Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,163
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Post by Carl Torek on May 16, 2019 23:35:41 GMT
USS Raven-C ... Stardate : 2405.03.0514 - 23:30 hrs.
Six Days after explosion. One hour from arrival at Starbase Forty Seven :: Having travelled at Transwarp for the last five days, Carl had order they drop to warp for the remainder of the journey ... It had been six days since the devastating explosion in the Command Center which saw such needless loss of life ..... With Section Admiral Gheskori still out on mission, he would be ranking Officer aboard the massive Starbase, something he had taken in his stride for so long now seemed to weigh heavily on his mind. The time spent fighting and finally overcoming the dissidents that had attempted to take over the Starbase and install a Civilian government had supposedly been behind them, the ringleaders incarcerated for the foreseeable future. Yet, after the Starbase and her population, both Civilian and Military, had begun to return to their daily lives, one lone dissident had taken it upon himself to act. He seriously doubted if they would ever discover if he did so under the orders of Yelana Serova, the dissident leader, and in the circumstances it didn't really matter. But lives were lost once more. Innocent lives, Civilian and Military, extinguished ..... Carl sat in darkness in his Ready Room, the only illumination coming from the screen on the wall opposite, as he read the flow of reports being sent to both himself and the Section Admiral. He'd shed a tear for his Stepfather and for days he had pondered the illogicality of taking out his frustration on Yelana herself ... He rubbed his eye as it once again reminded him that he should have taken the time for the new ocular implant to settle. He had discarded the eye patch days ago, self-consciously feeling like a long lost relative of Long John Silver. The door chime sounded but he ignored it, having given instructions not to be disturbed. The door chime sounded again but this time the door opened. Calli entered: "What part of 'Do Not disturb' did you have issues with ?" Carl asked his Stepsister, eyes still on the reports. "Still mulling over those reports then ?" Calli said as she helped herself to a cognac, pouring one for him from his antique drinks cabinet. "How did he manage to keep himself so well hidden ?" Carl asked, referring to the Commander who had been supplying Serova with all the information she needed throughout the uprising. He took the offered glass but didn't drink, "He managed to get an explosive device into the Command Center ... The 'COMMAND CENTER !' ..... Someone is going to have to pay for this." "Well, I imagine thawing out Serova to throw out of an airlock isn't going to help." "Says you." Torek said, finally taking a sip of the expansive and now in short supply Cognac. "You know we're not struggling for power ...." Valente said, looking at the ceiling, "I'm pretty sure we could run to letting you have a light or two on." she finished her drink and placed the glass in the replicator then moved behind Carl, she put her arms around him, hugging him warmly for a long moment. Finally she released her caress and walked to the door, leaving the room without another word. Having asked Andae to handle docking, Carl remained in the darkness of his Ready Room, finally succumbing to tiredness he fell asleep at his desk .... Starbase Forty Seven ... SD : 2405.03.0517 - 16:00 hrs.
Memorial Service. Japanese Zen Garden. Main Arboretum :: The initial service was discrete, as Sato Tetsutaro had requested ... the remainder was transmitted throughout the Starbase. His adopted family and close friends had congregated in the Admirals garden on Level Nine Zero Three. He had spent many hours here, perfecting the look, the aesthetics, of the fifty meter circular garden. While the majority of people visiting on a day to day basis would have no real comprehension of the geometric layout, there were those who did, and respected the garden and it's creator. With the Enzio and El Salvador still on missions away from the Starbase, the service was transmitted to the ships via subspace. Gheskori would be one of those speaking, along with Savot, Carl, Calli, David Tan, and one or two others. While there was no body to bury, Calli had commissioned an Urn, it had been made from Japanese cypress, taken from the antique oriental desk Sato had brought to the Starbase many years earlier. The inscription, both in Standard Earth English, and Japanese, stated his name only: ~ Sato Tetsutaro ~
~ 佐藤哲太郎 ~ It contained locks of hair her Stepfather had seconded from both Calli and Carl, it also contained a small vial of blood Tetsutaro had at the back of one draw, stating 'you never knew when it would come in handy' ... A sole musician played traditional Japanese music on the Shakuhachi, a Japanese flute ... At the conclusion of the memorial service, the urn was taken to the Raven, which had exited the Dome and positioned herself beside the Starbase. Placed in a photon torpedo case, the Raven orientated herself to face Earth, still some fifteen thousand eight hundred light years distant. Carl nodded to Commander Wedlerson, who relayed the order to the Bridge, the urn was fired into the Dark Matter cloud separating the Starbase from home, one day, it was hoped, the torpedo would be discovered, and the remains would hopefully be returned to Sato's home in Japan, where they would be interned with others of his family ... As the Raven returned to Space-dock, those at the memorial service began to mingle, enjoy the drinks and food supplied,and reminisce about the Director of Starfleet Intelligence, and the Head of security. Carl and Calli moved to one side, talking quietly about their Stepfather. Around the circumference of the garden, six stone benches had been placed, these were to allow visitors to sit in contemplation. Carl and Calli, along with Chloe Sharp, Carl's partner, Vanessa and Bethan, sat on one of the benches. Carl always marvelled at the garden, the geometric raking of stone, some lines so straight they could have been placed by the Corps of Engineers, some wavy, each signifying some zen belief, along with the precise positioning of stones, both large and small. Some believe they are a doorway to meditation. Carl was lost in his own thoughts for a moment as he recalled memories of Sato Tetsutaro ... Tomorrow, they would need to return to work. Sato was a loss, but a loss much like every other soul that had perished since their ordeal had begun ..........
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,163
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Post by Carl Torek on May 17, 2019 23:00:32 GMT
Office of the Director of Intelligence Mezzanine Level Command Center :: Carl was leaning on the deck, the Heads of the individual Intelligence Sections sat in a loose semi-circle or stood against the back wall. He had also invited Captain Fran Komin, Commanding Officer of the Intelligence Division Starship, El Alamein ... It hadn't gone un-noticed by anyone, that he hadn't sat in Admiral Tetsutaro's chair ... "You've had twenty four hours. What do we have ?" he asked. "There was no way of knowing that Commander Bracken was involved with Serova and her cronies." One of the seated Officers commented, "Hell, he wouldn't have even made a list of possibles." "So he was missed then ?" Carl asked patiently. "He was vetted, as was everyone else Admiral, there was nothing in his background to point to any disillusionment with Starfleet or the Federation in general." another commented, looking at a PADD she was holding, "As you can see from his record, had we still be home he was due for promotion to Captain, he would have moved over to Starbase Eighty One as Exec' Officer." Carl was looking over her head at the large screen attached to the wall behind her, he could see Braken's service record and under any other circumstances he would have been impressed. "We have 'interviewed' Serova and her Brother at length, both seemed somewhat surprised at the sudden turn of events." David Tan offered. "You moved her as instructed ?" Carl asked. "Yes ..." Elena de Luca confirmed, "She's in Level One holding ... She won't have direct contact with anyone for the foreseeable future. Three square meals a day, all beamed in, she has an emergency call panel but given she's used it a hundred times in the last hour I've ordered it deactivated for the next day or so. If she suffers a coronary in that time well, that's too bad." there were several consenting murmurs at the last comment. "That's enough ....." Torek said sternly, "..... OK ..... With the Section Admiral and Admiral Savot both off base, we are going to hold off appointing a new Intelligence Director ... David, in the interim I would like you to oversee operations until we make a decision." Tan nodded. "What about Security ?" David asked. "Monitor day to day running for the time being. They know their jobs so it shouldn't be too much extra workload. I know it's a lot to take on, but I'm sure the Security Team Heads will help out, and you can use any off-mission Intel' Officers to assist if need be. Several of your teams are stood down at present, is that correct ?" Carl asked, addressing the room. several of the Intel' Team Leaders nodded. "Admiral ... Any word on why there was a delay in erecting the force fields when the, whe ..." One of the seated Officers asked. "There's a Commander Sasha Gordon down there." Elena replied, changing the display on the large screen to show the woman's record, "She was on the 'Floor' when the explosion occurred, from what I've been told she hasn't left the Command Center since. She's practically eating and sleeping on the go. She lost members of her teams and is determined to try to do something about it. She did discover a sub-routine buried within the core programming of the shields. The shields reacted as programmed Admiral, yes there was a delay which is now being rectif ....." "After the fact !" One of the Intel' Officers muttered. Elena nodded sympathetically then continued: "..... rectified ..... It was simply never foreseen that someone would deliberately lean against one of those windows and detonate a device. David has already implemented the installation of molecular scanners to be fitted in all turbo-lift shafts and walkway access's to the Command Center. These precautions will obviously encompass the Levels above and below the Command Center itself. Anything detected and the turbo-lift will be held or bulkheads will slam shut in the relevant section." she looked at the Officer who previously commented, halting him in mid breath. "Good, thank you David." Torek said, managing to relax a little, "We need to learn from this, if they can place someone in Command then who's to say they couldn't do likewise on one or more of our Starships." "Sir, I believe Commander Braken was likely the last hold-out for the dissidents." Komin commented. "Captain ?" Carl replied. "Think about it ... With our resources there was no way any of her higher echelon could still be operating. Yes, we missed Braken and that was a massive error, but that said, we had no reason to look at him. if we were looking at possibles Intelligence could have looked at pretty much anyone." "..... And who said we didn't ?" David Tan replied. "While trying not to air on the side of optimism, I tend to agree with Captain Komin. I think Serova turned her last card over and while we lost people, her ploy ultimately failed." David Tan said defiantly, "She isn't going to be seeing visitors, she won't even see the people guarding her. For all intents and purposes, she saw her last living being when they moved her to solitary and walked out closing the door firmly behind them. There is no direct communication between the guards and her, so the chances of her talking someone into letting her out or doing her bidding is zero. her continued existence depends on her not trashing the replicator pad in her cell, which by the way will completely deactivate and sever power the instant she tries to lift the base plate." "You are confident she doesn't have any more of these 'sleepers' waiting to act ?" Carl asked. "As confident as I can be, yes." David replied. "OK, then lets move on ...." Carl said. "Admiral, I'd like to make a suggestion." One of the Intel' Officers said. Torek nodded approval and the woman continued, "I would like to suggest we have a dedicated Security Staff to oversee the Command Center. These Officer will be assigned to Command only, and would not undertake duties outside their purview." "Commander Ito ?2 Carl enquired, receiving a nod, "I think that is a good idea. Have a preliminary list of possible Officers on my desk by seventeen hundred." "Sir ! ... I wasn't sugges ....." "It's a good idea Commander, and I didn't see anyone else here bringing it up for review." Carl said with a smile, "Right, I think we've covered what we can for now. Lets meet in my office at zero nine hundred in the morning." Everyone began to make their way to the door, Carl indicated that David and Elena remain behind. Once the room cleared he spoke: "Anyone in this room a moment ago you are concerned about ?" he asked bluntly. David and Elena looked at each other then Tan replied. "None of them Carl." "Elena, you'll be acting as David's Exec' in charge of Intelligence. I'd like you and Iorte to oversee Security, to take a little weight off David here, he's not as young as he used to be." "HA, I can still whip you at chess any day." David replied. "Ha, OK ...Carl said, thankful for the lighthearted banter, "David, you'll use this office, Elena, Iorte we'll sort one of the vacant offices for you two if you decide you need it ... I'm going to speak with Captain Lemond, I'd like her to remain as your Adjutant. Don't worry about the rank issue, it won't be a problem. Right ....." Carl walked over to the ornate Japanese cabinet, made from one thousand year old Cypress wood. He took out four glasses and poured out Cognac from his Stepfathers stock. Handing a glass to David then one to Elena and Iorte, he raised his own. "To Sato." he said simply. "Sato." the others replied in unison ..........
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Iorte Clancy
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Mar 9, 2016 17:58:55 GMT
Posts: 252
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Post by Iorte Clancy on May 18, 2019 14:42:59 GMT
Charging across the room once more with a roar, Iorte swung his left fist at the punch bag before hooking with his right, a flurry of furious punches following as he grunted and yelled at greater and greater volume, the sound becoming feral. "Alright, Iorte, I only weigh four pounds," Crewman Iezeld said, holding the bag in place, she was only half-joking.
"These aren't meant for you," he said humourlessly, but then thought that they could be, if he slipped up in the same way as he had at the academy; it happened occasionally in any boxer's career, professional or amateur, a training room incident would occur involving a punching bag.
Latecomer to the academy though he had been, he'd displayed incredible immaturity and naivete. At the close of the first semester of his second year, he was the talk of the town: victorious in eight consecutive bouts in the academy's boxing society and being adjudged not superior because of his greater age and experience, he had strutted about as if Frisco and all Earth was his, many were the metaphorical laurels offered him as he'd strode across the Presidio, rejoicing in his vigour, after that eighth victory.
With the dawning of the second semester, he'd challenged a certain native American former maquis Admiral - one of the honorary postholders at the academy - to an exhibition bout, thinking only of increasing his prestige. Going easy on the Admiral in the first three rounds, he'd been knocked down twice in the fourth and had been taken out of the match as the round closed. In the following days, he'd missed his punch bag during training and had inadvertently unleashed a three-punch combination against his coach, after which the latter had refused to train him.
Returning to the present, he considered how much he'd focussed his energy and firmly established his discipline since those times, as had been needed in the last few days. Attending his Intel Chief's service, he'd found himself morose and had been that way since, while in the couple days preceding he'd been of better temper despite the more recent death. This was a way to expend some energy and reenergise his mind - ultimately uselessly, for it made no difference to Iezeld, himself, or the bag which was of course an inanimate object.
"I've had enough," Iezeld said suddenly. Iorte ceased his attack, "I also," and walked away.
He went by the Intelligence offices, hearing whispers on the way that a micro-wormhole discovered in the nearby nebula was considered a promising target for a potential communication attempt, though knowledge of the destination, of what lay on the other side of the wormhole, could not be narrowed down further than Alpha, perhaps Beta Quadrant.
Heading to his quarters, he listened to classical music and began idly rearranging the items on his side desk, knocking flying and shattering a cup. With a dull sense of annoyance he sat down on the edge of the bed and attempted to focus his mind, he found himself thinking back again, to after the accident with his coach,
With his stock falling, he'd made a desperate attempt to regain his new status, but trying to impress by attending exclusive clubs frequented by bigwigs all over Earth on consecutive nights for two weeks had left him exhausted and in bitter strife with the boxing society president, after which, following an altercation with a Federation Council notable, he'd been kicked out of the society.
From then on he'd honed his skills in debate, dedicating most of his time to expunging the collective memory of his earlier foolishness. But excelling in those courses oriented towards security training, especially those elements that called upon security officers to undertake covert activity, he'd been approached by Starfleet Intelligence before the end of his time at the academy.
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David Tan
Starfleet Intelligence
Suum Cuique ...
Registered: Dec 11, 2006 10:56:04 GMT
Posts: 792
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Post by David Tan on May 19, 2019 23:50:39 GMT
Office of the Director of Intelligence Mezzanine Level Command Center :: Admiral Torek had left the three of them alone while he went to find Captain Lemond, he returned moments later, asking Sato's Adjutant to help herself to a drink from the cabinet ... "With all due respect Admiral, isn't there a Flag Officer you could assign ?" David said after the toast. "You don't feel up to it ?" Torek asked, grinning. "It's not that, but let's face it, Elena, Iorte, and I are of more use in the field, so to speak." the other two couldn't help nod in agreement. "I could always 'promote' you." "Oh I don't think that wise." Elena said, "He's already got a complex." she smirked at David, who almost poked out his tongue in response. "OK, at this stage I don't feel comfortable appointing a raw Director, while everyone of Flag rank will have a basic knowledge of what Intelligence gets up to on a day to day basis, none of them here have the experience to begin leading the Division without an extensive transition period." "What about Captain Lemond ?" Elena asked, seeing the woman stiffen at the mention of her name, "If you don't want a raw Flag Officer in that seat then she would be the logical option ... It leaves us to do what we're supposed to be doing. Besides, once it get's out that us three are overseeing Intel' and Security, which it will, given no-one can keep a secret here .... Then we would be good for nothing, at the very least, infiltration or undercover work would be impossible." "David ?" Carl queried. "I have to agree with Elena ...." Tan replied after getting up to refill his glass, "The three of us would be forced to go back to uniformed duties." he finished with a shrug. "Sir, I am, sorry, was, Admiral Tetsutaro's Adjutant ...." Captain Lemond spoke up, "I don't feel qualified to take his position." "What about on a temporary basis ?" David asked before Torek could get a word in. "Wow, you really don't want the job do you." Carl said with a wry grin before turning to Lemond, "Nia, I'm fully aware of your role within Intelligence, and the fact that you have been with Admiral Tetsutaro for almost eight years, the last four of which have been as his Adjutant. In those last four years you have received three promotions to your current rank, no mean feat in any position." ".... and I fully appreciate those promotions, and will cherish my time working with the Admiral bu ...." "But nothing." Carl said, making his way to the drinks cabinet to top up his glass, he walked around the room making sure everyone had fluid in their glasses before returning lean once again on the Admirals desk, "I could simply assign you to the position Captain, but given the circumstances I would rather you do it willingly. Sato said once that it was you keeping him on top of things. He had a bit of a soft spot for you I think. That aside, I wouldn't be offering you the position if I wasn't one hundred percent sure of your ability to carry out the task at hand, despite these three clearly hiding the fact they are biting at the bit to sit behind this desk." he finished with a grin. Nia Lemond was silent for a long moment, clearly trying to inwardly make a decision. She drained her glass and stood, retrieving the decanter off Sato's desk to pour herself another drink, no-one objected. "I accept the assignment Admiral. On a tempora ...." Nia said finally. "Good to hear." Carl interrupted, "I have transferred Admiral Tetsutaro's Command Codes to you already." Torek said. It was never an option really, Lemond was the natural successor to Sato Tetsutaro. He'd let her settle into her position for a week or so then award her the promotion she well deserved. Leaving the office he stepped onto the Mezzanine. From here he could see the area of the blast that had needlessly taken so many lives. "That went well." Carl said as he leaned on the railing. "You 'could' have just informed her of her new role without all the theatricals you know." Elena said. "Where's the fun in that ?" Carl asked rhetorically as he walked away ..... Stepping into the turbo-lift he stated his destination: "Level one five five one. Alpha Promenade." The 'lift dropped through the Starbase silently until reaching it's destination. Carl stepped out and began to walk towards O'Tooles ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on May 20, 2019 22:31:10 GMT
Mezzanine Level Eight Command Center :: Elena stood and watched Carl walk away ..... She knew he was grieving, everyone was, but she knew Carl and knew he would deal with the process as he always did ..... She was about to walk away when Nia Lemond approached. "You knew he was going to offer me the job, didn't you ?" she said, resting her elbows on the railing beside Elena. "You were the logical choice Nia, you have practically been beside Admiral Tetsutaro for years, you know how the organisation works, you can get things done and will make a difference in that office, I'm sure of it." "There are several Flag Officers who may well be a little annoyed at their being stepped over." Nia said quietly. "Oh, I wouldn't let that worry you too much ... You're right of course, the position does need a Flag Officer and I'm sure that it will have one in a very short time." Elena said, seeing Lemond stiffen slightly, "Look, you know full well that Intelligence has a life of it's own, aside from going out occasionally on the El Alamein, you'll be pretty much station-bound. While you have operational experience, it's not going to be high on your list of daily requirements." They stood in silence overlooking the Command Floor until Nia finally spoke. "I'm going to miss him." she whispered. Elena put an arm around her shoulder for a long moment, "He always had a lot of time for me, for everyone ... I'm going to learn about the garden, the Crewman who helped Sato keep it so pristine is going to give me lessons. I think I will leave the office just as it is too." "Well, it's your office now, maybe you should put you own touch on it ?" Elena suggested. "Maybe .... Just not right now." Nia replied. "So what do you have planned for the rest of the day ?" "I need to get up to speed with our current assignments, see what's ongoing. I wish I could speak to that bloody Serova woman over the explosion. If we didn't know she was in cryostasis I'd have said this was all her work." the new Director said, "On another note, my only issue, even if the Admiral says it isn't going to be, is the briefings ...." "What about them, you've sat in before when Sato wasn't available, you handled everything professionally, what's the problem ?" "Standing in for the Admiral, giving his report, is one thing. Having to stand before the Command Staff to give a briefing of my own, some might feel that as they out-rank me, they ca ....." "He's going to promote you, you know that, right ?" de Luca said with a smile. "I've only held my current rank for three years. Surely Command won't move me up for at lea .... "Like I said Nia. In one sense, Intelligence is a wholly independent entity operating within Starfleet, or to be more precise, the Federation. As such, it is answerable to Command and ultimately the Federation Security Council. While each Intelligence Officer holds a rank, the lowest being Lieutenant Commander, they are not normally displayed. There has to be a 'Chain of Command' if you will, but that said, whoever is right for a given role will be appointed to such, their actual rank won't matter in the scheme of things. It simply makes it easier for any 'non-Intel' personnel to know who's the Boss, so to speak. But you already know all this already, so I'm going on for no reason other than to try to reassure you that you are right for the position, if you wasn't the Admiral would have put someone else in that seat." "Thank you." Nia said, feeling a little less stressed at recent events. "You'll be fine. David, Iorte, and I will be helping out, as the three most Senior Intel' Officers after yourself." "I'll be counting on you." Nia said, thanking Elena once again she turned and returned to her office. Elena watched her go then headed for the turbo-lift. She had planned to return to her quarters but had the sudden urge for a drink. stepping into the 'lift she spoke: "Level one five five one. Alpha Promenade." ..........
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Calli Valente
Starfleet Intelligence
"Don't get in my way."
Registered: Aug 4, 2010 21:19:10 GMT
Posts: 534
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Post by Calli Valente on May 22, 2019 23:33:07 GMT
SD: 2405.03.0517 - 22:15 hrs ... Delta Pylon Starbase Forty Seven Dome :: The Raven had docked forty eight hours. They had been directed to Delta Pylon, where the less essential work was carried out ... Commander Blakus had set up the Shore Leave rotas, thankfully only the most essential personnel would be aboard the ship, and then only as and when needed, so the massive vessel was all but deserted apart from teams of Starbase Engineers. The Raven actually needed little in the way of repairs, but there was maintenance, refit, and possibly one or two upgrades waiting. Admiral Torek had made it clear to everyone that Shore Leave was mandatory, none of this remaining aboard for the sake of it. They had attended Admiral Tetsutaro's memorial in his Garden, the ceremony had been simple but heartfelt, something her Stepfather would have appreciated. Calli had remained in the garden long after everyone else had left, she had sat down, remembering when she had lived in Sato's home in Geneva, recalled his talking her into joining Starfleet, He'd always pushed her hard, in his own way, but had never once lifted a finger to advance her career, she was grateful for that. It had been late when she left the Japanese garden, the lighting had long since dimmed to signify nighttime on the Starbase. She had wanted time alone and everyone had respected her wishes, but ever since she was a teen she couldn't abide idleness. sitting around with nothing to occupy her time simply wasn't Calli. She had returned to the Raven, walking the corridors surprising several Engineers as she pasted spectre-like through the ship. finally, somewhere around zero three hundred hours, tiredness got the better of her and she headed for her quarters to get some sleep ..... SD: 2405.03.0521 - 15:00 hrs ... Office of the Director of Intelligence Mezzanine - Level Eight Command Center :: "May I help you ?" Calli turned, surprised for a moment not to see Nia at the desk. "I'm here to see Ni, the Director ...." Calli began, continuing as the young woman began looking for her on her list, ".... I don't have an appointment Commander, but I'm sure the Director will see me." she was about to lean on the desk in an effort to intimidate the woman when the inner office door opened: "Elise, could you try to fi ... CALLI ! ... Wow, good to see you." Nia said, dropping the PADD's on the desk before throwing her arms around her friend, "I know we didn't speak much at the memori ..." "Don't worry about it, you were there, that's all that matters. So, are you busy, I could come back ?" "No no, I have all the time in the world." she said, ignoring the frown from Elise as she introduced her, "This is Commander Elise Paquin, my new Adjutant, Elise, let's not to disturb me please, I'll be busy for the rest of the day ... Come on Calli, let's have a drink and catch up." she said, pulling Calli into her office ignoring the protestations of her clearly frustrated Adjutant. "You are keeping the desk then ?" Calli commented as Nia poured them both a drink. "Yes, I couldn't bring myself to move it. Besides, it's a part of the Admiral." Nia said, moving her free hand lovingly across the ornate top, "I drew the line at those weird plants he had dotted around though, they always gave he the feeling I was being watched or something, the way they moved as if watching you, creepy." she gave an exaggerated shudder to reinforce her comment. Calli laughed. "Talking about Admirals ...." Cali said with a grin as she raised her glass theatrically, "Congratulations, they suit you." She toasted Nia then leaned forward to hug her once again, "Well deserved." "Admiral Torek came in a couple of days ago, he made it perfectly clear that declining the promotion wasn't a good idea." Nia said, feeling her face redden slightly, "I would have been happy to remain s a Captain but the necessity of the promotion had already been pointed out to me. Still, it's a little disconcerting walking through Command, or anywhere for that matter, and have people acknowledge the insignia." "Hey, they are acknowledging 'you' Nia, not the insignia on your collars." Calli admonished, then added, "Sir !" for good measure. "Less of that, I could demote you you know." Nia said with a grin, "OK, so are you still happy on the Raven ?" "I am actually. To be honest, when my father assigned me there, with Carl, I was a little sceptical about it working, but yes, we have a good working relationship, Andae Blakus is a great Exec' Officer, they are all exceptional, more a family than a crew in my humble opinion, why, are you thinking of reassigning me ?" "No, I wouldn't dream of it unless you asked, or Carl did." Nia replied with a smirk. she got up to refill their glasses, "Mind if I ask you something ... Your a Flag Officer, but you choose to wear Commander pips on the Raven ?" "It's just easier if I'm honest. Besides, it maintains the Chain of Command." Calli said with a shrug. "Hmm 'Chain of Command' someone else mentioned that a few days ago." Nia said, handing Calli her glass. The friends' conversation would go on late into the evening ..........
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Iorte Clancy
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Mar 9, 2016 17:58:55 GMT
Posts: 252
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Post by Iorte Clancy on May 27, 2019 13:45:51 GMT
Clancy had sat in O'Toole's experiencing his stomach pain once more, he was sure the quantum slipstream sphere had not been properly transported, meaning that sitting or lying down was always difficult, and for someone with a natural propensity for idleness, this was somewhat of a problem. Excusing himself early, he headed to his quarters and sat reading the classified report of his first mission for Starfleet Intelligence.
The quaint alias of C (the entirety of his undercover surname for the mission) had lent him an air of mystery that he'd at the time felt he scant deserved. The world of his assignment had been unaligned; now it was a member of the Federation, though not thanks to him: it'd crashed out of all contact with the Federation as an indirect result of his action and had aligned itself with the Romulan Star Empire. That was his last sojourn in the Beta Quadrant for several years, Intelligence wishing to redirect him to more central matters, rooting out internal enemies while avoiding the omnipresent, baleful glare of Section 31 - any overlap with their function was noted and often led to a private 'interview' with a 31 operative.
The next day he met his new boss for the first time in an official capacity, Vice Admiral Nia Lemond, he congratulated her and shook hands also with Commander Paquin, who'd also received her promotion. Iorte's sparring partner Crewman Iezelda Iezeld had received promotion to Chief Petty Officer and now headed up a third of the NCOs assigned to Intelligence on the base.
He met up with First Officer Van and Lieutenant Demik from the El Alamein and reviewed the ship's personnel, offensive and defensive capability. The ship, Intel aboard or not, may need to be deployed at a moment's notice.
With a spare moment in the officer's lounge near the Intelligence offices, he recalled again meeting Admiral Tetsutaro for the first time, the Admiral having intervened to protect him from the predations of Section 31 who'd either been going to kill him or try to recruit him. Fortunately, thanks to the Admiral's assistance this had not come to pass, and for whatever reason this caused him to remember the first time encountering Carpoln Johnson - later to become his enemy thanks to the debacle on the new Romulan homeworld - towards the end of the last year of the academy,
"Mr Clancy, welcome to Starfleet Intelligence," the operative said from the seat behind him.
The academy's lounge seemed to swim before his eyes. "Thank you, sir."
"Yours is an honour bestowed on few. But the post comes with health risks. Now, make sure you graduate, hmm?"
He drifted back still further in his memory to a time much longer ago than the academy. He was on his original homeworld and walking alongside his former carrier-donor on one of the artificial paths in Xetleti Archive's habitat section. It was high noon and all shadows were obliterated, a new age had arrived... but the memory itself was a shadow, ephemeral and uncertain, a snapshot; it stunned Iorte anew to know that timeline was fragmented and lost to all.
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on May 27, 2019 23:47:39 GMT
Over the last few days, things had begun to return to something approaching normality ... Kara, now back from Medical, had returned to work, despite his objections, not to mention offers to let her have a week off, Alas, Kara was steadfastly refusing the holiday ..... Following the death of Admiral Tetsutaro, the earlier suspicions about people had risen their ugly head once more, but Sean had made it perfectly clear to anyone frequenting O'Tooles with the sign over the door: Ladies & Gentlemen If I catch you whispering in my bar, you'll be doing it on the Promenade After receiving my boot up your arse His warning, however serious, had done the trick, and the bar was once again back to it's busy welcoming self. With the appointment of a replacement for Tetsutaro, practically every Senior Intelligence Officer on the Starbase had at some point made the trip to the Command Center. There they had a 'one-to-one' with the newly promoted Vice Admiral Nia Lemond, the new Director of Intelligence. Today, the most Senior Officers had all come down to the Promenade and were in O'Tooles ... Sean was happy to see his friends. Most of the Raven Officers and Crew were in the bar, as were several Intel' Officers. The Raven group had chosen their usual booth. he stood at the bar watching his friends enjoying their conversation, laughing together, bonding, enjoying each others company away from the pressures of space-borne duties. He could see that their drinks were getting a tad low so sent one of the girls over to attend to their order. it was then he noticed that one of those around the table was somewhat subdued, almost deep in thought, he sauntered over to pester the person ... "Mister Clancy ..... You don't seem to be enjoying yourself, is my hospitality lacking in some way ?" he asked with a wry grin. "Sean, sorry, in a world of my own there." Iorte said, smiling. "I could always get you something, under the table, so to speak, might perk ya mood up a smidgen ?" Sean said with a 'knowing' wink. "No, no thank you, I'm OK, just a little tired." Clancy said, seeing David and Carl look in his direction, "In fact, I think I'll call it a night, I need to go up to Command anyway. Wouldn't do to turn up after one of your 'under the counter' beverages." he waved to the others around the booth and made his way out of the bar. Sean shouted after him: "Clancy me boy, I'll keep a glass ready." Iorte waved as he left the bar and Sean returned to the table. He pulled an empty chair from one of the nearby tables and sat down. "So ..." he said conspiratorially in a lull in the conversations, "..... What's this I hear about a wormhole ?" "Bloody hell, is there 'nothing' you don't get wind of in here ?" Calli asked. Sean shrugged innocently, "You do know that 'some' information we gather isn't normally for public consumption I suppose ?" "What can I say ?" Sean asked, the picture of innocence as the band finished their first set of the night. "It's early days." Carl said, accepting the refilled glass, "So let's not put it up on your billboards just yet, OK Sean ?" "Ta be sure Carl, ta be sure." he said as Calli and David got up to join in the dancing, "Hey, where's that lovely lady of yours, you keepin her locked up on that ship o' yours ?" "I'm here." Chloe said as she shuffled into the booth beside Carl, "So get that Irish behind of yours off that seat and go get me a drink. I'd hate to have to take my trade to the Ferengi Bar down the Prom' ..." "Here to serve m'Lady." Sean said, bowing dramatically before vanishing to get the aforementioned drink. He came back moments later, ".... And where's those pretty girls of yours ?" "Doing their homework then going to bed. Or they had better be .... Ellie from school is babysitting." Chloe said, referring to their adopted children, Bethan and Vanessa, "Besides, I haven't got to the stage where I need to bring them in here with me." she said with a grin. "Anyone would think they would be led astray." Sean said feigning hurt at her comment. "They are fourteen and eleven Sean." "So glass washing behind the bar seems like a job they cou ....." Sean began, just managing to duck below the hand swung in an almost perfect arc from her seat by Chloe that was about to connect with his cheek, "OK, OK, no glass washing then." he said, seeing the others, including Carl, trying and failing to hide their amusement. "So just the usual entertainment tonight Sean ?" Elena asked as Chloe took a sip of her drink. "Well actually .... A couple of our customers had been trying to get a band together, they were looking at emulating one of those twenty first century 'rock' groups. They will be on in a moment so you can judge for yourselves ....." he said as a group took to the stage, Elena, like the others were bemused as the four got ready to begin. Leather-type clothing, electric guitars, one of them on an impressive set of percussion instruments. "One of them is already injured." David commented, referring to the man with what seemed a handkerchief around his forehead. "So what are they called again ?" Calli asked as the lead guitarist went into an impressive solo. "They are called 'Guns or Roses' .... Apparently." Sean said as the first chords of 'Sweet Child o Mine' reverberated around the bar, within seconds almost everyone was up dancing. "Erm, and these are Irish are they ?" Calli asked sceptically as she began enjoying the music ..........
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,163
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Post by Carl Torek on May 31, 2019 23:46:47 GMT
Office of Fleet Admiral Carl Torek Mezzanine Level Command Center 21:20 hrs :: Carl was sat in his seldom-used office on the Starbase, Despite his position as Starbase Executive Officer, he still preferred doing business on the Raven rather than up here ..... He was going over the scant information regarding the micro-wormhole in what had been designated the 'aCen Nebula'. The information, gleamed from the recently reactivated long range sensors was definitely worth a look, it was down to who to send on the first reconnaissance. With the El Salvador and Enzio both out on missions which could keep them away for weeks if not months, and the Raven out of action for a minimum of three weeks while undergoing refit, the options were somewhat limited. Carl had two large screens on the wall opposite his desk, one which showed reading from the Command Center, the second could show any information desired, currently it was displaying the region of space where the wormhole was situated. He tapped his comm and asked the Duty Command Sciences Officer to come up. While he waited he got up and poured himself a drink. The door opened and his Adjutant entered with a woman: "Thank you Janette." he said motioning towards one of the chairs at his desk, "Commander, I'm going over the micro-wormhole information, do you have anything else ?" "We have the Science Division looking at the information as you know Sir, but without getting more detailed information they can only summarise, as in the report. It has remained stable for the last eighty six hours since we put the long range sensors on it. That doesn't mean much as you know. At this distance, approximately fifty light years, there isn't much we can get. It could be a hundred kilometers at the event horizon, or it could be fifty centimeters." the woman shrugged. "So basically, we need to get a ship out there to do a more detailed survey .... ?" Carl asked rhetorically, Commander Anna Lindqvist sat impassively waiting, "..... As you know, ships are a little thin on the ground, so to speak. I'd love to have a Science Vessel at my disposal, but alas that isn't going to happen." "The Maracanda is fitted out for Scientific Exploration, or at least was before we, relocated." Lindqvist suggested. "That's correct, but I do know that a substantial amount of her sensor array wasn't repaired of refitted prior to our sending her out. It could take a while to get her up to spec." "Most of her systems are still in place, they 'could' work on them en-route." Anna suggested. "Possibly." Carl conceded. "Sir, we cannot pass up the opportunity to investigate this. It could lead nowhere, or it could be a means to get us home." Lindqvist said. "I am aware of that Commander ...." Carl said, walking around his desk to look at the information on screen, "This nebular ?" he asked, pointing then waiting while the Science Officer got up: "It's a 'Protoplanetary' Class Nebula ... It's emitting a lot of infrared, and consists of mainly hydrogen among other elements. Had it not pulsed in the infrared range at the exact time we were scanning that region we may well have missed it altogether. As it is now we have a fixed location we can concentrate everything into that region of space. I have to stress Admiral, the wormhole may go nowhere, or worse still the other end could be leaping around the Universe like a drop of mercury on a hotplate." "Thus my wanting to keep any information classified until we have something to say." Torek said, moving back around his desk and sitting, Lindqvist sat back in her chair. "The only other active vessel we have is the El Alamein ...." Carl mused, "OK, thank you Commander. Please keep me updated on any new information." Anna knew her meeting was concluded, she stood and walked to the door, turning as it opened: "Admiral. If you are thinking of sending the Maracanda ...." "You'll have a team aboard." Carl assured the woman. She smiled before leaving, Carl tapped his Comm once again, instructing the Communications Officer to contact the Maracanda. Commander Manley appeared on one of his screens: =^= Commander .. What is your status ? =^= =^= We are holding in position to monitor the Phorx-ku and the Werim .. As per my last report the H'ocru Station came under attack .. The battle was short-lived however .. We intercepted communications between the Werim Home World and the Phorx Home World .. We couldn't decipher some of the interchange but shortly after both sides ceased firing .. There are currently approximately eighty vessels in the region of the Station all seemingly covering each other .. I attempted contact with both factions but neither seems inclined to converse .. At this point I would say they are enjoying an uneasy cease-fire Admiral =^= =^= OK .. I am recalling you .. I have something else for your ship .. Drop surveillance and communication buoys .. Take a heading away from your location approximately one hundred degrees off the Starbase heading .. Once you are certain nothing is tracking you turn and come home .. Contact Commander Anna Lindqvist on the Starbase for instructions once underway =^= =^= Instructions ? =^= Manley asked, confused. =^= Commander Lindqvist will explain but you have a lot of work to do prior to arrival here .. Once we have transferred her team over to you you will depart immediately .. So don't plan on any shore leave .. Sorry Grant but yours is the only suitably equipped vessel available until the Raven completes refit or the El Salvador or Enzio return =^= =^= Understood Admiral .. See you in approximately ten days depending on course change .. Maracanda out =^= Carl closed the Comm and leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink. He realised that if they had discovered the possible micro-wormhole, then others may well have too, and given that the region of space where the 'hole was located had yet to be explored by them, it was a given that they may well meet someone else during their investigations. Silently he hoped that if they did, that race would be friendly ..........
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,163
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Post by Carl Torek on Jun 7, 2019 23:29:27 GMT
OOC :
Posting as Commander Grant Manley USS Maracanda ::=^= .. .. .. Contact Commander Anna Lindqvist on the Starbase for instructions once underway =^=
=^= Instructions ? =^= Manley asked, confused.
=^= Commander Lindqvist will explain but you have a lot of work to do prior to arrival here .. Once we have transferred her team over to you you will depart immediately .. So don't plan on any shore leave .. Sorry Grant but yours is the only suitably equipped vessel available until the Raven completes refit or the El Salvador or Enzio return =^=
=^= Understood Admiral .. See you in approximately ten days depending on course change .. Maracanda out =^=
~~~~~
"Commander Lindqvist ?" Frank Scober queried from the other side of the desk. Manley was already looking her up, he turned the screen so his Exec' could see, "Head of the Science division ?" he read.
"She must have inherited the position once Captain van Oppelman was confirmed among the deceased when we first arrived here." Manley said with a shrug.
"Well she looks qualified enough." Frank said, turning the screen back, "So what do you think they want with us ?"
"Must be something needing her personal involvement." Grant replied.
One week later ::
"I'm not being funny here Captain, but what the hell does this Chief Science Officer expect us to do all this ?" Scober said, waving the PADD in frustration, "We're not equipped for scientific investigation. Our cargo hold is crammed with instrumentation and she wants more replicated before we arrive to pick her and her team up. What the hell is a 'Subspace harmonic matrix discriminator' when it's at home ?"
"Got me ...." Manley said with a grin, "Science wasn't exactly my forte at the Academy."
"I have to admit Captain, most of the equipment she's requesting we replicate of take on board on arrival is for deep-space and sub-space investigation." Lieutenant Rhone McNaire, the Maracanda's Science Officer said with a frown.
"...... and she wants us to re-modulate our sensor array, to detect what, or did I miss that in the myriad of data files she sent us ?" Scober said, the frustration clear.
"This equipment 'could' be used to study wormhole phenomenon ...." McNaire speculated.
"Let's call it a night ...." Manley said, looking around the cramped room, "I'm sure I have a bottle of something that's in need of opening. Besides, we'll be back at the Starbase tomorrow, and I have the distinct feeling that our Starbase Science Chief will be running us ragged once we get wherever we're going." .......... OOC : Posting - Members please feel free to post as one or more of the Maracanda NPC's - Crew list below for continuity ::Commanding Officer | - | Commander | - | Grant Manley | Executive Officer | - | Lt. Commander | - | Frank Scober | Second Officer | - | Lt. Commander | - | Erin Wilkes |
| | | | | Chief Operations Officer | - | Lt. Commander | - | Ellison Onizuko | Chief Engineering Officer | - | Lieutenant | - | Michael Smythe | Chief Tactical / Security Officer | - | Lieutenant | - | Gregory Jarves |
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| Chief Medical Officer | - | Lt. Commander | - | Sharon McCaulif | Chief Science Officer | - | Lieutenant | - | Rhone McNaire |
| | | | | Senior Marine Officer | - | Major | - | Sharon Hurst |
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David Tan
Starfleet Intelligence
Suum Cuique ...
Registered: Dec 11, 2006 10:56:04 GMT
Posts: 792
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Post by David Tan on Jun 8, 2019 0:28:52 GMT
Office of the Director of Intelligence Mezzanine - Level Eight Command Center SD: 2405.03.0607 - 08:30 hrs :: The heads of Starfleet Intelligence had gathered for their weekly briefing in Admiral Lemond's office .... "Things are pretty quiet." David was saying, hoping he wasn't tempting fate. "Nothing further from the dissident factions ?" Nia asked, helping herself to one of the cups of coffee supplied by her Adjutant. "We are keeping an eye on half a dozen of her lower echelon members ...." Elena answered, "But I thing whatever spark they had has well and truly fizzled out." "OK, well let's keep them under moderate surveillance for the time being, it's not like we're currently overrun with assignments." Lemond replied. "The Ferengi on Beta Promenade are up to their old tricks again." Elena de Luca added, "Security have had a number of complaints ... Rigged gaming tables, extortionate fees to book their holo-suits, nothing unusual there, but maybe someone could pay them a visit, warn them we're watching." "According to reports, Security have dragged the proprietor of the Ferengi bar, erm, Orpk ....." Nia began, looking up the relevant data before continuing, "..... Brought in several times for violations, maybe it's time we put our proverbial foot down, showed him he can't simply trade as he pleases with no regard for regulations ?" "He's kind of set himself up as the unofficial 'leader' of the Ferengi Community since we moved location. All but 'demanded' a place at the Command Council table at one point." Elena added. "Well that's not going to happen ... He can't do anything to hurt us or the Station. Let's give him a very public visit. Nothing heavy-handed, but speak with him in the bar, not in some back room where he can twist the conversation to his liking." Lemond ordered. She got up to refill her cup. She hadn't missed the fact that she was drinking more coffee of late, and wondered if it was all down to her new position, "OK, next item ?" "There's a rumour going around that we have discovered a means to get home ...." Captain Komin of the Intelligence vessel El Alamein said. "Oh ?" Nia replied. "Yes, one of my crew overheard two Technicians talking about the 'wormhole' to the Sol System." "Bloody hell, what happened to keeping secrets ?" Nia Lemond asked rhetorically, "We 'ARE' supposed to be keeping information on a need to know basis, or am I mistaken. Any idea as to 'where' this information originated ?" "It's obviously someone who had access to the data. You can't blame them Admiral, this is our third year out here and we've made practically zero progress on finding a means to get home." David commented. "Alright, let's try to put a lid on the rumours for the time being. With Section Admiral Gheskori and Admiral Savot out on mission, we don't want to stir up any disruption ....." Admiral Lemond ordered, glancing at Fleet Admiral Torek, "..... And whatever happens let's not let our friendly Ferengi get wind of the rumours, the last thing we need is him demanding access to the great Ferengi treasury so he can start charging for passage through this as yet unsubstantiated way home." The meeting went on for another hour before Nia allowed everyone to leave, Fleet Admiral Torek held back a little: "So how you settling in ?" he asked once the room had cleared, trying not to grin. "I don't suppose we gave come across any 'resurrection technology' on our travels ?" Nia asked with a sigh, as she looked at the ever-growing stack of PADD's on her rapidly vanishing desk. "You do know that Commander Paquin could keep most of this off your desk I suppose ?" Carl commented, nodding toward the pile, "Sato only got what he needed in front of him ...." he finished with a grin as he left. "Elise ....." Nia shouted as the ornate door closed. Her Adjutant entered from her office: "Admiral ?" "Let's set some ground rules shall we." Nia said with a smile ..........
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Iorte Clancy
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Mar 9, 2016 17:58:55 GMT
Posts: 252
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Post by Iorte Clancy on Jun 8, 2019 23:33:46 GMT
Thinking how he'd done well not to spread to more than three people the news that a micro-wormhole had been found - now he knew that, since learning of it himself by accident, he was supposed to keep it quiet - Iorte thought it best to spend some time away from people before he landed himself in greater trouble.
He spent the afternoon studying his confidential logs, learning again what'd happened in that first Intel assignment the details of which always escaped him. Towards the evening, he learnt that Lemond wished for someone to drop in on Orpk. He would swing by first, give the man a talking to so as to soften him up for de Luca before she arrived.
About to depart, his eye caught on a name towards the end of that first mission report. He took up reading from that point,
He walked the endless grey corridor, indistinct overhead lights flashing by as he kept his gaze locked there and away from his own mangled hand. His left arm had been trapped in Carpoln Johnson's EM vice. It'd not been intentional on Johnson's part, but all the same C already expected to find that his working relationship with Johnson would be strained at best; four years later, he'd realise just how much he'd underestimated the torrid potentialities of that relation.
His quarry was in his grasp, just one passageway farther on... If he captured the man, the mission would be salvaged, perhaps to be deemed an acceptable failure. He winced through the pain and glanced down at his hand momentarily - he averted his eyes again immediately. "Y! Stop...!" he blurted, opening the door with his right hand and seeing the green-suited rogue operative slip through the other door at the room's far end, after glancing back briefly.
"Halt, C," a sonorous voice spoke. C turned, he blanched. "You want to go home. To your real home, C, I know your thoughts."
"This is my first assignment... I've performed excellently, you have no -"
"Don't play games. You, a Starfleet officer? That's a sick joke, forget the Intelligence Officer part." The cloaked face's mouth moved, "You wish to return to the Archive. I can show you the way." Iorte failed to salvage the mission, but he didn't return 'home' either.
Nearly running late by his own schedule, Clancy slipped from his quarters and found his way to Beta Promenade. He entered Orpk's only two minutes before Elena and the cavalry were due to arrive. "Mr Ferengi, you better watch your back," he tapped the Ferengi on his shoulder none too lightly; Orpk spun and made a face, then snarled and laughed and made off through the crowd. Iorte shook his head and followed him at a distance, shoving with elbows through Orpk's clientele to attempt to reach the Ferengi again.
About to cry out to have them stand out of the way, he barrelled unsighted into a fellow Starfleet officer. He'd struck the man's right shoulder with his chin, "Excuse me!" he cried in surprise.
"I beg your pardon," the man said slowly. Iorte looked at him briefly, then over his shoulder towards where he believed Orpk to be - damn... He'd lost him in the crowd. Iorte asked of the Starfleet officer who he might be. He replied, "I'm assigned to the Starbase, previously of the USS Falcon. Lieutenant Bilcus, now of SCE."
"Well, Bilcus, if you'll kindly get out of my way." Clancy made to head-butt the man - who promptly retreated several metres towards the dabo tables - and expressed rage as he saw that Orpk had disappeared into one of his holosuites. The Ferengi's lifesign mask would make him impossible to locate if he'd also used as refuge his customary 3000 square mile holographic forest. Turning about in the midst of the mass of people, Clancy now saw de Luca and two others enter the establishment. "Uh oh," he muttered. Look what I've done, he thought.
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Andae Blakus
Moderator ..
Commander 1C
Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
Posts: 1,452
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Post by Andae Blakus on Jun 8, 2019 23:47:29 GMT
Blakus had just left the bar in Orpk's, having made his customary shore-rendezvous with the Ferengi and passed him his credits. The Raven's first officer had seen his predilection for gambling on poker reach new heights of overzealousness in recent months.
Starfleet officers were allotted so much time in holodecks for card playing and related activities. Starfleet didn't wish their officers to have problems with gambling: any attempt to book more holoprograms than prescribed was logged, as was a command override, and in the case of the latter the number of hours then spent over the program limit would be noted by Starfleet and a discreet interview tended to result.
He'd passed the credits over the counter unobtrusively, covering them with what he hoped was a lack of obviousness with a PADD. The credits would buy him poker room access (courtesy of Orpk's holosuite/s) for the next 200 stardates. He was doing wrong, he knew, and he was aware he had better curb his card issue, but that would rob him of the chance to take back Admiral Kletchley's winnings gained during the last shore leave.
Orpk had smiled toothily and accepted the credits, placing them in a safebox below the counter and looking round innocently, clearing his throat. Blakus had watched him swallow quickly as evidently he'd seen someone enter the bar whom he'd have preferred to have stayed away.
Andae turned and followed Orpk's gaze; he didn't recognise the person, but saw that he was from Intelligence. They had undergone a rough patch recently, he knew, as had the Raven's CO and Mission Advisor.
He glanced back at Orpk, paused and nodded at the Ferengi who silently acknowledged and bowed, still smiling toothily and now turning away and diving into the mass of his clientele. Blakus shook his head and moved away fully from the bar, he then collided with the same Intel officer he'd seen enter the bar and whom Orpk apparently wished to avoid.
"Excuse me!" the officer cried in probable surprise.
"I beg your pardon," Blakus said slowly; he stepped back. The man had struck his left shoulder with his chin as he'd attempted to get past. What was his problem? He was glaring at Blakus as if the Raven officer had committed a capital offence.
"And you are?" the officer replied archly.
"I'm the first officer of the USS Raven, previously of the USS Victory. Commander Blakus. And you?"
"Agent Tribecy," the man said shortly, glaring over Andae's shoulder towards the bar - presumably in search of Orpk - before stepping forward and then being caught in indecision, "Well, Blakus, if you'll kindly get out of my way." Yes, of course, Blakus replied, and stepped aside before the man could get his head-butt in. The Raven officer watched the Intel officer go towards the bar and double back towards the exit before reaching it. Andae decided to stay out of his way - Intelligence had been through much recently.
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David Tan
Starfleet Intelligence
Suum Cuique ...
Registered: Dec 11, 2006 10:56:04 GMT
Posts: 792
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Post by David Tan on Jun 10, 2019 23:10:03 GMT
Office of the Director of Intelligence Mezzanine - Level Eight Command Center SD: 2405.03.0609 - 15:40 hrs :: David and the other Senior Intelligence Officers were attending a briefing in Admiral Lemond's office ..... "So you think just going in there is the way to go ?" the Director asked. "Well, we could go the covert route, but I have the feeling Orpk would have us identified within minutes. He wouldn't do anything of course, he'd likely enjoy watching us watching him watching us." Elena commented. "I have to agree. So .... Go pay Mister Orpk a visit, make it loud and public, let's make sure he's aware that he is on our radar." Nia said, dismissing them ..... Beta Promenade Level one five five four Orpk's Emporium :: A micro-cam had been placed opposite Orpk's Emporium the night before to ensure Orpk's attendance prior to the raid ..... David and the others had split into two groups, either side of the establishment. Elena contacted everyone to ensure they were ready as on cue Iorte Clancy meandered along the Promenade, a slight sway to his gait as if already intoxicated. He would enter the bar and feign concern for Orpk's situation. The one thing no-one expected was to see the Raven's Executive Officer on the verge of leaving. =^= Hold positions ! =^= Tan said quickly into his concealed Comm badge before anyone could make a move. Clancy, either not seeing the Commander, or completely ignoring him, entered the bar. Unfortunately things began to go sour the moment Clancy entered. He was halted in his step by someone. =^= Go Go Go =^= Tan ordered .... Intelligence Officers piled into the Emporium each with one task, to detain the Ferengi Orpk. David saw Blakus begin to turn as he heard the commotion, Tan had no option but to intercept the Raven Exec' "Commander." he said, taking Blakus' arm and steering him away from the bar. "David, David Tan, wha ...." "Sorry commander but I needed to get you away from the bar before you could be associated with Orpk ..." Tan said, turning to see the chaos in the bar and knowing someone was going to receive a good chewing out for the debacle, "Andae, may I ask what you were doing in there ?" Blakus knew better than to be evasive: "I use Orpk's holo-suites sometimes. What's happening in there ?" "It's an Intel' Operation. I can't say more at this point in time, but I suggest you vacate the area. The last thing we need is for you to be associated with Orpk, however tenuous the link may be." "Understood, thanks David." Blakus said, walking away, but then he turned, "David ... It might be nothing, but just before you spoke to me, another of your Officers grabbed me, he seemed to be in something of a hurry. He asked who I was so naturally I returned the compliment." "Who was he ?" David asked, concerned that one of his Officers had taken it upon themselves to enter the bar before receiving orders to do so. "He said his name was 'Agent Tribecy' ... I almost stopped him as I know you don't normally refer to yourselves as Agents, but he was already walking away." "So he's in there now ?" "No, that was the other thing ... He was walking towards the bar, then at the last moment turned and walked away. Last I saw of him he was leaving." "He isn't one of ours." Tan said quietly. "He's gone into one of his holo-suites." Elena reported as she approached them both, "Commander ..." she said, acknowledging Andae's presence. David swore under his breath then stomped into the bar, de Luca and Blakus in tow. David walked over to where Clancy was standing: "He's in there ?" Tan asked, motioning towards the holo-suite door. "Yes." Iorte replied. "He's tampered with the control panel. I can't override the program he's running." de Luca informed them. "Cut the power ?" David suggested. "They have their own back-ups to ensure there are no injuries should there be a genuine power loss." Elena explained. "So we wait for him to come out ?" David asked, the frustration clean in his voice. "The door isn't sealed." Andae Blakus commented, everyone turned to look at him, then the door. Elena looked at the program data: "He's in the forest. We could flood the place with Officers and never come across him. We're talking almost three thousand square miles of dense woodland, and only he will know where to go to hide out. Another thing ..." de Luca said, pointing at the display, "The holo-suite safety protocols have been permanently disabled in there, so slipping down a fifteen meter ravine could easily kill you." "Surely we can disable the power from out here." Blakus commented. "I wouldn't advise it, even if we could find a workaround. It's likely he's set up sub-routines to ensure the program continues to run until he says so." Clancy said. David hit the door in frustration then turned around: "VICKERS ! ....." he shouted, one of the Intel' Officers turned at the mention of his name, "Lock everyone here up. I don't care who they are or what they were doing in here. Send someone after that Intel Officer. You and two others are to remain outside this door, do it in shifts if you have to, Orpk's power can't last forever. No-one, and I do mean 'NO-ONE' leaves this holo-suite unless one of us is cuffed to him, understood ?" "Sir." Vickers replied, turning to bark orders before approaching the holo-suites. David took out a tricorder, but Clancy informed him that Orpk wore a 'life-sign mask' device, and while it didn't have the power of the holo-suite, it 'would' mask the Ferengi. "Brilliant !" David spat, "OK, lets go." he said, moving to the door which slid aside as Elena activated the control. The group entered, momentarily impressed with the scene before them, for here, in exquisite detail, was a replica of a place on Earth David was sure he'd visited before and knew quite well. The doors slid silently shut behind them then vanished to be replaced with more forestry. "I thought you said this was a forest." David commented taking a few step forward as he looked across the vista at the mountain range. Elena was looking back towards where the door had been a moment earlier. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have to assume that Orpk could have been stood by the door the whole time, and simply stepped out of the holo-suite while we were taking in the sights ?" "He's still in here." Tan said, with slightly less conviction in his tone than he'd preferred .......... ~ OOC ~
The Intelligence element of this thread will be continued on the Intelligence Board
Entitled:
~ Orpk ~
Regards
David Tan
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Carl Torek
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Post by Carl Torek on Jun 12, 2019 22:10:46 GMT
Fleet Admiral Carl Torek's Office Mezzanine Level Operations Center :: Carl had been going over reports when Calli entered ... "Commander Manley is on the Comm, they will be docking in thirty minutes." "Good, can you make sure Lindqvist and her team are ready to board. We'll meet the Maracanda once she's docked." "A little more plush than your ready room on the Raven." Calli said, looking around the office like a prospective buyer. "Seat isn't as comfy." Carl replied .... USS Maracanda Main Engineering Docking Arm Delta Space dock :: "How long Michael ?" Commander Manley was asking as Carl and Calli approached. "We'll need twenty four hours Captain, if I could do it in a shorter time I would, but even with the base Engineers it will still need a full day." "OK, keep me posted." "Yes Sir." Lieutenant Smythe confirmed, "Admiral." he acknowledged as he walked away. "Problems ?" Torek asked. "Port warp nacelle, It developed a problem in the inter-cooler assembly, alas it isn't something we can fix on the fly. Engineering will need to strip the nacelle to replace the assembly ...." Manley began to walk out of Main Engineering, followed by Torek and Valente. In the corridor he stopped, checking no-one was in earshot, "Admiral, are you sure we're the best suited for this task ?" "Well, there's no-one else at the moment Grant." Carl said, "At this point it's just a survey, Lindqvist and her team will take care of that, all you need to do is get her there, and back." "Understood." Manley said as they began to walk to the turbo-lift. They climbed to Deck One and entered his ready room, "Can I get you anything Admiral ?" "I'm guessing you have some of that Aldebaran whisky you're fond of, I'll take one of those." Carl replied. "Commander ?" Manley asked Calli. "I'll have the same please." she said, taking one of the seats at his desk. Grant poured three glasses, handing two to his guests. "So is there anything more you can tell me ?" "We have picked up faint reading, a possible micro-wormhole." Torek answered before sipping the warm liquid. "Exit point ?" Manley asked. "We have no idea, possibly close to home from what the long range data can speculate. You'll be out there two maybe three days, longer if necessary. As you're aware, we don't have a dedicated Science Vessel ready to go. The Raven can't take over from you, and unless something changes with the missions the Enzio and El Salvador are currently investigating, then I can't give a definite timescale for either one of them being able to take over ...." Carl said, emptying his glass and politely refusing a refill, "If you have any issues the El Alamein is space-worthy, I'll put her on stand-by and send her out on your call." "Understood Admiral." Manley said as he walked the two out onto the Bridge then into the turbo-lift. Moments later Torek and Valente were ready to depart. "This nacelle issue, nothing I should be concerned about ?" Carl asked as he entered the umbilical walkway to the Docking Arm, "We didn't sent you out prematurely ?" "No Admiral, we're good to go once the nacelle is up and running." Manley confirmed. "OK, Thank you Captain, please keep me apprised .... Ahh, here's Commander Lindqvist, I'll leave you to it." Carl said, exiting the tunnel as the Science Officer approached. "Remind me not to stock Aldebaran whiskey." Calli said ..........
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Carl Torek
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Post by Carl Torek on Jun 15, 2019 16:03:46 GMT
Docking Arm Alpha Observation Lounge Space dock - 22:45 hrs:: Stood at the observation windows, Carl couldn't help marvel at how far Starfleet had come in their Starship development ... The USS Raven-C, a Sovereign Class vessel, hung sedately beyond the liquid aluminium windows ... Even with her Port nacelle detached, the warp engine floating one hundred meters away as worker-bee's and Engineers continued their refurbishment of the nacelle, the ship herself still stood out. Smaller worker-bee shuttles were moving along the Raven's axis generating a continuous pulse that would in effect 'clean' the ship's ablative armour panels. He could actually see the difference in the panels as the shuttles made their passes, the hull plating returning to it's former radiance ..... At this time of evening the Starbase, like all space-faring craft, had reduced ambient lighting by twenty percent to simulate lat and night shifts. The Observation Lounge was practically empty, the last of the late shift personnel readying to leave. Originally he had just wanted to come down here to clear his head after a long day in his office, but on a whim decided to take a brief walk around the ship herself ..... Stepping out of the turbo-lift on Deck Nine: Upper Engineering Level, he looked around, somewhat surprised at the number of people working. Stepping up to the rail he looked down the length of the transwarp core, another recent innovation from Starfleet Engineering, several Officers acknowledged his presence and he decided he had better leave them to their work. he was turning to re-enter the turbo-lift when someone called him: "Admiral ?" he turned to see Lieutenant Commander Milyanov stood with Commander Wedlerson, "I didn't realise you were coming aboard Sir." Milyanov said, hands seemingly full of PADD's. "I wasn't." Carl said, acknowledging Harry as he approached the two, "I was a little restless and decided to visit the Observation Lounge to see how things were going, I hadn't intended to come aboard." "Would you like an update Admiral ? Milyanov asked. "No, no, as long as things are progressing I'm more than happy to wait for your daily report, besides, you two look like you have enough on your proverbial plates, anything I should know ?" "Nothing Admiral." the Chief Engineer assured him. "Very well, I think I'll go back over to the 'base, I'm sleeping there tonight, if I can manage to get to sleep that is." the other two laughed at the comment, and Carl left them to it ... He made his way up to the umbilicus walkway and stepped of the Ship, the Security Officer acknowledging his departure by noting it in his log. Mezzanine Level Command Center - 00:00 hrs :: Pouring himself a drink he stepped out of his office onto the wide walkway overlooking the Main Command Center Floor. Here, as with all other area's, night lighting had been applied, so a myriad of consoles and screes were reflected in the panoramic four meter tall windows. Men and women were going about their business, ensuring every element of the Starbase was functioning at optimum levels ... He wondered if one day they would be looking out at a more familiar vista ... He was walking back to his office when he heard Admiral Lemond: =^= ..... and you still cannot gain entry ? =^= she was saying as he stood in the open doorway unnoticed. =^= He's booby-trapped the whole place Admiral .. We are reading faint life-signs but at this point can't confirm how many or who they are =^= =^= Keep that holo-suite cordoned off .. Keep me informed .. Lemond out =^= she closed the Comm then realised Torek was in the doorway. "Has 'no-one' gone to bed at a civilised hour ?" he asked, remaining at the door. "I don't suppose you have another one of those ?" Nia asked, pointing at the half empty glass he'd forgotten he was holding. "be right back." he said, turning to leave, In his office he poured out another glass then topped up his own then returned. Handing one to Nia she asked him to sit, he took one of the more comfortable larger seats in the office, she sat in one next to him, "So ... Problems ?" he prompted. "I have six Officers stuck in a holo-suite, they were sent to question the Ferengi, Orpk, on Beta Promenade .... He fled into one of his 'suites presumably thinking we would surmise he wasn't in the bar, but David, Iorte, Elena and three Junior Officers managed to get in before he sealed the holo--suite off from outside access. The thing is he's put up every safeguard possible to ensue we don't get in there, alas, neither can my Officers get out without him allowing it." she said, the frustration obvious. "Isn't Orpk the one Sato suspected of having contact with outside races without informing us ?" "Yes, he was under investigation prior to our relocation." Lemond confirmed. "Well, he has to surface at some point." Carl said, standing, Lemond doing likewise, "I'll leave you to it Admiral .... Never rains." he said with a grin. Dropping his empty glass off in his outer office, he walked to the turbo-lift requesting Level Fifteen ..... As the doors opened he walked to his quarters and entered. It was only when he was in the semi-darkness that he realised how heavy his eyes were. He walked through to the bedroom and sat on the end of the bed, he had fully intended to undress, but tiredness got the better of him and he slid back to lay down, he was asleep in seconds ..........
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Carl Torek
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Post by Carl Torek on Jun 18, 2019 22:58:09 GMT
SD: 2405.03.0618 - 09:45 hrs Level Fifteen Holo-suite two Time with the Family ::
Under normal circumstances, the holo-suites on this Level were for official use only, but given Carl's position, and the fact that his Daughters had been pestering him to get away since they had docked, he decided to bend the rules slightly and commandeer one ... He had to admit, after spending the night in his quarters on the Starbase, he was actually looking forward to spending some time with his Family ... He'd given specific instructions not to be disturbed unless it was absolutely necessary. Vanessa and Bethan were suspiciously excited, which usually meant that he and Zoey were going to regret something.
"OK, so what do you girls have planned ?" Zoey asked.
"Ohhh, you'll have to wait and see." Bethan said, giggling.
"Fine, so what program do I access .....?" their Dad asked. Vanessa handed him an isolinear chip innocently. Carl eyed the chip, then the girls, both looking like angels ... Sighing, he put the chip in the reader and accessed the data, " .....OK, so what is a erm, Netherworld ?"
"You'll seeeeee." the girls said together.
Entering the holo-suite, the girls ran off ahead, giggling and glancing back every few seconds to make sure they were not getting too far ahead. Before them, the large foreboding building looked as scary as the information on the Haunted House promised. Vanessa and Bethan were almost hopping from foot to foot as they waited impatiently for their Parents to catch up.
"C'MONNNN !" Bethan shouted.
"What's this place supposed to be exactly ?" Zoey asked when they had caught up.
"It's a haunted house, you go in then can't get out. You have to go through all the rooms before the monsters and ghosts get you !" Vanessa explained.
"Great, well at least there's no negative-gee roller coasters, I almost threw up on that last one." their Mother said, somewhat relieved.
At the door, they knocked, the sound seemingly reverberating around what was likely to be a cavernous foyer. The door creaked open, making the girls giggle nervously, they were greeted by the Butler, a two meter plus tall ghoul, sunken eyes, grey wispy strands of hair, some which seemed to be falling onto his musky coat as they watched. Something moved inside his coat but no-one could tell what it was. He looked past the four of them, then slowly moved his gaze downwards until it landed on Vanessa and Bethan. Both girls took a pace back, eyes wide ..... Bethan stepped forward and touched the ghoul's long dripping jacket. She took her hand away and screamed in both shock and glee as she held her hand up to the others:
"It's blood, it's BLOOD !" she said excitedly, Vanessa reached forward to get a hand full of ghoul blood, touching her finger to Bethan's nose then bursting into laughter.
"You wishhhh to en-ter ....?" the ghoul asked in a voice so deep Carl could feel every syllable in the pit of his stomach. Carl and Zoey looked at the girls, who jumping in anticipation replied 'YES' simultaneously.
The ghoul took a step back, opening the door further, then bowed deeply to the girls, he still hadn't acknowledged the presence of the two adults, 'maybe it's part of the plan' Carl thought with a grin, it was the grin that got the attention of the butler, his eyes locked onto Carl's:
"You 'MOCK' my Masters' home ?" he asked.
Carl looked from the ghoul to Zoey, who seemed to be trying hard not to laugh.
"Sorry." he managed, not knowing why he had just apologised. The Butler allowed them to pass into the spacious reception area, he slammed the door shut with a finality that suddenly made Carl nervous ... He looked at each of them in turn, stooping forward to get close to the girls. He was certain that had their backs not been against the large table, with its cobwed encrusted candelabra, they would have ran. He reached forward, taking a grip of the small bag Vanessa was wearing, his hands ran along the thin strap, a coating of gelatinous, foul-smelling glop left in his skeletal hands' wake.
"Bags on taaaable ... You." he said frighteningly. Vanessa removed the shoulder bag and dropped it on the table, glaring at Bethan who was giggling hilariously.
"Doorrrsss .... You must pick ..." the ghoul said dramatically pointing around the room before his eyes strayed to the massive glass roof, "Night, approachessss, and you must ...." he stopped speaking suddenly, eyes locking on the ornate curved staircase. At the top, in semi-darkness, stood a figure. The ghoul steeped back fearfully before shuffling away down a long dark corridor.
"This is BRILLIANT !" the girl shouted in unison, "Which door, which door ?" they asked excitedly.
Carl looked back at the staircase, the phantom had vanished, has had the Butler. He looked at Zoey, who, if he didn't know better, was suddenly enjoying this as much as their Children ...
"You pick." he said, smiling, eyes subconsciously flicking to the top of the stairs again. 'I'm an Idiot' he thought as he felt a shiver run along his spine ..........
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Carl Torek
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Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
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Post by Carl Torek on Jun 23, 2019 20:35:15 GMT
O'Tooles Bar & Grill Level One Five Five One Alpha Promenade :: Having spent most of the day trying to 'escape' from the haunted house Vanessa and Bethan had lured them to, the Family headed over to O'Tooles for supper. Sunday evenings were pretty busy at the Irish Bar, but Sean always made sure there was one of the private rooms available for Carl and his Family. "So what have you guys n gals been up to today ?" Sean asked, receiving a hug from the two children before they sat down. "We took Mum and Dad to the holo-suite and made them play in the haunted house." Bethan said exitedly. "Haunted house ya says." the Irishman said with a wink. Carl saw it and gave O'Tooles owner a long look, Sean mearly shrugged innocently, "..... I'll bet you girls enjoyed that." "We did." Vanessa and Bethan said in unison, "Mummy was screaming, Daddy did too once." Eleven year old Bethen revealed with glee. "I tripped on one of those vine things." Carl tried to explain, but it was falling on deaf ears as everyone but him laughed, "..... Are we eating tonight or what ?" he asked, studying the menu. The rest of the evening passed quickly, the main topic of conversation being Carl's apparent embarressment at 'tripping up' several times. Sean being Sean, didn't allow the event to go unrecognised and made sure all his staff were aware of Carl's embarressment. It was almost midnight when they returned to the Raven, Carl had carried the sleeping Bethan since she had fallen asleep in the turbo-lift. In their quarters he walked through the living area and gently placed his Daughter on her bed. He was asking Vanessa to wake her so she could get into pajamas but Zoey said to leave her be. She pulled a quilt up oved Bethan then kissed her forehead. Vanessa went into their bathroom, returning moments later, climbing into the bed beside her sister's. Wishing both girls sweet dreams, they left them to go to sleep ... "I think we deserve a glass of wine." Zoey stated, going to the cabinate and pouring two glasses of cognac. Returning to the settee she handed one to Carl and asked the computer to dim the lighting, "Not too dark for you is it ?" she asked. "Ha, ha." Carl replied, unammusedly. "Aww come on, when that phantom grabbed your ankle from under the chair you were sitting on while we were having lunch, you 'did' almost leap clear of the table with a yelp." she said, unable to stop herself laughing uncontrollably. Carl drained his glass and got up for a refil, a look of hurt on his face, causing Zoey to laugh even more as she held out her own glass. The two talked for a while until their glasses were empty, then they too went to bed, Carl decided it had indeed been a long but thoroughly exciting day .......... SD: 2405.03.0623 - 10:30 hrs USS Maracanda Bridge Docking Arm Delta Space dock :: "Admiral, I wasn't expecting you until departure." Commander Manley said as Torek stepped off the turbo-lift. "I'm not here officially Captain." Carl said with a smile, I'm on my way to the Command center and thought I'd kill two birds with one stone ... How are you coming, will you be ready to depart on schedule ?" "Yes Sir ... Commander Lindqvist and her team informed me they will be ready. They can set up equipment en-route." "Any further issues with the nacelle ?" "Up and running .... Departure is set for twenty three hundred hours tomorrow, I can't foresee any problems." "Good, OK, I think I will go down to Science and have a word with Commander Lindqvist and her tem, I may not get a chance later." Carl said. Grant Manley turned to his Operations Chief: "Commander Onizuko, I'll be in Science if you need me." "Understood Captain." the man replied. Torek and Manley entered the turbo-lift ... "I've been studying the long-range telemtary we received, do you think this could be a wormhole direct to our region of space ?" Manley asked. "At this stage we know as much as you do Grant, that's why you're playing 'taxi' to Lindqvist and her team. It's located in a region we designated the 'aCen Nebula', approximately fourteen lightyears away. At Warp eight you should reach the area in six days. I'm assuming you havea assigned your Science Chief to assist ?" "Yes, in fact, Lieutenant McNaire couldn't get down there fast enough when he found out the Starbase Chief Science Officer was going to be accompanying us. She's nothing if not keen." Manley said with a grin. "Hey, we were 'all' keen at one point or another ....." Torek said with a laugh, "..... Besides, she's young if I remember correctly, no accounting for entheusiasm. If I remember correctly, you hardly fell into a fit of dispair when you were given Command of the Maracanda." he finished, raising his eyebrows. "That's true." Manley replied almost sheepishly as the turbo-lift doors opened on Deck Six. The two exited and walked along the corridor to Main Science, for a moment Carl wondered if they hadn't entered the Cargo Bay by mistake. It looked like every square meter of Deck was covered in consoles, or cargo-cases, or reams of cabling. "Lieutenant ...." Manley said, getting the attention of his Science Officer, "I thought all their equipment was being stored in the Main Cargo Bay." "The majority of their stuff is in Cargo Bay Two below us. Commanderv Lindqvist says she needs all this connected to our sensor array's." McNaire shrugged. "Novelty waering off Lieutenant ?" Carl asked with a wry smile. "No, Sir, no ...." the woman said, looking around as if she had suddenly acquiered all the space in the world, so to speak. "Where is our esteemed Chief Science Officer ?" Manley asked. "Oh, she's gone back aboard the Starbase Captain, a couple of last minute things she needed to pick up." Rhona replied. "Is there a problem Lieutenant ?" "No, Commander Lindqvist is very, efficiant." the woman replied quickly. "By 'efficiant' I assume you mean overbaring, demanding, bossy ?" Carl asked, then grinned, "Never mind Lieutenant, between us, they are my impressions, not yours. She's damn good at her job, she may well come across as a tyrant, but you'll learn a lot from her if you listen." "Who's a tyrant ?" They all turned to see Anna Lindqvist stood in the doorway, hands on hips." "You ......" Carl said with a laugh, heading towards the door, he turned back to address Manley, "Captain, I'll arrange a meeting before your departure tomorrow. Anna, stop frightening Captain Manley's Head of Departments." He couldn't be certain, but he was almost sure Anna pulled her tongue out as he passed. Walking out of the umbilicus walkway onto the Starbase itself, he headed for one of the nearby turbo-lifts, entering, he rerquested Level Eight ..........
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Calli Valente
Starfleet Intelligence
"Don't get in my way."
Registered: Aug 4, 2010 21:19:10 GMT
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Post by Calli Valente on Jun 28, 2019 0:35:14 GMT
Admiral Lemond's Office Mezzanine Level Command Center 23:40 hrs :: "Calli, it's sooo good to see you again." Mia Lemond said as Commander Valente was shown into her office. "Good to see you too Admiral." Calli replied, taking the offered seat. "Oh I think we can dispence with ranks while we're alone ..." Nia said with a smile, "..... I know it's a little late in the evening, but you still enjoy a fine whiskey I suppose ?" the Admiral said, pouring two glasses, returning to her desk handing one to Calli. "I always knew Sato wouldn't get rid of this." Calli said, appreciating the aged whisky. She got up and went over to the ornate cabinate, picking up the bottle, "He hated whisky, but he had a 'friend' who somehow managed to bring him a crate in every now and then. Apparently 'Roe & Co' were one of the most prestegious Irish distillers, no doubt Sean got his supply from the same traider." she put the bottle down and returned to her seat. "Yes, he much preferred his sake ....." Nia said, remembering pouring her former friend and Commanding Officer countless ucps in the ornimental Ochoko or masu, "..... He'll be missed Calli." "He will." she replied. Feeling a tear forming, she quickly wiped it away, "You asked to see me ?" "I just wanted to check up on how you were ... Since the, funeral, we haven't had time to get together. I checked on where you were and given you were still on the Raven 'coaxing' everyone to work harder, or faster, I thought 'they' could do with a break." "Har Har." Valente replied, taking another sip of the expensive liquor. "Joking aside Calli, you were originally assigned to the Raven as Mission Advisor by Admiral Tetsutaro." Nia said, taking Calli's empty glass to refil, "I was wondering how you feel about the assignment ?" "You want to move me ?" Calli responded as she took her refilled glass. "No, not at all .... In fact, Admiral Torek is more than happy with you being aboard. I know you are technically Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-law, but that's doesn't come into the equasion. I just thought I would take the opportunity to make sure you were happy in your current role." "Why wouldn't I be ?" "Calli, pleae, we've known each other a long time, I'm not trying to trick you into taking something off the Raven. I've had sit-downs with all my Senior Intel' Officers, making sure they are all content with their current roles, duties, etcetera. It's just taken a little longer to get around to you. I have no intentions of reassigning you anywhere, unless you or Admiral Torek request it of course." Nia said with a reassuring smile. "Then I would like to remain aboard the Raven." Calli answered. "Done." Lemond said, "..... Now, I'm given to believe that the Raven won't be departing Spacedock for at least a week ...." "The nacelle has been refitted, they are running tests and callibrations. A week at the outside, though I'm guessing if the Exec' and Commander Milyanov has any say in it, it will be done in half that time." "You're eager to gert back out there. Understandable." Nia replied, enjoying the warmth of the whisky. The two chatted into the early hours then called it a night: "..... OK, lets have lunch tomorrow. I'm sure O'Toole's will have a table free." "Have you been in there since the, promotion ?" Calli asked as they walked to the door of Nia's office. "Actually, no ... Last time Sean saw me I was still Sato's Adjutant." Nia replied. "Thirteen thirty then ?" Calli asked. "Yes, I'll make sure I'm free. Let's call it a friendly get-together shall we." Nia replied, unable to resist hugging Calli for a long moment. "Night, Nia." Calli said as they seperated. "Goodnight Calli." Nia replied ....... O'Tooles Bar & Grill Alpha Promenade Level One Five Five One 13:30 hrs aprox :: Dressed in Civilian clothes, Calli entered O'Toole's ... She was supprised by the loud music and elaborate dancers, standing in the doorway for a moment before heading through the throng towards the bar. "You picked a good day to eat." Nia said, handing her a glass. "What's going on ?" Calli asked. "We seem to have stumbled in on the Ktarian Music Festival. To be honest I wasn't even awar we 'had' any Ktarian's aboard the Starbase ... Apparently, I was mistaken, though it might not be the best idea to admit that small fact." "Well Well, It's good to see two young ladies enjoying a little culture !" Both of them turned to see Sean, the owner of O'Toole's stood a few meter away, "Ktarian musis isn't to everyones taste, Sean said, shaking his head, but then, theres no accounting for taste I suppose ... So, what will ya's be havin this splendid afternoon ?" he said in his best Irish brogue. "Well, if it isn't our resident Irish 'Don Juan' ..."Calli said, hugging Sean. "Hey woman, I'm no Don juan, Two, or Three ...... I'm a lovable Irish rogue an nothin more I tell ya's." Sean retorted with a sly grin before he turned his attentions to Nia, "..... Well here's a more sophisitated lady if I ever saw one." he said taking Nia's hand before kissing it dramatically. "Pack it in Sean." Calli said, punching him in the arm to punctuate her demand. "Hearty congratulations on your recent promotion m'Lady." he said, grinning up at Nia. "Why thank you good Sir." she responded. "Is it a table you'll be wantin ?" "Please ...." Calli replied, raising her eyebrows, ".... If you can tear yourself away from the Admiral's arm that is." she finished. "Is this man bothering you ?" they turned to see Kara stood close by, a tray of empty glasses in one hand, the other resting firmly on her hip. "Hell yes !" Calli said, trying hard not to laugh. Kara put the tray on the bar then slapped her boss around the back of his head playfully: "We have customers when you're finished smooching." she said, Sean stood up, finally releasing Nia's hand, he led them to a booth and handed them a menu each. Bowing, he went off to deal with a rowdy couple on the other side of the bar. Calli and Nia perussed the menu, finally deciding on what they wanted. One of Sean's Staff passed their booth and Calli got her attention: "Hi Jemma, can we order please ?" ..........
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,163
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Post by Carl Torek on Jun 29, 2019 22:40:21 GMT
Torek Quarters Deck Two USS Raven-C 11:40 hrs :: "You're late." Zoey whispered as Carl walked into their bedroom. "Yes, sorry, I know I said I was going to be back early, but you know how it is." he said, dropping his jacket on the chair opposite the bed, "..... Were the girls disappointed ?" "No, not really ... They know what you do Carl, you should give them credit." "I do, I just wish sometimes that I could devote time to them without having to keep one ear on my Comm badge." Zoey got to her knees on the bed, pulling Carl to her. "Listen, if you're not too tired ....." she said, seeing him almost sigh, "Nothing like that you idiot. I just thought a glass of something might help you get some proper sleep." she got up, taking his hand before leading him into the living area. Pushing him onto the settee she went to the replicator. "You 'do' know what time it is I assume ?" he asked, grinning. "I do, and I'm pouring you a drink regardless." Zoey replied as she sat beside him, handing him a glass she poured the deep red liquid, "Your friend Sean gave me this, something called 'Chateau Lafite 1787' ... Pretty rare vintage apparently. He did suggest that it would go nice with a romantic meal, but I don't feel like cooking." "Cooking ?" Carl said with a wry grin, feigning injury when she punched him in the arm. "Computer, play movie." She instructed. "You really want to watch a movie at this time of night ...... ?" Carl asked as the lights dimmed and the large screen on the wall sprung to life with some archaic black and white film from centuries ago, he recogonised the opening titles, "Key Largo ... Really ?" "Shush ....." She admonished as the film began, "Besides, you like Humphry Bogart movies." "I do." Carl replied, sipping at the excellent vintage, settling down as Zoey rested her head on his shoulders. He honestly couldn't remember how much of the opening titles he watched before sleep took him ........ Fleet Admiral Torek's Office Mezzanine Level Command Center 08:30 hrs :: "Sir, word from the Maracanda. They are running through final departure checks. Captain Manley wanted to inform you of their readiness." Torek's Adjutant said from the doorway. "Thank you Lieutenant." he said, "Contact the ship, inform Captain Manley he can depart when ready." "Yes Sir." He stood up, walking toward the panoramic windows of his office and looked out toward the stars. given the current position of the rotating Starbase, the wormhole was on the opposite side to the windows. Even if it had been in front of him he would not have been able to see it given the emense distances involved, he just hoped that something would come of the upcoming investigations ... A way home, who could tell ..........
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
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Post by Carl Torek on Jul 1, 2019 23:14:37 GMT
"..... Thank you Lieutenant." Carl said, picking up one of the PADD's on his desk, "Contact the ship, inform Captain Manley he can depart when ready." "Yes Sir." his Adjutant said, walking towards her office door, then she turned, "Admiral .... You told Commander Manley you would see the Maracanda off ...." "He doesn't need his hand holding Jessica." Carl replied, but then thought better, "You're right, I did say I would see him before departure .... Erm, Ask them to delay departure until eleven hundred. I need to check on the Raven status while I'm down there." "Last report stated the Raven was ahead of schedule." Jess informed him. "Doesn't surpries me." he said, dropping the PADD back on his desk and getting up, "Aern't these your job ?" he said, pointing towards the PADD's with a grin. "Yes, Sir." the young Commander replied. "Tell you what, you can come along too, it'll get you out of the office for a couple of hours." Jessica smiled and followed him onto the Mezzanine ..... Observation Lounge Space Dock 08:50 hrs :: Carl was walking towards where the USS Maracanda was still docked, he had begun saying something to his Adjutant when he realised she wasn't beside him. Looking around he could see her a few meters away looking off into the distance. He walked back, glancing in the direction she was looking, and could see the nacelles of the Raven standing out beyond the end of Alpha Arm. He stood beside her remaining quiet for a few seconds before she reralised he was there: "Sorry Admiral .... I was just looking at the Raven, or what I could see of her." "Let's visit the Maracanda, then we'll go over to the Raven ... If that's OK with you ?" he asked, eyebrows raised. "Yes Sir." Jessica replied, almost snapping to attention. She had been his Adjutant for almost three years, covering other duties while he was off-base, and even now she still couldn't tell when he was joking. Carl liked the young Commander, she was efficiant, discrete, and always seemed to know exactly what beverage he wanted when he walked into his office. She was also too easy to wind up, he'd have to mould that out of her at some point. "Admiral Torek ?" They turned to see Commander Manley and his Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Smythe approaching. "Captain." Carl replied, "Finally trying to escape from Commander Lindqvist and her enterage are you ?" he said with a grin. "Actually, we're heading for the Stores ...." Manley said conspiritually, ".... My Chief Engineer says we need a couple of things theStarbase are a little 'reluctant' to supply." "Ahhh ..." Carl replied, tapping the side of his nose while surreptitiously glancing around, "We've all been there .... So, Apart from the 'pilfering' are you ready to go ?" "Yes Admiral. Commander Lindqvist has practically filled every square meter of open space with some piece of equipment or other, but I'm sure the ship will still fly. Were you wanting to come aboard for inspection Admiral, I'm sure i can have everything ready for you if you'l giv ....." Manley replied. "No, no ... You have enough on your plate. You can depart when ready." Carl confirmed. "Thank you Admiral." Manley said, heading off towards one of the store rooms. "Admiral !" Jessica said quickly as the two Maracanda Officers walked away. "Oh calm down Jess .... Come on, let's get over to the Raven. Carl admonished with a grin before walking away ..... USS Raven-C Alpha Arm Space Dock :: The Security Officer at the umbilicus walkway onto the Raven nodded as Carl and Jessica Yu entered. Once they were almost inside the ship he quickly tapped his Comm badge to let the Duty Officer know of their arrival. Within thirty seconds Harry Wedlerson met them in the corridor: "Admiral." "Relax Harry ...." Carl replied, then made the introductions, ".... Harry. Commander Yu, my Adjutant, Jessica, this is Commander Wedlerson, my Chief Operations Officer." the two shook hands. "Commander Blakus and Commander Milyanov are down in Main Engineering running through the final warp field checks, should I inform them you are on your way down ?" "No, it's fine. I'll tell you what though, if you aren't too busy ?" "Nothing that can't wait Sir." Wedlerson replied. "Hmm, is that so ? ... Maybe we'll have to find you more to do in future." Carl said with a wink at Jess, "No, I have the feeling my Base Adjutant here would love a tour of the ship." "Happy to oblige Admiral." Harry replied, smiling to Jessica. "Fine, Are my Family still aboard ?" "Yes Sir." "Then I think I'll go and surprise them .... Let me know when the tour is done Harry .... Enjoy the tour Jessica." he watched them both go then walked to the turbo-lift .......... < Tag : Andae / Maracanda Crew >
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Andae Blakus
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Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
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Post by Andae Blakus on Jul 4, 2019 20:38:51 GMT
Residential decks, Starbase 47
Blakus arrived at the intersection and realised that his friend may well be late for the last minute send-off; sure enough, the man was not present and it was a quarter of an hour before he eventually appeared from round the bend ahead. The man smiled, extending a hand as he approached, "Lieutenant Blakus, great to see you again."
Blakus grinned back and took the man's hand, shaking it vigorously, "Ensign Bligh. It's only been two days." They referred - by their ranks - to their days on the USS Victory under Captain Nikaila Cir'Kem, Blakus's first assignment after finishing at the academy; he'd been the Vic's Chief Engineer, William Bligh had been a regular junior officer.
"I understand the Maracanda's ready to move out and that Captain Manley has his crew under lock and key? Well, the proper crew that is?"
"Proper, yes," Bligh frowned; of course, his was a temporary assignment, first it'd been as acting Chief (along with Lieutenant Smythe) under Judith Reslik, now as the same but under Smythe himself (being the permanently assigned officer, Smythe took precedence, additionally it was believed he was favoured by Manley because of their long service together before they'd joined the Maracanda). "We're almost ready; 12 hours behind schedule, we depart at 1100," William said.
They spoke of the micro-wormhole, both once more expressing their surprise that it'd been detectable given its - only brief - flash in the infrared range at the time they happened to be focussing the long-range sensors on that region. The Maracanda would remain in and around the nebula for three days or less, and barring any unforeseen circumstance would return with Commander Lindqvist's research complete.
"Lindqvist doesn't let anyone get in her way, doesn't like surprises; she's driving us hard," Bligh informed him, "But Commander Scober is keeping the departments separated and in check, he's a good buffer." He was preparing to depart, walking towards the lifts that led to the docking ring.
"Well, you know the old adage, William? Engineers hate surprises, but scientists love them. It's always seemed to me to be the other way round." Bligh nodded, saying, exactly, and walked towards the lifts.
Raven engineering
Arriving back to a place from which he could hardly step away for more than half a day, Blakus located Milyanov still on the upper level. He rejoined him, the virtual CEO requesting he run a diagnostic on the MI interface; Blakus found this agreeable, it meant that - unlike the Maracanda - they were even further ahead of schedule, such that they should depart in under 4 days from now.
"Port nacelle is up to scratch, Commander," Christina Taylor - Blakus's former girlfriend, also from the Vic days - reported to Milyanov (who before becoming Blakus's deputy had been a junior officer in Commander Scott McLean's Raven engineering team since time immemorial).
The Russian acknowledged, tapping the console before him, =/\=Milyanov to bridge. You have full warp power at your disposal once we're out of dock, assuming the XO's diagnostic of the matter injector checks out... Of course, he likes to check everything twice, or thrice.=/\= He paused, thinking that this might've raised a laugh on the bridge, =/\=From engineering's side of things, estimated time 'til completion of refit and repair, 3.8 days.=/\=
<Tag Raven bridge>
Maracanda engineering
Bligh was working at the portside bank of consoles in engineering, coordinating the activities of the team while the CEO was attending the engineering station on the bridge. They were about to move out of Delta dock; Manley had given the command for uncoupling from the umbilicals and clamps; Bligh had merely to monitor impulse engine performance, PTC grid cohesion, and plasma distribution, keeping watch for any fluxes that passed safe limits. And MI/AMI synchronisation, constrictor alignment and warp coil performance. And Cochrane coefficient local stability.
He sighed and looked down the bank of consoles, "Ensign Reslik, keep an eye on the deuterium intermix; spacetime drive coils are showing diminishing returns above 150 m/s."
"Yes, sir, SCE," she replied somewhat resentfully, referring to his previous stint at the Corps of Engineers' HQ in San Francisco. Ensign Samantha Reslik was the second cousin of disgraced former Chief Engineer Judith Reslik, court martialled in irregular manner along with Admiral Basirov (tried in absentia) due to their collaboration with those in the dissident movement. The nepotistic Judith had seen that Samantha won her assignment to the Maracanda; shortly after she'd boarded and presented her orders to the acting Captain, the ship (and the Starbase) had been flung across the galaxy.
The Maracanda moved out of dock, clearing the station in the next 20 minutes. Reaching a distance of 5000 km from the Dome, Manley had a course set for the aCen nebula. The variable geometry nacelles activated and the ship jumped to warp - it would take them a few short days to reach the micro-wormhole anomaly, en route to which the Maracanda would scan the targeted region constantly to learn more, including hopefully wormhole diameter and destination.
Bligh made his report to Lieutenant Smythe as the latter returned to engineering, "Michael," he knew well that the Chief Engineer preferred the first name form of address, "There's some interference from Lindqvist's subspace harmonic matrix discriminator; it's affecting regulation of flow in the constrictors."
Smythe's face darkened; he stormed round Bligh and made once more for the exit, "Don't worry. I'll give her hell." Bligh assumed the CEO was making for the jam-packed science lab.
<Tag Lindqvist>
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Carl Torek
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"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
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Post by Carl Torek on Jul 7, 2019 21:51:13 GMT
With the girls already in school, and their mother only taking classes later that day, Carl spent an hour with Zoey ... It was a pleasent change to sit down and have breakfast in their quarters rather than him grabbing a bite on the run so to speak ... With the breakfast things cleared away Carl kissed Zoey and said he would see her that evening. Leaving the quarters together, Carl heading for the turbo-lift to the Bridge, while Zoey went the opposite way. The Raven only had four families with children, unlike the Galaxy Class which had almost seventy. Zoey and Carl had decided to keep the girls aboard where they could be eessentially home-schooled by their headteacher mother, and three of other married couples had asked to keep their children aboard, so rooms on Level Nine had been set aside for a small schoolroom ... USS Raven-C Bridge ::
"How're we doing Harry ?" "Looking good Sir." his Chief Operations Officer replied, handing a PADD to one of the Starbase Engineers, "That's fine, let me know when you're done, I'd like to run through the systems prior to launch." the Engineer nodded then climbed back under the Ops console to continue working. "Problems ?" Carl asked lightly. "No, they have updated some of the systems, allowing direct access rather than via the main board. Seems too much fuss, but hey ho." the Comm chirped to life, Carl steppped back raising his hands, mouthing 'I am not here' thus allowing Wedlerson as Bridge Officer to answer: =^= Milyanov to Bridge .. .. =^= =^= Bridge .. Wedlerson =^= =^= You have full warp power at your disposal once we're out of dock .. Assuming the Exec's diagnostic of the matter injector checks out .. .. Of course he likes to check everything twice .. Or thrice .. .. .. From Engineering's side of things estimated time until completion of refit and repair .. Three point eight days =^= =^= Understood .. Thank you Commander .. I'll inform the Admiral .. Bridge out =^= "Hmm, quicker than expected." Carl said. "Aye Sir." "OK, I can see I'm surplus up here, so I'll leave everything in your hands. I'm going to head down to Engineering then back over to the Base." Carl said looking around the hectic Bridge. He was stepping onto the turbo-lift when Harry spoke to him again: "Oh, how did the haunted house go ?" Carl paused on the threshold of the 'lift and raised his eyebrows with an exaggerated sigh. "Does everyone know about my of duty activities." he asked. "Pretty much." Wedlerson replied with a shrug. Carl turned and stepped into the turbo-lift .... Anna Linqvist USS Maracanda En-route to aCen System ::
Anna had been trying to ensure all of her equipment was up and running well before arrival at aCen, but her constant run-ins with the Maracand Engineering Staff were beginning to grate on her nerves. She fully understood that 'she' was the visitor here, and these people were not her Staff. That said, she had important work to do !
"Look, you don't 'NEED' that system running ...." she was saying to a young Ensign as the Maracanda's Chief Engineering Officer approached. The young woman looked at her Boss for support.
"Ensign ?" Smythe queried, pointedly ignoring the Scientist.
"Sir, Commander Lindqvist is ordering me to take numerous secondary systems off-line to allow her to utilise the power couplings. I tried to expla ....."
"The 'Ensign' is correct Lieutenant. I am demanding various systems be taken off-line, they are redundant while we are running at nominal efficiency." Lindqvist interrupted.
"Get back to work Ensign, leave the systems as is for the time being." Michael said, turning to Lindqvist before she could object, "Commander ... If I may have a word ...." he said, walking away before the woman could comment. Once in the corridor outside Engineering he checked they were alone.
"Lieutena ...."
"Commander, lets get something straight here before we get off on the proverbial wrong foot shall we ..... Last time I checked, Engineering and the Officers working there, are under my command ....." he held up a finger to shut the woman down as she began to interrupt, then continued, "I am fully aware of the importance of your upcoming work, as are all of my Staff. That said, I will not have you marching in there berating my Officers, nor will I have you making decisions on how Engineering is run. We have, to the best of my knowledge, bent over backwards to accommodate your team, and have made far more compromises than I like to ensure you have access to power and space, not to mention every diagnostic system throughout the ship. But there is a line commander, and since coming aboard you have crossed it continually."
"Yes, my work could be vital to our chances of returning home at some point, Lieutenant." Michael had the distinct feeling she was stressing their rank differential way too much, but remained silent allowing her continue, "I believe my 'requesting' minor compromises from your Staff isn't too much to ask to achieve said task."
"Minor !" Smythe repeated before he could stop himself.
"It is clear we are not going to reconcile our differences 'Lieutenant' maybe I should take this to the Captain ?" she finished, inwardly fighting the urge to put her hands on her hips.
"It's that way." Michael said with a shrug before walking away from her to re-enter Engineering .....
Captain's Ready Room ::
"You 'are' aware of the importance of our mission I take it ?" Lindqvist was saying for what seemed the hundredth time since sitting down uninvited.
"Lieutenant Smythe is my Chief Engineer." Grant repeated, also for what seemed the hundredth time.
"Then given our situation, I respectfully request I be given priority."
"Again Commander, Lieutenant Smythe is my Chief Engineer. As such, what he says, goes."
"This is getting ridiculous. On arrival I will need every sensor under my teams' operation, Smythe is clearly not going to allow that."
"He will turn over whatever you need, as and when needed, as for compromising the operation of this vessel, that's not going to happen. I have to say Commander, that a little professional decorum wouldn't go amiss here. Iam aware that you requested a ship be assigned under your Command, but that was refused. If need be Commander I could make arrangements for you and your team to work out of the Cargo-bay ? ... That way you won't need to come into direct contact with my Engineers." Lindqvist seemed to be mulling something over before she spoke.
"Both you, and Lieutenant Smythe, I believe, are relatively new to your positions, mayb ...." Lindqvist began, but Grant cut her off.
"You're dismissed 'Commander' ...." he said, but Anna remained in her seat, "NOW !" he said, a little more firmly than he would have liked, much to his own annoyance, the woman was winding him up now ... After a long moment Lindqvist stood:
"Maybe this should be taken to someone with, more authority." she said, instantly regretting the comment. Manley, keeping his face expressionless by will alone, tapped the Comm link on his desk:
=^= Commander Scober to Captains Ready Room =^= the Maracanda's Exec' entered a moment later.
"Please escort Commander Lindqvist to her quarters." he ordered.
"CAPTAIN !" the Scientist said in disbelief.
"She is to remain there until I deem her conduct more suited to the Maracanda, or we arrive at the aCen System, whichever comes first ... Thank you Frank" he finished, dismissing the two of them. Lindqvist was already protesting as the door to his Ready Room slid thankfully shut ..........
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Andae Blakus
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Post by Andae Blakus on Jul 10, 2019 11:24:30 GMT
Sometime in the 2nd century AD
The consul elect ascended the citadel, his guardsmen and the augurs about him; following in the wake of this sacred procession was a member of that latecoming clan of the patrician caste, his hands bound behind his back and mouth gagged. Led up the stairs by this avenging band, he contemplated his fate and the fate of those that would come after him, in the Blakian clan.
They reached the top of the citadel and arranged themselves around an altar. The bound prisoner was pushed into the centre, near to the altar - of course, they didn't plan to sacrifice him, such practices were those common to barbarians - while priests began to chant the archaic verses appropriate to the occasion.
"In accordance with the rites of our ancestors," the consul spoke against this ominous backdrop, holding aloft on behalf of the now-defunct fetials the silex, "As this stone falls, may also the clan of the Blakians. I cast you, Lapis," and he threw the substitute rock of Lapis Jupiter off the precipice that came close to the position of the altar.
The prisoner - only the second Blakius to be admitted to the ranks of the patricians - mutely watched the stone fall away down the slope; it clinked off shale and granite before dropping out of sight into the city below; he bowed his head, it was all over, for if Jove sanctified the oath, he and his clan were damned forever.
Raven engineering, 2405 AD
He paused in his work - having finished the MI interface diagnostic and recalibration (only requiring two checks and not three as Milyanov had jokingly suggested to the bridge crew; Blakus assumed Wedlerson must still be running affairs up there) - and considered briefly his home on Earth.
He himself lived in San Diego (that was, when he was actually there, and now that he wasn't technically in the Milky Way anymore, it might be understating it to say that he didn't visit home very often), while his family estate - the place he grew up - was located on the eastern edge of Rome in old Italy. Lucius his brother would've finished at the geological survey centre in Antarctica by now, would likely be mourning his elder brother's loss; Praestans and Peractio - brothers, and cousins of Andae - were also on Earth: at the time of the Betreka Event, Dacian Peractio had just quit the Earth Civil Defence Corps, and it was family (or clan to be very old-fashioned, Blakus smiled as he caught an image in his mind of Imperial Rome and the family's heritage) rumour that Peractio's father wished to push him into Starfleet - perhaps he would be serving by now; Praestans was still living his retiring life in what used to be Brazil, the greatly regenerated and beautiful city of Sao Paulo being his particular abode - Praestans had always been lazy, despite his encouragement of others not to waste the time that was theirs fortuitously.
A terrifying thought seized him: what lay ahead for the members of the Blakus family? All their lives seemed to be at crossroads with the admitted exception of one (himself), but he was stranded far from the Federation without - he'd thought, until they'd found the wormhole - any hope of return, as a crewmember of one of a few ships about an ailing Starbase.
Torek entered engineering. "Admiral," he nodded, noticing Carl from the upper deck; he descended in the lift and approached, "We're ahead of schedule. Milyanov and Wedlerson have almost doubled the repair time; I'm sure we can do better."
Torek pursed his lips; Blakus had the impression that he'd learnt the news of the accelerated refit and repair time already. He must've been on the bridge when Milyanov made the call.
"Admiral, Milyanov seems to have things well in hand here," he said, thinking of the incident in Orpk's, "What might you say to a game of... poker?" Andae smiled hesitantly (did he wish Torek to accept the game offer or not? he felt he did, but knew if the offer was taken up a little bit more of Andae would wither away). He decided to deflect any suspicion as to his habit, "I wouldn't invite Ensign Barker - he's a quarter Betazoid and plays far too much."
<Tag Torek>
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Andae Blakus
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Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
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Post by Andae Blakus on Jul 10, 2019 13:01:34 GMT
USS Maracanda
"Where's she got to?" Assistant Chief Bligh said, striding about engineering and feeling almost as enraged as Smythe had been when he'd learnt about the constrictor interference; Bligh rounded the warp core and virtually ran into the same officer who'd been domineered by Lindqvist before Smythe had stepped in. "Ah, you know, hmm?"
"Sir, she's been confined to quarters," the Ensign replied. Bligh was taken aback and made sure his body language reflected this, because rising up within him was something like delight. Why's that? he asked. "The Captain has suspended her from carrying on her mission - hands-on at least - until she decides to play by the rules. I think she still has limited comm access to science lab personnel."
"I see," Bligh nodded. He's definitely grown in confidence, he thought of the CO. Since the Werim-Phorx debacle (the assassination of Diplomatic Officer Illerda and Manley's somewhat timid retreat), the Maracanda's Captain had reformed himself and shown exemplary conduct. Bligh turned to survey the warp core readouts: constrictor alignment was back within tolerance levels now that Lindqvist's SHMD was deactivated - it would have to be reactivated soon, Smythe knew this and had tasked his temporary deputy with finding a work-around.
* * *
Two days before they reached the mid-level density region of the nebula (the technical boundary of aCen), Bligh consulted Ben Zielinski in holodeck 1. He'd taken Blakus's advice about running the program - the diplomatic officer had been helpful before in suggesting to Andae what Starfleet's likely course of action would've been in the wake of the Betreka Event (he'd advised that they would've done little, may even have presumed SB47 lost forever or destroyed). Not quite so morbid was the response from the Zielinski hologram now,
"Yes," he nodded, steepling his fingers from his sitting position on the log. They were in an immense jungle, a program which in days of yore Andae had run with Ben, where they'd held their many conversations; Bligh had not always been able to join them, his posting to the Vic-C and its long missions close to the frontier had seen to that.
"Yes? Is that it?" Bligh asked, jumping across the narrow ravine and leaping up onto the fallen log beside Ben.
"Yes." Zielinski laughed, "If you were to communicate through a wormhole and it reached the sections of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants you talked about - which you supposedly hold as candidates for the locations of the exit-point - then your transmission will be detected by either the Klingons or the Romulans. Perhaps the Yattho. Or in the case of the Alpha Quadrant location... well, that point's quite far from Federation installations - it's near the border, which is quiet and therefore not patrolled, but there is a low to moderate risk you'll come into contact with hostiles from over the border."
"What kind of hostiles?"
"I don't know, I'm just a diplomat," Zielinski shrugged and stood, dusting his hands of bark chips and moss. He turned to Bligh, "Hostile ones."
* * *
The Maracanda crossed into the aCen nebula proper two days later; Lindqvist - by now released from quarters but watched closely (to her annoyance) by engineering and science teams alike - had set about her business.
"Stay out of my way!" Lindqvist barked as a science crewman inadvertently obstructed both her and two of her team as they moved through the corridors to collect equipment from the cargo bay. The crewman was virtually knocked off his feet.
Smythe who'd been about 10 metres behind happened by and reassured the crewman, helping him up, "Hang tight, we'll just have to deal with this."
The operation was underway: the Intrepid class had begun scanning for the wormhole. The IR source they'd detected from base must be just a sixteenth of a parsec away now; annoyingly they'd yet to pinpoint it, this made the idea that it was only a micro-wormhole more plausible. At least the wormhole's vicinity wasn't already occupied, some of the crew thought. Sensors were also having trouble penetrating some of the gaseous matter: scanner visibility was reduced to 15 million kilometres; natural visibility, about 5 kilometres...
<Tag Maracanda crew> - OOC: note Blakus post above this one
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