MisterSmith

It was all part of Travis's plan: Nobody would be able to write a decent caption about a simple red x.

=/\= Starfleet Personnel File: Smith, Benjamin =/\= Biographical Information -- Full Name: Benjamin Franklin Smith Gender: Male Race: Human Marital Status: Single Age: 27 Height: 6'2" Weight: 87kg Hair: Red Eyes: Blue Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, Earth, United Federation of Planets Father: Capt. Eric Smith, U.S.S. Amethyst, NCC-1719 Mother: Julia Smith, homemaker. Siblings: None Benjamin Smith was born in Houston, Texas. He grew up just like any other 23rd century teenager, preparing for a career on a starship. After graduating first in his class from "Trip" Tucker High School, he began to pursue a career in Engineering at starfleet academy, but almost immediately switched to the operations division. During his third year at the academy he successfully applied to intern at the Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards. He worked on various projects during the final two years of his schooling, including assisting in the oversight of nearly 20 ships from blueprint to warp travel. Upon his graduation, Smith took a posting as Operations Officer on the USS Greystone. The Greystone was starfleet's first venture into a special fleet of repair ships, called the Corps of Engineers. As Operations Officer, Smith served as the liason between the Greystone's Starfleet Captain and the Engineers themselves. After the near-destruction of the USS Enterprise-B, the Greystone was the first ship to arrive on-scene and handled much of the repair work. For his work in leading the repair team, Smith was offered a new job by his mentor at Utopia Planetia. Smith accepted the offer, and took up the job as Senior Operations Manager of the shipyards, serving as the yard's Second-in-Command, and the liason between Admiral T'lirith and the Shipyard's construction foremen and staff. However, after just a few month on the job, Smith was reassigned as Lead Construction Foreman for the U.S.S. Challenger, starfleet's latest Excelsior Refit, based on Smith's extensive knowledge of the Excelsior systems. In an unusual set of circumstances, Smith was aboard the U.S.S. Challenger for it's Shakedown cruise and was the primary suspect in the murder of his good friend, Lieutenant T'Preshk, the ship's Operations Officer. Smith chose to remain aboard Challenger as the ship's Operations Officer Education -- Starfleet Academy, Basic Training (With Honors) Starfleet Construction Operations Internship, Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards, Captain Asthantanto T'lirith, Commanding Current Assignment Information -- Assignment: U.S.S. Challenger Rank: Lieutenant Position: Operations Manager Service Awards -- None Complete Service Record -- 50301.20 Entered Starfleet Academy 50301.29 Promoted to rank of Ensign by Captain Hayden Dacotah and Commodore Atragon 9, Starfleet Academy 50302.02 Assigned to U.S.S. Greystone, Commander Eric Rasmussen, Commanding 50306.12 Promoted to rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade 50401.22 Assigned as Senior Operations Manager to Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards, Admiral Asthantanto T'lirith, Commanding 50411.11 Promoted to rank of Lieutenant 50606.11 Re-Assigned as Construction Foreman, USS Challenger Refit-Project, Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards 50802.17 Field Transfer to USS Challenger, Captain Rolf Seiben, Commanding =/\= End File =/\=

Chief Science Officer's Log Lieutenant Commander Brian Smith, M.d. Stardate 50801.31 ------- "That's it." Brian Smith said to himself as he put the padd down onto the Reaent Bridge's science console. Wile waiting for the Reaent to depart, Brian had managed to find time to scroll through all of his new officers from Ensign A'klath'Pata to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Zachary Zane Zandax. A'klath'Pata was going to be Reaent's new exobiologist. Hopefully, while on their new mission, the Reaent crew wouldn't be assigned on some rather scientific mission. Because, while Smith knew all of his crewmembers names, he would almost certainly botch any kind of introductions that could be made. As for Zachary Zane Zandax, he was a geologist. As Reaent's Chief of Science for nearly three years, Brian had seen quite a few crewmembers flow in and out of his department. And he had come to enjoy talking to each and every one of them. By far, Reaent's science department was it's most diverse. Including many of the specialists that it shared with medical, the science department alone had more than 30 species represented in all shapes and sizes. Sitting down for a meal in Ten Forward with a Vulcan was as interesting in many ways as it was eating with a Tellarite. But Starfleet's latest waves of re-assignments had hurt the most. So many of Brian's newest and best friends were being transfered to other ships within the fleet. Of course, Reaent was about to set out on a new mission, and there would be new friendships to form. And they weren't all just from Science. Brian had spent his first two years aboard Reaent in Sickbay, and not only had he made friends with the Medical staff, but he had also become good friends with the many faces that came in and out on a daily basis, with broken arms or the sniffles. But as Reaent started to peel away from the spacedock, Brian realized that there would be much more exploring to do. And it would start with meeting the rest of his department, just as soon as the Captain's briefing and his duty shift was over. Only then, could he truly relax and begin to explore.

Eew, Yucky Baseball Germs, OMG!! Do you know where that ball has been!?!

That's IT! Simply because it was on topic, yet totally random. Go for it...

There have been a few good ones, but I'll wait until the end of the night to make a decision...

If any of you guys are into sports, ESPN has a great book called 23 Ways to get to First Base: the ESPN Uncyclopedia. It's basically all the random things you ever wanted to know about sports. It's got a list of every single person who has ever appeared on a Wheaties Box And yes, there ARE, 23 ways to get to first base. Although, I think a few are disputable. It's a good read.

I'm actually in a class called The Modern American City, and the very first thing we've talked about was the illegal immigration into the U.S. This one's funny: Enjoy...

=/\= Starfleet Personnel File: T'Preshk=/\= Biographical Information -- Full Name: T'Preshk Gender: Female Race: Tellarite Marital Status: Single Age: 156 Height: 5'4" Weight: 83kg Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Place of Birth: Tellar Father: M'Krett Mother: K'Trell T'Preshk was born on Tellar during the early days of the United Federation of Planets. Her dream was to be the first to represent her people in the ranks of Starfleet. After recieving her standard education on Tellar, she entered what was the earliest form of starfleet academy, and graduated first in her class of 22. After graduating the academy, she was assigned to the USS Columbia, NX-02 as an assistant engineer. T'Preshk became an expert on the early warp engines, working in the NX-Class Engineering Decks and gaining valuable experience. As Starfleet began to experiment with different types of control systems and starship designs, Admiral Erika Hernandez, T'Preshk's former Commanding Officer on the Columbia, reccommended her to become starfleet's first true "Operations Officer" aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-B. After the Enterprise-B incident, T'Preshk chose to stay behind and work with Lieutenant Smith and the Corps of Engineers aboard the Greystone. After completion of the Enterprise-B repairs, T'Preshk was among the skeleton crew that guided the ship home, and she chose to use her shore-leave saved up from nearly 50 years in starfleet to spend a little time exploring Earth, awaiting an assignment on one of the next Excelsior-Refits to come around. T'Preshk was granted an assignment as Chief of Operations under Captain Rolf Seiben on the U.S.S. Challenger. However, Lieutenant T'Preshk was found murdered in her Challenger Quarters. Shipwide sources believe the main suspect is a Lieutenant Benjamin Smith. Smith was once a colleague of T'Preshk's at the Operations Instutute, and he has just completed his term as Challenger's Construction Foreman. This clearance makes him a prime suspect. Education -- Starfleet Academy, Basic Training (With Honors) Starfleet Operations Training (Experimental Operations Laboratory, San Francisco, Earth) Current Assignment Information -- Final Assignment: U.S.S. Challenger Final Rank: Lieutenant Final Position: Chief of Operations Service Awards -- None Complete Service Record -- 50301.20 Entered Starfleet Academy 50301.29 Promoted to rank of Ensign by Captain Atragon 1, Starfleet Academy 50302.02 Assigned as Assistant Engineer to UES Columbia, NX-02, Captain Erika Hernandez, Commanding 50306.12 Promoted to rank of Lieutenant 50401.22 Assigned as Assistant Engineer to USS Enterprise, Captain James T. Kirk, Commanding 50411.11 Transferred with Enterprise Crew to USS Enterprise-A, Captain James T. Kirk, Commanding 50503.23 Transferred as Operations Manager to USS Enterprise-B, Captain John Harriman, Commanding 50801.01 Transferred to USS Challenger, Captain Rolf Sieben, Commanding, pending ship launch 50803.10 Found Dead =/\= End File =/\=

=/\= Starfleet Personnel File: Smith, Benjamin =/\= Biographical Information -- Full Name: Benjamin Franklin Smith Gender: Male Race: Human Marital Status: Single Age: 27 Height: 6'2" Weight: 87kg Hair: Red Eyes: Blue Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, Earth, United Federation of Planets Father: Capt. Eric Smith, U.S.S. Amethyst, NCC-1719 Mother: Julia Smith, homemaker. Siblings: None Benjamin Smith was born in Houston, Texas. He grew up just like any other 23rd century teenager, preparing for a career on a starship. After graduating first in his class from "Trip" Tucker High School, he began to pursue a career in Engineering at starfleet academy, but almost immediately switched to the operations division. During his third year at the academy he successfully applied to intern at the Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards. He worked on various projects during the final two years of his schooling, including assisting in the oversight of nearly 20 ships from blueprint to warp travel. Upon his graduation, Smith took a posting as Operations Officer on the USS Greystone. The Greystone was starfleet's first venture into a special fleet of repair ships, called the Corps of Engineers. As Operations Officer, Smith served as the liason between the Greystone's Starfleet Captain and the Engineers themselves. After the near-destruction of the USS Enterprise-B, the Greystone was the first ship to arrive on-scene and handled much of the repair work. For his work in leading the repair team, Smith was offered a new job by his mentor at Utopia Planetia. Smith accepted the offer, and took up the job as Senior Operations Manager of the shipyards, serving as the yard's Second-in-Command, and the liason between Admiral T'lirith and the Shipyard's construction foremen and staff. However, after just a few month on the job, Smith was reassigned as Lead Construction Foreman for the U.S.S. Challenger, starfleet's latest Excelsior Refit, based on Smith's extensive knowledge of the Excelsior systems. Education -- Starfleet Academy, Basic Training (With Honors) Starfleet Construction Operations Internship, Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards, Captain Asthantanto T'lirith, Commanding Current Assignment Information -- Assignment: Utopia Planetia Shipyards, Mars Rank: Lieutenant Position: Senior Operations Manager, Construction Foreman Service Awards -- None Complete Service Record -- 50301.20 Entered Starfleet Academy 50301.29 Promoted to rank of Ensign by Captain Hayden Dacotah and Commodore Atragon 9, Starfleet Academy 50302.02 Assigned to U.S.S. Greystone, Commander Eric Rasmussen, Commanding 50306.12 Promoted to rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade 50401.22 Assigned as Senior Operations Manager to Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards, Admiral Asthantanto T'lirith, Commanding 50411.11 Promoted to rank of Lieutenant 50606.11 Re-Assigned as Construction Foreman, USS Challenger Refit-Project, Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards 50801.01 Granted field assignment as Operations Officer, U.S.S. Challenger, Captain Rolf Seiben, Commanding =/\= End File =/\=

Yet another test of the new U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Can I get that delivered in a Doggie Bag?

I didn't get a cell phone till I was in High School, now they're getting them straight out of the womb.

IDK my BFF FIDO

And you thought Tribbles were bad...

The U.S. Military today unveiled their new troop transport vehicle. Capable of going from land transport to sea transport in a single bound!

I'm gonna sound like a loser here...but... What is the email for the STSF personnel department? It's been 5 years since I applied for a posting, and I've forgotten. Thanks, Smith

Well...I guess we'll just have to build it right here.

A joint post between Lieutenant Smith and Captain Sieben Lieutenant Benjamin Smith approached the office door and tapped the doorbell. He hoped Captain Sieben was home. Seiben was and punched the comm button. "Yes, please come in" he replied. A clearly frazzled Smith entered. "Captain Sieben. Lieutenant Benjamin Smith, reporting as ordered. Sir." Seiben looked up at Smith. "Ah yes, I just heard from Foreman Bailey that you are to head the Challenger project" he recalled. "I know it's a bit of a step down from what you're used to, but I appreciate your help" "Thank you, Captain." Smith replied. "It's been quite a while since I've been outside the command center. You get used to one thing, and then used to another, and then it gets hard to switch back. I've really become to enjoy working in Operations." The Captain nodded. "You certainly can. Speaking from experience, I know it's difficult to switch fields. But this'll probably just be termporary" Seiben's gaze drifted. "You know if you enjoy Operations so much, then maybe you ought to consider moving into active duty?" he suggested. "I've considered it. But most of the positions available are as assistants. I like my job here too much. Meeting all the people that come in and out. I even thought about transfering to Challenger. But I'm faced with the same problem. T'Preshk and I were in the academy together. I think she might be the only tellarite in Starfleet these days. But she's one heck of an OPS Officer." Seiben recalled his memory for that particular officer. "Ahh, yes. I'm aware of her. She seems to me like a great officer. I'm inclined to agree though at Operations spots fill quite quickly" he said frowning. "But I'm sure with luck and perserverance one will come up" "But theis seems to be a good job too though" he added "Yes. I wanted to make sure we were on the same page with the construction schedule." Smith asked. "We should be" recalled Seiben. "So far, progress is going along as well as can be expected. No doubt you've been informed of our progress thus far?" he asked. "I have been." Smith replied. "I'm intrigued at alot of the new systems onboard. I don't get to do much exploring from my desk job." Seiben agreed. "Well, that makes two of us, Mr. Smith. Some of the Challenger's new features are new to me too, such as the 'wake homing torpedoes'. That's something we certainly didn't have on any of my old ships" "It's absolutely intriguing. Anyways. I need to get out to the spacedock and see how things are moving. I'll be sure to meet with T'Preshk, when she arrives. I know it's important that the OPS officer knows their ship like their hands." "Of course.. let me know if you need anything else, eh?" said Seiben "I will report soon, sir. Thank You." Smith exited the Captain's office. Benjamin was pleased. Captain Sieben would be great to work with. Sometimes he felt like he was losing something not being in a starship. Maybe transfering to Challenger would be the right thing to do.

Assistant Operations Officer's Log Utopia Planetia Shipyards ------ Lieutenant Benjamin Smith sat at the Utopia Planetia Operations Center's main computer console. As a shipyard, Utopia Planetia was staffed by very few starfleet officers. Most of the crew were members of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers or were Non-Com. officers who served mostly construction functions. As the Assistant Operations Officer of the shipyard, Smith was the closest thing to an Executive Officer. He was in charge of making sure that all the foremen were doing their jobs, and that all ships were progressing well. From his console in the main operations center, he could keep tabs on all the construction crews. Smith was sitting at his console when he got an urgent message. Ben tapped the comm console next to him, and saw a blue skinned man sitting behind a very lavish desk. "Commander Grench," started Smith. "I was just about to call you myself. It seems the Topeka is going to be a little late for their shakedown. Apparently their CMO was caught in a wormhole on his way in from Delta Prime, and they'll have to wait a few days to see if he can find his way out. Why they let the poor man fly a shuttle on his own is anyone's guess. Anyways, what can I do for you?" "I've got a special assignment for you. But you're not gonna like it." Grench replied dryly. "Oh? It can't possibly be that bad." "I'm assigning you as foreman to the USS Chalenger construction. With the Enterprise-B out of comission for a few weeks, Starfleet is pushing Challenger up a bit, and we need someone with experience to lead the construction team." "I'm sorry, sir." Smith began. "But isn't that...a...demotion." "Don't look at it that way, Benjamin. You're not losing your rank of Lieutenant, I just need someone with your kind of experience working on your project. Besides, Lieutenant Huang is going to have her baby just after Challenger launches, so the position will be open just in time for you to return to it." Smith frowned. He had worked hard to get to where he was. He had been the foreman for nearly 20 ships in just 10 years on the job. "You are reassigned immediately. I suggest you meet with Captain Sieben. Rolf, is a friend of mine, and a good man. You'll enjoy working with him. Gretch out." Before Benjamin could reply the picture of the Andorian had moved and was replaced by the standard Federation logo. Ben stood up and walked to the nearest turbolift. He hoped that, at the very least, he could still keep his office.

I'm gonna guess that Star Trek is going to end up having it's own part of CBS.com much like some of the other specials. If you go to their website and click on "shows" there's a whole listing of specials i.e. the Tony awards and all the Christmas stuff. So startrek.com will stay alive, atleast to some depth...

STAR TREK® THE TOUR MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT JANUARY 18 AT THE QUEEN MARY DOME IN LONG BEACH, CA *** INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT LETS GUESTS EXPLORE THE STAR TREK UNIVERSE THROUGH SHOW-BASED SIMULATORS AND MULTIMEDIA ATTRACTIONS, PLUS WORLD'S LARGEST COLLECTION OF STAR TREK SETS, COSTUMES & PROPS *** WILLIAM SHATNER is Celebrity Ambassador *** Tickets Go on Sale to Public December 15th Exclusive Presale for American Express Card Members beginning December 7th Los Angeles, CA – December 5, 2007 – SEE Touring Productions and Metropolitan Talent present STAR TREK THE TOUR, the largest interactive Star Trek exhibit ever, which makes its North American debut on January 18th for a limited engagement at the Queen Mary Dome in Long Beach, CA. This unprecedented event will give the public the opportunity to step inside the Star Trek world and become active participants in the legacy that has captured the imagination of generations: From the chance to sit on a starship bridge from the Original TV series to traveling through space on motion simulators, STAR TREK THE TOUR offers the whole family the opportunity to be fully immersed in the action. Plus, the Tour features the world's largest collection of authentic Star Trek ships, sets, costumes and props from all 5 TV series and 10 films over the last 40+ years. William Shatner, who portrayed Star Trek's most iconic character, Captain James T. Kirk, is the official Celebrity Ambassador for the tour and will be making appearances at various times throughout the tour's multi-city run. "STAR TREK THE TOUR promises to be the largest, most interactive and entertaining Star Trek event ever presented to the public,” Mr. Shatner said. "This will truly be an impressive experience for the whole family and I am happy to be associated with it." Tickets will go on sale Friday, December 7th for American Express Cardholders and will be available to the general public beginning December 15th. The tour lifts off in Long Beach, CA for a limited engagement, and will run through February 17. Following the Long Beach / Los Angeles engagement, the next 4 cities STAR TREK THE TOUR will visit are San Francisco, Minneapolis / St. Paul, Chicago and Detroit. Highlights of STAR TREK THE TOUR include: The chance to take a ride through a Star Trek adventure in four full-motion, show-based flight simulators. An all-new multimedia Encounter Theater, built like a theater in the round with 360 degree video screens. Computer-generated sequences put visitors in the middle of the Star Trek action. The opportunity for exhibit-goers to sit on a full-size Enterprise bridge from the original TV series and have their photo taken and superimposed with an image of the original cast – including Spock, McCoy and Scotty – to look as if the Enterprise crew is standing right next to them. Detailed recreations of original sets from Star Trek: The Next Generation®, including Captain Picard's quarters, Dr. Crusher's sick bay and the majestic NCC-1701-D Bridge. The ability for guests to star with the original cast in an episode of their choice and watch themselves interact with Star Trek icons such as Spock and Scotty. Guests can take home a DVD of their cameo to share with family and friends. The 50,000 square foot exhibition is equal in size to nearly two football fields filled with 250 tons of priceless Star Trek sets, original props, costumes and creations. STAR TREK THE TOUR brings together some of Hollywood's finest craftsmen and artists who created and shaped the signature look and image of Star Trek over the years, including production designer Herman Zimmerman, costume designer Robert Blackman, make-up artist Michael Westmore and visual effects creator Dan Curry. All of these original Star Trek artists lent their talents to STAR TREK THE TOUR to provide visitors with an authentic, behind-the-scenes view. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry's son, Eugene "Rod” Roddenberry, provides a rare insider's look at what it took to make his father's vision into reality as he narrates a tribute to the man who started it all. A complete audio tour is also available. "Years in the making, the creation of STAR TREK THE TOUR has been a voyage of discovery worthy of the show itself,” explained Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Touring Productions, Inc, which is producing the event. "Over the past 10 years, we secured privileged access to the vaults for the Star Trek TV shows and films, plucked select gems and tirelessly assembled the world's leading collection of priceless Star Trek sets, ships, props and costumes. Now, we're bringing Star Trek to life and inviting the public to experience it up-close-and-personal in a way never before possible." "The universal appeal of STAR TREK THE TOUR is undeniable,” explained John Scher, President of Metropolitan Talent. "It has something to offer for everyone -- from 8-year-old children to 80-year-old grandparents, we have all grown up with Star Trek and watched it become one of the most beloved and popular series of all time. It has captured our imagination. Now, for the first time, we're turning fantasy into reality. We're pulling back the curtain to give the public an exclusive opportunity to step inside the Star Trek world for themselves.” STAR TREK THE TOUR, under a licensing agreement with CBS Consumer Products, is produced by SEE Touring Productions Inc. and presented by Metropolitan Talent Inc. Tickets to STAR TREK THE TOUR will go on sale on December 7th during an exclusive 7-day pre-sale offer for American Express Cardholders. Beginning December 15th tickets will be available to the general public. Tickets can be purchased by calling 213-480-3232 or by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or www.StarTrekTheTour.com. Tickets will be $30 for adults on weekdays and $35 on the weekends. Special pricing is available for children ages 12 and under -- $16.50 weekday/ $17.50 weekend; for seniors 65+ and military personnel: $25 weekday / $30 weekend. Special prices available for groups of 15 or more. Visit www.ticketsforgroups.com or call 800.840.1157 for more information. Exclusive VIP and travel packages are also available at www.StarTrekTheTour.com. The show will be open 7 days a week, from 10AM – 8PM Monday–Friday and 10AM – 10PM on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday tickets will be in effect Monday – Friday at 5PM; weekend tickets will be in effect Friday at 6PM – Sunday. SEE Touring Productions, Inc (SEE) is the established leader in 'themed entertainment,' known for successfully producing and managing unique and imaginative touring attractions for a global audience. Based on universally familiar and popular entertainment properties, SEE-produced attractions let the audience become a part of the event through interactive adventures and multi-media technology. SEE has brought to life STAR TREK and TITANIC, providing fans throughout the world with memorable experiences, and is now launching its unique immersive tours here in North America. When SEE brought STAR TREK to London, Dusseldorf, Vienna, and Singapore, it met with great success, attracting 120,000-200,000 visitors in each city during its limited engagements. SEE Touring Productions, Inc was founded by Martin Biallas in 1997 and is based in Los Angeles, California. New York-based Metropolitan Talent, Inc is a multi-faceted entertainment company led by music industry veterans and co-CEO's John Scher and Al Cafaro. Metropolitan Talent operates divisions including concert production (Metropolitan Talent Presents), artist management (Bruce Hornsby, Little Feat, Art Garfunkel, Grateful Dead's Bob Weir & RatDog) and independent record label Hybrid Recordings (Johnette Napolitano, Gin Blossoms, Assembly of Dust, Jen Chapin). The List of Cities includes: STAR TREK THE TOUR will be visiting the following cities:* Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Atlanta, GA Boston, MA Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL Cincinnati, OH Cleveland, OH Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX Denver, CO Detroit, MI Houston, TX Indianapolis, IN Kansas City, KS Memphis, TN Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN Montgomery, AL Montreal, Quebec, Canada Nashville, TN New York, NY Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, VA Omaha, NE Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Pittsburgh, PA Portland, ME Providence-New Bedford, RI Raleigh-Durham, NC Rochester, NY Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA Santa Fe, NM Seattle-Tacoma, WA St. Louis, MO Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL Toronto, Ontario Tucson, AZ Tulsa, OK Vancouver, British Columbia Washington, DC

Chief Science Officer's Log Stardate 50712.06 ----- Brian Smith opened the door to his office. It had been a few days since he'd even entered the office. Between the double shifts he was pulling on the bridge, and the necessity for food, paperwork just wasn't important. As he walked inside, he was forced to survey the damage. His office, along with most of the ship's science lab were on the interior parts of the ship. After the various attacks, aside from a few knocked over photographs and books, most everything was intact. Brian picked up the photo right next to his video screen that had fallen over. It was a picture of the medical department during Brian's last few days before he was promoted to Chief of Science. It was almost three years ago, that Brian made the jump. It was one of the hardest decisions he had made. When he first came to Reaent as a young, headstrong ensign, it was Dr. Matthews who had taken him under her wing. There was also Rocko and Gracie who were always there to help. Merina was one of the many medical officers to come after Smith, and he hoped that those new officers felt the same way about him. Brian also realized what a tragedy it would be for that old family to be split up even more. And medical wasn't the only department affected. Brian's department itself was being divided into more pieces than it was worth counting. Some of Smith's best crewmembers were being transferred while Reaent underwent repair. He only hoped that when Reaent left again on her next voyage, that many of them would try their hardest to return. As he moved over to the shelves and began to put the pictures back in place, he hoped that there would be many more to come while on Reaent. That this simple layover at starbase 341 would only be temporary, and the Reaent family would be joined again.

Lieutenant Brian Smith sat at the science station, puzzled. That thing out there was impersonating the USS. Cairo, and he couldn't bare to look. He immediately tapped his comm badge. "Smith to Doctor Matthews." Debbie was up to her neck in patients when she heard the comm. For a moment, her heart stopped. She knew they'd taken damage but she wasn't sure exactly where. Could something have happened on the bridge? Was that why Brian was contacting her? She immediately paused to answer the comm. Brian had hoped the Doctor would respond, but he had no idea how she would take the rapid change in events. When she came back on the comm, he informed her of the news. "This ship that we've just taken fire from....you'll never believe who the computer says it is..." He paused. "The USS. Cairo A." This was not what Deb expected to hear. The news was both confusing and stunning. She stepped away from the patient she'd been working on. Fortunately, the young woman wasn't seriously injured. "That's not possible," replied the CMO, lowering her voice so as not to be overheard. "We both know what happened to the Cairo." She looked down at the floor and frowned. "How did they get Cairo's transponder code?" she asked quietly. Debbie shook her head and her frown deepened. "A better question is who....who are these people and just who else's transponder codes do they have?" Brian agreed very much with the Doctor. "You're guess is as good as mine. But I'd really like to find out. How's everything coming down there?" Debbie turned back toward her patient but remained where she stood. "Multiple casualties," she replied, her tone serious. "Most are relatively minor but a few are life threatening. We have at least one fatality." She paused and glanced around the busy Sickbay. "I think the fatality was an engineer. But I don't know where he was when the end came. Exactly what areas of the ship were damaged in this last attack?"

Chief Science Officer's Log Stardate 0710.09 --------------- Lieutenant Commander Brian Smith sat at the Science Console. The bridge lights, including his sensor console had just come back on, and Reant had just seemingly gotten rid of whatever was in that Nebula with them, and found some help upon exiting. As Brian sat at the Science console, lights gone, and waited for them to return, he began to reflect on the last 5 years aboard Reaent. It was that very thought, that shocked him the most. It had been over five years since Reant undocked with the starbase where he had come aboard, only to find the U.S.S. Cairo in shambles, a floating derelict in the middle of space. What shocked him even more, is that so few members of Reaent's crew remained. Crew turnover was always likely, especially on a ship like Reaent, but Smith was shocked to Realize that only 4 people remained from this mission. Commander Ridire had seemingly taken it the hardest, having known a member of the Cairo's crew. Then, of course, there was the Captain. It was just after this mission that Smith had been involved in his famous "Shrink" maneuver, that had nearly cost him his rank, and possibly his job. But that's a story that can wait. Doctor Matthews was the other member of Reaent's crew that was still around. She had once been Smith's superior officer, and had definitely tought him a thing or two. Then there were other missions and more crewmembers who came along. Others who could now be called "Veterans". But would these ever know the tragedy of what hit the U.S.S. Cairo? Smith would. And to him, it changed the way he viewed working on a starship. Right from the very beginning.