Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,160
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Post by Carl Torek on Sept 1, 2014 13:34:06 GMT
Carl stood with Jessica, they were talking amiably but it was obvious that both had questions neither was willing to ask at this point in their relationship. He listened as the young woman spoke about her time as First Councillor, and the difficulties their ship had faced for many years. It hadn't escaped his notice that the Mage was watching the couple closely. He had already decided he didn't trust their visitors, but he couldn't show it, and truth be known, they hadn't given him any real reason for his feelings, Carl was just going on what his gut said.
He took the empty plate from Jessica and asked if she would like something else. She declined, though he could see that she could have emptied a second plate without any trouble ... The door opened and one of the Raven's Security Officer's entered the Lounge, she looked around then headed for Commander Peers. The Security Chief spoke quietly then excused himself as the Officer approached Torek and his guest, she stood off waiting until the Admiral approached her:
"Problem Lieutenant ?" he asked casually, knowing the Mage was observing.
"Teng Sir ... Commander Peers asked if you could join him in the corridor Sir."
"Corridor ?" he asked, smiling as if receiving good news, "I'll be there shortly." he said going back to Jessica. He explained that some things still needed the Captain's approval, then excused himself, telling her to help herself to more of the refreshments if she wanted to.
~~~~~
The Security Officer was waiting when he left the Observation Lounge.
"That way Sir." she said, motioning down the corridor. Intrigued, Carl headed in the direction indicated ... To say he was surprised was a slight understatement, for there as he rounded the corner was Peers and two more of his Security team, the fourth person was dressed in something vaguely resembling a Star Fleet uniform. Once gold, it was now a faded yellow, torn in places, patched together, a floor-length sleeveless coverall draped over his shoulders. The man looked at Torek with defiance as Peers stepped forward:
"Security found him trying to enter the Engineering Levels. He was carrying this ..." T'Brel handed the Admiral a cloth satchel-type bag. Inside, three devices, what they were was anyone's guess, but they were obviously the man needed. Carl handed the bag back then approached the newcomer.
"What are you doing here. You weren't with the other's when they stepped off the shuttle ....... Well ?" but the man remained steadfastly silent, Carl turned to Lieutenant Teng and whispered, "Lieutenant, go back to the lounge, discretely ask the First Councillor to join us will you ... Oh, and if the Mage tries to tag along, tell him I want a private word with my Great Aunt." Carl said, grinning.
~~~~~
Carl leaned against the wall casually inspecting his boots as the intruder shuffled in place. His eyes widened as he saw the Security Officer, accompanied by the First Councillor round the corner and approach them. Lysia Teng stopped short of the group, but Jessica continued until she was less than a meter from the intruder. The slap resounded throughout the corridor and the intruder slumped back, blood flowing from the split in his lip ! ... She turned to Carl with an explanation before he could request one:
"This, belongs to Mage Teiler, I had no knowledge he was aboard our shuttle Admiral, you have my word on that." she said, taking a small disk-like device from her tunic and approaching the man again, who shot back in fear until Security restrained him. Carl stepped between them eyeing the item Jessica was carrying, "It is a punishment tool Admiral. Used correctly it can administer varying levels of, corrective encouragement."
"That's as maybe." Carl said, remaining between the two, "But there will be no 'correcting' on my ship. T'Brel, take our guest to the Brig, see that he isn't disturbed ... Now, Jessica. I have to say I'm a little disappointed at this turn of events."
"I assure you once more Admiral, I had nothing to do with this man being here. He is in the 'employ' of Cesif Ruh Teiler ... The Mage is a very powerful position in our society, one that we treat with due respect, this sort of thing is not beyond the Warlocks, but usually they don't get caught. Was he able to do any dam ....."
"No, he was caught trying to enter a secure area." Lieutenant Teng confirmed, "We are doing a full sweep of all sensitive area's now Admiral, just in case he brought a friend along."
"Thank you Lieutenant. Maybe you should join us in the Observation Lounge. Jessica, I think we should ask your 'Mage' what his intentions were." he said, allowing the young woman to go ahead before turning to Lysia, "Stay close to the First Councillor. Maybe it's nothing, but this obvious power-play going on isn't to my liking. They can play their games on their own ship, but not on here."
The two Star Fleet Officer's joined Jessica and returned to the gathering ..........
< tag : Andae / Cesif / All >
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Deleted
Registered: Mar 28, 2024 15:32:44 GMT
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2014 23:33:43 GMT
Will stood off to one side as everyone else did a meet and greet with their descendants. There was something off about these new comers but he couldn't quite but his finger on it. As he watched the proceedings, he caught movement out the corner of his eye. When he turned his head, he saw a petite, blonde woman wearing security gold walking his way. She wore what he guessed to be Lieutenant pips. She stopped just a couple of feet away.
"Commander Will Jamison I presume?" she asked.
"And you are?" replied Will.
"I am Lieutenant Christina Schein. Chief of Security aboard our vessel."
They stood talking with Will learning as much as he could from her hoping the others were doing the same.
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Andae Blakus
Moderator ..
Commander 1C
Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
Posts: 1,447
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Post by Andae Blakus on Sept 3, 2014 18:45:30 GMT
"Well, that was... very informative. Thank you." Blakus nodded at the tall Marionette-like being - he couldn't decide whether she was flesh or blood or mechanical like Marionette. Either way she was surely a descendant of the Raven's CNO; quite how she had been synthesised, or bred if the CNO was from some point in the future able to bear children, was beyond Blakus's understanding. 500 years was a long time - a lot could happen.
Teiler was consulting with his fellow Warlocks, a conversation that Blakus wasn't paying particular attention to becoming more heated as time went on. The recess before further formal discussion between the crews was still in effect and he was growing tired. But he couldn't leave Teiler to his own devices aboard the ship - even with security watching - and besides, he had many more questions to ask.
"Mage. Mage!" Blakus called across the table.
Teiler looked around, clearly annoyed. The tatooed faces of the other Warlocks were dour as they regarded him with their almost uniformly grey eyes. In contrast to his colleagues, Teiler's were a striking shade of green, the same as Lieutenant Christina Taylor's, the person Andae suspected... that he might...
"What, Commander?" Teiler said, quickly holding up a hand to apologise for his abruptness.
"Why should we allow you on our vessel when you won't let us visit yours? You should already know everything about our Raven given the original parts of your own ship."
Teiler gritted his teeth. "Contamination of the timeline."
"Isn't that what you're - "
The door to the conference room opened and the Admiral, his descendant and a security officer strode in, approaching the Mage and his clique of Warlocks.
"Explain this, Cesif!" Jessica Torek threw a small black bag on the table in front of Mage Teiler. There was a metallic clunk as it landed. Torek put a firm hand on Jessica's shoulder, holding her back. Somewhat surprised by this turn of events, Blakus turned to look at the bag and the Mage. Obviously the bag held one or more heavy objects.
Teiler's expression hardened; Blakus got the impression he was gnashing his teeth behind his flat facial expression. "He was discovered," Teiler said, trying not to show too much emotion, "I suppose there's no point in hiding it. Failed you didn't he, First Councillor?" His cold eyes darted towards Jessica and her ancestor. "Whatever this... Councillor may have said to you, Admiral Torek, she knew full well of the presence of Warlock Kris Hunt - the owner of this satchel of goods - aboard our craft that docked with your vessel."
Security officer Teng spoke from behind the Admiral. "Kris Hunt, if that's his name, isn't dressed like you or your accomplices. You say he's a Warlock."
The Mage scoffed, "You don't think we walk around in these cumbersome robes all the time, do you? We have engineeri - Clerical work and magickal evocations to carry out," he corrected swiftly, "Both of which would very much be hampered if we always had to wear our ceremonial dress."
Jessica Torek seemed to collect her thoughts. And so she should, Teiler thought. She'd never actually seen the Mage's new deputy Kris Hunt - being somewhat inexperienced and immature and hence blind to the main workings of the Warlock section of the Council - but had known him to be aboard the excursionary craft.
"I'd use the Pacifier on you, Mage, as is my right, if I didn't know you'd stab me in the back later on," she said, controlling herself.
Teiler laughed, "You're pathetic. A joke to the Council." He raised his glass as if he'd just toasted the First Councillor and got an appreciative, although somewhat sycophantic, round of nervous laughter from his Warlocks.
<Tag Jessica>
Blakus pushed his chair back and made to depart the conference room. He paused, nodded to the commanding and first officers, "If you'll excuse me, Admiral, Commander... I need to relieve Lieutenant Milyanov." He walked out of the briefing room, disgusted at his supposed descendant's behaviour. He headed down to engineering, taking over from the quite literally relieved Milyanov, and found Lieutenant Taylor. "Christina," he said softly from behind her.
She jumped and turned. "Excuse me?"
"Sorry. Uh, Lieutenant," it had been a long time since he'd called her by her first name, especially in that manner. "I could use your help in Jefferies tube 34 Zeta. There's a plasma manifold that's come loose again." He directed her attention to the master console, tapping at a flashing red symbol - lucky that Milyanov had missed something before he'd signed off.
"But sir, we can do it from here. No need to crawl through any tunnels."
Blakus sighed. "Yes. But I need to talk with you, preferably alone."
"Oh, alright," Taylor said, still mystified.
They entered the tube and located the plasma manifold. Blakus turned back and was about to start speaking when there was a strong vibration through the ship. Blakus felt the chassis of the whole vessel shiver as he gripped hold of the Jefferies Tube walls. From sensing the direction of the waves of shearing tension through the vessel, he deduced that the reverberations passed towards the stern, from a point on the saucer section. "Blakus to bridge. What the hell's happening? Are we under attack?" It certainly felt like it.
<Tag All>
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T'Brel Peers
Commander
The needs of the many outweight the needs of the few.
Registered: Jul 22, 2005 5:39:54 GMT
Posts: 324
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Post by T'Brel Peers on Sept 4, 2014 3:47:15 GMT
OOC: Okay, guys. Everything that y'all have written about me has happened. I'm going to go ahead and fast forward to my meeting with my descendant. Her name is going to be Rachel Peers, she will be carrying my symbiont as well, which will lead to bigger things I hope
ON:
"Damn I forgot how good looking I used to be" were the words that T'Brel Peers never expected to hear. As he turned to face the voice, T'Brel realized that he most likely would be face to face with one of his descendants. It was a very disconcerting thought. T'Brel quickly realized that most of the eyes in the room were focused on him and the women in front of him. If T'Brel blushed he was sure to be doing it now.
"It's not possible" T'Brel said as the words registered in his mind. His symbiont immediately recognized a familiar presence and everything in his body told him that he should flee. Yet T'Brel stood his ground for his curiosity was overwhelmingly powerful. As he scanned the stranger in front of him, a smile immediately came to his face. This new host, was a younger version of his mother Ezdrieana. Her spots were diminished and her Vulcan features had begun to fade away, but there was no doubt in T'Brel's mind. The young women in front of him was definitely one of his descendants.
"I'm surprised I have survived this long T'Brel, I mourned your loss, I still mourn your loss," the women said herself surprised at the candor and emotion behind the words," we spent more than a century together. You dedicated yourself to me and I will forever be grateful."
So many questions were going through his mind, but T'Brel knew exactly what the newest Peers was referring too. Symbionts had long lives, but T'Brel had never heard of one living this long. He would discover the how later, but now he would allow this rare moment to happen.
"I am T'Brel Peers, son of T'Reed of Vulcan and Ezdrieana of Trill, sixth host of my symbiont," T'Brel said astonishingly calm.
"I am Rachel Peers, daughter of Matthew Peers and Esmeralda Peers, eighth host of my symbiont," Rachel completely the opposite of T'Brel," hello great great grandfather."
It was at this point that T'Brel once again realized that all eyes were still upon them. He knew that this time he could not mask his surprise and slight embarrassment. "T'Brel, you need to stop. I was you and you will be me. I cannot exist without you and because of that I know you better than you know yourself. I know you have many questions, and in time things will get answered."
"Yes you are right," T'Brel said knowing that Rachel was right. She was Peers, just like he was. There was nothing that he could hide from her because a few centuries ago, in her time, she was him. Rachel then playfully hugged him and quietly whispered, "We need to talk in private"
(Tag All)
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Calli Valente
Starfleet Intelligence
"Don't get in my way."
Registered: Aug 4, 2010 21:19:10 GMT
Posts: 534
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Post by Calli Valente on Sept 4, 2014 22:12:52 GMT
Almost hesitantly, the Raven crew began to interact with their future descendants, pairing off and talking quietly ... Calli had watched the Admiral leave the Observation Lounge, and was concerned when he returned with Jessica, one of the Security Team, and an unknown male, who looked anything but happy about his situation. She moved to stand beside Lysia Teng as Jessica confronted the Mage.
"Kris Hunt ... If that's his name. Isn't dressed like you or your, colleagues. You say he's a Warlock ?" Lysia asked.
Calli realized that the woman was astute, she had picked up on something and hadn't been afraid of bringing her query into the open. They all listened as the Mage replied, almost as if he was forced to talk to a lower-class member of society. Not that it fazed Teng, she was an Officer and could be as hard-faced as anyone should the need arise. She simply raised her eyebrows as if she didn't believe a word the man was saying.
"You're pathetic. A joke to the Council !" Teiler spat at Jessica, almost defying her to react, but the First Councillor just returned the smile. Admiral Torek was about to step between them but Jessica held up a hand, making it clear she was in control and effectively held the higher ground, because no matter what the Mage said, she, and only she, had access to 'The Caption' ... She looked at the other two Warlocks, who instantly turned their eyes to the carpeted floor, not willing to look the woman in the eye, then she returned her gaze to Teiler.
She pulled a small device from under her tunic and spoke quietly:
=^= You heard everything my Lord ? =^= she asked, her eyes never leaving the man, who was clearly loosing the colour in his face quickly.
=^= I did Jessica .. Rest assured the Mage will be dealt with on his return .. Please apologize for our ignorance to Admiral Torek and bid him a good evening .. I think it is time you returned to your home =^=
There was a single 'beep' from the device as the Comm closed and Jessica returned it to her tunic. her eyes had never left Teiler's, who for the first time since they came aboard, looked unsure, but Calli could see it fading quickly as the look in his eye grew colder and colder.
"You think we fear 'The Captain' Jessica .... Well I shou ...."
"First Councillor. YOU WILL ADDRESS ME AS FIRST COUNCILLOR !. I have not given you leave to address me in any other manner, and you 'WILL' be punished for your insolence here tonight, you may count on that ... Oh, I am fully aware of your 'standing' as Head charm rattler, but that will not save you from retribution ... Now." she said, finally turning to Torek, "I must apologize Admiral. Our behaviour was unacceptable, and not what we wanted as a first impression. Be assured, our Necromancer brethren will not be accompanying us on our next visit." she finished, glancing icily at Teiler before heading for the doors.
Suddenly, the deck shuddered ... Drinks spilled as people fought to regain their footing. Torek hit his Comm badge:
=^= Bridge .. What just happened ? =^=
=^= Checking Admiral .. Looks like a computer sub-processor overload that blew out =^= Wedlerson replied quickly. Carl turned to Calli and Lysia:
"Lieutenant, contact Colonel Burwell. I want his Marines stationed at 'ALL' turbo-lift's and Bridge access points.
=^= Our 'guests' are leaving Commander .. Order all passages to be cleared to the Shuttle-bay .. Keep me informed .. Out =^=
"Calli. Take the Lieutenant, find out what that issue really was ...... Jessica, Mage, if you would ..." he said, motioning toward the open door.
"I trust citizen Hunt will be meeting us at our shuttle ?" the Mage said, almost, but not quite making it an instruction following his public rebuke by the First Councillor and trying to regain some of his standing, but Carl really wasn't in the mood for one-upmanship.
"No. I think Mister Hunt will remain a guest of the Raven for a short time." The Mage began to object, but once more Jessica silenced him. Calli had to admit, 'I am really beginning to like that woman' she thought as she tapped her Comm badge to get the location of the explosion from Wedlerson, still finding it hard to believe what was in their joint futures.
"I trust our Citizen will be returned in due course." she said, making her way back to the Shuttle-bay ... Ten minutes later the Community shuttle had departed the Raven on her precarious journey back to their ship .....
One hour later: Captain's Ready Room ::
"OK ..." Carl said, looking at each of his Officer's in turn, "At this point, there is no evidence that any of the Future Crew did anything to cause the explosion in the computer sub-processor relay. So we'll put it down to wear and tare for now, but I have the feeling our guest will know more than he was willing to divulge while the Council were present. T'Brel, Calli, that's what you need to work on for now.
The meeting continued for another forty five minutes when Admiral Torek decided to call it a night. He thanked everyone for their composure during the meet and greet, realizing it must have been a shock to everyone to suddenly come face to face with their future ancestor. He told them to get some sleep while they could, because he had the uneasy feeling that everything wasn't going to go smoothly, especially as they now knew beyond any doubt that the 'future' ship was blocking all transmissions. As everyone rose to leave he spoke again:
"T'Brel ... Am I right in thinking we still don't have a Deputy Tactical and Security Officer ?"
"Correct." Peers said, "I have been meaning to get to it Sir, but ..."
"Mind if I make a suggestion ?" the Admiral asked, Calli watched T'brel nod in agreement, "Lysia Teng .... She's been with the Raven a while and I think she could considered for the role ?" Peers gave it a seconds thought then smiled.
"I agree Admiral. I'll speak to her now if that is OK."
"Yes, Good." Torek said, reaching into a draw, "Oh, and give her this will you, it's well overdue." he said, sliding a small box over to the Chief of Security. T'Brel picked it up and looked inside. It contained a single gold rimmed black pip, signifying her promotion to Lieutenant Commander.
"Thank you Admiral. i'm sure she will appreciate it." Peers said, happy he could give her two portions of good news in one.
"I saw your recommendation to the promotions board last month. Commander Jamison and myself had spoken about it and were in agreement, so no need to wait for the list to be posted, do it now."
"Aye sir." Peers said as everyone filed out of Torek's office.
Calli wondered, as she walked with T'Brel, if this this situation was going to go sour on them very quickly ..........
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,160
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Post by Carl Torek on Sept 5, 2014 11:04:56 GMT
OOC :: Posting as Jessica ::IC ::Jessica remained quiet during the walk to the shuttle-bay, talking only when addressed by Carl or one of the other Raven Officer's. Outwardly calm, inside she was seething at the blatant insult from Teiler. She had already decided to go to the Captain once they returned to their ship. The Mage, in her opinion, had overstepped his position and had gone too far with his open opposition to her position on the Ruling Council.
Bidding farewell for the time being, it was arranged that they would return to the Raven at eleven hundred hours in the morning. Hopefully, their second meeting would go smoother than the first ....
~~~~~
Once free of the confines of the present USS Raven and en-route to their own dilapidated vessel, Jessica spun on the Mage !
"Beware ... MAGE ! ... I will not warn you a second time, do not attempt to embarrass me again. I will not stand for it."
"Embarrass you. Is that meant to be some sort of witticism, because if so, I am afraid I am at a loss to find the humour." Teiler said, appreciating the sniggers from his two Warlocks.
"We are 'ALL' aware of how you attained your lofty position Mage." Jessica said darkly.
< tag : Cesif >
The argument continued throughout the short journey back to their ship until they parted company. The Mage grinned as he watched Jessica stride away. She in turn was plotting the man's downfall. She had decided long ago that he was going to be trouble, she would need something to gain the advantage, but once she had that snippet, she would ruin the man and send him to the depths of the ship to become one of the un-named !
=^= Jessica T .. You have been summoned for a private audience .. Come to the ascender and access will be granted to you alone =^=
Doing as ordered, she wondered vaguely if Teiler, who would have heard the section-wide order, was pondering the ramification's of his actions now he knew she was going to see the Captain. It didn't matter really, they had much more important things to worry about, and getting rid of the Mage was going to have to wait a while ... Entering the ascender, she closed her eyes trying to settle herself for the meeting. because even though she was the only one granted audience with their Ruler, it still un-nerved her immensely when in his presence .....
"What were your first impressions of our descendants Jessica ?" The Captain asked without preamble.
"They are confident. Understandable if the archives of previous missions are truthful." she began, remembering the faces in the room, "We may, need to allow them to come aboard our vessel at some point I fear."
"That will not be allowed, I have already told you this, and I do not appreciate having to repeat myself."
"I fully understand that my Captain." Jessica said, knowing her continuing the conversation when clearly closed, could see her punished, "But, I feel that if the Raven and her Commanding Officer's find they cannot trust us implicitly they will ensure we have no further interaction. It is only a matter of time before someone attempts to contact the ship. When that fails they will contact the outpost. I feel they will have no option but to send a second vessel to investigate should that contact fail."
The Captain sat behind his silken vale, pondering what his First Councillor had said. In one respect, she was of course correct. They could not afford a second vessel coming to the aid of the Raven, it could jeopardize any plans he may have. Even now, the Council, including his trusted Jessica, were in complete darkness as to why they had travelled back through time to encounter their ancestors, and he intended it to remain thus until he felt they were worthy of enlightenment ... This petty bickering among the Council was concerning him though, and he needed to put a stop to it. Unfortunately, the Warlock clan was large, and knowledgeable beyond anything he could hope to attain. They, and only they, knew the workings of the Community, and to alienate them too much could prove unsettling, for everyone.
"They are inquisitive Jessica, they will not turn and leave without answer's, that much is certain ..... Now ..... This conflict between the Mage and yourself ....." he said quietly, watching her through the vale as she waited on his next words in silence, "He is a powerful man, but maybe an envious one too. He cherishes the role of First Councillor, even now, with the power he Commands, he may still want to take the role away from you. You must be strong Jessica, in many senses you hold the higher ground, from childhood you were marked for the position you now hold. Do not let his petty taunting get the better of you, do you understand what I am saying my child ?"
"Yes My Lord ... I understand fully." she replied, knowing it was anything but a suggestion she was receiving.
"It will hurt him publicly if you don't rise to the bait. But that, alas, works both ways I fear ... As First Councillor you are expected to act with etiquette, dignity and decorum. I do not want to see you allowing yourself to be goaded into an argument. You should both consider this a warning Jessica."
"Yes, my Lord." she said, bowing at the waist.
"Prepare for your next meeting with your descendant Jessica. You must persuade him we are to be trusted." The Captain fell silent.
Jessica stepped back into the ascender and dropped to the Council Chamber level ..... Taking her seat she sat in silence watching the silver white jewel that was the USS Raven-B. She still had no clue as to why they were here, and despite the Council's insistence she reveal details, it was impossible for her to do so. Unfortunately, the Mage made it clear that he thought she was indeed hiding information that could prove vital for their very existence ! ..........
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Marionette
Commander
Dr. Soong's penchant for whimsical names seems to have no end.
Registered: Mar 2, 2012 3:26:33 GMT
Posts: 285
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Post by Marionette on Sept 7, 2014 4:11:35 GMT
Blakus ran his eyes down the length of the conference table, then found his eyes running up to something that looked oddly familiar and yet not so. "Pleased to meet you," Blakus said, offering his hand to this pale giant, deciding that - unlike in the case of Teiler where there were close familial relations to be worried over - he should start this act of diplomacy on a firm and fair footing.
Andromeda was about to hand Commander Blakus a drink, but then she smiled a very big appreciative grin "I'm not normally allowed to actually act as a councilor, but yes, it's very nice to meet you." she said, her voice very much humanoid-sounding, with a musical sort of accent that seemed to drift between french and some sort of east-asian accent. Surprisingly, Andromeda also used contractions, whereas Marionette separated the words and spoke abit more formally.
"Well, that was.... very informative. Thank you." Blakus nodded at the tall Marionette-like being. She then shifted her gaze to the other Warlocks, who were incrementally raising their voices in conversation, as if trying to talk over each other. Andromeda downed her drink in one gulp, as if to say 'i need a freaking drink'. She had seen this sort of thing before, but she had hoped that they would have behaved themselves on their ancestors ship - Apparently, she was wrong, as demonstrated that they were winding up to start dithering at eachother like its the Mage quarter.
"Mage. Mage!" Blakus then called across the table. Andromeda supposed that he was trying to reel Teiler (and his incessant mean-ness and ranting) in to a more moderate level. Anytime she tried to temper Teiler's 'exuberant passion', it got her escorted out of the Council chamber by his minion security guards, like she was some pouty brat of a child. Of course, later on, her point would be proven right, like the one time the upper housing district ran rampant with plasma fires, because they had installed a cardassian power array to a borg power junction module without a phase converter array to step-down the waveform potency. She had warned them 2 weeks before it blew out most of that habitat zone, and they lost about athousand people to lethal burn wounds, before sealing off the lines with shunt-valves.
And then the fiasco with Kris Hunt, Teiler, and Councilor Torek and her comms-talismen. Andromeda couldn't help but stand there, mouth agape at the audacity of it all. If she had acted even half as rude and arrogant as Teiler did in yelling, YES, YELLING Down to First councilor Jessica Torek, she would be summarily stripped nude and quite soundly flogged in the atrium square, and if she was lucky, she would then be exiled to the underdecks, instead of put to the space-fixer work-gangs, or worse yet, spaced into the black.
-And then the ship shuddered, causing Andromeda to grab hold of the table as several of the drinks ended-over the edge of the table, their purple contents splattering black splotches all across the nice woven gray-blue carpeting.
Ten minutes later the Community shuttle had departed the Raven on her precarious journey back to their ship .....
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,160
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Post by Carl Torek on Sept 7, 2014 20:10:14 GMT
OOC :: Posting as Jessica ::IC ::It was almost midnight when she finally left the Council Chamber ... Moving along the avenue, ensuring she didn't make eye contact with anyone lingering, she headed for her own sparse dwelling area. As she reached the door a hand fell on her shoulder !
"How 'DARE' you touc ....." she began, taking the correction device from her tunic, then realized she was in no danger, "What are you doing here, you were told never to come to these levels."
"How did your meeting with the Captain go ?"
"It is non of your concern how my meeting went. get back to your hovel before I have you arrested and, re-educated !" Jessica said, looking up and down the avenue fearing they would be seen, "I warn you, If, or when i feel there is something you need to know, then I will send for you ... You think I don't have enough to deal with having that 'pretender' breathing down my neck every second of the day, commenting on my every decision while he sits comfortably on his petty throne as Mage ... NO ... You have no idea, so do as you are told !" she finished, stepping back expecting the person to simply leave, but she was wrong. He stepped forward and glared at her:
"Who do you think you are speaking to here 'Jessica' ... Some non-person, one of the un-named ... You had better realize just who put you in those fancy robes you wear so well."
She was suddenly alone as the encounter came to a close. Taking a few seconds to settle herself, she entered her room locking the door behind her ........ ooooo000ooooo Present Raven ::Carl sent for his Senior Staff ..... "Sorry for dragging you back after your shifts have ended." Wedlerson and others said it wasn't a problem as the Admiral pointed to the seats, "The meeting we had earlier with our 'future' selves, didn't go too well, even if I say so myself. But I have the distinct feeling that we are being deceived here. I can't put my finger on how or why, or even if it's actually happening. It is obvious that some aspects of their 'community' are far advanced from what we have in this time-frame while others are obviously much worse ... This almost Arthurian Society they have over there, that Council Chamber is, or was at some point, the Bridge, but now resembles a Great Hall in some medieval castle complete with Round Table ... I'm sure you all noticed the single seat that remained unoccupied ... I've been doing a little research, and Old Earth mythology cited Warlocks, Magicians, Knights, the so called common people, or peasants. I think that is what they are enacting over there. For what reason is beyond me, but it would certainly ensure that only a 'select' few had access to any form on knowledge base !" "You think the Council are controlling the population by ignorance Admiral ?" Calli asked. "Most certainly, yes, but lets just look at their supposed Command structure ..... Lets face it, we have a nominal Senior Command Staff of ten Officer's, with the exception of Commander Valenti, who is assigned as Advisor, and Commander Wedlerson, who I asked to sit in given his Command experience ... Did you notice that their party consisted of less than that. Obviously they were confined by how many could fit in that shuttle of their's, but didn't it strike you as convenient that the people who came over here 'ALL' had living descendants aboard our ship ?" "Is it possible we 'all' retained our roles from descendent to descendent ?" Harry asked, and everyone took a moment to digest that comment. "OK ...... Here's what I propose ...... " Carl said, for the first time in his career wondering vaguely how his 'suggestion' was going to go down, "I intend to put someone on that ship. It's about time we went visiting, despite their obvious lack of reciprocity." "Sir ?" the Acting Senior Marine Officer asked on behalf of the stunned gathering. "You heard me Colonel." Torek said, "I want a way to get over there undetected, and I want to put two people on that ship. We need information first-hand, not whatever they decide to feed us, so, my question is .... Any volunteers ? he finished, a wry grin forming .......... < tag : All >
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Andae Blakus
Moderator ..
Commander 1C
Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
Posts: 1,447
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Post by Andae Blakus on Sept 7, 2014 23:14:30 GMT
Having received news that it was a subprocessor that had overloaded, Blakus scrambled back through the Jefferies Tube to main engineering. "One more leak to fix..." he muttered.
"Was there something you wanted to... talk to me about?" Taylor asked, following him through the maintenance hatch.
Blakus turned to speak, but his vocal cords seemed to have lost the appetite. "... Oh, never mind. It can wait. It might be nothing anyway." Of course, this only served to increase her confusion.
He had a small team dispatched to repair the computer subprocessor, noting that their work would be performed while being guarded by marine and security personnel. The ship was being jammed from communication with Starfleet and thus had to be put at combat readiness. "Ensign Hunt," he called to the man he assumed was monitoring the plasma flow regulators, "Ensure we have plenty of power to divert to shields and weapons should Commander Peers require it."
Hunt... Thomas Hunt. Engineer, or Warlock by the circa 2900 definition. Blakus lost himself in spirals of thought, both logical and suppository for a few seconds. Kris Hunt... He shook his head, clearing it of thoughts of the myriad possibilities of the future.
He frowned, having not heard an acknowledgement of his order. "Hunt? Hunt?" He instead found Tinsley manning the plasma regulator station, who shrugged when asked where Ensign Hunt had gone. Blakus cursed and ran from engineering.
"We are 'ALL' aware of how you attained your lofty position Mage."
Cesif Ruh Teiler was silent in his chair behind Jessica T, gazing out at the shaking stars again. The drive clattered like a chemical combustion engine in the aft compartment, sending vibrations through the whole craft. "We are indeed," he answered coldly, "The former Mage was the victim of an unfortunate accident in the airlock upon our embarkation onto this craft setting out for the old USS Raven. Any evidence you can present to the contrary," he glared at Jessica with his bright green eyes, "Then present it to the Council. I'm sure we'll 'ALL' be very interested in reading it."
He smiled as he turned back to the stars. He liked to look at those distant stellar specks, however blighted the sight was by their own craft's limitations, and observe the positions of the stars in this region. Having come far from the Gamma Quadrant, all of the cosmos now seemed alien.
The clanking of machinery, industry working up the energy needed for the Warlocks to evoke their magicks, echoed through the cavernous engine complexes and tiered habitat structures of the Raven. Teiler sat in his observation room, overlooking the great hall of machinery that served to propel the Community through the void, courtesy, of course, of the intermediary Warlocks.
"Deputy Hunt's loss is... unfortunate."
He twisted from his observation, caught at unawares by the sudden arrival. It was another Warlock, Manu Passth. "Yes, it is," the Mage said, taking his desk chair. His office had none of the superstitious icons, archaic furniture or dark ambience that his predecessor had favoured, instead being utilitarian with white-blue walls and harsh ceiling lights. He started inking a report of his findings on the relic vessel. "The plan failed. Kris Hunt managed to spark only a minor computer malfunction. The First Councillor tried to fool her ancestor Admiral Torek into believing she had nothing to do with it," he smirked as he wrote, "We'll see how she reacts to the... admittedly false information about her wishing my assassination."
Passth grinned in return; weighed down by his robes and heavy chain necklaces he turned to leave. "Oh, Warlock Passth," Teiler stopped him, "You're now Deputy Mage until Kris Hunt returns. If, he returns." Passth smiled and exited.
Satisfied, the Mage read through the first lines of his report. They read: 'Councillors, administrators, townsfolk, I wish to start this report with the grave news that, during our transit down through the heavens from the ancient spacegoing vessel to our glorious Community, an attempt was made on my life. An assumed accomplice tried to stab me, and they would have succeeded, if it wasn't for the warning of a member of my faithful Warlock sect. It's known to you now that the former Mage died at the outset of our expedition to the historical relic, and now I, his successor, have had a brush with death on our return. It's now my belief that the former Mage's death was no accident. It was not clear who the assassin was - his or her weapon was too quickly concealed. It seems even amongst our illustrious ranks, their remains a certain factionalism, a crooked will, totally at odds with the genial spirit of our Community. This should serve as a warning to us all: there are those in high, high places that would wish the death of political opponents, if it gave them the opportunity to consolidate power they barely deserve. Anyway, on with the briefing of my findings regarding these legendary figures out of the depths of time and space...'
Once he'd finished the report, he transmitted the text through all high-level channels, ensuring that it would reach the members of the Council first.
"... We need information first-hand, not whatever they decide to feed us, so, my question is .... Any volunteers ?" he finished, a wry grin forming ..........
Blakus raised a tentative hand. "Not volunteering as such, sir," he said hurriedly, "But I believe one of my staff may be well suited to the task. Engineer Christina Taylor may be Mage Teiler's ancestor. She either married me, or one of her descendants married one of mine. I still don't understand how we became a generation ship though..."
"What's the likelihood that she'll volunteer?"
"She might be persuaded to join the away mission," Blakus replied, "Alternatively Thomas Hunt, who I found in the brig talking with his presumed descendant - the one who may have sabotaged the computer subprocessor - may want to visit their Community."
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Deleted
Registered: Mar 28, 2024 15:32:44 GMT
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2014 18:02:37 GMT
The Captain breathed heavily, assisted by his ventilator. Things had not gone as planned. The new Mage was a loose cannon – he would have to deal with that in time, even if he WAS the descendent of Andae Blakus. It pained him to admit it to himself, but the Warlocks had grown more powerful than he had imagined they would. He still had control of the systems, but he wondered if they would not soon figure out how to wrest that control from him. His meeting with Jessica had also left a sour taste in his mouth. He didn't like having to threaten her, but it was the only way to make sure that she did the job she had to do. As for the Mage – well, accidents could happen...
He closed his eyes, willing his consciousness into the ship's computer systems: the security cameras, the warp drive...for a moment, he WAS the ship. He saw through the sensors and breathed through the plasma conduits. Slowly, he focused in on the people he wanted to keep an eye on – Jessica and Mage Cesif. He shook his head sadly. Carl and Andae had never fought like this...it wouldn't do.
He saw Jessica's encounter on the lower levels, but the security camera was ill-placed to see the face of her companion. He heard what was said. Interesting, he thought. He had, of course, read Cesif's communique, and had to admire the nerve of the man. He didn't like the idea of having to dispose of him, but...if it came to that.
Returning to his own consciousness, the Captain thought slowly: if I were Carl, what would I be doing now....?
He chuckled blithely as the answer came to him. He knew what Carl was up to, as surely as he knew what his response was going to be. He opened a comm-line.
“Councillor Peers. Bring several of your best knights to the ascender....I have a job for you...”
<Tag Rachel>
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,160
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Post by Carl Torek on Sept 10, 2014 22:16:05 GMT
"She might be persuaded to join the away mission." Blakus replied, "Alternatively Thomas Hunt, who I found in the brig talking with his presumed descendant ...."
Carl sat watching his Chief Engineer. It wasn't like him to 'volunteer' others for jobs, and Carl wasn't exactly looking at this outing as an 'Away mission; more an infiltration of enemy territory, an information gathering exercise ? ... He found himself wondering if Blakus had pulled up the names rather than offer his services given 'who' their Head of Witchcraft was. No, that wasn't Andae's style, so there must be another reason.
"To be honest everyone, I was looking on this trip as less an away mission, and more a 'Take a Peek' outing ... We'll need to get over there undetected, not to mention get back here the same way. Unless our Engineer has come up with a way to transport over there, or a means to hide a shuttle, then I seriously doubt anyone going will like what I have in mind .... No, I'd like two Senior Officer's on this one Andae, but thanks for offering."
He sat in silence, running through his options, truth be told, he would have gone himself in a heart beat, but he knew he was going to be needed here. He looked at Calli, who raised her eyebrows with a 'pick me if you like' attitude. He wasn't going to pick the two himself, for obvious reasons, the main one being this was one hundred percent unofficial ... The repercussions of anything happening fell on his shoulders as Commanding Officer of course, but this time, he wanted people to see what he had in mind and act on their gut feelings, and issuing an order removed that option in his mind ...
"I'll go Sir." They all looked in the direction of the voice, hardly surprised to see Commander Wedlerson tentatively holding up one hand as he looked at the faces suddenly peering at him, "I have logged a lot of 'EVA' hours, and have the technical knowledge you may need over there. It's a given that anything lower than the Bridge and maybe two, three decks below it, it going to be on minimal power. Accessing the computer system undetected will be a must do, Admiral."
"EVA Hours ?" the Senior Marine repeated, eyeing the man opposite her, "That is how you plan to get our people over there undetected Admiral ... With all due respect, I have to admire your tenacity, but we are talking about a one thousand kilometre leap here, not a simple 'step out step back in' move !"
Carl realized there were minor flaws in his idea, but then, that's what these meetings were for ...
"OK, let's call it a night. We'll meet back here at change of watch. Commander Wedlerson, if you could ask Gamma shift to remain for an hour after their shift should end at, zero eight hundred, Alpha Shift will take take over at the conclusion of our meeting ... Right everyone, out you go. I'd like to see some idea's on the table when you get back here ,not to mention something for breakfast. For some reason Chloe can't replicate waffles without burning them."
Everyone laughed at the comment, happy to see their Commanding Officer could refer to his children's teacher and nanny in such a personal way. It was a given they had been in a relationship for some time and would hopefully marry one day, in fact, both Bethan and Vanessa had been secretly planning the 'Wedding' for months. Calli had the feeling it was well overdue ! ..........
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Marionette
Commander
Dr. Soong's penchant for whimsical names seems to have no end.
Registered: Mar 2, 2012 3:26:33 GMT
Posts: 285
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Post by Marionette on Sept 13, 2014 17:22:04 GMT
After everyone had left for the night, Marionette came back in afew minutes later. There was a trace of almost-worry on her face. "Admiral, I would volunteer for this mission, given my skills and abilities, however, i am unsure if this mission is appropriate for me, given the .... Religious status, of my future self. " She said, referring to the way that Councilor Andromeda had insisted on bowing to her, and calling her 'The Marionette'.
"It may be possible that the future Marionette would be a more dependable source of information than the others. My presence there, if it is decided that i will go, may help to facilitate the retrieval of information." the Gynoid stated, delivering her hypothesis that her future self would be more likely to help them.
It might be a hard decision; Have her skills and abilities on this mission, but possibly risk the off-chance of her being seen and recognised due her 'godlike' celebrity reputation with the locals, or do without her android abilities, and risk putting the mission at a possible disadvantage from the start.
(Room for carl's response)
"Also, i have been studying on how to cook basic meals, such as Spaghetti or French toast." she said, that 'ghost of an almost-smile' expression crossing her face. Carl scrutinized the female android, unsure if she was attempting a joke, or unknowingly threatening them all with innocently terrible cooking skills.
<Tag; Carl>
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,160
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Post by Carl Torek on Sept 14, 2014 21:52:27 GMT
OOC :: Posting as Jessica ::IC ::The red robed Knights protected the Council from harm, their brethren, the protectors and law-givers of the Community, roamed the lower avenues dealing out justice as they saw fit in any given circumstance ... They were the peace giver's and the executioners and were beholden to no-one but the Council themselves.
Among the lower levels it was no great secret that the Knights were systematically culling the Community so that other's may survive. But who had set this in motion, who had agreed to allow this genocide under the very noses of those who had sworn, generation after generation, to protect and provide, it didn't matter now, and even if it did there was nothing the un-named could do about it. To comment or complain, meant death at the hands of the Knights.
There were places that even the Knights themselves would not go ... The lowermost levels, where power was non-existent, where food was anything you could catch or kill, where blindness was common among both adults and children ... It was here that the discontented gathered to plot, to scheme, to talk quietly of what 'they' would do given the chances those more fortunate had. One such person was Tane ...
His line had long been considered outsider's within the Community. They were spawn from a visitor to the ancient Raven, but had quickly established themselves among those most capable, and as such were somewhat begrudgingly, respected. For many years he along with his 'advocates' if that was the right description, had campaigned for better conditions, for heating, lighting, FOOD ! ... Yet every plea had fell on deaf ears in his eyes.
"You should go see her again. We need answers to our question's."
"Yes ....." Tane said, knowing his friend was right, "But if we reveal too much too soon we will be crushed, you know that ... The Knights are already looking for anyone or anything they can find to allow them to dispense their so-called justice. We have long suspected that someone on the Council is controlling them, but are no closer to finding the evidence to prove the theory. In the last three years over two hundred have gone missing, I do not want to add to that number."
"Have more of the shafts been opened ?" the man asked.
"Six so far, and we are sending people to the upper levels daily. Scavenging for whatever they can gather, but we need to be cautious. Should a single one be discovered it will mean our deaths, that you may count on."
The two men fell silent, watching the un-named, non-people shuffle by, depression hovering in the air like stale sweat ..... Tane hated their situation, but was wise enough to realize he alone could not repair the damage done, or the chasm between the have's and have-not's ... He looked up in the flickering candle-light at the darkened ceiling, the long dead lighting and pictured the Council levels so far above them. Climbing the levels took time, almost three hours from their level up to the first of the illuminated of those levels, and almost as long on the return journey.
~~~~~
Jessica had only slept for two hours when her door chime sounded. She opened her eyes but remained in her bed as the chime repeated ..... Finally, she rose and entered her living area approaching the door, she placed her hand on the padd and spoke:
"Who ?"
"Knight Yvain Madam Councillor ......." the man said, placing his ring of authority against the scanner for verification, "There has been a, incursion my Lady. I am instructed to preside over your well being until the offender is removed."
" ..... And you summoned me from my bed to inform me of your honoured task ?"
"I beg forgiveness my La ....."
"Enter." Jessica said, using her index finger to open the door, somewhat amused as the man lowered his gaze so as not to look upon the High Council member, "Am I to assume you were sent to me by the Council Sir Knight ?"
"By, the Captain Lady." Yvain said, pride oozing from his comment, and rightly, I am instructed to remain at your side at all times, and when you are ready, to accompany you to the Council."
Jessica was almost shocked at the Knight's statement. For anyone not on the Council to be allowed access to the highest levels of the Community was unheard of. So, either the Captain was fearing for her safety, or more likely his own. Either way she was apparently stuck with her shadow for the time being. She looked the man up and down, the red robe, the gold tunic, the weapon he carried. Much like the correction device she and all the council member's carried, but less ornate, more functional in design, but just as deadly ! ........ Then something occurred to her:
"Who is the intruder ?"
"A girl My Lady. Thirteen, fourteen years in age, she was caught attem ......"
"Bring her to me."
"Madam ?" Yvain said hesitantly, "She is being taken to ......"
"I am going to dress. I expect the girl to be stood before me when I leave my bed chamber ... Is 'THAT' understood, Knight !" she didn't wait for the man to answer, just turned on her heal and left the room. She would shower and dress, then, then she would get answers .....
~~~~~
The child was barely in her teens Jessica decided as she looked at the shivering adolescent before her. Yvain was stood less than a meter from her, correction device resting on her neck, if she didn't know better she would think he was hoping to use it, quickly. She took a tray off the table before her and held it out to the frightened child, who instantly stepped back, fearing for her life. Jessica waved her forward while telling the Knight to step into the hallway and leave them alone. When he objected, stating his orders, she stood and moved his hand away herself, before coaxing the child to the table and lowering her into a seat. She eyed Yvain until he lowered his own eyes, thankful she had not expressed her displeasure in a more 'terminal' way ...
"It's OK, you can take anything if you like. I promise, it is my wish that you eat. You look as if you are in need of nourishment." she sat in silence as the girl wrestled with herself but finally she reached out and took a small piece of food, then a second, eyes constantly flicking between the plate and the woman, "What is your name child ?"
The girl instantly stopped eating and shrank into the chair, knowing she was to be interrogated, but Jessica smiled, trying to reassure her she was in no danger ... For the next thirty minutes she coaxed snippets of information from the girl as she ate. nothing they didn't already know of course, but it was pleasing to know the girl trusted her enough to speak out. So, now she needed to begin asking more relevant questions:
"How did you get onto our level's child ?" she asked. The girl froze, eyeing the door, and the Knight stood before it, "You must have climbed for a long time to reach us ... I'm not going to hurt you child, you have my promise, but we do need to know how you reached our level, and why."
Too late, Jessica realized the girl was more than terrified, and would not allow anyone to force her to reveal anything. Her eyes widened as the child reached forward and took a small knife from the table. But the Knight was quicker. He leapt forward, grabbing the blade before it entered the child's neck, turning it away and removing it from her grip, the girl went into a frenzy of panic. Ragged fingernails raked the Knights face, injuring his left eye in the process. She jumped from the seat and ran head-long into the door. Yvain spun on her, knocking Jessica out of the way as he ran to the girl, snatching her off the floor and throwing her across the room. Jessica, dazed from his actions, watched through a haze as he strode over and placed the correction device against the girl's chest, intent on revenge for his lost eye.
"NOOOOO" Jessica shouted, but it was too late, the girl screamed one word before the device, set to full, touched her skin:
"TANE !" ....
Yvain dropped the child to the floor, wiping blood from his bleeding, useless, eye ... Jessica knelt beside the girl, tears forming, she looked so innocent, yet this grown man had killed her without a thought, without pity or remorse for what he had done.
"I will inform the Council you are safe Madam." he said, reaching for his Comm. Jessica stood and turned to face him, then in one motion place her own correction device against his neck and activated it ... He was dead before his body hit the floor ... She knelt and lifted the lifeless body into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably ..........
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Andae Blakus
Moderator ..
Commander 1C
Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
Posts: 1,447
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Post by Andae Blakus on Sept 15, 2014 22:40:25 GMT
"... It's a given that anything lower than the Bridge and maybe two, three decks below it, is going to be on minimal power," Wedlerson was saying, "Accessing the computer system undetected will be a must do, Admiral."
"EVA Hours ?" the Senior Marine repeated, eyeing the man opposite her, "That is how you plan..."
Andae nodded, keeping his silence and making notes on his padd. His brow furrowed as he read one strange detail; he pressed backspace and corrected an error, or what he perceived to be an error. He hadn't meant to shun responsibility for the away mission; he felt his pride slightly stung by Admiral Torek's insistency that he wanted only senior officers on the away mission.
Perhaps it was a position of cowardice or even arrogance on Andae's part; part of him didn't see the need to risk senior officers on an infiltration operation, that they should all remain here to ensure the long-term integrity of the command hierarchy. Or perhaps he didn't want the possibility of another run in with Mage Cesif Teiler. But that was exactly why he'd volunteered Christina Taylor - Teiler's presumed ancestor, too.
Those piercing green eyes as Teiler had glared at him - exactly the same as Lieutenant Taylor's. He saw nothing of himself in the Mage; but Taylor, she at least shared some physical characteristics with the Mage, as well as, perhaps, some of the same combative personality.
Blakus was glad that Carl ended the meeting before any final decision was made. He'd nearly reached the point of volunteering himself to save the bother to his staff - which, in retrospect, he might've done in the first place. On the way out the door, as the laughter from Carl and Marionette's cooking comments died down, Andae stopped the CO. "Admiral, I apologise for my reticence earlier. I hereby volunteer for the infiltration operation. You'll need someone to help break their computer's encryption. It would be useful to know how the Raven came to be like this 500 years in the future... And how it survived this long."
<Tag Torek/All>
The Light shone brightly and painfully - the painful clarity of day. It'd been signified, by the masters of this place, by those who illuminated the groaning masses of Shaft Gamma, the cold rays picking out details of the dying forms, thereby betraying the masters' complicity in the great crime they were inflicting on the people.
Ultimus didn't know what controlled the Light, only that harsh day followed cold bleak night. He spent all hours wrapped up in his studies of the scriptures: making annotations, adding new sections, fitting them to the wall mosaic in the places he thought best suited for them as dictated by his own interpretation of the Warlocks' knowledge.
Now he'd run in flight of terror, across the strewn rubble, keeping out of direct view of the Light and warding off the hands of pleibians who grasped at his clothing through the bars of their homes. Or was that of their cages? He'd reached the meeting place, hysterical, tears streaming down his cheeks. Inconsolable, he was ushered to a table in the corner of the room, the other Planners dismissing his portents and reactionary zealousness.
A heated discussion was underway. "Tane's ploy failed," someone cried, "Or, at least, we've heard nothing back from the girl. She must've been captured, or killed." Curses rippled around the dark quarters.
"Something lies up there... I dream of seeing it myself some day, but we must only make these small steps." The man speaking was Tane's close friend. Ultimus observed he consulted Tane on everything.
Ultimus sat forlorn in the corner. A broken meow and Rousseau jumped up on the table. His pet's sudden appearance nearly brought tears to his eyes once more. He stroked the creature, it accepting his hand and purring. "Bliss in solitude... Bliss in solitude..." Ultimus's voice quivered. Rousseau looked at him with predatory eyes; it looked as if it'd understood him, as if the words had come from the cat itself.
"Where is Tane?" Tane's close friend demanded.
Where indeed? Ultimus thought. Where was the man who was granted the honour of having a name, one recognised even by those that lived above the Light (if such a thing was possible, if such a thing could be considered anything else but the celestial realm: the realm of the dead, where tombs of forefathers lay - the long dead line of the Blakians ). Ultimus, and all those jammed in their cages and houses, were - to most of these people - demeaningly called the 'Un-named'. It was the ultimate insult - the acknowledgement of lack of an individual's identity, by consent of the Community's masters.
Ah! That mythical concept of the Community. For what lay beyond Shaft Gamma except darkness and creatures whose form could only be guessed from within the lucid nightmare? The populace of Shaft Gamma knew only the torment of this vertical cylinder. They maintained it the best they could and performed the unending exercise of shifting its position within the greater edifice, whose true shape they could only guess at.
One day, perhaps, the Shaft might align with something that would offer them a glimpse above the Light. And that day would be the day Ultimus would reach heaven. The day he reached death. And was lain beneath the tended soil alongside his rumoured forefathers on the edge of Rome, the Eternal City. He hoped he'd been faithful and had honoured the primordial ancestor, the Farseer Andae Blakus Initio, who'd started the line with a maiden named Taylor in some city far far from here. That city was now dead. The scriptures did not lie.
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T'Brel Peers
Commander
The needs of the many outweight the needs of the few.
Registered: Jul 22, 2005 5:39:54 GMT
Posts: 324
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Post by T'Brel Peers on Sept 20, 2014 0:24:49 GMT
OOC: As Rachel
Rachel was conflicted. She knew her duty was to her ship, family, and The Captain. The Raven was their home and things were the way they were for a reason. Long ago, the decision of the Council had bother her, but she had come to accept the hard choices that had to be done. Yet her meeting with T'Brel had brought back feelings and reservations that she had long ago put away. Meeting oneself can do that.
~What am I to do?~ Rachel said as she acknowledged her comrades and friends. Being a young and old officer had been confusing for her, but once she was on the battlefield Rachel thought of nothing else. Rachel and her knights knew every about each other, but her troubles would need to remain her own. “Councillor Peers. Bring several of your best knights to the ascender....I have a job for you...”
The sound of The Captain jolted her from her thoughts and her first impulse was to do what he had asked for. Rachel couldn't understand why, but since she became Peers, The Captain had become more and more distant from her. All her concern seemingly disappeared at the thought of please him.
"We are ready," her four best knights said in unison. Unlike other Councillor's, Rachel was perfectly fine sleeping among her troops. "We await your orders Councillor, for we give our lives for each other and the crew!"
"As we do all!" Rachel replied as she retrieved her favorite blade and her personal side weapon
(Tag The Captain)
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,160
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Post by Carl Torek on Sept 22, 2014 16:51:04 GMT
After having breakfast with Chloe and the children, Carl made his way to the Observation Lounge. He knew he was early for the zero eight hundred hours meeting he had arranged, but he needed time to think about their situation ...
The room began to fill as the other Senior Officer's arrived, each acknowledging each other and the somewhat quiet Commanding Officer. Finally, Carl looked up from the PADD he had idly been spinning around with one finger. He looked at each of his Officer's, friends, in turn then began:
"OK ..... As usual, everyone is free to voice their opinions or concerns throughout this meeting, but let me start off ..... I'm not happy with what is happening. Not even considering the possible time-line issues that could arise from our continued association with our future selves, no, that isn't right, our direct descendants I should have said. We all know the implications of one of us succumbing to a fatal injury and what the consequences would be to their opposite on the future ship, so that is an obvious worry." Torek said, taking a moment to get his thoughts straight before continuing, "My main, and I use the word sparingly, 'concern' is what they hope to achieve by turning up five hundred years in their past ... It can't be coincidence that they picked this very time and place to appear, so my question is, why !"
"Is it possible we could have something specific to one of us, or the Raven herself, that they simply couldn't get elsewhere ?" Calli mused.
"It's possible yes, but look at that ship. It's over three hundred percent larger than our Raven, despite a large proportion being open to space or simply un-livable. They must have found a way to sustain their matter / anti-matter for such a massively prolonged duration. Maybe they simply switched out the worn parts and replaced them with spares, or got parts from other ships they came across who were running like themselves. Which obviously opens other, more sensitive questions. Science have provided detailed scans they had been running throughout the night shift of numerous sections that hadn't been screened, and the information was less than encouraging." Carl stopped again while he put the information up on the screen so everyone could see it, noting the silence as they all looked at the data on-screen, "As you see, it looks like at least a hundred primary and secondary systems have been replaced by equipment originally installed on 'other' Federation vessels, thus my concerns ..." he stopped to let the information sink in.
"They are, Scavenging from their own sister ships ?" Colonel Burwell, the Senior Marine asked.
"Science sent the information over to Engineering and Lieutenant Milyanov has put a team on it. He should have more information in due course." the Chief Engineer said.
"Thanks Andae ... So ... My original idea was to somehow get a team of two, maybe three, over to that ship and do a little investigating of our own, mainly because the other crew have been notably less than forthcoming with answers, while I'm not dismissing that idea, I'd like more input from you all for now before we make a final decision ... They have made no further attempt to contact us, or arrange a second visit, and that too is worrying in itself. Granted, they may run on a similar twenty four hour day basis as we do, so it's possible they wouldn't try contact during their night period, so we'll leave that open for now and see ... Right ...... I've had my say, feel free to add anything Gentlemen."
Carl sat back and waited ..........
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Andae Blakus
Moderator ..
Commander 1C
Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
Posts: 1,447
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Post by Andae Blakus on Sept 23, 2014 18:08:25 GMT
Andae had not slept well. Tired and irritable, he dragged his feet through the door of the conference room and wearily took his seat at the table. He stood up abruptly and ordered coffee from the replicator, taking his seat just as Carl started the briefing.
Momentarily distracted, he noticed Marionette's glistening eyes from the other side of the table - darkly luminous orbs looking his way with an expression that, to Andae, seemed almost but not quite to indicate amusement. He looked away slightly embarrassed, turning his gaze to the screen at the end of the conference room with the best expression of professionalism he could muster.
"... with answers, while I'm not dismissing that idea, I'd like more input from you all for now before we make a final decision ... They have made no further attempt to contact us, or arrange a second visit, and that too is worrying in itself. Granted, they may run on a similar twenty four hour day basis as we do, so it's possible they wouldn't try contact during their night period, so we'll leave that open for now and see ... Right ...... I've had my say, feel free to add anything Gentlemen."
Shaken from his reverie - he'd been thinking about the scavenged parts of other Federation ships that Milyanov and Taylor were analysing - by the Admiral's sudden opening to the floor, he shuffled forward in his seat, clearing his throat, "The preliminary results of Milyanov's research indicate that of the scavenged components belonging to Starfleet vessels, there are none newer in origin than current Starfleet ship designs."
There was a palpable silence in the room. "You mean nothing past year 2400?"
"Nothing," Blakus confirmed. "Except, for a couple of modifications to already existing class designs that our computer doesn't recognise. Whatever items the future Raven obtained from other Starfleet ships, they had only our current circa 2400 fleet to choose from."
"Why... What happened... Might something have happened to the Federation immediately post 2400?"
Maybe not immediately, Andae thought, but rather soon yes. No one spoke however. The many possibilities of what might've happened - or rather, what might or will happen - were too much to take in right now. They could speculate, but anything they might say would be useless without direct observation and questioning. Ignoring it for now would also help to stave off the horror of a UFP-less quadrant in a few years time.
"I for one, recommend we proceed with the recon mission, sir," Blakus said, "And this time, I say we get some real answers from Councillor Torek, Mage Teiler and their associates. Perhaps not directly if this is to be a surveillance operation, but we now need something to go on."
"An equally pressing issue..." Wedlerson murmured from the end of the table, "The future Raven's arrival here, you rightly say, Admiral, is surely not by accident. They want something from us? We should tread carefully. What if the reason for their arrival here is to break the loop that would otherwise cause us to repeat the events that lead us to become that future Raven. Or what if their arrival is to ensure that the loop continues, that their existence 500 years from now is maintained?"
"I'd like to reinforce my position of wanting to join the recon operation, sir," Blakus stated, "I'd also recommend we take a minimal security or marine contingent along with us."
<Tag All / Torek>
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Calli Valente
Starfleet Intelligence
"Don't get in my way."
Registered: Aug 4, 2010 21:19:10 GMT
Posts: 534
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Post by Calli Valente on Sept 24, 2014 21:17:22 GMT
Calli had sat quietly listening to the Admiral as he voiced his thoughts on their situation so far ... She couldn't fault his reasoning, or criticise his cautiousness.
She, like the rest around the table, were shocked to have the Chief Engineer confirm what his Deputy had been checking out, the 'future' Raven had got replacement parts from numerous other Star Fleet vessels, either prior to, or immediately proceeding the fall of the United Federation of Planets, and their decision to flee the system in search of a new home. She pondered the thought as other's offered their opinions, but couldn't get away from the one fact that was blatantly evident ... It was doubtful those other ships would have simply given up vital supplies or equipment !
She looked up as the Commander Wedlerson leaned forward and spoke:
" ..... We should tread carefully. What if the reason for their arrival here is to break the loop that would otherwise cause us to repeat the events that lead us to become that future Raven. Or what if their arrival is to ensure that the loop continues, that their existence five hundred years from now is maintained ?"
"I'd like to reinforce my position of wanting to join the recon operation Sir ..." Blakus stated, "I would also recommend we take a minimal security or marine contingent along with us."
"You wanted two Officer's Admiral. So I'll throw my hat in too." she said, looking over at Blakus, who put the tiniest smile on his face for a second, "I agree with Andae's suggestion regarding a security contingent. I think the Colonel and one of his Officer's would suffice ?" Burwell nodded agreement, saying David Scott was his choice if the Admiral agreed ... Carl nodded, happy his Senior Staff were able to talk through the issue with their usual thoroughness, and come up with a workable plan of action.
"It still leaves the problem of how we get over there though Admiral." Lew Burwell said.
"Well ...... I have an idea that may work ......" Calli said, standing and moving to the screen before activating it to show a tactical view of the Raven and her future counterpart, "We're currently keeping station at one thousand kilometers. I think it's well past time we went in for a closer look."
"They will just tell us to move away again." Harry pointed out the seemingly obvious flaw in her plan.
"Yes ! ...... They will ...... But, if we set our away team on the outer hull in magnetic boots out of line of sight from their scans, the Raven can make a close pass, scanning 'ONLY' the abandoned or open to space areas of the ship. If challenged we're concerned about structural integrity and wanted to have as much information as possible in case a new pair of eyes were needed, sort of thing ... The Raven will pass within one hundred kilometers before following the inevitable order to move away on pain of death, or whatever us in five hundred years will be threatening people with. Before the raven begins her turn away, we'll release the mag-boot locks and simply drift into one of the open sections of their hull. I figure they will be watching the Raven too closely to be worried about any anomalous blips. Raven can make a show of moving away slowly, which will obviously rile that 'Captain' of theirs, not to mention the Mage." she said, glancing at Blakus before returning her gaze to the Admiral.
"How do you ensure you're going to hit you're target. It's a bloody long way on trust ?" Carl asked.
"Navigation isn't my strong point obviously." Calli began, activating a red trace-line on the screen, "But if Commander Marionette could work out a spiral elliptic ... The, 'our' Raven would approach their's from 'Zee' minus and rise to 'Zee' plus two hundred kilometers. At the right point in the spiral we'll release the locks' and drift away from the ship as she continues her circumnavigation of the other. As long as we can get off 'our' hull at the right trajectory, we'll drift the hundred kilometers in ten minutes and be on their hull undiscovered ..... From there, we make our way in and look for a data access point ......" she finished, trying not to shrug.
"Have you any idea of the consequences of releasing too early or too late ?" Harry said, almost dumbstruck by her idea.
"If Commander Marionette can use an anti-proton surge to de-magnetize the hull at precisely the right second, our boots will loose adhesion and we'll simply 'fall off' the ship moving in the right direction and speed. Hopefully, we don't miss, and more importantly, don't kill ourselves against the hull with an excessive rate of approach. That again will be down to our Navigator." Calli replied, grinning at the Android, who raised her eyebrows as if mulling over the proposal.
Everyone sat in silence as Commander Valenti walked around the table and re-took her seat.
"That, is one 'hell' of an idea ..... Thoughts ..... Gentlemen ?" Carl said. Then trying not to give away if he thought the idea was a work of complete genius, or completely and utterly insane, looked at his Chief Engineer, Senior Marine, and Navigator in turn ..........
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Andae Blakus
Moderator ..
Commander 1C
Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
Posts: 1,447
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Post by Andae Blakus on Sept 25, 2014 19:53:26 GMT
Andae tapped his fingers together, hands raised before his face. "It's... plausible," he murmured. He pulled a PADD from across the desk and ran a quick calculation, "If we leave the Raven's hull at the right time and are set on the right trajectory, we'll be travelling at about 160 metres per second. That's traversing the length of the Raven in 4 seconds."
He let the information sink in, allowed the staff to put what he was saying in perspective. While velocities in space were not as crucial as they were in terrestrial environments - due to the lack of air resistance, updrafts and other factors - when solid objects like the future Raven were involved there was definite cause for concern.
"It's workable," he said eventually, "We'll have to be absolutely precise, of course. The velocity is an issue, even if we hit our target. We'll have to burn our suits' retro thrusters for the last two minutes of our ten minute flight to bring us down to acceptable velocities; anything faster and we risk chance of serious injury."
The CMO nodded in confirmation from the far end of the table.
"This is crazy!" Wedlerson blurted. He cleared his throat, "Apologies, Admiral." He turned to Calli and Andae, "Do you know the error margins involved? The ship will have to be manoeuvred along a precise couse with no room for error on either side, in order to set you on the required trajectory once you leave the hull. That trajectory... you'll have to hit a gradient no thicker than a sheet of paper."
"Which is why we can be thankful for having an android as our helm officer, Commander," Andae said, sitting back, a sense of superiority on display while on the inside, in fact, he was tearing himself apart with the nerves. Marionette maintained her silence, quietly confident perhaps that she'd be able to pull off the operation.
This, of course, was assuming the future Raven allowed them to get that close. He couldn't fault Calli's logic that the future ship would be too preoccupied by the Raven's close proximity, but he didn't like the thought of free-falling towards a less-than-friendly ship, unshielded through a vacuum, at 160 metres per second. Still, the idea was feasible and he'd said as much.
Later...
"In charge 'til I get back, Lieutenant." Milyanov nodded in response as Andae strode past the 'pool table' towards the dilithium chamber matrix console. Taylor was manning it, along with Ensign Thomas Hunt. They seemed to be standing rather close to one another. "Anything I can help with?" Andae asked, cutting in between.
"No, sir..." Christina Taylor said, "An imbalance in the antimatter flow that's all. It's causing a slight destabilisation in the chamber. Plasma flux within acceptable levels of tolerance." Irked, Andae glanced down at the console. He frowned; it was a matter that would need some attention, but he called Taylor to the side, Hunt glancing briefly at his two senior officers as they moved away.
Andae rode with Taylor to the upper level of engineering, guiding her towards the deuterium control interface. "Lieutenant... I'm starting a dangerous operation. With the ship on close approach to the future ship, myself, Commander Valenti and two marines are going to free-fall -"
"Yes, I've heard. Andae." Christina said, looking away briefly. Words hovered invisibly in the air, unvoiced but present in a way by their absence. Whatever unfolded over there, it was becoming clear to both of them that their fates in the coming years were to be intrinsically tied.
"What if something happens..." Andae trailed off. "If I should die on that ship. Our family, if we're supposed to marry..."
"You won't die though, will you?" she said. "All of this has happened, or will happen. You must survive; it can't be otherwise. Else that... ship thing out there with its current Councillors will never come into existence."
Andae shook his head, "You're assuming, that this isn't the first time the future Raven has come back to the year 2400. There's every chance this is the start of a time loop, the event that initiated it. I'm probably the first Andae Blakus to be going over to that vessel, the future isn't predetermined until 500 years have passed and the Raven heads back again."
She looked at him doubtfully, mixed emotions crossing her face. Fear of loss of a happy future with her CEO, perhaps; horror at the prospect that the Federation only had a few months, or years left. "If you say so."
<Tag Calli, All>
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Marionette
Commander
Dr. Soong's penchant for whimsical names seems to have no end.
Registered: Mar 2, 2012 3:26:33 GMT
Posts: 285
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Post by Marionette on Sept 26, 2014 1:03:53 GMT
Marionette listened to commander Valenti's proposition, detail by detail.
"That, is one 'hell' of an idea ..... Thoughts ..... Gentlemen ?" Carl said. Then trying not to give away if he thought the idea was a work of complete genius, or completely and utterly insane, looked at his Chief Engineer, Senior Marine, and Navigator in turn. All she did was tilt her head abit and quirk an eyebrow.
"This is crazy!" Wedlerson blurted. He cleared his throat, "Apologies, Admiral." He turned to Calli and Andae, "Do you know the error margins involved? The ship will have to be manoeuvred along a precise course with no room for error on either side, in order to set you on the required trajectory once you leave the hull. That trajectory.... you'll have to hit a gradient no thicker than a sheet of paper."
"Which is why we can be thankful for having an android as our helm officer, Commander," Andae said, sitting back, a sense of superiority on display while on the inside, in fact, he was tearing himself apart with the nerves. Marionette maintained her silence, quietly confident that she would indeed be able to pull off the operation. She was already calculating the preliminary vectors in her head.
=The Community=
Councilor Andromeda was in her absurdly small quarters, stirring a pot of soup over a pile of hot rocks that kept the open flame at bay, thinking about her encounter with their ancestors, especially The Marionette, appearing as she did, as if she was a statue made flesh. A smaller copy of what she had seen aboard the Ancient Raven, in all of its Technological Glory, stood in a cubby-hole altar across the small room.
Going to see who it was, she opened the door to see a tall human woman in a black hooded poncho. "May i help you? Are you lost?"
"I'm not lost, but i do need your help." the woman said, before pulling the hood up abit and flashing unnaturally blue eyes at the councilor. Andromeda was about to bow when (Future) Marionette flashed a hand out and gently caught the taller Pril woman's chin, preventing her from bowing. "Im on a Secret Mission. None must know i am here."
"H-How may i, serve ?" Andromeda said, her voice catching abit, still intimidated that The Marionette was standing at her front door, nevermind asking for her help. "Time is of the essence, but i know that we have brought forth a portal into the ancient past, before The Fall of the Long Night, and contacted the Ancient Raven."
"How did you know ?" Andromeda asked, confused. "One is unable to live as long as i have, without both acquiring, and maintaining .... Certain Resources and Acquaintances." Marionette said, slyly smiling, a glint of dark humor in her glow-blue eyes. "Ah yes, The Captain, Of course." Andromeda said, smiling and silently admonishing herself. (Future) Marionette leaned in close "Not the one you are thinking of." her blue eyes still maintaining that dark and mischievous shine.
"..... What ?" Andromeda confusedly quacked out, her mind spooling up into overdrive.
(Future) Marionette reached out into the hallway to drag a wheeled box around, and presented it to to Andromeda "Put this on, and then come with us - but i will warn you, it is Dangerous to undertake this task. We may have to Give Our All, to ensure Protection and Success."
Andromeda's eyes alit at the emphasis of words (Future) Marionette had spoken, and the pril woman became abit paler at realizing that The Marionette was asking her to become a Sacrificer-guardian, knights and operatives who were often sent on (suicide) missions of epic importance, a tradition born out of The Long Night, and almost exclusively to Pril individuals for their enhanced abilities. "I accept" Andromeda said purposefully, and bowed deeply. She then opened the box, and began putting on its contents; a deceptively primitive-looking stylized space-armor.
<Tag; All>
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Andae Blakus
Moderator ..
Commander 1C
Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
Posts: 1,447
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Post by Andae Blakus on Sept 26, 2014 17:54:27 GMT
Upper levels, the Community...
The Raven - or the Community - had now left the site of the tachyon burst, closing on the ancestral ship until it reached a distance of 2000 kilometres. It'd instructed the past ship not to approach to anywhere within half that distance.
Mage Cesif Teiler, within the ornately furnitured confines of the Warlocks' enclaves, had a clear view out into the void. He was of course, fully aware of the Community's position in the cosmos. It was no terrestrial community, inhabitants living out a life of squalor under feudal overlords, like on sections of old Earth through its Middle Ages and Early Modern periods.
The privilege of those in power - that which the populace wasn't meant to know - was that they were aware of the Community's true nature, and this collusion crossed political divides, the opposing factions having an unspoken agreement that the Community's nature as a spaceship was to be kept from the vast majority of its inhabitants at all costs. Things would go vastly awry, according to those higher up and out of Mage Teiler's concern, if news of this reached all people and Priil of the Raven (including those of the un-named).
It was a considerable source of frustration for the Mage - newly appointed though he may be - that he'd never been granted an audience with The Captain (what was he like? What was he up to?) Teiler thought of it as a stain on his personal honour. It gnawed on his ego during the ship's appointed night hours. He'd wake up in the witching hours and part way trash his quarters before regaining his senses, steadying himself against a wall and seeing in his mind's eye his goal clearer, more transparent, than before; the goal became clearer with each of these passing moments of rage.
He'd already heard the news of the explosion in the council chamber. Another plan gone awry. But it was of no consequence: fear had been planted in Jessica's mind now, most surely? The bomb planted under her council chair had detonated at the wrong moment; precisely, five minutes and thirty two seconds early. The previous sitting of the council, presided over by a junior chairman in Jessica's usual seat, had still been in session. The man's remains had been taken to the mortuary; investigations were in progress.
The Mage knew the Warlocks would be one of the first sects to come under scrutiny. It was no secret he disliked the First Councillor, and of course his fabrication that she had ordered his assassination, on the journey back to the Community from the original Raven, would only increase suspicion of his Order.
However, he also knew that they could never trace the attack back to him. If it did come to it he could deny outright; keep denying, again, and again, til it went away. It was a flawless tactic. The Warlocks could not be questioned - they controlled the mechanisms that kept the mammoth Raven churning its way through the cosmos (or so they believed).
<Tag Jessica / All>
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Deleted
Registered: Mar 28, 2024 15:32:44 GMT
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2014 13:20:08 GMT
The Captain wheezed softly behind his screen, the Councillor and her four knights stood at rapt attention in front of it. He had a notion of what Carl Torek would probably try to do, but he wasn't sure exactly how he would do it. It was vital that this remain a secret.
"Councillor Peers - you are the head of the Knight's Guild. You are one of the most senior figures within this community. I hope I can trust you..."
He let the words hang in the air.
"And you, knights. You are are here because you have been chosen for this task. I hope that I can trust you as well..."
He savoured the silence that greeted his words.
"I know this man...the Captain of the Raven. I know how he thinks, I know how he works. He will be trying to get a team of his crew into the Community. How he will achieve this...I do not know, but I suspect that we will know it when we see it. Your task is to bring the intruders in, ALIVE, without anyone getting word of it. Do you understand? NOBODY must see the intruders. The second you have them in custody I will open up a direct route to this chamber that you may bring them along without fear of detection. I wish to...talk with them...You may take weapons from the Sacred Armoury to accomplish this task."
Councillor Peers nodded.
"Good, Councillor. It is nice to know that I have someone that I can still...wholly...rely on."
The silence that followed was a clear dissmissal, and Peers saluted and took her knights back into the lift-shaft in equal silence.
<Tag Peers>
___________
He watched in disbelief and fury on his screens as Jessica killed the knight he had sent to protect her. She was becoming an increasing liability, and one which he could tolerate for perhaps not that much longer. He thought steadily for a while. Politics was complicated, and sometimes required people to be played off against each other. He had an idea...
The voice came through on the man's personal communicator.
"Magus Teiler - you have been summoned for an audience with The Captain."
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Andae Blakus
Moderator ..
Commander 1C
Registered: Oct 17, 2007 22:48:27 GMT
Posts: 1,447
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Post by Andae Blakus on Sept 29, 2014 23:29:33 GMT
Teiler's eyes shot open. Tributaries of blood coagulated thickly about his bright green irises, the pupils darting about furiously. This had to be some form of waking dream, or nightmare. He considered responding to the message, to ask for clarification, not recalling in his delirium that the Captain's addresses were only ever one way.
The Mage got dressed, arranging his ceremonial headpiece before the mirror in his chaotic quarters. He pulled on his crimson robes, composed himself and stepped regally into the corridor. Warlocks and Knights bowed before him as he traversed the passage to the ascender the other side of the Raven's superstructure.
It seemed to them all - to the Warlocks, the others of the council, those that mattered - that the Captain was an omnipresent being on the ship, ubiquitous. He saw and heard everything all at once, knew all the inner thoughts of his citizens.
He was no god of course, Teiler thought derisively. The Warlocks knew this. Historical rumour, passed down generation to generation, was that long ago the Captain had told his crew in no uncertain terms he was no deity, in spite of the holy praise or unholy curses of the masses (most of them the un-named). Parts of those same masses also cursed the 'Light', illuminators shone into the disused and gutted ascent shafts. Once they'd blamed the distant godlike figure, if not god himself, of the Captain; now that 'knowledge' was forgotten, and they blamed the Light itself, as if it was some sort of conscious entity. Teiler smirked at the thought.
The ascender, its interior well appointed with a velvet couch and a decrepit lift operator wearing the Captain's official sigil - one black and three gold stars arranged as a rhombus - rose steadily through the vessel's superstructure. The Captain's abode, protruding atop the vessel - thrust in ages past into the void all to increase his supposed glory - approached from above him. The ascender ground to a halt. The lift operator seemed to wake up, nodded at him briefly. Teiler swallowed - the day, often dreamed of, often in dread, had come at last.
He entered, robes swishing about him, and bowed slightly before the milky veil and opaque shadow he'd heard of only in rumour. "Captain. I'm at your service." No words were immediately forthcoming from the veil. Teiler struggled to prevent clearing his throat, "I assume you are aware of the explosion in the Council Chamber this morning, sire?"
<Tag Captain>
OOC: Will write from Andae perspective soon. Sorry was going to add it to this post but in a bit of pain with my back at the moment.
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Calli Valente
Starfleet Intelligence
"Don't get in my way."
Registered: Aug 4, 2010 21:19:10 GMT
Posts: 534
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Post by Calli Valente on Sept 30, 2014 12:54:58 GMT
Starboard Dorsal Air Lock:
The four of them had taken their time suiting up ... No-one spoke initially as they were all contemplating what they were about to do, and trying 'not' to think about the consequences should their endeavour fail, and if it failed it would do so with spectacular flair ... Double-checking each other, Calli looked at the air-lock door. It had been a long long time since her zero 'G' training, but it wasn't something you tended to forget, the main instruction being 'Do not let go' .....
Blakus looked at Calli, then the Marine Colonel, and finally the Lieutenant, before activating his Comm link:
=^= Blakus to Bridge .. We're ready here =^=
=^= Stand-by away team =^= Commander Peers said, looking round to the Admiral, who was contemplating the far off ship with a calmness that he wasn't sure he was pulling off outwardly.
=^= Exit the ship Commander .. Inform us when you are in position and ready for our approach run to commence =^= Torek said.
Calli activated the inner door and it slid silently aside. The four entered, all eyeing the door that would open them to space itself. She turned and closed the door before receiving a nod of confirmation from Andae to cycle the chamber. Inside the suits there was no sign that all the life-giving oxygen was now being sucked away, only the green illuminated read-out and their suit monitors pointed out they were now in a vacuum ... The Senior Marine moved to the control panel and looked at Blakus, who was designated as Commander for this expedition. Andae took a breath then pointed at the door, Colonel Burwell dutifully pressed the pad and the door moved into a neat recess before vanishing from sight ...
Each in turn walked to the open doorway and took a look at the endlessness of space beyond the confines of their cocoon, then each held onto the grips on the outer hull and swung their legs back, pivoting around their hands, rotating slowly until their backsides, then boots, made contact with the Duranium-Tritanium hull plates, releasing their grip, each stood upright on the outer skin of the Galaxy Class vessel. Moving away to allow each of the team to carry out the textbook action, they stood together as the air-lock door smoothly closed ....... They had exited the ship on the Center dorsal fin joining the Saucer Section with the Engineering Section, and just behind the fore torpedo launcher. They needed to make their way along the center 'spine' of the Engineering section until they were in position level with the Bussard Ramscoops at the head of the warp nacelles. From here, hopefully, they would part company with the ship as Marionette rotated the ship away, releasing the mag-lock of their boots. They would drift, though that wasn't an accurate description of their traverse across to the other ship, and if all went as planned, and their Navigation Officer was as good as they hoped, would use their thrusters to slow their rate of approach to something that frankly wouldn't kill them outright, and enter the ship through the massive rent in the hull on the underside of the saucer section.
'If it all goes to plan that is .....' Calli thought as she tapped her Comm link:
=^= Away Team to Raven .. We're in position =^=
=^= Understood .. Stand by .. Oh and safe journey =^= Torek replied .....
Bridge:
Everyone was completely silent as Commander Peers double-checked the away teams designated contact point on the other ship. If they were out, even by a hundredth of a degree, or a tenth of a second early, or late, in releasing the team, they would overshoot their target and either fly straight into the hull, killing themselves if the thrusters didn't slow they quickly enough. Or, they would miss the ship entirely, and need recovering. Something Carl doubted the future Raven would allow !
Will was stood at Operations, monitoring the ship and looking for anything that would cause them to abort.
"Is the ship still venting waste gasses from the area we picked out ?" Carl asked.
"Yes ... Though I doubt they are going to appreciate us coming in to look." Jamison said, a wry grin forming as he looked at the Admiral, "You know they are going to get a tad annoyed when we commence our run. You think they would risk firing on us ?"
"I seriously doubt it." Carl said, eyes back on the enormous almost derelict-looking future Raven, "They may well threaten to, but they need something from us, so shooting us out of the sky, so to speak, is the last thing they'll risk."
"Let's hope your right." Will said, confirming everything was ready from his end. Peers too gave Torek his confirmation. Everyone on the Bridge looked at the Admiral, waiting on his final go-ahead ..........
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Carl Torek
Command Staff ..
Site Executive Officer Ranks Officer
Fleet Admiral
"UTRINQUE PARATUS"
Registered: Jun 17, 2006 22:34:35 GMT
Posts: 6,160
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Post by Carl Torek on Oct 3, 2014 20:58:34 GMT
He stood and moved next to the Navigation Station ..... He placed a hand on the Helm Officers' shoulder for a second, wondering if it was he rather than her that needed the reassurance. Looking down at the console, he wondered how many years it had been since he'd needed to pilot anything bigger than the Pitts S-1T aerobatic bi-plane he kept on Earth ... He had taken up the hobby many years ago, and found that the freedom of flying relaxed him, sometimes too much, as a once near fatal crash could testify. He had crawled out of the destroyed aircraft with only minor injuries, and three short months later was back in the air in the newly re-built aircraft. It was the last time he'd seen it after reporting back for duty ... he suddenly realized that he was reminiscing, and turned to the main view screen:
"You have a plot in mind Commander ?"
"We should drop to 'Zee' minus one hundred kilometers and run a full scan of the underside. we will then climb to 'Zee' plus three hundred kilometers and roll to starboard as we pass the future vessel. I will release our personnel at the appropriate moment." Marionette said, putting a tactical track on the screen showing the Raven dropping below, then climbing past, the future ship before returning to her initial start point and holding position.
"..... And we will be making sure we 'ONLY' scan the area of the radiation leak from the ruptured section of their ship, right ?" Carl asked.
"Yes Sir." the Duty Science Officer confirmed.
"OK ...... The second they contact us we affirm we are concerned about the radiation and what effect it could have on 'this' ship. When they tell us to move away we'll follow the designated route outlined by the Commander ... Will, contact the away team and tell them to stand by. Helm, move us off gently, the last thing I need is one of them falling off the hull due to the sudden inertial shift caused by our velocity change."
"They're ready Admiral." the Exec' confirmed.
"Any signs of movement from over there ?" he asked, receiving a chorus of negatives. he tapped the Comm link.
=^= Bridge to Away Team .. Hold tight .. Keep in touch via the secure Comm link .. Good hunting =^=
"Commander ...... Begin your run." ..........
~~~~~~
The Raven dipped below the hypothetical center line of the Galaxy and turned to Port, still only at one quarter impulse, the ship began to eat into the one thousand kilometer distance quickly.
< tag : Marionette >
=^= USS RAVEN .. You will HALT your approach to our vessel IMMEDIATELY .. Failure to do so in the next fifteen seconds will result in our requirement to open fire upon you .. COMPLY !...... NOW ! =^=
Carl looked at Harry Wedlerson, who replied to the Comm:
=^= Raven .. We have detected a serious radiation leak on your fore dorsal mid section that is currently open to space .. We are concerned it could affect our vessel unduely and needed to make a close pass to assertai ..... =^=
=^= You will cease your approach NOW ! =^=
"Admiral, they have just brought some form of 'phaser array' on-line. Judging by my reading's they could cut the Raven in two despite our shields if they chose to !"
"Not a lot of point in raising them then. Is there." Carl said, grinning.
"Beginning rotation Admiral." Marionette confirmed.
The ship suddenly turned to Starboard and rolled through almost sixty degrees. The future ship fell to the left with stomach-churning speed as the Raven pitched upwards and began to climb past 'Zee' ... Marionette almost nonchalantly tapped a control illuminated by a green ring then returned to piloting the massive Galaxy Class vessel past their future counterpart. The Raven climbed away continuing her roll and turn until heading away from the other ship, at this time she dropped to 'Zee' and began to slow ... Moment's later it was back where it had started, but minus four of it's crew ..... The threats from the future vessel continued until the Raven came to a halt ... Harry had his hands full calming their crew, fending off the threats and recriminations of any further incursion without permission. Carl watched his Assistant Chief of Operations with a smile, knowing the man was relishing in the point counterpoint of a futile argument in his view. When it came down to it, they had made the transition, and were back in position ready, hopefully, to retrieve the away team when required ....
"Sir. They still have their weapons locked onto the Raven." Peers informed Torek.
"Anything from their Ruling Council ?"
"Not a peep."
"Do we have a track on the away teams' progress ?" Carl asked, waiting as Marionette put the tactical view of the Raven and the future ship on-screen .... Four small pin-points of light could be seen almost hovering between the two ships. He wondered what was going through the minds of his Officers at they seemingly hung in space alone ..........
< tag : Away Team / Bridge / All >
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