Mission 1.0: A Miner Difficulty

[Deleted]

=/\= Computer, how many hours until arrival? =/\=

~/\~ Approximately twenty two minutes ~/\~

Captain Nack sat back in his chair, admiring his ready room. Now that his desk was shortened to his sitting height, he was able to utilize it fully, and enjoy his surroundings, instead of living, quite literally up to Starfleet expectations. He was expecting, over the next few weeks, to become rather used to his surroundings. The mission Starfleet was sending the USS Hope on was going to require a lot of paper work. It was something the Ferengi captain was not looking forward to, but, being his first real mission away from a starbase, he would have been excited to do anything.

=/\= Computer, time until arrival? =/\=

~/\~ Approximately eight minutes ~/\~

For the past three hours, Nack had been pinging the computer for arrival time. Had the computer been the first officer, it would have noted Nack's nervousness. Thinking of this, Nack made a call to Commander Cavit, who promptly appeared from the bridge.

"I just wanted to make sure you had the duty roster ready." No sooner than Nack finished his statement did Semia hand him the padd.

"Looks good to me. I bet you are excited to get aboard the base. This should be an interesting experience for the crew."

Nack, had explained in a briefing earlier, the nature of the mission. They were to travel to the outskirts of Bajoran space, where a federation science team had created a self-sustainable mining station. The purpose of the station was so that it was able to travel from moon to moon, system to system, mining useful materials and ores. Mining bases have been created in orbit prior to this, but none were self sustainable. The federation wanted a progress update, and sent the Hope to do this work.

The expertise aboard the USS Hope couldn't have been more perfect for the mission either. The personnel on board, and their specialties, aligned well with the mission objectives.

Nack read the padd back to the first officer. "Mr. Williams will be reviewing the medical facilities. Mr. Kuragh will be reviewing propulsion data... sounds right. Mr. Riszehn will be reviewing station security. Commander Merit, she will be reviewing overall ship functionality- making sure that personnel are being assigned to duties within their respective fields..."

Captain Nack looked up at his first officer. "Looks like a good plan." The computer interrupted the conversation.

~/\~ We have arrived at Mining Station Alpha 4. Preparing for automatic docking procedures. ~/\~

"I suppose I shall have to address the senior staff. Assemble everyone to the bridge, if you could Commander"

Nack walked out onto the bridge a few minutes later, with the senior staff waiting.

"I have just been informed by Commander Ferricson, the head scientist aboard the base, that they are awaiting our arrival. As soon as final docking procedures are completed, Captain Johnson will be accompanying me here in my ready room to discuss progress. Commander Savit, as we discussed earlier, you will be leading the away team to the base. You will be meeting with Mr. Ferricson to gather a top-level list of improvements that are needed."

<Savit>

"Ensign Williams. You will be meeting Dr..." Nack checked his padd, "Dr. Coleman. He can be found in the base's main sickbay. He should be invaluable in helping you gather the data you need for this mission."

<Williams>

"Lieutenant Kuragh, you will be heading to the base's bridge, which also happens to be main engineering. The report we need to submit specifically requests we give a status on the base's navigational systems. They are a rather new crew. See if you can't give them some pointers."

<Kuragh>

"Riszehn, your job is pretty important. We need to make sure station security is up to snuff." Speaking of snuff, Nack remembered he had left beetle snuff out on his desk. That best be put away before Captain Johnson came to visit. "I would like for you, Commander, to see to it that order is being maintained on this base. Also, make sure that Starfleet's secrets are being maintained."

<Riszehn>

"And Commander Merit, you will need to report to station ops. There, Captain Johnson will be meeting with you shortly to discuss station operations."

<Merit>

The hull made a creaking sound, and the computer indicated that the ship was fully docked. Commander Savit gathered the senior staff, and they followed as Captain Nack led them to the airlock, where Captain Johnson was awaiting.

"Welcome, to our starbase, Captain." Johnson, a portly fellow, made a slight bow with his head.

"It is a pleasure to be here. I'm sure my crew will find your hospitality enjoyable. Hopefully, when all our work is complete, we'll find some time to relax."

The two Captains headed back toward the turbolift, as the rest of the crew entered the starbase, eager to begin their ship-wide analysis.

OOC: Have fun and explore the station. I left the storyline open ended for now to leave room for creativity.

[Deleted]

Jonathon was unprepared for yet another change in command but here they were. A Ferengi and a trill, an odder mix he could not have thought of.

At least this mission seemed to offer some peace and quiet a simple investigation of facilities. He was due to meet Dr Coleman in less than an hour and so he made his way down to the hard seal airlock. The doors pressurised and allowed him access to the station.

It was unlike most bases, it lacked the modern look of starfleet, this was a prototype and a prototype mining facility at that. Cooridors were grey and lined with vents, ducts and pipes. He followed the map on his Padd to reach the small medical facility.

4 bio beds stood against one wall with another centrally placed obviously designed for surgical and immediate triage work.
"Can I help you"

Williams tunred and saw a grey haired man appear from an office,
"Ensign Williams sir, here to see Dr Coleman"

"I am he. Here to check up on me" Coleman stated without humour, "Where would you like to start"

Jonathon realised this might not be as easy as he thought.

[Deleted]

=/\= Computer, how many hours until arrival? =/\=

~/\~ Approximately twenty two minutes ~/\~

Captain Nack sat back in his chair, admiring his ready room. Now that his desk was shortened to his sitting height, he was able to utilize it fully, and enjoy his surroundings, instead of living, quite literally up to Starfleet expectations. He was expecting, over the next few weeks, to become rather used to his surroundings. The mission Starfleet was sending the USS Hope on was going to require a lot of paper work. It was something the Ferengi captain was not looking forward to, but, being his first real mission away from a starbase, he would have been excited to do anything.

=/\= Computer, time until arrival? =/\=

~/\~ Approximately eight minutes ~/\~

For the past three hours, Nack had been pinging the computer for arrival time. Had the computer been the first officer, it would have noted Nack's nervousness. Thinking of this, Nack made a call to Commander Cavit, who promptly appeared from the bridge.

"I just wanted to make sure you had the duty roster ready." No sooner than Nack finished his statement did Semia hand him the padd.

"Looks good to me. I bet you are excited to get aboard the base. This should be an interesting experience for the crew."

Nack, had explained in a briefing earlier, the nature of the mission. They were to travel to the outskirts of Bajoran space, where a federation science team had created a self-sustainable mining station. The purpose of the station was so that it was able to travel from moon to moon, system to system, mining useful materials and ores. Mining bases have been created in orbit prior to this, but none were self sustainable. The federation wanted a progress update, and sent the Hope to do this work.

The expertise aboard the USS Hope couldn't have been more perfect for the mission either. The personnel on board, and their specialties, aligned well with the mission objectives.

Nack read the padd back to the first officer. "Mr. Williams will be reviewing the medical facilities. Mr. Kuragh will be reviewing propulsion data... sounds right. Mr. Riszehn will be reviewing station security. Commander Merit, she will be reviewing overall ship functionality- making sure that personnel are being assigned to duties within their respective fields..."

Captain Nack looked up at his first officer. "Looks like a good plan." The computer interrupted the conversation.

~/\~ We have arrived at Mining Station Alpha 4. Preparing for automatic docking procedures. ~/\~

"I suppose I shall have to address the senior staff. Assemble everyone to the bridge, if you could Commander"

Nack walked out onto the bridge a few minutes later, with the senior staff waiting.

"I have just been informed by Commander Ferricson, the head scientist aboard the base, that they are awaiting our arrival. As soon as final docking procedures are completed, Captain Johnson will be accompanying me here in my ready room to discuss progress. Commander Savit, as we discussed earlier, you will be leading the away team to the base. You will be meeting with Mr. Ferricson to gather a top-level list of improvements that are needed."

<Savit>

"Ensign Williams. You will be meeting Dr..." Nack checked his padd, "Dr. Coleman. He can be found in the base's main sickbay. He should be invaluable in helping you gather the data you need for this mission."

<Williams>

"Lieutenant Kuragh, you will be heading to the base's bridge, which also happens to be main engineering. The report we need to submit specifically requests we give a status on the base's navigational systems. They are a rather new crew. See if you can't give them some pointers."

<Kuragh>

"Riszehn, your job is pretty important. We need to make sure station security is up to snuff." Speaking of snuff, Nack remembered he had left beetle snuff out on his desk. That best be put away before Captain Johnson came to visit. "I would like for you, Commander, to see to it that order is being maintained on this base. Also, make sure that Starfleet's secrets are being maintained."

"Yes Sir"

And Commander Merit, you will need to report to station ops. There, Captain Johnson will be meeting with you shortly to discuss station operations."

<Merit>

The hull made a creaking sound, and the computer indicated that the ship was fully docked. Commander Savit gathered the senior staff, and they followed as Captain Nack led them to the airlock, where Captain Johnson was awaiting.

"Welcome, to our starbase, Captain." Johnson, a portly fellow, made a slight bow with his head.

"It is a pleasure to be here. I'm sure my crew will find your hospitality enjoyable. Hopefully, when all our work is complete, we'll find some time to relax."

The two Captains headed back toward the turbolift, as the rest of the crew entered the starbase, eager to begin their ship-wide analysis.

Briefing over Shris went directly to his security office to pick up a side arm and then onto the base. He took a Padd noting the current armamaents.

Standard Sheilding, 4 turbolaser emplacements and a single ion cannon.

It was hardly an arsenal and would be little match for any destroyers. If they wanted a favourable report from him they would have to make some considerable improvements. He also noted with distaste that no base security were guarding the air lock.

"You" he pointed at a passing security officer, "Where is your sidearm?"

"Side arm sir?"

"Yes your Blaster. YOu shouldnt be on duty when a vessel is docked without protection, we could have been anyone, Chiss Humans whoever"

"Err yes sir. Of course sir."

"Where is your senior officer?"

"Up in Ops."

"Take me there now." Shris demanded. This was going to take a lot of work.

[Deleted]

Kuragh was nbot happy about his nursey asignment it was benathe him. He was warrior he fought he flew he din teach. tecah in was for wimps.

With a humpf and a growl he said yes to the pathertic feble furengi infront of him,

Bah this will not be glory for me not at all.

Okay I go bridge now and teach hoomons to flew this crate.

[Deleted]

Williams sensed the hostility towards him but ignored it,

"How about your surgical area and clean rooms."

Coleman grunted and led the doctor to the office, eh showed Jonathon what he wanted and even managed to answer some of his questions. Nevertheless Williams was not overly impressed, if there were to be a major disaster he doubted the station could cope.

"Thankyou Dr Coleman" He siad politely, and then asked the computer where the Captain was.

"Captain Nack is in the BAse Command Centre"

"Thankyou " Jonathon replied absentmindedly and made his way to the core of teh base to make his initial report to the Captain.

Tag NAck

[Deleted]

Kragh sw willams appear hey doc how goes all the blood and stuff
okay he said wheres captain nick

over therer kuragh ginned and pointed to the base officers place.

Im here teching flying they now nothing about it couldnt fly a paper airplane if they tried what was sick bay like

[Deleted]

Shris inspected the main turbolaser battery and carefully checked the coils befre telling the sneior security officer that he obviously didnt know his job.

"Get a droid down here now and recalibrate these emmitters" he stated "If attacked now the turbolasers would proably misfire, and the Ion canon well that wouldnt disable anything."

The security officer was a professional and took the criticism well.
"Okay what about targetting systems and Proton Torpedo launchers?"

"This way. They are on the deck below."

"Okay lead on"

The man did so, leading him to a repulsor lift that took them to the deck below.

"Now this is more like it." he noted pointing to the fully functional Proton torpedo launcher. He also noted that it had a cabaility to fire concussion missiles too.

"Excellent. Now lets run a drill."

[cavit]

Commander Cavit straightend her uniform and grunted she gained wieght again it's been months since she was aboard a starship her decision to return to starfleet wasn't a light one it too over 3 months to decide to return. She looked at Captian Nack and nodded "Commander Semia Yulia Cavit reporting sir"
Nack looked at the trill and nodded "Commander Cavit , has every department head reported to you?"
She grinned at the Ferengi and pulled out 3 pads from behind her back "Not all but the major ones have"
Nack looked it over "Sickbay engineering and tactical, where the rest ?"
"They have not reported to me yet sir" Semia said dully
Nack nodded "See that they do"
"Yes sir ,"
"By the way Commander glad you can return to starfleet , I read what happend and i'm sorry"
Semia's eyes dulled but she nodded and didn't say anything the loss of a child was difficult and she was learning it the hard way
She turned and left to her office she gave curt nods to crew memebers but didn't say anything nor offer a smile more over she was reminded of what she lost
Sitting behind her desk she started reading the cargo check list and made sure it was in order waiting for the rest of the department heads to check in with her.

[Deleted]

------ Security Office w/ Zaksh' riszehn------
"Drill? You want to run a drill? I don't remember seeing that in the list of things you were going to inspect." the security officer fingered his padd a few times.

"I'm ready to begin, I suppose, whenever you are. As long as were aren't firing any live rounds. I'll have to get permission to do that."

<Zaksh' riszehn>


---------- Main Engineering w/ Kuragh ---------------
"It appears you are confused, Mr...." he didn't get the name of the Klingon standing before him. Kuragh answered just as the station captain, who had just returned from his chat with Captain Nack, wondered over.

"Men - " he nodded. "How is our puppy here flying?"

<Kuragh>

"Mr. Kuragh, Captain Nack tells me you are an excellent pilot. Maybe you have a few pointers for us?"

<Kuragh>


-------- Dr. Coleman's Office w/ Williams ---------
"... and that's where we keep the tricorders." the station medical bay was a complete disaster. There was no way anyone would be able to inventory the collection, let alone analyzing any upgrades.

<Williams>


---------- On the USS Hope, a few days later -----------

=/\= Commander Cavit, can you come to my ready room. =/\= She arrived after a few moments.

"I have just heard from the station's operations department that Commander Merit has not shown up for duty. Was she scheduled to be off duty?"

<Semia>

"In that case, I'll take care of the matter myself. Due to this, I would like a report on the progress of our inspections. We are due to leave in a few days, and I need more detail than what the station captain has given me."

<Semia>

"Thanks." Semia left to interact with the senior crew on the station, trying to get an accurate summary of occurrences.

Nack sat back in his chair, and continued his dictation. =/\="Mining operations, annex 3....=/\=

[Deleted]

"No theres no need for live rounds. I just want to see how quickly your gun crews get to the turbolaser batteries and for that matter how quickly your stormtroopers can secure key airlocks. A good time will mean a good report" Shris replied, "Perhaps we should start at the bridge that way we can inform our respective Commanders."

"Yes I agree" the officer replied,

The two officers took a repulsorlift up to the bridge and looked for Nack and the Base CO

[Deleted]

"Thankyou Dr. I suggest you get this all under control and tidied up. I will send some of my staff across to assist. YOu really cant run a medical facility like this. I ll reinspect tomorrow."

Coleman frowned but held his lip.

Williams decided it best to leave the Doctor to it. Him hanging around would only add to the pressure on Coleman.

"I ll report to Captain Nack and then return to the Hope"

Coleman nodded quietly.

[Deleted]

Kuragh says yes i have lots of pints ya need to fly straight and not rock that way no drinks are are spilled.

you need to go fast to fast is good.

Now if you dont mind I think I will take a break you practice. practice makes purfect ya now. Kuragh waved at nack I m goin bakc to hope they gonna practice call me when you wanna fly sumwhere

[Deleted]

With the crew back on board the USS Hope, Commander Cavit gave her report to Captain Nack.

"This looks interesting. It seems that the security systems are substandard. Kuragh did a pretty good job of straightening them out, I bet" the Captain winked at his First Officer. Zaksh' riszehn, it seemed, was known for his bluntness, which was exactly what this new Starfleet operation needed.

"And it seems the medical supply is doing well." the Ferengi said, agreeing with more of the assessments made by the Semia.

"Get the crew all organized. We'll be leaving dock shorty. I have enough material here to write a novel." A novel, no, but a report detailing all of the systems positives and flaws.

-------

A few hours later, the ship left port. Nack watched from the bridge viewscreen as the ship drifted away at 1-quarter-impulse.

"Sir, there is an energy buildup on the external hull of the station. The structural integrity field is destabilizing."

The Captain paced his way over to the console the helmsman was reading, but it was too late. A large explosion shown on the viewscreen, and a blast that even the inertial dampers could not dampen was felt throughout the ship.

"Status?"

<Merit>

The Commander just finished speaking when a distress signal came through, audio only.

"Captain, a few of had a chance to beam off before the explosion. We are in a containment field on the moon nearby, but we only have power for a few hours, before our field collapses." The moon had no atmosphere, which made it easy to mine. Now, it was working against them.

The Captain responded to the Station's Captain, informing him of the current situation. Communications were disrupted from the ion cloud created when the station exploded.

"Take us away from the debris field. How long will it take to traverse around the system back to the moon on inertia only?" The impulse engines were knocked offline.

<Kuragh>

"Lieutenant Shris, was there anything on the ship that was suspicious? I saw from your report that security wasn't too great, but I'm hoping you may have an explanation."

<Zaksh' riszehn>

=/\= Captain to Williams, I suggest you get your medical equipment ready. We are probably going to have to treat the station's crew from hypothermia. Those forcefields are good, but not that good. =/\=

<Williams>

Now came the worst part... waiting. It would be 3 hours before their ship came around the planet, within transporter range of the moon. Those three hours were going to feel like an eternity to the station's crew... and to those on the Hope trying to save them.