatively stationary (trying to switch seamlessly two objects while one of those objects was in motion (i.e. the shuttle moving from ship to planet) was virtually impossible), thus the temporal displacement and replacement of the shuttle with a copy would've taken place either on the Excalibur after Ryat had boarded it, or on the landing pad at HQ; these were the two short segments of time Psonoir and most of the qualified personnel on the ship were investigating.
"Sir, may I speak with you?" he asked Schirra, who nodded and they made for the ward room. "Did you see the Admiral's office was bugged, sir." Daniel would've of course noticed it. Karka paused, not for dramatic effect but because he knew this was making him a hypocrite. "Sir, is there anything you might know about this assignment, Intelligence related, that you've been unable to tell the crew?" It could even be seen as a way of deflecting the attention from himself, he realised.
<Tag Schirra>
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jun 5, 2017 20:52:44 GMT
Daniel had sat watching as the Excalibur passed through the Kuiper Belt and had jumped to warp ... He knew he needed to get more information on Ryat's situation, not only for his own peace of mind, but that of 'now' his crew. But that wasn't going to happen anytime soon and he knew that. They were heading for the Eyrie Syphax System. ~~~~~"Sir .... May I speak with you ?" Karka asked. Daniel nodded, rising from his chair and heading for his Ready Room: "Lieutenant T'Seng, you have the Con." ..... Once in Ryat's now his, office, he sat down, motioning for Karka to do likewise, "Shoot." he said. "Did you see the Admiral's office was bugged, Sir ? .... Is there 'anything' you might know about this assignment, Intelligence related, that you've been unable to tell the crew ?" Daniel sat in silence for a long moment. Truth be told he knew possibly a fraction more than his Exec' but how could he convince the man of that, especially as it was 'him' who came up with a possible start point for their search, and he still needed to sit Psonoir down and talk about that, but it could wait. "Intelligence believe, and I do use the term 'believe' very loosely, given there is absolutely zero evidence to corroborate their statement, that given the temporal fluctuations identified, it is possible Amanda has been moved ...." he hesitated, almost hoping Karka would shed light on his comment, but the Exec' remained stolidly silent, "Computer, halt recording .... OK Karka, you asked a question. Unfortunately, apart from a serious amount of speculation, I have little to add. That's not to say Intelligence are on to something, who knows, and 'yes' I know I am part of that Intelligence community, and believe me, if I had access to whatever they had you would be the first to know .... Thus .... You need to read this before you leave." Dan said, turning his screen so Psonoir could use it. He sat quietly while Psonoir read, then apparently re-read, the information: "As you can see, there have been numerous communications between the Excalibur and an unknown location in the last three months. Where those communications initiated by Commodore Ryat, or someone trying to make it 'look' like they were ... At this point in time neither us, or Intelligence can say for sure. So you see, we're a little in the dark. What we do know, is: Commodore Ryat was on the Excalibur prior to going to the surface, and that, unfortunately, is the total sum of our confirmed information. Both Starfleet Command, and Intelligence, have carried out every possible scan, and some that we'd rather not make public, Ryat either received or initiated those communications. So we are looking at numerous scenario's, the two most viable are: 'A' she has been taken ... Or, 'B' she went willingly .... and if it is the latter, then our mission profile changes dramatically." He stopped talking, allowing Karka to absorb what he'd said, and to again read the data on the screen ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jun 11, 2017 21:43:18 GMT
Psonoir had taken in his stride Schirra's statement that Intel in fact knew that temporality had been involved in the Commodore's disappearance, yet he couldn't admit to knowledge of it himself now. Firstly, because thus far he'd found no sign of temporal dislocation in the data, and secondly, because it would reveal that he somehow knew more about the Commodore's disappearance than he'd initially led Dan to believe. If he stated he knew of a temporal displacement of... something, hopefully only the shuttle, he invited the question of how he knew; then he would be forced to lie that he'd found a sign of it in the data. Between an omission and a lie, he chose the former.
He absorbed the information that over the past three months Ryat had seemingly been in contact with some mysterious individual or individuals. All they knew of those communications was the fact of their transmission, as well as some encryption-type details and duration of comm if it was audiovisual - nothing relating to content.
There were nearly fifty entries, some pre-recorded, some 'text only' and others live transmission that latter of which sometimes lasted over an hour; all of which seemed to bear Ryat's genuine authorisation code. Starfleet Intel would've been aware of the various ways in which that code could've been appropriated and therefore someone could've posed as Ryat - considering Intel had access to these logs, the list of organisations which could've had someone pose as the Commodore included Intel itself... but that way madness lies, Karka, thought.
"Captain, if you'll permit it, I'll take a copy..." Daniel hesitated and nodded, Karka duplicating the nearly the list and its details onto a datastick for later study.
"Could you speculate, Commander, on who Commodore Ryat may have been in contact with?"
He paused; it was a near-impossible question to answer, and Dan would've known that, but the subject had to be broached eventually. "Well, considering the type of communications used, it could well be possible to deduce her... pen pal's location accurate to within 5 milliarcseconds, enough to pinpoint a star system, possibly two if the 'contact' lay within a dense star region."
Psonoir finished his shift on the bridge, still having found no sign of temporal disturbance (no chronitons, anti-chronitons, no tetryons which would indicate a tear in space through which the original shuttle could've passed (to the late 27th century, if Lirwa was right), and no gravitons that might signify a similar anomaly...)
The obfuscation in that respect would continue, but he had at least solved a conundrum relating to the clandestine communications: Ryat had been in contact with different types of sources at different times. Perhaps she'd been communicating with the same person, but first it seemed she'd had contact with someone/something in an explored star system way out towards the border with the Gamma Quadrant, then there'd been a sequence of comms - following closely upon one another - with what Karka had deduced to be a moving target, a ship, which - upon extrapolating its heading from the times of contact between it and the Excalibur, accounting for the Excal's direction of travel at those times - seemed to be moving towards a planet which Karka knew to be the Trill homeworld, which very few if any people within Starfleet and the Federation in this century knew of at all.
To his knowledge Ryat had never revealed her true identity as a joined Trill to her crew or to Starfleet; she'd certainly not spoken of it since Karka had joined the ship, thus he assumed she'd kept the matter a close secret. Yet perhaps there was someone in the Federation with whom Ryat felt she could share the secret, and these communications, going back over the last three months, may hold the key to who that person/s might be.
He shook his head and smiled grimly as he studied the data: his strict economy with respect to the information he provided to Schirra would have to continue, as how could he tell the CO about the Trill species? But he provided all the other data, about the quadrant-bordering star system, the Trill-bound ship, and the final location Ryat had been in contact with which was, yes indeed, Eyrie Syphax VII, specifically, its team of terraforming specialists and engineers, and more specifically, the eight-person commission the Federation had appointed several decades ago to lead the terraforming operation. Heading there themselves, the Excal crew might soon have someone to quiz to find out the content of those transmissions.
<Tag Dan>
He re-entered the bridge; they had the information that Ryat had been in contact - in the last of her nearly 50 communications - with Eyrie Syphax, and were arrowing on towards that world whose catastrophe in the form of unexpected and vastly-heightened volcanic activity was now not far away - the ruin of the expedition, the terraforming operation of which it'd been responsible taking over 250 years to get started again; now (late 27th) it was a construction world, ruled by Constructors, who fabricated anything for anybody in any time in history to which they had access.
The temporal shift dominated his thoughts once more as he'd now found a clue in the data that suggested the Commodore's shuttle had been switched in time on the landing-pad at Starfleet HQ with a duplicate (presumably from Eyrie Syphax in the 27th century). It was chilling, and who was it, then, who'd climbed out of that capsule and presented herself at the desk in HQ's lobby? Now with justifiably-acquired information (i.e. information not gained from his friend who currently strode through the centuries in the period 2500-2950), Karka was finally able to report irrefutable evidence of this temporal switch to Schirra.
<Tag Dan>
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jun 13, 2017 21:26:56 GMT
Dan listened to his Exec' ..... It was obviously difficult to speculate on what may or may not have occurred, but then they were both in the same proverbial boat, so to speak, neither having enough evidence or information to make what could be called an 'educated guess' ..... Koni T'Seng informed them that they were entering the Eyrie Syphax System: =^= Standard orbit of Eyrie Syphax VII Lieutenant." Daniel said, getting up from Alyana's seat, he still couldn't get used to it being his, however temporarily. They re-entered the Bridge as the ship established orbit .... The world below was a dust bowl of raging tornado-rated winds, but the years of terraforming were having a positive effect, and the winds could fall below one hundred kilometers per hour on a good day. It was holding on to a flimsy atmosphere, nothing a Human could breathe in and remain among the living, but getting there. "Helm ... Locate the Primary Facility and establish a geostationary orbit above it." Dan said. Lieutenant Reneus complied and the rotation of the planet below slowed until they were fixed above their target. "Curious they haven't contacted us." Lieutenant T'Seng said. Daniel and Karka glanced at each other thinking exactly the same thing. "Put up a list o the Commission Members." Dan ordered, waiting while the list appeared on the 'window' ... William Bridgeman (Chairman) Albert Crossfield Ivan Kincheloe John McKay Roberta Rushworth John Walker Alek White Joanne Niles "I want a full check on all of them, where they have been in the last three years, who they have contacted, any affiliations we should be wary of !" Daniel said, dropping into the center seat, "OK ... While it appears those on the surface are lax in their welcome of a Federation Starship, let's not follow suit. Open a Comm." =^= USS Excalibur to Eyrie Syphax Facility =^= =^= Grax Zuur .. Communications Officer .. Go ahead Excalibur =^= a man appeared on the window. =^= Captain Daniel Schirra .. It is customary to contact visiting vessels prior to their establishing orbit .. Mister Zuur =^= =^= Apologies Captain .. We were not expecting anyone for another month =^= Zuur said. Dan looked at Karka again, both realising something was amiss but unable to say what. Suddenly, and for a fraction of a second only, the planet below appeared to be a plush blue green orb. The transformation was so fast it would have only registered on a viewers subconscious mind. =^= We shall be beaming down to the surface momentarily .. Please ensure those in authority are made aware =^= =^= I'm sorry Captain .. But no-one is allowed to transport to the surface without the express permission of the Commission .. I will contact you whe .. .. .. =^= =^= Mister Zuur .. Above you is a Federation Starship holding representatives of the aforementioned .. Federation .. We neither ask for nor require 'permission' to enter a Federation Facility .. .. .. Truth be told Mister Zuur .. I find myself wondering if there is a hidden reason for your lack of cooperation in this matter .. That is something that will need to be addressed in due course .. Please inform the Commission that we shall be beaming into your Facility in ten minutes .. .. Mister Zuur .. I fully expect to be met by them on our arrival .. Is that understood ? =^= He ran his finger across his throat to signify the conversation should be terminated. "What do you make of that ?" he asked no-one in particular, and it being somewhat of a rhetorical question he didn't expect an answer, he turned to the Operations Chief, Lieutenant jg. Sarah Wentworth, "Check records, I want to know every vessel, in or out, in the last forty eight hours. If our shuttle turned up I need to know. We'll be on the surface, you have the Conn Lieutenant. Koni, Karka, with me. Have Commander Unwin meet us in Transporter Room One." ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jun 16, 2017 21:25:23 GMT
"I want a full check on all of them, where they have been in the last three years, who they have contacted, any affiliations we should be wary of !"
Karka acknowledged and turned around and nodded at his deputy at the science console, the acting XO currently electing to stand near the middle of the bridge flanking Schirra's command chair, distributing orders and in this case specifically to his deputy. One of the names sounded vaguely familiar to him, Alek White's, and he had the junior officer search for his name first.
"... We'll be on the surface, you have the Conn Lieutenant. Koni, Karka, with me. Have Commander Unwin meet us in Transporter Room One."
Psonoir did as instructed and they made for the transporter room, linking up with Unwin just outside who nodded to them and entered the room first; they took their positions on the pads, and were soon on the surface in the midst of a wide grey-white corridor, its floor like dusty chalk, perhaps due to the vast amount of limestone deposits that'd been shifted on to and synthesised on the planet since terraforming began.
They were instructed to wait at a junction by Zuur and another person identifying himself as Jones, being told they would meet with the commissioners directly. In a room (which they now entered) just through from one of the corridors leading off the junction, there was a broad rectangular table, and a door of identical design to the one that the quartet had stepped through a moment ago. Now grey-uniformed people approached, some of decidedly more haggard appearance than others, some spic-and-span clean... The commissioners; Karka guessed that those of haggard appearance were those of the group who'd been part of the operation for a long time.
The most crucial thing was that there were only six of them.
"We told Communications Officer Zuur that we wanted to meet with all eight of you," Dan said, nodding to those present and taking a seat at the table; Karka and the others followed suit, the 4 now arrayed against the 6.
"Apologies, Captain," the man Karka believed to be Bridgeman said, smiling; he was one of the group who was of immaculate appearance. "Commissioners Kinchloe and McKay are currently indisposed. A world doesn't terraform itself; despite the widespread automation, we need sentient operators from time to time, particularly considering the size of Eyrie Syphax VII. Can I offer you a drink by way of recompense?"
"Now, what is it that Starfleet Command wants?" Bridgeman added affably.
<Tag Schirra>
Another of them spoke. That would be Rushworth or Niles, Karka thought. She said abruptly, "We don't appreciate Starfleet using its tenuous jurisdiction to constantly interfere with scientific endeavours!"
This was someone of the more haggard appearance. Karka lowered his head slightly, concealing a grin. As the pleasant talk continued, all four of their communicators went off. As Dan had been in the middle of an exposition of their purpose and didn't appreciate the distraction, he asked Karka to handle it. Leaving the room and standing back in the junction, he answered, =/\=Excalibur, this is Psonoir, go ahead.=/\=
=/\=Sorry to bother you, Commander.=/\= It was his science deputy, =/\=You should know that I've recovered information pertaining to one of the commissioners, or... well, one of the commissioners who isn't currently on the commission. In fact, he's dead; has been the last three months.=/\=
It hadn't seemed overly important to current proceedings until the deputy had said, "last three months". =/\=That's the length of time since Commodore Ryat began communications with Eyrie Syphax and other places. Did she start her communications at precisely the same time this commissioner died?=/\= Karka asked.
=/\=Yes, sir. The deceased commissioner was the one who gave his name to the planet, to the star system in fact. He was Berz Syphax, a geologist and geodesics expert. Circumstances surrounding his death are mysterious; I can only say he was part of the research group who first explored the system in depth, rose to be Chairman of the commission, died, at the age of 99, apparently quite distant from the Eyrie Syphax system. His body was never recovered, but there's no indication his death was anything other than natural. So his body's missing, sir.=/\=
=/\=Thank you, Ensign...=/\= He returned to the room; the meeting was breaking up.
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jun 17, 2017 9:56:30 GMT
"..... we need sentient operators from time to time, particularly considering the size of Eyrie Syphax VII. Can I offer you a drink by way of recompense ?" the man asked, not waiting for them to answer either way but poured the water out into four glasses anyway, "Now, what is it that Starfleet Command wants ?" Bridgeman added affably.
"Firstly ...." Daniel began but decided to change tack suddenly, "you may or may not have heard, that one of Star Fleet's Flag Officers, Commodore Ryat, disappeared a short time ago and ....."
"Even if we had time to listen to every titbit of 'information' coming out of the Federations Headquarters, why would it be of any relevance to us ?" Bridgeman interrupted.
"Why would you think the Commodores disappearance would be broadcast Mister Chairman ?" Koni asked.
"How would we have heard otherwise ?" the man said casually. Dan decided to let it go for the moment, the last thing he wanted to do was to antagonise these people. If they clammed up, so to speak, it could take weeks even months to get anything useful from them. Karka returned, eyeing Daniel as he re-took his seat keeping his expression neutral.
"Gentlemen, Ladies, I'm sure you all have important tasks to be dealing with, but we have information that a shuttle left Earth and was heading in your general direction. We tracked it on three separate occasions and each time it's probable course was narrowed to make the Syphax system the likely destination. It is therefore logical that we would come to the one place in the System that has working facilities, don't you agree ?"
"We accept your apology, Captain." Roberta Rushworth said after introducing herself, "But as you say, we have duties that are unfortunately far more important to the well being and continued work to bring this planet to a habitable condition, than the unfortunate disappearance of one of your Officers, however high up in your Chain of command that Officer may be. Now, if you care to remain on the surface, we will have someone show you to our visitor quarters, they are hardly palatial, but adequate, and you can freshen up and get a bite to eat. We could reconvene in due course when we are less pressed for time ?" she finished, activating a hidden button before standing, the other Commission Members following suit, their 'interview' was apparently at an end. A young woman entered and was instructed to take the Starfleet Officers to their quarters.
Daniel almost protested, but thought better of it and allowed the woman to lead them from the chamber and along numerous nondescript corridors, that many that he was unsure he could retrace his steps if the need arose.
"What do you do here ?" Koni asked the young woman casually.
"Public relations." came the curt reply, any expansion on her reply was not forthcoming and they continued in silence. Finally she stopped at a blank unnumbered door, which slid aside as she passed her hand over a small light source. They entered somewhat gingerly, but the room appeared to be as described, a large room with several off either side, a large window showed the turmoil outside as the ever-present storm raged. Dan turned to the door:
"Thank ..... You." he said to the empty corridor, "Too chatty all together." he said sarcastically as he waved his hand over the door activator to closed it.
"Something useful from the ship." Karka began immediately recounting the conversation with his Deputy.
"So there could be a connection." Unwin speculated, "Maybe that's why we're not getting the 'five star' treatment. Maybe we should take a look around while we're left to our own devices ?"
"I'm not sure that's a good idea, at least until we can get some sort of layout for this place, it's like a rabbit warren, I'm certain we went down the same corridor three times." T'Seng said, shaking her head.
"Karka, what do you think ?" Dan asked ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jul 8, 2017 3:15:08 GMT
"What brought us here," Karka said suddenly by way of reply, "I knew Syphax was more than just the name of a planet, or a star system... Berz Syphax, leader of the operation, I knew it..." He shook his head. Yes, Karka was telling a lie, at least a partial one, for contrary to what he was having them believe, he was just realising that, all along, he'd known Syphax was connected with the system named after him, and before his deputy science officer had informed him of it in his comm call. It was his Hybrudean memory recall, emerging from the microcosm of his 29th century home archive (his mind). Yes, Berz Syphax and his identity he'd been aware of: Syphax was a Trill.
"Commander?" T'Seng asked as Schirra and Unwin continued pacing about the room, deciding, it was likely whether or not it was a good idea to go exploring their surroundings.
Karka glanced at Koni, "Ah, well... Commodore Ryat... She isn't fully human, is that correct? Not human at all in fact." He decided to risk it - did they know? He knew himself he should've found out by now, but it was hard to raise the issue of a CO's species, when one was unsure whether she'd divulged that information and while serving on the same ship as her. The question remained: had Ryat told the members of her crew what Karka knew, the fact her homeworld wasn't Earth?
Unwin spoke from near the door, speaking casually, "Yes. She's a Trill... A mysterious species, virtually unknown. Of course, except for the CO, we've never had direct contact with them..."
"Well, Berz Syphax was a Trill, too," Karka said, "Something subconscious allowed me to make a connection between him, the Commodore and the fact both of them are or were Trill, and Syphax's posting here on Syphax VII. I blurted it at the meeting with the Admiral." He looked at Dan as if to ask, 'satisfied'? Though he knew full well Schirra wouldn't have been happy to have to lie to the Commission about having detected Ryat's shuttle having made its way here (the temporal shift of the shuttle to the 27th century not deemed appropriate for the terraformers to learn).
A pause, Unwin spoke, "How much do you know about the Trill, Karka?" Psonoir evaded their glances but it'd thankfully come across as a rhetorical question and was let to pass.
Yes, their science officer and erstwhile chief engineer had shown himself to be unusually, sometimes almost supernaturally resourceful during parts of his tenure on the ship, the results of which endeavours couldn't in some cases be explained by Federation science, and in the present case may have accounted for his surprising knowledge of Commodore Ryat's likely destination (as evidenced in the Admiral's office at HQ with Schirra), the planet Eyrie Syphax VII she'd likely been maintaining contact with in...
"Then was the Commodore in contact with Syphax, a fellow Trill...?" T'Seng mused.
Karka shook his head, "He died three months ago, shortly before Ryat's communications with Eyrie Syphax. Therefore, whoever she was contacting here, or on other ships in the vicinity, was very likely intimately connected with Syphax... A relative, or a close associate on the Commission of which he was the Chairman until his death... Perhaps someone in this very complex."
They cast about, wondering if it would be a very good idea to have another meeting with the Commissioners (whichever ones might be available...), for it was eminently possible the Commodore had been in contact with one or more of them... Possibly to make funeral arrangements for the deceased Trill? Possibly to see to the affairs of the symbiote, Syphax him/herself? And yet, there was another possibility: if they could help it, Trill didn't die.
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jul 16, 2017 4:43:55 GMT
OOC: Sorry for double-posting and length
After what must've been over an hour of sitting about in the utilitarian chairs of their makeshift quarters, Karka stood up amongst them and started pacing once again, back and forth in front of the panoramic window showing the landscape and the ongoing terraforming process being enacted on it. Strokes of lightning shot down from black-green storm clouds that hovered perpetually over the broad plain. The boundless desolation of the plain was bookended either side by mountains, some of which reared into the clouds, others whose peaks were visible, tipped with ice-encrusted siliconate deposits.
He thought about what Lirwa had said regarding the destruction of the world by the Cetans in the late 27th century (in one of the timelines at least); he'd suggested that not all stations over the globe had, in the 23rd century during the original terraforming operation (which this was), functioned in quite the same way or to the same exacting high standards, that certain of those stations were manned by operatives, perhaps up to the rank of Commissioner, who didn't have the 'officially' Federation-funded operation at heart, and would be willing to sabotage the terraforming process if it meant for them private gain, or other boons not arising from successful completion of their assignment.
He turned to the others suddenly, having formulated from his thoughts a possible course of action,
"Let's ask for a tour of the facilities over the globe, to see how the terraforming is coming along. It's not part of our mission of course, but it could serve as a good pretext for doing some investigating... We can suggest that we'll be being reporting back to the Federation on the Commission's progress, and can claim it was actually part of our assignment all along. Whether or not we actually do report to the Federation, can be up to us."
<Tag Schirra>
"Why do you think the key lies with studying the terraforming? Matter of fact, how did you know to come here in the first place?" Unwin asked his friend bluntly.
Karka furrowed his brows and licked his lips, "Firstly, not all of the Commissioners may feel the same commitment to the project as certain others amongst them. Those clearly worn-out by the operation might be less inclined to pursue it as zealously, or conversely may be they're the ones who are determined to see the rest of it through, while recent appointees - Bridgeman, who replaced Berz Syphax, and the like - may not have as much vested personal interest. Particular stations about the globe are likely run by the same group of people; perhaps we can find one such station and one such group who are disillusioned with what they're doing here and are willing to reveal something to us."
"And secondly?"
"Secondly... Call it a hunch. I've already said I made the mental link between Berz Syphax, Ryat and the coincidence over when comms between Ryat and this star system began." (He thought to himself, Also, it's the planet that in the 27th century was responsible for snatching Ryat's shuttle. Hopefully, Ryat hadn't gone to the 27th century Eyrie Syphax VII along with the shuttle, and was somewhere on the planet's surface in this timeframe.)
While he waited for Dan to approve or disapprove of the tour plan, Karka made another request which he was sure would be granted, "If you'll allow me, Captain, I'd like to have beamed down a team from the science department, perhaps supported by two or three security guards. If Bridgeman complains about the guards' presence we can claim they're here as a guarantee for the safety of our scientists, given the slightly frosty welcome we've received thus far; a general precaution."
He continued, "Regardless of whether we're given permission to study their progress in the terraforming, our ship scientists can legitimately be permitted to survey their efforts as a matter of personal interest." To that end, Karka made arrangements for geologists, seismologists, climatics experts and meteorologists to be amongst those brought to the surface (those who'd conceivably have a hobby interest in what the terraformers were doing).
* * *
With Karka's 12-strong phalanx of scientists on the ground, he set about distributing them about the main base, set in positions such that should they be given the go-ahead for the tour, they'd immediately be able to get themselves transported around the globe to 'evaluate the progress of the terraforming'. Milkins took up position with Alek White (the Commissioner whose name Karka had recognised back on the ship), probing him for information on artificially-shifted planet tectonics, Bek'Mann asked technicians in the operations centre of the base about the world's modified electromagnetic field, more and more iron being compressed into its inner core, and the ten others set about their various tasks as appointed to them.
It wasn't long before Psonoir was called from his section of the shared quarters to an administrator's office; Ensign Milkins had got into a fight with a technician. He shrugged at his colleagues, saying he hoped to be back shortly, "I don't think I have a choice in the matter."
He stood by the grey unmarked door of the office, eventually admitted and left standing, despite the seat available for him, by the grey-suited miserable administrator. The man was unshaven and there were bags under his eyes, "Commander. This man Milkins reports to you?" The administrator held up a holograph of Milkins, snapped as the science officer was led into a detention area somewhere on the southern continent of the world, approximately an hour ago.
"He does. And we want him back." Lirwa, if that was you... Karka thought about the person Milkins apparently attacked (or was attacked by).
"He assaulted one of Commissioner White's aides, a recent arrival on this planet - not a very nice welcome for our new worker, eh?" The administrator stood and walked to a filing cabinet, shaking his head and tutting, opening the cabinet and withdrawing a paper file with the record of the supposed victim of the assault (Karka leant forward and got a brief glimpse of the file before the anonymous administrator laid it blank side down on the desk between them; Karka instantly recognised Lirwa from the aide's photo on the page; he shook his head, unnoticed). The administrator took a bottle of whiskey and a glass out of a cabinet behind him, and with his back to Karka poured himself a measure, drinking it down, only then turning with an unsteady swagger and slinging himself into his seat, regarding Karka who stood before him, "You still think you're getting the tour?" he asked Karka facetiously.
(this bit is TBC)
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jul 19, 2017 21:12:15 GMT
"Let's ask for a tour of the facilities over the globe, to see how the terraforming is coming along. It's not part of our mission of course, but it could serve as a good pretext for doing some investigating ... We can suggest that we'll be being reporting back to the Federation on the Commission's progress, and can claim it was actually part of our assignment all along. Whether or not we actually do report to the Federation, can be up to us."
Dan gave the suggestion some thought as he listened to Mark Unwin asking questions. When it appeared Karka had replied to the Engineers' satisfaction he stood:
"I think the tour is a good idea ...." he said, striding to the table which held a Comm panel atop, "In fact, I think we'll make it a demand rather than a request if they begin to hesitate." he spoke when his comm was answered.
=^= Please send someone in authority to our 'waiting room' immediately =^=
=^= I will conta .. .. .. =^=
=^= I don't care who you contact .. But if someone isn't here in short order then my team and myself will be transporting back to the Excalibur .. Where we shall report our findings .. Or lack thereof .. To the Federation Council =^= he closed the Comm as the obviously rattled Aide was trying to explain. Thirty seconds later the door opened and a seemingly annoyed woman entered, the one that had brought them here earlier Daniel realised, hiding the grin at her annoyance.
"Ahh, it's our very own 'Public Relations' expert." Dan said, not allowing the woman to get a word in before he continued on, "We will require a full tour of the terraforming facilities, we haven't yet eaten as we didn't envisage our being left on this room for such a long time without anyone giving us information. Also .... My Exec' Commander Psonoir thinks it would be prudent, given our recent treatment, that we bring down a Science Team along with a Security Party to accompany them. These Officer's will be going over the workings of the terraforming facilities in greater detail than ourselves, we're just having the tuppenny tour." he finished with a smile.
Far from ceding to his demands, the woman had other ideas:
"I'm afraid none of which you ask will be possible. In fact, I have been sent here to inform you that it will be impossible to accommodate your, requests, at this time due to, unforeseen circumstances, and as such you are cordially requested to return to your vessel. The Council will contact the Federation to make more, mutually agreeable arrangements." it was now her turn to look smug. Daniel took out his communicator and flipped it open:
=^= Schirra to Excalibur .. .. =^=
=^= Excalibur =^=
=^= Do you still have locks on all the Council members ? =^=
=^= Yes Sir =^=
=^= Stand-by to transport all of them to our cargo-bay on my command .. .. =^= he looked at the woman, who while not buckling, was visibly unsure of herself suddenly. He looked at Karak who nodded, =^= Excali .. .. .. =^=
"WAIT !" the woman said suddenly.
=^= .. .. Stand-by Excalibur =^= he said, eyebrows raised.
"I will see to it that you have a full tour of nearby facilities. There will be no need for a Scien ...."
"Science Team, Security to accompany them, given your open hostility, I would hate for any sudden accident to befall one of us." he said, raising the Communicator once again.
"Very well !" she said, shoulders slumping visibly. Daniel handed the Communicator to Karka to arrange the Science Team he had in mind along with a Security escort, then returned his attention to the young woman, I will arrange for food and refreshments to be brought here for you and your, Officers, then I shall arrange transport to the local terraforming facility."
"Oh I'm sure my Officers can 'eat on the go' as the old saying goes." Schirra said, that grin back again, "No, why not get on that Comm panel and arrange a sub-orbital ship for our use."
~~~~~~~~~~
The second team had arrived and Karka had taken charge of them, Daniel and the others had been given access to all the plant schematics and were surprised at how long it was actually taking. With the twenty four terraforming facilities equi-spaced throughout the globe they should have been further on in his opinion. Three of the sites were falling behind, not unusual in planetary terraforming, but those three, something just didn't sit right. He decided he would ask about it in some roundabout way at some point during the tour. Their Public Relations person was back with news that a ship was at their disposal when ready. At the same time one of the Security Personnel entered and got his attention. He excused himself and walked over the the man:
"Lieutenant ?"
"Sir. I appears one of our people has assaulted one of theirs." the Lieutenant informed him as his eyes flicked to the woman then back, "He is being held."
"Has Commander Psonoir been informed ?"
"Yes'r .... He is in the Administration black now Sir, trying to secure the release of Ensign Milkins."
"Then I'm sure it will be resolved." Schirra said walking back to the woman before turning back, "Did the Commander detail you anywhere in particular Lieutenant ?"
"No Sir ... I was with the main group but felt it prudent to give you this information personally."
"OK, then remain here for the time being. We'll be taking a ship out at some point, you and two others can cover our Security."
"Aye Sir. the man said as Daniel walked back to the table.
"Look, I know your not best pleased at our presence, but can you show some semblance of manners while we're her, it's going to make the time pass much faster. Now, I'm assuming you have a name ... Other than 'Public Relations' I mean ?"
"Tania ...." she said, then turned to look at him with an expression he could'n decipher, "Tania Rushworth."
"Commissioner Rushwor ....."
"Daughter." she finished for him before turning away, "I will check everything is ready for us." she said, leaving quickly. Daniel looked at Koni and the Security Lieutenant, both shrugged ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jul 24, 2017 13:30:17 GMT
The other side of the globe
He wove his way through nebulous dreams, strands of the nightmare he was still in, revisitations of that island of ice, ridges either side of the valley giving off a blue-white sheen in the stellar F-type's glare as once more he dived into cover to avoid his assailant. Once had become a thousand times, and now, at the end of it all, he was not only the pursued but the pursuer, the prey and the hunter, the beast and the man made one. The warrior's code, he'd told himself as he'd stood over his own body, always remember the warrior's code: a dead enemy was to be honoured if that enemy had itself lived an honourable life. And now, the warrior thought, he was no longer sure he had been.
Jolted awake from the ever-recurring shadow of his past, of his coalescence into the single symbiotic being, he let out an unearthly howl, it paradoxically feeling natural and yet jarringly alien.
Outside the doctor's quarters, Commissioner Rushworth winced at the sound from within, actually edging back from the door slightly as her old friend screamed. As she'd been expecting, Commissioner Alek White now joined her, smiling as he approached and eclipsed the ceiling light behind.
"More of the same?" he looked at the door. "Will it ever stop?"
"I can't look him in the eye when he speaks to me..." Rushworth shook her head, "Somehow, although he speaks to me the same way as when he was..."
"As when he was Berz," Alek White prompted.
"Yes. Despite that, I can't see in him anything that's the same... He's so brutal, so monstrous..."
"That's prejudice," White chided goodnaturedly, "He's a Klingon, that's all... Of course, he's also something else. Have you heard anything from the infirmary regarding time 'til host-symbiote equilibrium?"
Rushworth shook her head. She was surprised at Alek being able to talk about Syphax in such casual terms, as if for him it was entirely natural that their old friend and former fellow commissioner had all along been something other than what he'd claimed, and that Alek was comfortable using the terminology of Syphax's true species the Trill. The shocking revelation of his identity had come when the Klingon, who they'd been told had killed Berz Syphax on that ice world, had arrived in the system claiming to be Syphax, resurrected from the dead seemingly, though I'm fact having transferred to a new body in - as Syphax was constantly telling them - one of the most complicated procedures in the history of his species. They'd never known of the Trill species, here was the first one they'd encountered; since that time, White had encountered another...
"We must tell the Federation," Rushworth determined, "We want nothing to do with them, yes, but the doctor is a Klingon!"
"No," White said sharply, "At least not yet... We must wait. Roberta, this is something that must remain between us, I can't trust the others... There is a way we can use Syphax to hurt something, or someone within the Federation. He himself doesn't know -"
White was cut off as at that moment the door to Syphax's quarters slid open, and the huge Klingon strode out; his body different from before, there was still something in his eyes that reminded Rushworth of the old Berz, so piercing, "Alek, Roberta... And where's my squeaky-clean replacement in this newly independent operation?"
"Bridgeman's keeping tabs on the Starfleet officers," Rushworth replied, averting her eyes.
"Are they here?" He was told the Federation starship had indeed arrived.
White spoke, "You must realise, Dr Syphax, that we cannot allow you to meet them. If they were to find a Klingon so deep in Federation space..." Syphax nodded his consent and White continued, "Currently they are being kept in quarters on the base... under surveill- "
Syphax erupted; still unaccustomed to his new body, he swung his bulk about in the passageway and accidentally knocked the man off his feet, "You let them down here?!"
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jul 27, 2017 21:20:31 GMT
Fifteen minutes later she returned, her demeanour changed, almost as if the previous conversation had not happened ... She still eyed the Federation Officers with something closely approaching open disdain, but at least seemed willing to engage in conversation, albeit on a minimal basis: "The ship is waiting, it is a service vessel, and as such is not configured for 'sight seeing' excursions." "How many of the Commission will be joining us ?" Koni asked as they walked along a new corridor, large doors at the end already open. Tania Rushworth stopped in her tracks and turned. "The Commission ... What would possess you to believe any of them have the time, or the inclination, to board a service vessel ?" she said, her face expressionless yet again, making it impossible to read, "I shall accompany you." the remainder of the walk to the airlock and onto the ship was silent. As they boarded Daniel could see makeshift seating had been hastily installed and there were two men, obviously maintenance workers, clad in orange cover-alls, one near the airlock itself and the second toward the front of the craft. Dan thanked them for getting enough seating arranged at such short notice, only to be informed that this ship, designated 'TT1' or Technician Transport One had had no alterations made to it pending their arrival. Apparently they were not to be afforded any privileges ! The ship lifted ....
Climbing slowly in a lazy spiral until it miraculously, in Daniel's opinion, reached a height of 500 meters, only then did it level and head away from the complex ... They watched as the ground passed beneath them but even at this height were struggling to see more than a couple of kilometers due to the ever-present gaseous mist from the atmospheric plants. They passed over the first terraforming facility, circling as Tania gave the standard rhetoric, the size, output, power consumption, and a myriad of other completely, from their point of view, useless information. Koni asked how much oxygenated product was produced and was informed that each plant produced 1.92 billion cubic meters of oxygenated atmosphere per twenty four hour period.
Daniel wondered why so little given the planet would eventually require something in the region of 4.8 x 1015 or 4.8 quadrillion tonnes, to sustain a breathable atmosphere, but didn't query the girl as she continued her monotone dialogue. He was mulling over when to 'request' they be allowed to land and inspect one of the atmospheric facilities first hand when Tania actually offered.
"We will be coming up on our most productive facility shortly, would you like to take a tour ?"
"Actually ... I would like to look over one of the problem facilities for our report." Daniel said casually, the smallest glance at Karka as he spoke.
"But that is .... Did you not bring Scientific Teams from your vessel for just that purpose ?" Tania began, but Koni interrupted her:
"Nothing like a little 'eyes on' to get a feel for how things are going. How about this one, Terra Seven ?" she said breezily. Miss Rushworth was clearly out of her depth. She had been given instructions and most likely told not to deviate from them in any circumstances, the repercussions could be serious, even for the Daughter of a Commission Member. She looked at each of them then at the two Technicians who had steadfastly kept their gaze outward throughout, but she knew they were listening, and would obviously report her actions to whomever they were working for.
"I am sorry, but that is not possible. 'T7' is currently on reduced production while essential maintenance is carried out."
"But you said each facility has it's own work group, so why would our arrival be an issue ?" Daniel asked.
"My decision is fina ...."
"No Miss Rushworth. We will go to 'T7' ....... Now !" Daniel said, turning his attention forward, "Pilot. change course for 'T7' immediately. Do not establish Comms with the facility, I much prefer surprise visits."
"I must request landi ...."
"You can fly this, craft ?" Koni asked.
"Yes." the man said, eyes darting to Tania and back.
"Then you can land it." Koni stated ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Aug 1, 2017 15:16:19 GMT
"Milkins... you know how much trouble you're in?" Karka said dryly as he entered Eyrie Syphax's southern hemisphere's detention centre, stepping up to his subordinate's cell. "You struck one of the project workers?"
Milkins shot upwards, "Commander... At last." Karka looked on neutrally from beyond the primitive forcefield. The Ensign's expression changed, the man realising he was being accused, "I didn't hit the man, sir... Look, I recognised him... I told him that he seemed familiar, he made light of it and mocked me."
Karka's interest was piqued. He hadn't been aware Milkins had been at Starfleet HQ at the time his compatriot Lirwa (posing as this Eyrie Syphax technician and supposed victim of the assault) had been visiting Karka. "Go on," he said.
"I saw him on Earth before we set out in search of the Commodore. I was at a cocktail party, and overheard him saying he was from the Corps of Engineers. Karka... He was a Starfleet officer, posted to Earth! And now we find him as a civilian on a world many lightyears distant, part of a civilian operation albeit under the aegis of the Federation, and..." he searched for the right words, "And I... challenged him, sir."
Karka shook his head, not because of what Milkins was saying, but because he was contemplating the stupidity of Lirwa. Psonoir questioned the wisdom of his Hybrudean friend, why had he placed himself in the vicinity of members of the Excalibur crew twice in as many weeks, in the same body with the same face but with different professions? Lirwa was causing problems for himself; if he kept interfering in this way, he may even eventually compromise Karka's own position, and the Science Officer's cover - tenuous since he'd saved all those people in their underground hibernation units, on the world where one witnessed and experienced the content of one's own memories - may finally be blown.
Milkins continued, "This technician accused me of harassing him, telling me I was mistaken about his identity... I insisted I was not, and when he threatened to report me, I refused to let him leave the room, I barred his exit... and, I'm sorry, sir, but yes I did end up striking him. But he struck me first, you have my word."
Karka's mind was spinning, its multiple compartments feeding neural energy from 29th century temporal sources more furiously than ever, "You'll have to remain here for now. I'll secure your release as soon as I'm able." He left the detention centre, demanding again of the security administrator that Milkins be released, and predictably upon being refused, asked to have an interview with the supposed victim of the assault. The administrator acceded, not without complaint. Karka prepared to meet Lirwa - why was he here, did it involve the shuttle's temporal displacement?
Lieutenant Mark Unwin at Terraforming Station Terra 7
Unwin had had enough of Commissioner Crossfield. Less than an hour ago, after the Excal's Chief Engineer had been posted here by Captain Schirra in the wake of Psonoir's science team beaming down, Albert Crossfield had taken charge of the problem station, flying out from the main base of operations (ostensibly to see to the problem but likely, Unwin realised now, to keep watch on the Excalibur officers now arriving). The cantankerous fellow, the longest-serving current member of the Commission - whose responsibility Terra 7, as well as a host of other facilities in this hemidemisphere of the planet, was - had further upset what was already a badly run operation at T7, and after Unwin had complained, had consigned the CEO and the scientist Karka had assigned to him to a tiny study equipped only with circa 2130 electron microscope and equally antiquated computer terminal.
Despite the limitations of the tech, Unwin in its use had been able to identify immediately the cause of one of T7's shortcomings: while the terraformers were pumping enough gas into the atmosphere, most of it was of the wrong chemical composition, and thus wouldn't support life at least in this sector of the world, but likely in adjoining regions due to the inevitable lack of spatial consistency in the biosphere. Clearly there was nothing wrong with the functioning of the station itself, so what could've led these people to make such a mistake? If the situation persisted (incidentally, an intransigent Crossfield via internal comms maintained that there was nothing wrong), there was a danger of catastrophe: backwash from the ill-formed atmosphere constituents was entering the planetary crust...
He received news that Schirra along with T'Seng had touched down, and forced his way from the study to make rendezvous in the main operations centre. He was flanked by terraforming staff who'd obviously been assigned to keep watch on him; as chance had it, he arrived in the operations centre just as Schirra and T'Seng also entered.
"Sir, am I glad to see you! I've been cooped up in a study by Crossfield nearly since I got here. Captain, for some reason... this station is configured to inject vast quantities of helium into the planet's magma; it could well be accidental; I'd say it's an unintentional consequence of and compensation for the lack of correct chemical compounds being put into the atmosphere to create conditions for life. These downwards-directed helium molecules could cause disintegration of the siliconates that constitute the magma..."
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Ephrem Santos
Diplomatic Corps
Registered: Jul 21, 2005 16:39:54 GMT
Posts: 206
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Post by Ephrem Santos on Aug 2, 2017 5:31:58 GMT
Jupiter Station
Two years on a deep space mission. Two years away from home, two years away from Barbara, two years away from the Federation and Starfleet. The past two years were not ideal but it came with the job. As Captain Ephrem Santos walked the corridors of Jupiter Station, he couldn't wait for the laughs, tears, and reunions that were to come. The moment he had left the Belfast, his message had been sent. It was more of a reminder, for his friends and family to meet him on Jupiter station within this time period. Starfleet had afforded him a two month break before he was to be given another mission. They had all come and gone, all but his close friend and current captain of the USS Excalibur Alyana Ryat. As a former commanding officer of a Federation vessel, Ephrem knew the demands that came with the job, especially the captain of the Excalibur. So Ephrem thought none of it, when Ryat didn't show up at Jupiter station. For all he knew, the Excalibur could be on the other side of the quadrant on a deep space mission as well, though he had hoped that Aly would have told him beforehand.
After waiting a few hours and a few drinks, Ephrem made his way towards his guest quarters. He would be leaving for Betazed soon and the chances to see his old ship would have to wait even longer. His thoughts clearly not in front of him and the drinks causing him to be a bit tipsy, Ephrem didn't see the couple crossing the lounge until it was to late. Getting himself off the floor and immediately apologizing, Ephrem stopped dead in his tracks when he recognized one of the people he had run into.
"Seth! I'm so sorry, but I'm happy that to see you," Ephrem said as he helped Seth and his friend to their feet.
"Captain Santos, I can't believe it's you! Last I heard you were away on a deep space diplomatic mission," Seth said.
"Yes, I returned a few weeks ago. I've been waiting here until the DCS or Starfleet gave me new orders," Ephrem said," I was hoping to see some of the others from the Excal, but I guess she's away on mission."
"Captain, you haven't heard have you....."Seth Said
USS Belfast, twelve hours until arrival at the Eyrie Syphax system
He didn't know the entire story and he didn't know the new commanding officer of the Excalibur, but he owed it to Aly. Calling in a few favors, Ephrem convinced DCS for an extended leave of absence. He would join the Excalibur on their search. Ephrem knew his arrival would be a surprise for this Daniel Schirra, but a Starfleet officer he was hoping that we would appreciate any help during his mission. As he finished his writing his message, Ephrem once again reminisced on the time he and his friend had spent together aboard the Excalibur.
"Computer relay message to the USS Excalibur and the Eyrie Syphax Federation Science center. They are going to be having another visitor shortly."
(Tag All)
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Aug 2, 2017 16:07:23 GMT
"You can fly this, craft ?" Koni asked.
"Yes." the man said, eyes darting to Tania and back.
"Then you can land it." Koni stated Daniel watched Tania Rushworth as she remained impassive at her Pilots' stare, something was amiss here and it was clear that both their hosts knew it, but so did their guests now ... The craft made a slow spiral towards the dust-strewn landing pad, kicking up a cloud of red brown dust as it touched down. Again the Pilot insisted they contact the 'T7' Command Center, to be allowed entry, but Daniel was insistent and they passed along the now connected tunnel and into the facility itself ... he had seen numerous terraforming facilities and this was no different, dusty, dull walled, and uninviting. The activation of the walkway connecting to the ship had been observed and as they passed through the inner door two men were stood waiting, but carrying dangerous looking weapons: "Access to this facility is restricted, you must turn around and leave immedia .... Miss Rushworth ...." the man stopped talking as he realised who was with the group, "Apologies Madam, but we had no warning of your visit, I am afraid that for safety reasons, due to extensive repair and refitting, we cannot allow you to remain, if you would file a requ ...." "The visit was my idea." Daniel said, stepping forward, the two weapons making a slow arc toward him as he spoke, "We are here on behalf of the Federation Council, we have full authority to visit without prior notification, I think it best you remove those weapons otherwise my party and I may begin to take your stance personally and direct us to the Command Center." he said, eyes locked on the man who spoke to them. It seemed a stand-off but the second man lowered his weapon and instructed them to follow, moments of stony silence later they entered the control room. "Where are the technicians ?" Koni asked the two men, who had placed themselves between the Federation Officers and the door. "They have been informed of your unscheduled arrival and will be here shortly." Dan could see red lights flashing on every panel, apparently they were not to be trusted as everything had been placed in 'lock-down' ... He was about to comment when the door opened, the two men didn't react, just stepped aside eyes still on the interlopers, unfortunately it wasn't the Technicians, but one of their own: "Sir, am I glad to see you !" Unwin said, edging Schirra and T'Seng to one side. I've been cooped up in a study by Crossfield nearly since I got here. Captain, for some reason ... This station is configured to inject vast quantities of helium into the planet's magma; it could well be accidental; I'd say it's an unintentional consequence of and compensation for the lack of correct chemical compounds being put into the atmosphere to create conditions for life. These downwards-directed helium molecules could cause disintegration of the siliconates that constitute the magma ..." Two more entered the room, both clad in dishevelled and grubby white coats: "What is the meaning of this intrusion ?" ".... and you are ?" Schirra asked. "I ... My name is Norris. I am the lead Technician for this facility, and I am asking you what you are doing here." "They are from the Federation." Tania explained, the smallest shake of her head, a warning ? "We are at a critical point and have no time for your snooping." "My Chief Engineer just informed me that you injecting vast amounts of helium into the magma, any reason you would be doing that ?" "The explanation would be beyond your understanding, suffice to say it is being done for a reason, we are attempting to terraform this planet 'Captain' it isn't a simple task of importing oxygen, chemical reactions are needed deep within the core of the planet to extrude the correc ...." Daniel could see Unwin shaking his head so interrupted the so-called technician. "I'm afraid that I will have to stop you there. You seem to be avoiding answering my quer ..." he was about to continue when his Communicator chirped to life, he took it from his pocket, flicking it open in one easy motion: =^= Schirra .. .. =^= =^= Captain .. Lieutenant Gold .. We have just received a sub-space communication .. The USS Belfast is en-route to our location and will arrive in twelve hours =^= =^= The Belfast ? .. .. Did they say why they were coming out here Lieutenant ? =^= =^= Sir .. They are transporting an Officer who will be joining the ship in an unofficial capacity .. Captain Ephram Santos Sir =^= =^= Understood .. We will be back on the Excalibur by the time the Belfast arrives .. Contact them and give Captain Santos my regards .. Schirra out =^= He turned back to the two technicians: "Now, where were we ?" ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Aug 7, 2017 15:56:26 GMT
He recalled Commissioner Alek White now, that was for certain; he'd been running riot over the quadrant under various names for the last decade. This man, according to Lirwa - who was sporting an impressive black-eye courtesy of Ensign Milkins - was now communicating with the aptly-named Constructors, who held dominion over Eyrie Syphax in the late 27th century in the time just before that world was destroyed by the Cetans. Apparently White had arranged with them to transport Ryat's shuttle through time to the 27th, a replica shuttle appearing simultaneously on the landing pad at SF Headquarters complete with Ryat's shortlived hologram (which had of course vanished in the HQ turbolift). Apparently, Ryat hadn't been temporally displaced with the shuttle, but neither was she to be found on the planet's surface nor on any other world in the system in this time.
Bowing his head at the possibility that the Commodore was for the moment lost to them, Karka thanked his friend and departed the science lab where Lirwa was pretending to work, now striding the corridor adjacent to the main base's sub-orbital transport hangar, ducking into an alcove at the passage's end to communicate to the ship the news,
=/\=Commissioner Alek White, yes... Yes, and Ryat's not here... And in addition to his kidnapping of her, White has been involved in illegal activities involving temporal communications with Eyrie Syphax VII as it exists in the 27th century.=/\= He provided no explanation for how he knew this; he couldn't possibly tell the officer of the watch he'd acquired the information from his 29th-century dwelling compatriot who was posing as a terraforming worker on the surface.
Psonoir cast eyes out the corridor's bay windows across the reddish plain, preparing to commandeer if he could a transport craft that would take him to Schirra's location. =/\=Can you patch me through to the CO?=/\= he asked.
=/\=Negative, sir. We've been experiencing intermittent interference from high-density ammonia and sulphur trioxide clouds...=/\=
=/\=Ok, report to him what I've told you when comms become available. Additionally, I think White and perhaps others working with him, commissioners or not, wanted Ryat for...=/\= his instruction became an internal inquery, =/\=Did they want her because she's a Trill? She learnt of the death of Berz Syphax, another Trill, via some third party... she was drawn here by Alek White, and perhaps others, to become Syphax's new host?=/\=
=/\=Syphax's body is unaccounted for, sir,=/\= the officer of the watch confirmed, onto Karka's train of thought, =/\=But according to LCARS, he perished on a world over 1,000 lightyears from here. Despite our lack of understanding of the Trill symbiote, we know enough to say that it couldn't possibly survive by itself the length of time it would take a ship to travel 1,000 lightyears... to Eyrie Syphax if that's what you were thinking, sir.=/\= In a few short seconds, Karka was thinking nothing; a needle was plunged into the back of his neck and he sprawled forward on the floor. =/\=Commander? Commander, I can't -=/\= Roberta Rushworth's foot crushed the still-active communicator.
Terraforming station T7
Unwin heard the metallic clatter along the upper gantry indicative of the arrival of Commissioner Crossfield, "What the hell is going on?" came the grizzled man's sonorous voice, above and to his left. Already Unwin had come to dread the man's intrusions, for they could only mean further obstacles in their efforts to discover why the terraformers seemed intent on wrecking their own operation.
There was a heated exchange between T'Seng, Crossfield and Norris; Schirra put a stop to it, and Unwin saw the woman identified as Tania Rushworth slip out of the room, it appearing very much as if she'd just received a call - a hidden communicator, an internal earpiece perhaps.
"Shut them down!" someone called from the upper levels. The voice echoed round the chamber, this then overlaid with the sounds of clanking machinery, great mechanisms shunting into place, cooling fans and a deep thrumming unnoticed 'til now slowing and lowering in pitch respectively.
"Helium flow at 40 kgm-2s-1 and falling, approaching zero," a technician called from beside Unwin, who turned to study the readouts. The CEO heard the dreaded guttural subvocalisation of Crossfield's throat,
"Alright, Captain, it appears you have what you wanted..." the Commissioner seemed bemused, "Now, allow me to explain why the helium is necess- "
He was interrupted as armed personnel burst into the chamber from all quarters, pointing laser and phaser rifles and shouting at various technicians, administrators and Starfleet officers, seizing some, throwing them towards a corner; others as they resisted had rifle butts slammed into face and gut. Unwin suffered a dislocated knee as he tried to evade an attacker. Crossfield was seized by both arms. The heavy steel door through which Rushworth had exited swung open and she stepped back in, visibly upset and flanked by guards, Unwin saw, yet it emerged she was commanding these people. Approximately 75% of the room's former occupants were now under guard, the remainder apparently allied with the interlopers.
"Orders from HQ, Commissioner," a guard said as Crossfield muttered obscenities at him. Unwin looked about from his prone position; he saw T'Seng with four rifles pointed at her head, but not Schirra... had the CO escaped the sudden onslaught?
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Aug 12, 2017 10:24:31 GMT
"Alright, Captain, it appears you have what you wanted..." the Commissioner seemed bemused, "Now, allow me to explain why the helium is necess ...."
Daniel stood back as the room was suddenly flooded with newcomers, all seemingly intent on overpowering the others. Several received injuries for their troubles, including Mark Unwin, who's knee looked impressively swollen and possibly dislocated. He waited, pondering why no-one had seen fit to secure him but had concentrated on the others in the room, then Tania Rushworth entered.
"Orders from HQ, Commissioner," a guard was saying as Crossfield muttered obscenities at him but he fell silent as Tania stepped forward: He hadn't noticed her leaving and chastised himself for his lack of attention as she approached him. He couldn't read the expression on her face, was she there to help, or to hinder:
"Captain Schirra. I must apologise for our 'over-cautiousness' but it was necessary, I assure you."
"My Engineer is injured." Daniel said, keeping his eyes locked on the woman. Tania motioned to the prone Unwin and two of her guards dropped to their knees, seconds later Unwin almost stifled a scream as his dislocated knee was reset without apparently any technological or pharmaceutical assistance. He would need treatment once they had the means, but for now the 'quick-fix' would have to suffice. They did however spray it with something Dan presumed was to curtail the swelling and helped him to his feet.
"We seem to have got off on the wrong foot, so to speak." Tania was saying as she now moved around the room, eyes falling on each of the captors in turn, "It is of course possible that I have acted in error, but with so little information at my disposal, and the fact that the Commission tend to keep their secrets to themselves, even from each other I wouldn't wonder ..... I have taken a risk here Captain, one that I would hope you will in due course appreciate, but I am first and foremost loyal to my Mother, the Commission, and of course to Syp ....."
"BE QUIET CHILD !" Crossfield shouted before receiving the butt of a phaser rifle to his jaw. Koni released a punch that floored the guard and only Tania's raised hand saved her from instant vaporisation.
"There is no need for this Tania." Daniel began, taking a tentative step forward but halting as several phasers swung in his direction, "If you have anything that can help us locate and retrieve Commodore Ryat, then why not simply get the information to me or one of my Officers, all this ...." e said, motioning to the room in general, "Was unnecessary, and has very likely put you, and your mother, in a very difficult position."
"At this point, my only real concern is Commissioner Crossfield." she said, moving to stand before the elderly man, eyeing him up and down as if considering the purchase of fruit in a market, "You see, Captain, I believe the good commissioner is being somewhat liberal with his own loyalties, never a good thing in my humble, and young opinion. The reasoning behind the seeming abduction of your Commodore is beyond me, I have to say, but there 'is' reasoning behind it Captain, of that you can be assured. Now as to whom could be behind the abduction, that is rather cloudy."
Crossfield was gathering himself and climbing to his feet unsteadily, blood pouring from his mouth where several teeth had been dislodged. He spat the contents of his mouth, blood and broken teeth, onto the boots of the man that struck him, defiantly glaring for him to react, but a glance at Tania held him in place.
"Put the weapons down Tania, let's talk." Schirra said quietly, "Even if you feel Crossfield is behind whatever is happening here, and something 'IS' happening, we're not that naive, I can tell stalling when I see it, as can my Engineer. What possible reason would any of the Commission have for delaying the terraforming ?" but Rushworth could only shrug, admitting she didn't have the information he was asking for.
"So you are doing all this, risking everything, for something you have no idea about ... That is ludicrous !" Koni said, unable to keep herself from laughing at the idiocy of the situation.
"You know 'NOTHING' of what is happening here ... What gives you or anyone else the right to come here, dictating terms, spying on our activities ! ... It is 'YOU' ... You are the ones that know nothing." she stopped speaking, obviously trying to regain control of her emotions.
"Then explain it all." Daniel said, trying to coax something from the young woman who had effectively set the Commission against each other. If there wasn't openly obvious factions within the Commission before, there would be once the actions of one of their number, or rather a sibling, became knowledge. Daniel wondered if the arrival of the USS Belfast would sway proceedings any ..........
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Aug 19, 2017 0:29:01 GMT
USS Belfast :: "What do you mean we have been refused ?" "That's what they said Captain, we are not to enter orbit under any circumstances." the Helm Officer said with a shrug. "Do they have anything to prevent us doing so ?" the almost incredulous Captain asked. "No Sir." the Tactical Officer said. The Captain looked up at the Diplomat beside his chair, Reynolds raised his eyebrows but didn't comment verbally. "Where is the Excalibur ?" "Geostationary orbit above one of the facilities Captain." "Take us in .... Put us a kilometer behind and above the Excalibur." the captain ordered, tired of being told what he could and couldn't do by underlings .... Terraforming Facility T7 :: The comm chirped to life ... Reluctantly Daniel took his communicator from his jacket and flicked it open, moving a few paces away from the others: =^= Schirra =^= =^= Sir .. The USS Belfast has entered the System .. She will be in synchronous orbit with us in one hour =^= =^= Fine .. Contact them and give the Captain my compliments .. Tell him to keep his eyes open .. Schirra out =^= he returned the communicator to his pocket then turned back to the others. "You think another of your Starships is going to sway our cause Captain ?" Tania asked, suddenly defensive again. "The Belfast is here to return a crew member, nothing more. Once he is transferred they will be on their way ... My advice: Be polite, because if they get any indication something is amiss then they will stay around, or report their concerns back to the Federation, and before you ask, no, they won't take my opinion on the situation into consideration if they feel we have been compromised." "No-one has 'compromised' you Captain." Tania said, less aggressively than a moment ago, "But do not underestimate our resolve." "I just want to understand what's happening. It is clear that the Commission are no longer united, but the reasons behind that divide are obviously being withheld. You 'claim' to have no knowledge regarding Commodore Ryat, if that is the case you must feel that one or more of the Commission 'ARE' responsible. Do you think Crossfield is one of those accountable ?" Dan said, eyeing the aged commissioner for a second before returning his attention to Tania. "The Isola ....." "BE SILENT WOMAN !" Crossfield spat through broken teeth, but Daniel was rapidly reaching the end of his tether. "You know what ! ..... I could give two hoots for your infighting for who gets to sit on your precious Commission, but 'I DO' care about the whereabouts of our Flag Officer, and for those responsible for her abduction, so lets cut out the delay tactics and get right down to business." Dan said, he inched towards Koni and whispered for her to open a comm to the Excalibur and stand by, then turned back to the others once more, "Now, These little groups, factions, gangs, whatever you want to call them are of zero importance at this point, but I am going to get some answers regarding Commodore Ryat ... If not, then my ship will fire on this facility, and we'll go look elsewhere for the information we need." "Empty threats Captain .... You don't have the authority to fire on a Federation facility, not to mention the Federation Personnel who currently occupy said facility, so save your breath." Daniel gave Tania's comment some thought, they were all still in a very precarious position, Tania Rushworth's men could cut them down easily of they were ordered to do so, so he had to be careful, for all their sake: "What would you say was the least vital section of the terraforming process ? ... Never mind, whenever you are ready Excalibur." he made sure his eyes never left Tania's as the ground shook for a second. "What have you done !" she shouted as her guards raised their weapons to the Federation Officers. Koni moved closer and spoke quietly. "Captain Reynolds is aboard the Excalibur, the Belfast is still in orbit." Dan looked at her, 'maybe my threat that the other Starfleet vessel would not leave if they felt something was wrong was playing out' he thought. "Tell the Excalibur to target the next section of the facility." he said, loud enough so everyone could hear, then he walked back to Tania, "So, how about those answe ...." he stopped speaking as Koni grabbed his shoulder. "They are not responding." she said. He spun to face her but she was already looking at someone else, he followed her gaze and saw Crossfield, bleeding and shaken, but smiling ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Aug 20, 2017 18:21:21 GMT
As the science officer was left in the palpable silence, only his thoughts for company, he soon realised he wasn't alone: bright-clothed limbs moved in the shadows behind a row of pillars, their owner quietly regarding him. Eventually the man stepped into the light towards Psonoir's chair. It was Alek White. "What did you do to me while I was unconscious?" Psonoir asked sternly.
"Shields and communication frequencies were lifted from your subconscious... Fascinating brain you have, Mr Psonoir." White shook his head and rattled the dogtags he held in his right hand, pacing back and forth, "Don't worry yourself, we didn't have the ability to discover the particular frequencies that would've rendered Excalibur's shields susceptible to weapons fire bypassing them; besides, we don't have the firepower to so much as dent your hull. We have however fired an irradiating burst of energy with release over fifteen minutes. Your ship will now be entirely drained of power and will be experiencing progressive siphoning off of energy the more it tries to utilise, or the more it tries to 'borrow' from the USS Belfast. She'll be a drifting hulk."
Karka blinked, trying to concentrate, "The Belfast? When did she arrive?"
"Half an hour ago," White said politely, clearing his throat.
Karka tried to clear the fog, the suggestion of sleep that seemed too powerful lulling him into an unwanted slumber, perhaps a delayed effect of the paralysing agent he'd been administered; he had to break through this malaise...
Terraforming station T7
"Someone's jamming you, clearly. They might've fired one of their energy dampening weapons, siphon off power from the target. I know McKay's been desperate to try one out, though I can't imagine he would've deliberately fired on a Federation starship..."
Unwin glared resentfully at Crossfield, unhappy that they were effectively being mocked by the man even though he - just as they were - was being held at gunpoint. It appeared that while Crossfield wasn't responsible for the comm outage (or at least he claimed), he did feel that he'd in some way gained the upper hand: he was all smiles for the next few minutes as Rushworth consulted with her chief technicians and soldiers, trying to discover what'd happened to the Excal. Unwin glanced bemusedly at Schirra and T'Seng, wondering if they could make a move to free themselves.
Eventually, Rushworth turned back to Crossfield, "You mean McKay and... Chairman Bridgeman, are behind this?" Crossfield shrugged insolently, still smirking. Unwin couldn't be sure at all, but he didn't think this 'McKay' had anything to do with it... He watched Rushworth glance at Schirra, mouth opening but closing again quickly, almost as if she was willing to place this in his hands - she was clearly inexperienced concerning leadership and was perhaps incapable of taking decisive action.
Eventually Crossfield made Rushworth's decision for her. "Start them up! Start them up!" he shouted to the air, face bloodied. As Rushworth and her hapless underlings looked on - some of them glancing at her demanding direction - Crossfield swaggered to the edge of the room, in total command, and walked out through the metal blast door unhindered. The helium regulators kicked back in and he reappeared on the upper gantry, evidently having gained support because new faces appeared in the chamber with laser rifles, pointing these at the backs and craniums of Rushworth's own people.
"I don't know what's happened to the Excalibur, Tania, but if your Fed-loving goons are responsible, they've given me a considerable leg up." Crossfield's guttural voice dissipated through the chamber and he departed, nodding to a second-in-command, "Spare her."
Why would a Federation-aligned group attack the Excal? Unwin thought. "Albert!" Rushworth called out hoarsely and Crossfield reappeared.
"I won't be returning to HQ, Tania... But I'm sure some of my disaffected friends at the north pole will be more than welcoming. Perhaps they'll sympathise with the impossible position you and the Federation have put me and Berz in."
"They're labourers and seditionists, farmers, criminals... people who don't know any better, Albert," Rushworth said, "You can't take advantage of them to further your own..." the words died in her throat as Crossfield left.
Unwin watched in slack-jawed disbelief as, evidencing the ineptitude of Tania's leadership, her own soldiers surrendered their arms to Crossfield's people voluntarily, and her three chief lieutenants (including Norris the T7 administrator) were seized, forced to their knees, and disgracefully executed with lasers to the back of their necks at point blank range.
Schirra continued to regard Rushworth, now as much a prisoner as he, T'Seng, Unwin and the science tech Unwin had been given were. Imperceptibly she nodded to Daniel, signalling she was willing to put herself in their power, but it was too damn late, Unwin thought. However, shielding them, she was able to disguise their leaving the room, Rushworth actually managing to join them and Crossfield's people none the wiser (their absence not noticed until ten minutes had gone by, at which point the latter were raising hell looking for them). They retreated from the room and at a window watched a small craft in Commission colours (Crossfield) lift from a launch pad in the reddish air and make off across the northern continent.
"The Excalibur, an energy dampening weapon..." Unwin said, "How could it have any effect with the shield harmonics randomised?" They all looked at Tania. She said nothing, still stunned by the reversal of fortunes. They sighed. "Either we try to get back to the ship or..." They regarded her again, "You're the only one who's going to be cooperative, we assume. Point us in the right direction if you know anything. Can we take control of this station, could the personnel still retain their loyalty?"
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Aug 27, 2017 15:58:42 GMT
USS Excalibur ::
"Picking up the USS Belfast on long-range sensors Captain."
"Very well." the Bridge Officer, Lieutenant Sarah Wentworh, Operations Chief said, "Contact them and ask them to adopt orbit behind us."
They waited while the Belfast approached, dropping into orbit as requested, the Belfast Captain informed them that Captain Reynolds would transport direct to the surface as he wished to speak with Captain Schirra with all due haste. Wentworth asked the Communications Officer to contact the away team to inform them of the arrival of the Diplomat:
"Unable to establish contact with 'T7' ....."
"Try again." Wentworth instructed, eyes moving to the inlaid view of the Belfast on the 'window' ... It was in position maintaining orbit and distance to the Excalibur, "Any luck ?"
"Communications are being blocked Lieutenant. I'm trying to establish where from." the man said, suddenly frowning, "Lieutenant, it's coming from the Belfast !"
"What !" Wentworth said, a cold shiver running the length of her spine as she stood.
"Lieutenant ...." the Comms Officer was saying when the Bridge went into complete darkness. Seconds later emergency lighting activated giving an eerie hue to everything around them.
"Raise shields !" Wentworth ordered.
"They snapped on automatically Lieutenant the second they activated whatever are using. Systems are dropping off-line throughout the ship."
"Do we still have drive ?" Sarah asked, trying hard to hide the fear from her voice. The Engineer confirmed they had but for how long he couldn't say. Wentworth didn't hesitate. They needed space between both ships quickly, and there was no way she could achieve that while in orbit. She turned to the Navigation Officer.
"Lieutenant Reneus. Leave orbit now. Jump to warp as soon as viable."
The planet spun from view falling away to Starboard as the view changed to stars, a second later they went to warp ... She knew she would have to explain her actions in due course, but at this point the safety of the ship was her priority. She hoped the away team were safe on the surface but at this stage had no way of answering her own curiosity.
"Lieutenant, the Belfast has left orbit. They are coming after us."
"The Belfast is an old type Constitution Class, how can they have technology that supersedes our own ?" Wentworth whispered, given the Excalibur was presumed to be the pinnacle of design thus far.
"They are closing and still effecting systems with whatever it is they are using." Taka Yukigori, the Security Officer at Tactical informed her, "It's only a matter of time before drive systems are affected Lieutenant."
"Suggestions ?"
"We still have weapons .... If we wait we could fire a volley of photon torpedoes into there path, with luck they won't be able to change course before detonation." Yukigori replied, others around the Bridge nodding in agreement. Sara realised that she was going to have to act and act quickly. If the Belfast took out all their systems, which would likely include life support, the Excalibur would be dead in space and completely at the Belfast's mercy. She told the Navigator to increase to Warp six and waited.
"They are still closing Lieutenant." the Tactical Officer said, confirming her worst fear. She sat in the Center seat, face expressionless, knowing everyone was now waiting on her decision as Commanding Officer, albeit supposedly for the duration of the away team's visit to the surface only. for a fraction of a second she wondered about requesting the Medical Officer come to the Bridge, Wundt did out-rank her, but how would it look if she crumbled at the first sign of danger, no, she stayed in her seat watching the tactical view as the Belfast continued to close the distance between them ... She still couldn't understand why one Federation vessel would contemplate attacking another, her only conclusion was that the Belfast had been compromised, did that give her the right to fire on a sister ship ?
"Lieutenant, we lost life support." the Engineer informed her. Sara closed her eyes for a long moment.
"Bring the Aft photon torpedo launchers on-line." she ordered, having to look directly at Yukigori before he complied.
"Yes Ma'am." he replied finally.
"Distance ?" she asked.
"Fifteen thousand kilometers and closing." he confirmed as the lighting again failed for a second.
"Fire." Wentworth ordered ..........
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Sept 7, 2017 21:17:37 GMT
"You are the only one who's going to be cooperative, we assume. Point us in the right direction if you know anything. Can we take control of this station, could the personnel still retain their loyalty ?" Unwin asked as Daniel watched her.
"There, could, be a few who will follow orders, but they will be frightened. Should you fail the consequences could be ....." Rushworth replied.
"What about other members of the Commission, any chance we could get help there ?" Dan asked.
"Alek White .... McKay, maybe." Tania said, falling silent for a moment while she considered her options, she continued, "White has never hidden the fact that he is pro Federation, but I have the feeling that over the last few months he's been making no secret of his change in loyalties."
"So he's whith the ..." Dan began.
"Isolationists movement ? ...... Yes, and no." Tania replied, her inner conflict apparently resolved, "I believe he's only on their side on the surface, I think he's pro Federation through and through. He's not going to openly admit that obviously, seeing as it could effectively be signing his own death warrant to do so, but he may help us."
"There is an 'us' now ?" Unwin said, clearly unconvinced.
"Can White give us access to communications ? ... We need to contact the Excalibur, quickly." Daniel asked, silently agreeing with the Engineers' comment.
"There is a secondary Communications Center. He will have access to it, whether you will be able to get hold of your ship before the transmission is intercepted and blocked is another matter." Rushworth said noncommittally, "We'll need to get to the Commission antechamber, White will be there."
"Oh ?" Koni commented.
"It's where he conducts his day to day business. He oversees allocations, services, maintenance, you name it he's pretty much got one or more fingers in it. Rumour has it he's been trying to sell off the terraforming equipment rather than allow it to fall into disrepair, but who knows what the commission members get up to in their own time eh." she finished with a shrug, "His offices are almost a kilometer away, and given our situation we can't simply walk over there, we need to remain unobserved. Given the Isolationists have the Excalibur, beaming into his office is out of the question, so unless you have some form of perso ....."
"We're walking." Daniel interrupted.
"Out of curiosity here." Koni said, turning Tania to face her as they made their way to the door, ignoring the look from Schirra, "How do we know that you are not simply leading us into a cage ?"
Tania smiled:
"You don't." she replied, looking at the others in the room before returning her attention to T'Seng, "There's always the chance you will be walking into a trap. We, or rather 'they' have disabled the Excalibur, so you are effectively on your own down here. Accidents happen even in facilities with practically no moving parts. People fall, we have some very high places as you've seen. So you fall, we report the unfortunate accident, Starfleet investigate as a matter of procedure, but will take our word. The problems with the Excalibur, solar interference, power surge, accidental release of fissionable compounds during an inspection ... we could explain your untimely and unfortunate deaths quite easily should we wish to do so ... Or, you could trust me ... I'm in no hurry." Tania said, dropping into a chair eyebrows raised as she waited for the Federation Officers to make up their minds ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Sept 9, 2017 23:34:24 GMT
"I am the immanent eagle! Arising from the gleaming star of unity, that luminous sphere Eyrie Syphax, our cradle and home nestled amongst the highest peaks, our Eyrie..." Syphax with his impressive Klingon bulk spun slowly about in the centre of the room, eyes fixed on the ceiling and arms spread wide, as if he would embrace everyone present and, as he'd told them he'd achieved with himself, bring forth the reticent Spirits of the Avian from them, too...
Karka had awoken here in this conference centre and had been forced to watch administrative proceedings of the Commission and the larger group beneath it. He felt they were making an example of him, an unwilling representative of the Federation at a convention of rebels.
Syphax was an odd individual. Crazed and possibly dangerous, but Karka didn't believe he was truly malevolent. Transplantation from a near dead Trill into a Klingon - as had apparently taken place - would certainly account for any mental imbalance not previously present. He listened - growing fainter all the time pinned to this chair by the paralysing agent - as the former Commissioner expounded his esoteric doctrine of Eyrie Syphax's secret destiny. Most of those present were obviously stunned, faces pallid and eyes disbelieving as they listened to the voice of their leader risen from the dead. The Commissioners present seemed to have already been aware that Syphax had still been alive. Studying the faces, Karka surmised that Chairman Bridgeman amongst others were less than happy. The only other Commissioner present was Roberta Rushworth, she seemed uneasy but there was an air of determination to her.
As the conference staff departed the theatre, Karka - slight sensation to his limbs and torso returning, but still strapped down - managed to turn to watch the commissioners. The hubbub in the chamber drowned out their individual conversations. Bridgeman and numerous officials formed one gaggle, Roberta Rushworth another, while Syphax himself was surrounded by a fawning group of techies delighted to learn he was still alive. Syphax was the last to leave the room, looking back briefly at Karka, alone, strapped to his chair.
Again he was left with his own thoughts, and after 30 minutes again he found that he wasn't alone. Alek White and another official whom he recognised as one of Roberta Rushworth's aides approached, clearly a close confidant of White. The man opened his mouth to speak but Karka cut him off, fed up with the charade,
"What did you do with the Commod- "
"Ah, now..." White tutted, "Please, all in good time... Yes, it was I who took her. I know you were wondering, we were eavesdropping on your comm call before Roberta rendered you unconscious. Ryat's... somewhere. Safe you may know. Why did we do this, well... The miraculous reappearance of our former 'leader' Syphax chafed with me slightly, I must admit, but -"
"You want to move the Syphax symbiote into Alyana's body, dispose of Ryat. The host would never accept -"
"No! Don't be so foolish as to think I would want to keep Syphax alive... The discovery of his species connection with Ryat spurred me on to want to capture her, I could bring both down at once, Ryat and Syphax - the exposure of one of them as a fraud, and emphasis upon the connection between them will ruin them both... The Federation which I and Roberta dearly love will learn that their Commodore lied during her application to Starfleet, claiming human identity while she was anything but. Exposing Syphax as being of the same type of entity, with the same biosigns, will show the truth of my claim, as well as reveal an arch-enemy of the Federation, the Klingons, as being in our midst."
White waved to someone out of Karka's field of vision, the science officer still immobilised with whatever agent they'd administered him with, and a grey-overalled individual approached. It was Lirwa. Karka caught his eye but Lirwa ignored him as, following White's instructions, he gave Karka an injection, after which sensation began returning to his body.
"Your friends are approaching, Commander," Rushworth's aide said.
In more ways than one, Karka thought, glancing again at Lirwa who now stood aside and to attention, looking straight ahead and - Karka thought - just barely keeping a smirk from his face. "My fellow crew?" Psonoir asked.
"Yes." She pointed to a bank of screens against the far wall, showing fuzzy grey visual feeds, "We've seen them moving along the personnel tunnels connecting T7 with the administration complex."
Karka smiled, "They'll want to know why you've participated in the disabling of our vessel when you claim to support the Federation."
"Most of the administration wants nothing to do with the Federation. It's hard for us to fight the tide," White said, calling in yet more personnel who were now guarding all the entrances. "Understand what I'm doing - exposing your Commodore, and exposing the Klingon - is for the good of the Federation," there was steel in White's eyes, "Syphax and his colleagues are traitors."
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Sept 11, 2017 17:47:34 GMT
"... we could explain your untimely and unfortunate deaths quite easily should we wish to do so ... Or, you could trust me ... I'm in no hurry." Tania said, dropping into a chair eyebrows raised as she waited for the Federation Officers to make up their minds
Glancing at the others, Unwin took it on himself to speak, "That's good enough for me." They looked at him. "We're out of contact with the ship, with no chance of being rescued while it's experiencing that energy dampening, from whatever source. I say we trust her."
It was a mystery as to what could be causing the energy dampening. Tania Rushworth had given no clue - and nor, Mark suspected, did she have any idea - as to its source. It was most unusual for Eyrie Syphax VII to have the capability for such weaponry, not seemingly having the requisite level of tech. After some consternation and some assurances - however limited - from Tania, they made their way clandestinely through the station along little-used passages and service shafts, until they reached a subsidiary personnel tunnel, only generally used in emergencies. It was a walk of a kilometre to reach White and the comms centre, though much of the tunnel was filled with loaded pallets and disused machinery, meaning they had to wind their through it, adding substantially to their journey. Access panels and the like were accounted for by Tania - assuming Crossfield's group hadn't shut out her access - however, personnel loyal to Crossfield could be a problem.
* * *
Karka was still pinned to his chair by the bonds and straps about his wrists, ankles and chest. He was now left alone in the room; White, the aide of Commissioner Rushworth and even Lirwa - his supposed guard - departing after non-vocal dialogue passed between them.
* * *
Exiting the room and passing through a corridor into a small grey office, White conferred with Rushworth's aide - Lirwa standing guard outside and listening attentively to their voices through the door that was left slightly ajar.
"I'm going to let them get their ship back," he heard White saying, "If they want to communicate with it, that's fine by me."
There were hurried words from Rushworth's aide and - to Lirwa's surprise - Roberta Rushworth herself, who had already been in the room (this being her office, he realised), "What? You're making a complete u-turn...? Alek, that's going to arouse suspicion. Syphax is already suspicious. Why do you think he hasn't invited you to the council of the six?"
Those being the six most senior Commissioners - now in session, Lirwa knew - whose members changed depending on Syphax's whim. The council of six was Syphax's own creation, set up shortly before he disappeared on the ice world on which he met his doom, at the hands of himself - the current host, the Klingon Vlet'kha. The council was to supersede the Commission as the controlling body of the terraforming operation, changing its function from one of administration of a Federation operation to almost an executive body of a new interplanetary government. In this way Bridgeman was shut out, unless Syphax capriciously decided one week that he was part of the six.
White replied, "I don't care, Roberta. That's a Federation starship out there, as a citizen of the Federation I won't allow it to be disab- "
"Gah, get off your high horse, White," Roberta Rushworth replied. "You've already disabled it, remember? The situation must be allowed to stand as is or Crossfield and Syphax will have you hung, drawn and quartered. That time traveller on the Belfast is growing tetchy, he won't support us for much longer..." Lirwa listened intently, raising an eyebrow and smirking - Karka would certainly find this information interesting... Suddenly Roberta changed tack, "Did you know Crossfield's fetching the outcasts from the North Pole...? The incident at T7 has had him accelerate his plans it seems; a raving mad army of miscreants will be here within a week."
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Sept 12, 2017 21:59:16 GMT
"..... That's good enough for me." They looked at Mark, who tried not to shrug, "We're out of contact with the ship, with no chance of being rescued while it's experiencing that energy dampening, from whatever source. I say we trust her."
"We need to get to the Council chamber." Daniel said, "Are you going to take us there or not .... There isn't time for you to 'mull over' options here Tania, it's a yes or no question."
"I shall take you there, though what you hope to achieve upon arrival is eluding me." Rushworth said, rising from her seat and heading for the door ...
"Lieutenant ...." he said addressing Koni and making sure his voice was heard throughout the group, "Should our 'host' prove less trustworthy than she claimed, I need you to incapacitate her, severely, is that completely understood ?" T'Seng nodded and smiled at Tania for effect, she in return smirked, seemingly knowing the complete emptiness of the thinly veiled threat. They passed through numerous corridors, turning left and right and Schirra was beginning to wonder if they had been right after all, but eventually the young woman stopped.
"We can access the main Council Chambers through that passageway." she said, pointing to a side corridor ahead, "I have no way of knowing who is in session so ....."
"Will we be able to contact the Excalibur from there ?" Unwin asked, but Tanya again shrugged, either not knowing or not caring either way, they couldn't tell which. They reached a door which Unwin approached tentatively, placing his ear against the cold metal as if listening to anything beyond. Finally he turned saying it appeared quiet. Daniel nodded and the Engineer opened the door a crack, when no alarm sounded he pushed a little further, peeking around it's edge but seeing no-one, he waved to the others and they filed through, quickly closing the door. They were in a small antechamber of sorts, off the main Commission Council Chamber.
"This room is used normally for recording, the next room is akin to a lounge where the Members can relax outside the day to day sitting of the Commission, we should go through there if you intend walking into the Council Chamber." Tania said.
"You wouldn't be trying to get us cornered, would you ?" Koni asked, inching towards the woman. Daniel himself had wondered about the convenient lack of personnel or guards on their kilometer long walk and was beginning to think they were after all being led into a trap, but why, they had disabled the Excalibur, they were in control of the USS Belfast, or so it seemed, all they really needed to do was throw the Federation Officers off the planet and claim their Independence, it would fall into the laps of the Politicians and Diplomats from then on, so why risk the wrath of the Federation ... Something was amiss here and they needed to find out what, before both sides found themselves in a conflict they would come to regret !
Daniel told Mark to check the next room ..... The door, like all the others was not locked, he began to open it but stopped as he saw something beyond. He turned to Schirra, waving him forward with a finger to his lips. Daniel pushed the door a few degrees and could see the left side of the room, he was about to turn back to the Engineer when Unwin pushed the door another degree, it was then Schirra saw the boots. Unwin whispered 'Federation' in his ear and Dan pushed the door a little further until he could see Psonoir, apparently secured by his ankles, waist, wrists and throat, to a couch of sorts, quickly ascertaining the room was empty they entered, the look on Karka's face ensuring their silence as they released the Executive Officer from his bounds.
"They are in there." he whispered, pointing to yet another door, "White and Rushworth, and a, guard. The rest, known as the 'Six' are in the main Chamber ....." he finished, glancing at Tania for a second.
"Are White and your mother with us, can we rely on their cooperation !" Daniel said, quickly snatching Tania by the shoulders as Koni put a hand loosely over her mouth in case she attempted to want those in the next room. Tania looked genuinely confused, unsure, almost frightened for a second before regaining her composure. She looked at Daniel not saying anything until he motioned to T'Seng to release her hold. Dan was about to continue his questioning when he realised both Tania and Koni were looking past him, he turned his head:
"Captain ...." Alex White said from the door ..........
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