Cdr Miranda Hawthorne

SD 0423.2017 Our adventures exploring Irassa IV continue. Team Miranda has discovered, essentially, a large shaft drilled several hundred meters down in the 'newer' area of the underground transit network. A team of archaeologists have arrived behind them and are beginning to map the rest of the network more thoroughly. Medical is helping some folks with a thorny issue. N'Dak and Harper continue to explore a large obelisk at the center of the ruins, while aboard Excalibur the first readings from the solar probe are beginning to come in.

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur is continuing its survey of the Irassa system. Aboard the ship, Swain and the astrometrics nerds are monitoring a sensor disturbance while waiting for scans of the star to come back. Planetside, survey teams have spread out across the area. One unfortunate Bolian found out a particular plant in the system is toxic. Meanwhile, a number of the starring cast are exploring an underground transit system and have located what appears to be newer construction and some sort of vault door. When we last hit the PAUSE button, Tandaris had decided, per usual, to go ahead and try and open it before the archaeology team arrives, because why not. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::She had her tricorder out, actively scanning the door for the first glimpse of whatever lay beyond.:: Hunter Matheson: ::checking out the area, staying clear of the door because, well, you know.::: Maryse Dubois: ::At base camp, looking over the toxicology report.:: Tandaris Admiran: ::has just flipped the switch that should open the doors: Indaura Ryssan: :: with the other medical :: Maryse Dubois: ::Glances over at Indaura.:: How's your patient? Cptn Swain: ACTION> There is a brief shudder in the room as the heavy doors shift and a hiss from the pneumatics that operated it. Behind the door is a long hallway that seems to slope downwards. Chemical lighting kicks in after moment. Indaura Ryssan: Better... For now. Hunter Matheson: huh... Cptn Swain: Augustin> ::Making his way through the ruins with the Archaeology team:: Hunter Matheson: Looks pretty modern. Maryse Dubois: ::Nods.:: That's good. Do you think he needs to return to the ship, or will he be able to return to duties here? Tandaris Admiran: ::hops down, dusts off:: Tally ho, hmm? Maryse Dubois: ::Grabs an operations crewman, since Rhan is busy.:: I want this plant data forwarded to all the teams, with a warning. No one is to approach this type of plant. It is very toxic. Indaura Ryssan: I'd consider it, but for now no. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Nothing odd on sensors. ::Sweeping the hall. She stepped past the doors and headed down the slope.:: Maryse Dubois: His team leader should be pleased then. Indaura Ryssan: :: scanning, looking at his eyes :: Hunter Matheson: ::follows::: Tandaris Admiran: ::looking at the tunnel but finding nothing remarkable so far:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::She glanced at Tandy.:: Do we have any remote probes prepped that could map out the ruins from the inside? Hunter Matheson: ::random wondering about why the underground tunnels, but I guess that's why we're here::: Indaura Ryssan: :: places a monitor on him :: don't worry Tandaris Admiran: ::rummages in his bag and produces one such probe:: Snagged this from the archaeology team's supplies. Cptn Swain: ACTION> The temperature begins to decrease slightly as the team heads further down. The humidity is also increasing. Indaura Ryssan: Any other crew with this affliction? Hunter Matheson: ::thinking aloud:: Wonder why the civilization thought it was necessary to tunnel down. Safety? Unstable atmosphere? ::screws up his face, thinking::: Maryse Dubois: Doesn't seem so for now. We caught this pretty early. Hunter Matheson: Oh... big bad dinosaurs. ::smirk:: Indaura Ryssan: Whew Tandaris Admiran: ::Hunter:: Those are all definite possibilities. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cold storage? The temperature is dropping. Tandaris Admiran: ::activates the probe and sends it off on its automated search and mapping way:: Hunter Matheson: ::looks to Tandaris, thinking::: Hunter Matheson: Cold storage would be a good guess to me. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Or maybe they just grew tired of sweating. It's comfortable down here. ::Shining her light on the way ahead after the probe zipped past.:: Hunter Matheson: ::nod to comfort:: Cptn Swain: ACTION> The probe begins mapping. Up ahead the corridor flattens out and opens up into a large room. Hunter Matheson: Cheaper than atmospheric scrubbers, too. Indaura Ryssan: The weather is invigorating... Good for the skin... Maryse Dubois: ::Nods.:: Yeah, it does feel pretty nice. Hunter Matheson: Um.. wonder if they have hot springs here, like they had at that other place. Tandaris Admiran: Looks like it opens up further ahead. ::picks up the pace slightly:: Still no energy signatures. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ensign Hobbs> ::Hobbling up to the medical station with the help of two other crewmen, hissing with each step. His entire backside was covered with a blanket of spiny thorns.:: Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Cptn Swain: Augustin> ::arrives at the transit network with the Arch team.:: Tandaris Admiran: ::enters the open area, looks around:: Maryse Dubois: ::Notices the ensign.:: What happened here? Hunter Matheson: ::steps in behind the cdr, checking it out:: Indaura Ryssan: Wonder what creatures are here... Indaura Ryssan: Thorns? Let me look... Cptn Swain: ACTION> Lights along the floor begin to light up, revealing what appears to be a large circular hole in the center of room with railing around the middle and what appears to be circular stairs leading down it. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::The two ensigns with him were snickering. One of them piped up.:: Um... he had a fight with some type of jumping spiny plant and lost. Bent over right into it and got a bunch of spines in his... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ensign Hobbs> It's not funny! ::Wincing.:: Tandaris Admiran: Oooh, stairs. Tandaris Admiran: This seems awfully elaborate for cold storage though. Hunter Matheson: Yeah...::Tand:: Tandaris Admiran: ::looking around at the walls:: Perhaps a religious site of some kind? Hunter Matheson: Command center? Indaura Ryssan: :: scans and examines a thorn :: Maryse Dubois: ::Takes a tool and gently as she could, removes a thorn.:: I'll have to make sure this isn't toxic. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::She clicked her handlight off and tucked it away since it wasn't needed. Exploring the room, she ventured to the stairs.:: A bunker of some sort, perhaps? Tandaris Admiran: Could be. If there were factions, they could have been worried about aerial bombardment. Hunter Matheson: ::walking around, looking for evidence of whatever:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ensign Hobbs> ::Winces as the thorns were plucked. They were barbed and didn't come out easy.:: Tandaris Admiran: Whatever it was, I don't think they had time to finish it. ::points to several spots that were clearly "in progress":: They roughed it out but never had time to use it. Hunter Matheson: ::turns:: Looks like Maryse Dubois: ::Holds it up.:: Nasty little thing. ::Sets it in a tray to begin the analysis.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Medical ACTION> Their scans show the barbed thorns were hollowed inside and filled with some sort of toxin that prevented the blood from clotting. Cptn Swain: ACTION> The probe starts down the shaft. There's a sign at the top of the stairs written in the same script as the map in the transit system. Hunter Matheson: ::tracing the walls with his gloved hands:: Looks like places to insert art, or diagrams, or some kind of sign anyway. Maryse Dubois: ::Frowns.:: Not good. Maryse Dubois: Seems these thorns come with their own natural blood thinner. Hunter Matheson: ::absently:: Wonder what made them stop so suddenly. Hunter Matheson: At least it looks like they stopped in the middle of things, then just left. Maryse Dubois: We're going to have to hold off on removing any others for the moment. ::Looks at the ensign.:: Try to...um...get comfortable. Tandaris Admiran: Or they stopped with every intention of starting up again, but didn't. Hunter Matheson: Or that. Tandaris Admiran: Shall we descend into the pit of despair? Hunter Matheson: I'm game. Hunter Matheson: Wait... despair? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ensign Hobbs> ::Laying on his stomach on a stretcher.:: Can't you just vaporize them or something? They hurt! Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::Miranda scanned the sign and compared it to the other writing they'd seen, running it through the computer to see if could come up with even a partial translation.:: Maryse Dubois: I could and then have you potentially bleed out. Tandaris Admiran: ::Hunter:: You never heard of a "pit of happiness" have you? Hunter Matheson: Uh... no, sir. Not exactly. Cptn Swain: ACTION> The translation matrix, with the help of some additional data being fed into it by the Archaeology team now in place spits out CARE STEPS Indaura Ryssan: Or release poison Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Well... I have a partial translation. It says 'Care Steps'. Hunter Matheson: So.. pit of despair it is. Oh. Better. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: So... maybe be careful on the stairs? Hunter Matheson: But... that could mean.. yeah, that, ma'am. Maryse Dubois: I'm not sure we're equipped for this on the ground. What is your opinion, Dr. Ryssan, send him to the ship? Tandaris Admiran: That's a good sign. Indaura Ryssan: :: searched the database for this thorn :: Cptn Swain: ACTION> The probe has leveled out at the bottom of the pit. It appears to be roughly 500m down. Tandaris Admiran: Clearly they were an advanced, intelligent culture if they had reached that point of banality in their signage. Cptn Swain: ((FIVE MINUTE WARNING)) Hunter Matheson: Well, sir, it could be the way down to their medical area. As in "care"? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ensign Hobbs> ::Whimpering under his breath.:: Tandaris Admiran: Only one way to find out. Tandaris Admiran: ::starts down the steps, being careful:: Hunter Matheson: (QuikClot works pretty well) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::She looked to Tandy as he started down.:: Be careful on the stairs. Hunter Matheson: (hurts like hell, but does the job) Hunter Matheson: (just sayin) Maryse Dubois: ((hehe)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::She started down after, being careful.:: Hunter Matheson: ::is being careful on the stairs, as recommended by the higher pay grade:: Cptn Swain: ...and... Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

SD 0416.2017 The Excalibur is continuing its survey of the Irassa system. Aboard the ship, Swain and the astrometrics nerds are monitoring a sensor disturbance while waiting for scans of the star to come back. Planetside, survey teams have spread out across the area. One unfortunate Bolian found out a particular plant in the system is toxic. Meanwhile, a number of the starring cast are exploring an underground transit system and have located what appears to be newer construction and some sort of vault door.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur is orbit of Irassa IV where they are conducting a wide-scale planetary survey. First up, many of our teams are exploring the ruins of a long abandoned city dating back several hundred years. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Maryse Dubois: ::Sitting at home base for the time being making sure things are prepared.:: Cptn Swain: Augustin> ::Setting up a small security base-camp on the edge of ruins so they could track the multiple teams and keep in communication with Excalibur and the primary base camp at the LZ:: Hunter Matheson: ::with the commander and whoever was with her, working their way through the ruins:: Indaura Ryssan: :: In medical getting her first day in :: Hunter Matheson: (Are security all NPCs now?) Tandaris Admiran: ::exploring the ancient transit system with K'hal:: Hakran K'hal: :: exploring a transit tunnel with Tandy, heading toward some sort of room :: Cptn Swain: ( Si ) William Chocox: ::is with Tandy as they explore:: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> :: at the landing base, meanders over to Maryse :: Anyone stub a toe yet? Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Remembers something :: Hunter Matheson: ::also mentally revising his MOS::: Cptn Swain: @ ::In astrometrics waiting for probe data:: Maryse Dubois: ::Smirks as she is rummaging through a couple things.:: Not yet... ::Sighs as she looks up.:: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> I hope the biologists are getting the rundown on these gnats or whatever the hell they are. :: tail whip to clear his personal area of them for a second :: Maryse Dubois: ::Quietly to herself.:: That was the last crate too... Tandaris Admiran: So this looks like a control junction of some kind. Maybe we can find a map, see how extensive this network is. Tandaris Admiran: ::pointing at a station up ahead:: Cptn Swain: @Leito> Captain I am picking up something strange on sensors. Cptn Swain: @::Lifts a brow and wheels over to the console in his chair:: Let's see it. Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Checks things like medical trays and medical tricorders :: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> Something wrong? William Chocox: That'd be great. Maps are always a good thing. Tandaris Admiran: Unless they're maps to treasure you buried that have fallen into someone else's hands. Hakran K'hal: Indeed. Not to mention some writing would be nice for the archaeologists. Cptn Swain: @Leito> ::Wrinkles his nose:: There... ::points:: I can't really tell what it is. Maryse Dubois: Yeah I'm missing a couple compounds, in case of allergic reactions. There were supposed to be in one of the crates brought down. I'll have to call the ship to get someone to bring them down. Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Sits down at a console and logs in to read recent medical logs :: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> :: tsks :: William Chocox: And how often do you have maps to treasure? Hakran K'hal: :: using his helmet light on a less penetrating but wider-spread beam to get the lay of the land as they approach while his tricorder silently gathers data :: Maryse Dubois: Don't give me that. You know if I oversaw the packing it would be here. ::Sighs:: Oh well. +Excal+ Dr. Dubois to Excalibur. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::After their discovery of the courtyard, Miranda had taken one of the tunnels that sloped underground. Their first two were blocked a few meters in by rockfalls, but they hit paydirt on the third tunnel. She shone her light all around, highlighting what looked to be a room full of ancient tech.:: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> :: chuckles :: Tandaris Admiran: ::Chocox:: You would be surprised! I will find them again one day, when I have time to clean that office of mine. Tandaris Admiran: ::enters the station and looks around:: Cptn Swain: @ Hmm... the Irassa star does produce unusual Epsilon radiation that can interfere with sensors and communications devices. Perhaps that's the cause of the anomaly? Hakran K'hal: :: follows Tandy in, checks tricorder :: Definitely built to last, not seeing any signs of structural weakness in this area. William Chocox: Oh lord. That desk should be declared a disaster area. Hakran K'hal: @Ops> +Maryse+ Excalibur here. Hakran K'hal: Is that the area that looked like a monster had vomited out padds and assorted pieces of technology? Cptn Swain: @Leito> Could be sir, but I think we should keep an eye on it just in case. William Chocox: Yes. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> ::Plops down beside Indaura.:: You hungry? Hakran K'hal: Hmmph. Didn't realize there was a desk in there. Maryse Dubois: +Ops+ Could you have a member of Medical bring a kit down with Trilithazyne and Benadythanol? Cptn Swain: @ ::Nods:: Very well, we've still got another hour or so before the first probe telemetry starts to come back anyway. Hakran K'hal: @Ops> +Maryse+ I'll relay your request, Doctor. Cptn Swain: @Leito> Should we inform the away teams? Cptn Swain: @ ::Shakes his head:: Not until we have something more concrete to tell them. Hakran K'hal: @Ops> +Sickbay+ Bridge to sickbay. Tandaris Admiran: ::decides to change subject:: Look, a ... thingamajig. ::points:: William Chocox: I'm not entirely sure. I think it just eventually makes it to the bottom of the outside hull. And what kind of thingamajig? Maryse Dubois: ::Sits down on a crate, looking over at Rhan.:: Hopefully no one comes down with anything. Hakran K'hal: :: looks :: Tandaris Admiran: ::pointing at a display that looks suspiciously like a map, surrounded by lots and lots of writing: Hakran K'hal: Well, well. This will keep some people happy. :: takes a holo of it :: William Chocox: How convenient. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::Searching the room for a power source. Of course, it was impossible that it'd work after such a long time dead, but she wanted to know how they built the thing.:: Hunter Matheson: ::looks around:: How old is this place, anyway? William Chocox: Hella old. Hunter Matheson: Looks like. Indaura Ryssan: @ +Bridge+ Sickbay here Indaura Ryssan: (could not send out for the longest time) Maryse Dubois: So, have you and your brother been getting along since you came back? Hakran K'hal: @Ops> +Indaura+ Doctor Dubois would like someone to bring down to the landing camp a kit with... :: mangles saying it :: Trilithazyne and Benadythanol. Hakran K'hal: Rhan> Yes and no. :: grins :: You know how annoying I can be. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: I have no idea. That's something we should ask science. ::Her eyes light up.:: Looks like they had some form of solar power in here... Maryse Dubois: ::Grins.:: I haven't got a clue. Indaura Ryssan: @ +Ops+ I can gather that now. Should this just be beamed down? Tandaris Admiran: These particular structures are several millennia old, but for all we know, they could have been abandoned long before the civilization here went extinct. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> ::She snapped her finger at Indaura.:: She said a doctor to bring it down. That'd be you. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Last time I went on an away mission I ended up with a rash. Tandaris Admiran: And some of the technology within these structures could be significantly newer if they inhabited these structures for several centuries. Hakran K'hal: @Ops> +Indaura+ She specifically requested someone bring it down. William Chocox: Maybe. Maryse Dubois: ((Haha I forgot about the time we made Ryan strip down.)) Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Nods :: Great. :: Going to the stores to get the two medicines :: Hakran K'hal: Always possible. :: getting a good record of the room before Cdr McGrabbyHands gets too excited :: Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Finds them and starts placing in a secure box :: Cptn Swain: ACTION> On the map, there appears to be a section that was 'under construction' near the control room, though its purpose and function don't seem to be connected to the transit system itself. Indaura Ryssan: @ +Ops+ I'm heading down now. :: checks her own tricorder :: William Chocox: Who knows though. We need an archaeologist here. Hakran K'hal: Rhan> I think it's going to take a while before he's over how I maneuvered him on board. So he'll keep snapping at me now and then for a while. Hunter Matheson: ::coming into a corner, there is an opening in the ceiling with a circular quartz inset::: Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Exits sickbay and heads to the transporter room :: Hakran K'hal: Yes, we do. Let's see if I can get a signal back to camp. Hakran K'hal: +Base Camp+ K'h... Hakran K'hal to base camp. Maryse Dubois: ::Smiles.:: Just give him some space if he needs it. It's a big ship. Cptn Swain: @Augustin> ::lifts a brow as he hears K'hal calling into base camp.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::Pauses to peer at the map that Tandy found, giving it a good scan with her tricorder. It'd help to know the language.:: Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Enters the transporter room :: I am to beam down to the landing camp. :: gets on the pad :: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> That it is. I... :: interrupted by a slightly garbled signal :: +Hakran+ I can barely hear you, El-Tee. Hakran K'hal: @TR> :: Indaura :: Energizing. :: beamy beamy :: Tandaris Admiran: ::points at one section:: That part looks unfinished, and look at the symbols around it. None of them are repeated anywhere else on the map. Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Hold her breath :: William Chocox: Maybe it's new...er. Hakran K'hal: +K'hal+ I need a team of the archaeologists sent to my location. Hunter Matheson: ::slips a piece of metal just below it and waits to see what happens::: Indaura Ryssan: :: On the surface with her kit :: Hunter Matheson: ::it heats up, so he pulls it away::: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> +Hakran+ I can't get a precise fix on your location. You said you'd gone underground before? Can I send them to the entrance and have you lead them in yourself? I'll send along a comm amplifier as well. Indaura Ryssan: I have the kit requested. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Where's that area in respect to our current location? ::Looks to Tandy and William.:: Hunter Matheson: ::then he checks the area for evidence of anything that might be associated with it::: Hakran K'hal: +Rhan+ That'll have to do I suppose. K'hal out. William Chocox: ::looks at K'hal:: Got 'em? Hakran K'hal: Rhan> :: leaves Maryse with the new doc and her compounds to go round up some dusty blue shirts :: Hakran K'hal: :: Will :: They'll be on their way to the entrance to the underground. Someone's going to have to meet them though. :: automatic glance to the security officer :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Red shirt> ::Points Indaura in Maryse's direction.:: Doc is that way. Maryse Dubois: ::Looks over at the newcomer with the kit. She stands from her crate.:: Oh thank you, Dr. Ryssan. Welcome to home base. ::Takes the kit from her, opening to double check, then sets it aside.:: We don't need to worry about allergic breakouts now. Tandaris Admiran: ::Miranda:: It's about 100 m back in the direction we came, then down a side tunnel. Indaura Ryssan: Was that only a concern after you arrived? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Let's go have a look. Maybe we can figure out what the symbols mean. Tandaris Admiran: Sounds fun. Hunter Matheson: ::stumbles over pottery and a few things that look like utensils, none of them well used, some with symbols etched on the edges::: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> :: gets one of the standby teams of wannabe Dr. Joneses saddled up in an ATV with a comm amplifier :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Matheson, we're relocating. Hunter Matheson: Aye, Commander. ::picks one up and moves in her direction::: Maryse Dubois: ::Has a seat back on a crate, motioning for her to have a seat as well.:: It was on the list of needed equipment, but someone apparently didn't check. Hakran K'hal: Rhan> +Hakran+ They're on their way, ETA 20 to 30 minutes. Hunter Matheson: ::but not after recording everything he saw, and probably a few things he didn't see::: Hakran K'hal: +Rhan+ Acknowledged. Cptn Swain: ACTION> One of the fauna teams approaches home base with one of the blue shirt science officers looking a bit, swollen. Indaura Ryssan: :: Sits :: Preparedness is paramount. Maryse Dubois: ::Nods.:: Always. Hunter Matheson: ::turning what looks like a plate over in his hands, he follows along::: Hakran K'hal: :: to the group :: The archaeologists are on their way. Cptn Swain: Atur> ::Brings the dune buggy to a stop near the doctors:: Oh, good you're here doc. Hunter Matheson: ::almost trips, so he watches his step after that::: Maryse Dubois: ::Looking up as the swollen blue shirt arrives.:: Good god, what did you touch? William Chocox: So who's going to get them? Indaura Ryssan: :: Flips out her tricorder and begins to scan :: Cptn Swain: Atur> ::points to a rather puffy looking Bolian ensign:: Some kind of flower on the edges of a river. Hunter Matheson: ::if only his scanner cold date stamp whatever it was::: Hunter Matheson: (*could) Hakran K'hal: Rhan> :: notes the swollen science officer, jogs over to see what's what :: Maryse Dubois: Help him to a cot. ::Steps out of Indaura's way.:: Indaura Ryssan: That's...quite a reaction. :: leads him to a cot :: Cptn Swain: Atur> ::Nods and helps unbuckle the swollen science officer:: Tandaris Admiran: ::K'hal:: All right, let's head to that unfinished section and check it out. ::already out the door:: Maryse Dubois: Did you mark the area where he found it? Hakran K'hal: :: shoos the security officer off to go play escort to the incoming scientists :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::Following Tandy, backtracking a bit, searching for other signs of their language.:: Cptn Swain: Atur> ::Nods:: Aye. Hunter Matheson: ::as she passes:: Commander? Indaura Ryssan: :: to the swollen one :: Did you touch anything? Allergic reaction history? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Yes? ::Light swings in Hunter's direction.:: Cptn Swain: Atur> Our initial scan of the flowers showed it to be lotus like in origin, but almost as soon as he touched it to take a sample, he started swelling. Hunter Matheson: Found this plate, or what looks like a plate, under a tunnel that apparently goes to the surface. Maryse Dubois: Good. Send out an alert to stay away from the specific vegetation till we know if it is just an isolated incident. Cptn Swain: Bolian> ::can't really verbalize:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Any markings on it? Hunter Matheson: It has some kind of writing ,like hieroglyphics, but not quite. Hakran K'hal: Rhan> :: Atur :: Send the data to the main unit so we can send out a planetary bulletin about the plant. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Give them a good scan and then bag it for the dirt diggers. Hunter Matheson: The tunnel to the surface as what looks like a quarts reflector. Maybe for cooking? Cptn Swain: Atur> ::Nods:: Aye sir. Hunter Matheson: Yes, ma'am. Hakran K'hal: :: catching up with Tandy :: This stuff has been here for a while, Commander. It's not going anywhere. Hunter Matheson: ::scan, bag and tag::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Reflecting sunlight from the surface? ::Her eyebrows rose.:: An interesting concept. Hunter Matheson: Yes, ma'am. Thought so. Indaura Ryssan: :: Injects him with a diphenhydramine derivative "" Hunter Matheson: Like a solar tube? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: I saw evidence of a solar array. Maybe they're connected. Cptn Swain: (( Give me a number between 1-20 Indaura )) Maryse Dubois: ::Steps opposite on Indaura at the Bolian's cot.:: How bad is it? Tandaris Admiran: ::K'hal:: I need the exercise! Maryse Dubois: *of Hunter Matheson: Could be, ma'am. Tandaris Admiran: ::enters the unfinished section, which is bigger than he expected and, of course, in rougher shape:: Wow. Hakran K'hal: BaseComputer> +Everyone+ :: sends out the data about the do not touch plant :: Hunter Matheson: ::his slate pings::: Indaura Ryssan: Bad enough, the reaction was rather fast. He can feel pressure on his skin if my readings are correct. Hakran K'hal: Hmm. William Chocox: Surprised Commander? Cptn Swain: ACTION> At the far end of the unfinished section appears to be a set of very large metal doors constructed out of a composite alloys. William Chocox: Wow... Indaura Ryssan: :: Goes to the kit, gets one of the medications, and puts it in her hypospray :: Hakran K'hal: :: shines light on the doors, looks for anymore language :: Indaura Ryssan: :: Places it on the Bolian's neck...hiss :: Hunter Matheson: ::mental note to not touch flowers::: Maryse Dubois: Is it just external, of has it affected his breathing? Cptn Swain: ACTION> The swollen science officer does not seem to have any reaction to the first medication and has started sweating. Hakran K'hal: Rhan> +Augustin+ K'hal to Augustin. Indaura Ryssan: Not yet, but it will. I hope this second injection does something. Cptn Swain: Augustin> +K'hal+ Augustin here. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::She moved to inspect the doors, searching for more writing.:: I hope this doesn't say 'quarantine' or 'dead inside'. Cptn Swain: ACTION> The second medication seems to be helping, and the Bolian's swelling begins to subside. Indaura Ryssan: :: Tries a third injection on the Bolian :: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> +Augustin+ A heads up, I sent, at the behest of the Chief Science Officer, a large team of archaeologists to an underground complex that the exploratory teams discovered. Not sure if you want to up their escort, but there you go. Tandaris Admiran: ::while Miranda examines the doors, he looks at the state of the rest of the room, trying to imagine what purpose it might have in such proximity to a transit system:: Maryse Dubois: Looks like the swelling is going down. Hakran K'hal: :: Miranda :: Perhaps we should wait for the arch' team to try to chew on some of this before we open them. Hakran K'hal: :: rather much emphasis on the "perhaps" :: Cptn Swain: (( what fun is that K'hal )) William Chocox: That would be sub-optimal if it said 'quarantine' or 'dead inside'. William Chocox: How do we want to get in? I'm assuming no explosions. (w) Regrettably. Hakran K'hal: Rhan> :: wanders back over to the medical section to see how the science officer is doing :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::She threw Hakran a glance.:: What's the fun in that, though? ::Slight grin.:: Indaura Ryssan: How are you doing? :: to the Bolian :: Cptn Swain: Bolian> ::still not able to Verbalize, but smiles back as best he can, obviously feeling some better:: Hakran K'hal: Science is not always fun, Commander. A great many potential discoveries have been ruined by people too enthralled by the discovery to contemplate the long-term consequences. Tandaris Admiran: ::scanning the doors:: Looks like there might be a mechanism of some kind. Maryse Dubois: ::Looks up at Rhan.:: He seems to be doing fine now, but I want the data on that plant. It might not have been an allergic reaction, but a defense mechanism. Tandaris Admiran: ::K'hal:: What school did you study science at? Cptn Swain: Augustin> +K'Hal+ Understood, I'll have a patrol meet them at the perimeter. Cptn Swain: @Leito> Captain, there it is again. Hakran K'hal: Rhan> Here ya go. :: pulls out his padd, tap tap tap swipe :: It's on your unit. Indaura Ryssan: (3) Hakran K'hal: :: Tandy :: The school of Not Engineering. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: External switch? ::Looking to Tandy.:: Cptn Swain: @ ::Looks over, brow lifted:: I see. Interesting. Exactly an hour after the first one. Is it in the same location? Tandaris Admiran: Ah. See, I studied at the school of Science Is Fun. William Chocox: That's a not fun school. Maryse Dubois: Thanks. ::Takes her PADD and begins to look it over.:: Tandaris Admiran: Albeit, I admit my minor *was* "singed eyebrows" Tandaris Admiran: So make of that what you will. Cptn Swain: @Leito> ::Narrows his glance:: No. It appears to be in sector 23 now. It was sector 21. Tandaris Admiran: ::Miranda:: Yes, Commander. ::points to one side of the door:: Cptn Swain: @Interesting. ::taps his Comm Badge:: +Bridge+ Astrometrics to bridge. Hakran K'hal: :: rolls eyes :: Fine. At least get a good holo before whatever is behind the doors kills you. William Chocox: You minored in that? That was my major. Cptn Swain: (( two minute warning )) Tandaris Admiran: ::moves towards the switch, ready to activate it at Miranda's go-ahead:: Indaura Ryssan: Glad that is working...:: watching the Bolian:: Hakran K'hal: :: heads back out in the passageway and checks in on the archaeology team :: Cptn Swain: @Bridge> +Swain+ Go ahead Captain. Maryse Dubois: ::Looks up from the PADD and at Indaura.:: God job, Doctor. Cptn Swain: @ +Bridge+ Has tactical or the CAP noticed anything in sectors 21 or 23? Cptn Swain: @ Bridge> +Swain+ ::After a hesitation:: Just a sensor anomaly, likely from all the epsilon radition, sir. Hakran K'hal: :: happily discovers that they're in place and that the comms have improved - sends along the holos of the writing from the 'cavern' :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Does it still work? ::Moving over to inspect the switch.:: Try it. Cptn Swain: @ ::Frowns:: +Bridge+ Have d'Aubugine buzz it with a fighter squadron and report back, Swain out. Tandaris Admiran: ::throws the switch:: Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur teams are starting to explore the surface of Irassa IV as they begin a full-scale survey of the planet. Teams have spread out going to various sites. NDak: BEGIN SIM NDak: BEGIN SIM NDak: BEGIN SIM Hakran K'hal: :: with the team heading off to the ruins, bouncing along in the bloody ATV :: Annisha: @ Indaura> :: Settling into medical :: Hunter Matheson: ::on an ATV, plowing around stuff they need to, driving, apparently::: Hakran K'hal: Rhan> :: shimmers into the base camp to help with logistics :: Tandaris Admiran: ::also on Team Ruins, eagerly anticipating all the alien tech he can use--er, eagerly ready to help the survey team in any way possible:: NDak: NDak> ::Joining the ruins team in a second ATV. He was enjoying the scenery:: Hakran K'hal: :: grumbles :: Why in the name of James T. Kirk couldn't we have just transported there? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::With Hunter driving -- off with the team exploring the ruins, enjoying the excitement of the ground transport and freedom of the planet.:: NDak: ((Because if I could retcon any technology, it would be Transporters )) Hunter Matheson: ::over the noise of the ATV, to Hawthorne::: Anywhere is particular you want to go, Commander? Charlie Harper: ::on team ruins, reading up along the way:: NDak: @ ::Still on the Excalibur, watching as probe data begins to come in.:: Hakran K'hal: :: fur getting rather floofy in the wind :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Hey, you'll want to go through these before you do anything. ::She plunked a data padd on Indaura's desk. It was full of Maryse's personal sickbay policies and procedures.:: NDak: ACTION> The ruins teams crest over a hill where they can see the sprawling ruins of small city. The city itself is bisected by a river that flows into a larger body of water. At the far ends, a complex rise above the rest of the ruins. Annisha: @ Indaura> I have read the Starfleet medical files, Is this something new? Hunter Matheson: ::slows their progress as they crest the hill:: Hakran K'hal: :: critically looks over the coming attractions through his already somewhat dust-covered goggles as they crest the hill :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::Back to Hunter:: We'll drive around a bit, bouncing from team to team to check them out, but I want to have a look a these ruins that Swain explored. Charlie Harper: ::looks up from the orbital survey maps:: Tandaris Admiran: Pretty cool Hunter Matheson: Yes, ma'am. ::slight change of direction to move toward the ruins::: Hakran K'hal: Have water, will civilize. NDak: ::Leans forwards in the ATV with his holocamera:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Yea, this will tell you how the Chief likes to run her department. I think that in there, it specifically states that the newest member of the medical team has to bring in treats for the rest of us. Tandaris Admiran: ::prepping his tricorder and a few other specialized tools:: Annisha: @ Indaura> Is that really in here? I'm not sure you may like Denobulan 'treats' NDak: Augustin> ::Frowns seeing the city. He didn't like the idea of having the teams spread out across the planet to begin with, the ruins were even less of his idea of a fun.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::She pointed toward the complex and shouts in her comm to Hunter:: Over there! Hunter Matheson: ::sharp turn to take aim, but he has the brains to slow down before that happens::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> What do Denobulans consider treats? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> If you say bugs, then we'll waive that rule. Hakran K'hal: :: Tandaris :: Anywhere in particular you want to start poking around, Commander? Annisha: @ Indaura> There is a large contingent that still eats insects Tandaris Admiran: ::considers:: Tandaris Admiran: ::points at a cluster of buildings:: Those look central. Let's see if we find anything in there. Hunter Matheson: ::brings the vehicle around to park it in front of the complex:: Move farther in, ma'am? ::Hawthorne:: Hakran K'hal: :: instructs the security escort/driver to go to the cluster of buildings :: Annisha: @ Indaura> I am sure I can make something else. :: reads :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> What about sweets? NDak: ::Glances back to Harper:: Where should we go? Annisha: @ Indaura > Something tart perhaps? I can probably create anything the database. Charlie Harper: ::consults the map again:: There's a larger building, maybe a social complex of some sort? Here. ::taps the padd:: Hakran K'hal: According to the initial survey notes that area wasn't looked over, so if there is anything over there it'll be "fresh." NDak: ::Nods, looks over to the dude driving then:: Take us there. Tandaris Admiran: ::approaches the buildings, most of which have collapsed in on themselves or otherwise started to decay:: Tandaris Admiran: ::uses his tricorder to scan for any energy readings:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::Glad she had the forethought to wrap her hair up before starting the trip, else it'd be a huge mess. Worse than a fluffball kitty.:: Annisha: @ Indaura > I have heard chocolate chip cookies are popular among humans. Hunter Matheson: ::Hawthorne:: This a good position, Commander? Hakran K'hal: :: checks the data from the rollbar-mounted multi-spectral holo-imager to see if there's anything around that isn't popping up on his own visual survey :: Tandaris Admiran: No active energy sources, but then again, that's not surprising. Hunter Matheson: ::sets the ATV to idle:: Hakran K'hal: Doesn't mean there isn't anything of interest that's inactive. Hunter Matheson: ::or however the ATVs are made to do their thing::: Annisha: @ Indaura > Tell me, what kind of mental health issues am I to encounter here? Or is there anyone I should place on my short list. Tandaris Admiran: ::flips on a wrist-light:: Let's check out the interior, see if there's any hardware. Or um ... you know, archaeologically significant finds. Tandaris Admiran: ::should probably attempt to come off as something more than a tomb raider:: Hakran K'hal: :: grins :: You got it. :: waits until the ATV comes to a halt outside one of the available entrances, or holes, hard to tell which, and then hops out :: Hakran K'hal: :: tries to tame his mane back into something not resembling a troll doll :: NDak: ::Waits till they arrive at the central spire. Pulling up the tower, he glanced around as a soft breeze carried wind from the rift lake nearby:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Yes, this looks good. Let's get out and take a look. ::Climbs out of the ATV and pulls out her tricorder.:: Hakran K'hal: :: pulls out a hard hat, Caitian-style with twin pyramids to accommodate his ears, and dons it :: Charlie Harper: ::climbs down from the ATV:: Interesting place. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Mental health? ::She shrugged.:: I couldn't say who, but as to what... Excalibur gets sent on a lot of stressful missions. NDak: ::Nods:: Yes. ::Pulling out a tricorder:: NDak: The ruins appear to be several hundred years old. Annisha: @ Indaura > You know, having cookies at every session is a good idea. Hunter Matheson: ::the security guard takes charge of the vehicle and he hops out with Hawthorne:: Hakran K'hal: :: glares at the security officer until he puts his on - as for Commander Admiran... even if he gets a brick to the head he's still got the slug :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::She removed her helmet and tossed it onto her seat, then unwound the cloth from her hair to let it blow free. Inhales deeply.:: Why is it that we can never replicate the smell of fresh air on the ship? No matter how much we tweak the circulators, it never quite seems the same. NDak: ::Tips head:: Though there's nothing indicating where they civilization went. Tandaris Admiran: ::follows K'hal and the team into the structure:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Everybody likes cookies. ::Nodding in agreement.:: Charlie Harper: Well, isn't that part of why we're here? Hakran K'hal: :: flips on his hat-lamp as the light-level is inconsistent, looks around :: Annisha: @ Indaura > I should do some rotations to get acclimated to the ship style and crew. I noticed I'm not quartered with anyone? Is that typical? Hunter Matheson: ::helmet secured, engaging the com::: Hunter Matheson: ::rechecks the charge on his phaser:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Yea, most of us have our own quarters, unless otherwise requested. ::She squinted at Indaura.:: What was it like at your last post? Hakran K'hal: :: sneezes after he kicks up some dust a few meters in :: The maid's century off, I take it. NDak: ACTION> The structure that Tandy and kitty enter appears to be some sort of underground transit system long ago abandoned. Tandaris Admiran: What do you reckon? Some sort of underground transit system long ago abandoned? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::Walking along the outside of the complex, getting readings of the materials they used and composition.:: Tandaris Admiran: ((Just a guess)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: (( Tawny )) Annisha: @ Indaura > I was with three others, reminded me of home and a bit like my husbands. At one point at home there were 8 of us together Hunter Matheson: ::absently:: Looks pretty old. Hakran K'hal: Looks like it. Pretty typical tube layout, though I can't see any sign of tracks. Annisha: @ Indaura > I miss them all. However, being alone in my room will be good for me. Live like the natives do. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> You had two roomates? Wow, that must have taking some adjusting. Or maybe not, from the sound of your home life. How many husbands do you have? Hakran K'hal: :: bends out over the edge and looks down at where the passenger cars would go, then left and right into the darkness :: NDak: ::Nods to Harper:: Well, lead the way. Tandaris Admiran: Must have been an industrialized society to need such transportation infrastructure Hunter Matheson: ::sticking fairly close to Hawthorne, checking each area before they pass by:: Hunter Matheson: ::Just being careful and taking nothing for granted:: Charlie Harper: Let's try through here. ::ducks through the clearest still-standing doorway Hakran K'hal: Yeah, you don't see many farming communities with their own underground. Well, do you want to try seeing where they go? Might be more likely to find something un-ruined down here compared to the rubble up top. Hunter Matheson: ::looking around:: Ruins look pretty stable for being so old. Must have had pretty good design. Annisha: @ Indaura > Three, typical Denobulan arrangement. They have two other wives too. Are family tree is like a wild bush. Tandaris Admiran: I agree Hunter Matheson: Wonder what made them leave. Tandaris Admiran: Looks like there's a chamber just a half klick that way. Maybe a control centre? Annisha: @ Indaura > And to answer your next question, two kids from two different husbands. Hakran K'hal: Worth checking out. :: nimbly hops down :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::Only does a partial circuit before starting back, but stops at a large open passage that leads into the complex. They could see sunlight on the other side. She shrugged at Hunter's question.:: That's the mystery, isn't it? We'd need a time machine for that. ::She pointed.:: Let's go see what's at the other end of this. Readings say the tunnel is structurally sound. NDak: ::Following behind, tricorder hand:: Hunter Matheson: ::nod:: Yes, ma'am. Hunter Matheson: ::takes point, entering the tunnel::: Annisha: @ Indaura > It's why I'm starting so late compared to other graduates. Hunter Matheson: ::flicks on his helm light::: Tandaris Admiran: ::walks down the transit tunnel towards the chamber:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Three husbands, who each have three wives, and children with almost all of them? Yea, I could see why that would keep you a little busy. Hakran K'hal: +Base Camp+ K'hal to base. Team Beta heading underground. Let us know if our signal weakens. Annisha: @ Indaura > Let me show you the family. :: enters some commands into the PADD, brings up a panoramic picture :: NDak: ::Fiddles with the wrist light contraption:: Hakran K'hal: #Rhan> +K'hal+ Roger that, brah-tenant. Annisha: @ Indaura > That was taken at my graduation. There's 35 of us in that picture. Hakran K'hal: :: mumblegrumbles :: I am seriously going to tie his tail in a knot before making him eat it. Tandaris Admiran: ::smiles:: Did he tell you about the time he got de-furred? Hakran K'hal: No, he didn't. :: pauses a beat :: Did someone get a holo? Tandaris Admiran: ::wickeder smile:: Remind me when we get back to Excalibur. Annisha: @ Indaura > Kids are at my feet, husbands behind me. They did not all have to come. Hakran K'hal: Excellent. :: grins as they continue down the tunnel toward the chamber :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> The tunnel that Hunter and Miranda take is relatively short and ends in a large open courtyard. There were small pockets of scrubby vegetation that had wicked looking thorns and stickers. They heard critters scampering away at their arrival, but didn't see anything. NDak: (( Two minute warning )) Hunter Matheson: ::entering the courtyard, he checks around:: Sounds like it's occupied, ma'am. 4 legged creatures. Hunter Matheson: Mind the plants. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Dr. Taryn Castell> ::Blinks at the picture.:: Wow, that's a huge family. You must throw some wild parties with all those people. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ::Looking at everything with interest.:: Yes, they do look dangerous, don't they? Hunter Matheson: Not sure if the plants are poisonous or just nasty. Hunter Matheson: ::turns to look at her:: I'm going to say they're more scared of us than we are of them. Hunter Matheson: Oh.. you mean the plants? Hunter Matheson: :;shrug;; I was thinking critters. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: The critters ran. These plants look like they're ready to defend themselves. Hunter Matheson: Aye, Commander. NDak: PAUSE SIM NDak: PAUSE SIM NDak: PAUSE SIM

SD 0409.2017 Excalibur is orbit of Irassa IV where they are conducting a wide-scale planetary survey. First up, many of our teams are exploring the ruins of a long abandoned city dating back several hundred years.

SD 0402.2017 The Excalibur teams are starting to explore the surface of Irassa IV as they begin a full-scale survey of the planet. Teams have spread out going to various sites.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has just arrived in the Irassa system to conduct a full survey of the system, but particularly Irassa IV, a savannah-like planet orbiting a B-class star with an unusually high rotation. Previous surveys of the planet have focused largely on a set of old ruins on the southern-most continent. This will be the first full scale survey in over a hundred years of the mostly out of the way system, notable only for its proximity to the Neutral Zone. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hakran K'hal -> :: on the bridge at the science console, looking over the incoming sensor data being gathered :: Cptn Swain -> ::On the bridge:: Helm, put us in orbit of Irassa IV. Hunter Matheson -> Aye, Sir. Standard orbit, or geosynch? NDak -> ::In the main science lab area prepping away team kits:: Cptn Swain -> Standard orbit. Hunter Matheson -> Standard orbit, aye. ::keys it in:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sitting in her office, checking over the latest schedule.:: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: also on the bridge, handling the scans themselves, optimizing type and target based on the ship's location over the approaching planet :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::on the bridge so he can respond to any last-minute requests in person now that they're on site:: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Looking over away team assignments:: Cptn Swain -> ::Miranda:: Once we're in orbit you and Mister K'Hal of the blue uniform variety may begin your surveys. Cptn Swain -> ::Stands:: I am going to spend some time down in astrometrics working with that team on the solar survey. Hakran K'hal -> :: flicks ear :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks over at her desk console. It had a notice that the ship had arrived at Irassa.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Standing along with Swain, she smirked.:: Really? I thought we were going to have to pin you down to keep from getting planetside again. Cptn Swain -> Oh... ::he smiled:: I intend to get down there. But I want tinker with the solar data first. Cptn Swain -> I am itching to drive one the ARGOS Hunter Matheson -> ::doing his usual thing with a first-in scenario, like planning exit vectors, evasive maneuvers, and whatever else might keep us from ending up as part of the universe:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Because I am in a good mood, it's a good time to mention we have like 16 ARGOs for this mission. Hunter Matheson -> ::checking with Tork on his calcs::: Cptn Swain -> (( Dune buggy's for everyone )) Hakran K'hal -> :: not entirely enthused about what he's hearing, looks over the various points of interest to find the safest one to direct the Captain to :: NDak -> ::Glances around, looking for Harper:: Maryse Dubois -> ((From Nemesis?)) Hunter Matheson -> (cool) Cptn Swain -> (( Yes )) Hakran K'hal -> (( :: picks up his coaster, looks at the back :: "Looks like it.")) Maryse Dubois -> ((Kal will want the minigun variety I'm sure. :P )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Away Team+ All scheduled Away Team members report to transporter room one in ten. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (Basically, if you want to be part of the AT, then report to the TR. ) Cptn Swain -> ::Enters the lift:: Cptn Swain -> Astrometrics Tandaris Admiran -> Who knows what kind of fascinating alien technology is waiting to be discovered in those ruins? Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Logs of the tactical console and heads for the lift and the TR. He hated away missions, but especially with wandering scientists. They always found things to get lost doing.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::rubs his hands together as he heads to the TR:: Hakran K'hal -> Helm, as the surface scans go on, the system will update you on which arrays need to be pointed where for best resolution. :: rises :: Cptn Swain -> (( *spins wheel of alien tech* oooooo you've landed on "device that turns everyone into frogs" )) Hunter Matheson -> (Yeah, minigun variety. That would be an XTV) Hakran K'hal -> :: steps into the lift :: Charlie Harper -> ::picking up 'just one more' scanner:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Leaves the office, grabbing the kit and gear she had sitting by the door. She exits sickbay, grabbing a TL.:: NDak -> ::With several bags draped over his shoulder:: Harper! NDak -> They're going to leave us behind. Cptn Swain -> D'Aubgine> ::Enters the bridge as a squadron of fighters leave the shuttle bay to take up a patrol of the system.:: Charlie Harper -> Coming, coming! ::slings bag over shoulder:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Follows Hakran into the lift.:: NDak -> You know, one time we were doing a survey of a planet and it had these like big globby things that tried to eat us. NDak -> ::Makes a face:: I hope we don't run into any of those. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: nods to d'A :: Birds are away, Commander. Maryse Dubois -> ::Enters the TR, checking to see who beat her here.:: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Enters the TR with several nameless security officers.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checking for the system update button, finds it and keys in:: Charlie Harper -> ::absently, looking at a padd while hurrying to the lift:: Probably spiky things instead. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Once they were alone, she turned to the Caitian.:: You know we're going to have to keep the Captain in the safer zones... Tandaris Admiran -> ::enters the (crowded) TR:: Cptn Swain -> D'A> ::takes the vacant command seat:: Good. NDak -> ::Considers:: Hopefully they don't try to eat us. Maryse Dubois -> Well it suddenly got crowded in here. Hakran K'hal -> :: nods :: I've already outlined a few areas that look promising for a walk in the park. Rhan will double-check as more of the survey data comes in and make sure he goes to the right spot. NDak -> D'A> Mister Matheson, why don't you report to the flight deck. They could use an extra pilot ferrying down all the equipment the science nerds are going to use on this survey. Including those blasted ARGO aeroshuttles. Cptn Swain -> D'A> ::shakes her head:: Things are bloody pain. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: chuckles :: I just think you're biased against things that go on the ground, Commander. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Good. I don't want to lose the Captain on a science mission, if all things. ::She stepped out as the lift stopped and strode toward the transporter room.:: Hunter Matheson -> Aye, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> D'A> ::Snorts:: Perhaps. Hunter Matheson -> ::passes things off to Tork, then double-times it to the bay::: Hakran K'hal -> :: follows Miranda out of the lift :: It'd look a lot worse for me as my first mission as CSci. NDak -> ::Enters the crowded TR with Harper:: Jolan Tru! ::brightly:: NDak -> ::Issaha had clearly had his coffee this morning:: Charlie Harper -> ::only appears to notice the other people in the room when nearly walking into one:: Hunter Matheson -> ::entering the flight deck, he checks in with the bay chief, grabs his gear, and moves to the designated craft::: Hakran K'hal -> :: accepts some equipment from one of the crewman that had brought it to the TR for him; straps on a belt filled with various scientifically useful things, slings on a pack filled with more things :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Has to step up on the steps of the transporter to see all who came in.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: then adds a handheld case to the mix :: Cptn Swain -> ::In the astrometrics lab where they're preparing to launch a series of probes:: Hunter Matheson -> ::preflight check exterior, manifest check when he hops into the vehicle, and nods to the loadmaster:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She laughed at Hakran.:: True. No pressure. ::In the transporter room, she took the pack provided for her and strapped on a phaser and tricorder. Glancing at the others gathered, she stepped up onto the padd.:: Everyone ready? NDak -> ::On the transporter pad, which if he were being honest was a nicer room than the ones on Rihan vessels.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: springs up the onto the transporter pad, looks over the scientists to see if they have anything to add before shimmering away :: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Nods to Hawthorne:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checking the security of the craft, he straps in, checks their destination, everyone reports ready, and the ramp is secured::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps all the way onto the pad.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::double checks gear:: Ready. Maryse Dubois -> ::Makes sure she has all of her gear.:: Charlie Harper -> ::steps up onto the pad, double-checking gear on the way:: Hunter Matheson -> ::wondering why the commander called them "blasted" as he powers up::: Hakran K'hal -> Good to go. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The AT transports down to the planet which absolutely doesn't have anything wrong with it at all. Hunter Matheson -> ::the loadmaster serves as his second, he reports ready to Flight OPS, and falls in line::: Hakran K'hal -> @Rhan> :: dons his @, verifies that they have good signal on the AT :: Hunter Matheson -> ::shoots out of the bay and heads for the LZ:: Hakran K'hal -> @Rhan> :: d'A :: Primary AT is on the ground, Commander. NDak -> ACTION> As far as the AT's eyes can see -- even the Cait's -- it is green and rolling with trees. Various herds of animals seem headed towards a spring, while in the far distance there is a large rock formation. There appears to be some sort of animal watching the plains. Hakran K'hal -> :: looks around, his ears swiveling to take in the sounds, his nose sniffing away :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Glances around at the surrounding.:: Huh... Hunter Matheson -> ::and not very long thereafter, they enter the atmosphere and take a bead on the LZ::: Tandaris Admiran -> Pretty. Annisha -> @ Indaura> :: Walking towards sickbay glancing at all of the new faces as she makes her way :: NDak -> ::Sitting his bags down on the ground, he took out his Romulan version of a tricorder:: Charlie Harper -> ::starts unpacking various sampling kits:: Hakran K'hal -> Immediate area seems typical of savanna in the wet season. Plenty of wildlife. Hunter Matheson -> ::and in good time they circle the LZ, spot the AT and plan a good area that's not on top of them cause it looks bad on the resume to land on top of a crewperson:: Hunter Matheson -> ::plus it might mean a demotion:: Hakran K'hal -> :: pulls out the binocs to get a better view of the creature on the rock :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up as the shuttles start to arrive.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks around, taking in the sights:: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Directing his officers to create a security perimeter around the landing zone:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> ::Waves at Indaura as she arrives.:: Hi, you need some help? NDak -> ::Opening the duffle he sorted around for the holoimager:: NDak -> ::Finds it:: Commander Admiran! ::he all but bounced over to the Trill:: Annisha -> @ Indaura> I don't, well, I perhaps do need help. :: chuckles :: I'm still getting used to the ship... I think this is medical. :: waves her arm to the room :: Hakran K'hal -> :: bemused look over at Issaha :: Hunter Matheson -> ::settles the shuttle easily, secures it, reports wheels down to Flight OPS, and lowers the ramp:: Hunter Matheson -> ::post flight check and power down as the loadmaster takes care of the ARGOs::: Annisha -> @ Indaura> You think I'd be used to tight spaces after all these years...but no. Hunter Matheson -> (You can usually tell if it's medical by the smell) Tandaris Admiran -> ::N'Dak:: Hello, Issaha. Welcome back to Excalibur. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Checking her tricorder, she took a few steps to the right.:: Gear should be landing right about there... ::Pointing to a wide open expanse near their transporter site.:: NDak -> ::Nods:: Let's take a selfie! Maryse Dubois -> ((Hey my facilities are spotless, thank you very much.)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Yes, you're in the right place. You one of the new doctors on board? Hunter Matheson -> (Yeah, but they have that spotless smell still) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> I'm Taryn. ::Holds out her hand in greeting.:: NDak -> ::Issaha all but dragged the Trill towards an overlook of the plains:: Hakran K'hal -> :: checks his padd :: Excal reporting the ARGOs are down. The rest of the equipment is de-orbiting now. Hunter Matheson -> :Then he stands at the top of the ramp as the ARGOs are unloaded and ticks them off for the loadmaster::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Walking around the LZ, taking in the sights.:: Annisha -> @ Indaura> :: Extends her hand. :: And the only Denobulan in the fleet if my observations are any hint. Hunter Matheson -> ::and it's a really hard job, like scan, enter, scan enter, scan enter::: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> Perimeter secured, Commander. Hakran K'hal -> :: takes a little more time looking at his padd, reviewing the fresh scan data from orbit :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Denobulan? Yea, that's a new one. We definitely don't have one on the ship. Welcome to Excalibur. Are you all settled in? Tandaris Admiran -> ::acquiesces to N'Dak's desire to take a selfie:: Annisha -> @ Indaura> I decorated as much as I'm allowed. :: Smiles :: Got starfleet to approve a couple of critters of mine. NDak -> ::Takes several before handing Tandaris the Camera:: Can you hang onto this... I think I am supposed to be setting up some kind of scanner. Harper's going to be mad at me. I don't think she's the type of person I want to make mad. Hunter Matheson -> ::handing the manifest to the loadmaster and begins checking each one out::: Hakran K'hal -> :: nods, satisfied. :: Okay people, let's get some basic data here. Unless of course you need to upload a holo to your social media profile first. Hunter Matheson -> ::then approaches Commander Hawthorne::: Annisha -> @ Indaura> Does Excal have a counselor? NDak -> ::Bounces off, leaving Tandaris with a holocamera:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::shrugs:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::After a brief survey, she meandered over to Maryse.:: I'm not showing anything harmful on the atmospheric scans. The teams that were here before didn't report any side effects, but it's been a few years. Keep an eye on your scans. Tandaris Admiran -> ::decides to wander around until he can find a team headed for the ruins:: Hunter Matheson -> ::waiting for the commander's attention, not wanting to interrupt:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> No, our last one transferred off at Terra. Are you taking her place? Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Yes, of course. Anything else I should keep an eye on as well? Toxic flora perhaps? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Because, girl, are you going to have your hands full on this ship. Charlie Harper -> ::gathering soil samples:: Maryse Dubois -> ((Poor Dr. Quinzel. Kal made her snap.)) Hunter Matheson -> (My specialty) Annisha -> @ Indaura> I'm trained, but my primary specialty is issues of the physical mind. Hakran K'hal -> :: notes the various personnel continue beaming in, the sound of shuttles passing overhead as they come and go with equipment :: NDak -> ::Looking for some weird thing he didn't really understand what it did -- some kind of Starfleet sensor thingy -- but he had read the directions like Hakaran told him, so he figured it wouldn't be hard to setup.:: Annisha -> @ Indaura> Is this ship tightly wound? Hunter Matheson -> ::clears his throat:: Commander Hawthorne, ma'am? NDak -> ACTION> The local animal life seems mildly spooked by all the sudden traffic and are keeping their distance from the landing zone for now. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Probably. ::Miranda nodded.:: I don't know if those were ever surveyed previously. Needless to say, we're not going to be eating anything down here, but there may be allergic reactions to flora or fauna if we come into physical contact with them. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She turned to eye Kal.:: Yes? Hunter Matheson -> The ATVs are ready, ma'am. Annisha -> @ Indaura> I especially enjoy those minds that are unique. Vulcans, Betazoids, heck even what the Borg have done. Hunter Matheson -> Well, they're really XTVs, but those are just modified for specs. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Maybe not tightly wound, be we have a reputation for getting into some bad scrapes. Annisha -> @ Indaura> I was assured this ship had the best record for the least amount of scrapes Cptn Swain -> (( Compared to who. )) Maryse Dubois -> ((haha)) Maryse Dubois -> ((Someone lied to her)) Hunter Matheson -> (welcome to the jungle) Hakran K'hal -> Okay, ruins archaeological survey team, gather up over there. Fauna survey, over there. Flora, over there. Planetary sciences, over there. Let's get the equipment divvied up and then we can head off for the ARGOs. Annisha -> @ Indaura> :: laughs :: I got the same speech as everyone else about starships. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Good, you're my driver. ::She tapped her comm badge:: +Away Team+ The ARGOs are ready for those wishing to explore further. Make sure to stay with your assigned groups. Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Glances to his own security folks who would be tagging along with each of the teams:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> The least amount? ::She laughed.:: Someone just suckered you, I think. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> You definitely won't be bored here, though. Hunter Matheson -> ::Jogs over to grab the best one and powers it up, resisting the urge to gun it::: Hunter Matheson -> ::hovers it toward the commander, and sets it to idle::: Annisha -> @ Indaura> I do require everyone that visits me, at least if I bring her, to at least say hello to my singing insect. Maryse Dubois -> I suppose I will stay at home base for the time being. Charlie Harper -> ::tucks away the soil samples and checks around for the next task:: Hakran K'hal -> :: joins the ruins team, not that he's an archeologist, but quantum physicists aren't exactly in high demand on planetary surveys :: Cptn Swain -> @::Feels a disturbance in the force at the mention of singing insect:: NDak -> ::Oh, right he was going with the flora sample team:: Cptn Swain -> TWO MINUTE WARNING Annisha -> @ Indaura> I'm trying to teach her something new, but the bug is so picky about her music. Hunter Matheson -> ::Hovering just above the ground as it idles::: Hunter Matheson -> ::while waiting, he checks the perks it has installed::: Cptn Swain -> (( Hovers? )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> Ah.... you might want to keep that one away from the Captain. He isn't that really fond of pets on the ship. Bugs, not so sure, but probably not. Hunter Matheson -> (they're aeroshuttles, right?) Cptn Swain -> (( That's just what brings them to the surface. They're literal dunebuggy's )) Hakran K'hal -> :: heads over to the ARGO parking lot :: I hope the suspensions on these things are improved over the last time I was in one for training. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Do we have any with phaser rifles mounted to them? )) Hunter Matheson -> (Argos are tactical ATVs?) Maryse Dubois -> ((The ARGO itself is actually the shuttle, but it has a dune buggy that goes with it.)) Hunter Matheson -> (should have) Annisha -> @ Indaura> Aww, good to know. She secrets an enzyme that's good for infections though. Hunter Matheson -> (at least the ARgos I know are tac) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> ::Lifts an eyebrow.:: Oh, really? You should tell Doctor Dubois about that. She might want to study it. Maryse Dubois -> ((Can I dissect it?)) Hakran K'hal -> :: pounces onto one of the ATVs and climbs up onto the rollbar to look around :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Watching as the ATV's start to pull away.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Slaps on her helmet and flips the visor down to protect her eyes.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: sighs and slips back down to take a seat :: Annisha -> @ Indaura> I hope the doors are soundproof. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Dr. Taryn Castell> All of the rooms are, of course. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur is en route to the Irassa system where they have been tasked with conducting an extensive survey of the system. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::settled in at helm, his previous anxieties dismissed as PTS, like the shrink said::: NDak -> ::Making his way to the science laboratories. His first week on the Excalibur had been uneventful, but he found the Federation starship to be laid out in a much less sensible manner than Rihan vessels:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Going over a couple reports in her office.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: in his office on deck 4, working on trying to maximize the efficiency of the various tasks the science department will be handling during the survey; also getting a headache in the process :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::in engineering, mulling over a list of the optimizations and reconfigurations they've made to support the current mission:: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: parked at the Mission Ops station on the bridge, furry fingers flying over the console as he also works on tasking, but unlike his brother, enjoying it :: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::On the bridge at the tactical station, monitoring the status while the CAP does a flyby training maneuver:: Hunter Matheson -> ::blinkblink:: Charlie Harper -> ::nose buried in one PADD of survey preliminaries, swings by the Science office to drop off a couple other reports for K'hal:: Hunter Matheson -> ::sooo... buzzing the tower is one thing, buzzing the ship is.. well.. kinda dangerous::: Cptn Swain -> ::Making his rounds, he turned a corner and entered engineering:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda has plenty of things to keep her busy, both with wrapping up the investigatory reports on their last mission as well as the multitude of details that needed her attention before they got into their next, but she was finding it difficult to concentrate. More and more, she found herself wandering by the science department or coming up with reasons to visit the science department.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::he pulls up his helm scans, he watches the hotdog do his thing:: Hakran K'hal -> :: looks up as Harper walks in, thinks "thank goodness, an interruption" :: More prelims? William Chocox -> ((Sorry I'm late.)) Charlie Harper -> ::drags nose out of report:: Hmm? Oh! Yes, sir. Geophysics and, uhm.... ::juggles PADDs:: ... xenobotany. Tandaris Admiran -> ((Hi Chocox, I'm calibrating things!)) Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes her report on the go, hopping into a TL.:: Hakran K'hal -> Excellent. :: holds out paw for them :: Your thoughts? Hunter Matheson -> (Yo, Cho) Tandaris Admiran -> That looks good ::hands the PADD back to the crewman:: but see if you can boost the efficiency another 5% without too much of a power draw. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Knowing why she couldn't quit thinking of science, she'd tried to turn her mind to the mission at hand, focusing on the non-scientific portions of the mission. Security was a big issue. She stepped out onto the bridge, reviewing their new chief's report giving his opinion on the matter as she moved to her seat.:: NDak -> ::Enters the science lab:: Charlie Harper -> ::passes over the PADDs:: I think we're going to be taking an awful lot of samples. Everyone ssems to have a pet project on this one. Cptn Swain -> Good morning, Commander. Hunter Matheson -> ::Notes the commander's entrance, but he's still keeping an eye on the hotdog::: Maryse Dubois -> :;Steps out onto the bridge.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: takes the padds :: Tell me about it, I'm thinking of asking the doctor to clone the department so we can actually do half the things on the slate. :: looks over as the doors swish open again, smiles at N'Dak :: William Chocox -> ::walks up to Tandy:: Hello. NDak -> ::Smiles, boyishly:: Jolan tr... Hello Charlie Harper -> ::looks thoughtful:: Not sure I'd mind having a twin for a bit, sir. Or at least a few extra hands. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She glanced up from her report, spotting Maryse.:: Doctor. What brings you to the bridge? Did someone skip their physical? ::She glanced to Augstine.:: Charlie Harper -> ::glances a bit curiously at NDak:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Ah, there you are. Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Relaxes as the fly-by finishes. He was still getting used to the new command. This was, after all, the first time in eight years he was leaving on a mission on a new ship.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: chuckles, both at Issaha's reflexive Rihan and Harper's remark :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks at his list:: William Chocox -> Sorry about that sir. Misjudged the timing on some things. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles.:: Actually our new Security Chief was very punctual. Maryse Dubois -> My office was too quiet, so I thought I would come up here for a moment. Tandaris Admiran -> Not to worry. We have plenty of time to get things ready before we arrive at Irassa. Cptn Swain -> ::Notes that everything in engineering seems in rather good order... which would normally make him suspicious, but he disappeared back into the hallway:: William Chocox -> And which of those things do you want me to work on first? NDak -> ::Blushes a bit greenly:: I do na think my brother would want me cloned. In fact I feel that he likely felt a pang at the thought even being mentioned. Tandaris Admiran -> Obviously, the science department will have the lion's share of power priorities. Tandaris Admiran -> They're also going to be needing most of the computer core, I suspect. William Chocox -> Right, makes the most sense. Hakran K'hal -> :: puts the padds into the growing inbox :: Sounds like a story there. Assuming we have time to do anything other than work and sleep in the next month maybe you can regale us with it, if it isn't classified of course. Tandaris Admiran -> Lieutenant Kiedeki has already been working on optimizing the sensor arrays. I want you to try to squeeze more from the computer for less power. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Glad to hear it. ::She waved Maryse to the other stations.:: Well, you are welcome to it, though it is quiet up here, as well. Science has retreated to their department for the time being. Much planning to be done. NDak -> ::Smirks:: Ie. Hakran K'hal -> In any case, [rank] Harper, if you haven't met our... special assignee, may I introduce Arrain Issaha N'Dak. On loan from the Romulan Government for a while. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Of course. ::Takes a seat over near Rhan.:: William Chocox -> Will do sir. NDak -> ::Nods, respectfully:: Hunter Matheson -> ::idly wonders how long a microwarp drive can hug a ship at warp and what would happen to the fighter if it just gave out::: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: without missing a beat with his work :: Hiya. Tandaris Admiran -> Once we arrive in system, I expect we won't have too much to do beyond routine maintenance. However, I'll be making engineering personnel--including you--available for away missions if science wants any support. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles, her head buried in a report.:: Hey. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> Didn't have to put any new holes in our security chief, I hope? They have a tendency to get them via other methods with alarming regularity anyway. Charlie Harper -> ::holds out a hand:: Pleasure, er... sir? Sorry, need to brush up my Romulan. Arrain ranks a Lt, right? Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Glances over at the doctor, then to the XO. He appreciated that the ship seemed to have good chemistry. He wasn't sure what to expect when he was given his new assignment. He'd met the Captain a few times back years ago, but other than that, the assignment was more or less a blank slate:: NDak -> ::Nods, makes sure to use the UT:: Yes. Roughly speaking. Maryse Dubois -> ::Grins.:: Surprisingly, no complaints yet. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She flexed the hand that Maryse had pieced back together as it twinged. It didn't hurt, but the nerves still bothered her every once in a while.:: Maryse Dubois -> ((Need me to fix it again? I demand nothing less than perfection. :P )) Tandaris Admiran -> ((Uh-oh. Careful now or Maryse will try to "upgrade" you)) Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Miranda:: Commander, I wondered if you'd mind if I am a little late on submitting the new rotations. I am still getting settled in with the department and I haven't had a chance to sit down with the new Marine chief. We're supposed to have chow later. William Chocox -> Alright. Always enjoy seeing a new planet. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Only if I can get a bionic arm like the Winter Soldier. )) Maryse Dubois -> ((I thought you were more of the mad scientist, Tandy. hehe)) Hakran K'hal -> There, now that we're all pals... anything new on your end, Issaha? Please say yes, I'd like another 15 minutes at least before I have to start working on these survey assignment rotations. :: pained grin, minor fang display :: Cptn Swain -> (( No laser eyes though. )) NDak -> ::Smirks:: I have been reviewing the solar probe data from the previous survey. Captain Swain was very through in his notes, as you've seen. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She threw a glance back at Augustin, considering.:: Not at all. Take whatever time you need, so long as you get it to me before we reach the planet. You'll need the modified schedule finalized to account for the crew going planetside. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: hmms a few times :: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Nods:: I thought we might be able to do some integration of the security and Marine teams, but I want to run that by Major Jones first. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up at Rhan as he humms.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::absently hums Come and Get Your Love as he checks out helm:: Hakran K'hal -> He certainly was, which means that's one less thing we have to do. Any thoughts yet as to the above average rotation? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: I'll let you get to it. Use whatever personnel you need. William Chocox -> On it sir. ::grabs an unsuspecting ensign as they're passing by as he goes to get to work:: Hunter Matheson -> ::bouncing to the beat:: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: half to himself :: I think we need to turn back and head to Earth, I need an extra computer core. Hakran K'hal -> Hakran> :: gestures both N'Dak and Harper to the available seating :: Hunter Matheson -> ::airdrums::: NDak -> ::Shakes his head:: Not readily. Though it does seem to be more of a curiosity than anything else. I was also looking at the scans of the second settlement. The original surveys focused primarily on the first settlement, but they seem to be from a later culture that colonized the world. Maryse Dubois -> I wouldn't mind another trip back to Earth. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded.:: I'm sure they'll be obliging. The Marines don't see nearly enough action for their tastes. Getting them in the mix is a good idea. William Chocox -> Alright, more processing power, for less energy. Let's get to it. Charlie Harper -> ::takes a chair:: I think that botany report spent a fair bit of time rhapsodizing over unusual light-cycle adaptations. Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Smirks:: I thought they might. Figured it'd be good for us to start out on a good note of cooperation. Hunter Matheson -> (w) Heyey... whatsamatta with ya.. NDak -> ::Takes a seat:: Hunter Matheson -> ..come and get your love... come and get your love.... Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: smiles :: Hopefully the next visit will be more... routine. Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Looks over at the helmconsole with a brow lifted:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Her attention swung to helm.:: Matheson, are you issuing invitations? Hakran K'hal -> :: nods at both officer's statements :: Hunter Matheson -> ::bouncing quietly, watching helm, checking a few things while he does stuff:: Hunter Matheson -> ::turns:: Ma'am? Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: quietly snickers :: Hunter Matheson -> ::Slight smirk, not going here 'cause she's a commander and he's a.. .well grin:: No, ma'am. Maryse Dubois -> ::Tries not to facepalm:: Hakran K'hal -> Weighty matters of civilizations all the way down to plant power cycles. This is going to be an interesting mission. NDak -> I also found it interesting that the whole planet exhibits a mostly savanna climate. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Her eyebrow lifted.:: Then maybe sing a bit quieter. Hunter Matheson -> ::Sucks in his cheeks to keep from grinning:: Sorry, ma'am. Won't happen again. ::hopefully:: Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. Hunter Matheson -> ::but it's still going around in his head::: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> Also, Gunny? If you wear out the cushion in your seat from bouncing on the first mission, you know engineering's going to replace it with the hardest substance they can get their hands on. Hunter Matheson -> ::stops, turns again, this time to Rhan:: Good to know, Sir. Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::smirks towards Miranda and then goes back to the duty shift he was working on, though his eyes lingered on the Commander a bit longer than he intended.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and now he's got Hooked on a Feelin' in his head.. damn::: Hakran K'hal -> :: nods :: Might make some of us feel right at home. Though that also raises the problem that there could be some very good predators stalking around. Savannas are good at chucking those out. NDak -> ::Nods:: NDak -> Though the original report does seem to posit that perhaps the original climate was more temperate. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She stared at the back of Hunter's head for a moment, then went back to her reports.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::yes, I like Pina Colada.. gettin' caught in the flame:: Hakran K'hal -> That'll give the climatologists something to chew on. :: sighs :: All right, I'll let the two of you get on with whatever you have to do. I shall very reluctantly go back to doing paperwork. Charlie Harper -> And less arid. There's some thoughts about sub-surface aquifers here. Charlie Harper -> ::chuckles slightly:: Yes, sir. Good luck with it. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: aside to Maryse :: You still want that one-touch popcorn button? Hunter Matheson -> ::must...keep.. still::: NDak -> ::Smiles:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checks course, minor correction::: Maryse Dubois -> ((Someone has Awesome Mix Vol. 1 stuck in his head.)) Hunter Matheson -> (Nah...) NDak -> ::Looks at Harper:: Perhaps au would like to help me find the climatology lab? I am new to the ship as well. Maryse Dubois -> Very much so. Why isn't that a thing yet? Hakran K'hal -> :: grabs one of the padds and swivels back to his console :: NDak -> (( TWO MINUTE WARNING )) Charlie Harper -> Pretty sure I remember where that is. ::gets up, leading the way out of the office:: how lost can we get, anyway? Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> Easy enough to program, a little harder to explain to the Commander. :: chuckles :: NDak -> ::Smirks:: I always thought getting lost was fun as a child. I do na think my rianov agreed. Hunter Matheson -> Tork> ::enters for his shift:: Hunter Matheson -> ::settles down, nods to Tork:: NDak -> ...and... Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: tilts head :: Okay, someone down in Engineering is making my life easier. :: grabs the little gain in processing and runs with it :: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0326.2017 Excalibur has just arrived in the Irassa system to conduct a full survey of the system, but particularly Irassa IV, a Savannah-like planet orbiting a B-class star with an unusually high rotation. Previous surveys of the planet have focused largely on a set of old ruins on the southern-most continent. This will be the first full scale survey in over a hundred years of the mostly out of the way system, notable only for its proximity to the Neutral Zone.

SD 0319.2017 Excalibur is en route to the Irassa system where they have been tasked with conducting an extensive survey of the system.

MISSION BRIEF: After several days at McKinley Station in orbit of Earth, the Excalibur crew has been recalled from leave. Several new faces have joined them as they gather in the observation lounge where Captain Swain has our new orders. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ::is in the observation lounge rubbing grease off his hands with a rag:: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Making his way to the observation lounge.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::observation lounge, spit and polish::: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> We have a new table in the lounge. It's cooler! Also comfier chairs. William Chocox -> When did we get new chairs? Hunter Matheson -> ::checking out the new digs::: Hunter Matheson -> ::Cho:: When we got the new table? Hakran K'hal -> :: walks into the observation lounge with his brother, helping to highlight their similarities: Rhan a bit taller and lankier, a more stylish mane and gold eyes; Hakran a bit more musclebound with his goatee-esque chin fur and green eyes :: William Chocox -> No clue when we got those either. Maryse Dubois -> ::In the lounge, looking over a PADD. It was the latest correspondence with McKinley CMO about Illyan's treatments.:: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: pops into the seat next to Maryse :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::enters the observation lounge:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up and smiles.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Standing by one of the windows while she waits for everyone to get in and get settled.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: settles in opposite :: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> They finally added chairs compatible with the tailed, awesome. :: butt wiggles comfortably in his seat :: Hunter Matheson -> ::waiting for all the SOs to take a seat before he sits::: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::The tall, brown-haired security officer entered the observation lounge with a smile, carrying a PADD:: Cptn Swain -> ::Drinking coffee in the lounge, settled into big chair:: Hakran K'hal -> :: nods to the newcomer :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Notices the newcomer.:: Annisha -> :: Oo :: Cptn Swain -> Ah, Lt. Commander Augustin. Our new chief of security. William Chocox -> Welcome. Hunter Matheson -> ::straightens up out of respect:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She gave the new security chief the once over, though she'd already read his file.:: Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::Smiles:: Captain, Commanders. Everyone. Hunter Matheson -> Sir. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> Oh phew, when I saw that many pips coming in wearing gold I thought I'd been fired. Greetings, Commander. Cptn Swain -> Augustin> ::takes an empty seat next to Hawthorn:: Sorry I didn't have a chance to check in with you first. Hunter Matheson -> ::he takes an empty chair::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::sits down:: Oooh, comfy new chairs. Tandaris Admiran -> ::says something about how unfortunate it'll be to get rid of them when this becomes a disco rink, but it's all quick and under his breath:: Hakran K'hal -> :: slight sigh; even after kicking his brother's butt around their San Francisco home for days, it seems nothing can stop his brother's overactive muzzle from flapping :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks over at Augustin and smiles politely.:: Commander, don't forget to stop by sickbay soon for the customary exam. Cptn Swain -> Augustin> Of course. Cptn Swain -> Well, now that we have the introduction over. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Nods to Augustin.:: Short notice. We'll have our interview later. Cptn Swain -> I hope you all had nice leave. I wanted to say again how proud I've been of all of you the last several months -- even when I've been... predisposed. William Chocox -> Thank you sir. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She threw Swain a glance, then a look at his hand.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Presses a button activating a holographic image:: This is Irassa system. Hunter Matheson -> ::his gaze is diverted to the screen::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Puts her PADD down and watches.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: views the holo :: Hunter Matheson -> ::the holo image, even:: Cptn Swain -> We have been given the opportunity to explore and catalog it. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: surprised :: They're letting us do science? Are all the admirals on vacation? William Chocox -> (w)I don't trust it. Cptn Swain -> I was asked what I wanted to do. ::grins:: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> Nice one, sir. Hakran K'hal -> :: scowls at Rhan, wants to hear the rest of the briefing :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles at the idea.:: It does seem a little...awkward for us. But it will be a nice change of pace. Hunter Matheson -> ::balks at the name:: Tandaris Admiran -> I agree that we could use at least one mission where we are not under the threat of disintegration at the quantum level by the end of it. Cptn Swain -> Starfleet has conducted a few surveys over the years, including by yours truly when I was aboard the George Washington. Cptn Swain -> In fact we had a listening post here during the 50's. The Irassa system is close to the Romulan Border. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> So long as no one is shooting at us or trying to blow up the ship, I'll be happy. Hunter Matheson -> ::shifts uneasily:: Hakran K'hal -> :: flipping through his mental catalog :: So one of those "it conveniently has land in this location" planets that Command couldn't care less if it was made of refined dilithium. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: I can't imagine that we will be. The planet was once home to an advanced civilization. We originally surveyed it while looking for Iconian ruins. Maryse Dubois -> I take it you didn't find any? Cptn Swain -> Not of the Iconians, so we moved on. Cptn Swain -> But I've always wanted to do a better study. The system's star is also relatively interesting. William Chocox -> Interesting how? Hakran K'hal -> :: pulls out his own padd, pulls up the info and flips through it while keeping an ear pointed at whoever's speaking :: Cptn Swain -> It has an unusually high rotation. William Chocox -> Hm Hakran K'hal -> :: that perked him up a little more :: Worth seeing if there's anything in the star's makeup responsible for it, or if it had a dancing partner once upon a time. Hunter Matheson -> How high, Sir? Hunter Matheson -> ::continues to be uneasy::: Cptn Swain -> Nothing dangerous. Just enough to pique scientific curiosity. Cptn Swain -> ::Grins:: As I said, this is about as easy of a mission as you can get. Hunter Matheson -> So, you don't have a rotation speed, sir? Hunter Matheson -> ::knows he's pushing it::: William Chocox -> ::bristles:: (m)You kiss your significant other with that mouth? Hakran K'hal -> :: recites it off the file for Hunter :: Hunter Matheson -> ::his jaw clenches::: Hunter Matheson -> ::but he's a minion, so he keeps quiet:: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> And the best part of all, we get to go there via regular warp! Cptn Swain -> Roughly 245km per second. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: Hunter Matheson -> Thank you, Sir. Cptn Swain -> Much higher than a star of its size would normally rotate. Cptn Swain -> As I said, nothing dangerous -- just a curiosity. Hakran K'hal -> :: would try to kick Rhan under the shiny new table but sadly a little too wide to manage without risking collateral damage to Maryse :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( I'm sure this new planet isn't inhabited by anything untoward. )) Hakran K'hal -> :: has barely had a chance to review his department's resources, pulls those up to see if there's anything he needs to make a hasty request for :: Cptn Swain -> In fact the only real danger on this mission is getting sunburned during our surveys. William Chocox -> I'll keep that in mind. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Do we have the security sweeps of that sector? If it is close to the border, is there an active Romulan presence nearby? Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> Ah, that's where having SPF Fur comes in handy. Though I might want to bring one of those handheld fans. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Yes. We do. We'll also be joined by an old friend. William Chocox -> Who? NDak -> Issaha> ::enters the lounge:: Arrain Issaha N'Dak, reporting as ordered. William Chocox -> ::tries to avoid rolling his eyes:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Turns her head slightly towards the door.:: Cptn Swain -> You all remember Mr. N'Dak. William Chocox -> Mhmm. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> Ah, if it isn't our new friend from "nothing happened, nothing to see here, move along!" :: sigh :: Classification really makes these situations awkward. Hunter Matheson -> ::nods politely to the Arrain::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Gives Rhan a little poke with her elbow.:: Cptn Swain -> Mister N'Dak will be joining us as part of an... exchange program. William Chocox -> Who'd we give to them? Cptn Swain -> I am not sure to be honest. Not someone from our crew. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: looks over at Maryse, grins :: Hakran K'hal -> :: mutters :: If I'd known, I would've signed Rhan up. Maryse Dubois -> ::Rolls her eyes a little and smiles.:: Cptn Swain -> Issaha> ::Smiles Politely:: Cptn Swain -> Mister N'Dak will be joining us in the science department. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Welcome back, Arrain. Tandaris Admiran -> Nice to have you back. Cptn Swain -> Anyway, you'll each find your assignments for the mission as well as some additional information on the planet. We'll leave as soon as everyone's back aboard and our supplies refilled. Hakran K'hal -> :: nods to Issaha :: I guess that means you'll be working with me. Lieutenant Hakran K'hal, newly minted chief science officer. A pleasure to meet you. Cptn Swain -> Issaha> ::Nods taking his seat:: Jolan tru. William Chocox -> ::looks at his PADD to see what his new orders are:: Cptn Swain -> ::Stands:: Well, that's it from me. I am looking forward to this. Cptn Swain -> At least I didn't decide to send us on a duckblind mission. Hunter Matheson -> ::stands as the captain stands::: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> For which we all want to hug you for, Captain. William Chocox -> ::stands up:: Yes, thank you. Cptn Swain -> I have to tell you, it was tempting. I think I'd look good with blue skin. Hakran K'hal -> There are plenty of Andorian options in the holodeck, sir. Hakran K'hal -> Or Bolian. Cptn Swain -> True. Anyway, we leave in a few hours. Cptn Swain -> ::Grinning:: Have a nice day. William Chocox -> ::gets up and heads to Engineering:: Cptn Swain -> ::exits, stage left:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda looked to their new security chief.:: Come see me after you settle in. Cptn Swain -> (( TWO MINUTE WARNING )) Hakran K'hal -> :: Issaha :: Not sure if you've had a chance to settle in yet. I need to do some administrative work before we leave to make sure we don't leave home without something. I'll likely call a cross-shift briefing at 1800 hours. Cptn Swain -> Issaha> ::nods:: That would be acceptable. I only arrived on Earth a few hours ago. Hakran K'hal -> Then by all means, make yourself at home. Cptn Swain -> Issaha> ::nods:: Thanks. William Chocox -> ((Pursued by a bear Captain?)) Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: Maryse :: Once the orders filter down, how long do you think it'll take Ensign Capernik to start the Calamity Pool? Cptn Swain -> Augustin> Well, this should be fun. Maryse Dubois -> Hmm...I would give it a day or so. Hunter Matheson -> ::slips out quietly to go to the bridge and check the status of the helm console::: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: nods :: Good, gives me time to figure out how optimistic I want to be with my budget. Maryse Dubois -> ::grins.:: Cptn Swain -> ..and.. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0312.2017 After several days at McKinley Station in orbit of Earth, the Excalibur crew has been recalled from leave. Several new faces have joined them as they gather in the observation lounge where Captain Swain has our new orders.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has returned to Earth orbit and has docked at McKinley Station where a team of engineers have begun to remove the experimental bits of the slipstream drive. Now-Commander Ithene Vallorn has already departed for her new role aboard the USS Grace Hopper as XO. An unknown VIP is scheduled to arrive soon and senior staff have been gathered in docking area. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hakran K'hal -> :: in the docking area, gathered :: Tandaris Admiran -> ((Are we in regular or dress uniform?)) Cptn Swain -> (( Dress Uniform because I am feeling jaunty )) Maryse Dubois -> ((boo)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::standing around in his dress uniform:: Finally got the shoulders right. William Chocox -> ::fidgets in his dress uniform:: I never seem to get mine right. Hunter Matheson -> ::proudly decked out in Marine Blues as the awesome Marine he is:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Walking towards the docking port. She hates wearing the dress uniform, cause it prevents her from wearing her lab coat.:: Hunter Matheson -> (so you hide something under there, doc?) Maryse Dubois -> ((Maybe ;) )) Hunter Matheson -> (uh... ok) Maryse Dubois -> ((I can't conceal an emergency hypo in my dress)) Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps into the docking port, sighing when she greets everyone else.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::already at the docking area::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda stood at loose attention in her dress uniform, though her gaze was distant and unfocused.:: Tandaris Admiran -> So any word on who, exactly, we're receiving? Maryse Dubois -> ::Shrugs.:: Probably a big surprise. Hakran K'hal -> Someone that rates fancy William Chocox -> I tend not to like surprises. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The sound of docking pod connecting with the airlock is quickly followed by a bosun's whistle. Hunter Matheson -> ::offhanded:: Life is full of surprises. Hunter Matheson -> ::snaps to:: Hakran K'hal -> :: straightens to attention :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Amends:: Excalibur is full of surprises. ::Straightens up.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::sharp pivot toward the airlock:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Though lost in her own thoughts, the whistle snapped her free and she slid to attention, facing the airlock.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Exits the airlock in his own dress uniform, flanked by crewman:: Hunter Matheson -> ::salute:: William Chocox -> ::salutes:: Cptn Swain -> Computer, as of 1340 hours, note that Captain Asher Swain is now in command of the USS Excalibur. Cptn Swain -> ::Hands Miranda a PADD:: Maryse Dubois -> :;Smiles.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: thinks "Ah, so that's who that is." :: Hunter Matheson -> ::will hold the salute until it is returned or the officer gives the order::: Hunter Matheson -> ::which might be until the cows come home::: Cptn Swain -> At ease. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She saluted and took the padd.:: Welcome back, sir. William Chocox -> Yes, welcome back. Hunter Matheson -> ::stands easy:: Cptn Swain -> Good to be back. You'll forgive me for the ceremony, but I didn't get to do this the first time I took command. ::Grins:: It's the little things. Hunter Matheson -> ::slight grin:: Hakran K'hal -> :: returns to rest position and continues to study the old CO that'll be his new CO :: Maryse Dubois -> Just as long as you aren't dragging any admirals in behind you. ::smirks.:: Welcome back. William Chocox -> ::goes wide eyed:: (w)Please no Admirals. Tandaris Admiran -> We missed you. Cptn Swain -> One of them wanted to come along. I told him I thought the crew had likely had their fill of them for a while. Maryse Dubois -> Indeed. Cptn Swain -> ::Smirks:: From the reports it sounds like you've been awfully busy. Tandaris Admiran -> Emphasis on the "awful" Hunter Matheson -> ::stifles a snort:: Cptn Swain -> Now now. I am sure it wasn't all that bad. Hunter Matheson -> ::barely:: William Chocox -> It was. Cptn Swain -> Anyway, you're dismissed. Consider yourselves on leave for a few days until repairs are made. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: trots into the docking area :: Shoot, I missed it. Transporters were backed up. Cptn Swain -> Our new orders are cut, but they can wait. Maryse Dubois -> Will we be getting our full crew compliment as well? Hakran K'hal -> :: looks over at his brother, ears flatten :: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Yes, we'll be taking on a number of new crew members, including some new flight crew and a new Chief of Security. Cptn Swain -> He should be here in a few days. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Smiles to Miranda, he didn't want to mention Ithene, he knew it was a sore subject for her.:: Anyway, spend a few days relaxing. Then we'll get back to work. Hunter Matheson -> ::relieved knowing he's going to be, well, relieved::: William Chocox -> (w)::Tandy:: How does one "relax"? ::smirks:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks over at Rhan.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She glanced down at the padd and thumbed through the orders, but didn't comment. After a moment, she tucked her hands behind her and returned her attention to Swain.:: Did you enjoy yourself, at least? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Um … I’m not sure as your superior officer I’m allowed to talk to you about those kinds of things in a workplace environment. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Your parents should really have addressed that part of your education. Cptn Swain -> I suppose. It was a busy three months. Cptn Swain -> ::Smiles, running a hand through his hair.:: But, I am glad to be back at work. William Chocox -> ::Tandy:: That's not what I meant. Hunter Matheson -> Glad to have you back, Sir. Cptn Swain -> ::Surreptitiously shows Miranda his left hand and the small, gold and silver band:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Of course, food works too. One of my previous hosts relaxed with sugary delicacies. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: not exactly expecting a warm welcome back by anyone... and decides to avoid his brother for the time being so he doesn't get punched in the first five minutes back :: Cptn Swain -> ((I almost spelled that right. :/)) Hunter Matheson -> (looks fine to me since it translates) Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Will has a box of 'fun' things in his quarters gift wrapped from Ithene. Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks from Rhan to Hakran:: Two K'hals in the same place at the same time? Maryse Dubois -> ::Approaching Rhan.:: You know, I'm not sure if I should be angry or just happy to see you. ::Arms folded.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Glances over the Khals, decides to chide Rhan for his rash behavior later and let the crew apply peer pressure.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Her eyebrows lifted at the flash of jewelry.:: Did you change your name or are you hyphenating? ::The first flash of a smile appeared.:: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> I'm sure a bit of both wouldn't be out of place. Cptn Swain -> Neither. We decided to both keep our names. ::Smirks:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Rhan, since he's fairly close:: You missed all the fun, sir. Maryse Dubois -> Probably right. ::Lightens up and give the big furball a hug.:: I would avoid your brother though. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: Hunter :: So I hear, Gunny. Glad you got through it mostly intact. William Chocox -> Welcome back Rhan. Hunter Matheson -> Me, too, sir. It was... interesting? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Congratulations. I am very happy for you. ::Though there was still a hint of sadness in her eyes.:: Will he be serving aboard the Excalibur? Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: smiles at Maryse :: Oh, I would too. Though he's the well behaved one, he'll wait to punch me in private. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: nods to Will :: Cptn Swain -> ::Snorts:: We'd be divorced within a week. Cptn Swain -> He was assigned to Starbase 39 as the executive officer. Our new orders will keep us in the neighborhood. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles:: Cptn Swain -> ::Puts a hand on her shoulder:: But thanks. I know this can be easy for you right now. Hakran K'hal -> :: steps up toward Swain but keeps a proper distance until he and Miranda are done :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded, not disputing it.:: Thank you, sir. It's just how things have to be right now. ::She sighed and glanced at the crew, catching sight of Hakran. She gestured for him to join them.:: Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: Maryse :: Speaking of which, I hope all my Machiavellian maneuvers to get Hakran did some good. Hakran K'hal -> :: catching Miranda's gesture, joins them, nods to her :: Commander. Captain Swain, it's an honor to meet you. Cptn Swain -> The younger K'Hal. ::Smiles:: Hakran K'hal -> We are legion, sir. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: It was partly his knowledge of quantum physics that helped us out of our mess. William Chocox -> So, what will you be doing Commander Admiran? Cptn Swain -> Noted. Cptn Swain -> Glad to have you aboard at any rate. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: Maryse :: Good. That takes a little of the weight off. How are you holding up, though? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: I'm not sure yet. Take in some entertainment, maybe. There is a new Klingon opera being performed in the Hoboken Metropolitan Concert Hall. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( What's Hakran's rank? )) William Chocox -> Hoboken? Interesting place to go. Maryse Dubois -> About the same as always. How's the new position? Hakran K'hal -> (( since he's older than Rhan (but younger than Mreh) I've had him as a LT, but that'd technically be a free promotion lol - so whatever you think appropriate )) Cptn Swain -> (( That's fine with me. )) Tandaris Admiran -> It has been the operatic capital of Earth for a while. At least since Xanthia Bay's stellar performance in the adaptation of Vulcan Love Slave Part 3. Tandaris Admiran -> I'm not sure why they made a Part 3, to be honest, because I figured out who did it by the end of Part 2. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Captain, you know the state of our science department now. Lt. K'hal has only just arrived, but is the ranking officer in that department. If he wishes to stay. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: I'll let you in on a little secret as an... incentive. Cptn Swain -> Our next mission will be most interesting for any good scientist. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> It was fun for a while, but not nearly busy enough for the long term. So I'm happy to be posted back here again. I think I've been grounded, so to speak. Don't think Personnel will be letting me off the ship for a few years. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She studied Hakran.:: Do you? Your assignment to Excalibur was something of unconventional anomaly, but we could use you in the department. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles.:: I'm glad to hear it. William Chocox -> Vulcan Love Slave is a mystery? Hakran K'hal -> I've never really put much thought into climbing the ladder, but I doubt I could return to the Copernicus. Plus, if I stay on board maybe I can keep a certain younger K'hal in line - even if I have to buy a leash. If you'll have me, I'll stay sirs. Hunter Matheson -> ::kinda thrown by the convos around him, he backs off a little, but still within range:: Cptn Swain -> :Glances to Miranda with a nod:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::gives Chocox a strange look:: No, it's a romance. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: heard that bit about the leash :: Maryse Dubois -> ::giggles:: Hunter Matheson -> ::figures he has a long way to go before he's really used to the crew:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Good. Then I would like to formally offer you the position of Chief of Science, effective immediately. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: mumbles :: I'm in trouble. Hakran K'hal -> I accept, Commander. Thank you. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: I would say so. William Chocox -> Then what is there to figure out as to who did what? Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> :: huffs out a sigh at Maryse's giggle :: The angry part is going to love seeing me get big-brothered, isn't it? Cptn Swain -> Well now that's out of the way... I am going to get moved back into my quarters. ::Smiles:: Care to join me at Spacedock for dinner, Commander? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: You don't try solving the romance when you read it? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Of course, Captain. I'll see you there. Maryse Dubois -> Oh...probably... ::Smiles:: I doubt it will last too long though. Hakran K'hal -> Rhan> There's one silver lining. Maryse Dubois -> With our ship's track record, I'm sure something will distract us soon enough. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: See you at 1800. Cptn Swain -> ...and... Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0305.2017 Excalibur has returned to Earth orbit and has docked at McKinley Station where a team of engineers have begun to remove the experimental bits of the slipstream drive. Now-Commander Ithene Vallorn has already departed for her new role aboard the USS Grace Hopper as XO. An unknown VIP is scheduled to arrive soon and senior staff have been gathered in docking area.

Loss of Tomorrow A joint log from Commander Miranda Hawthorne & Lieutenant Commander Ithene Vallorn The Excalibur cruised at low warp on her return to Earth following the field trials of Leah Illyan’s slipsteam drive. Ithene stood motionlessly looking to the feast of starlight streaming by the floor to ceiling windows of the forward officer’s lounge. The mission had taken it’s toll on everyone, but for her it had been especially acute. She’d known Leah Illyan for a very long time, and though they’d drifted apart -- as so often happened -- it was not easy to learn of her situation, or see her act so erratically. There was, of course, more to it than that. It was also likely her last mission aboard the Excalibur. She frowned, looking away from her reflection for a moment as the doors behind her opened. She felt her stomach tighten. She had been dreading telling Miranda. “So, looks like everything is manageable, if these scans are accurate. We’ve got microfractures throughout the ship, but engineering is already working on repairing the ones that are large enough to be a worry. The rest shouldn’t be an issue and can wait for repairs at Terran shipyards. Medical is still concerned about the effects of radiation, but the damage is minimal and can likely be treated with…” She trailed off, frowning as she caught Ithene’s expression. Her eyes narrowed. “You’ve got that look.” “What look?” She didn’t sound convincing, even to herself. “That look. The one you always have when you’ve done something bad. I know the look, Ithene. I’ve seen it a thousand times over.” Her lips thinned. “Remember when you fractured both of your ankles trying to prove that Hadley Lin’s hoverprobe design was flawed and wouldn’t be able to bear the weight of the materials he was trying to shift? Yea, you were partially right, weren’t you? It carried you up twenty feet before it fell. And when you told me how you injured yourself, you were wearing that look.” “You’re imagining things,” she protested. “I don’t have looks.” Miranda sighed and moved to the window, turning her back on the starfield to face the science officer. She ticked off each occurrence on her fingers. “Getting both of us roped into that ritual on Risa, the time you destroyed your lab computer while attempting to configure your modified nanopulse laser, when you completely forgot about dinner with your parents and left me alone with them for three hours, delving into the black market on Andor because you heard someone had gotten their hands on bioscans of a Sheliak. And on and on and on.” “That look every time. I’ve known you too long to be fooled by your poker face.” Miranda tossed her data padd onto the table. “So what’s wrong?” Ithene sighed. Miranda always had her read dead to rights. “I‘ve been offered the ex-oh position on the Grace Hopper -- we’d be on a three-year mission to catalog the Bruiner Expanse." “I know what you’re thinking,” she said before Miranda could reply. “I am not exactly the executive-officer type, but this is a great opportunity for me and for my career and it’s chance to see the unknown.” Miranda stared at her in surprise. A ship transfer was the last thing she’d expected from Ithene. It was like a punch in the gut and the hurt showed clearly on her face. “You… requested a transfer without telling me? Or they just offered you the position?” The latter was slightly better than the former. “You’ve never talked about leaving. You know I had my reservations about you serving on the Excalibur, because I didn’t know if I could set aside my personal feelings and objectively command. But we made it work, personally and professionally. I like having you here. You know how stressful it has been. You… you ground me. I need someone that understands. I need an ally.” She pushed off the window and paced down the wall, rubbing the back of her neck with one hand. “I mean, we haven’t exactly made plans for the future, but we discussed it, at least. I didn’t even know you wanted a command. Since when have you wanted a command?” Turning on her heel, she paced back to Ithene. “You’re not happy here?” “Of course, I’m happy here with you! You’re my best friend, Miranda, and I love you dearly. But this isn’t something that’s going to come around again. I didn’t request a transfer. They offered it to me. Grace Hopper is a science vessel. Delving into Bruiner is a serious undertaking. Only two percent of the Expanse has been explored. Can you imagine how many new things we’ll be discovering in there? And they want me because of my achievements in stellar cartography.” She reached for Miranda’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “This is a big decision for me, and not one I make lightly. I don’t want to leave you, but this mission… I can’t say no. A promotion and a command. You understand why.” Miranda’s brows drew together as she frowned. She wanted to protest, to name all of the reasons why Ithene shouldn’t go, but she knew that any excuse she produced would be feeble and weak. They’d been romantically involved with one another, off and on for years, and had never once let their feelings deter them from their chosen careers. Still, losing Ithene this time was going to hurt more than it ever had. “I understand,” she said quietly after several long moments. “You have to go, just like I did when I was offered the same position on the Faraday. I just thought we’d have more time together, this time -- that it might be different.” She felt her throat closing off as tears welled in her eyes. “Three years is a long time.” Ithene bowed her head slightly. “It is, but we’ve gone longer. No promises, remember? No expectations. No pining. No waiting.” She glanced up and sighed as a tear rolled down Miranda’s cheek. She reached up and brushed it away tenderly with her thumb. “You’re making this extremely difficult for me. You know I can’t resist your ugly cry face.” Miranda barked a laugh. “You’re such a witch.” Ithene smiled. “You love it.” “I do,” she admitted softly. “When do you report?” “As soon as we reach Earth. They’re in orbit waiting on the last of their repairs and supplies.” “I’ll miss you. Everyone will.” She snickered. “Well, everyone except Chocox. I think he’s had enough of you to last a lifetime.” She laughed. “Ditto.” Impulsively, Miranda pulled her into a tight hug. “You’re going to be terrible at command.” “Probably,” Ithene admitted, returning the embrace. “I’ll get wrapped up in nebulae mapping and completely forget to do my personnel reports or something, will be too light-handed with the bio-geeks and their experiments, and will have a hard time stopping myself from flirting with the gold-shirts.” “But you’ll learn,” Miranda added. “I’ll learn,” Ithene agreed.

MISSION BRIEF: Testing on the slipstream drive has came to a halt as Tandaris and company continue to run tests to determine the stability of the core and ship while Medical is running tests on the crew themselves. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::sick bay with the doc?:: Maryse Dubois -> ::In sickbay, looking over the data that is slowly coming in from the rigged internal sensors.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::curious and not a little suspicious:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Hunter's side to side display is still up on a monitor as well.:: Maryse Dubois -> The initial numbers aren't good... Hunter Matheson -> ::he checks the area before asking:: What's going on, Doc? Tandaris Admiran -> ::overseeing efforts in engineering:: Hunter Matheson -> ::moves into her personal space:: I got one of those feelings that I get before a mission goes south. Maryse Dubois -> If I were to take a guess, I would say you are gradually fading away into nothingness. William Chocox -> ::working on his part of the project which his player totally hasn't forgotten:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene>:: still on the bridge, looking over some data from K'hal:: Hunter Matheson -> : :blink:: Really. Huh. ::having a hard time believing that, but for good measure, he pats his body to check:: Maryse Dubois -> And I don't mean in the sense that we all eventually fade. I mean it is really happening. You, and most likely everyone else are losing cells at an incredible rate. Probably every time that contraption is being used. Hunter Matheson -> So.. is that going to be worse than the alien egg goo? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Looks like you almost have the drive core removed. Watch that you don't trigger a cascade static discharge and kill us all. Maryse Dubois -> Very. Hunter Matheson -> Or are we just going to go poof one of these days? Hunter Matheson -> Huh. So... what do we do? Maryse Dubois -> I don't know yet. The evidence isn't fully concrete. The Captain may just shrug it off. William Chocox -> Aye sir. ::keeps a watch on the core:: Hunter Matheson -> So... she's not worried that she's fading. Okay Maryse Dubois -> I can't pinpoint a specific cause yet. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: I've made some enhancements to the scanner that might help us detect the microfractures more easily. ::points to the scanner utility mounted on the mobile platform:: The resolution was all right, but there were artifacts in the de-interlacing module. Maryse Dubois -> +Tandaris+ Chief, I know you are extremely busy, but I will need to see you and the Commander as soon as time permits. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda sat down heavily, one hand pressed to her forehead.:: How extensive do you believe the damage is? Hunter Matheson -> Unless the quantum drive is initiating a phase variance that rearranges our molecules. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Dubois+ Acknowledged. We'll be there shortly. Hunter Matheson -> ::absently:: or just puts them into another dimension, which means that we might poof into another dimension. ::pause:: I wonder which one. William Chocox -> Everything ok Commander Admiran? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: If we're lucky, we won't actually see any adverse effects for several more slipstream transitions. If we're unlucky … Hunter Matheson -> ::doc:: Could be better than this one. you never know. Maryse Dubois -> If we were being pulled to another dimension, I highly doubt we would remain intact. Hunter Matheson -> Well, if it's part by part, they have to reassemble somewhere. I think. ::face scrunch:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Hawthorne and I have to go see Dr. Dubois and learn about the terrible effects slipstream travel might be having on our bodies! Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Hearing the comm from Maryse, she stood.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: You're in charge. _Don't_ build any bombs until I’m back. ::glance at Miranda:: Uh, I mean, at all. Don't build any explosives, or implosives, at all. Obviously. Maryse Dubois -> ((lol)) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts a brow at the results from K'hal:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I swear I could kill that bloody Captain... ::Heads for the lift.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::heads for the lift:: Cptn Swain -> (( "I miss Swain," things you thought you'd never say. )) Tandaris Admiran -> ::follows Hawthorne, leaving Will to finish the disassembly and start scanning for the fractures that might kill them all:: Maryse Dubois -> ((haha)) Hunter Matheson -> (::snort: :) William Chocox -> Aye sir. ::gets back to work:: (w)He didn't say anything about disintegration devices though. Hunter Matheson -> ::has a weird thought:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Hawthorne:: On the bright side, as far as the list of things that might kill us all, this mission doesn't even rank in the top five. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( There's always a loophole, Chocox. )) Tandaris Admiran -> This is _practically_ a vacation for us. Hunter Matheson -> ::he looks around sick bay, idly checking out the area, especially the security cameras::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes notes as other completed scans begin to come in. She then cross checks those.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She glanced at Tandy as she entered the lift.:: Better than giant scorpions, huh? Medical! Tandaris Admiran -> Exactly. Cptn Swain -> (( Hold my beer. )) Maryse Dubois -> ::Frowns as she gets the same results.:: Maryse Dubois -> ((Oh gods)) Maryse Dubois -> It is definitely ship wide. Hunter Matheson -> ::idly picks up a padd and sends a note to the doc:: Hunter Matheson -> ::everything we do is on camera::: Hunter Matheson -> ::which means that the skipper can watch it all::: William Chocox -> Alright, let's slowly bring her down. Veeerrry slowly. ::coordinates them as they bring it down:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::steps out of the TL and heads towards medical:: Maryse Dubois -> If she isn't watching, she will know soon enough. Hunter Matheson -> ::like he's comparing files, he nods in serious mode, not suspicious mode:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shrug, he blanks the padd and puts it aside:: William Chocox -> Alright, let's get scanning. ::brings the scanner over:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Alongside, Tandaris. She stepped into medical and looked around for the doctor, heading over when she spotted her.:: Doctor, you have news? Maryse Dubois -> Unfortunately. Hunter Matheson -> ::straightens what is left of his disappearing uniform:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::exits the TL heading for sickbay:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Brings up Hunter's scans, showing them on the wall display.:: See anything different between the scan I just took and a previous one on file? Hunter Matheson -> ::nice to know he's the guinea pig:: Tandaris Admiran -> Oh that's not good. Maryse Dubois -> ::Highlights the cell counts.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::enters sickbay:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She threw a glance at Hunter before studying the scans.:: Diminished cell count? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Rapid degeneration? Maryse Dubois -> These are what they are now. ::Brings up another image.:: This is what they actually should be. William Chocox -> ::scans the warp core:: Tandaris Admiran -> Well there goes our immune systems. Cptn Swain -> (( Maybe Hunter's just defective and we need a new one. )) Maryse Dubois -> It's not just him. ::Projects the other completed files.:: Maryse Dubois -> ((lol)) Hunter Matheson -> (hm... it was the beer, right? Wrong vintage? Wrong brew?) Maryse Dubois -> And more are coming in as the scans are completing. Tandaris Admiran -> ((It keeps working with the Khals. We just keep sending them back when the trial period is over and we never get charged!)) Tandaris Admiran -> Do you have a theory as to the cause? Tandaris Admiran -> Is it something we can shield against? Hunter Matheson -> (::slowly pounds his head against the wall: :) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts a brow:: Interesting. Maryse Dubois -> I hope we can shield it. Because every time we use the slipstream, it makes it worse. Tandaris Admiran -> Is the damage reversible, or is Mr. Matheson going to die a long and painful death? ::says this perhaps slightly louder than he should:: Hunter Matheson -> ::back atcha:: Long and painful, probably. Hunter Matheson -> Doc says like the egg goo, but worse. Maryse Dubois -> You mentioned, immune systems. They would stop along with muscle functions and then mental, before we simply just fade. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We're not going to be using the slipstream again. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Could long-tem exposure create paranoid delusions? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She threw Ithene a pointed look.:: You think? Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods to Ithene.:: Maryse Dubois -> Luckily none of us are in that phase yet. Cptn Swain -> Ithene>Actually, I think someone might be. Hunter Matheson -> : :blink:: William Chocox -> ::completes the scan:: Well, that is certainly not good. Hunter Matheson -> ::backs off:: Maryse Dubois -> Are you suggesting the Captain? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::nods: Tandaris Admiran -> ::claps his hands:: Remind me when we get back in touch with the fleet to call in some favours and figured out who green lit these tests without doing all this work beforehand. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks to Miranda:: Hunter Matheson -> ::stop...stare:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Ponders.:: The routine physicals were called off for her, despite protest... Tandaris Admiran -> ::Maryse:: I think it's time you pulled medical rank. Maryse Dubois -> I think you are right. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: I agree. William Chocox -> +Tandy+ Commander, when you have a moment, since I feel Doctor Dubois' news is more important on "list of things about to kill us" I have the results of the scan back. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes. ::Looks to Maryse.:: We've seen no sign that we're being followed, even though we've been still for quite some time. Tandaris Admiran -> +Chocox+ Can you give us the short version? William Chocox -> +Tandy+ The drive core is shot to hell and back. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> At the very least, you need to scan her. William Chocox -> +Tandy+ Or will be if we keep this up. Maryse Dubois -> ::Grabs a medkit.:: She may fight back... Tandaris Admiran -> +Chocox+ Thank you. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Maryse:: That's what we have security for. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Let's see if we can get her down here on her own, first. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> If she refuses, then we'll get security involved. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: I hope it won't come to that. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Captain Illyan+ Captain, this is Commander Hawthorne. We have new information on operation of the slipstream drive. Could you please meet me in sickbay? There are scans you need to see. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> +Hawthorne+ On my way. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She lifted her eyebrows.:: Well... that was easy. Tandaris Admiran -> She might be suspicious or defensive if she comes here and finds all of us lying in wait. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Yeah Tandaris Admiran -> We should hide! ::goes over to a biobed and tries to figure out how to use it as a hiding space:: Maryse Dubois -> ((lol)) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::looks at Tandaris:: That's the Tandaris we all know and... well love is a strong word. Maryse Dubois -> If you must, you could use my office. It has a live feed to sickbay. Hunter Matheson -> ::stands inside the door on the blind side::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Maryse:: Mmm, yes. ::resists urge to make a finger-steepling motion:: I am looking forward to this. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Arrives, looking much calmer than she did a few hours ago:: Hunter Matheson -> ::as the door slides closed, he presses the lockdown button:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Captain. Thank you for coming. ::She waved a hand at Maryse.:: Doctor Dubois has some interesting scans and thinks the entire crew should be screened, including you. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Captain. ::Shows her the displays.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::looks up:: Commander, Doctor Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::watching with Tandaris in the CMO office:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Has the scanning node to her tricorder palmed.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::ithene:: You know her better than me. How do you think she's going to react? Cptn Swain -> Illyan> So, what is it you've found? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Shrugs:: Normally? Annoyed but understanding of the facts. Now? Denial? Shock? Thermonuclear explosion? Maryse Dubois -> ::Shows highlighted numbers.:: The crew is beginning to degenerate. We believe some faster than others. Hunter Matheson -> ::standing, all casual like, next to the doc::: Cptn Swain -> Illyan>:Frowns, moves closer to the readouts: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks to Miranda to proceed.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> The slipstream has caused microfractures in the ship, and apparently, is having some sort of impact on the ship's organic tissue, as well. Maryse Dubois -> ::With Illyan focused on the readouts, she begins her scans.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> The break down in limbic system... those could be caused by exposure to radiation from the core, but we thought we had solved that with additional shielding. Tandaris Admiran -> Maryse is so sneaky. I approve. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Apparently not. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Frowns, exhales:: I suppose you are going to tell me that I've also been exposed to high levels of it and that my judgment is impaired? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> If you've been working on these cores, yes. The radiation can cause mental degeneration, as well as physical degeneration. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts brow:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Exhales:: Maryse Dubois -> That is what I intend to find out Captain. ::Finishes her scan, bringing up a past record for compairison. Starts studying the results.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Doctor Dubois and her team will be scanning the entire crew to determine how wide-spread this problem is. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> There's no need. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> You'll find my mental pathways have begun to degrade beyond repairable rates. I... I had hoped we had fixed the shielding and that this would work and that my life's work wouldn't be wasted. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She let out a breath.:: Well, that makes things a lot easier. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> I see that we didn't. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::exhales:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Finishes and confirms.:: I am sorry Captain. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Captain, I insist that you transfer command to me, effective immediately. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Commander, I am turning command over to you. You can have security escort me to my quarters. Hunter Matheson -> ::casual walk to the door to enter the security code to end lockdown:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Matheson, please see the Captain to her quarters and confine her there. Hunter Matheson -> ::straightens up:: Yes, ma'am. :;looks to Illyan:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: Why doesn't this sort of thing happen more often to us? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> What do you mean? Tandaris Admiran -> Solving our problems with a minimum of complication and fuss. Annisha -> (night all) Hunter Matheson -> ::he presses the security call button on his belt and two arrive as the lift door opens:: Captain. ::motions for her to enter:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smirks, despite herself:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::follows:: Cptn Swain -> ...and... Hunter Matheson -> ::since she is non-hostile, compliant, they move without incident to her quarters::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sighs in relief.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and orders the guard to secure the area:: Maryse Dubois -> I'll have a solution ready for distribution to the crew. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur continues to run tests of an experimental new drive, however questions about its stability and of the project lead and current Excalibur Commanding officer abound. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ::is working on the deflector:: Hakran K'hal -> :: hops into a TL to return to the bridge after doing his portion of the dirty deeds done to the deflector :: Cptn Swain -> Cardboard Miranda> ::exits the Ready Room, glances at Tandaris for a moment, before heading off the bridge.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::at helm, doing his job, which is to sit still and no air drumming::: Tandaris Admiran -> She seems considerably deflated. Hunter Matheson -> ::headturn at her appear/disappear skills:: Maryse Dubois -> ::On the bridge, watching as Tandaris is about to enter the inferno.:: Have fun. Hakran K'hal -> :: enters the bridge with the swish of the door, takes stock of the expressions as he steps away from the lift :: William Chocox -> ::finishes up and starts to head back to Engineering:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::rings the chime on the ready room:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Enter. Hunter Matheson -> ::notes K'hal's entry, he looks to Tork, they shrug and continue to plot for different scenarios:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::enters the ready room:: Captain. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::In the Command chair, looking at the data from the 'power drain':: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> +Chocox+ Bridge to Chocox. William Chocox -> +Ithene+ Chocox here. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> +Chocox+ Report to the bridge. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Commander Admiran. William Chocox -> +Ithene+ Aye ma'am. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Her voice had an edge to it.:: William Chocox -> ::gets onto the TL:: Hakran K'hal -> :: steps over to Maryse :: We're going to need a revolving door on the ready room at this rate. Tandaris Admiran -> Captain, my team and I have been looking over the latest test data. There are some concerning trends I'd like to bring to your attention. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Stops pacing:: Continue. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: That's assuming we have any engineers left soon. William Chocox -> ::steps onto the bridge:: We haven't been dying have we? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances over:: Not yet. Hakran K'hal -> That's assuming we have anyone left soon. Considering the potential for quantum dissolution with this drive system, I'd recommend doing some bio-scans on the next text, Doctor. Tandaris Admiran -> The method you've employed for dampening the phase variance is causing a feedback loop that creates microfractures in the drive core. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> But I would suggest being a little more subtle the next time you attempt to disrupt the tests. ::Pointedly:: Tandaris Admiran -> Given the right conditions, these fractures could become serious enough that during a slipstream flight, the drive core would overload and disrupt the structure of the ship on a quantum level. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Frowns:: Let me see your data. Those components were tested multiple times. Hunter Matheson -> ::they stop talking and listen::: Hunter Matheson -> ::swivel toward the convo:: William Chocox -> If I were to be that insubordinate I'll keep that in mind. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks at the older K'hal, studying his expression. She thinks for a moment.:: Can the internal sensors be tuned for that task? Tandaris Admiran -> ::brings up the data that K'hal identified as salient to the matter at hand:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Make sure that you do. ::Feigns disapproval:: Now, why don't you make yourself useful, while you're here and take a look at the helm console to make sure there weren't any malfunctions. Tandaris Admiran -> It's not the components themselves. It's the interaction among them. And they weren't ever tested at this scale, or with such … vigorous … course corrections with the slipstream. Hakran K'hal -> :: ponders :: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Narrows her eyes:: Hunter Matheson -> ::vacates the chair so he has access:: William Chocox -> Aye ma'am. ::crouches down and looks over it:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Strange that there would be unexpected malfunctions and unusual damage to components... if someone were more paranoid... someone might wonder if they were intentional. ::Neutrally, as she inspected the data.:: Hakran K'hal -> I suppose it would be possible to use the existing modifications to look for that kind of small scale damage in biological matter as well. Though to get any useful notifications I'd have to funnel that data to the sickbay systems. Tandaris Admiran -> Is it? Hakran K'hal -> I'd have to rely on your oversight on that, bio isn't my specialty. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> There is little reason for the power failure in helm to have happened. ::She sat the padd down:: but as I said, only a paranoid person would think that it was... intentional. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> So, Commander, what is your recommendation? Tandaris Admiran -> I don't think problems during the test of a highly experimental drive technology are at all strange or unusual, Captain. Tandaris Admiran -> ::is really out of his depth here, not used to being the rational one in the conversation:: Hunter Matheson -> :confused... biomatter and helm malfunctions...:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: The sickbay computers should be able to handle it. Will we need to do much modification on that end? Hunter Matheson -> ::biomatter and.... looks to Tork::: Tandaris Admiran -> I recommend we stop testing, at least for now. Let my team remove the drive core from the assembly and analyze it on the molecular level for these microfractures. Let's make sure it's safe before we risk another flight. William Chocox -> You ok Matheson? Hakran K'hal -> No, though you will notice significant slowdowns in processing other items, so if you have anything needing priority you'll have to flag it. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> How long would that take? Maryse Dubois -> ::Shakes her head.:: With the smaller crew and staff much of the systems aren't being used at the moment. Hunter Matheson -> ::blinkblink:: Oh, yes, Sir. Just.. biomatter and the malfunctions William Chocox -> It'll be fine. Hunter Matheson -> I'm no engineer, and I'm sure not a doc... but.... ? Hunter Matheson -> ::doubtful look:: Tandaris Admiran -> Disassembly would be about three hours, and then the molecular scans would be … maybe another two hours. Of course, if we find any I'm not sure how we would proceed from there. And then we'd have to reassemble and perform diagnostics. Finally we'd have to recalibrate and resync the dillithium loopback. So even if we don't find a problem, at least sixteen hours. Hakran K'hal -> Hopefully we can keep it that way. I'll get that set up, then. :: half-bows, slides over to the science console :: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> You have ten. Pull anyone you need. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Almost smiles:: I am an engineer, Commander. Tandaris Admiran -> ::raises an eyebrow but bites his tongue about a few choice retorts for that one:: Aye, sir. Tandaris Admiran -> ::turns to leave:: Hakran K'hal -> :: pulls up the internal sensor setup and begins adjustments :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::exits onto the bridge:: Hunter Matheson -> ::retakes helm:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up seeing that Tandy still has all of his spots.:: How did it go? Hunter Matheson -> ::he and Tork continue working on whatever they were working on before:: Tandaris Admiran -> Very odd. Maryse Dubois -> ::Curious.:: Oh? William Chocox -> ::stands up:: What's odd? Tandaris Admiran -> Captain Illyan seemed quite convinced there couldn't possibly be any problems with her toy. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Turns in the chair:: Tandaris Admiran -> Nevertheless, she agreed to let us disassemble and inspect the drive system. William Chocox -> : :blink:: Oh good. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> That's... good. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> How long will that take you? Maryse Dubois -> Well that sounds like a bit of a win. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: We have work to do. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: She wants it done in ten hours. Hakran K'hal -> :: flicks an ear :: Cptn Swain -> CB Hawthorne> ::emerges from the TL:: How did it go? William Chocox -> Something like that would take at least 12. Hunter Matheson -> ::stops to listen again:: Maryse Dubois -> Is that even feasible? Tandaris Admiran -> I said 16, mostly because I don't relish the idea of us breaking the thing we weren't even allowed to help install. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: Would you like to help us take apart a quantum slipstream drive? I need all the hands I can get. Cptn Swain -> CB M> ::Nods:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Admiran:: Tork and I... well, we're out of a job for now. Hunter Matheson -> So, anything we can do short of breaking something? Cptn Swain -> CB M> You can join us then too. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: K'Hal... I have a job for you. ::Glances to Miranda with a knowing look:: Tandaris Admiran -> ONce we remove the drive core, the superstructure will need to be degaussed. Hakran K'hal -> :: turns, aims a mildly interested look at Ithene :: Yes, Commander? Tandaris Admiran -> I'd prefer to do this in spacedock, obviously, but I'm surprised Captain Illyan even agreed to this much. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Moves over to K'Hal's station:: I told you earlier it looked like we were making evasives, yes? Hakran K'hal -> :: nods :: Cptn Swain -> CB M> ::Nods:: We should get working. Doctor, you might also want to run bioscans on all the crew. I want to make sure this... thing... isn't putting out any kind of harmful fields she didn't anticipate in her holosimulations. William Chocox -> We should probably get going. We're just wasting time right now right? Tandaris Admiran -> Agreed Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles.:: I'm currently working on it with the help of Mr. K'hal. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Well... let's assume we're being tracked. How could we make ourselves a little more... appealing. Cptn Swain -> CB M> ::Nods:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: I'd like you to head up the team actually performing the disassembly, Commander. ::Chocox:: Assist Commander Hawthorne, and then when the core is out, you'll be in charge of the molecular scan. William Chocox -> Aye sir. Tandaris Admiran -> ::turns towards where Ithene and K'hal are conspiring:: Nine hours, 50 minutes. Good luck. Cptn Swain -> CB M> Hunter, you can assist the Doctor in running her scans. Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> CBM> Let's go. William Chocox -> ::steps back into the TL:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::joins them in the tL:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> But we'd need to do it a way that wasn't... obvious. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Where are we now... anyway. Hakran K'hal -> I'd use quantum entanglement. Theoretically at any rate, we know that entangled particles are randomly created and dropped through the slipstream during our passage. All we need to do is add more of these quantum bread crumbs. Hunter Matheson -> ::slowly catching on, but what he's catching onto he's not quite sure:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Turns to Hunter, grinning.:: Well then, Nurse Matheson. I suppose I can start with some small scale scan before Mr. K'hal is ready with the internal sensors. Shall we head to sickbay? Hunter Matheson -> ::cough:: Hakran K'hal -> That's what I'd be looking for, anyway, if I was pursuing. Tandaris Admiran -> ::once they arrive in engineering, he begins handing out team assignments:: Hunter Matheson -> Sure doc. Maryse Dubois -> ::Enters the TL.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::joins her:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::nods:: We should do that. We might also be able to tweak our shield frequencies just enough to make us... you know... stand out a bit more. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smiles:: I mean it's not like we're on a stealth mission. Hunter Matheson -> ::as soon as the doors close, he whispers:: Something's up, right doc? William Chocox -> ::gets to work with Commander Hawthorne:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::lowers her voice:: I'd say we could just call home, but I think Leah would notice:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::goes to stand in front of the drive core, which was itself erected around the warp core, holding his hyperspanner like a crowbar:: Let's get to work. Maryse Dubois -> Perhaps. ::Takes the TL down to sickbay.:: Have you had any headaches lately? IK know you had a little sick spell during the 1st run. Hunter Matheson -> Uh... no, ma'am. Not lately. Maryse Dubois -> Good. :;Exits the lift at the right level.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: nods :: In any test phase you would want to try different possible variables to make sure they don't affect normal operation. The shields would be one of these. :: quirks a smile at Ithene's quiet comment :: Hunter Matheson -> The first run was... well, there was definitely something wrong with the drive, and the shifting ::slips out as well:: made quite a few sick as I remember. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> We might also want to run some... theoretical scans... of our previous trials to determine if there were any residual effects on subspace. Maryse Dubois -> ::Comes to the doors.:: True, but I'm a little surprised it happened to our helmsman. ::Smirks.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::smirk?:: Hunter Matheson -> ::now all they need is the wink-wink, nudge-nudge::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::as Miranda and Will get to work taking apart the drive core along with a multitude of minions, he takes a smaller team to start running analyses on the Excalibur hull for evidence of fluctuations in quantum coherence:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Grabs a tricorder from a tray.:: I'm going to scan you then check the results with a previous scan in your records. Hunter Matheson -> Okay... Hakran K'hal -> They're already running down in the lab. :: smile widens a bit :: I have anticipated some of this... not to mention I actually do want to know these things. Maryse Dubois -> ::Starts scanning Hunter.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: tappity taps on the console to bring up his now considerable to-do list :: Cptn Swain -> ::she smiled, broadly before heading back to the Command chair:: Keep up the good work. You're a credit to your family. Hunter Matheson -> ::hoping she doesn't find any alien eggs inside::: Cptn Swain -> (( That can be arranged. )) Hakran K'hal -> :: nods gratefully :: Hunter Matheson -> (I figured) Maryse Dubois -> ::Finishes with the scans, placing up on a large wall monitor. With a few taps, she brings up a seconds older scan set for a side by side comparison.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: turns back to the screen, and pawns off the work on the internal sensors to the few bioscientists on board during the test, they might as well stop staring at their Petri dishes :: Maryse Dubois -> ((haha)) Maryse Dubois -> ::Begins studying the images.:: Cptn Swain -> TWO MINUTE WARNING Hunter Matheson -> So... am I alive? William Chocox -> This is going to be a mess. Maryse Dubois -> For the moment. ::Seems expressionless as her eyes don't leave the screen.:: Cptn Swain -> AND Hunter Matheson -> ::rocking back and forth on his heels, playing along and thinking that maybe the rest of the crew is nutso, and he's the only one rational;:: Hunter Matheson -> ::but that doesn't make any sense... more like they're playing in a sandbox:: Hunter Matheson -> ::kids in a candy store?::: Hunter Matheson -> ;:wait for it... wait for it;:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Our latest test was a bit, well, bumpy. The CO has retreated into her Ready Room. The crew has begun to be more than a little worried. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::at helm, I guess:: William Chocox -> ::still down in Engineering:: Maryse Dubois -> ::On the bridge, growing more concerned with the tests and the attitude of the Captain.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Leaves the ready room looking more than a little concerned:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks over as Ithene comes out.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::conversing with Tork re their next move:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::reviewing test data:: Hmm. Hakran K'hal -> :: heads into Engineering after crunching the latest data :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Arrives on the bridge, reading over her data padd. She paused, glancing about to see who was on duty.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: hunts up the spotted one and his main minion :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods to Miranda:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles to Miranda.:: William Chocox -> ((Color test)) Hakran K'hal -> :: spots the spots, veers that way :: Hunter Matheson -> ::quick glance the commander's way, then back to work:: Hunter Matheson -> ::glad to have her back topside::: Hakran K'hal -> Commander, I may have a few things of interest. William Chocox -> So Commander, what's our next play? Tandaris Admiran -> ::turns to both of them:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: We listen to the K'hal. Hakran K'hal -> First, I know how she's cheated this system to work. The matrix isn't making the simultaneous changes to the quantum fields that the theory states. It's making incremental changes to complimentary fields, then their opposing numbers. That's why we keep getting that feedback loop in the overal matrix. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Doctor. ::She nodded to Maryse and then threw a glance at Ithene.:: The Captain? William Chocox -> See, this is why we pay you the big bucks Cptn Swain -> Ithene> In the ready room. ::Has a look on her face:: Maryse Dubois -> And she's in a great mood... Hakran K'hal -> Second, here's some internal sensor data from the end of our first straight-line test. I'm surprised no one had to break out the barf bags. Tandaris Admiran -> Of course! The feedback loop actually short-circuits the phase variances before they become an issue, but we can't see that because of the ancillary noise. Hunter Matheson -> ::listening to the chatter behind him::: Tandaris Admiran -> But … but … Tandaris Admiran -> If the incremental changes continue to occur over a longer period of time and the feedback loop doesn't cycle periodically … then … Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I am.... I am worried about her. Hakran K'hal -> :: lets Tandy go through the mental gymnastics first :: Hunter Matheson -> :::trying to figure out how to compensate for the shudders, and he can't seem to come up with much:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Lea... Captain Illyan is a brilliant woman, but sometimes she gets...well she gets more than a little obsessive. Maryse Dubois -> As am I, and the rest of this crew for that matter. Tandaris Admiran -> At this very moment there are millions of microfractures building up in the core components which, if stimulated with the proper—or rather improper—resonant frequency, will cause the core to shatter like … like a … ::gestures vaguely:: Maryse Dubois -> She's placing this project above the safety of this crew. Hunter Matheson -> ::Tork:: You ever see anything like this at R&D? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I mentioned that. Hakran K'hal -> Very shattery thing, yes. Hunter Matheson -> Tork> Negatori. Think it's her own little experiment. William Chocox -> But do we want to do that? Hunter Matheson -> ::low whistle:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> And she responded how, exactly? ::Leaning on the console near Ithene.:: Hakran K'hal -> I wouldn't recommend it while we're in slipstream. In the power-on or power-down phase the quantum effects would be negligible. As for the technology bits... well that's what they pay you guys the big bucks for. Maryse Dubois -> Well she pretty much blew me off, but I'm hoping Ithene had better luck. Tandaris Admiran -> Captain Illyan is playing dice with our quantum bits. William Chocox -> Yes, but what happens if the core shatters? Hunter Matheson -> ::after a long think:: Any ideas about counter-reacting? Maryse Dubois -> ((You get a satisfying explosion?)) Hakran K'hal -> I figured that much when Rhan moved heaven and Cait to play swap-a-K'hal to get me here. The question is, do we try to stop it or fix it? Hunter Matheson -> Tork> Not from our end. It'll have to come from the wrenches. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Sighs:: She said she'd try to be nicer. Tandaris Admiran -> We can't fix it. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> After she glared at me for a solid minute. Hakran K'hal -> While I wouldn't mind seeing a certain four-pipped individual get egg on her face, not sure if I'm up to putting my bits on the line, quantum or otherwise. Tandaris Admiran -> You know as well as I do that slipstream drive is not feasible. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I don't know, I've seen her... well obsessive. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> But only like this once before and well... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> When? ::She threw a glance at the ready room door, frowning.:: Tandaris Admiran -> The question is, do we have enough evidence of the problem that Captain Ilyan will be unable to dispute it? Hakran K'hal -> Not with current technology, no. Certainly not as an add-on to existing ships. Maryse Dubois -> ::Listens curiously.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: shrugs :: I don't know her that well. Ithene seems to, though. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> It was years ago... she had just been assigned to Utopia Planetia. It's a long story, but the short version is she had something of a break down after an accident in an engineering lab. Tandaris Admiran -> Ideally, I would like to assume Captain Illyan is rational enough to see that we must suspend trials given these findings. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> What was the obsession? Tandaris Admiran -> Given these … erratic … course changes while in slipstream, I'm worried there is something else going on. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> She thought it was her fault. Hakran K'hal -> That's where that internal sensor data comes in. If we're going on the assumption we're not actually testing the slipstream, but slipstream detection, I'm wondering if these unusual readings may be the result of some sort of active "scan" of some sort. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> It wasn't. It was a flaw in the equipment they were testing, but she blamed herself. We had to have a little bit of an intervention. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: Hakran K'hal -> Something that's causing an undesired "hum" for lack of a better word in the techno-doohickeys down here when the slipstream is engaged. Maryse Dubois -> ::Thinking this may lead to another intervention.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Hmm... ::She pushed off the console, rapping her fingers on her data padd.:: I'm going to talk with her. Tandaris Admiran -> Could be. I don't know how else one would begin trying to find other ships in slipstream. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Sounds like a good idea. Tandaris Admiran -> There are advantages to having an interplexed hive mind and whatnot. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Sighs:: Good luck. Hakran K'hal -> I'll have to take your word for it. :: lopsided smile :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks between K'hal and Chocox:: Do you think between the two of you, you could find a way to make the fractures worse? Hakran K'hal -> :: blink-blinkety-blink-blink :: Worse? Tandaris Admiran -> Yes. Detectable, not just by inference but by actual sensors. Tandaris Admiran -> Then we could shut this charade down. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda had never been afraid of entering the ready room when Swain was aboard, but she found herself hesitating now. She didn't like that woman. The fact that she and Ithene had a... past... was even worse. She took a breath and rang the RR chimes.:: Hakran K'hal -> Would be all about the deflector, I think. :: glances to Cho :: Hunter Matheson -> ::drumming his fingers on the console, waiting::: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Enter. Maryse Dubois -> ::Turns and sits at the console, she brings up Illyan's profile. She then searches for the R&D accident.:: Hakran K'hal -> If the changes to the quantum fields were more and more out of sync, we should be able to cause what we're looking for. I imagine you'd have to achieve some sort of misalignment in the deflector to achieve it without doing a more noticeable interference via the software. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She strode in as the door opened and paused inside, holding her padd in front of her.:: Captain, I need your approval on a few things. William Chocox -> It's possible. William Chocox -> We'll probably have to disguise it. Tandaris Admiran -> OK, get to work on it. Hakran K'hal -> Based on what I saw out of Dr. Illyan during the last test, trying to sneak something by her that's not actually hardware based is going to be difficult. She was actively working to overturn your souring of the power steering herself from the MSD. Tandaris Admiran -> I'm going to the bridge. I'll protest or something and buy you time. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Turns, looking coldly:: What are they? Tandaris Admiran -> And try to figure out what's actually going on, if I can. Hakran K'hal -> :: nods :: William Chocox -> So...what's the best course of action? A hammer to the cracks? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Just the usual humdrum that happens on a ship, secret testing or no secret testing. A few requests from department heads, some personnel shift changes. Captain Swain always insisted on reviewing the top level requests. ::She offered her the data padd.:: Are you terribly busy? Or just hiding? Hakran K'hal -> :: frowns :: I'm a scientist, not a saboteur. Other than the far-too-obvious going out on an EVA with a big mallet, I don't have a clue. Tandaris Admiran -> ::heads for the bridge:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> I am reviewing data from the last test. ::She softened, motioning for the reports to be left on her desk.:: The power drain to the helm is... unusual. Hunter Matheson -> ::drum...drum...drum::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Reading through the files.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::airdrums a tune:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Hears the drumming.:: I'm sure they aren't going to test again right away, Gunny. Go get something to drink from the replicator. Hunter Matheson -> Uh.. yes, ma'am. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> So I've heard, but this is a test, isn't it? Such things are bound to happen. ::She moved forward and left the data padd on her desk, then took a seat without being asked.:: You mentioned running these tests before. How did those go? William Chocox -> So, it has to be hardware based, but not obviously hardware based. Hunter Matheson -> ::pushes off from the helm chair:: Do I need another tune next time? ::grin:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Simulations? Hakran K'hal -> :: hmms :: I suppose it wouldn't be out of the realm to take the deflector offline for a diagnostic after all the abuse we've put it through. Could we alter the control nodes while it's offline and fudge the diagnostic reports? Cptn Swain -> Illyan> We ran several live tests, but not on a starship. But we ran hundreds of holodeck simultions. Hunter Matheson -> ::wanders to the replicator and orders a super unhealthy soda type beverage::: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> There's no reason for the power drain to show up. I've mapped the system out par by part... :frowns: William Chocox -> Possibly. You'd have to program the diagnostic reports to read falsely. Tandaris Admiran -> ::arrives on the bridge:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up as Tandy enters. Gives a nod.:: Hakran K'hal -> Actually, we just need to alter the database the diagnostic pulls data from for the nominal ranges. The fact that Rhan left me a back door into the system in case I needed it should do the job. Tandaris Admiran -> ::sees that Illyan is absent:: Where is our illustrious new leader? William Chocox -> Well, then that's your job, I'll go fix the deflector. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> In with Miranda. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> But, as you said, you haven't run any live ship simulations. We still don't know how the strain is impacting all of our systems. Each jolt forward is still dangerous. Hunter Matheson -> ::slips back into helm: Tandaris Admiran -> ::raises eyebrows:: Interesting. Who is chewing out whom? Maryse Dubois -> :;Nods in agreement.:: Come to join the party? Hakran K'hal -> Okay. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Maryse:: The new K'hal shared some concerning information with me. I don't think these tests should go any further. But I'm not sure Captain Illyan is going to listen to reason. Hunter Matheson -> ::sips at he listens and Tork goes for a drink:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Looks away for a moment:: Hakran K'hal -> :: disappears into one of the side rooms, frowns as he tries to remember his comp sci after starting the diagnostic cycle for the deflector, meaning it goes offline with little notifications about it where needed :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sighs:: I figured as much. ::frowns.:: And you're probably right. You're going to need solid evidence, cause she doesn't seem to want to listen to anyone's concerns at the moment. Hunter Matheson -> ::he begins to wonder if it's a good thing or a bad thing that he can't control anything but vectors::: Tandaris Admiran -> We're working on that, so I came to buy them some time. William Chocox -> ::grabs his tools and heads to the relevant area:: Hakran K'hal -> :: notes that Rhan basically left him a wide open highway... is grateful for it but is really going to have a talk with his little brother about violating security protocols right and left :: Tandaris Admiran -> Any other new or interesting developments up here I should be aware of? Maryse Dubois -> Only a little personal information shared by Ithene. Tandaris Admiran -> Oh? Cptn Swain -> Illyan> I want a full report on the power drain. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Considers:: Commander Vallorn also suggested we suspend the tests. Maryse Dubois -> ::Shows Tandy what she had been looking at. The R&D accident report that Illyan was involved in.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::swivels, wondering what is in the report::: Tandaris Admiran -> Wow. Tandaris Admiran -> I'm surprised Starfleet would give her any command, even under these circumstances. Tandaris Admiran -> And that's _me_ saying that. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Commander Vallorn is a very intelligent woman. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> After a full report on the status of the drive I will... I will consider it. Hakran K'hal -> :: decides the easiest way to keep the diagnostic from flagging is to just make the acceptable number range on the alignment of each control node ginormous - just hopes that one of the people in on this little act of desperation remembers to change them back later after this fiasco is down with :: Maryse Dubois -> Seems this one wasn't actually her fault though, but she blames herself. Faulty parts apparently. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: So I take it I shouldn't just barge in there and put questions to her point-blank? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> It might not be the best idea, no. Hunter Matheson -> ::almost chokes on his drink and swivels back:: Cptn Swain -> Ihene> I mean, you do have a reputation as a crazy person. Tandaris Admiran -> ::mock pout:: I haven't barged anywhere for weeks now. I'm going to lose my touch. I miss Swain. He always let me barge in. Hunter Matheson -> ::and he checks his uniform to see if he spit anything out on it:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: I do? Hakran K'hal -> :: double-checks to make sure everything is kosher on his end before tidying up :: Hunter Matheson -> ::then recycles the container:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::seems mollified by this:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I believe that will be sufficient. ::She stood.:: Perhaps you might wish to speak with Commander Admiran about it. Tandaris Admiran -> But that means if I _don't_ barge in, she might think something is up. Hakran K'hal -> +Tandaris+ K'hal to Commander Admiran. Tandaris Admiran -> As in, if I'm too cooperative, she might think I'm deliberately being cooperative to disguise actual insubordination. Tandaris Admiran -> Which is what I'm actually doing. Tandaris Admiran -> But I don't want her to know that…. Maryse Dubois -> ::smirks.:: Tandaris Admiran -> +K'hal+ Is this important? I'm in the middle of a dilemma of tactical ethics. Hakran K'hal -> +Tandy+ The diagnostic on the deflector dish you ordered is underway. Should be complete in about 40. William Chocox -> ::gets to work on sabotaging things:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Nods:: Hakran K'hal -> :: takes the opportunity while he's in Engineering to get a look at the offending equipment :: Cptn Swain -> ...and... Hunter Matheson -> Time flies when you're havin' fun. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur is conducting trials of a new slipstream drive, however the crew is beginning to be suspicious of their interim Captain's motives. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hakran K'hal -> :: up to his fluffy ears in data :: Hunter Matheson -> ;;checking things at helm:: William Chocox -> So...now what? Tandaris Admiran -> Break something. Hunter Matheson -> ::checking the course changes last made so he can make a prediction of the furball's next move::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda strode into engineering, wearing yet another frown, rapping her data padd on her thigh in frustration.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Exits her ready room, looking a bit verklempt:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::notices Hawthorne's entrance, which could have been set to a leitmotif composed by a 20th-century Earth composer:: Hakran K'hal -> :: forwards a number of little sensor oddities from the first two tests to Tandy & Ithene for their consumption :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks away:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She paused in front of the slipstream additions, staring at the sensor board where the readings were scrolling past.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::plots with Torkin:: William Chocox -> Hello Commander. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: (q) Now you've done it! Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Quick, make yourself look big. I hear that's the only way to stop them from attacking. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Her attention swung to Chocox and Admiran.:: This thing wasn't supposed to work. ::She scowled at them, as though it was their fault.:: Why is it working? Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Takes the chair:: William Chocox -> I'm not sure ma'am. Tandaris Admiran -> ::shrugs:: Captain Ilyan is … smarter … than … us? ::uncertain eyebrow wiggling:: William Chocox -> Or it didn't and everything was faked to look like it did? Hunter Matheson -> ::compares data with what they had from R&D::: Hunter Matheson -> ::texts to Tork:: *you with R&D?* Hakran K'hal -> :: with the review finished, now begins making modifications to the sensors for their next test - taking advantage of the increased probability of entangled particles being created in and around the slipstream to hopefully shed a little light, literally with photons, on the situation :: Hunter Matheson -> ::he nods affirm:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Helm, bring us to one third impulse. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> You can't fake that kind of warp jump. Not unless we were all drugged and are operating within some elaborate holodeck. Hunter Matheson -> Coming to one third impulse, aye. Cptn Swain -> (( Are you giving me ideas? )) Tandaris Admiran -> Commander, while you are here … Hunter Matheson -> (yeah, you're gonna trash the ship anyway, right skip?) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Maybe. :D )) William Chocox -> I was just throwing things out there. Hunter Matheson -> ::takes a course of his choosing:: Tandaris Admiran -> I have some concerns about Captain Ilyan's choice of courses. Hakran K'hal -> :: working quietly and diligently over at the science console to get everything running before the drive is flicked on :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Oh? What sort of concerns? ::Lifting one eyebrow at Tandaris.:: Hunter Matheson -> (bah) Hunter Matheson -> (we're doomed) Hakran K'hal -> ((@#$@#$&!)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::brings up the analysis that Ithene performed:: These course changes she is ordering don't make sense for simple tests like we should be performing. But when you put them together … they almost seem like a course designed to evade another slipstream capable pursuit craft. William Chocox -> Which is weird. Maryse Dubois -> ((hiya)) William Chocox -> ((Hey Maryse.)) Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Begin powering the slipstream drive again. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> I'd like to resume tests. Maryse Dubois -> ::Sitting on the bridge, observing.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She leaned against the console.:: Evading... whom? ::Another scowl.:: Do we have anything showing up on long range sensors? Hunter Matheson -> ::relaxed, nods minimally to Tork's signals:: Hakran K'hal -> Random Ops> :: flicks the button to begin powering it up, likely causing lights to flash on the indicator doohickey down in engineering :: William Chocox -> Oh wonderful, we're going to go again. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Make your course ... ::looks at sensor read out:: one five seven mark four three. Hunter Matheson -> ::yeah it's nice to have an R&D bud with him on helm, but he wonders if there are others:: Hunter Matheson -> Making course 057.43, aye. Tandaris Admiran -> No, but that shouldn't be surprising. The non-linear nature of slipstream travel means the pursuing vessel, if it exists, could be hundreds of light-years from us. Hunter Matheson -> ::comes to 057.45:: Hakran K'hal -> :: finishes making the modifications to the sensors just in time, gets everything powered up and starts to keep an eye out for anything not quite quite :: Hunter Matheson -> ::looks up:: Sorry, Captain. 157.43, aye. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Go to full impulse. Hunter Matheson -> Coming to 157.43. ::moves to 157.45:: Engaging full impulse. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Stand by to activate slipstream. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::glances to K'Hal:: Hunter Matheson -> Standing by. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She sniffed, eyes narrowing.:: Well... let's throw a little hiccup in our next course change. Hunter Matheson -> (Random's there, Skip) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::At one of the many consoles on the bridge, there's lots of them.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: notes Ithene's glance, nods almost imperceptibly :: William Chocox -> Hiccup how? Tandaris Admiran -> I told you. Tandaris Admiran -> Let's break something. Maryse Dubois -> ::Noticing the subtle glances being made. Smirks.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Bring us to slipstream. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Put a little stutter in the helm console. Make it sluggish, from the power drain. If we're doing test trails, we need to test *all* eventualities, after all. William Chocox -> Didn't you just warn me about being insubordinate? Hakran K'hal -> Ops> :: pushes the big red button ... it's always a big red button :: William Chocox -> ::talking to Tandy:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur is once again enveloped in blue light as it enters the slip stream with a bump. Tandaris Admiran -> We're not being insubordinate. We're helping by simulating technical difficulties. Hunter Matheson -> ::bump:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::surprisingly none of his past hosts were lawyers:: Hakran K'hal -> :: looks over the new sensor data as the deflector spews out all the necessary stuff for the slipstream, makes minute adjustments to the adjustments to dial things in nice and crisply :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Doesn't get tired of the pretty colors.:: William Chocox -> So, what am I breaking? Tandaris Admiran -> I like the suggestion of the power drain destabilizing helm control Tandaris Admiran -> Just not so much that we smash into the slipstream corridor, mind. William Chocox -> Alright. ::gets started on that:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Exactly. ::She knew Tandy would understand.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> In Engineering, the core pressure continues to fluctuate. Hakran K'hal -> :: starts looking over the entangled particles, looking for signs of other more distant slipstream activity based on the behavior of the nearby particles :: Hunter Matheson -> ::getting a yellow blink on his console::: Tandaris Admiran -> ((Brb)) Hunter Matheson -> ::Tork notes it and Kal gives a minimal flick of his eyebrows:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Moves over to check the core, making a few adjustments to get a better reading.:: Hunter Matheson -> Captain, helm is slushy. Hunter Matheson -> Attempting to compensate. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::lifts a brow:: What do you mean, slushy? Hakran K'hal -> :: takes an occasional glance at the more "normal" sensor readings regarding their own slipstream :: Hunter Matheson -> Well, ma'am. ::as he works:: It's not its normal self. Like it's losing power. Maryse Dubois -> ::Brings her attention to helm.:: Hunter Matheson -> Kind of like when you get hungry, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> :lifts a brow:: Compensate. Hakran K'hal -> :: tilts ears one way, head another at Hunter's description :: Hunter Matheson -> She's not happy. Compensating hasn't worked so far. Hunter Matheson -> We're workin' on it. Hunter Matheson -> ::shrug:: Nothing to be worried about, ma'am. Hunter Matheson -> ::so far:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::flickers back into existence:: William Chocox -> Feeling ok Commander? Cptn Swain -> Illyan>::frowns:: Well, nothing for it then. Adjust our course to two seven five mark five. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Bridge+ Core pressure is fluctuating. We're also showing power drain to helm. This drive is draining our power systems. Hunter Matheson -> Adjusting course to 275.05, aye. ::goes to 275.50::: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> +Hawthorne+ Are we still within operating tolerances? Hunter Matheson -> Power drain... power drain.... course change is... not... working... Hakran K'hal -> Ops> :: having learned from the previous test, adjusts the deflector settings along with the course adjustment to stop making inadvertent Bond martinis down in the lounge :: Hunter Matheson -> ::grits his teeth:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Bridge+ For now, but not for long... Hakran K'hal -> Ops> :: or at least would if the course would change :: Hunter Matheson -> Course change in increments. Going to two seven two mark five. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Lifts a brow:: Hunter Matheson -> Attempting to compensate... Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The course change is a bit bumpy. Hunter Matheson -> It's not working, Skipper... Maryse Dubois -> Perhaps it is wise to drop out of slipstream to correct the problem? Hunter Matheson -> One more compensation... moving to two seven two mark 3. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> There's no reason for the helm to be experiencing a power loss. We've never encountered that any of our tests. Hakran K'hal -> :: watches closely while the problems go on to see if he can spot a tail... other than the one flailing around behind him that is :: Hunter Matheson -> ::wants to say "really? we sure did.":::: Maryse Dubois -> Well it seems to be happening now, Captain. Shall we wait until helm loses all control? Hakran K'hal -> We haven't had a chance for a normal shakedown cruise after the refit, Captain. Some unusual problems are sure to pop up. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Stands and makes her way to the MSD:: Hunter Matheson -> Power drain increasing. Course change modification is not working. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Reroute power from the secondary systems to compensate. Tandaris Admiran -> This is fun. William Chocox -> Isn't it? Hunter Matheson -> ::looking really concerned, but isn't really because it's within tolerance levels::: Hunter Matheson -> Gonna need more than that, Captain. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> There's zero reason for this to happen. ::Nearly growling:: Hakran K'hal -> :: continues monitoring the sensor data, mentally saying "here slippyshippy, we know you're out there" :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She moved to another console.:: Ooh, she's rerouting to secondary. Hunter Matheson -> ::watching the board go just off green::: Maryse Dubois -> Dr. Illyan, I understand the importance of pushing for an experiment to succeed, especially one monumental as this. But you must remember that at this moment, you are not just a researcher, but the Captain of this vessel. The safety of the ship and her crew come first. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Presses a button on the MSD:: Doctor... thank you for making your opinion known, and it is duely noted. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::makes adjustment:: Rerouting additional power. Hunter Matheson -> Noted, Captain. Maryse Dubois -> ::Goes and stands over by Science.:: Tandaris Admiran -> If we can't achieve her desired course changes, it's possible our pursuer—if there is one—will catch up with us soon. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> +Engineering+ I want to know where this power drain is coming from. Hakran K'hal -> :: forwards a few suggestions to the operations officer handling the deflector control to /slightly/ mitigate some of the problems to help draw this out a little more :: William Chocox -> ::looks to Tandy:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Ilyan+ Captain, the last changes we made to maintain quantum matrix stability are proving taxing on the dilithium crystals. It seems like there is a tradeoff between matrix alignment and recrystalization speed. Hunter Matheson -> Captain, it's possible that the drain is from the 130 degree course change. Could be too much for the immediate system. Hakran K'hal -> Ops> :: follows the suggestions to rub out some of the bumps :: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::looks at Hunter with very cold eyes:: Helm, I am more than aware how this system works. I designed it. Fly the ship. Hunter Matheson -> ::giving her just enough BS to sound good:: You designed it, ma'am? Hunter Matheson -> ::figures that's interesting:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::If looks could kill, we'd be doing amazing grace for Hunter:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She snickered at Admiran's comm.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::figures it's worth it:: Hakran K'hal -> :: starts learning how to align some of the entangled particles, making the probability higher that should something be following, the pursuer's slipstream would cause a more noticeable effect :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: What? It _could_ be true! I don't know how the thing works! Cptn Swain -> Illyan> +Admiran+ Possible, though it shouldn't be having this sort of affect on power consumption. I'll want a full report before our next test. Hakran K'hal -> :: engineering-wise, would have no idea how to put the slipstream together, but is getting a pretty good idea of the operating principles from the reams of data he's been consuming :: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Helm, you should have enough power to finish the course change. Hunter Matheson -> Well, ma'am. Compensation with incremental course changes worked. Kind of. Hunter Matheson -> Oh yes, ma'am. Course change in progress... Hunter Matheson -> ::checks the console, moving slowly to yellow::: Going to... course, ma'am? Cptn Swain -> Maintain current course. Hunter Matheson -> Aye, ma'am. Steady as she goes. ::kind of:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She checked the core pressure again and shook her head.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: of course, with particles popping in and out of existence so fast under the undulating quantum field, he'll have reams more data to view after the test is over :: Tandaris Admiran -> She's somehow solved the phase variance problem that plagued earlier projects. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Frowns:: Stand by to re-enter normal space. Hunter Matheson -> Standing by. Hakran K'hal -> Ops> Standing by to disengage quantum slipstream. Tandaris Admiran -> I don't see the seams, though, which is troubling. It can't work. So what dangerous tradeoff are we missing? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, but if we're going to thwart her next test run, we'll have to get creative. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Take us back to normal space. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Get creative in your report. Hakran K'hal -> Ops> :: turns it off, more smoothly than the last two runs :: Hunter Matheson -> ::pops out and glides smoothly once more::: Hunter Matheson -> Helm is now green. Tandaris Admiran -> I'll try. I think she knows more about this than I do, though. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> I want a full report on the power drain. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Well, that works in our favor. We don't know what in the hell we're talking about. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::heads to the ready room:: Hakran K'hal -> :: tidies up and makes sure all the data is safely ensconced in the computer :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks around:: I am going to have a word with our captain... Cptn Swain -> ..AND... Hakran K'hal -> :: Ithene :: I'll be back down in the lab and see if I can make any sense out of the extra data. Try not to get scorched. Hunter Matheson -> ::Ithene:: Good luck, ma'am. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Well if I'm falsifying official Starfleet test results, then you need to start looking for the bad news. William Chocox -> Yes sir. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smirks:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Go over every system connected to the drive with a fine-toothed hyperspanner. Something has got to give. William Chocox -> Aye. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0226.2017 Testing on the slipstream drive has came to a halt as Tandaris and company continue to run tests to determine the stability of the core and ship while Medical is running tests on the crew themselves.

SD 0219.2017 Excalibur continues to run tests of an experimental new drive, however questions about its stability and of the project lead and current Excalibur Commanding officer abound.

SD 0212.2017 Our latest test was a bit, well, bumpy. The CO has retreated into her Ready Room. The crew has begun to be more than a little worried.

SD 0205.2017 Excalibur is conducting trials of a new slipstream drive, however the crew is beginning to be suspicious of their interim Captain's motives.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur is currently testing a new slipstream drive technology. Our initial tests have been successful under the command of Doctor/Captain Illyan, we are preparing for another round of tests. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ((TBS? Sorry.)) Maryse Dubois -> ::Observing on the bridge. She was enjoying the light show.:: Cptn Swain -> (( A few hours )) William Chocox -> ::is still down in Engineering:: Hunter Matheson -> ::after a short break he slips into helm and checks with Torkin. nothing's changed:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::enters engineering:: Hakran K'hal -> :: after having submitted his report on the findings of the last test, and had lunch, has moved up to the bridge and taken over the primary science console :: Tandaris Admiran -> Here, I brought you a bagel ::hands it over to Chocox:: Hunter Matheson -> ::he checks the console and goes over the subroutines again... and again... and again::: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::On the bridge:: Status of the drive? Hunter Matheson -> ::broken..it's broken:: Tandaris Admiran -> Did that red light go out yet? Hunter Matheson -> ::please let it be broken:: William Chocox -> Thank you sir. William Chocox -> ::takes it and bites into it:: Hunter Matheson -> ::check... check check::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Glancing over at Hakran for a moment before sighing. She then focuses her attention to the Captain and the viewscreen.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::leans back on an exhale, ready once more to head into oblivion:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Drive is operational, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Excellent. Mister Matheson, stand by to engage on course three, seven mark four. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> +Tandaris+ Bridge to engineering. Tandaris Admiran -> ::bends over and looks at the light, which is green again:: Hmm. Hunter Matheson -> :taptap:: Helm standing by to engage course 037.4. On your command, Captain. Tandaris Admiran -> +Illyan+ Yes? Cptn Swain -> Illyan>+Tandaris+ We're preparing for another test of the slipstream. Continue monitoring core pressures and the overall integrity of the quantum matrix. Tandaris Admiran -> +Illyan+ 'kay. William Chocox -> ::rolls his eyes:: (w) Like we wouldn't be doing that already. Hakran K'hal -> :: ear tilt at the Chief Engineer's laissez-faire approach :: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Helm, bring us to full impulse. Tandaris Admiran -> ::nods:: She's probably just nervous. Probably never been in real command of a starship before. Worried about testing her theory—not to mention her praxis. Tandaris Admiran -> Micromanagement is a common response. Hunter Matheson -> Coming to full impulse, aye. William Chocox -> Maybe someone should tell her to calm down. William Chocox -> Maybe have a nice cup of tea? Hunter Matheson -> ::straps in, as does Torkin::: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Activate deflectors. William Chocox -> ::Starts looking over his console:: Hunter Matheson -> ::a five point would be nicer, but ya take what they give ya:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Generally, telling one's superior officer to "calm down" and drink tea is not a good approach. Maryse Dubois -> ::Is ready for the light show again. Would be lying if she wasn't a little excited.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> :does so:: William Chocox -> I wouldn't be so crass or blunt, but that is true. Hakran K'hal -> :: begins earnestly monitoring his screens now :: Tandaris Admiran -> Remind me to explain the finer differences between irreverence and insubordination one of these days. Tandaris Admiran -> I fear I might be a bad influence sometimes. ::takes a seat at another station:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The slipstream begins to envelop the Excalibur again, and again we're buffeted by mild turbulance as we enter the slipstream. Tandaris Admiran -> It looks like the adjustments we've made are having a positive effect…. Hunter Matheson -> (I'm guessing that helm does not engage the slipstream, then?) William Chocox -> That's good. Cptn Swain -> (( Correct, you fly the ship, but slipstream -- for now -- uses a deflector dish to create the slipstream itself )) Hakran K'hal -> Quantum field is within acceptable tolerances. Still getting the slight drag on the nacelle pylons as the matrix tries to compensate, which is causing the buffeting. Better than last time by 8.2% Hunter Matheson -> (Gotcha. Thanks.) Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Nods:: Adjust course. Alter the slipstream to take us to three, seven mark nine. Tandaris Admiran -> This is interesting. Check out the power consumption profile. It should be a smooth curve, but there's an irregular fluctuation in the delta band. Hunter Matheson -> Aye, Captain. William Chocox -> ::looks over at it:: Huh...wonder what that could be caused by. William Chocox -> Though I'm also slightly worried at what the consequences may be. Hunter Matheson -> ::focusing on the course::: Tandaris Admiran -> You track down the cause; I’ll keep an eye out for consequences. Hakran K'hal -> :: flicking through various sensor data, carefully comparing current values to the projected numbers as well as to the last test :: Hunter Matheson -> ::adjust.. .adjust... adjust::: Hunter Matheson -> ::notes a pattern unfolding::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Watching as everyone is quietly at work.:: William Chocox -> Aye sir. ::starts looking around at what the cause may be:: Hunter Matheson -> ::would set an auto-adjust except that he can't trust it, so seat of the pants for now:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::brings up the projected course laid in by the bridge:: Now that's interesting. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The slipstream shifts with our course, there seems to minor power surges in the primary chamber. William Chocox -> Interesting bad or interesting good? Hunter Matheson -> ::ship is not happy with the course:: Hunter Matheson -> ::mental calculation:: Captain, suggest course adjustment to zero three seven mark five. Tandaris Admiran -> I don't yet know. William Chocox -> Interesting unclear, clearly the best kind of interesting. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Negative. Adjust deflector dish to compensate. Hakran K'hal -> Starting to see minor oscillation in the slipstream, but still within tolerance. Unable to determine whether it is a result of the power surges in the primary chamber or the course change. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances to K'hal:: I am adjusting the deflector dish, can you give me additional resolution? Cptn Swain -> Illyan> +Engineering+ Report. Hakran K'hal -> :: nods :: Of course, Commander. :: adjusts the necessary sensor nodes and gets Ithene a slightly better eye :: Tandaris Admiran -> +Bridge+ We are experiencing power fluctuations, likely due to differential spacetime distortion across the length of the ship. ::totally making this up, half because he doesn't know what's happening and half to test Illyan:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> +Engineering+ That shouldn't be causing those problems. I need you to re-align the core matrix by four microns. Hunter Matheson -> ::thinking differential spacetime.. heh... part of the ship ends up here and part ends up in another universe?:::: Hunter Matheson -> ::hope the bulkheads hold:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: You heard the captain! Tandaris Admiran -> ::still staring intently at the course plots, muttering under his breath:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The ship continues to buffet a bit more than previously. Hunter Matheson -> ::wonder which part would end up where::: Hunter Matheson -> ::adjust.. adjust.. adjust::: William Chocox -> Re-aligning now. Maryse Dubois -> ::Frowns as the ride seems to get a little more bumpy.:: William Chocox -> ::re-aligns the matrix:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The slipstream begins to settle. Hakran K'hal -> Oscillation frequency decreasing. Hunter Matheson -> ::he and Torkin exchange theories as the stream settles down:: Hakran K'hal -> :: checks the internal sensors to see if there's any sign of that strange reading from the last test :: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Takes a deep breath:: Prepare for a new course change. Hunter Matheson -> Standing by for course change. Hakran K'hal -> :: hopes we're swinging back to where we came from, really doesn't want to visit the Small Magellenic Cloud today :: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Bring us to four seven mark nine. Hunter Matheson -> Coming around to zero four seven mark nine. Hakran K'hal -> :: watches closely to see if the course change causes any problems again :: Hunter Matheson -> ::hope the subroutines work for this::: Hunter Matheson -> There in three... two.. .one... William Chocox -> ::keeps looking for the source of the fluctuation:: Hunter Matheson -> Course is now 047.9, Captain. Tandaris Admiran -> Another course change? But … hmm. Tandaris Admiran -> +Ithene+ Admiran. I need your input on something, quick. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The buffeting continues as slipstream integrity begins to fluctuate. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> +Admiran+ ::lowly:: Go ahead. Hunter Matheson -> ::she's complaining again, but he would, too::: Hakran K'hal -> Oscillations increasing again - the Field is outside of acceptable boundaries. Hunter Matheson -> ::Torkin:: It's been good. syotos. Hunter Matheson -> ::Torkin nods:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Adjust deflector to compensate. Tandaris Admiran -> +Ithene+ Can you pull up all of our slipstream courses since we started testing and run a four-dimensional comparative analysis and then tell me if you see anything … um … suspicious. It's probably nothing. I hope it’s nothing. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts a brow, but starts doing it:: K'hal, an you make the deflector changes? Hakran K'hal -> :: ear flicks - his hearing is just as good as his brother's :: Aye, Commander. Hunter Matheson -> ::getting a little sick::: Hakran K'hal -> :: takes over deflector control - having been studying the data knows what needs to be done, even if it's not exactly kosher :: Making first adjustment, now... :: sets the deflector mode to counter the oscillation frequency of the slipstream to cancel it out as quickly as possible before it loses cohesion entirely :: Hunter Matheson -> ::but he guesses that barfing on helm during an important test is out of the question:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns, but sends the results to engineering:: William Chocox -> Should I be worried sir? Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The slipstream again begins to stabilize. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Wait, you weren't worried already? William Chocox -> Let me rephrase then. Tandaris Admiran -> The question is what level of worry is appropriate given our current situation, not whether worry enters into it at all. Hakran K'hal -> :: nods, continues to make smaller and smaller adjustments until the slipsteram is shipshape :: Hunter Matheson -> ::Torkin says we're good, but the sickies continue::: William Chocox -> Should I be more worried? Cptn Swain -> Illyan>Stand by to exit slipstream for now. Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks at the results of Ithene's analysis:: Definitely. Maybe. Hunter Matheson -> Standing by. Hakran K'hal -> Standing by. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Exit slipstream. Hunter Matheson -> ::Prepares for exit::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Let's engage in a thought experiment. William Chocox -> Oh no. William Chocox -> ::shudders:: Hakran K'hal -> :: uses a decreasing logarithmic algorithm to deactivate the deflector emissions for slipstream :: Tandaris Admiran -> Suppose you have _two_ slipstream-capable vessels. Tandaris Admiran -> Each can cover, say, 50 light-years in a few minutes' of travel. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur exits the slipstream with a bit of a bump. Hunter Matheson -> ::bump::: William Chocox -> ::Star Trek shakes:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slight adjustment:: On course, Captain. Tandaris Admiran -> Now, suppose one of these vessels was attempting to elude the other vessel…. Maryse Dubois -> Well that was fun. ::Observing a moment, she gets up and pulls something out of the medkit from the wall. Walking down, she sets a small tablet on the Helm in front of Hunter. Giving a little smile, she then heads back to her seat.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Stands:: Excellent work. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> I want a full report on all systems. Hunter Matheson -> ::aw ######.. she knew:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::heads for the RR:: Hunter Matheson -> ::glancing back, he nods thanks and takes the pill::: Hakran K'hal -> :: looks for that internal sensor reading again :: William Chocox -> Ok? William Chocox -> ::ponders:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and he's ready for the AAR::: Tandaris Admiran -> In regular space, or even at warp speed, evasive courses are very straightforward and recognizable. Hakran K'hal -> :: lets the computer begin chewing on the data :: Tandaris Admiran -> Slipstream, however, is a non-linear, locally disconnected spacetime pheno—um, it has holes. And loops. And strange things, like those paintings of your Earth artist, MC Hammer. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looking very concerned:: Cptn Swain -> (( TWO MINUTE WARNING )) Hunter Matheson -> ::he snags the data from the console::: Tandaris Admiran -> So if a slipstream-capable vessel wants to evade a similarly-capable vessel, the course it would have to follow would not necessarily look like an evasive course. It could appear random. Unless you think about it in four dimensions. Hakran K'hal -> :: gets up, walks over to Ithene, gives her the K'hal Ear Tilt™ :: Commander? Cptn Swain -> Ithen> ::Looks up:: Yes? Maryse Dubois -> ::Leans over by Ithene and her console.:: What was it that Our good Chief Engineer wanted you to do? William Chocox -> MC Escher, but that's beside the point, and ok. Tandaris Admiran -> ::puts up the analysis of the course Excalibur has taken so far in slipstream:: Anyway, it's probably just a coincidence. But it seems odd we're following an almost perfect evasive course if we were fleeing a vessel, say, about the size of a runabout equipped with a less powerful version of the drive were using. Maryse Dubois -> Is it something we need to be concerned about? ::Keeping an eye on the RR door as she talked.:: Hakran K'hal -> :: smiles at the Doctor :: Exactly what I was wondering. Those course changes shouldn't have been part of the slipstream test at this phase. We've barely irradiated the bugs going "straight." Cptn Swain -> Ithene> He wanted to analyze their patterns and compare it to evasives. Hunter Matheson -> ::one ear on the convo::: William Chocox -> Soooooooo...you think we were being followed? Hakran K'hal -> :: rubs chin, which has more of a goatee look to than Rhan's :: Hunter Matheson -> (wb doc) Maryse Dubois -> Evasives? ::Ponders a moment.:: Are we being chased? Maryse Dubois -> ((ty)) Tandaris Admiran -> Well, hopefully Ithene and that new K'hal have figured it out by now too, and they can start looking for signatures of slipstream travel that isn't us. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: The computer did notice a pattern, but it's hard to say. Tandaris Admiran -> I really hope I’m wrong, though. Hakran K'hal -> :: abruptly turns and hurries over to the science console :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I'll let the Commander know... ::glances over to K'hal, assuming he's figured out what her next statement was going to be.:: William Chocox -> Should I not ask why? Maryse Dubois -> ((grr)) Tandaris Admiran -> I would think it's obvious. If we are being chased, why doesn't Captain Illyan want us to know? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> For now, we should all stay calm and continue doing our jobs. Maryse Dubois -> I imagine it is hard to tell if we are being followed while in the slipstream? ::Looks to the two scientists.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::is as calm as he's going to get, which isn't all that calm, but not really anxious either::: Hunter Matheson -> ::Finishes up the AAR and slips it to the captain::: William Chocox -> Because it's above my paygrade? William Chocox -> Or clearance level? Cptn Swain -> AND Hakran K'hal -> :: nods at Maryse :: Hard, but not impossible. :: to Ithene :: I'll be down in the lab. I need more space to analyze this. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Keep in touch. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM