1.3 Melody and Harmony

[Magellan Lin]

1.3 Melody and Harmony

Garron sat at the operations console on the bridge alongside Sh’Ketres. He hadn’t got to know the Andorian pilot very well yet. They had hardly had time since her arrival she had spent most of her time off ship on a mission with me… the thought intrude unhelpfully, Magellan wasn’t him anymore than Lin the symbiont was but still it was strange. Garron found it unnerving when he encountered the Admiral. He saw Magellans face and it felt like looking into some kind of strange mirror. Lin could remember being Magellan and those thoughts where very strong. Guardian Laurana promised that this would pass and the Lin would slow assimilate the various personalities and lives he had lived into a contiguous consciousness of memories and feelings. Until then she advised ‘get used to it’.

Commander Ethan Hope was sat in the Command Seat whilst Magellan was having yet another check up with Dr Lassier. Garron wasn’t sure how he would feel having a Denevan Neural Parasite purposefully living inside him, but then he wasn’t suffering from Symbiont loss, any other Trill after losing their symbiont in the way that Magellan had would have died.

Life on the ship was slowly returning to normal. Apparently the Admirals mission had been a limited success and the damages the ship had taken on their arrival to the Delta Quadrant were being steadily repaired by the Victorys new CEO –Meylor Paht.

Deep in the ship Harash-kyat had returned to his wife’s science lab to welcome the new Chief Science Officer Jennifer Wilkerson who had just come aboard.

Yes Garron mused things were starting to settle into what could be considered normal for a starship. He opted to ignore the fact that a possible Species 8472 saboteur remained at large on the ship. But in the past 2 weeks since Harash-kyat encountered the imposter there had be no irregularities in anyway. No sabotage and no unusual behaviour

[Ethan Hope]

~Waiting, waiting to get killed~ were the thoughts running through Ethan Hope's head. Having just listened to Starfleet Security, Ethan believed that the Federation was making a mistake. Species 8472 was clearly a threat to the safety of the Federation, but Starfleet would take a wait and see approach. Never one to ignore their core mission, Ethan knew that Species 8472 were a formidable enemy and they needed to be prepared.

"I want another security drill run within the hour," Ethan ordered to the security officer on duty. Since they had been unable to verify the identity of the intruder, Ethan believed it was the overall lack of experience aboard the ship. He could not fault his officers because they gave everything they had to this mission, but nothing beats intuition and experience. Drills and practice made perfect and while they Victory slowly made its way back home, they would do this everyday.

"Sir, the analysis of the last drill have not been completed yet, shouldn't we wait until the analysis is complete?" the security officer asked.

"We'll stop once Species 8472 has been found," Ethan snapped back clearly annoyed at the question. The burden of command was something new to Ethan and he knew that it was beginning to put a strain on him. For all he knew an enemy combatant could enter the quarters of any of the men and women under his command and dispose of them. This feeling was appalling and until they were back home he knew he wouldn't feel any better. ~Sometimes regular boring diplomatic missions are the best~ Ethan thought as he got up from his chair and began to do something useful.

"Commander we are being hailed" Garron reported.

"From who?" Ethan asked as he turned to the new Lin.

"I'm not sure, I do not recognize the frequency," Garron replied.

"Admiral Lin, once you are available please report to the bridge," Ethan said before he acknowledged Garron and the view screen lit up.

"Federation vessel, we of the Qomar's are surprised to see one of your vessels. We had serious doubts that your people would have the technology to be in the Delta Quadrant," a straight faced Qomar representative said," you are to visit our planet. Our coordinates are being transmitted to you now, we await your arrival. Once you arrive transmit all of your cultural and musical database to us."

The view screen went blank and everyone waited quietly.

"Aren't they rude bunch!"

(Tag All)

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan met Ethan in his Ready Room. The acting-co quickly explained the transmission received from the Qomar.

"I am aware of the Qomar" he said at length "and yes they can be somewhat abrupt but they are technology advanced and could prove to be a powerful ally. Whilst we are out here we may as well try and make friends. Have Ch'Tres plot a course and I'll make some calls. I think I know someone who could be of use."

As Ethan left Magellan put through a call through the sub-space network to Admiral Drew,

"Hi Paul I need a favour..." he said as the Section Admirals face appeared.

TAG Ethan, Ch tres and Tedak and well... everyone.

[Deleted]

Once Tedak learned where the Victory was, he had serious doubts if he would ever reach her. The Delta Quadrant, of all places? The Romulan had managed to arrange a transport that would be able to get him there, using some dubious gateway network of which Tedak had long since forgotten the name. His journey had taken several days now, and he was starting to get irritable, and weary. His pilot was very chatty, and just insisted on telling him every story of every adventure she'd ever been in.

Briefly, the diplomat had considered just administering a strong sedative to her, but he reasoned that the diplomatic ramifications would outweigh any benefit to him. Especially, since he was a qualified pilot. It had been some time since he'd ventured into Federation space, having been on various assignments for his own patch-up government. However, when he learned of this assignment, especially when he learned who was commanding the ship, he couldn't say no.

Magellan Lin. Tedak smiled to himself, remembering his old friend, if he could call him that really. They'd gotten along well enough.

Finally! Finally, the ship dropped out of warp and the magnificent Victory loomed up on the viewscreen. Meanwhile, the pilot was still rattling on endlessly. "Be quiet," he told her, literally snapping the two words at her. "Just...shut up and admire the view. And hail the ship and tell them you want to dock."

The girl gave him a long stare, having a hard time not to burst into tears. Still, she complied with the Romulan's orders and within minutes, the shuttle was docked.

Tedak gave her a polite bow before departing the shuttle, dropping his few belongings in the hands of a maintenance officer. "Bring that to my quarters as well as my other belongings. I will be on the bridge." He brushed past, shoving his orders into the hands of a waiting security officer, who raced after the quickly departing Romulan.

Smiling, while brushing off his robes, Tedak stepped onto the bridge. "Admiral Lin...it's been too long," he stated pleasantly, obviously unaware of whatever had happened to Lin.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan smiled weakly and accepted Tedaks hand. They had 'served' together for 7 years when Magellan had been commander of Starbase Assailant. Back then Tedak had been the Ambassador to the Romulan Star Empire, but like with all things Romulan things were never that simple. Tedak had been joined by another Ambassador, Vebn whose job it was to curtail Tedaks wayward spirit. That had eminently failed and whilst Vebn still remained on Assailant Tedak had become more of a roaming Ambassador, taking projects on Romulan and Federation ships.

"Its just Magellan now" he replied, "Lin... Lin has moved to a new host. You will have chance to meet him I hope, he here aboard the Victory"

TAG Tedak

"Let me just say for now that the start of the Victory's mission was somewhat unsuccessful." Wishing to move along swiftly Magellan ushered Tedak off the bridge and into the Ready Room. They are technologically advanced and Admiral Drew wants us to establish strong links out here, whilst we have access to the sub space corridor network and the risk of Species 8472 is present he has asked us to respond and make proper first contact. I needed a diplomat and I thought of you."

TAG Tedak

"I m glad Starfleet and the Embassy could spare you" Magellan noted, offering the Romulan a seat, "Our current mission has revealed the somewhat disconcerting possibility that Species 8472 infiltrators have begun to take key places in the Federation. In fact it is highly likely that a saboteur remains at large on the Victory, despite our best efforts to root him out."

TAG Tedak

"We are still operating with a skeleton staff. Some new recruits have arrived but we are woefully unequipped. I had plotted a course for the Alpha Quadrant but then we received a comm request from the Qomar.

[Ethan Hope]

The hesitation had been evident on the face of the Section Admiral, yet a personal request from one of his best friends carried a lot of weight. So as reluctant as he was about the possibility of putting the Victory in more harm, the primary mission of Starfleet came first. The USS Victory would make another shot at a diplomatic gesture towards the Qomar. Everything that Ethan had read about the Qomar told him that he would highly dislike these people, but as first officer he knew that he had to go into this situation with an open mind. Ethan would be leading the encounter with the Qomar and he knew that all personal feelings needed to be kept in check.

"You know he is right sir," Ethan said to his commanding officer," for all we know this is a trap and we are falling for it like a mosquito on a Venus Fly Trap."

(Lin)

"Thank you sir, for allowing us the opportunity to talk to these people," Ethan said," I know it has been difficult for you sir. I promise we will finish this as soon as possible."

(Lin)

Ethan was surprised that he had mentioned Admiral Lin's current situation. He had never done so before, but he also knew that as his XO; Ethan should be able to bring up uncomfortable topics of discussion. As he walked towards his office, Ethan began to think of the possibilities. Things were going to change, but unfortunately no one knew how or when.

(All)

[Allan Hood]

“Do you really think it’s a good idea to bring up a baby on a starship?” asked Samantha Josephine Hood as the USS Victory-D appeared on the Type-11 shuttle viewscreen.

“It’s too late for second thoughts now,” replied Ensign Allan Hood. The USS Victory’s new Chief Tactical and Security Officer bounced Gracie, their seventeen-month-old daughter on his leg, “we discussed and debated this over and over for years. I’m graduated and assigned now.”

“We’ll be in transporter range shortly, Ensign,” informed the shuttle’s pilot. After a two-hour shuttlecraft ride, the Hood family was eager to beam over and find their new quarters.  The Hoods gathered their belongings and stood on the transporter located at the rear of the cockpit. Gracie, anxious to finally run and play, squirmed in her father’s arms.

“Least the baby’s ready to go” joked the security officer, but Sami Jo’s second thoughts were running away with her.

“In transporter range now, Ensign,” said the pilot, “congratulations on your first assignment.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it. Energize.”

The Hood family dematerialized aboard one of the twenty transporter room aboard the Victory. Gracie laughed and clapped while Sami Jo recovered from a few seconds of vertigo.

“Ensign Allan Hood reporting as ordered, sir.”

TAG Magellan and whoever is in the transporter room.

[Allan Hood]

Sept 13, 2014 19:29:39 GMT @tedak said:

Tedak gave her a polite bow before departing the shuttle, dropping his few belongings in the hands of a maintenance officer. "Bring that to my quarters as well as my other belongings. I will be on the bridge." He brushed past, shoving his orders into the hands of a waiting security officer, who raced after the quickly departing Romulan.

Smiling, while brushing off his robes, Tedak stepped onto the bridge. "Admiral Lin...it's been too long," he stated pleasantly, obviously unaware of whatever had happened to Lin.

Hood calmed his defenses due to Tedak's quick movements toward him. In the second that elapsed after Tedak's orders appeared on screen, Tedak had already brushed past Hood’s right shoulder and exited the transporter room.

The security officer chased after the quickly departing Romulan ambassador. Hood barely managed to catch up after the ambassador entered the turbolift.

“Bridge,” said Tedak.

“How was your trip over? I just arrived myself,” said Hood out of habit, forgetting Romulans are not as big on small talk as humans.

TAG Tedak

The turbolift doors opened and Hood was ready. He stepped out before to announce Tedak’s presence, but was inevitably interrupted.

[Deleted]

Tedak turned to the new arrival after completing his meeting with Lin. "I apologize for not responding to you sooner," he told the new security chief, "but I had other pressing matters to attend to." He smiled at the younger man. "Was that your family with you earlier? You do have a lovely daughter, you should treasure her while you can sir." A shadow crossed the Romulan's face as he remembered his late adopted son D'Beren, and how short a life the boy had been granted before he was brutally taken from life.

"My trip over was pleasant, though I would've preferred to use my own shuttle. If I still had one as unfortunately it was destroyed a while ago. I have served with Admiral Lin before, hence my somewhat...familiarity with him." Obviously, this particular Romulan - being a diplomat - was bigger on small talk than the younger man was apparently used to. "And yourself? How was your voyage?"

[Allan Hood]

Dec 6, 2014 19:22:48 GMT @tedak said:

Tedak turned to the new arrival after completing his meeting with Lin. "I apologize for not responding to you sooner," he told the new security chief, "but I had other pressing matters to attend to." He smiled at the younger man. "Was that your family with you earlier? You do have a lovely daughter, you should treasure her while you can sir." A shadow crossed the Romulan's face as he remembered his late adopted son D'Beren, and how short a life the boy had been granted before he was brutally taken from life.

"My trip over was pleasant, though I would've preferred to use my own shuttle. If I still had one as unfortunately it was destroyed a while ago. I have served with Admiral Lin before, hence my somewhat...familiarity with him." Obviously, this particular Romulan - being a diplomat - was bigger on small talk than the younger man was apparently used to. "And yourself? How was your voyage?"

"No, it's fine, sir," said Hood, embarrassed at his misunderstanding of the ambassador's actions, "I thought your actions were due to cultural differences."

Hood took his post at the tactical station, not far from Tedak's side.  "My only experience with Romulans is from the Academy's courses through holodeck officer etiquette programs.  Thank you, I will."  Hood noticed that Tedak seemed briefly lost in a memory and decided it was better not to pry. 

"How was your shuttle destroyed?  Were you attacked?" Hood could not help but ask.  "Our trip was uneventful, other than having a seventeen-month-old baby aboard a shuttle for two hours.  We couldn't wait to be beamed out of there."

[Allan Hood]

[When Allan Hood first arrived]

After settling into their quarters, Gracie Hood was ready for her nap. Sami Jo laid Gracie down in her recently unpacked toddler bed and played sounds of gulf waves crashing on the Florida coast. Sounded as if they were back home.

Sami Jo walked from their shared bedroom to the main living area.

“She went down easy; she had a big day today,” surmised Gracie’s father.

“Yeah, we were lucky,” Sami Jo laughed, “she’ll be back to being harder to put down after the excitement dies down.”

Sami Jo looked toward Allan, “Sabbath is coming up in a couple days. You’re going to remember talk to the captain about any chapels on board and your schedule?”

“You know we’re probably the only Christians on this ship, let alone Sabbath-keeping Christians,” Allan began, “And, as the security chief, I have to perform my duty, even on Sabbath. The captain might allow me to come in the afternoon, but I can’t expect to negate my security duties. Remember, according to Second Kings, security officers didn’t leave their posts during Sabbath; if they did, their enemies would easily defeat them simply by waiting for Sabbath to start.”

“I know,” said Sami Jo, “I just want to make sure we get to spend time together as a family, on Sabbath especially.”

“We will, I’m sure the captain will understand” said Allan, “Did you notice the class of ship? A Vesta-class ship?”

“What about it?” Sami Jo asked.

“The USS Aventine, the first Vesta-class starship, was named for one of the seven hills of Rome,” explained Allan. “And here is the mind which hath wisdom” quoting from the ancient Book of Revelation, “the seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.”

“That’s just a coincidence,” Sami Jo laughed, “what are the odds?”

“Ha, I don’t know, but it’s interesting.” said Allan. “Computer, what may ‘Vesta’ refer to?”

“Vesta is the name of the Roman goddess of the hearth and home,” the computer began, “4 Vesta is the second largest asteroid in the Sol System. A group of asteroids in the Sol System. A mountain in Lombardy, Italy…”

“Okay, thanks, Computer, we heard enough,” said Allan, “I’m suppose to report for duty in an hour. Someone named Ambassador Tedak will be transporting in later today. I’m going to find a holodeck to test out my Aikido program with a few throwing and joint locks. We’ll see how it runs here.”

“Be careful and make sure you don’t get wrapped up and forget about reporting in,” Sami Jo punned accidentally before kissing her husband, “make sure the captain doesn’t keep you away too long.”

[Magellan Lin]

With greater effort that it normally took Magellan carefully eased himself from his seat. It had been 3 days since Tedak had come aboard and about as long as he had last visited the bridge. He reminded himself that the ship was in good hands under the guidance of Commander Hope but felt a strong pang of guilt that he had not yet made the effort. He rationalised by thinking that he didn't need to be on the bridge all the time. He was a flag Admiral and such duties were supposed to be handled by those below him but still...

The replicator hummed as it synthesised him another shot of isoboramine. He fitted the cap into the hypospray he now never kept far from him. He administered a half dose and began to feel immediately better. He swore that he could feel it sometimes. It was impossible of course and he knew that, Laurana said it was phantom symbiont syndrome but how would she know as far as he knew Dr Lassiter's technique had only been used on him, he was the only Trill to lose a symbiont and survive... survive, the word rang through his mind, was this survival? Could he really continue as just a shadow of himself? And there it was again, a hint of something alien, something akin to another mind. Was it possible that a Trills symbiont pouch could be sensitive to other entities? or was he just obsessing about the Denevan Neural Parasite that Lassiter had implanted in him to keep him alive?

"Get out" Laurana stated abruptly, snapping him from thoughts,

"Sorry"

"Get out I said" she insisted pushing his uniform jacket on to his back, "I've just about had it. Dr Lassiter said your fine, I say your fine. For the pools sake whenever I ask you say your 'fine' so go out and be fine elsewhere. You can't hide in your quarters for ever"

"I m not hiding" Magellan replied indignantly

"No." she made the word sound like both a statement and a question,

"I'm an Ad..."

"Yes your an Admiral blah blah blah. Well I m a Guardian to the Pools of Makala and well do you see any symbiont pools around here? No. If I hadn't been here or Dr Lassiter you and Lin would be both dead. Instead you are alive and Lin seems to be doing well in his new host Garron"

Magellan looked away, "Its not the same..."

"Of course its not. And I can't help that, I can't counsel you. This is not supposed to happen all other Trills die as a result of the split but you have been given a second chance. Lin is coping with change so why not you. Get out there and do your damn job."

Magellan bristled not used to be treated like this.

"FINE. At least I won't be nagged out there." he zipped up his jacket and headed to the door to throw back a last riposte, "and whilst your so concerned about me getting out and standing on my own two feet, don't be here when I get back. If your quarters aren't adequate I'll have Garron have you reassigned to something more fitting."

"FINE" Laurana shouted back at the closing door.

[Magellan Lin]

Surprisingly the arguement with Laurana gave him a spring to his step that along with the recent shot made him feel pretty good. Three days he mused. That would put them nearly at Qomar and the diplomatic mission, he did indeed need to be on his game and as the possible Species 8472 sabateur seemed to have disappeared again perhaps this for once would be a simple mission. First things first he had an errand to run.

Checking his uniform he entered the security office.

"Ensign Hood" he greeted and extended a hand to the man sat behind the desk "I m sorry its taken so long for me to greet you. No don't get up." He paced about the front of the desk, "Welcome to the Victory. I m not sure how much you know?"

TAG Hood

"Well let me give you the lowdown. IN our first mission in the Delta Quadrant we brokered a peace with Species 8472 and found out that elements of a splinter group from their government have infiltrated parts of the Federation and they have an as yet unidentified agent aboard this ship, although they have been very quiet of late so may not even be still aboard."

he pasued to ensure the Ensign was keeping up,

"As a result of sabotage we are operating on a skeleton crew. Commander Hope is acting Watch Officer and de facto CO of the Victory, his place has been taken by Ensign Garron Lin at ops" his voice faltered over the mention of the other Trill. "Commanders Harash-Kyat and Jalli-tol, a Grazerite pair bond, are filling in at Engineering and Science respectively. Che'tres is our helmswoman... or equivalent, she's Andorian and I still don't understand their sexes. Lastly Ambassador Tedak has come aboard to help with diplomatic issues."

Feeling weariness coming over him already Magellan pulled up a chair opposite.

"We are nearly at Qomar where we have been asked to open diplomatic overtures. Your role is to keep us all safe. Myself and Tedak will be beaming down as the main delegation and we will need security. Watch Tedak, I ve known him for years - hes a wild card, one who will act before thinking, and always from the heart. He will be the least romulan romulan you will ever meet, but he always acts in the best interests of others. You will also need to keep the ship safe. I m placing a lot of trust in you I know. But your playing with the big boys now so get it done. I expect a security briefing before we enter orbit."

TAG Hood

[Allan Hood]

Dec 7, 2014 15:56:51 GMT Magellan Lin said:

Checking his uniform he entered the security office.

"Ensign Hood" he greeted and extended a hand to the man sat behind the desk "I m sorry its taken so long for me to greet you. No don't get up." He paced about the front of the desk, "Welcome to the Victory. I m not sure how much you know?"

TAG Hood

"Well let me give you the lowdown. IN our first mission in the Delta Quadrant we brokered a peace with Species 8472 and found out that elements of a splinter group from their government have infiltrated parts of the Federation and they have an as yet unidentified agent aboard this ship, although they have been very quiet of late so may not even be still aboard."

he pasued to ensure the Ensign was keeping up,

"As a result of sabotage we are operating on a skeleton crew. Commander Hope is acting Watch Officer and de facto CO of the Victory, his place has been taken by Ensign Garron Lin at ops" his voice faltered over the mention of the other Trill. "Commanders Harash-Kyat and Jalli-tol, a Grazerite pair bond, are filling in at Engineering and Science respectively. Che'tres is our helmswoman... or equivalent, she's Andorian and I still don't understand their sexes. Lastly Ambassador Tedak has come aboard to help with diplomatic issues."

Ensign Hood left the holodeck and headed to his security office. He still had time to spare but wanted to get there early and check the place out. He never had his own office before, let alone been charged with such responsibility as the security of an entire starship.

Hood sat down and began reading the security reports flooding his screen. Thirty reports came every hour from the 30 decks aboard ship. He began reading a briefing on an intruder alert by Species 8472 when Fleet Admiral Magellan Lin entered his office.

“Admiral Lin,” said Hood as he attempted to stand to attention at his desk. He had not talked face-to-face with a fleet admiral and was not expecting to anytime soon. Hood reached out and shook the admiral’s hand, “thank you, sir. I really don’t know anything as of this moment. I just began reading about our intruder.”

“I am surprised we are not doing more about this potential threat,” Hood said cautiously. “May I ask what happened to Commander Hope?”

“Sir, may I remind you that 8472 created a simulation of Starfleet Headquarters on Earth inside a terrasphere in the Delta Quadrant as a training ground for a potential infiltration of the Federation. They learned how to disguise themselves to look like any species in the Alpha Quadrant. This particular 8472 is probably walking around with our crew, hiding in plain sight.”

“To find this potential agent of Species 8472, I suggest we consider contacting the help of Borg Cooperative in the area,” began Hood, “Species 8472 consider humans their primary threat and dismiss the Borg as ‘irrelevant.’ We could use this to our advantage. We should persuade the Cooperative to help us simply because we have a common enemy. If 8472 can board us undetected, it can potentially board them undetected as well.”

“We may want to consider contacting Axum, Five of Twelve; he tried to get the help of Species 8472 near fluidic space in the Beta Quadrant to fight against the Borg. Maybe we can use him as an ambassador for 8472 when we capture him/her in the brig.”

“In the mean time,” Hood suggested, “we can use modified nanoprobes to detect 8472 and alert/track their location on the ship’s computer. The USS Voyager used this process, which scared 8472 back to fluidic space. We could release them into the environmental system so that the entire ship is exposed. We can talk to the doctor about how long that would take and stand ready. We should try to keep this exposure to nanoprobes as convert as possible, limiting it to only you, me and the doctor, after all three of us are tested and cleared, of course.”

TAG the doctor

“After we capture our infiltrator,” Hood persisted, “I advise against opening a rift to fluidic space; it may invite a bigger attack by 8472. Instead, I suggest we beam it to the brig immediately to stand trial and send word through Axum.”

“For now, I suggest that we look for members acting out of the ordinary, such as not eating or sleeping well. We were just taught in the Academy that 8472 were completely uncomfortable with the fact they were in the form of ‘inferior’ lifeforms who needed to eat, sleep and were unable to communicate telepathically. Any crewmember that notices another crewmember that hasn’t been eating and sleeping regularly should report them anonymously to me and sickbay immediately.”

TAG Magellan

[Allan Hood]

Dec 7, 2014 15:56:51 GMT Magellan Lin said:

"We are nearly at Qomar where we have been asked to open diplomatic overtures. Your role is to keep us all safe. Myself and Tedak will be beaming down as the main delegation and we will need security. Watch Tedak, I ve known him for years - hes a wild card, one who will act before thinking, and always from the heart. He will be the least romulan romulan you will ever meet, but he always acts in the best interests of others. You will also need to keep the ship safe. I m placing a lot of trust in you I know. But your playing with the big boys now so get it done. I expect a security briefing before we enter orbit."

TAG Hood

I will assemble a security team immediately for your diplomatic meeting.  Would you prefer I join the away team or stay on board until we find our agent?  You'll have my report within the hour.

May I ask a question on a more personal nature?  I'd like to know of any Christians on board, any Sabbath-keeping Christians in particular.  My family would enjoy assembling with others as Elohim instructs us.  I understand that there probably isn't any Christians on board and would be surprised to hear anyone still practices these beliefs.

TAG Magellan

[Allan Hood]

[While on the holodeck, before meeting with the admiral.]

“Computer, Randori: Level 3,” said Allan Hood as three humanoid attackers appeared, an empty-handed Bajoran, an Andorian with a dagger, and a Klingon holding a bat’leth. Then, the yellow lattice grid dissolved to a dense woodland near dusk. Hood designed the program so that each level corresponded to the number of attackers, but the species of the attackers, weapons, and the environment, were randomized.

Hood slowly turned his head to the left, then to the right. He tried to sense where each combatant was based on sound and using peripheral vision as they circled him.

The Andorian reached Hood first from behind his left shoulder. Hood pivoted on his left heal to face his assailant and catch his attacking arm gripping the dagger. Hood grabbed the Andorian’s elbow, to keep him from withdrawing and guided the Andorian’s attack with his left hand. Hood then passed under the Andorian’s arm, locking it and pushing down just short of the breaking point. Hood then stepped and pivoted, throwing the Andorian into the simultaneously attacking Bajoran at full force.

As the two collapsed into a heap, the Klingon’s bat’leth came down toward Hood’s head. Hood side-stepped to the Klingon’s right, barely ducking under the bat’leth as swooshed past his right ear. Hood pivoted on his left heal, back-stepped and landed behind the Klingon warrior. The Klingon quickly corrected his attack and swung the bat’leth to the right, back toward Hood, as Hood wanted.

The security chief stood ready for this expected alteration. As the Klingon’s blade veered toward Hood, the warrior’s sword extended past Hood’s location, leaving the Klingon’s hand’s vulnerable. Hood’s left hand grabbed the same right handhold the Klingon used while Hood’s right hand grabbed the empty upper handhold.

Using the Klingon’s massive weight and force to fuel his momentum, Hood pivoted again on his heals and twisted the blade with his wrists. The Klingon attacker flew off balance and flipped over his own bat’leth onto the ground.

An alarm chimed for Hood’s training to end and report to the security office for duty.

“Computer, end program,” Hood ordered as the Andorian acted in surprise at stabbing his Bajoran co-assailant with the dagger and the dazed Klingon growled and stumbled back to his feet. The woodland dissolved and his attackers followed suit briefly after.

[Allan Hood]

Security Assignments Report for USS Victory

Away Mission with Ambassador Tedak
Security Chief, at the discretion of Admiral Lin, accompanied by a five person security team.  Two officers will cover the ambassador while two will cover the admiral.  The remaining officer will take point with security chief, if accompanied, will cover rear.  Team will use holstered hand phasers.

*Due to concerns about diplomacy and nature of mission, away team will not carry type-2 phasers, but instead, smaller type-1 hand phasers for easier concealment and less threatening appearance.

 
Duty Posts

Ambassador Tedak's Quarters
2 Security officers standing post (armed)

Bridge
2 Security Officers standing post (armed)

Security Office
4 Security Officers administrative post
weapons locker - Secure area

Brig
2 Security Officers standing post (armed) only if cells occupied. Secure area.

Armory
2 Security Officers weapons maintenance duty
Main weapons cache - Secure area

Transporter Rooms
2 Security Officers in each (armed)
Site to site transporter response duty

Phaser Control Rooms
1 Security Officer in each area.

Photon Torpedo Rooms
1 Security Officer in each area

Computer Core (Primary)
1 Security Officer standing post (secure area)

Roving Patrol (2 man patrols)
2 Security Officers deck 1-5
2 Security Officers deck 6-10
2 Security Officers deck 11-15
2 Security Officers deck 16-20
2 Security Officers deck 21-25
2 Security Officers deck 26-30

TAG Magellan

[Deleted]

“Computer, end program,” Hood ordered as the Andorian acted in surprise at stabbing his Bajoran co-assailant with the dagger and the dazed Klingon growled and stumbled back to his feet. The woodland dissolved and his attackers followed suit briefly after.

As the holodeck doors opened, Tedak stepped back in surprise. He was just about to enter his programming just as the running one shut down and therefor had not noticed the holodeck had been occupied. "Oh, hello," he greeted the new security chief, stepping aside so the man was able to leave. "Oh...Ensign Hood? I was wondering if perhaps we could have a word sometime?" He placed his hands behind his back as he watched the new chief, his expression open and patient.

The Romulan realized that not everyone was eager to see him, and that in general, his people were still greatly misunderstood, mistrusted and therefor often avoided like plague. Of course, Tedak understood that some parts of those were true, as his people were generally known to be quite xenophobic and secretive. But they were also a wandering race now, with their homeworld destroyed and a new one found. But many were still displaced. Tedak himself had been lucky to have had a home on Assailant for years, even to have had a wife. But the last years, since his divorce and since his break up with Kerry-Ann, he'd been alone. This way, he reasoned, it'd hurt no-one but himself if there was trouble to be had.

AS he mused over his own past, he kept his eyes on the young officer, patiently awaiting his answer.

[Allan Hood]

Dec 9, 2014 19:37:25 GMT @tedak said:

As the holodeck doors opened, Tedak stepped back in surprise. He was just about to enter his programming just as the running one shut down and therefor had not noticed the holodeck had been occupied. "Oh, hello," he greeted the new security chief, stepping aside so the man was able to leave. "Oh...Ensign Hood? I was wondering if perhaps we could have a word sometime?" He placed his hands behind his back as he watched the new chief, his expression open and patient.

The Romulan realized that not everyone was eager to see him, and that in general, his people were still greatly misunderstood, mistrusted and therefor often avoided like plague. Of course, Tedak understood that some parts of those were true, as his people were generally known to be quite xenophobic and secretive. But they were also a wandering race now, with their homeworld destroyed and a new one found. But many were still displaced. Tedak himself had been lucky to have had a home on Assailant for years, even to have had a wife. But the last years, since his divorce and since his break up with Kerry-Ann, he'd been alone. This way, he reasoned, it'd hurt no-one but himself if there was trouble to be had.

AS he mused over his own past, he kept his eyes on the young officer, patiently awaiting his answer.

"Yes, sir, anything you want," replied Hood, "when and where?  I'm on my way to the security office; my duty shift starts in ten minutes."  Hood did not want to appear rude to the ambassador but wanted to inform him of his tight schedule.  "Would you like to meet at the mess hall after my duty shift at 17:30?"
 

[Deleted]

The Romulan diplomat nodded. "That is acceptable, though I would prefer to meet somewhere a little more...private. Come to my quarters after your shift and I will provide dinner." He smiled ever so slightly, the seriousness never leaving his eyes. "Bring an additional officer if that makes you feel safer though I'm sure you've done your homework. I touch no weapons other than my blade, none whatsoever. You would be very safe in my presence and I assure you, my pets will not harm you either." He gestured up to the brown and bronze dragonlike creatures that hovered just above the ambassador, high enough not to be in the way.

Two sets of eyes were fixed on the young officer, both sets a bright green in colour. THe ambassador's smile brightened a little. "Nut," he said, pointing at the brown and then at the bronze, "and Sev. They are firelizards and not exactly common in the Federation though there are a few around in this area if you look closely enough. Most notably, on Qualinost." He did wonder what happened to Dinas, now that Magellan was separated from Lin.


(OOC: Qualinost is orbited by Starbase Assailant, Magellan and Tedak's former home"

[Allan Hood]

Ensign Hood waited for the night-shift crewman to take his place at the tactical station. Hood saw that the crewman, Crewman Otos Ekim, a well-intentioned Ferengi, was ten minutes late, according to the station's chronometer.

Crewman Otos entered the bridge and walked the walk of shame to his station to relieve his commanding officer.

"You don't like making good first impressions, Crewman?" Hood asked nonchalantly as he reviewed the day's security reports, not looking up to the crewman. "Are Starfleet's expectations unclear? Was Starfleet's tardy policy never distributed to you?"

"No, sir. I mean, yes, sir," stumbled Otos, "Our policy is clear." Hood picked out how the crewman said "our" instead of "their." Hood liked hearing that he identified himself with as a team player, unconsciously. "You are responsible for the safety of this ship and crew. Consider this your verbal reminder. Welcome aboard," Hood said as he turned around and shook the Ferengi's hand.

"Yes, sir." Looking eye to eye, Hood and Otos stood slightly over a meter and a half. Otos was nervous, but so was Hood, not meeting Otos until that moment. There are still many Hood had not met personally. But, he was slowly checking them off his list.

Hood walked inside the waiting turbolift and turned as the doors closed. He thought of Ambassador Tedak's offer. Tedak's smile reminded him of Rule of Acquisition, #48, "The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife," in spite of Tedak’s promise to keep Hood safe.

After the chief gave the computer the ambassador’s home deck, Hood mentally reviewed the steps he had to take the safeguard the crew during his turbolift journey. Earlier, Hood programmed the computer with a failsafe. If he encountered a member of Species 8472, and could not detain it, he would yell, "now." The computer would then beam him outside of whatever section he was in while the computer sealed that particular section with force-fields. He knew that 8472s emitted a biogenic field around their bodies which interferes with transporters and renders them partially invisible to sensors. But, Hood could still could trap and track it. If it did somehow escape, he would be able to track it with the non-threatening nanoprobes in its system.

Hood exited the turbolift and hiked to Tedak’s quarters. He was not too sure about the Romulan’s firelizards, but trusted his progress in the phaser range. He patted his type-1 phaser at the thought.

He informed his wife that he was going to be home later due to his meeting with the ambassador. He also promised to check-in with her in an hour. With an 8472 potentially on the loose, Hood asked Sami Jo to stay locked in their quarters with the baby. He promised, after this 8472 situation was resolved, he would take time off to take them on a camping trip on the banks of the Caloosahatchee, in the holodeck.

Hood nodded to his two security crewman as he approached. He activated the chime and announced himself.

TAG Tedak

[Deleted]

Drew took a deep breath as he stepped out of the apartment building, enjoying the sensation of the cool breeze along his face. He had been back in San Francisco for two weeks now, probably the longest he had been on Earth in several years and he had to admit it did feel good to breath in real air and actually feel the heat from the sun on his face, although he had spent far too much time in meetings for his liking. It was the annual Senior Admirals Conference, an event that was notoriously boring and which Drew had managed to avoid for years, unfortunately this year there was no escape, he had been “asked” to be one of the speakers giving a presentation of the Section 47 project and its current successes. It was actually starting to feel more like a scathing review on the resources that Starfleet had committed to S47 and the return on investment for the Federation.

There seemed to be an increasing view that reserving the use of four Starbases and a fleet of top of the line vessels exclusively to one project was not good use of resource. Already Drew had been forced to agree that the 7th and 8th Fleets could start to use Starbase Bellicose and had agreed to a request from the Head of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers for the shipyards to be used for the repair and maintenance of non-Section 47 ships. Drew couldn’t help but think it wasn’t like this in the good old days, there was a time Starfleet was happy to give S47 all the resources that it needed, including its own Academy but in recent years it had even become difficult to keep all of the starships assigned to S47, and it was a constant battle to recruit new command crews for the ships that did remain in the fleet.

That’s why it had been something of a surprise when he found out he was getting a new starship.

Arriving at Starfleet Command, Drew entered the secure code that would activate the turbolift to his temporary office. Given it was a restricted area he was somewhat surprised to find a man dressed all in black waiting for him, so perhaps this was why the C-in-C had decided to give Drew a new top of the line ship, Section 31 wanted something from him.

“Admiral Drew,” the man said looking round, “I am Agent Casper, I believe you might be familiar with my organisation?”

Drew remembered well his past experiences earlier in his career with the Federation’s secret Intelligence agency. It had never ended well.

“Let’s skip the pleasantries Agent, what do you want?” he said sternly.

“So direct Admiral,” Agent Casper said, feigning insult, “aren’t you going to at least offer me a coffee?”

“As you have likely jammed all communication from this room, I can’t call security to have you removed, that doesn’t mean I can’t just walk right back out the door.”

“We only want to help you Admiral Drew, that's why we arranged for that nice new ship of yours”

“Really? Now why don’t I believe that?” Drew replied.

Agent Casper smiled and walked around the wooden desk that was the centrepiece for the room, stopping in front of the Federation flag that was hung by the window.

“We both want the same thing Admiral, a strong Federation,” turning back round to face Drew he continued, “now tell me have you heard anything from Admiral Magellan Lin recently?”

[Deleted]

12 hours later found Drew on a shuttle craft heading in the direction of the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards. His pilot was a Betazoid who had introduced himself as Lieutenant Pillar and wore the grey colours of Starfleet Intelligence. Despite his people’s reputation for being talkative the Lieutenant had not said anything more since Drew had boarded the shuttle. That suited Drew just fine, he had a lot to think about.

Agent Casper had left him a padd containing the background material needed for the mission he had agreed to undertake. Drew hated the idea that he was now doing the bidding on Section 31, but he had to admit that in this instance he did agree with them. He might not like their methods, he reflected, but he could not argue with their proposed outcomes.

“On final approach to Utopia Planitia,” Lieutenant Pillar announced, “reducing speed.”

Drew looked up to the window to watch as the familiar views of famous shipyards grew larger, as always there were several ships docked in the large rings in various stages of repair and some undergoing construction. When he was a young Commander he had been assigned to Utopia Planitia as an engineer working on Project Prometheus. That had been back in the early 2370s, the Dominion War had soon saw him reassigned to starship duty and the eventual path that led to him joining Section 47 in the 2380s.

Drew had not been told any details of the ship that had been assigned for his use, he had been transported to Earth on the USS Copenhagen reassigned from Starbase Assailant, but that ship had since been assigned another mission. He had to admit he was intrigued to see what Starfleet had in store for him this time – surely not another ship named Fang?

“Not Fang no,” he said to himself as he suddenly realised where they were heading. A small smile played out on his face, he was indeed coming home, just not the one someone might expect.

~ ~ ~ To Be Continued ~~~

[Deleted]

“Welcome aboard sir,” Commander Gemma Lovegood greeted him with a smile as he stepped out of the shuttlecraft and onto the deck of a Starship.

“Lovegood!” Drew exclaimed in surprise to see his adjutant from SB47, “what are you doing here?”

“Received new orders not long after you left sir,” Lovegood relied, “me and the majority of your staff have been reassigned here for the duration of the mission.”

“How much do you know?” Drew asked as the two walked along the corridor towards the turbolift, thankfully Lovegood had had the good sense not to make a fuss at his arrival onboard and there was no welcoming committee of the ships company.

“I have been given a full overview of our mission spec sir,” Lovegood replied in a professional tone. Drew noted that Lieutenant Pillar had followed them from the shuttle.

“Lieutenant?” Drew asked as he turned round, “will you be staying with us?”

“Yes Admiral,” Pillar replied, “I have been assigned as your new Operations Officer.”

“Wonderful,” Drew smiled, “simply wonderful, pleasure to have your aboard.”

The three of them waited in silence for the turbolift to arrive, as the doors opened to admit them, Drew quietly whispered to Gemma; “the ol’gal looks different, I take it some serious retrofitting has been done?”

Gemma nodded and handed him a padd full of technical specs.

“The Pathfinder subclass is the latest round of upgrades and updates sir, we even have QSD like the Vesta class!”

“Good, we’ll be needing it,” Drew said as the doors closed and the journey to the bridge started.

Stepping out onto the bridge, Drew was very pleased to see that despite the visible changes that had been made to the hull and shape of his ship, Starfleet had seen fit to leave the design of the bridge relatively unchanged. It was always a design that Drew had always liked.

“Admiral on the deck!” Lovegood announced, prompting a sudden stop in activity as all the officers stood to attention. Drew nodded at Lora, Maxwell and Serker as he walked down to the command level, but his heart almost stopped when his eyes fixed on a Starfleet Medical officer.

“Admiral Drew,” Elizabeth said pleasantly.

“Doctor Drew,” Drew answered trying to maintain a professional tone to his voice as he walked past. Damn Section 31 and their games! He should have suspected something like this given their shared history.

Choosing for now to ignore whatever Section 31 had in store for him, Drew stood at the centre of the bridge and tapped his comm badge.

“Computer, this is Section Admiral Paul Drew assuming command of USS Hanson as ordered, activate command codes authorisation Drew Alpha Tango Charlie Two.”

“Command codes confirmed,” the computer announced, “Section Admiral Paul Drew now in command of USS Hanson.”

“Everyone to stations,” Drew ordered as he took the captains chair, “helm set course for Delta Quadrant sector 4774 maximum warp, take us to QS once we pass the Vulcan system.”

“Short and sweet sir,” Lovegood said as she took the XO chair next to his.

“Talking of which Commander, can you tell me how my ex-wife got aboard?” Drew asked, raising an eyebrow.

“We needed CMO and she is it,” Lovegood shrugged, “I had no say in personnel assignments.”

“Indeed,” Drew said as he watched Elizabeth leave the bridge on her way to sickbay, “indeed.”

[Allan Hood]

This year, the first day of Hanukkah is December 13, 2400 and the 25th of Kislev, 6161.

The Festival of Lights, or Dedication, the eight-day holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple, or the Second Temple, in Jerusalem, Israel, Earth, has been celebrated for thousands of years, since the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire of the second century BCE.

Sami-Jo held baby Gracie to Allan’s right as he placed the nine-branched menorah in the far left window of their quarters. At the moment, only the Shamash, the Servant Candle, a precursor foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah, representing Yeshua HaMashiach, was being lit.

“In the Gospel of John,” Hood began, “we learn that Yeshua HaMashiach was at the Holy Temple during the Feast of Dedication, walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon.”

“Yeshua called Himself the light of the world,” Allan continued while lighting the servant candle, “‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Our highest goal as believers is to follow Him and to share this Light of the world with others.”

Allan then used the servant candle to light the candle furthest to his right, “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.”

“Yeshua told us that if any one serves Elohim, let him follow Yeshua; and where He is, there shall also will His servant be. If any one serves Yeshua, that one will our Father honor. The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. Yeshua told us, ‘Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Remember the word that I said unto you, “the servant is not greater than his lord.” If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.’”

“Blessed art thou, Adonai, our Elohim, King of the Universe,” Allan continued while lighting the first candle, “who sanctifies us with Thy Commandments, through thy Spirit, for the glory of Adonai Yeshua HaMashiach, the Light of the world.”

“Blessed art thou, Adonai, our Elohim, King of the Universe,” Allan began while carefully placing the servant candle back in the higher, central holder, “who performed miracles for our fathers in those days at this time.” Allan then stepped back away from the menorah and stood with his family, arm around his wife and holding their baby’s hand.

“Blessed art thou, Adonai, our Elohim, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and has brought us to this special time,” Allan continued to recite, “We kindle these lights to commemorate the miracles and wonders and the saving acts that You have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time, by Your holy priests. And all through the eight days of Hanukkah, these lights are holy, and we are not permitted to make use of them, but only to behold them, in order to offer thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your miracles, for Your wonders and for Your salvation.”

Allan walked over to his electric acoustic guitar and played "10,000 Reasons," a four-hundred-year-old song, for his Adonai and family.

After the song was over, Allan then stepped back toward the menorah and turned it to face toward the outside of the Victory. Allan situated the menorah to appear lit right to left from the point of view of one seeing it from outside the Victory, knowing that it was unlikely anyone would ever actually see it.

[To hear the acoustic version, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=cugdfN528wU maybe the Qomar would be interested?]