Mission 14: Opal Echo's *

[Mc7_of_9]

Despite having done it thousands of times before, mc7 still felt a slight tingle rush through his body every time he stepped onto the Bridge of the USS Raven. Standing just over the threshold of the turbolift at the edge of the Bridge, he watched as the Starbases’ maintenance crew scrambled about in preparation for the ship’s departure in a little under two hours. Making his way down from the turbolift, he crossed the Bridge, nodding to the crew as he did so, and entered his ready room. Sitting behind his desk he began to review the few departments status reports that had been submitted so far. All departments still had just under an hour left before their reports had to be in, but a few had been eager beavers and had already submitted theirs.

After glancing through the reports, the Admirals mind began to wonder somewhat, thinking of the passenger that the Raven was to carry during their next mission. Captain David James was sent under orders from Intelligence, though exactly what those orders were had not been made clear to mc7 as yet. As soon as they were under way he intended to have a full and frank discussion with the Captain.

Snapping his mind back to focus on the mission briefing which had just recently been transmitted from Command, mc7 began to run the scenario through in his mind. This was a task he done before embarking on every mission, as it allowed him to try to envisage any potential problems which may arise during the course of the mission. Of course, he thought to himself, it’s not the problems you can think of that should worry you, it’s the unexpected ones that no one could predict that can cause the real problems. The mission itself seemed like a fairly straight forward one, but then again most missions did. Few however, turned out to be this. There was always a twist or turn hidden somewhere which would unveil itself at the worst possible moment. The Raven was to travel to the Windsor Sector, which was renowned for its plasma storms very similar to those in the Badlands near the Bajoran Sector and the Goldin Discountinity towards the centre of Federation space. When they arrived they were to conduct a series of scans to try to determine what had caused the range of unusual signals which had been detected from the sector over the last four months.

Pulling his computer console along the desk to sit in front of him, he began to type out a message which would be sent to all Senior Staff;

All Department Heads please ensure that your Departments Status report is submitted by 1600 hours in preparation for the Raven’s Departure from Bellicose. Please report any issues to Cmdr Torek as soon as is practicable.

Mc7.

After he finished typing the short message, he read it over and tapped the key which would send it to all Department heads. Another two hours and the Raven would be underway again, travelling through the stars and fulfilling her primary mission of scientific discovery. Another three hours and Mc7 would learn just why Intelligence had sent Captain James, and discover what was really happening with the Raven’s mission.

[Scott McLean]

“Is that it Daddy?” Vanessa asked with excitement in her voice for the first time since McLean arrival back on Earth.

“No honey,” McLean said giving her a second to be let down, “That’s it.” He finished with a outstretched arm pointing to the Intrepid Class Starship.

“Woooooooow!”

McLean smiled and kissed his daughter on the top of her head. Sitting back in the seat on the transport craft, McLean took this time to reflect on the last couple of days.

The Chief Engineers life had been turned up side down, his wife and oldest child had been taken away form him in a freak shuttle crash on Earth, and the worst part about the entire situation was that on top of all that, McLean had been struggling with a drinking problem.

He had considered resigning from Starfleet for the second time in his career but ultimately decided against it. It didn’t hurt that Vanessa wanted nothing more than to travel the stars with her father rather than stay back on Earth with her grandparents and the painful memories that remained there. If there was one person he could pin the salvation of his career and ultimately his life as he knew it, he would give all the credit to his daughter.

In his hand was a copy of the shuttle crash report, and a systems analysis of the shuttle’s computer records. He had to pull in some serious favors back on Earth to get these records from Starfleet Command. He didn’t know why they didn’t want him to look over the data himself; they just didn’t. McLean tried to look over the report several times but each time he looked into the report he found it harder and harder to focus on the work and kept losing control of his emotions and bursting into uncontrollable tears.

“Sir, we are starting our docking sequence.” Reported the pilot.

“Thank you,” McLean said before grabbing Vanessa by the waist to her onto her while they docked.

After a few minutes the transport craft had docked with the Raven. McLean took Vanessa by the hand and walked through the ship toward their quarters. McLean had to changes quarters since his were a simple one-bedroom design and now he needed two. It also allowed him to leave those old dark quarters behind and focus on his new life.

Vanessa watched with big eyes as McLean greeted several people as they walked, “Daddy you sure know a lot of people.” She said.

McLean chucked and picked up his daughter, “Yes I do.”

“Where are we going?” Vanessa curiously asked.

“Well, I need to report in with the Admiral but before I do that I need to drop you off at school.” McLean said.

“Do I have to?”

“Yes you do,” McLean replied, “every day.”

“Every day?!”

“Every day, while I’m at work.” McLean said.

“Ooohkay.”

“That’s my girl.”

The two finally made their way to the small school onboard the Raven. They walked in and the teacher greeted McLean. She gave the engineer a quick tour of the ship while Vanessa sat quietly in the back of the room. As he listened her saw Vanessa sitting by herself and hoped that she was going to be able to make friends quickly on the ship.

“So when should I come by to pick her up?” McLean asked.

“We have all our classes scheduled around the parents duty schedule, so right after you get off.” The teacher replied.

“Very good.” McLean replied and then moved pass the teacher over to Vanessa. She looked sad and McLean knew that she didn’t want him to go, “Honey, I need to go to work now.”

“Ooohkay.”

“Don’t be that way sweetie. I want you to make friends, OK?” McLean said.

Vanessa sheepishly shook her head but kept her eyes to the floor. McLean leaned in and kissed her on the forehead before getting back to his feet. He knew that she would get used to the schedule of coming to school, she was just the new girl in class and that always took some time to adjust to.

“Thank you.” McLean said as he walked out of the room. He didn’t have anything to put into his quarters; he had gotten a message letting him know that everything had been moved from his old quarters to the new one. Vanessa’s belongings were onboard the transport craft and were being beamed into the front room of their quarters for McLean to arrange after his day was over.

Walking quickly he made his way down to Engineering. He could feel his heart beating rapidly as he walked through the main doors into Main Engineering. He knew that everybody now knew that he was no longer the Chief Engineer and that Chet was in charge now. Near the Warp Core he spotted Chet going over some data on the console just in front of the core.

“How you doin’ Chet?” McLean asked.

Benson turned around, surprised to see McLean, “Scott, it’s good to have you back.”

“It’s good to be back, what can I do?” McLean said.

“Well, we are just going through our pre-launch check list right now. I didn’t expect you back until tomorrow, but if you want to get started early early here’s the other half of my ‘to-do’ list.” Benson said as he held out a data padd for McLean to take.

McLean smiled and took the padd from Benson’s hands. Benson had a thing with making ‘to-do’ lists that actually always said ‘To-Do’ on the top of the padd’s pages, “I’ll get right on it.” McLean said.

“Good.” Benson said with a smile.

[Carl Torek]

As he watched the shuttle approach the Raven, Carl was puzzled. It wasn't often that someone would dock with a ship in space-dock, though this one obviously had permission. They would normally board via the station herself ..

"Computer .. Identify occupants of shuttle approaching port hatch."

"One pilot .. Also .. Lieutenant Scott McLean and one female child .. Identified as Lieutenant McLean's daughter."

It made sense that Scott would want to board this way. The last thing he needed was every other crewman sympathizing with his recent loss.

"Docking has been approved .. Do you wish to rescind the approval ?" the computer asked, obviously misinterpreting the Exec's query as concern.

"No .. Allow the docking thankyou." Carl said.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Admiral had come aboard himself while Carl was still making final checks in Engineering. By the time he'd got up to the Bridge, Mc had been and gone ..

"Sir." said the duty Navigation Officer, "The Captain is in his ready room .. He's asked not to be disturbed."

Torek looked from the Ensign, to the ready room door, then back again before speaking ..

"Very well." he said, sitting in his seat and picking up two PADDS left on the adjacent seat ..

"I'm assuming the helm modifications and upgrades have all checked out ?"

"Aye Sir .. Helm is one hundred percent."

"Good." he replied, deciding to check the departmental reports ... But finding Mc's initials in the bottom corner of each page, knew they'd been done already ..

Carl idly wondered how Scott was coping. He felt it wasn't the time to go asking though. Between the death of his Wife and Son, his drinking problems, and a demotion for insubordination, he may not have been eager to see the Exec' right now .. Getting Vanessa, his daughter, settled into ship's life, and making sure he himself was ready to return to duty was McLean's priorities !

The bases head of Engineering, Commander Flinn entered the Bridge as Carl was thinking about Scott ..

"Penny for them ....."

"What .. Oh .. Sorry." he said, snapping back to the Bridge, "I was just trying to think if we'd missed anything." he said, as Donna smiled patiently down at him.

"Well 'we' certainly haven't .. I just need you or the Captain to sign-off on the work carried out and i'll be out of you hair." she said, grinning as she handed Carl the PADD.

Tapping in his Ident' code. Then pressing his thumb to the bottom right corner, he handed the PADD back ..

"Maybe we'll get to have that drink next time your docked .. Commander." Donna said, an almost knowing grin forming.

"Yes .. Yes we will Commander ... Donna." Carl said, returning the smile as the engineer entered the turbo-lift ..

Carl looked over to the ready-room door, he wasn't pondering the nature of the mission to come, because Mc would inform them all at the briefing .. He 'was' curious as to why they had a 'guest' on board though, and hoped Mc would enlighten him soon .. Before the rumors began ..........



< tag : All Raven-A Crew >

[markoramius]

Awaking from his slumber, Marko was feeling light headed and like he was going to vomit. Quickly reaching his bedside cabinet he pulled out a hypospray and injected himself, it had a cocktail of vitamins that could cure even the worst hangover. Sitting up Marko decided to find out the time and then head for the shower, “Computer, Current Time.”

“The time is 0928 am” Came the cold response.

As he stumbled towards the shower he tripped on his dress uniform. “Computer, Lights 50%”

The lights beamed into action and Marko was surrounded by the minefield which was his room. He jumped in the shower got into his uniform and downed a cup of tea in record time. He stared at himself in the mirror, it was hard getting used to having so many pips he smiled. Grabbing the PADD concerning Ensign Hudson it reminded him of exactly what he had to do as he headed for Bellicose.

----------------------------------------

Marko made it to the Office of the Bellicose Chief of Base Operations, a Captain Terry Cerate. The Captain seemed to have little time to be dealing with such things and had almost no idea who Marko was talking about. After a mere 2 minutes, Marko had arranged for Ensign Hudson to be transferred to the Raven as an Ops Officer. Captain Cerate passed Marko a PADD and said it just needs the thumb print of the Captain/XO of the Raven. Marko smiled and headed to find Ensign Hudson’s quarters.

After around 30minutes searching for Hudson’s quarters Marko arrived. By now the hypospray was beginning to wear off as Marko injected himself with it again to give him a boost. He pressed the door chime and awaited a response. Just then a tall man out of uniform opened the door rubbing his eyes, clearly he had just woken up. It made sense he was on the graveyard shift.

“Good morning Ensign, remember me. May I come in?” Asked Marko

“Yes, but what’s this all about?” Ensign Hudson answered he was clearly surprised to see Marko.

Sitting down on a chair in Hudson’s quarters, Marko showed Hudson the PADD.
“Here have a look… this PADD details your transfer order to the Raven as an Ops Officer in my Department, pending approval by my XO/CO of course. So what do you think?”

“I don’t know what to say Sir, thanks. I wasn’t expecting you to get back to me. When do I need to be aboard?” Asked Hudson

“As soon as possible John, the Raven is leaving later today. So have your possessions moved over to the Raven then report in to me after you’ve found your quarters. Just ask the computer once you board. You better hurry Ensign its 11:00 hours already.” Marko smiled again and shook the young man’s hand. He could tell he had a big future ahead of him in StarFleet.

----------------------------------------

Leaving Hudson’s apartment he made his way back aboard the Raven and to his Ops Office just off the Bridge. Marko had commandeered one of the Office’s off the Bridge as his own, as he got to his desk it was covered in PADDs. Reviewing them, mainly departmental reports but two PADDs stuck out in particular:

All Department Heads please ensure that your Departments Status report is submitted by 1600 hours in preparation for the Raven’s Departure from Bellicose. Please report any issues to Cmdr Torek as soon as is practicable.

Mc7.

AND

To all Senior Staff, I would like to meet with each of you individually from 2000 hours onwards.

Captain James.

The first message from Mc, was not a big deal Marko had been reviewing the inventories and repairs done and even the personel to make sure he was fully apprised of shipwide operations and had a close eye on his department. The second message, Marko was a little worried about. He couldn't help but feel that Captain James was trouble, there was something about him but Marko couldn't put his finger on it.

He began to compile his report but remembered the necessary approval for Hudson’s transfer to the Raven. He briskly made his way to the Bridge as he entered Lowz stepped aside from the Ops Console to offer Marko it but he waved to her to make clear he wasn’t staying. Reaching Commander Torek, he passed him the PADD.

“Commander, It was a long night huh?” Marko smiled, Carl didn’t look like he was suffering any after effects.

<Tag Carl>

“The PADD contains a personnel transfer from Bellicose to the Raven that requires your approval its for another Ops Officer. What do you think?” Marko asked eager to get all the boxes checked and get procedure over with so Hudson could start work.

<Tag Carl>
OOC: Apologies for the essay, I had to tie the post in with my one on the Bellicose thread.

[Carl Torek]

Carl watched as Marko entered the Bridge .. People were making last minute modifications to their panels, and one of Marko's staff moved aside as he neared. But Ramius walked straight over to the Exec' ...

"Commander .. It was a long night huh ?" Marko smiled, Carl didn’t look like he was suffering any after effects.

"It was indeed Marko .. Your heads not too bad i assume ?" Tokek said, glancing at the PADD Ramius was holding .. Marko noticed, and held out the device ..

"The PADD contains a personnel transfer from Bellicose to the Raven that requires your approval .. It is for a junior Ops Officer .. What do you think ?” he asked, waiting as Carl read the file.

"Well .. I assume his transfer is OK with his CO .. So if we are in need of another Operations Officer .. Then he's it .." Carl said, using his thumb to approve the transfer, "He 'does' know we will be leaving within the hour ?"

"He's already here Sir ..." Ramius said sheepishly.

"OK .. Get him on your duty roster and make arrangements for him to meet with me once we're underway."

"Aye Sir." Ramius said, turning to check the Opps status.

"Sir ..." said the duty Helm Officer, "Bellicose has just sent the final clearance authorizations .. We can leave at the Captains discretion."

"Very well .. Thank you." Carl said, managing not to glance at the ready-room door. After a moment, he tapped his Comms badge ...

=^= Torek to Admiral Mc 7_of_9 =^=

=^= Go ahead =^= Mc answered, listening as Carl informed him of their departure clearances ..

=^= I'll be out shortly Carl .. Free all moorings and get us to station-keeping .. We'll depart the Starbase within the hour and set a heading once in open space .. I will want to see all senior staff once we're clear of the Starbase =^=

Carl hesitated for a second before replying, it wasn't unusual to hold a briefing once the ship was underway, but this departure was quick in Carl's opinion ...

=^= Aye .. Captain =^= he acknowledged, then turned to the COO ..

"Marko .. Release all moorings and umbilicals .. Station-keeping if you will."

"Yes Sir." the Operations Officer replied, giving the appropriate orders to Helm and making sure that Commander Jared had security at all access/egress points .. 'It wouldn't do to find ourselves with a stowaway' he thought wryly, especially as they had a 'guest' on board...

All they could do now was wait for the Captain's order to depart ..........



< tag : Mc7 / All >

[markoramius]

"Marko .. Release all moorings and umbilicals .. Station-keeping if you will."

“Yes sir.”
Marko answered. This was his first departure from Bellicose on a mission and was his first real start of an assignment aboard the Raven. Marko was curious to know what lay ahead for the Raven and her crew but he knew Mc would inform him in due course.

Tapping his Comm Badge, Marko began to relay orders:

=^= Engineering, have the engines on stand by and ready for departure. We are leaving within the hour. Ramius out! =^=
Marko had spoken to Benson, he wondered what had become of Scott he hadn’t heard anything as yet.

=^= Helm, remove all moorings and umbilicals and bring us to station keeping on impulse and prepare for departure from Belicose. =^=
Marko liked giving orders to prepare the ship for departure.

=^= Security, post one Security Officer at all access points. We don’t want any unexpected visitors. The Raven departs Bellicose within the hour. Ramius out. =^=
Jared was unavailable, he was probably reviewing the ships manifest making sure everyone who had boarded was supposed to be aboard and were who they said they were.

Turning to Carl, “Preparations for departure from Bellicose are in order Sir.”

“Very well Commander”
Carl replied as he sat in the Captain’s chair watching the umbilicals and moorings detach from the Raven on screen.

Marko turned his attention back to his report on ship resources, he was reviewing the armaments that the Raven had aboard and been restocked with as well as Medical supplies. Just then Hudson entered the bridge and reported in to Carl. Marko winked at him as he spoke with the Commander, it reminded Marko of the first time he boarded the Raven and met the XO for the first time. As Hudson had finished he made his way off the Bridge his first shift was tomorrow, Marko had kept him off the duty roster so he could get settled in aboard the Raven.

[Deleted]

Without the ability to actually meet with the senior staff until the Raven was underway, David found himself restless with nothing to do. He had already read every single report on the senior staff and was ready for them.

"Computer download all files on all officer and senior non-commissioned officers," David said as he put down his tea. Deep down he knew that he was a good man, but thing were not that simple. He had to do what was best for the people he was responsible for and the Raven's crew would play in integral part in that mission.

"Computer relay prerecorded message to Admiral MC," David said as he began reading the files. It was not necessary for him to get permission to be on the bridge, but hopefully this would show the Admiral that he respected him as the commanding officer of the ship.

"Affirmative"

The Raven would be departing shortly, so his meetings with the senior staff would start shortly.

[markoramius]

Marko quickly finished what he was doing and decided to use the opportunity to speak with Captain James. Marko walked over to Carl and handed over a PADD with his up-to-the second report.

“Going somewhere Marko?” Carl asked him discreetly.

“I thought I would get my meeting with Captain James over with sooner rather than later.”

Carl turned and nodded as Marko left for the turbolift, he couldn’t help feel that Carl shared his reservations about their guest. Marko thought it best to get it over with as quickly as possible, he stepped off the Bridge into the turbolift. Asking the computer to locate Captain James.

“Computer where is Captain James?”
“Captain James is located in his quarters on Deck 2.”

Marko smiled he should have known that’s where the good Captain would be hauled up in the VIP quarters just off the Senior Officers quarters.

“Deck 2!” Marko ordered the turbolift as it wooshed down one deck, Marko stepped out and made his way to the VIP quarters.

Waiting outside the Captain’s quarters he took a deep breathe and quickly took another dose of vitamins from his hypospray to avoid feeling groggy. Marko had a feeling he was not going to enjoy this meeting, although for now the Captain seemed to be respecting the autonomy of the Raven’s crew. Marko was still intrigued by what the Captain’s purpose was, Marko couldn’t help but feel there was some darkness behind it all. Dismissing the thought, he hit the door chime and waited for Captain James to open the door. As Marko waited he felt a cold shiver run down his spine and he had goosebumps on his arms.

(Tag Captain James)

[Carl Torek]

Carl almost grinned as Marko entered the turbo-lift .. The Operations Officer looked for all the world like he'd been summoned to the Headmasters office .. Torek knew that it would be his turn soon enough, and determined to get some answers before he gave any ..

On the view-screen, he could see the last of the worker-bee shuttles moving away, leaving the Raven free to leave the massive space-dock. Glancing once again at the ready room door, Carl decided it was time to see what was going on .. Rising, he walked over to the door, activating the chime as he reached it.

"Come." Mc's faint voice sounded through the door.

"Sir .. Bellicose has cleared us for departure ..." Carl said, then continued as Mc studied the screen before him, "Whenever you are ready Admiral ..."

Pre-occupied, Mc nodded, then realizing his Exec' was still stood in front of his desk, reached out to pause the screen ..

"Sorry Carl .." Mc said, smiling apologetically at his friend, "There's some information i need to go through then i will brief you and the Senior staff .. Take us out of space-dock and set course for the Windsor Sector .. Warp five .. I'll be with you shortly ..."

"Yes Sir .. No problem." Carl said, turning to re-enter the Bridge.

"Mr Jared .. Status." Torek asked as he sat in the Captains chair.

"We're free and ready to leave space-dock Commander." Jared said from the Opps station.

"Very well .. Helm .. Take us out .. Once clear of the station set course for the Windsor Sector .. Warp five."

"Aye Sir .. Windsor Sector at War five." the duty Navigation Officer said. Then she nudged the Raven forward using the ships' thrusters then impulse power ..

Once clear of the space-dock, the Raven began a lazy turn to Port, Bellicose falling behind them .. As the ship leveled off, it leapt into warp .. Arrowing toward their destination ..........



< tag : Mc / All >

[elianabetor]

E'Liana opened the door to her quarters, putting the suitcase on the bed and the howling Lursa on the floor in her carry-case.

“Oh really Lursa, stop it.” She scolded her young cat, moving her ankle out of the way of a suspiciously sharp claw. E’Liana bent down to open the case cautiously and saw a streak of fur pass through her legs and under the bed.

She had enjoyed her time off, having spent most of it with Joy or alone on the holodeck playing out one of the Klingon exercise games or a stupid romance holonovel that her elder sister Mary sent her.

She certainly liked Mr Darcy.

Grinning to herself she rummaged in her bag trying to find the report for the Admiral. Finally discovering it somehow inside a pocket of a jacket she hadn’t even worn, she uploaded it and sent it to his office. Opening her messages she found one from the Intelligence officer stating that he wanted to see them all individually.

“Eugh.” She flumped resignedly onto the bed. She distrusted the Intelligence officers. Her father had always taught her that they were dishonourable, they did not have the constitution to find their information through normal means and subjected people to sneaky ‘interviews’…and she was to have one.

“What a way to get back to work” she muttered to herself. ~I’m not volunteering for him to take my time, he’ll have to come and find me. Doctors are very busy people after all…~

E’Liana scratched Lursa affectionately behind the ear and left for Sickbay to start work. She wondered what Joy thought of it all…

[Carl Torek]

They wouldn't reach the Windsor Sector for some time .. The Admiral had made it plain that, whatever he was researching, was of some importance and he wasn't to be disturbed, even, it seemed, by his Executive Officer .. It wasn't something that normally happened, but Carl was confident that Mc would inform him what was going on, not to mention, exactly what the Ravens mission was, in due time ..

Checking the rota, he noticed that Scott McLean was currently off duty. He decided to contact him. Torek really needed to speak to the Engineer. They hadn't spoken since Carl had had him demoted, and he was hoping, beyond hope maybe, that Scott wasn't going to hold it against him .. 'Having his daughter on board may have changed Scott's habits' Carl thought.

"Computer .. Location of Lieutenant McLean."

"Lieutenant McLean is currently in Holo-deck two .. A 'privacy' notice is activated." the computer said matter-of-factly.

'So much for going for a chat' Carl thought.

"Is he alone ?" Torek asked.

"The Lieutenants Daughter is on the holo-deck with him."

"Fair enough." Carl said, shrugging.

"Please rephrase the comment." the computer said.

"Disregard last comment."

It was getting close to a shift change. Carl decided to pass the time doing something other than staring at the stars streaming by .. He picked up one of the PADDs left earlier. He'd get the reports up to date. There didn't seem much else to do until Mc decided to hold the mission briefing ..........



< tag : Admiral / All >

[Scott McLean]

“Was that fun?” McLean asked with a big smile on his face.

“Yeeeeah!” Vanessa said.

“Good,” McLean replied with a smile, “We’ll have to do that more often then.”

“Goodie!”

McLean laughed and pressed on with his daughter’s hand firmly in his grasp. He had found a new sense of meaning in his life. Starfleet was not just something he had done because he wanted to explore or work on the newest cutting technology but it was the family aspect he had never known. Vanessa was the one who saw that in Starfleet and urged that he remain in and stationed on a Starship.

“I want you to quickly wash up before dinner.” McLean said as the two entered their quarters.

“OK.” Vanessa said as she rounded the corner into her room.

McLean was still trying to get used to his new quarters, the smell of the place didn’t smell like his old quarters. They smelled like new quarters, not like home. He hoped in the next couple of weeks it would start to smell like home.

Just as McLean started to take off his jacket a beep from the wall console got his attention. Walking over to the console he pushed a few buttons and suddenly a old face appeared on the screen in front of him.

“Scotty!”

“Oh man, Brett, how are you doing?” McLean replied in shock.

“Not too bad my friend.” Brett said.

“Good, I’m glad to hear that. So what do I owe these honors?” McLean asked.

“Well, I’m actually calling on business.”

“Business?” McLean asked.

“Yeah it’s about Stephanie.”

“What about her?” McLean asked.

“Well, when I heard the news I started doing some searching and I found out a few things that I probably shouldn’t have. I’m torn between my oath of loyalty and my friendship with you on this one man, but I think you should know something.”

“What?” McLean asked.

“Stephanie’s shuttle crash was no accident.”

Just as Brett finished saying those words the picture on the display started to go fuzzy. McLean stood in shock and watched helplessly as the image of his friend started to disappear.

“They’re on to me already, I just thought you should know.” Brett said before the screen went black. McLean sat with his hand on the console, tears starting to run from his eyes.

“Daddy?” Vanessa called form behind him.

“Yes dear?” McLean replied as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

“My computer is beeping at me and I don’t know what to do.”

McLean looked at Vanessa with a curious look. He had a hard time believing the coincidence of Brett getting a hold of him and just afterward a communication coming through to Vanessa’s computer.

“Of course!” McLean said nearly shouting. He rushed over to Vanessa and picked her up into his arms, “Baby, I need you to go play in my room for a minute while I fix your computer, OK?”

“OK Daddy.”

“Good girl.” McLean said before kissing her on the forehead and setting her back down on the floor. He watched as Vanessa rushed off into the next room before he walked into Vanessa’s room and saw the beeping monitor for himself.

He wondered what Brett had sent him. Brett and McLean had been good friends in the Academy but their friendship didn’t transcend the areas in which they ended up. Brett ended up in Starfleet intelligence while McLean ended up as a drunken, washed out Chief Engineer.

Pushing a single button on Vanessa’s computer opened a lone document. It wasn’t encrypted or anything, just a straight report filed under various surnames. It was then that he realized the simplicity of the message. It had been sent to a child’s computer, which had no security access and was running on one of the less active frequencies in Starfleet, a perfect place to send sensitive documents.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” McLean said in shock as he read the document in front of him.

[Deleted]

In his long and tenured career, no one had ever willingly come to him and talk about his career and crewmates. So when the Raven's operations officer came to his quarters to talk to him, it took him a second to regain his composure.

"Commander, this is very unusual," David said as he allowed the young man in his quarters," I'll gladly speak to you now, but be aware that an official sit down may be upcoming."

(Marko)

OOC: Yes I know, please don't hate me, but I've been extremely busy with work and well work. It will get better.... I promise.

[markoramius]

As the door opened Captain James was looking slightly bewildered, Marko wasn’t sure why but he had the upper hand on the Intelligence Officer. Marko had always been interested in psychology as an avid chess player would use any advantage he could see and he had clearly caught Captain James off guard. The element of surprise Marko thought, the meeting would be on his terms and not those of the Raven's guest.

James stared at Marko slightly exasperated and said:

"Commander, this is very unusual," David said as he allowed the young man in his quarters," I'll gladly speak to you now, but be aware that an official sit down may be upcoming."

Marko looked at James, what had made this man choose to be an Intelligence Officer? Quite possibly the most disliked career path within StarFleet. Marko always wondered what possessed such officers to investigate crews from ship to ship with no real bond or friends. Marko straightened his uniform,

“Unusual, what makes you say that I just want to get this over with as quickly as possible, I’m also curious as to why you are here Captain. May I come in?”

Marko smiled as he replied to Captain James

Captain James nodded and invited Marko to have a seat in his quarters. Marko had a look around, not an item was out of place, the only area of mess was the Captain’s desk with padds scattered across it. Marko could not see any personal effects in the quarters, it seemed either James was a very private man or had few friends. Looking up from his seat he noticed James go to his desk to retrieve something and asked:

“So what is this all about Captain, why are you interviewing all the senior staff?”

(Captain James)

[Mc7_of_9]

Moments after calling Carl to his ready room, the door chime chirped. Calling for his XO to come in, the doors parted and Torek walked into the ready room.

Have a seat Carl. Can I get you anything to drink?

Thank you Sir. I'll have a cappuccino please

After hearing Carl's request, mc7 stood and walked over to the replicator, and ordered two cappuccino's for them. After the replicator had finished the materialisation process the Admiral took the two cups over to the desk.

I just wanted to give you a breif outline of the Raven's mission. It should be a fairly straight forward one, but a challenging one for our new Science Officer. When we arrive at the Windsor Sector we are to scan the region for any anomalies in the sector. Starfleet has detected some strange readings from their long range scans and we're to investigate them. The Sector has never been fully scanned at close range before, so there is a small chance that we may run into something unexpected, but I'm sure if that were to happen the Raven and her crew would be more than ready for it.

Since we left the Starbase I've been researching the scans taken of the Badlands and also of the Goldin Discountinity. These two regions hold a very strong similarity to the Windsor Sector, and I want to see if there is anything in the reading that we need to be aware of before we arrive. Can you schedule a Senior Staff briefing for 0800 hours tomorrow, that will give us a few hours before we arrive to brief the crew.

As for our unexpected guest, you know just as much about Captain James as I do. I'm surprised that given I have a background in Intelligence myself that I haven't at least come across his name before, but I'm guessing he's one of the newer crop that I didn't have much dealings with. Though of course any information you learn about the Captain I would be eager to hear

The last comment came across as almost a joke, but both officers knew there was a seriousness underlying it.

Changing the topic of conversation entirely, Mc7 brought up an idea he had been tinkering with for a while now.

I was thinking of trying to resurrect the old Starfleet tradition of every so often the Senior Officers having a meal together. I thought it might be an idea to do this once every two weeks or so, allowing us to informally update each other on anything going on, and also to spend time together out with a working environment. What's your thoughts on it?

[ashleydville]

Finally Ashley was let out of Sickbay's isolation room, he was clear of any Ilium-629. He was exposed to it on his Cadet mission and as he blew up a can of it to get a door opened it was just a safely precaution.

Getting his kit bag, slotting his PaDD in the holder at the small of his back and finally getting his orders he headed to the bridge.

'Thank you Doctor BeTor.'

The USS Raven, his first posting out of the academy, entering the closest turbolift. 'Bridge' he ordered simply.

He stepped out of the turbolift between the Tactical and Ops stations. He walked quickly to the Captain's Ready room on his left and pressed the chime.

[Deleted]

“Unusual, what makes you say that I just want to get this over with as quickly as possible, I’m also curious as to why you are here Captain. May I come in?”

"In due time, Commander," James said as he allowed the young man to enter.

“So what is this all about Captain, why are you interviewing all the senior staff?”

"That's for me to know and I would appreicate if you would stop asking me questions which you will recieve no answer to," James said as he sat down. "For now, all you need to know that Intelligence is very concerned with certain officers within the fleet. I have also been sent to investigate the deaths of the Raven crewmen that were lost in your last mission. As you know we are very worried about the Romulans."

As James spoke to the operations officer, he took the opportunity to read him. As an intelligence officer, he was trained to read people discreetly. He already knew that Marko was very close to his family and had aspirations for command. According to his Academy profile, he was a hardworking honest cadet who had a great future in Starfleet.

"I understand that the crew might not want me here, but that will not stop me from doing my job," James said," for now I want to know what exactly happened during your last mission?"

(Marko)

[markoramius]

"That's for me to know and I would appreciate if you would stop asking me questions which you will receive no answer to," James said as he sat down. "For now, all you need to know that Intelligence is very concerned with certain officers within the fleet. I have also been sent to investigate the deaths of the Raven crewmen that were lost in your last mission. As you know we are very worried about the Romulans."

Marko paused for a moment, the Captain’s reply was fair enough. Intelligence would not have sent Edwards for no reason and it was a need to know basis, Marko assumed that he did not need to know. As for the worry of the romulans, Marko was aware that StarFleet was becoming increasingly concerned with the romulan activity in the neutral zone so that added up. Captain Edwards continued:

"I understand that the crew might not want me here, but that will not stop me from doing my job," James said," for now I want to know what exactly happened during your last mission?"

“I’ll start from my arrival aboard the Raven. It was stardate 2393.0406, I arrived as an Acting Ensign to take up the post of Chief Operations Officer. As part of the Zeus program, the Raven had a romulan delegation made up of 4 romulan officers. Shortly after the romulans were aboard devices were found across the ship which blocked sensors, 2 members of the romulan delegation were murdered, we believed there to be a saboteur amongst the delegation or onboard the ship. The romulans were confined to their quarters but the saboteur continued to strike at will across the ship. Even managing to attack our Chief Engineer and the Captain causing them both to end up in Sickbay. As the net began to close around our saboteur, an old klingon bird of prey was cloaked shadowing the Raven. We detected the ship, Commander Torek ordered it to decloak – it dully did revealing a ferengi on screen commanding the ship. Then suddenly, the saboteur blew up deck 10, with 4 of the Raven’s crew perishing and a further 18 injured in the blast just as the klingon bird of prey tried to cloak – we fired upon it and never heard of it again.”

Marko paused for breathe, and also to mourn the fallen crewmembers who had lost their lifes in the mission and then began to continue what he remembered of the mission. Clearing his throat he continued with what had happened from his perspective…

“We assumed the ship was destroyed, Engineering teams placed temporary bulkheads and forcefields on deck 10 to hold the ship together. However, it impaired our warp speed. As we were making our return to Bellicose, the Raven seemed to shake every so often becoming more frequent as we neared Bellicose. Commander Torek and Captain Mc spoke with one of the romulan officers who had attempted to send a signal from within the Raven. The tremors continued across the ship and the cause was another ship travelling at warp simultaneously with the Raven causing the Warp fields to bash off one another in a sense and was causing the Raven to tremor. This would have led to the Raven effectively shaking itself to pieces, fortunately Scott McLean discovered a way to counter it and we fired a photon torpedo from the aft torpedo tubes to disrupt the fields. In so doing, we damaged the Raven’s structural integrity but also that of the pursuing vessel, which was worse off and stopped pursuing the Raven. After which we headed back to Bellicose with our return being less eventful.”

“That’s what I recall happening on our last mission, it should all be available in my mission report. Do you have any further questions on what happened?”

Marko turned to Captain Edwards who had remained silent during Marko’s mission report, it still felt it was like yesterday to Marko and in his memory he could remember almost everything about what transpired.

(Captain Edwards)

[Scott McLean]

McLean leaned back in the chair and stared in disbelief at the document he had just received. The document not only outlined how the shuttle accident had happened it had explained why it had happened.

“Daddy?” McLean heard form behind him.

Turning to face the little voice he saw Vanessa walking toward him, “Are you all right Daddy?”

McLean smiled as best as he could given the situation and replied, “Yes dear.” McLean reached out with his arms and picked up his daughter, “Are you ready for bed?”

He watched as Vanessa shook her head yes and then made herself more comfortable in her father’s arms. McLean clicked a few buttons on the small computer, saving the data in his own custom made drive with in the ships main computer.

“Baby,” McLean said moving Vanessa so he could see her face, “Could you get ready for bed while I do my log entries for the day?”

“Sure Daddy.”

“That’s a good girl,” McLean said putting Vanessa back down on her feet, “I’ll be only a few minutes.”

Seconds later McLean left Vanessa and walked out in the front room to record his personal log. Walking first to the main console in the front room he reopened the files he was just looking at on Vanessa’s computer.

“Computer,” McLean paused for the chime, “Start recording personal log.”

With in a few seconds McLean’s log beeped and he was ready to start, “Engineers Personal Log, Star date 2391.0710. I’ve just received some disturbing news about the sudden death of my wife Stephanie and my son Andy. This information was provided by my close friend from the Academy, Commander Brett Ruby.

The last I was told he was working with Starfleet Intelligence on several hush-hush missions. Attached to this personal log are the files he has just sent to me on a private channel. If anything is to happen to me or my daughter Vanessa I wish for this information to be forwarded to every single officer aboard the USS Raven with instructions to be presented to the Starfleet press association. I’m going to continue to work on this investigation and try to get to the bottom of their deaths to try and confirm this information that Brett has sent me.

I don’t quite know what to make of the information as of yet. It seems that somebody in Starfleet had my family killed as some sort of warning about exposing certain research that I’m supposed to be working on. I can only hope that Brett wont go missing and that he can continue to feed me more information that will help me come to the bottom of this. End Log.”

[jed]

Jed looked around with a ear-to-ear grin on his face, after a moment he whistled to himself as he looked at the ship through a window on the starbase. He hadnt bothered to get used to the starbase just yet, as he was more worried about the ship before it left. Luckily for him had had arrived rather early and actually had time to explore the starbase before his ship left. Being a man of many talents, he found himself in the promenade, where he did alitte gambling, won some money, and spoke with a few merchants to get to know some people. Unfortuneatly, few people wanted to talk to him, he didn't know why but it didn't bother him either.

Finally entering the Raven, Jed started walking around, completely unsure as to what he should do. Being a civilian meant he didn't really have his own job, so he figured he would just talk to the captain, or whoever it was that was in charge of the ship. Walking around the ship, he wasn't sure if he actually had to report to the captain, or just wait and find him one day walking day in the hallway. Headed towards 10-forward, he found an empty table and sat down, waiting for the ship to take off.

[Carl Torek]

"There's more than a chance he's here to conduct an investigation ..."

"That's some flare for understatement you have there Carl .." Mc said, laughing, "Ever thought of a stage career ?"

"Do i get to wear my own clothes ?" Carl retorted, laughing too, then got serious for a moment, "He's looking into someone .. Scott maybe ?"

Mc thought about it for a moment before replying ..

"No .. Commander McLean has gone through a rough time recently .. But I can't honestly see Starfleet Intelligence taking that much interest." the Admiral said, and Carl caught the flicker of a frown on Mc's brow, before he smiled and continued, "Maybe he's looking at you .. Or me for that matter."

Carl grinned, though now Mc had broached the possibility, it began to dawn on him that he, or for some obscure reason, the Admiral, was the subject of Captain James's presence ...

After the coffee and chat, Carl decided to let Mc get on with his research .. The Windsor Sector was a new one on him, so hopefully tomorrows staff meeting would shed some light on things .. Getting up, he said goodnight to the Admiral and entered the Bridge. There was one or two things he needed to check up on, then he was heading to bed .. As he sat down he tapped his Comms badge ..

=^= Commander Torek to all Senior Staff .. Please attend a Staff meeting at zero eight hundred tomorrow morning .. Torek out =^=

With that done, he scanned the Bridge before heading for the turbo-lift .. He decided to drop into Ten forward for a nightcap before bed ..........


< tag : All >

[jed]

Jed sat with a glass of water, being one of the only ones in Ten Forward, he had the time to look around and actually talk with the bar keep. As the man talked, Jed pretended to listen as what was being said wasnt very interesting. "This place used to stay busy all the time, but nowadays it seems no one wants to stop by" Jed nodded in response, thinking in his head, 'maybe it cuase your not a very exciting person.' Jed looked back as an officer entered to be greeted by the boring bar keep. "Good day commander Torek, what can i get for you?" the bar keep asked.

<tag Torek>

Jed was getting bored just sitting there, so he thought he would get to know the officer, 'one more friend to come and visit him for any odd reason' he thought as he stood up. "Good evening sir, i dont mean to bother you if your busy, do you mind if i join you?" Jed asked as the commander ordered a drink. "no i dont mind at all" he said, indicating the chair in front of him. "I'm Jed, i'm a little new here, just got a board a few hours ago"

<tag Torek>

[markoramius]

Marko had finished giving his breakdown of the last mission to Captain James, when his comm. badge beeped. Marko gazed at Captain James as the comm. came through…

=^= Commander Torek to all Senior Staff .. Please attend a Staff meeting at zero eight hundred tomorrow morning .. Torek out =^=

Marko shot out of his seat once Commander Torek had finished speaking. Marko turned to Captain James,
“I hope you will understand, me cutting this meeting short. Hopefully my recall of the Raven’s last mission will be sufficient for now. If you wish to pose any questions, can we meet some other time?”

(Captain James)

As Captain James, acknowledged Marko’s need to cut their meeting short. Marko made his way out of the Captain’s quarters and headed for the Bridge.

“Bridge” Marko declared as he stepped on the turbolift and it shot up one deck. Reaching the Bridge, Marko relieved the duty Ops Officer and returned to the Ops station. Marko arrived on the Bridge, as he reached his station he began preparing the duty roster for the upcoming mission and reviewing department reports. Marko thought for a moment about his meeting with Captain James, it had been quite laid back so he had been reassured somewhat by the Captain’s presence but something was still not quite right. Marko did not approve of Intelligence’s methods it was far too secretive for his liking but perhaps it was necessary.

Once Marko had finished his tasks, he decided to head for his quarters as the ‘night-shift’ took up their stations on the Bridge for the long haul. Marko acknowledged the officers as they arrived on the Bridge as Marko went to his quarters for a good nights sleep before the briefing. Marko made his way to his quarters, he was looking forward to tomorrows briefing, particularly keen to find out the purpose of their new mission. Marko had a quick sonic shower before replicating a cup of tea and preparing for bed.

[Carl Torek]

Ten Forward was quiet, though it usually was at this time of night .. Leaning on the bar, he waited while the steward finished moving some glasses then walked over to the Exec' ..

"Good evening Commander .. What can i get for you ?"

"I'll have my usual brandy please Tom." Carl said, raising his eyes at the question, as Tom had been serving him a brandy every time he walked in.

"Good evening Commander .. I don't mean to bother you if your busy .. Do you mind if I join you ?"

Carl turned at the voice beside him and smiled. It was rare that anyone even spoke to him in here, he usually came in for a quiet drink and some solitude. Tonight it was a welcome change ..

"Feel free .... erm ..."

"Smith .. Jededia Smith .. I'm new to the Raven."

"Ahh .. Then welcome Mr Smith." Carl said, holding out a hand.

"Please .. Call me Jed .. Everyone does." he replied, taking the offered hand.

"OK .. Jed it is .. Are you taking up a position on the ship ?"

"Well I'm not too sure what I'm going to be doing .. I have an Engineering background .. But I'm not keen to return to that field at the moment." he replied, watching a slight frown appear on the XO's brow ..

"Tom .." Carl said, turning to the steward briefly, "Did we ever replace T'nar ?"

"Does it 'look' like we replaced her ?" Tom said with mock exasperation.

"T'nar was the Manager of the bar.." Torek explained, "She left to get married while we were docked at Bellicose .... Hey !" Carl suddenly shouted, having a brain-wave, "Why not take over Ten Forward .. At least until you decide on what to settle into."

"Hmm .. I'm not su ...." Jed began.

"Give it some thought." Carl said, finishing his drink, "Can't hurt .. Well I'll say goodnight Jed .. Nice to have met you .. Tom." he continued, looking now at the barman, "You missed a bit there."

"Don't let me stop you correcting that Mr Torek." Tom said, throwing a damp cloth onto the bar in front of Carl, then laughing loudly.

"Maybe next time .. Night Tom .. Night Mr Smith." Carl said, heading out of Ten Forward and for his quarters ..........

[ashleydville]

Ashley entered Ten Forward there was alot of off duty personel of all ranks here. He walked to the bar and was about to order when the barman cut across him.

'No Blood Wine or other Klingon drinks.' he stated.

'I wish a Betaziod chocolate cream, with extra cream.' Ashley grinned he knew this order would rise an eyebrow or two.

It arrived he turn and looked around the room. He still felt out of place in this many people in it. He took his drink to an empty table. This fear of crowds was started to build so he sat in a vulcan mediation position and ask the table to produce a kal-toh, so it would help him to focus this thoughts from the scared toprevent the violent.