Mission 9.1 - "Onward the Light Brigade"

[Deleted]

Tiberian sat in the office on the port side of Assailant, overlooking the vast desert plains of Qualinost below. The office was simply a large ante room, which led onto one of the main conference chambers of the starbase, where the Victory's new mission briefing would soon commence. In the room with him were eight other Captains, all part of the taskforce which had been initially assembled upon hearing of the Kasar threat, but which had been sat idle since the Victory's retreat from the system. Now it would appear that something was going to happen, but Tiberian couldn't for the life of him understand what. It had been a couple of weeks now since the Kasar presence had become fully known, and in that time no contact had been attempted, and no ships deployed, whilst they were undoubtedly building an ever increasing bulwark of sensor grids and weapon turrets. Surely nine starships weren't going to be thrown against such undoubtedly stalwart defences. Mind you, no one could ever be certain what people in Starfleet command saw as a good idea. A female Captain moved to stand at the viewport beside him, and extended a hand in greeting.

"Kasten, Captain of the Demetrius" she smiled.

"Wong, Lieutenant...I mean Colonel...I mean Captain" He stuttered, suddenly realising this was the first real command situation he was in, and that he had yet to decide what title he was actually using.

"You should probably pick one and stick with it" the Captain ribbed gently, her smile not fading "It tends to give a good impression if you know what to call yourself"

"Wong, Lieutenant Colonel Wong, Captain of the Victory" he finally managedm, gasping the extended hand a little too vigorously.
"Bit new at all this"

"I guessed" she was still smiling "But judging by the marine uniform and that tricorder you've got for an eye, I guess this sort of thing isn't new to you"

"No that's true enough" Tiberian grimaced "I've seen more than my fair share of the frak over the years, but I don't know what they want the nine of us for. I barely got out of Jolmar alive, so I'm pretty confident that nine ships won't make a scratch"

"I know, but in my opinion..." Tiberian never got the opportunity to find out what her opinion was, as at that moment the door opened and a pair of ensigns ushered them inside.

They all took their places at a long polished obsidian oval table, Tiberian sticking close to Kasten, more for moral support than anything else. He'd been happy to sit in the XO role, and all this had been thrust upon him quite unexpectedly. Nonetheless, he wouldn't let down the proudest traditions of the Victory, one of which was not looking a fool in front of his commanding officers. In addition to the Captains, at the head of the table, sat a full admiral going slightly to fat, a commander in operations gold whose smooth and featureless skin could almost match the obsidian of the table, and a female rear admiral, with greying hair and dark piercing eyes that made Tiberian a little uncomfortable, and after his experiences on a Nekori ship some years ago, that didn't happen easily. The Admiral stood, and the chatter died down in deferrence to his presence.

"Captains, I do not bring good news" the lights dimmed and holo emmiters in the ceiling created a projection of the Jolmar system that hung in mid air.
"Thanks to a long range listening post and some creative thinking from the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, we've been able to get a relatively good look at the Jolmar system without needing to put a ship out there for them to shoot at. What we've seen is not heartening. In addition to the twenty commandeered Tholian vessels that the initial strike force used, a much larger and better armed ship of presumably native Kasar origin has arrived in the Jolmar system to boost their defences. This has been coupled with a three fold increase in orbital weapon batteries around Jolmar Prime and IV, listening posts in the outer system, and the possibility of a gravitic minefield in this mid system asteroid belt. Basically the Jolmar system is a fully operational combat post"

He paused, letting the detail and power of his words sink in before continuing.

"18 hours ago, we lost sensor coverage when the Kasar sensor posts began emmitting a highly sophisticated jamming signal. But, before we lost contact, we were able to determine that another orbital deployment was being made around Jolmar Prime"

"More orbital batteries" an Andorian Captain opposite Tiberian asked "Something long range?"

"Actually" the Operations Commander next to the Admiral said, rising to join him "We believe that from a conformational analysis, and using known Tholian and Kasar technology as a benchmark, that this is in fact a shipyard"

"Which means" the Admiral took control once again "That the Kasar may be developing the capability to produce ships well within Federation territory. And if that is the case, we need to do something about it and fast"

"If you're sending us on a suicide run against this installation, then I'd like to be the first person to tell you that you can shove this plan in your plasma exhaust vent" Kasten stared directly into the Admiral's eyes, whilst every other Captain in the room stared at her in shock. Even more shocking was how the old man broke out in a roaring belly laugh.

"Lily really, I spent far too much time and effort training you to throw you away on a suicide mission, tempting although it may be for your insurbordination. No, I don't want you to go out on a tactical strike. The purpose of this task force is simple, to approach the Jolmar border, to work together to overcome the interference, and to analyse and relay information back to Starfleet Command. If you can open a dialogue that would be good, but I'm not going to hold my breath. There is only one clear imperative however, that this is not a combat mission, and that you do not start a war"

At this point he appeared to glare at the rear admiral seated to his left, who as resolutely avoiding his gaze as every Captain in the room was avoiding hers.

"In simple terms" He continued "We do not have sufficient strength near enough to handle an incursion of this strength at this time. We are bringing in reinforcements from surrounding sectors, but due to other constraints, we won't be at full tactical readiness for six weeks. We need to stall them for that long at least, if not longer so we can end the Colonial War and avoid annoying the Klingons if we seemingly take the Tholians side. Now, Rear Admiral Cain will be heading this operation, and I'm sure she will be hosting her own briefing soon enough, but for now I'm giving an immediate green light. I want ships in formation and on the move within two hours, everything else will have to happen en route. That's it, good luck and warp speed"

And with a nod the meeting was over, Tiberian nodding to his fellow Captain's as he departed back to the Victory, tapping his commbadge.

=/\=Wong to Colonel Methos. Colonel I want you to cancel shoreleave and get all remaining personnel onboard asap. I want us closed up and ready to depart base within the hour=/\=

<TAG Colonel Methos>

~One Hour Later~

Tiberian sat on the bridge as the ship coasted out of spacedock and into the open void of stars that lay before it. She took her position amongst the other starships of the taskforce and awaited further instructions. Tiberian smiled as he looked around the bridge, proud of the crew which had so diligently adjusted to the shock change in command. He turned to Methos in the XO chair.

"The bridge is yours Colonel. Inform the senior staff that mission briefing will be in one hour in the conference lounge, and then take further deployment orders from the taskforce flagship. If you need anything, or if anyone signals orders for me, I'll be in my ready room"

My ready room. Tiberian smiled, that one was going to take some getting used to.

<TAG Senior Staff and Rear Admiral Cain>

[Gheskori]

Gheskori enjoyed himself thoroughly at the Officers' club on Assailant. He had socialised, consumed all manner of beverages and had been thoroughly fascinated, if amused, at the drunken man who had crumpled to the floor nearby Davis. All the senior staff and a fair few of the more junior officers had been there; the senior ones forming the nucleus around which the rest slowly circulated.. extracting from the conversations what they wished, giving what they could and generally causing sufficient reason for the merriment that was present throughout the entire place.

Now he was back on the Victory, news of a new mission providing another distraction to add to the limitless ones already gathering in Gheskori's head, begging for more attention. And like the junior officers in the FishTank, he would take from those distractions - that so held the rights of exclusivity for existing in his mind - what he wanted and give to them what he pleased.

A whimsical notion, thought the Denobulan as he neared the bridge, but a pleasant one. He took the helm from the junior officer who did not look particularly excited at his relieving as Ghes was at taking it from him. And so he should be, thought the Denobulan; controlling the ship in a formation of other vessels was not only breathtaking to the eye as that eye peered out the viewscreen, but it was also a welcome challenge. A chance to test the mettle, and therefore something Ghes particularly relished the prospect of.

"How's the console been treating you, Ensign?" he asked the relieved officer as he - Ghes - swung into the chair.

"Well enough, sir," he replied, "We had a slight problem with the ventral thrusters, their.. well, their thrust vectors had been playing up ever since the Kasar's final attack. Should be fixed now though."

Ghes broke his steady, amused leer away from the Ensign, "Thank you," he said with a smile and the performance of what humans called a wink.

Ghes twisted around to see Colonel Methos residing in the Captain's chair. "Colonel Methos, sir. We're moving out, nominal thruster speed and holding formational pattern." Reported the Denobulan. He looked ahead at the viewscreen at the rear of the ship in front and slightly above the Victory's longitudinal plane. Gheskori recognised it as the USS Demetrius, and he theorised that the Victory must have been one of the oldest ships in the task force. It was ironic, the oldest ship captained by the newest commander.

<Tag All>

[vin]

Vin did not spend to much time on the station, he had joined the others only briefly in the lounge but kept to himself, he did not want to show that he was unsociable but he was not a drinker either. He got bored and took a walk then headed back to the ship to finish some paperwork since he had some quiet time.

Vin had just finished with his paperwork when his people started coming in, Tracy one of his officers stuck her head in.

"Chief, hope I'm not disturbing you, but r and r has been recalled and the ship is in preperation to leave the base." She said.

"Thanks Tracy, I was just finishing, I should get up to the bridge then." Vin said getting up.

Vin left his office and headed to the lit and took it up to the bridge,he took his spot at tactical and ran a quick check of all the systems.

[jamesmatthew]

Scene :Victory Docking Hatch # 3

“Cmdr Matthew stepped off the Turbo lift Heading Toward Docking Hatch # 3 he paused to look out the Tran steel windows.

“Above, like a gaping metal mouth rose around the ship Hull as it Being repaired . Sparks fizzled briefly from countless sites before dying in the cold airless void, while work bees and engineers in enviro-suits darted back and forth amid the steel fingers.

“Below was the illuminated white disk of The Victory's saucer, encapsulated within the steel cocoon of the dry dock.

‘Cmdr Matthew sighed softly wishing again to be back floating free of gravity.

“He was jolted from the reverie by the sound of footfalls behind him,
and turned to see the Officers returning back to the ship”

"Ok people why was I awaken this time of the morning to come Down here "

"Hello, Commander . We need a Senior Command officer the sign off on theses repair’s

"Cmdr Matthew grinned slightly. " as he signed the PaDD Do not worry Ensign . Someday your Get to have this kind of fun ok so you’re a Engineering Tech / Structural Specialist”

‘Ensign Thevis Yes sir I was just assigned to the Victory the week “

“Cmdr Matthew ‘ welcome to the victory “

( Attention all deck all shore leave have been cancel all officers are to report back to the ship all Department Head’s are to make ready to get underway ‘

“ Cmdr Matthew “ That Not Good ‘ok ensign report to you Department head Matthew headed for the turbo lift Main Bridge .

< Tag All >

[Tiana Galwyn Cet]

Russ had disappeared off almost as soon as he had arrived, it seemed he was dealing with a medical emergency which gave Tiana another question to add to the the hundred or so that were flittering about in her head. How exactly did someone get medically trained on only a few weeks...

She would find a resolution to all these questions it was only a matter of time. Sensible people do not get between scientists and answers. When Colonel Wong was called away Tiana had the instinct that something serious was up. Whispers said that starfleet was very interested in the Jolmaran system, something that did not surprise Tiana at all. She wasn't sure how she felt about the prospect of returning there. Certainly there was unfinished business of the planet but she had also had nightmares of seeing the Victory destroyed leaving her stranded on the surface. Fears were meant to be faced but that didn't make it any easier.

Tiana had not long finished her brisk dash round the shops on Assailant when a call came over the comms that Victory shoreleave was cancelled and that crew were to report back onboard at once. Tiana made it back to the ship in record time and then checked the return of all of her staff, once she had double checked that they were all on board she sent her readiness report to the FO and then went to the bridge. She arrived just in time to see the Victory slide gracefully away from Assailant and take up stationkeeping in what seemed to be a sea of other vessels. Tiana did not know what was happening but decided that she could probably contain her curiosity for another hour until the staff meeting. All the same she passed that hour by trying to read everything in the starfleet database on the Jolmaran system and the Kasar, the race who seemed to be behind the interference on the planet, it was not particularly pleasant reading. She still ended up arriving for the briefing three minutes early and decidedly twitchy. She entered the conference lounge wondering if anyone had beaten her.

Tag: briefing

[methos]

=/\=Wong to Colonel Methos. Colonel I want you to cancel shoreleave and get all remaining personnel onboard asap. I want us closed up and ready to depart base within the hour=/\=

=/\=Aye, sir.=/\=

Methos replied to Wong's communique.

=/\=Col. Methos to all Victory personnel. Shore Leave is hereby canceled. All Personnel are to report to you department heads immediately and make preparations to depart.=/\=

Methos was already in his shipboard quarters finishing putting away his personal effects. He quickly glanced around the room. His 12th century era bow and long sword, both of which were completely operational, hung on the wall closest to the door. He had a 20th century era M-4, also operational, in a display case across from his computer terminal. He decided that his stuff was in a sufficient location, picked up a PADD from his desk and made his way to the Bridge.

Exiting the lift, he surveyed the bridge and its crew, many of whom had only just returned to the ship. He asked for a status report. The bridge officer, an older human Lt. handed him another PADD, as if he expected the report to be asked for. Methos made a mental note to get to know at least the names of all the Bridge personnel, by the end of this mission, however long that may be.

~~~~~~~~~About 30 Minutes Later~~~~~~~~~

Tiberian stepped off the lift and the Tactical officer yelled, "Captain on the Bridge!" Methos quickly stood and presented a report, saying the the ship would be ready to leave within 20 minutes. Wong nodded and moved to the center seat. He hesitated and he sat down, something a Marine rarely, if ever, does. After Tiberian settled, Methos leaned over and said, "Sir, if it's any consolation, this is my first rodeo in this position also."

Tiberian nodded as the Helm Officer, a Denobulan named Gheskori, reported that the ship was ready to make way. Methos said the routine orders for having the ship leave space dock. As Ghes deftly and smoothly carried out the orders, the Victory slowly made it's way out the space doors and started on it's way to the prescribed place in the formation.

Tiberian said, "The bridge is yours Colonel. Inform the senior staff that mission briefing will be in one hour in the conference lounge, and then take further deployment orders from the taskforce flagship. If you need anything, or if anyone signals orders for me, I'll be in my ready room." The Colonel, who Methos technically outranked, smiled to himself as he made his way to the ready room.

"Aye, Sir," Methos said as he pushed a button on his console.

=/\=Bridge to all hands. We have just begun our Journey to the Jolmar system. Senior Staff is to report to the conference lounge for a mission briefing beginning in one hour.=/\=

[Gheskori]

Ghes sat mesmerised by the ships all holding in perfect formation as they held a stationary position relative to one another. The Denobulan longed for the moment when they would all simultaneously jump to warp, each encapsulated in their own marginally different bubbles of warped space. The geometrical differences in warp bubble were very small, but each would be configured so that they would all yield the same speed.

Of course, this was all based on the assumption that the flagship wanted them all in warp and heading for the same place all at the same time.

The Denobulan was shaken out of his reverie by the soft padding of footsteps approaching behind him. It was Commander Matthew, obviously just recently having arrived back on the bridge. He relieved the fill-in at Ops, taking his station that was adjacent to Ghes's. Gheskori smiled at him in greeting. He hoped this set-up would last for a long time to come, the human and the Denobulan next to each other at the front of the bridge working their consoles. He looked around at the rest of the bridge and spotted Ensign Wolf standing at the tactical rail. The Denobulan was surprised, he had not heard Wolf enter.

An hour passed by with little in the way of anything from the flagship, or any other of the ships in the fleet for that matter. Comm chatter was at quite a minimal. There had been brief swapping of coordination data, the flagship sending through automated data, communication updates and text-only messages every so often, but nothing substantial in the form of a message from Admiral Cain. "They're certainly a quiet one aren't they?" Ghes had said to the bridge crew after a while, indicating the motionless flagship on the viewscreen, its blinking external lights offering the only proof that it was not simply a still-frame image they were watching.

At seeing Colonel Methos rise from the command chair, Ghes and Commander Matthew were given their cue. They followed the first officer to the conference room, to find Commander Galwyn already present. "Good day, Tiana," Gheskori said, entering second after the first officer.

Not long after the trio had entered, joining the Chief Science Officer, did the rest of the staff filter in. Gheskori was thankful; he never wished to be idle for long, and he'd already been growing restless waiting on the bridge.

<Tag Wong and Staff>

[russelldavis]

Russell sat in his office as three officers walked in, the first was a male Vulcan who had the look of plain annoyance on his face, or at least what Russell knew to be annoyance in a Vulcan, taking the seat directly opposite to him and waited for his chief to begin. The second a young human male, took his seat with a slight nervousness, and finally a woman sat in the remaining seat and gave Russell a very level stare. Russell knew who they were, the Vulcan was his deputy, the woman was the chief nurse and the other man was the head of emergency medicine and an expert in battle field medicine. “Thank you all for coming, now as you all know, we are about to leave. I will be reporting up to the bridge after our meeting here and then as soon as the briefing is over i will feed any information you need as soon as.” Russell stood and moved around to the consol, “Are all your areas ready for departure?” as Russell returned his gaze to the three officers it was the nurse who spoke first “Commander, we have all supplies stored and the entire nursing staff have all returned to the ship so my department is ready as ever” Russell watched as the woman returned to her seat having only slightly lifted herself out as she had talked, “Thank you Nurse Lai, how about you Lieutenant?” Russell’s words must have startled the young doctor as he quickly jumped out of his seat “Sir, as nurse Lai said all supplies are on, all emergency plans and routers have been made, so i guess we are ready” Russell smiled at the lieutenant, Russell knew that the position he held was a left over from the dominion war but Russell had given him duties over the roster to ensure he had something to speak of during these meetings. Russell was about to thank the lieutenant when his assistant rose “The lieutenant is correct, we are ready for an entire half of the crew suddenly falling ill, all doctors are aboard, and other than a slight issue with a spiked drink from last night there are no medical issues worth mentioning” the Vulcan spoke in the way all Vulcans spoke with an air of superiority.

After a small discussion over a few new staff changes Russell dismissed all the officers and returned to his desk to finish his report, he had two reports on his desk, the first was the medical departments readiness report for the captain and the second was a copy of the report he had sent the Chief of Base Security he had sent an hour ago, the copy was for the XO so he was aware of the situation as was customary between the medical department and the first officer. Russell noted that it was almost time for the briefing when the lieutenant returned, “Sir, do you have a moment?” Russell smiled “Of course, what is the matter Ben?” Russell moved around the officer to close the door so that they could speak in private. “Well sir, it is this whole, head of emergency medicine thing, during the war it was a needed position to ensure that emergency plans could be enacted fast without the Chief, but now what is the point, i think i should just drop down and be a normal doctor until Te’vel leaves” Russell understood the young man’s issue, he felt that the other two officers did not believe him needed during the meeting, but he knew that they both respected his ability to organise ‘how did Te’vel put it “He is very logical, for a human”’ “Ben, first off, there are plenty of occasions where your position might be needed, and if you do not like you position anymore then i will change it to head medical organiser, i am sure both Lai and Te’vel will agree to a simple name change”. Russell and Ben discussed the issue for many minutes until finally Ben accepted that he would maintain his position this mission and then discuss it again when they returned to space dock. “I am glad you have said this, it would have been a pain to have to kick you in the [word deleted], now i must run, i was meant to be at the briefing 20 minutes ago.” Ben simply nodded and moved out of the way as Russell snatched up the two padds and ran towards the nearest turbo lift.

Russell almost ran into the doors to the briefing room, almost out of breath he looked at the other officers present and tried to speak “Sorry i am ... late ... i think ... i need to ... work out ... more” Russell caught his breath and moved toward the table, “my departments readiness report and a second report on a small incident last night” Russell handed the padds to Methos before taking a seat at the table Russell looked at Tiana before he turned back to look at Colonel Wong.

<Tag Senior Staff>

[Deleted]

Rear Admiral Patrizia Cain stood up as the captains of the ten ships all l stood up to leave, she gave them all one last icy glare as they looked back at her, once the room was cleared of the captains, Cain turned to Admiral Simpson who had given the briefing and said.

“You have some nerve Simpson… Starfleet left me to rot in this backwater sector and now you expect me to bail them out.”

Admiral Simpson straightened his back and said. ‘Now calm down Patrizia… your service to the federation is not going unrecognised.”

Cain frowned and her eyes squinted in a glare that looked like it could make a person drop dead. “I am a veteran commander of every war the federation has been in for the last thirty five years… I have won battles against the Cardassians, the klingons, the Romulans and the Borg… Now you want me leading a bunch of Green behind the ears Captains on some pathetic peace keeping mission.”

Admiral Simpson shifted uncomfortably as he responded. “You have your orders Patrizia… this comes straight from the Federation Council… you are not to start an intergalactic incident… you show them you can be as useful in peace as in war and they will put you in any assignment you want…. You will command the fleet from the USS. Montgomery.”

Cain scowled again as she turned on her heels and left the room.

*** One Hour Later***

Cain stepped onto the bridge of the Intrepid class Starship Montgomery… the crew rose to their feet as one yelled out. “Admiral on the Bridge.”

Normally most Admirals disliked such recognition but Cain didn’t she felt she had earned every bit of it.

She stepped in front of the view screen and said. “open a channel to the Fleet.”

Cain waited a moment as the ships acknowledged the channel was open.

“This is Admiral Cain… As you, all are aware we have our orders… I expect all captains to brief their senior staff... I will personally inspect the three ship I have listed as most unimpressive… these are The USS Dragonfly… the USS Flinders and the USS Victory… ships not meeting my approval will have their commander removed and replaced by more competent officers…Cain out.”

Cain turned and left the bridge and made her way to the transporter room for the first of her inspections. She glared at the young transporter chief who seemed to shrivel at her glare and said.

“I think the Victory first… newly promoted captains are like children… sloppy and annoying… beam me directly to their bridge.”

Seconds later she shimmered onto the Victory’s bridge and turned up her nose as she looked around the bridge. A young Ensign who sat in the command chair stood up and looked in shock as Cain eyed him.

“Where is the captain?” she demanded

he stammered as he answered. “the… Breif..ing Room Ma’am”

Cain nodded and turned and walked towards the briefing room door. As she called out. “Shine those shoes and press that uniform… you look shameful.”

Cain stepped into the briefing room and stopped at the door and looked at the officers assembled around the briefing table. “A sorrier bunch of officers have never been assembled in the history of Starfleet…”

<Tag All>

[jamesmatthew]

Scene: USS VICTORY

(Cargo bay # 5 )

“ Cmdr Matthew A good idea Lawman" he said " Lawman We've been working on new on Board Transporters, to move around the Cargo from one bay to Another . For a while now They are No good for living things, but great for cargo" Lawman said.

"Cmdr Matthew well send me a copy of the Latest ship Supply manifest move our new shipment of Quantum’s Torpedo to Cargo bay # 6 and the shipment of ship supplies to Bay nine and notify the Ship Chief security officer of there status "

“Cmdr Matthew ‘Remember, Quantum’s the only weapon effective against their shields. at that time ”
 
“Once the Cargo bay door had closed, Cmdr Matthew handed the PADD to Lt Cmdr Lawman and said,

“Cmdr Matthew well I Have a senior Staff meeting to get to Lawman Start Disbarment of the supply throughout the ship I like to have all department, fully re-supplied by the time we arrive on station”
"Alert me personally if you run into any Problem " Matthew added.


Scene :Senior Staff meeting underway

“Cmdr Matthew Arrive to the meeting a little late and apologized for his tardiness to the officers already there as he took a seat.

< Tag All >

[Gheskori]

"Why thank you," Ghes nodded, smiling sarcastically at the newly arrived Admiral Cain.

If the Denobulan's fellow staff members were not already shocked by the sudden appearance of the Commander of the Task Force, then they were shocked by Ghes's happy retort. He smiled quasi-wistfully at them as he shifted in his seat, perhaps and for once, conscious of what he'd done. It was not in his nature to be sarcastic; he'd always been fascinated by exhibits of such behaviour though, and now he'd committed the psychological act of adopting a curiosity of character.

<Tag Cain>

So, she had not been joking. That had been clear at first anyway. Was this who they had to lead the Task Force? Ghes looked back at Colonel Wong, sitting and looking nonplussed at the end of the table. A stony silence had fallen, no one seemed really sure what to say or do. What next? thought Gheskori, growing impatient and despite his uneasy position still interested in this whole event.

Commander Matthew entered apologising. He had been entering the room along with the helm officer before he'd been called down below deck to a cargo bay. Now he was late and the scene took on an even more amusing edge. Admiral Cain must have been thinking that the current state of the Victory's staff was more of a comedy sideshow than a working Starfleet crew.

For the rest of the encounter, and throughout the Colonel's briefing, Ghes remained as silent as he was able, ignoring the compulsion to say things that would - for some reason - put him into another troublesome spot.

<Tag Tiberian and Cain for rest of conference room meeting>

Later on...

The bridge was a steady hubbub of rather low-level activity. Ghes walked past the two stations situated at the command centre's front, allowing his hand to slip along the polished consoles. The maintenance crews had really brushed up the ship's - especially the bridge's - internal appearance, knowing that they had an authoritarian fleet commander as well as the assorted crews of the other ships not far away.

The Denobulan swept around the bridge, checking on things, and then returned finally to the helm. Quickly and out of curiosity, he used the limited sensor controls on his console to scan for Federation transponders throughout the taskforce, and had the computer list each of them along with their designation on a screen in front of him. Instantly, ten rows of words and numbers popped on to the screen, listing downwards one under the other. These were obviously the ten Starfleet combat-exploratory vehicles of the task force.

Then, after a pause, numerous smaller transponders registered. It was fifteen seconds or so when the full list was finally complete. Twenty-three additional ships to the ten already there. The Denobulan cocked his head, surprised that the number was that high. The leading vessels were like old Earth fishing trawlers, trailing behind them great shawls of slippery 'hangers-on'. Small shuttlecraft, transports, cargo lifters, fleet auxiliary vessels and independent media boats. It wasn't so much a compact task force they were taking back to the Jolmaran system as an eclectic convoy.

<Tag All>

[Deleted]

Tiberian spent msot of the first few minutes in his new ready room engaging in one of the most important duties of all new Captains, that is spinning around in his new chair. Once he tired of this he actually began leafing through the observation reports from the Jolmar system, paying a close amount of detail to the status of the orbital weapon batteries that had been installed. The potency of the stolen Tholian firepower had been enough to send the Victory reeling, and now they faced the original might of the species who looked down on the Tholians as inferior. That was not something that he was going to look forward to. He thumbed from the reports about Jolmar to those about the Victory, noticing with a certain degree of relief that along with the repairs, a small amount of refit had been done as well, mostly concentrating on replacing certain ageing couplings and relays in the phaser and shield systems. Considering what Admiral Simpson had said at the briefing, he hoped that the new components wouldn't be tested, but was too much of an old warhorse to put stock in blind hope. He shuffled the data slates, the hour almost up, and exited his ready room, making for the conference lounge.

He entered, smiling and nodding his greeting to Tiana, Gheskori, and the recently appointed Lieutenant Colonel 1st Class Methos. As he had only been aboard for a few short days, and most of them had been spent about his duties, Tiberian hadn't quite got the measure of Methos yet, and hadn't seen him perform under pressure. But the lack of visual evidence didn't faze him greatly, as he knew from personal experience that marines didn't get to hold high rank and artificial appendages without having seen their fair share of the frak. He settled himself down at the head of the table and prepared his files, allowing the dull hum of conversation to continue whilst they waited for the others. He did not have to wait long, as his arrival was followed only shortly by that of Russel Davis, running in at full tilt.

“Sorry i am ... late ... i think ... i need to ... work out ... more” Russell caught his breath and moved toward the table, “my departments readiness report and a second report on a small incident last night”

Tiberian accepted that padd smiling. He had no idea what had happened to Davis in the last few months, other than his sudden transfer off the Victory, and his subsequent equally shocking return, with an unheard of amount of medical training. Tiberian had been tempted to pry, but he knew better than to question Command, and if they said that Davis was sound for duty, then it was good enough for him.

"Thank you for your report Commander, I'll review it presently. And don't worry about your lateness, I think we'll skip the brig sentence, just this once"

<TAG Commander Davis>

He added the ending with a little smile and wink, one that only he, Davis and Tiana would grasp, as neither Methos nor Gheskori had been present when Davis had him thrown in the brig. The doctor took his seat. The only outstanding crewmember was Wolf, but Tiberian decided to go ahead and begin anyway, typing out a curt message to the ensign to hurry up and arrive.

<TAG Ensign Wolf>

"Ladies and gentlemen" He began rising "Welcome to my incumbent reign of terror" He smiled "Only kidding. I have good news, and bad news. The bad news is that we're going back to Jolmar, the good news is that this time they've sent a fleet to accompany us"

He dimmed the lights and activated the monitor.

"Since we sent our report to Starfleet, they've been using long range surveillance methods to observe the Kasar fortification of Jolmar, and I have to say it is not good. You all have access to, and should make good use of, the complete data files and all the gathered intelligence, but this is the cut down version. They're dug in, fortified, reinforced, and are building a Kasar shipyard in orbit of Jolmar Prime. Now we don't know what we're calling this yet, whether it's intervention, annexation, or the precursor to an invasion, so that's what we're trying to ascertain. A jamming field is preventing detailed scans, so our mission is to procede to Jolmar, break through the jamming field, and then ascertain Kasar troop and ship movements in the system. Now Commander's Galwyn and Matthew, when we arrive, I want you both to..."

“A sorrier bunch of officers have never been assembled in the history of Starfleet…”

Tiberian's orders were cut off mid flow be the unexpected appearance of a greying woman in the doorway.

"Why thank you," Gheskori's response was instantaneous, and took Tiberian and the rest of the room by surprise. He seriosuly couldn't tell whether the Denobulan was serious, or whether he had managed to master the art of sarcasm. It didn't really matter anyway, as Tiberian had gone into his default mode of reaching for his phaser and shouting.

"Who the bloody hell are..." His question was cut off by the woman advancing a step further into the darkened room, displaying her rank insignia as a Rear Admiral, and her look of distaste as Commander Matthew slinked around her, apologising for his lateness. The lights came back on, and Rear Admiral Patrizia Cain was revealed to the senior staff in all her crowning fury. Tiberian's face immediately went into a contorted false smile as he came to attention, giving the table a sharp kick to remind everyone else to stand. It took him another moment to remember to take his hand off his phaser.

"Rear Admiral Cain, what an unexpected pleasure, I'm so sorry we didn't know you were coming" His false smile was begining to hurt.
"May I have the pleasure of introducing my XO, Colonel Methos, my Operations, Science and Helm chiefs, Commanders Matthew, Galwyn and Gheskori, and my Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Davis. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that concludes the briefing, Colonel Methos, if you could show the Admiral back onto the bridge, the rest of you may return to your stations.

<TAG Methos/Cain>

As soon as Cain was out of sight and the door shut, Tiberian roughly grabbed all the remaining officers before they could leave. He was clearly panicking, not wanting to be removed from command by some barmy old lady before he'd even been able to take his ship to warp.

"It's an inspection it's got to be. You two" He pointed to Tiana and Matthew "Get down to engineering, put a rocket up Holland and tell him to get engineering cleaned up quick. Then go and make sure the cargo bays and science labs are in order. GO!" He hissed loudly and they departed hurriedly.

<TAG Tiana and Matthew>

"Doc, make sure sickbay's in order, and if there are any outstanding physicals or anything due, delete them from the records, quickly"

<TAG Commander Davis>

"Gheskori, you have the bridge, co-ordinate with all department heads and make sure anything that should be covered up is covered up, and make it fast"
He was halfway to the door when a though struck him.
"And send a crewman down to my quarters, tell him to go in mty sock drawer, take the bottle of Romulan ale I have hidden there, and hide it, anywhere on the ship, just hide it"

<TAG Gheskori>

Tiberian made his way with the Commander hurriedly to the bridge, noticing that the ensign who had been left in command had stripped off his tunic, and was using it to polish his boots. Leaving Gheskori to relieve him, Tiberian hurried to the Admiral, breaking off her tirade against one of Tiana's Vulcan science officers which looked as though it was about to make her cry.

"Admiral, my apologies for the delay, but I'm sure you understand the many duties that befall a shipmaster. Would you care to come into my ready room for some refreshments whilst we peruse the mission parameters?"

Behind his back he crossed his fingers tightly, praying that she would accept, buying his crew precious time to cover the gaping holes in the ship, literally in some instances.

<TAG Admiral Cain>

[Deleted]

"Rear Admiral Cain, what an unexpected pleasure, I'm so sorry we didn't know you were coming" His false smile was begining to hurt.
"May I have the pleasure of introducing my XO, Colonel Methos, my Operations, Science and Helm chiefs, Commanders Matthew, Galwyn and Gheskori, and my Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Davis. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that concludes the briefing, Colonel Methos, if you could show the Admiral back onto the bridge, the rest of you may return to your stations.”

Cain glanced around the officers assembled around the table her face not changing from the glare she had grown so fond of over the years, her greying hair was tightly pulled back into a small ponytail that that sat just underneath her shoulder blades. She followed Colonel Methos back out onto the bridge and ignored his efforts at small talk instead she took to glancing over the shoulders of the officers on the bridge.

She glanced down at the operations console and tapped the young ensign on the shoulder. “Your plasma flow is off by point two precent.. fix it.”

He glanced up at her and feigned a smile which made Cain tighten her already squinted eyes, her pupils were deep black and she knew that her gaze made people nervous this was something she took untold amounts of pleasure in.

She paced the bridge until she was looking over the shoulder of a Vulcan woman in a blue tunic, she let out a heavy audible sigh before she said rather curtly. “You call those sensor scans ensign… I have seen Ferengi children run more accurate scans than that… so you know the consequences of a Captain not having all the information they need because of sloppy work… people die Ensign keep that in mind next time you decide to run such sub standard scans.”

Colonel Wolf interrupted her before she could spot more things she could pounce on, she knew the people under her command didn’t like her but she didn’t care because they feared her… and nothing motivates like fear.

"Admiral, my apologies for the delay, but I'm sure you understand the many duties that befall a shipmaster. Would you care to come into my ready room for some refreshments whilst we peruse the mission parameters?"

She raised her left eyebrow as she looked Wong over, and for the first time since arriving on the Victory she smiled, but the smile showed something dark rather than light and fun.

“You think I was born yesterday Wong…. Take me into your ready room while your crew hides the shocking lack of perfection… No we can discuss the mission while I continue my inspection… I don’t have the time for you to kiss my behind… believe it or not in this little fleet we have here there is a ship worse than this.”

She turned and walked to the turbolift and held it open as she waited for Wong to follow her in. as he did she said. “Sloppy work… Crewmembers stripping off in the bridge to shine shoes… were I not in such I good mood I would relieve you right now.”

As the turbolift door opened she said. “Engineering.”

She turned to Wong and said. “You are aware how important this mission I hope… what is happening in the jolmar system is a massive threat… it is a bomb waiting to blow up in our faces… your ship and crew has had experience with kasar and I would be foolish to ignore that…Your ship will take the lead I want you to write up a report and send it to all the captains in the fleet.”

The turbolift stopped and Cain stepped out she almost made it to engineering when her comm. Badge chirped and she heard. “Admiral… you are needed back on the Montgomery Starfleet command wants to speak to you.”

Cain tapped her comm. badge and said. “Put them on hold I will be there in five minutes.”

She turned to Wong and said. “Saved by the bell Colonel… I have a feeling behind that door there are bunch of people running around like headless chickens trying to get things up to order.”

She turned and left Wong standing in front of Engineering, but before she was out of his view a young crewman almost ran straight into her, she was about to give him an earful when she saw what he was holding tightly. Romulan Ale, Cain snatched it from his hand and turned back to Wong and yelled. “Romulan Ale Colonel this is illegal I am sure you know… next time don’t panic and leave it were it was.” She handed the bottle back to the crewman and continued on her way.

[russelldavis]

“A sorrier bunch of officers have never been assembled in the history of Starfleet…” Russell stopped listening to Wong and turned to see who the newcomer was, Russell could not see her well but when the CNO spoke Russell felt confused ‘last i checked Denobulan’s sense of humour was a little less sarcastic, or is he agreeing with her?’ Russell’s thoughts were in a mess that he did not hear anything of the exchange between Wong and the Admiral. It was only when the admiral left and Wong turned to him that his mind returned to the present. "Doc, make sure sickbay's in order, and if there are any outstanding physicals or anything due, delete them from the records, quickly" Russell did not know how to take that so he decided to remind the ‘Acting’ Captain that there were some things he did not have power over. “Where to start, one my sickbay is always in order, two there is only one outstanding medical as of 20 minutes ago, and that one is your own Colonel, and finally i will not erase it as under Medical Protocols only a Flag officer or a Starfleet medical or command override may permit me to remove someone’s file from the system when they need a medical.” Russell did not know what had come over him as he turned and left without waiting for what would most likely be a very harsh response to his statement but Wong could put a note in his log as if he tried anything he would just accidently let it slip about Wong’s 9 month overdue medical.

Exiting the turbo lift outside of Sickbay Russell’s mood had not calmed, and what was about to happen made him think he would be lucky to avoid hurting someone. Arriving at sickbay Russell walked into the doors, shocked that they had not opened for him Russell turned to a nearby consol “Computer, please open the sickbay doors” Russell knew he would not have to wait long for the response, but when it came it was not the one he had expected =/\=Access Denied, Medical Quarantine in effect=/\= Russell almost feel over, ‘of all the times to have a breakdown computer this would probably be one of the worse’ Russell attempted to access the door controls to release the door manually when another voice came on the comm. “Doctor, this is Lai, the idiot from last night decided to try and walk without telling us and well ... he fell over and knocked a container with a virus that one of the science staff had been working on that had needed to be scanned medically, well as you can guess the virus got out and the computer sealed the room to avoid an outbreak” Russell could not tell if this was some sick joke or if he was about to have to declare a medical emergency only an hour into the mission ‘Wong is going to love this’. “Ok Nurse Lai, who else do you have in there? And what was the virus?” Russell hoped it was not something too problematic as he was still tired from last night. “Only myself, the patient and Doctor Nakari, the rest had gone to ensure the supplies were stored properly as we had little to do. The virus in question was Ulcartic virus” Russell almost fell over, “How concentrated was it? Have any of your developed symptoms? Did any of it escape sickbay before the lockdown was activated?” Russell hoped the last two answers were no but he knew what would have to happen. “there was not much, most of the virus had been neutralised before it came here, no symptoms as yet but it is only a matter of time and i have no idea, best to assume so the lockdown only started about 5 minutes ago and i was about to call you when you tried to get in” Russell could not understand why she was being so calm about this, he would have to have words with which ever scientist was working on the virus, Russell tried to remember if he had read someone was playing with it but he could not. “Right hold tight, this may get a bit rough.” Russell silenced the comm. while he turned his attention to the consol, “Computer begin a level 5 scan of this deck for the Ulcartic Virus” the beep told him that the computer had began but Russell had moved on to a different matter, “Computer erect a containment field at every junction on this deck, medical authority Davis beta gamma three, level 6 field” Russell looked around as the deck began to become sealed off, he doubted it was entirely needed but he was not going to let this virus get out, if the admiral got it Russell would be lucky to have a court marital.

Russell happy he had done at least enough to contain the situation had a choice to make, contact the captain or contact his medical team and get them to the backup sickbay and get her going. Deciding that security would have noted the force fields coming online he decided to give the captain the heads up first tapping his comm. badge Russell prepared to hear a large amount of either cursing or shouting. “Colonel Wong, this is Doctor Davis here, we have a bit of a mess down here in sickbay, i have sealed off the deck and i advise you keep everyone away till i have this sorted, and if i do not well i guess you know what to do”

<Tag Wong>

“Yes sir, i will keep you informed, until this is dealt with i suggest placing the ship into a quarantine for now, so no one on or off. I am sure you will enjoy telling the admiral that” Russell tapped his comm. badge to avoid the response and moved on to the next point of call “Medical Staff this is Commander Davis, all staff are to report to the beta sickbay and follow the instructions i have placed there, and if i hear that any one of you did not arrive in the next 10 minutes i will be asking the first officer to give you a day’s marine training” Russell knew that that would get them running, medical staff hated exercise if they could avoid it. “Computer please activate the beta sickbay, and place observation of the alpha sickbay to beta, also put a message up stating to seek the cure to the Ulcartic Virus and set on it”. Russell finally out of breath once again looked at the scan progress, ‘20% complete, this could take a while’.

<Tag ALL / this will not affect the mission, just locks off sickbay for a while, though if any of you want to be in pain feel free to join me outside sickbay >

[jamesmatthew]

"Col. Wong It's an inspection it's got to be. You two" He pointed to Tiana and Matthew "Get down to engineering, put a rocket up Holland and tell him to get engineering cleaned up quick. Then go and make sure the cargo bays and science labs are in order. GO!" He hissed loudly and they departed hurriedly.

Scene : Main Engineering

understanding his new Commanding officer somewhat cryptic orders he made his way down to main Engineering as fast as he could “
“Cmdr Matthew “Lieutenant Mattheson What your current status “

Lieutenant Matheson “ sir all ship system are in the green no system Glitch’s ‘

" Cmdr Matthew Good to here we have an un-Schedule Admiral inspection coming this way and turned to face Matthson. "Lt, Seacrest. I need for you to run a diagnostic of the shields and weapon banks for me?"

"Cmdr Matthew “ contact the bridge and Get approval from the Xo “

“ Cmdr Matthew taps his comm. Badge Matthew to Lawman have you finish moving those Torpedo to Cargo bay # 6 and the shipment of ship supplies to Bay nine

“Lt, Cmdr Lawman “ All done sir‘

Cmdr Matthew ‘ great Job Lt, Commander this kind of thing that look good in a officer service record when he or she come up for that full Commander rank”
“Well” there nothing more for me to do ill’ be on the Bridge if you need me Matthew out’

< Tag all>

[Gheskori]

Now that he had performed the duty - spurred by curiosity - of compiling a list of ships in the task force, Ghes acted on the orders given to him by Wong just at the end of the briefing. He swung himself out of the helm chair and positioned himself in the rough middle of the command arena. He watched as the Colonel tried to usher the Admiral into the ready room, but instead had to be content with tagging on after Cain into the turbolift.

Ghes watched this with an expression of complete neutrality, but he couldn't watch too long because he had orders and cover-ups to make. He dragged his fascinated eyes away from that exchange and looked at the Ensign on the upper deck; he was only now putting his uniform jacket back on - now that his officer boots were fully polished.

"Ensign, please return to your station. Now is not the time, although we could convene later so you can show me how you do your polishing. I would be most interested."

Not sure whether he was serious, the Ensign tiredly made his way back to his proper console. Gheskori grinned, glad that the man was again of use. "Now, science officer, please lock down all experiments before the Admiral discovers anything non-standard and potentially hazardous. I have recently held discourse with some of their staff, my intuition tells me they are all rather esoteric in their scientific interests.

"Hmm.." the Denobulan murmured, searching the bridge. "You and you," he pointed at two crewmen, "I'd like one of you to go to the Captain's quarters, find his bottle of Kali-fal and take it to my quarters."

Both crewmen stared at Ghes dumbfounded, wondering whether the Denobulan was actually for real. Ghes laughed upon realisation, "Oh no, this is the Colonel's request," he said, "If the Admiral were to search his quarters and find the Ale there then there would be trouble afoot; she is much less likely to search mine. As is the Colonel..." he added quietly. "Other crewman, head to the recreational science lab and shut off my experiment. Unfortunately, it seems my scientific outlet is going to be cut off for the time being."

Colonel Methos emerged from the briefing room moments later. He had reentered it a minute ago, presuming fairly that Tiberian Wong would manage to coerce Admiral Cain in there with him. Ghes could understand that, the three senior most officers on the ship - at current - engaged in a mini-conference in the briefing room. Unfortunately, things had not gone that way, so Gheskori promptly handed the bridge over to the first officer.

<Tag Methos>

Commander Matthew arrived back from engineering, his job done, and seconds later they received news that the Admiral had finished her 'inspection' already. That was quick, Gheskori thought; Well, better to have it over with soon than dragged out. He supposed everyone would be getting back to normal, meaning, everyone would relax.

<Tag Wong>

An officer reported behind Gheskori, from somewhere on the bridge, that there was some problem in sickbay. The medical bay had been put on quarantine, due to the small outbreak of a virus being worked upon. "Unfortunate," said Gheskori. "That would not have happened to be the Ulcartic Virus?"

The officer who gave the report looked at him oddly, "Yes, that's right," he said, surprised.

Gheskori smiled wistfully, "I was working on it during part of shore leave, as a sort of side project or hobby, if you will. In fact, I even helped create one of the deadlier strains being experimented upon, with a view to total neutralisation." The officer nodded, perhaps a little shocked at this revelation, Gheskori could not be sure. "Interesting, isn't it? How some occurrences only come about by a quirky chain of events that preceded them."

He was half tempted to head down there, but on the other hand it may be better to stay at the helm and keep the ship's course true and steady with the fleet. In the end he temporarily gave the helm to a junior officer and took a brief trip to sickbay.

"Greetings," he said to Davis as he saw the blue-collared man just as he rounded the bend. "Right then, so what is happening here? I bring ill tidings in any case; I should not have created that very deadly strain of the virus.

"Yes, Commander, this is my fault in part. I recommend you let me in there so I may fix this foolish blunder." He indicated the door, not seeing Davis's look of incredulity for what it was, due to his occasional lack of knowledge of human social convention and besides being more concerned with the virus.

<Tag Davis>

[Tiana Galwyn Cet]

"Good day, Tiana," Gheskori said Tiana looked up from her PADD where she was working on a to do list relating to her latest round of experiments. She smiled after their adventures planetside last mission she felt a kinship with the navigator. "Good day to you too Gheskori."

The rest of the senior staff arrived with the exception of Russ. Tiana was worried about this but she had still not had time to catch up with him and find out what was going on. The Russ arrived he was gasping badly.

“Sorry i am ... late ... i think ... i need to ... work out ... more” Russell caught his breath and moved toward the table, “my departments readiness report and a second report on a small incident last night”

She smiled at Tiberian's response to Russ's lateness. Command obviously hadn't changed him, whether that was a good or bad thing for him remained to be seen.
"A jamming field is preventing detailed scans, so our mission is to procede to Jolmar, break through the jamming field, and then ascertain Kasar troop and ship movements in the system. Now Commander's Galwyn and Matthew, when we arrive, I want you both to..." What he wanted her to do Tiana never found out as at that moment.

“A sorrier bunch of officers have never been assembled in the history of Starfleet…”
The voice was harsh, female and not one Tiana recognised.

"Why thank you," That voice of course was Gheskori. Tiana smothered a smile.
Tiana looked at the new arrival, Rear Admiral by her collar insignia. She listened in silence as she was introduced doing nothing more than nod as her name was said.

The Admiral left and Tiberian concluded the briefing in a panic. "It's an inspection it's got to be. You two" He pointed to Tiana and Matthew "Get down to engineering, put a rocket up Holland and tell him to get engineering cleaned up quick. Then go and make sure the cargo bays and science labs are in order. GO!" Tiana did as ordered, relieved that she had spent a lot of time before disembarking straightening out the labs. As she and Commander Matthew stepped on to the bridge Tiana heard the tail end of an exchange between Rear Admiral Cain and Ensign T'Lar, it was plain that the Admiral was tearing a strip off the newest science officer on the ship. That got Tiana angry.

She spent the trip to engineering imagining what she could do to Admiral Cain given some difluoric acid and some cyanogen bromide...

Commander Matthew lead the way in engineering leaving Tiana to help out where she could.

[vin]

Vin had left his station and joined everyone in the meeting the meeting was interesting until the Admiral came aboard then things went into warp. He left the meeting and headed down to security and entered.

Security was a mess,things in places where they did not belong, he whistled getting everyones attention.

"Listen up, get this place shipshape, the Admirals onboard, if its not in shape in 10 minutes all of you will be in the brig, get to it now." Vin said.

People got up and started moving quickly getting the place straight, Vin went to his office and made sure it was straight and that his paperwork was up to date, he grabbed two padds and headed back to the bridge hoping he would not run into the Admiral.

<Admiral Cain>

[russelldavis]

Russell was busy speaking to Lieutenant Jamison when he heard the computer speak, =/\=Scan Complete, low level of virus detected outside of sickbay, all other areas clear. Levels within tolerance=/\= Russell tapped the consol he had been reduced to using having sealed himself off from both active sickbays, the virus had gotten out but so little had that most of it was dying off harmlessly, the results for sickbay itself showed though that the virus was in greater quantities and was starting to be emitted by the people inside. Tapping to consol to give him a view into the sickbay he spoke “Nurse Lai, any luck getting the replicators to create the antidote?” the emergency team had found that Starfleet medical had created a antibody for the virus but it seemed that the replicator was having trouble making it. “No doctor, we are all showing signs of increased internal body temperature which i am at the moment keeping under control, but it is only a matter of time” Russell looked at the woman with a look of worry but he quickly re-composed himself and replied “Do what you can, the others are trying to create the antibody the old fashion way” Nurse Lai shut off the screen and Russell began to think “Computer, de-activate shields on this deck except those on sickbay” a beep told Russell that his orders had been completed.

Russell re-opened the channel to the beta sickbay. “Sorry Lieutenant, i had to deal with a few things on this end, what progress have you made growing the antibody down there, or have you had more luck sorting out the replicator problem?” Russell hoped one or the other was going to be positive =/\=Well sir, so far we have been able to make a very small quantity of the antibody, but at the rate we are going, we will never be ready before those in the main sickbay die. On the replicator side we believe we have found the reason why the replicator is not making the antibody correctly, a part of the antibody is giving the system a error because it is only ever seen in viruses and biological weapons, so the replicator is rejecting to create that part.=/\= Russell liked the sound of the last bit “So if we override the safeties for a little while we could make the antibody” Russell listened as Ben replied =/\=We are presently trying to do that, but Starfleet have done a good job of sealing access to those safeties. I will contact you if we make any progress=/\= Russell did not like being cut off like that but he decided that Ben had more important things to sort out, ‘well at least this mayhem will convince him that his role is still needed’ Russell felt he was no longer alone and he quickly span around to find the Navigation Chief standing behind him. "Greetings," he said to Davis as he saw the blue-collared man just as he rounded the bend. "Right then, so what is happening here? I bring ill tidings in any case; I should not have created that very deadly strain of the virus. Yes, Commander, this is my fault in part. I recommend you let me in there so I may fix this foolish blunder." Russell did not know where to start, but he decided to start with a good dressing down “Lieutenant, you created a deadly virus, without telling me, and now you expect me to allow you in to a secure room? No, absolutely not, if i open that door i cannot guarantee how much of the virus will escape, and you will be infected. No, if you wish to help, come with me to the beta sickbay, but right now i would suggest going back to the bridge before i decide to call Ensign Wolf here to drag you off to the brig.” Russell paused for a breath “Lieutenant, i want you to promise me you will never do this again, i will be having words with Colonel Wong to find you some other area to amuse yourself in that will not end up with me quarantining this ship again” with that Russell turned around and began walking away heading towards a turbo lift down to the secondary sickbay.

<Tag Ghes>

[Gheskori]

Commander Davis's words gave Ghes reason for pause. He was feeling an odd emotion, one he did not normally experience: anger. He did not refrain from hiding it but he knew that it would not be seen as such anyway, such was the Denobulan's manner.

"Well, Commander Davis, I would have you know my rank is Lieutenant Commander; meaning that to my knowledge of Starfleet shorthand for rank naming conventions I should be more properly addressed as Commander.

"Please know that I created this strain before you came aboard. Science, matters of biology and other areas of the subject are of particular personal interest to me. In fact, my first assignment as a Starfleet officer was as a science officer. You as much as anyone being a former Counselor must appreciate a person's need to pursue hobbies pertinent to their overriding interests, no?"

Gheskori momentarily basked in the glow of exhibiting his knowledge of Russell Davis's past, while the Medical officer seemed to know little of the Denobulan's. "Perhaps, sir, Ensign Wolf could be recruited to take me to the brig. It would be my first time in that place of joyous places, I would be most curious to experience the range of emotions attached to such a consignment of ignominy.

"Alternatively, when I consider it, I do not think Colonel Wong would be pleased at losing his navigation officer for the duration of a mission such as this. My experiences on the surface of Jolmar Prime may prove of great use to the Colonel and all others in this task force, and I would stop at nothing to provide them with the information to better complete this assignment.

"Until next time, Commander Davis. May we meet again in different and more preferable circumstance." Ghes smiled politely, nodded and turned back down the corridor, leaving Davis alone again outside the quarantined sickbay. Having implicitly turned down the Commander's offer to assist him in the Beta sickbay, a suggestion which had only briefly been presented, Gheskori returned directly to the bridge. The problem of the Ulcartic Virus would be solved by those who felt themselves in charge of the situation, and it had been made quite clear that did not include the Denobulan Gheskori.

He retook the helm console, glancing at Colonel Methos residing in the command seat, and then watching as Tiberian Wong made his way back on to the bridge. The man looked exhausted from his dealings with the maverick Admiral.

"Has Admiral Cain returned to the Montgomery, sir? Did she say anything about when we'd be making any progress?" Ghes asked, hands gliding over the helm console.

<Tag Wong / Methos>

[Deleted]

Sweeping into the transporter room Admiral Cain glared at the transporter chief before she said. “Send me back to the Montgomery.”

She began to walk over to the transporter padd when the young chief said. “I.. I am sorry Ma’am the ship is under temporary quarantine…something about a virus in the sickbay Ma’am.”

She let out a small sound almost akin to a growl as she Stared angrily at the young innocent man she took a deep breath fighting the urge to shoot someone before she stormed out of the transporter room.

Making her way back to the bridge she glared at anyone whom dare look at her or speak a word of greeting to her. She stood angrily in the turbolift the annoyance of being stuck on this ship who’s crew she found distasteful. The turbolift did not take long to reach it’s destination of the bridge and when it did, she walked out onto the bridge with almost a visible trail of anger and annoyance as she did so.

She glared at the staff assembled and yelled. “Wong I want you and your first officer in the ready room NOW… Also your doctor and that wise cracking Denobulan.”

She tapped her comm. Badge and said. “Cain to Montgomery… redirect the communication the captains ready room of the Victory seems I am stuck here for now.”

She walked into the captains ready room and sat behind the desk no respect for privacy of Wong. She tapped the small computer console and activated the comm. Channel to Starfleet.

After her rather annoying talk to Starfleet Command She turned her attention at the Officers assembled.

She glared as he said. “Care to explain gentlemen how a virus got loose in the sickbay… May I remind you Starfleet has regulations about the containment of such materials... and the fact that this Virus escaped has trapped me here.. no doubt to your own annoyance as well as my own?”

<Tag Ghekori, Russel, Wong, Methos>

[Deleted]

"Oh my God" Tiberian sank back against the bulkhead as Cain stormed off down the corridor, heading back to the Montgomery. She was the fiercest, most acerbic, most terrifying woman he had ever met. She strode with a forceful and emasculating aura of rage and distaste that cowed so many people Tiberian was surprised her crew weren't a gibbering wreck. He looked up at the crewman, still stood there, staring at his commanding officer sat on the floor. He still held the Romulan ale.

"You could have taken it anywhere" He pointed out bluntly "Any junction, maintenance hatch or airlock. Of all the bolt holes in all the areas of the ship, you just happened to walk into this one"

The crewman stared back, completely oblivious to the four century old paraphrased film reference. Tiberian waved him away.

"Take it back to my quarters, put it back where you found it, and get back on duty. And I know exactly how much is in there, so don't even think about it"

He smirked and strode back to the bridge, shaking his head and tugging his uniform straight again. He would have to warn the rest of the fleet that they could probably expect a surprise inspection en route, though it would be better if it didn't come from him. He'd warn Kasten, and let her handle it, because from the sound of his next communique, he would have other fish to fry.

“Colonel Wong, this is Doctor Davis here, we have a bit of a mess down here in sickbay, i have sealed off the deck and i advise you keep everyone away till i have this sorted, and if i do not well i guess you know what to do”

"Thank you Doctor Davis, you advice is well noted. Keep me informed when you're not too busy saving us all, and I'll deal with the fallout in the meantime"

"Computer" He called out in the turbolift "Activate quarantine protocols on ship. Seal sickbay and all sections of the adjoining deck. Bioscanners to maximum, and give warnings of any further outbreak"

Within a few moments biohazard warnings were announced across the ship, and sickbay and the sections around it were sealed off. All Tiberian could think was that this could not have happened at a worse time. They were on the way to a potentially lethal front, and without the ability to contain an internal problem. Plus, it also left them without a functioning primary sickbay, or the full attentions of the senior medical staff, and despite how much this was supposed to be a peaceful mission, Tiberian was ever the pessimist. He emerged onto the bridge, waving down those people who came to attention around him. Davis and Gheskori were in the middle of what seemed to be a heated debate, and considering the current crisis, Tiberian had a strange lurching feeling in his stomach that the source of the plague was closer than he thought.

"Signal from flagship sir" the ops officer announced "Green light, given, signal is to get underway. We are holding steady in formation"

"Helm, stay in formation and engage in keeping with the rest of the fleet, warp five. I want announcements every ten minutes from when we're an hour out from the edge of Jolmar"

"Aye aye sir"

"Ghes, I want you to send a discrete message to the Demetrius, directly to Captain Kasten with my compliments. Tell her to warn the rest of the ship commanders that a surprise inspection is underway, and that they should hide their dirty laundry, ok?"

<TAG Gheskori>

"And Mr Wolf, I want a full diagnostic of weapons and shields. I know that we're not going to be using them in theory, but according to an ancient theory, the Earth went around the sun, so let's hedge our bets"

<TAG Ensign Wolf>

What was going to be string of successive orders was cut short by Rear Admiral Cain making a re-entrance to the bridge, visibly fuming with rage. In fact, if she was any angrier, she may well have combusted.

“Wong I want you and your first officer in the ready room NOW… Also your doctor and that wise cracking Denobulan.”

She stormed into his ready room, ordering her comm traffic to be diverted to there. The ship gave a sudden slight judder as she jumped to warp five, trailing her place in the fleet, and followed by the myriad of trawlers, tugs and cutters that now followed them, conveying merchants, reporters and other characters to where the action was.

"I don't suppose she's baked a cake to celebrate my new command" Tiberian shrugged idly, gesturing to Methos, Davis and Gheskori to follow him.
"Mr Wolf, you have the bridge"

<TAG Ensign Wolf>

They entered and formed a loose semi circle facing Tiberian's desk where Cain now sat, glaring at them angrily.

“Care to explain gentlemen how a virus got loose in the sickbay… May I remind you Starfleet has regulations about the containment of such materials... and the fact that this Virus escaped has trapped me here.. no doubt to your own annoyance as well as my own?”

Tiberian smiled and leaned over to whisper to Gheskori in the ear.

"When we get out of this, remind me to have you shot" He smiled with all his might, hissing through clenched teeth. He then straightened up to face the Admiral.

"You have my apologies ma'am, but I was unaware of such experimentation that was occuring. I believe, that as a humble footslogger, I should attempt to not intefere too much with the more learned members of my staff. This sort of attitude has served well to all my predecessors, and so I felt it sensible to continue" He looked up briefly to heaven, apologising for dropping Nika in it to save his own skin.

"However, considering what has presently happened, I will become much tougher, and those responsible will be prosecuted under article 293 of the Starfleet Municipal Code, sub-article G-113"

<TAG Admiral Cain>

He had no idea what that article actually was, and had just grabbed the first code that came into his head. He prayed that Cain didn't know any better.

"Further Admiral, as I'm sure you know, quarantine regulations allow for individuals to be screened and declared free from regulations. I'm sure that Doctor Davis could examine and test you, and once you are declared fit, we'll beam you back to the Montgomery. Testing there can confirm you are free of contagion, and we will all be happy. In the meantime, I will leave Colonel Methos here to attend to you needs. Begging pardon, ma'am, but duty calls"

Tiberian beat a hasty retreat before anyone could object, leaving his three senior staff to deal with the fall out. Admittedly Gheskori had it coming, Davis needed to be there, and as for Methos, well, getting dumped on by the Captain was an important learning curve for any XO.

<TAG Cain/Methos/Davis and Gheskori>

[Gheskori]

Tiberian Wong arrived back on the bridge a couple minutes after Doctor Davis. The medical officer had apparently decided to come to the bridge, unfortunately the discussion between him and Gheskori had started up again. Such heated 'argument' would never be accepted on the bridge of a Starfleet vessel under normal circumstances, but this was certainly not one of those.

While the presence of an Admiral - particularly one with as much zeal as Cain - would usually instill a sense of ultra decorum, the flag officer's personality was just too abrasive and panic-inspiring to do that; rather it resulted in odd behaviour and rushed activity.

Gheskori wanted the argument continued no further. Perhaps he had made a mistake in creating the strain but, all standard safety procedures had been exercised and such experimentation wasn't rare - even if it was in fact against regulation - on Starfleet vessels; it was something that many scientists did on ships, bending, possibly breaking rules such as those. Gheskori had done it, but he was not directly responsible for the release of the virus and contamination of surrounding areas. That honour went to the inebriated man whom lost his control in the officers' club, Ghes admired and condemned him simultaneously, respectively for his adventurous nature and his foolishness.

The Colonel handed the bridge off to Ensign Wolf and he, the first officer, Gheskori and Doctor Davis entered the ready room, under the order of Cain.

The Denobulan blinked, something he rarely did, when the Admiral asked about the loose Ulcartic virus. Gheskori felt like laughing the whole matter off, but perhaps this was actually a more serious issue than he thought; another example of the seemingly perpetual oblivion he resided in, when it came to all matters humans took a disliking to?

"When we get out of this, remind me to have you shot" Wong hissed in his ear.

His eyes widened and he stared forward, "Yes sir," he said loud and clear, nodding in an odd manner and rising on tip-toes and back down again. He stared at the surface of the Colonel's desk, the seat of which was presently occupied by Admiral Cain.

Gheskori listened with surprise as his commanding officer reeled off a Starfleet regulation. He would have to research that regulation, he had not heard of it before; not once did it cross his mind that the Colonel was lying. Out of the ready room the Colonel went, leaving the trio of Methos, Davis and Gheskori.

"Admiral," the Denobulan addressed Cain, "While it is fully true that I am responsible for the deadly strain of virus, I created it out of a personal interest as well as in the context of a genuine desire to fabricate an antibody for it; unfortunately that was spoilt so uncaringly by another crewmember of the Victory." A brief moment of silence ensued.

"May I say Admiral," Ghes began again, much to the chagrin of Colonel Methos - whose face seemed to be switched to a permanently-worried mode. ".. That in my humble and hopefully informative opinion, your style of command and your authoritarian leanings if you will, are not best suited to the Federation's Starfleet. Perhaps a change in your mode of operation is necessary, a more empathic outlook that will help soothe the mood of all concerned?"

<Tag Admiral Cain> <Tag Methos + Davis for reaction.. etc.>

[Deleted]

Her mood wasn’t helped by Colonel Wong’s rather weak explanation nor his listing off to her knowledge a non existent Starfleet regulation she merley glared as he excused himself from the room.

She was about to get rid of the lot of them when Gheskori who hadn’t won any respect from so far did less for himself when he said.


"Admiral," the Denobulan addressed Cain, "While it is fully true that I am responsible for the deadly strain of virus, I created it out of a personal interest as well as in the context of a genuine desire to fabricate an antibody for it; unfortunately that was spoilt so uncaringly by another crewmember of the Victory." A brief moment of silence ensued.

"May I say Admiral," Ghes began again, much to the chagrin of Colonel Methos - whose face seemed to be switched to a permanently-worried mode. ".. That in my humble and hopefully informative opinion, your style of command and your authoritarian leanings if you will, are not best suited to the Federation's Starfleet. Perhaps a change in your mode of operation is necessary, a more empathic outlook that will help soothe the mood of all concerned?"

To this Cain stood up and leaned on the table as she took a deep breath, her face was positively exuding fury as she said.

“Commander… How many ships have you commanded?... How many fleets has Starfleet entrusted you to take into the fires of hell that is war… don’t bother to tell me let me guess… NONE… You dare presume to tell me how to command those under me… my authoritarian command style may upset you… but frankly I don’t give damn…. It has kept many people alive in the most hopeless battles.. I am tough on mistakes and those who deserve it are rewarded.. unfortunately no one on this ship is deserving of such rewards”

She leaned off of the table and came to her full height which while only five foot eleven carried with it a sense danger.

“unless it has escaped your notice.. commander… I have the rank of Admiral… you ask permission to speak freely before doing so… and just to finish off… You have no informative opinion… until such time you have my rank and my responsibilities you have no right to question me or the way I conduct myself.. but as it is so clear that you lack even the basic ability or intelligence to understand even the most basic of Starleet regulations… I very much highly doubt that day will come…GET OUT.”

<Gheskori>

She turned to Methos her tone adopting less of the harshness she used with Gheskori and said. “I have no use for you Colonel report to your Captain… tell him a little more discipline on this ship is desperately needed.”

Turning once again to the doctor she said. “I need a check up NOW… the sooner I get off this vessel.. and back to a ship run by people deserving of a Starfleet commission… the sooner my risk of stress induced heart attack go way down.”

<Tag Davis>

[russelldavis]

Russell felt like he was going to either kill the Denobulan or have him court marshalled for his little experiment without informing him. Russell walked back to the consol to check the readings, the virus was still contained in sickbay but the patients inside were beginning to show massive increases in their internal body temperatures, ‘they do not have much longer’. Russell was about to yell at the lieutenant in Beta when Nurse Lai appeared on the screen “Well that medicine that Beta just sent seems to have slowed the virus down quite a bit, tell them thank you for me, now i must get back” the screen went blank before Russell could even respond, ‘beta sent something up without telling me, i need to start reminding people i am the chief medical officer more’. But the scanners showed that the virus’ effects were indeed being slowed, Russell was about to think about celebrating when the screen changed to the ship wide scanner which showed a small red blob forming on deck 11 directly below sickbay. “Computer seal rooms 112 to 117, medical quarantine and erect a level 10 force field around the rooms and sickbay” the beep confirmed the command and adjusted the shields around sickbay. Russell felt he should have placed the stronger fields first but they were for security purposes not medical, but as the virus had obviously breached a level 7 shield he had little choice. Checking the scan Russell was relieved to find that the rooms were empty as the officers they belonged to were on duty elsewhere.

Russell considered it was best to brief Wong on the situation before it grew any worse, so leaving sickbay’s door alone he walked up to the nearby turbo lift and began to rise up to the bridge. As Russell stepped out he heard Admiral Cain’s order just as she moved across to the ready room. “I don't suppose she's baked a cake to celebrate my new command" Russell could not help but smile at the suggestion of the new Captain, but he then saw the Denobulan and quickly changed his mood. Walking into the ready room with the others he listened to Wong and Cain exchange words, realising he had asked to have the ship quarantined Russell slipped out his tricorder and began a quiet scan of the admiral because he knew well enough what was coming. But when Ghes spoke Russell listened more closely "Admiral," the Denobulan addressed Cain, "While it is fully true that I am responsible for the deadly strain of virus, I created it out of a personal interest as well as in the context of a genuine desire to fabricate an antibody for it; unfortunately that was spoilt so uncaringly by another crewmember of the Victory." A brief moment of silence ensued.

"May I say Admiral," Ghes began again, much to the chagrin of Colonel Methos - whose face seemed to be switched to a permanently-worried mode. ".. That in my humble and hopefully informative opinion, your style of command and your authoritarian leanings if you will, are not best suited to the Federation's Starfleet. Perhaps a change in your mode of operation is necessary, a more empathic outlook that will help soothe the mood of all concerned?" Russell could not believe his ears ‘does this Command want to be a cadet next week, he is heading the right way for it’ Russell braced for the coming attack that he knew was coming To this Cain stood up and leaned on the table as she took a deep breath, her face was positively exuding fury as she said.

“Commander… How many ships have you commanded?... How many fleets has Starfleet entrusted you to take into the fires of hell that is war… don’t bother to tell me let me guess… NONE… You dare presume to tell me how to command those under me… my authoritarian command style may upset you… but frankly I don’t give damn…. It has kept many people alive in the most hopeless battles.. I am tough on mistakes and those who deserve it are rewarded ... unfortunately no one on this ship is deserving of such rewards”

She leaned off of the table and came to her full height which while only five foot eleven carried with it a sense danger.

“unless it has escaped your notice.. commander… I have the rank of Admiral… you ask permission to speak freely before doing so… and just to finish off… You have no informative opinion… until such time you have my rank and my responsibilities you have no right to question me or the way I conduct myself.. but as it is so clear that you lack even the basic ability or intelligence to understand even the most basic of Starfleet regulations… I very much highly doubt that day will come…GET OUT.” Even Russell felt sorry of the Denobulan but then remembered it was his fault in the end. After Ghes left Cain seemed to turn her guns on the next person in the line, “I have no use for you Colonel report to your Captain… tell him a little more discipline on this ship is desperately needed.”

Turning once again to the doctor she said. “I need a check up NOW… the sooner I get off this vessel.. and back to a ship run by people deserving of a Starfleet commission… the sooner my risk of stress induced heart attack go way down.” Russell smiled as he looked down at the tricorder he had up till now kept from everyone’s view “Well Admiral, i knew you would want off this ship as you have better things to do, and so i started your tests while you spoke. I hope you do not mind that ...” Russell watched as the results came back clean “And a clean bill of health, Computer, Please transport Admiral Cain to her ships medical bay, Chief Medical Officer Davis two two nine omega” As the computer confirmed the order Russell spoke again “Admiral, try not to return to the ship as i fear containment may not be as simple with this virus.”

<Tag Cain/All>