Mission: While the Captain's Away...

[Deleted]

The Nova Class USS South Carolina had been handed over to Parsons and the old Scavenger crew, and Commander Kirk and his Engineering teams were finishing the last of the upgrades. The Officers and crew were settling in to their new home, to be rechristened the USS Salvezza once the Captain Drago returned from special assignment. Luke's assignment should have been nearing the end as far as Adam new, and the lack of an update from Starfleet had the veteran commander a little worried about his CO. The Acting Captain brushed aside his fears. He knew that special assignments sometimes didn't go as planned and while he would like to know that the Captain was alright, he understood the need for secrecy and respected the chain of command.

Adam had returned to his quarters after the handover ceremony was completed and a brief report from Acting Executive Officer Desert Pride was received. The Acting CO had changed out of his dress uniform and made an announcement to the senior staff, "there will be a briefing for all senior staff in the conference room in one hour, this is the Captain." The message repeated throughout the ship as Parsons looked over his orders on the PADD in front of him. It was a fairly routine mission. Perfect for a shake down cruise to work out any bugs that might result from the upgrades or the ship's time in mothballs before it was broken out recently for refit and sent out to save the Scavenger crew from that infernal rip in space.

When Adam had finished his review of the briefing, he made his way to the conference room.

[desertpride]

Looking at Illito " I'm okay now that you are aboard, I have missed you a great deal. Almost thought about exposing my self to some virsus. That way I would have a excuse to spend time in sickbay and most importantly spend time with you"

He heard the captains orders over the intercom about a briefing. " Well looks like I might now get to check on the other sections. If its okay with you can I escort you to the briefing if you dont mind" He smiled and was hoping she would say yes, he really had missed her a great deal. They really hadn't spend much time together and he was hoping to change that this mission if his duties permitted.

[Paikea Apirana]

Paikea had asked around the fleet for news on Captain Drago, but he got no answers. Even his friend at Section 47 command was not able to help him. This meant that the Scavenger's last commanding officer was doing something of vital importance. This realization allowed Paikea to give his complete loyalty to his temporary replacement Commander Parsons. He was a good officer and leader. As long as kept them informed of the important things everything was going to be fine.

The South Carolina was a fine ship and in time he would get used to it. Commander Parsons had informed the crew that it would be rechristened the USS Salvezza, but that would only happen once Captain Drago returned. For now the crew would get the ship back into shape. Paikea would make the South Carolina a frontrunner in research just like the Scavenger had been. The transfer of the Scavenger's computer core would begin tomorrow and Paikea would begin to update the entire science department immediately.

It would be hard work, but he was more than prepared to do it. His only regret was volunteering to do the night watch. He already knew that he would only be getting four hours of sleep and Paikea loved his sleep.

"Commander, the quartermaster is requesting permission to begin resuppliying the ship," the nighttime ops chief said.

"Permission granted," Paikea said as he continued working on his padd," tell them to start first on the ship's armament and medical supplies." If history was any indication they would need these departments more than ever.

[desertpride]

Walking with Illito to the meeting he couldn't stop himself from smiling. They entered the bridge heading for the confrence room when they noticed Commander Apirana on bridge watch. " You know what this meetings about Commander, did we get orders already." He could tell Paikea had alot on his mind. He was dealing quite well with the loss of there ship, Maybe a little to well he thought to himself.

He would make a point of checking on him in the future to make sure things were okay. He had come to think of Paikea as a friend. He wanted to be there for him if he needed to talk" Why dont you join us for the meeting I know its early but we can catch up a little. He looked over at Illito and she smiled back at him. Letting him know she didn't mind they were all having a tought time of if.

[Deleted]

“Sir, all upgrades are complete.” Announced a young Ensign as he produced a PADD for Kirk’s signature.

Kirk took the PADD and scanned it quickly before handing it back to him, “Very good.”

“Thank you sir.”

The Ensign started to walk off but Kirk quickly stopped him, “Ensign?”

“Yes sir?”

“Could you do me a favor?” Kirk said talking to the young Ensign.

“Anything sir.”

“Take these status reports up to the bridge and leaves them for Commander Parson to look at. I doubt he is on duty so leave them with the night shift officer.” Kirk said.

“Of course sir.”

“I am going to go regenerate, you have Main Engineering until I come back on duty.” Kirk said not waiting for a response from the officer.

“Have a good night sir.” The Ensign called back only to get a courteous wave of Kirk’s hand in reply.

[Deleted]

Adam walked through the bridge on his way to the conference room. The night shift bridge officer was Commander Apirana and the day shift was due to come on duty soon. Pai handed his Acting CO a PADD containing status reports from Engineering and gave a brief oral report of the goings on during the night shift.

"Very good, Commander, I will see you in the briefing room in a few minutes," Parsons noted as walked toward the conference room glancing down at the Engineering reports on his way. The final touches on the South Carolina's refit appeared to be ahead of schedule. Commander Kirk and the advance team that had been working before the Scavenger memorial service had made significant progress.

Parsons sat at the head of the table, something that he was still not totally used to, and he reminded himself that he shouldn't get too comfortable there. Adam was still going through the reports when the other senior staff began to arrive.

<TAG ALL>

[Deleted]

Joseph woke with a start and glanced up at his chronometer. With a groan, he rolled out of bed and blindly found his way into his bathroom. His alarm hadn't gone off and he had only a few minutes to spare before the meeting would start.

He had no idea what the meeting was about but he presumed it to be about new orders. For the past few days, under the watchful eye of Commander Desert Pride, Joseph Tras had trained excessively on the holodeck, honing his piloting skills. He'd even taken a few crash courses so that he at least knew his way around the navigation's terminology.

Grabbing his breakfast from the replicator, Tras sprinted to the conference room and, panting for breath, sank down in his seat muttering an apology while he steadily chewed away on his sandwich. He hoped nobody would say anything about it, though he felt Parson's disapproving gaze upon him.

Silently, he finished his breakfast, while he waited for anyone to speak, the captain in particular. *Acting captain* Tras thought idly *Drago's the captain* "Captain, has there been any news from Captain Drago?" he finally dared ask, steeling himself for the response, if any would be forthcoming.

[Daya]

Commander Daya had missed out on a lot of things that had happened in the recent weeks, an illness had taken a liking to him and didnt wish to let go. Finally able to consider himself fit, Daya had received a message about a senior meeting in the breifing room. However much he would have liked to have been around for handover ceremony, but becuase of his illness, was unable.

Rolling himself out of his bed, he grabbed a drink of water and quickly got dressed, before heading out to the hallways and walking towards the briefing room where he hoped he wouldnt be the last one to arrive. After stopping to talk with a few of the younger officers for a few minutes, he had to excuse himself from a conversation about manuevering tactics in order to make in to the meeting. Stepping through the door, he was glad to see he was one of the first. With a nod to Parsons, Daya grabbed a chair and made an attempt to clear his throat, only to cuase himself to cough once or twice, before grabbing a glass of water from the replicator.

"Sorry, i've been a bit under the weather for awhile still getting over it." He said as Parsons looked over towards him. With a smile Daya drank his water until the remainder of the senior staff showed up.

[desertpride]

He watched the look on commander Parsons face, when asked about the captain. It didn't look good then again he could be wrong. When star fleet didn't want you to know something, they went out of there way to keep it from you.

" Commander all sections report that we can leave on time." Smiling alittle when he looked down at Commander Tras. He had come along way in a short time and was proud of him for it. He was a fair pilot. Given a little more time he would become a great one if he stuck at it. but right now fair was what they needed for a shake down cruise.

" So sir what are our orders, where do they want the shake down to take place.?"

[williamhunter]

William walk to the conference room. He saw that all Senior staff sitting at the table.

"Good morning" Said william.

He give to Commander Parson a PADD.

"Commander Parson, The Detachment of Marine are on there places on the ship, Sir." Said William.

He sat down on a chair. He wait for the meeting begin.

<Tag All>

[bubblesdelight]

Katie had spent much of her time getting her new quarters set up. She knew she wasn’t due to be on the bridge for another few hours and those last minute touches to her place were a must! Katie placed small knick-knacks through out her room giving it that feel of home that she’d been missing since coming back to Section 47. Washing her hands in her bathroom Katie smiled because she had that feeling of being done with her design work.

“All in a days work.” Katie joked to herself.

Katie walked from her quarters to the bridge in only a matter of minutes. When she arrived she saw Paikea sitting in the captain’s chair. She decided to move slowly and quietly trying to sneak up on Paikea. The heel on her boot made the distinctive clack on the bridge, which caused Paikea to turn his head to see her.

“What’s shakin’ bacon?” Katie asked with blushed cheeks.

[tintagel]

Illito went with Pride to the meeting, and the two of them were joined by other senior staff one-by-one. Illito let Pride and the others do most of the talking, because she wasn't sure what she would say to most of her crewmates. She liked them all, but she felt that she'd lost touch with some of them, especially Pai.

When Commander Daya arrived, looking a little under-the-weather, Illito wondered if she hadn't been neglecting her job. She should have had him down in sickbay for a medical exam weeks ago. Along with half the rest of the senior staff who still needed their physicals. Illito decided that she would start pursuing the subject more aggressively and start calling people down specifically.

After she was back in sickbay, she could focus on that. For now, Illito enjoyed the discussion prior to the briefing, although she found the lack of any real information about Captain Drago's position worrying. Illito hoped the briefing would provide some enlightenment on that count, since otherwise she wasn't quite sure what they were to be briefed on. A shakedown cruise really didn't offer much of an opportunity for ambiguity that would need to be explained.

[Deleted]

Tras finished eating and asked, "Captain, has there been any news from Captain Drago?"

"Unfortunately, nothing new, Commander. I have been informed that the status of Captain Drago's assignment is classified and that I will be updated on a need to know basis," Parsons replied. He knew it was not the answer Tras wanted, but it wasn't the answer Adam wanted either. "It gives me hope that Starfleet has not assigned us a new Captain. They must still plan on Drago returning to lead this crew."

<TAG Tras>

"Sorry, I've been a bit under the weather for a while still getting over it," Daya said as Parsons looked over toward him.

"Quite alright, Commander," the Acting CO answered. "I trust you're feeling better?"

<TAG Daya>

Pride then reported in, "Commander all sections report that we can leave on time." Dessert smiled a little when he looked down at Commander Tras.

"Excellent work, Mr. Pride," Parsons smiled at the Acting XO before taking a drink of the glass of water that sat in front of him.

"So, sir what are our orders, where do they want the shake down to take place," inquired Pride.

Before Parsons could answer, Hunter walked into the conference room. "Good morning," said William. He gave Commander Parson a PADD.

"Good Morning, Major Hunter."

"Commander Parsons, the Detachment of Marines are on there places on the ship, Sir," said William.

"Very well, Major." Adam turned back toward Commander Pride as Hunter took his seat. "To answer your question Mr. Pride, we are to deliver medical supplies to the planet of Axion and assist with an outbreak of a rare strain of what resembles the Rigelian flu. A modified vaccine is showing promise and quick treatment has so far kept the fatalities to a minimum, but they are running low on the vaccine and other necessary medical supplies. Dr. Tintagel, please review the report from Starfleet Medical," Parsons said, sliding a PADD down the conference table to Illito. "Please work with Mr. Pride to organize the relief effort and be prepared to brief the senior staff as we near Axion.

<TAG Illito>

"Anything further?"

<TAG All>

[Paikea Apirana]

He had been quitely attending to his duties. The South Carolina was now almost completely stocked and they would be ready to go as soon as the order came in. Everything was going smoothly until a loud clank caused him to jump a little.

“What’s shakin’ bacon?” Katie asked with blushed cheeks.

"Not much," Paikea said looking around the bridge before giving Katie a short small kiss which just made her blush even more. " I take your quarters are in order?"

(Katie)

It had been a very difficult time when Katie had returned back to them, but Paikea was happy that phase was over. He was determined to take it slower than last time, but he wasn't going to be shy about showing his affection for her anymore.

"So are you up for a little fun later today?" Paikea asked walking towards his station," we can do anything you want."

(Katie)

[bubblesdelight]

"I take it your quarters are in order?" Paikea asked.

Katie smiled because she knew that he knew that he already knew the answer to that question.

“Of course it is. Don’t you know me by now?” Katie joked.

"So are you up for a little fun later today?" Paikea asked walking towards his station," we can do anything you want."

“Love to but I’ve got work to do. I have to supervise the rest of the supply transfers and put my check mark on all the supplies that have already come onboard. You want to help?” Katie asked.

Katie hoped that Paikea would say no but the truth of the matter was that he was probably going to say yes. The trick was distracting him long enough so she could get her assignment done as well as keep on pace with her duties as the Operations Officer.

Katie smiled and waited for Paikea's answer.

[Paikea Apirana]

“Love to but I’ve got work to do. I have to supervise the rest of the supply transfers and put my check mark on all the supplies that have already come onboard. You want to help?” Katie asked.

"Not really," Paikea said trying to keep a straight face. His answer took Katie by surprise but almost instantly Paikea took her padd and exaimed," alright...alright since you insisted I'll help you."

(Katie)

"And since when do you prefer work to play?" Paikea asked as he playfully nudged Katie in the ribs.

(Katie)

"You know that inventoring all of these supplies will take a few hours," Paikea said as he looked at the padd again. It had taken him all night to restock the ship, hopefully it wouldn't take as long to make sure it was really there. "Well Lieutenant Anderson after you."

(Katie)

[Daya]

"Quite alright, Commander," the Acting CO answered. "I trust you're feeling better?"

"Im getting there" Daya replied, before the meeting started, and listened as best he could when it did in fact begin. Resupplying medical facilities sounded easy enough, but you never know what could happen. "Has there been any reports of someone stealing any supplies, or cargo ships being attacked?" Daya asked, just trying to get an edge over the enemy, if there was one.

<tag Parsons>

[bubblesdelight]

Katie tried her best not to smile but she knew that Paikea would crack and when he did she didn’t hold back the smile any longer.

"And since when do you prefer work to play?" Paikea asked as he playfully nudged Katie in the ribs.

“Hey!” Katie shot back at Paikea. She moved away from her abusive friend and stood just a few feet from where she was just standing.

“It’s not that I prefer work to play but today I’ve been given a list of things to do and I need to make sure they all get done before I get off tonight. So there.” Katie smiled again.

"You know that inventorying all of these supplies will take a few hours," Paikea said as he looked at the padd again. It had taken him all night to restock the ship; hopefully it wouldn't take as long to make sure it was really there. "Well Lieutenant Anderson after you."

“Why thank you.” Katie said as she got onto the turbo lift.

The two had enjoyed a pleasant ride and walk to the cargo hold of the ship. Katie was still trying to get used to the new surroundings and as a result she kept getting herself and Paikea lost.

“Why don’t you just follow me, I know where I’m going.” Paikea boasted.

“I’ll find my way.” Katie said with her nose buried in a map of the ship.

Katie did circles in place as she tried to get he bearings but it wasn’t working and Paikea could tell. She stop herself and looked at Paikea who was trying his best to hid a smile behind his hand.

“Well Commander would you like to show me around?” Katie asked in a flirty tone.

[desertpride]

Looking around the room he thought about the shake down, he was hoping there Captain would be back before to much longer. He could also tell the crew was ready to get there space legs back, to much time on star base could dull the senses.

Looking at Commander Parsons " Well sir I would suggest the engine room be the first up on the shake down. Considering it powers all the systems, I think that Commander Kirk should take the lead on how best to test them out. I dont want to over tax with all the systems being tested at once. Not to mention I would be intersted in knowing how Commander Kirk strenght the hull to handle the strain of bigger engines , then what this ship was built for."

Looking over at commander Kirk " I have the up most faith you in Commander but I dont like throwing to many problems out there right off the bat. As soon as you feel comfortable with the systems check, then we will procede with the other sytems on your word"

[Deleted]

“Your concerns are noted and completely warranted,” Kirk said to Commander Pride, “We have had the stations construction crews refitting the ships pillars as well as the ships rear engineering hull. The South Carolina should be able to withstand any abuse you wish to put her through.” Kirk finished as confident as any engineer could be.

The meeting continued on and Kirk sat and listened in on everything that happened. It was not until it was time for the talk of when the shake down tour was going to be done that Kirk again spoke up, “Sir all I need is thirty minutes worth of notice so I can properly prepare all the engineers of your arrival.”

<Tag Pride>

[tintagel]

Illito received her assignment, and thought it seemed well within the limit of things she could do. Nor did she have any questions about it. “Please work with Mr. Pride to organize the relief effort and be prepared to brief the senior staff as we near Axion.”

“Yes sir,” Illito replied. Although she was happy that she'd be working with Pride, she knew that they had a lot of work to be doing. She studied the PADD Parsons had given her while he asked if there were any additional questions, and Pride answered Parsons' question about ship operations.

Daya immediately asked whether the medical supplies were being stolen or otherwise interfered with. Although Illito trusted that Parsons would have mentioned it were that the case, she did think it odd that Axion was running out of the vaccine. If she was the leader of a colony with an outbreak of a fatal disease, she'd do whatever she could to make sure enough vaccine was available. But she was assuming that the leaders had at least some degree of choice in the matter, and it was possible that the Rigelian flu-like virus had spread faster than expected, that more of the vaccine was needed than initially though, or many other factors.

Which was why Illito thought it a very good thing that she would be able to help the Axions. She rather liked the sound of this mission.

[desertpride]

Hearing that he would be working with Illito made him smile, he didn't think he was doing a good job of hiding it. He also shared commander Daya concern about where all the medical supplies had gone to.

Looking back over at Commander Daya " Commander I think you should help out with me and Doctor Illito. It might be helpful for you to come up with a way of tracking our supplies in case they go missing. Its just a fall back in case they disappear, I have worked with Illito long enough to know that most good doctors keep them selves well supplied for any problems. Not to mention you might want to see if you can see if there's been any black market happenings in that sector too. Might be a waste of time but you never know what you might learn."

Looking back over at Commander Kirk " Given the problem we are faceing and the conditions we are going into Commander. Your 30 mins start at the end of this briefing I want full power at least to the engines before we leave. Any other problems will have to be fixed enroute, I know that this might not be the best way to break things in but every minute we waste could mean a life. I know that you will get us there if you have to get out and push, also I want you to pass on my praise to your engineering team and your self. You have done a outstanding job of getting things up to speed in such a short time."

Looking over at Illito " I will give you what ever help you need to prepare for this. Feel free to draw what ever personel you need from other sections. Accept for engineering Commander Kirk is going to need all his people to deal with what ever bugs might still be in the system. I will join you after the briefing to work with you and Commander Daya" He looked at her smiled

[Deleted]

* * *

"Has there been any reports of someone stealing any supplies, or cargo ships being attacked?" Daya asked.

That question made Parsons remember his days as a Security Chief. "No confirmed reports of large scale supply thefts or attacks on cargo ships as this point. However, there is growing unrest among the populous and anti-government demonstrations have been reported. Your primary responsibility will be to provide security for our medical and science personell on Axion. Dr. Tintagel and the rest of our poeple will be spending most of the time at the major medical facilities and refugee centers. Make contact with the Axion Security Directorate and they will provide you with any intelligence you need...we want to make sure Starfleet personell are secure in the event these demonstrations start looking like riots.

Looking at Commander Parsons, Pride spoke up, "Well sir I would suggest the engine room be the first up on the shake down. Considering it powers all the systems, I think that Commander Kirk should take the lead on how best to test them out. I dont want to over tax with all the systems being tested at once. Not to mention I would be intersted in knowing how Commander Kirk strengthened the hull to handle the strain of bigger engines , than what this ship was built for."

"Very well, Commander Kirk, as this is not yet an emergency situation, you may perform any tests on the engineering systems you find appropriate," Parsons said turning toward the Chief Engineer.

Looking over at commander Kirk, Pride added, "I have the up most faith you in Commander but I dont like throwing to many problems out there right off the bat. As soon as you feel comfortable with the systems check, then we will procede with the other sytems on your word."

“Your concerns are noted and completely warranted,” Kirk said to Commander Pride, “We have had the stations construction crews refitting the ships pillars as well as the ships rear engineering hull. The South Carolina should be able to withstand any abuse you wish to put her through,” Kirk finished.

* * *

“Yes sir,” Illito replied to Parsons description of her role in the mission.

* * *

"Very good, there will be another briefing as we reach the planet. If there is nothing further, you are all dismissed."

[Deleted]

Tras had remained quiet during the remainder of the meeting, not really paying attention to what was being said. While Drago certainly was no friend of his, the captain had been the first person to actually trust him and offer him a place among the crew after he'd been forcibly removed from command and tried by Starfleet.

Truth to be told, Tras felt he owed everything to Drago as well as Pride as both men had given the disgraced officer a new chance at life. Hearing deficiency or no, he'd been given a fair chance and he'd grasped it with both hands. All his life he wanted to be treated like a normal person, not a disabled one and finally it was happening to some degree. Of all the crew, only three people knew he was virtually deaf and while one preferred to keep him at arm's length (and he couldn't really blame her) the other tried to help him at every opportunity.

Only stress gave him away, when he started using sign language, though to the untrained eye it could look like he suffered from reduced motor control or similar. Tras no longer cared, all he wanted was to prove he could be a valuable crewmember.

Joseph Tras was the first to leave the briefingroom, visibly deep in thought. So deep, he nearly walked into the doorpost, missing it by a hair's breath. He looked up, sighed deeply, then returned to his station, preparing the South Carolina for departure. "Helm's ready," he announced as soon as he'd gone through the complete pre-flight sequence, "course and heading?"

[desertpride]

Taking his seat in the xo chair, he still didn't feel comfortable in it. Seeing that there was the senior staff were reporting to there stations and the Commander Parsons hadn't left the ready room got Commander Tras attention.

Looking at him and trying to hide his own discomfort " How long does it take before you ever get use to being in command. I mean is it always like this that you feel like you really dont have anything useful to do unless something happens. By the way saw your test scores for flight trainning you did quite well. Might want to change you career goals and go in to the test pilot program. Your Sense are quite sharp which would make you a ideal person for the job"