Cdr Miranda Hawthorne

SD 0129.2017 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.

MISSION BRIEF: After several days of installation and several diagnostic tests, Excalibur has departed from the Caitian shipyards under command of Captain Illyan to begin testing of Starfleet's experimental slipstream drive which utilized quantum fields to allow for Faster-Than, Faster-Than-Light Travel. Excalibur is the first true-trial of the technology to date. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::On the bridge, in the command chair -- though she would have much rather be in engineering monitoring the drive during the test runs.:: William Chocox -> ::is in Engineering:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::On the bridge, casting a glance to Miranda:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::In her usual chair on the bridge, ignoring Ithene, and looking generally aloof as she fussed over her data padd and reports.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::at helm, running down his checklist::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::in engineering, totally not miffed that Captain Illyan hasn't come down and introduced herself or tried poking her nose into things or otherwise shown any interest in his existence whatsoever, nope, not at all:: Maryse Dubois -> ::On the bridge, observing the rest of the crew.:: Seems a bit chilly in here. William Chocox -> It seems really quiet down here. William Chocox -> Why isn't someone telling us we're doing something wrong? Hunter Matheson -> ::glance to Torkin, his new asst helmsman:: Maryse Dubois -> ((Make a bomb, maybe then they will notice?)) Tandaris Admiran -> Ah, so you noticed that too Tandaris Admiran -> I was beginning to think that was just me Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Miranda:: Is engineering ready to bring the Slipstream drive online? Annisha -> (Let me know when you need a cute little girl) Hunter Matheson -> ::Torkin nods, he nods back, and they both hunker down for the test:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Engineering+ Hawthorne to Admiran. Our Captain would like to know the status of the new drive system. Is it functional and ready to begin testing? Rhan K'hal -> Hakran> :: having used the remaining flight time getting to Cait yelling at his younger brother via subspace, had just managed to get aboard before the ship left - now is down in the main science lab with all the necessary bits and bobs up and running to monitor the test(s) :: Tandaris Admiran -> +Hawthorne+ Well, in my opinion, it is not functional and never will be. But, yes, all the lights on the monitoring consoles they installed are green, for what that's worth. Hunter Matheson -> ::looks up::: Hunter Matheson -> ::no, he didn't hear that::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Turns to face a nearby console, so she isn't seen trying to laugh.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Smirks, only slightly:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Engineering is ready. ::She moved one of her reports from pending to complete with the swipe of her finger.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Very well. Yellow alert. We will start with Trial Alpha Three. Nothing too big, just a few light years in minutes. Tandaris Admiran -> ::pulls out another book:: I found the sequel! Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts a brow:: Tandaris Admiran -> In this one, the culprit from the first book teams up with a nefarious character to pull off a daring love triangle. Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes a seat, glancing over at Ithene.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::With K'Hal disappearing act, she'd been shanghai'd into running the operations console for the testing.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::straps in, nods to Torkin to do the same:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::doesn't remark on the yellow alert as he opens the book:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Ahead, 1/3 impulse. Course zero mark two point five. Hunter Matheson -> All ahead 1/3 impulse, aye. Setting course zero mark two point five. Hunter Matheson -> ::check, check, triple check:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Pulling up the ship's internal sensor readings, she kept a close eye on them as they began.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Miranda:: Bring the drive systems online. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She tapped her side console and nodded.:: Drive system is online. Rhan K'hal -> Hakran> :: finger-flicks data sets around as he verifies the starting conditions, with the occasional glance over at the holographic representation of the Excalibur to see at a glance if the sensors are detecting any abnormalities :: Hunter Matheson -> ::checks his panel:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Leans back in her chair:: Activate Quantum Field. William Chocox -> ::waits and watches:: William Chocox -> Are you just going to read while we blow up? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Engineering+ The drive systems are now online. Activate the quantum field. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Tapping on the console, she began to monitor to flow and alignment of the deflector dish:: Tandaris Admiran -> Can you think of something else you'd rather be doing while you blow up? William Chocox -> Trying not to? Tandaris Admiran -> Did they label those buttons? Tandaris Admiran -> Press the "activate quantum field" one if they did. William Chocox -> Yes sir. ::looks and presses the button:: +Hawthorne+ Quantum Field activated. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks around, talking quietly.:: Well nothing has blown up yet. That's a bonus. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The hull of the Excalibur is engulfed in a light blue light as a quantum field begins to form around her. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Increase speed to full impulse. Hunter Matheson -> Increasing to full impulse, aye. ::Press:: Rhan K'hal -> Hakran> :: notes the color-coded representations of the QF forming around the holographic representation - notes no alerts from the sensors as to the field being lopsided or unstable; rubs his chin contemplatively :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur begins buffeting as it increases velocity. William Chocox -> This is a good feeling. Tandaris Admiran -> Just wait until we hit slipstream and start shaking apart. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Swallowing, she gripped the arm of her console, staring ahead at the main viewer.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Glances to output:: Increase power to structural integrity fields. Tandaris Admiran -> I'm interested in finding out which of hte fail-safes fails first and causes us to explode, though. Hunter Matheson -> ::relaxed at the console, watching the readouts::: William Chocox -> This is reassuring. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> On the main viewer, the slipstream threshold has started forming, like bright light on the horizon. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Hull-temperatures and pressure is quickly rising. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Calls for more power to the structural fields. Notes the inertial dampers are under strain.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checking entry subroutine, to shift immediately to slip::: William Chocox -> ::watches over the status board:: Hunter Matheson -> ::nods to Torkin, and he's ready for backup: Cptn Swain -> (( Give me a number 1-10 everyone )) Maryse Dubois -> ((4)) Hunter Matheson -> 7 Rhan K'hal -> ((2)) William Chocox -> (( 8 )) Tandaris Admiran -> ((1)) Cptn Swain -> ACTION> A bright flash spreads across the bow of Excalibur as it crosses into the slipstream with a bit of buffeting. William Chocox -> At what point do I panic? Hunter Matheson -> ::so the simulator wasn't wrong after all::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Watches the pretty colors.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Smiling:: Report. Tandaris Admiran -> Hopefully never, since they're going to need us when that light goes red ::points at an unlabelled light:: Hunter Matheson -> Helm steady at full impulse, Captain. William Chocox -> And what light is that? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Finds herself holding her breath.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> All systems stable. Hull-pressures are within acceptable limits. Hunter Matheson -> Buffeting meets acceptable parameters. Rhan K'hal -> Hakran> :: to NIP in the lab :: Theoretically, so far so good... :: is still worried about the design of the Excalibur itself causing an issue, as in simulation runs the nacelle pylons weren't always super at handling the transition :: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Any sign of phase variance? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Absolutely no idea. William Chocox -> Alrighty then. Cptn Swain -> (( Tandy, give me a number 1-20 )) Tandaris Admiran -> ((13)) Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The light he's been looking at does, in fact, turn red -- indicating a flux in the quantum matrix. William Chocox -> Oh crap. Hunter Matheson -> ::hand signal to Torkin and they both hunker down, ready to shift instantly if needed:: William Chocox -> Commander? Rhan K'hal -> Hakran> :: frowns as he sees a little red of his own in the hologram, hunkers down over the data to see what's what :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::didn't expect to be right:: Huh. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: What does the status readout say? Hunter Matheson -> ::slightest adjustment in course to compensate:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: I am detecting flux in the quantum matrix. Rhan K'hal -> Hakran> +Bridge+ Sensors picking up a 1.2 Hz ripple in the field surrounding the Excalibur, frequency increasing. Correlates to the curve of the threshold bow. William Chocox -> ::looks over at it:: There's a flux in the quantum matrix. Maryse Dubois -> That doesn't sound good. Tandaris Admiran -> Ah. Well, that isn't too bad as things go. Could be worse. William Chocox -> "Could be worse?" Hunter Matheson -> (Hey, cool) Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Frowns:: Adjust the deflector to compensate. Hakran K'hal -> (( better late than never lol )) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: William Chocox -> Seems kinda urgent! Tandaris Admiran -> Let's try adjusting the deflector to compensate. William Chocox -> Alright. William Chocox -> ::tries to adjust:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The deflector adjustments sync the matrix again, and the red light stops. William Chocox -> Oh goody. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Lets out the breath she'd been holding.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::notes the shift in feel and reengages the original settings:: Cptn Swain -> Ilyan> ::Exhales:: Stand by to dissipate the field. Hunter Matheson -> Helm standing by. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Miranda:: I think that's more than enough of a test for today, don't you? Hakran K'hal -> +Bridge+ :: watches the ripple dissipate in conjunction with the restoration of a stable matrix, ponders :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> More than enough. ::She had to remember not to clench her teeth.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur exits the slipstream, having traveled nearly 50 LY from her original destination. Hunter Matheson -> ::whew:: Tandaris Admiran -> That wasn't so bad! Tandaris Admiran -> What do you know, this whole slipstream drive might actually work. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Trying to not be incredibly smug, settles for a wide smile:: Well, Commander. I think we might have just made history. Hakran K'hal -> :: watches space return to normal around the holographic Excalibur :: The Captain and her specialists will want that data asap. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> I'll want a full report ASAP before we run another trial. Hunter Matheson -> (wb) Maryse Dubois -> ((ty)) William Chocox -> Will it though? Maryse Dubois -> Well that was a fun little trip. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Both Tandaris and Will notice that they're a little light headed, but maybe it's just the excitement of it all? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Glad they weren't blown up, but really irritated at the Captain's smug look. She clenched her injured hand.:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0122.2017 After several days of installation and several diagnostic tests, Excalibur has departed from the Caitian shipyards under command of Captain Illyan to begin testing of Starfleet's experimental slipstream drive which utilized quantum fields to allow for Faster-Than, Faster-Than-Light Travel. Excalibur is the first true-trial of the technology to date.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has been "chosen" to serve as the test-bed for a new, slipstream drive that would allow for 'faster-than, faster-than-light' travel. A project team from Utopia Planetia has arrived and begun installing the sophisticated drive systems required, including upgrades to our warp core and deflector dish. Captain Swain is still on leave, placing Commander Hawthorne in command. Initial trials will be conducted soon and final preparations are being made for Excalibur to leave the Caitian shipyards. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::On the bridge, frowning as a tech works on her console to make modifications to the deflectors and sensors:: Rhan K'hal -> :: on the bridge :: Hunter Matheson -> ::vulture mode:: Hunter Matheson -> ::plotting all kinds of retribution if the installers hurt his baby:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps out onto the bridge. She notices the tech working on the console.:: Good thing Sickbay doesn't get any extra upgrades. Hunter Matheson -> ::grumble:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::in engineering, sitting with his feet up at a console and reading a paperback book, still looking suspiciously laid back about this whole thing:: Rhan K'hal -> :: smirks :: Hopefully this ... scheme won't require you to need any down there Doctor. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Though Rhan had done a fairly good job of bandaging her hand, she really needed to visit medical. Glancing to the door as Maryse entered, she sighed.:: Doctor. Maryse Dubois -> I imagine if this goes bad, none of us will be around to need a sickbay. Rhan K'hal -> True. Hard to treat disassociated elementary particles. William Chocox -> Commander Admiran? How are you this nonchalant? Hunter Matheson -> ::steps back and whispers:: You might be needed for ::headjerk toward the installers:: them. Maryse Dubois -> :;Nods to the Commander, then notices her hand.:: Commander. Rhan K'hal -> :: Hunter, heard that :: Down, boy. Hunter Matheson -> Or... you can just leave them... ::K'hal:: Yes, sir. Tandaris Admiran -> ::licks his finger before turning the next page in his book, pauses, but does not look up before responding:: Lifetimes of practice. Tandaris Admiran -> ::turns the page:: Hunter Matheson -> Maybe I'll just... go to the Mess and see what I can scrounge up. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> In engineering, an additional chamber has been added to the core containing the crystals used for the slipstream drive. On the bridge a small army of techs are messing with various syetms. Rhan K'hal -> Comfort food never hurts, Gunny. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods in agreement.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::second thought:: Unless they've done something to the messhall? Hunter Matheson -> Anyway... 'scuse me, ma'am. Sir. Rhan K'hal -> :: snorts :: They don't need to supercharge the replicators. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Would you happen to have your kit with you? ::To Maryse.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shrugs:: Knowing R&D, I wouldn't be surprised. Tandaris Admiran -> No, no, no, this won't do! This won't do at all! Hunter Matheson -> ::Cdr 1:: 'Scuse me, ma'am. Tandaris Admiran -> ::tosses the book dejectedly onto the console next to him and sighs:: William Chocox -> What's wrong? Tandaris Admiran -> I figured out who did it. William Chocox -> Oh, is it a mystery? Tandaris Admiran -> No, it's a romance. Tandaris Admiran -> The culprit was very obvious this time. I'm disappointed. William Chocox -> Romances don't have culprits. Hunter Matheson -> ::enters the lift and orders it to the messhall, but the computer doesn't recognize it, so he says NCO lounge and it moves:: Maryse Dubois -> Unfortunately no, but. ::Goes to a wall panel, accessing it, she pull a kit from the wall.:: Good thing there are spares lying around. Do you want to do it here, or in private? Tandaris Admiran -> That's what they want you to think. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Arrives on the bridge, one of her assistants in tow:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::glance over at the slipstream drive:: How goes your latest assignment? Rhan K'hal -> :: ear tilt, glance at turbolift doors, ears turn flatter :: William Chocox -> It's going. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::surveys the room before making her way over to an ops console, casting a glance towards Ithene for a brief moment:: Tandaris Admiran -> Discover anything interesting yet? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Here is fine. ::Refusing to be run off her own bridge while the captain was away. She gave the newcomer a glance, frowning.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: steps behind Illyan, hovers - it is his provenance, after all :: Rhan K'hal -> :: the fact that he's invading personal space while looking very much like a predator... oops? :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Notes it seems to get a little colder for a moment. She shrugs it off.:: Right then. ::Pops open the kit.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::seems oblivious to the feline, presses a few buttons bringing up the nav systems, turns to her assistant:: Have the engineer -- Tandaris was his name right? -- have him put another stabilizer on the EPS conduits in sector 7. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Wondering if she could find a place to die:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slips into a chair, wondering what the hell he's doing in the lounge when he should be on the bridge, but it's better being down here, otherwise he'd probably be court martialed by now::: Rhan K'hal -> That doesn't sound terribly re-assuring. William Chocox -> There's a new chamber going in, but nothing too exciting that you can't already see. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::turns as her assistant heads off:: And you are? Tandaris Admiran -> Rhan sent me a bunch of data and told me not to ask where he got it from … Hunter Matheson -> ::trying super hard to relax with a drink::: Hunter Matheson -> ::and it ain't workin:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Checks over Miranda's hand, making sure there wasn't any tissue damage.:: It looks fine. Should I ask how you did it? ::Runs a dermal regenerator over it.:: Rhan K'hal -> K'hal, Lieutenant J.G. Rhan. Operations. That's my console you're poking at. William Chocox -> Never ask questions. Tandaris Admiran -> It's mostly gobbledygook, near as I can tell, with a thin veneer of actual quantum slipstream technical details smattered over top. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Quietly.:: I punched a window. Accidentally. ::She flexed her hand and winced. While glad she hadn't actually broken anything, it still hurt like the devil.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Tips her head for a moment:: Ah. ::Turns back to the console:: Be a dear and get me a PADD. William Chocox -> Which means we're all going to die? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Oh dear. Silently wonders if she should just open an airlock and spare everyone on the bridge from what was doubtless to happen:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up.:: Accidently? Hunter Matheson -> Aw, hell... ::downs the rest and leaves, on his way to the bridge:: Rhan K'hal -> If you were familiar with this bridge design, you'd know there are a supply :: pops open a panel right on the console support :: right in arms reach. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Doesn't turn away:: And a thermal spanner. Tandaris Admiran -> Well, it's possible that this is just disinformation designed to hide the true technology. Hunter Matheson -> ::and as the door opens on the bridge, he gets that feeling again::: William Chocox -> That's true. Tandaris Admiran -> Or, yes, someone thought they came up with a better slipstream drive and has convinced enough people who don't know enough about slipstream technology to test it on a live starship. Rhan K'hal -> :: turns head to the door :: Gunny, thermal spanner from the engineering kit if you would, please? William Chocox -> Hm...I'm not sure which one I like more. Tandaris Admiran -> Nobody asked me for _my_ opinion, so I've washed my hands of it. They can do what they like to the ship they've just bothered to refit and repair, and when it blows up in our faces I'll repair it again. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> It happened to get in the way of my hand. Hunter Matheson -> ::leaning against the wall, he watches, humming a HEART song::: Cptn Swain -> Tetan> ::Enters engineering. She seemed very earnest, sincere and straight forward:: William Chocox -> Assuming you're still around. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> No hairline fractures? ::Eyeing the bruising. It looked worse than it was, apparently.:: Maryse Dubois -> Uh huh. ::Finishes up.:: Everything is fine. It'll still be a tad sore, but no fractures or tissue tears. Just...don't punch anything or anyone for a while. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::continues working, making several alterations to the configuration of the navigational arrays:: Did you get me that PADD? If so, take a note. The deflector dish needs a .15 micron adjustment on the y-axis. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Continues working:: Hunter Matheson -> ::pulling on his lip:: Cptn Swain -> Tetan> ::Finds Tandaris and Will:: Hello, Commander... Tandaris Admiran -> ::goes to pick up his book:: William Chocox -> I'm just a Lieutenant, but Lieutenant Chocox at your service. Rhan K'hal -> :: crosses arms, looks at Illyan's tag-along :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::glances at Tetan as he tries to find his place, then sees that Chocox has got it:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I can't really promise that... ::Throws a glance back at Illyan.:: ...but I'll try. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Did you make the note, Mister.. K'hal was it? Maryse Dubois -> ::Sighs.:: So I've noticed. Seems like I might need this kit handy for now. ::Watching the exchange between the guest and Rhan.:: Rhan K'hal -> No I did not. I'm not assigned as your personal attaché. However we do have some very nice yeomans in Administrative Command that can perform that function for you if you'd like to request one. Cptn Swain -> Tetan> ::Hands Tandaris a PADD:: These are modifications Dr. Illyan needs yo to make. Our techs are busy with other repairs. Tandaris Admiran -> ::hands the padd to Chocox:: Lieutenant Chocox will liaise with you in these matters. Tandaris Admiran -> ::holds up his book:: I figured out who did it, but I'm still holding out hope I'm wrong about the weapon. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Glances up:: Make the note, Lieutenant. And also take a note that the plasma flow regulators are off by .57, and that this console has a .0057 power flow imbalance. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Really wishing she was on Risa:: William Chocox -> It's not a murder mystery! William Chocox -> ::takes the PADD:: I'll get started on these. Rhan K'hal -> +Computer+ Record all chatter by Officer Illyan, transcribe and forward to her account. Rhan K'hal -> You need only turn it off when you're done, in case you'd like to have a personal conversation. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Looks over:: In case you missed the pips, it's Captain Illyan, Lieutenant and if you're incapable of doing a simple task like taking notes I am going to assume you're in capable of working on this project. You're dismissed from duty. Tandaris Admiran -> ::props he feet back up:: Hunter Matheson -> ::watching K'hal, taking mental notes for future use::: Maryse Dubois -> :;Quietly to Miranda.:: Should I get a sedative ready? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, that would probably be a good idea. ::Overhearing Illyan, she rose from her chair.:: Captain Illyan? Rhan K'hal -> It was rather hard to see the pips, Captain, when you've not faced me as of yet. Nor has anyone formally introduced us. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Next time, don't make assumptions. Now, as I said, you're dismissed. Tandaris Admiran -> ::wondering why they need more stabilizers on the EPS conduits:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Looks over at Miranda:: Ah, Commander. I was hoping to see you. I was actually going to compliment you on how helpful your crew has been, up until now. Hunter Matheson -> ::but, you know, if he's charged with insubordination, he won't have to be on Excal. Then again, he'll miss her too much, so...::: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> I prefer, Doctor to my rank, but... ::smiles:: Hunter Matheson -> ::helpful?::: William Chocox -> Some of these modifications don't make that much sense. Hunter Matheson -> ::who the hell is being helpful?::: Hunter Matheson -> ::and she's a doctor, digging into the guts of his baby. figures:: Cptn Swain -> Tetan> ::nods:: Not likely. The system is so different from what most warp drive units work and we've been making a number of adjustments based on Excalibur's systems. William Chocox -> Hm...I see. Rhan K'hal -> :: doesn't go anywhere without a word from Miranda; Illyan may be a higher ranking officer but is not in command of the Excalibur or the bridge :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::unless they're hoping that they can compensate, at least in part, for the quantum variance by saturating the electroplasma with polarized tetryons:: Rhan K'hal -> :: tilts a questioning ear in Miranda's direction :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, about that... a word, if you please, Doctor. ::Gesturing to the conference room door. She gave K'hal a glance and a subtle shake of her head.:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::sighs, she had heard that Hawthorne was going to be a problem.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::in that case, the stabilizers would prevent the EPS conduits from developing microfractures caused by abrasion:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::forces a smile:: Of course. Hunter Matheson -> ::straightens up at the commander's look:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Really would prefer being dead atm:: Hunter Matheson -> ::with a pleasant smile, he nods:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::of course, tetryon attenuation of quantum variances, while possible, was so difficult to achieve with something as massive as Excalibur—wonder what kinds of crystals, exactly, they're putting around that core:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She followed Illyan into briefing room and waited until the door closed behind her.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::eye twitches towards the warp core:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sets the kit down in an empty chair as she watches Illyan and Miranda walk off.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> That was a mistake, R'han. Rhan K'hal -> +Computer+ Cancel recording of CAPTAIN Illyan. William Chocox -> Well then, I guess we'll get to work. Rhan K'hal -> Ithene, somebody had to test the waters, I'm the most disposable in this mess. Maryse Dubois -> ::Sits on the edge of the railing, her arms folded.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Actually, I'd prefer you on the bridge managing this cluster instead of some rando from her team. Tandaris Admiran -> ::second eye twitch:: No. ::then he very forcibly turns the page of his book:: Nope. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> And I don't even want to think what's about to happen in the briefing room. Leah and Miranda? ::shudders visibly:: Tandaris Admiran -> Don't do it, Tandaris. Hunter Matheson -> :::Ithene:: That bad? Rhan K'hal -> The Commander has more ammunition than you might think. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I understand why you are here, Doctor, and am more than willing to allow you to do your duty. You and your team have free movement of the ship and access to all of her systems... Rhan K'hal -> And, instead of "taking a note" of the 0.0057 power imbalance, I'm going to press three buttons and fix it. :: does so :: Tandaris Admiran -> You promised yourself you weren't going to get involved. Maryse Dubois -> I know you all don't like the idea of outsiders tinkering with the ship, but the fact is we drew the short straw on this one. We're stuck with it unless they decided to pull the plug. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> But you do not have command of my crew, and you will kindly refrain from giving them orders while you're on Excalibur. They are my responsibility, not yours. Tandaris Admiran -> They want to mutilate your ship and endanger your crew, they get to do it without your help. ::turns page, but not really reading the book anymore:: William Chocox -> ::looks over at Tandy:: William Chocox -> You ok Commander? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: I'm having a thought but it's passing and I should be fine soon. Hunter Matheson -> ::wanders toward the helm console, checking out the status::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> They are also not free labor. They have their own duties to attend to in preparation for our departure. You have many assistants with you to see to your needs. William Chocox -> Seems to be passing like a kidney stone. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::snorts:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> Oh you think you're actually in command of this production? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Not at all. You are in command of the installation. I want no part in it. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Sighs, leans against the table:: I had really hoped not to do this. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> But this ship... this ship is mine. And I have received no orders telling me otherwise. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::produces a PADD:: Command worried you'd be taking that line. I hoped as an engineer you'd understand, but you know how things work. Maryse Dubois -> ((Now she has a PADD. :P )) William Chocox -> ::twitches:: William Chocox -> ((She couldn't take her own notes on that PADD she has?)) Cptn Swain -> Illyan> As of... ::checks her chrono:: now, I am officially taking command of the Excalibur for the duration of the installation and testing of the slipstream drive. Hunter Matheson -> ::Hovering over it, he is so tempted::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( No, that PADD is reserved for springing surprise orders on Miranda. )) Cptn Swain -> Illyan> I feel certain, judging by that reaction, you're going to want to verify them. Feel free. Maryse Dubois -> I feel a chill...like something bad just happened. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> In the meantime, tell Mister Khal that if he'd liked to remain on duty to lose the attitude. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda laughed aloud as she took the PADD.:: Testing? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Oh, Doctor... I have to thank you. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> For making my life so much easier. Hunter Matheson -> ::must not touch... must not touch::: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> You will be remaining as my executive officer during the installation and testing. Hunter Matheson -> :but he can tell it's not active::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::seems to have calmed down, is back to reading his book silently while Chocox takes care of the hard work, as usual:: Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Ignoring the laughter:: William Chocox -> (w) I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced. Hunter Matheson -> ::and the sound of laughter drifts into the bridge from the conference room, so he turns:: Hunter Matheson -> ::looks to Ithene, then K'hal::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Oh we're so screwed. Hunter Matheson -> What'd you think is happening in there? Maryse Dubois -> ::Tries not to facepalm.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Nothing good. Maryse Dubois -> Something bad. Something very, very bad. Hunter Matheson -> As in aw ######, not good? Maryse Dubois -> ::nods.:: Rhan K'hal -> You know, you could SHARE, Ithene, instead of making vague apocalyptic comments and looking like someone kicked your puppy. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I've known Leah almost as long as I've known Miranda. Hunter Matheson -> ...and...? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Of course. ::Smiling.:: I'm only glad that when the drive fails and our ship is destroyed in what, will most likely be termed, the Excalibur disaster, I won't be the one responsible. Captain Leah Illyan in command. Thank you, Captain. I will pass on orders to the crew to assist your people in any way possible. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::sighs:: Nothing good can come from those two in a room together. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Ignores the barb:: See that you do. I want a readiness report within the hour. I'd like to leave dry-dock this afternoon. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, Captain. ::Taking that as her dismissal, she turned and strode back onto the bridge.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::straightens up again, watching her::: Rhan K'hal -> :: glances at Miranda :: Dethroned already, Commander? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::looks up:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Stands from the railing.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Computer+ Computer, transfer command of the Excalibur to Captain Leah Illyan, effective immediately, authorization Hawthorne Omicron Mu Gamma. William Chocox -> ::goes back to work:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sighs.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Exhales:: Hunter Matheson -> No, Commander. You wouldn't... ::incredulous::: Hunter Matheson -> You're.... you're leavin' us with.... that? Hunter Matheson -> ::meaning the one who calls herself captain:: Maryse Dubois -> Calm yourself, Gunny. I imagine there was little choice. Cptn Swain -> Illyan> ::Stays on the lounge to let the dust settle, but is back to working on details:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Still smirking.:: Everyone, please offer Captain Illyan and her team your assistance whenever necessary. She's now in command during the slipstream testing. I will be remaining as your Executive Officer. Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Well, I suppose I'll have to give the Captain a PADD after all. The one with my re-assignment orders from Admiral Gerrit in Sahrimet. I'd hoped the arrangement wouldn't be necessary, but... it's for the best. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods to Miranda:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Flitting a glance at the closed briefing room door.:: Assistance, but not too much assistance. ::Said quietly.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::gets it and nods:: Maryse Dubois -> Rhan? ::Looking to him with concern on her face.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Unfortunately, Mister K'hal, you aren't going anywhere. I can't leave; you can't leave. So settle in and get used to it. We'll have to grin and bear it for as long as we can. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::slumped into her chair:: Cptn Swain -> (( 2 minute warning )) Rhan K'hal -> Actually, Commander, the Admiral signed the re-assignment orders three days ago. They were activated as soon as I contacted the Computer with Captain Illyan's name. Rhan K'hal -> Family connections. Hunter Matheson -> ::plots:: Tandaris Admiran -> Ah-hah! Rhan K'hal -> :: weak smile at Maryse :: I can help you more if I'm not on the ship. You know I couldn't last two days under a tightwad like that. Tandaris Admiran -> I knew it was a cheese platter. Tandaris Admiran -> ::shakes his head:: Such a tired trope. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Good luck with that. ::Somewhat doubtful Starfleet Command would allow his transfer during the testing, but that was his business. Until she received the transfer, he was part of her crew.:: William Chocox -> ::perks up from his station:: What?! Rhan K'hal -> Besides, you're getting a more suitable replacement under the circumstances. You won't miss me at all. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0115.2017 Excalibur has been "chosen" to serve as the test-bed for a new, slipstream drive that would allow for 'faster-than, faster-than-light' travel. A project team from Utopia Planetia has arrived and begun installing the sophisticated drive systems required, including upgrades to our warp core and deflector dish. Captain Swain is still on leave, placing Commander Hawthorne in command. Initial trials will be conducted soon and final preparations are being made for Excalibur to leave the Caitian shipyards.

MISSION BRIEFING: The Excalibur has been refitted and repaired. All crew has been recalled from personal leave and other assignments in preparation for a new mission. The engineering team has been awaiting only a final inspection from Starfleet before shoving off, but Miranda has received some disturbing news that might delay their departure. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ::paces in engineering:: Hunter Matheson -> ::aboard ship, staring at the helm console::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::in engineering, going over a checklist and looking remarkably organized and by-the-book, totally oblivious to the twist of fate that awaits him:: Rhan K'hal -> :: looking out of the observation lounge's windows toward Cait contemplatively :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda stormed into engineering, fuming.:: Hunter Matheson -> (wb doc) William Chocox -> Commander? Hunter Matheson -> ::arms crossed, just stares at it:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Finds her way up on the bridge, after an inspection of sickbay.:: Maryse Dubois -> ((ty)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Yes? Rhan K'hal -> :: sighs, leaves the OL and meanders back onto the bridge :: Rhan K'hal -> :: smiles over at Maryse, then quirks an ear back after looking Hunter's way :: If you're going to have an argument with the helm, no time like the present, Gunny. William Chocox -> ::nods his head over to where Miranda is currently storming:: Hunter Matheson -> ::still staring:: Yes, sir. Tandaris Admiran -> Oh. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Hawthorne:: I didn't do it. Rhan K'hal -> :: walks down, looks at Hunter, and then the console; then looks at Hunter again, and then the console again :: Maryse Dubois -> ((grr)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::holds up the PADD:: See! I'm making checks! William Chocox -> He is. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> No, you didn't... ::She growled.:: Command did it! William Chocox -> What did Command do this time? Hunter Matheson -> ::not sure what to think, he continues to stare:: Maryse Dubois -> ((sigh)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::not sure how to process not being the one in trouble:: Rhan K'hal -> It appears to be operational. Everything is in Federation Standard. :: squints :: It's not even quoting poetry. So... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Three words -- Quantum Slipstream Drive. And they're installing one in Excalibur. ::She clenched her hand and winced as pain shot through her arm.:: Hunter Matheson -> Yes, sir. It's... ::shifts from anger to a quick smile:: it's a new one, sir. William Chocox -> Ooh, sounds like fu...why do we hate that? Maryse Dubois -> ((Ok. Good night. I can't take it if it's going to keep bouncing me. Maybe I'll have better luck next week.)) Hunter Matheson -> She's gonna be... different. Gonna have to get used to it. Hunter Matheson -> (Night, Doc. Get well.) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Night, Maryse. )) Hunter Matheson -> ::then he gives a deep sigh and turns away::: Rhan K'hal -> (( aww, hope you feel better soon )) Tandaris Admiran -> You’ve got to be joking. Tandaris Admiran -> Did you mention that they are incredibly dangerous? Tandaris Admiran -> Not to mention difficult to properly regulate. Rhan K'hal -> What did you do, crawl under and look for the serial number? It's the same model as the last one. Hunter Matheson -> ::forced smile:: Yes, sir. One little modification. ::points:: Rhan K'hal -> :: looks :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> No, yes, and yes. ::She clenched her other hand into a fist, but refrained from punching anything.:: William Chocox -> Would you like a stress ball commander? Tandaris Admiran -> Oh. Tandaris Admiran -> ::shrugs:: OK then. Tandaris Admiran -> ::begins making a new list on his PADD:: Hunter Matheson -> Got the fingerprints of someone I used to know all over it. William Chocox -> Oh boy, another list. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> No, I want someone's head on a platter. ::To Chocox.:: Hunter Matheson -> But...I'm not goin' there, sir. Rhan K'hal -> As you like, Gunny. So long as it doesn't impede your ability to fly it. Whenever we get to leave, that is. William Chocox -> Might I suggest a Klingon ship then? Hunter Matheson -> No, sir. We'll be... fine. Hunter Matheson -> ::not exactly his ability he's worried about:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She gritted her teeth and shifted her gaze to Tandaris.:: What are you doing? How can you be so calm about this?! They could very well split this ship in half and kill us all. Tandaris Admiran -> ::hands the list, which consists of most of the replaceable parts of the warp drive assembly, to Chocox:: See that spares of all of these are delivered to the cargo bay before we leave. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Hawthorne:: Why are you getting so worked up? It's not going to work. Tandaris Admiran -> It will damage this exquisite repair job the shipyard has done and cause us a lot of headaches. William Chocox -> How can you be so sure? Tandaris Admiran -> ::dismissive snort:: Quantum slipstream is notoriously unfeasible. Cptn Swain -> *::Elsewhere, Swain peered out his hotel room to see it had snowed. He smiled. He was going to go ice skating!:: Hunter Matheson -> ::reaching under the console, he pulls out the specifications PADD::: William Chocox -> Doesn't mean it won't work now. Hunter Matheson -> ::sits, then begins to page through, his back to the console:: Tandaris Admiran -> Besides William Chocox -> Maybe they worked out the kinks. Tandaris Admiran -> If it does work, we can always sabotage it. Rhan K'hal -> :: pats Hunter on the shoulder before turning away and giving the rest of the bridge a glance :: Looks like they got tired of replacing the amboyna burl, but the bois de rose matches the carpet better anyway. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She sat down hard, blowing out a breath.:: I wish it could be that easy. I really do. But I seriously doubt that they're going to be installing this and trusting us with its operation. There's going to be Oversight... I know it. Hunter Matheson -> ::looks up, checks the area and grins:: Looks like, sir. William Chocox -> Uh...oh, oversight. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> People, in engineering. Not your people, in engineering. Hunter Matheson -> Does look better. Smells new, too. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Not OUR people. William Chocox -> ::looks over at his workbench:: Tandaris Admiran -> Oh, that's even better. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> People meddling with your engineering. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::enters the bridge, carrying a box of sweats:: Tandaris Admiran -> Then I can't be blamed when it doesn't work. Tandaris Admiran -> I can just stand around and pester them with annoying questions. Tandaris Admiran -> It will be like being on leave without having to go anywhere! Hunter Matheson -> ::turns back to the PADD, begins to read and stops, suddenly::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Whats with the army of goldshirt personnel headed for engineering? Hunter Matheson -> :and his expression changes as he looks at that little modification on the console::: Tandaris Admiran -> I don't see how they could possibly have solved the phase variance problem. William Chocox -> I'm not entirely sure, but I'm in implementation, not theory. Rhan K'hal -> :: tilts an ear at Ithene :: Doesn't seem like they'd need an army for an inspection, but bureaucracies, you never know. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> You don't? You think they haven't tried this countless times to get it right? ::She shook her head.:: It has worked before. We have proof of that. I just hope... well... we'll see... Tandaris Admiran -> Federation technology just doesn't work with slipstream. I mean, unless. ::small frown:: Nah. Hunter Matheson -> ::slips the PADD back to its place under the console and stares... and stares::: William Chocox -> Wait... William Chocox -> You're not thinking that they're slapping alien technology willy-nilly are you? Tandaris Admiran -> I suppose … Borg technology proved amenable to assisting with slipstream. If they've integrated alien technology, Borg or perhaps Scorpiad, maybe they've managed to construct an alternative slipstream core. ::ponders, starts working on some equations on the monitor:: Tandaris Admiran -> I still don't see it working, but maybe we'll actually get into slipstream before everything goes to hell around us. Hunter Matheson -> ::then explodes:: Damn you, McAlevey. Tandaris Admiran -> ::turns to Chocox:: Better reinforce the SIF about 400%. Hunter Matheson -> ::runs his hands through his hair, then stands to pace: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Keeping all the sweets for herself, makes her way to the science console, before frowning:: Rhan K'hal -> :: ears flatten, whirls to face helm :: For the love of... What was that about? William Chocox -> Yes sir. Hunter Matheson -> Sir... Tandaris Admiran -> ::Hawthorne:: I will be making a formal protest in writing, of course. Hunter Matheson -> ::deep breath:: Between Kitty Hawk and Excalibur, I had a little stint with R&D.... Tandaris Admiran -> And does the captain know about this? When—is, is he coming back? Hunter Matheson -> They took me out of the teams for "special training".... ::sarcastic, yes::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Well, prepare yourself. ::She stood, still holding her hand gingerly.:: The installation team will be here at any time. Rhan K'hal -> You're dripping sarcasm all over the new carpet, Hunter. Cptn Swain -> * ::Is very excited about ice skating with Arden. Arden would be leaving for his new assignment soon, so Asher was excited to spend the remaining days having fun.:: Hunter Matheson -> There was this geeky... person. ::continues, ignoring K'hal:: McAlevey. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I have to... get to the bridge. ::She scowled.:: Honestly? I don't know if Swain is returning. He hasn't yet made up his mind. He's off on some... I don't know... honeymoon vacation, or something. Hunter Matheson -> We called her McCan't. William Chocox -> Well damn. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::K'Hal:: Want a donut? Hunter Matheson -> She... uh... had us working with... ::Points:: that. Tandaris Admiran -> We will do our best to … accommodate them, I guess. Tandaris Admiran -> Good luck, Commander. Hunter Matheson -> ::wry grin to Ithene:: Thanks ma'am. I'm good. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Keep me informed how the install goes. Or doesn't go. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::frowns:: They're cream filled. I asked for chocolate filled. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::A bit less angry, but still quite irritated. She headed for the lift.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::deep breath:: her specialty was slipstream. Rhan K'hal -> No thanks, Ithene. I finally lost that last niggling kilo on my stint on Cait. Tandaris Admiran -> ::after Miranda is gone, turns back to Chocox:: So. This is bad. But I am trying a new thing where I stay calm and don't go ::waves hands around:: "flying off the handle".. Tandaris Admiran -> Because apparently when I start acting "unpredictably" people get "uncomfortable" or something. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks:: Look at you, mister svelte kitty. ::Hunter:: Slipstream? Rhan K'hal -> Starfleet does like to recycle, Gunny, that isn't necessarily conclusive. I'll be worried about slipstream if Commander Hawthorne arrives on the bridge breathing fire. Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. That little section... upper left hand corner of the console. It's a connection, but I don't think it's operational yet. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Make sure ops gets that list, will you? And then you're relieved of whatever other duties I gave you last time I did that kind of thing. You're officially reassigned to be the project liaison for these people. Tandaris Admiran -> Unofficially that means you're my spy. ::rubs hands together:: I want you to spy on them. Hunter Matheson -> ::K'hal:: Hope you're right, sir. William Chocox -> Oh, ok. Thanks for the faith in my abilities? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She arrived on the bridge a few moments later and paused just outside the lift, scowling as she peered about.:: Hunter Matheson -> Maybe they just decided to make the console look... ::stands:: Rhan K'hal -> :: turns toward the lift, tilts the other ear :: Commander? Hunter Matheson -> ::and she is scowling::: Hunter Matheson -> ::though there's no fire yet::: William Chocox -> ::sends the list over to ops: Hunter Matheson -> ::yet....::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Hmm... slipstream. ::She said eating a donut:: That would explain the dinner invitation from Alyaa. Rhan K'hal -> :: pulls his trademarked oversize PADD at the beep :: Hmm... engineering is ordering a bunch of warp core replacement parts... Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks over, face covered in powdered donut as Miranda swept in like a tempest:: Oh... oh... ohhhhhhh. Rhan K'hal -> :: Sighs :: Barely here an hour and good feeling is gone already. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Miranda:: Donut? Tandaris Admiran -> ::begins working on that formal protest, which essentially boils down to, "Even I am not crazy enough to try to build a quantum slipstream drive, you fools." albeit in nicer bureaucratic Starfleetese:: Rhan K'hal -> :: swipes the Engineering request over into the order processing panel, sends it along to the base for fulfillment while he waits to see if Miranda is going to continue to stand there and simmer, boil over, or deflate :: William Chocox -> ::Waits for the install team. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Donut? ::She seemed to crumple, walked to Ithene's station, and grabbed one from her box.:: I need a dozen boxes of these right now. ::Her nostrils flared and she glanced from Ithene to Kal to Rhan.:: Who has been talking about Slipstream? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Oh dear:: Rhan K'hal -> The helm console, apparently. Hunter Matheson -> I have, Commander. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: They're cream filled. From this little bakery on the planet. I'll have some more more sent up. ::Pauses:: And some wine. Hunter Matheson -> ::not as ready to explode as she is, but getting there:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Yeah, they were going to need some wine. Maybe some bubble bath.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Well shut it! No talking about a damned Quantum Slipstream Drive and the fact that one is going to be installed on this ship without our approval. I don't want this spreading all over the ship until the Captain is on board. Rhan K'hal -> :: frowns seeing Miranda's hand is swollen and starting to bruise; stalks over to a panel, pulls out a first aid kit, returns and gently but firmly grabs the arm the hand is attached to and begins ministering to it :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Makes a note to have Rhan order some flowers for Miranda too. There was no way this was going to end well, Ithene decided:: Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::blurts:: So that *does* explain Alyaa's dinner invite. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::catches herself too late:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She hissed as Rhan touched her hand, but didn't jerk away. Her eyes cut to Ithene.:: What?! Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Nothing! Had one of those moments where something made sense! But its *totally* unrelated to... what did you say? A slipstream drive? Yeah *nothing* to do with that. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::several shades of pink and red:: Hunter Matheson -> ::figures she doesn't want to know that it's already set up on the helm console::: Rhan K'hal -> :: is no Maryse, but gets the swelling to reduce and an analgesic dispensed - butts in, hopefully benefiting Ithene :: You need to get to sickbay about this, Commander. You have multiple fractures. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::makes a note to thank Rhan later:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, I know. ::To Rhan.:: But, thank you. I punched a window. I figured it wasn't good. Rhan K'hal -> :: shakes head :: Next time, try the holodeck, it can give you softer things to punch. Cptn Swain -> ...and... Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0108.2017 The Excalibur has been refitted and repaired. All crew has been recalled from personal leave and other assignments in preparation for a new mission. The engineering team has been awaiting only a final inspection from Starfleet before shoving off, but Miranda has received some disturbing news that might delay their departure.

SD 1218.2016 While investigating the explosions our intrepid heroes -- and the Trill -- had discovered an individual apparently tampering with the warp drive. The shadowy figure fled, with a fire fight ensuing, but before they could be apprehended they used a personal transporter to really flee the scene. Unfortunately for them, y'all rolled well and we discovered the coordinates. As we paused, we were about to find out if they had escaped in their ship or not as Hawthorne, Will's cutout, and Ithene were firing a tachyon burst towards the coordinates.

MISSION BRIEF: While investigating the explosions our intrepid heroes -- and the Trill -- had discovered an individual apparently tampering with the warp drive. The shadowy figure fleed, with a fire fight ensuing, but before they could be apprehended they used a personal transporter to really flee the scene. Unfortunately for them, y'all rolled well and we discovered the coordinates. As we paused, we were about to find out if they had escaped in their ship or not as Hawthorne, Will's cutout, and Ithene were firing a tachyon burst towards the coordinates. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Firing tachyon burst now. ::Presses button:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: waiting for word :: Hunter Matheson -> ::with the El Tee:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::running diagnostics on everything:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The tachyon burst hits *something* and Cardboard Will activates the station's tractor. A ship decloaks and tries to flee, but is caught tight in the beam. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looking around main engineering.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> We have them in tractor beam. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Excalibur+ Your coordinates were accurate. We've caught a ship and have it caught in the station's tractor beam. Well done. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: grins :: I like it when I have someone to interrogate. Hunter Matheson -> ::crooked grin, right there with the El Tee::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smiles:: Good. I was worried. Tandaris Admiran -> So far, diagnostics are not turning up any other signs of tampering. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The ship is pulled into the station's cargo hold where a dampening field is put into place to prevent transport. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> +Hawthorne+ Nicely done, Commander. I'll head back up to the station. Annisha -> (can't be Romulan, they would not have been so easily caught) Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: looks over to Hunter :: You've tagged along this far, you might as well stay with the party. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Excalibur+ The ship has been brought onto the station and is in Shuttle Bay One. Security is en route. Hunter Matheson -> ::nod to Lt:: Aye, Sir. Glad to. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: looks over to Maryse :: Are you going to stick with Admiran while he takes its temperature or do you want to come along, Doctor? Cptn Swain -> Ithene Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> I'll take that as a no. Let's go, Mr. Matheson. :: heads out of Engineering at a jog :: Hunter Matheson -> ::moves out with Kanakh::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: I'll be here. Hunter Matheson -> ::stoked, can't wait to get hold of the perp:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: thankfully the route from Engineering to the station is easier than the route from the explosion site to Engineering, and she and Hunter pop out of the connection to the station :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Dubois:: Are you sure you wouldn't rather return to the station? I'm just going to run diagnostics and start trying to figure out how far back this has set the refit. William Chocox -> ((Color test.)) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Miranda, Will:: Should we head to the hold? Hunter Matheson -> (still blushing, Cho) Maryse Dubois -> ::Folds arms.:: You sure it's a good idea being alone here? William Chocox -> Sure. ::shrugs shoulders:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: stops off by the command post, waiting to see if any of those three are going as well :: Hunter Matheson -> ::still there, slightly behind, watching:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::follows Kanakh, assuming she was going to the hold:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She pushed back from the console and nodded.:: Let's go... ::Motions to Kal and the CSI.:: William Chocox -> ::follows her:: Hunter Matheson -> ::moves out:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Do we have any scan data about the ship so we have an idea what we're dealing with? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Hands the data over:: The cloak obscured our scans. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> They should be scanning it now that they have it in the hold. ::Walking briskly.:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: looks it over :: Hunter Matheson -> ::quick message to main security to meet him with extra charges::: William Chocox -> That's good. William Chocox -> Should be interesting. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: arrives outside the proper bay, looks through the glass and reviews the activity within :: Tandaris Admiran -> ((Sorry, got distracted by phone)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::Maryse:: Well, I do appreciate the company. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The team arrives at the shuttle bay. Security has posted up and are about to crack the egg. Tandaris Admiran -> If you want to make yourself useful, you could help me by taking a look at that display ::points:: and letting me know if the isodyne relay pressure goes over 400 kilopascals. Hunter Matheson -> ::sec meets him, handing him a loaded belt, he blinks, nods, and slips it on::: William Chocox -> What are your secrets? Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: stays well back - has no problem delegating the potentially dangerous shooty bits of the job when she has a chance :: Hunter Matheson -> ::feeling awkward with the charge belt around his waist::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods as she looks at the monitor.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::but how can you say no when they're so helpful::: Hunter Matheson -> ::maybe a little too helpful?::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> As soon as the shuttle door opens, a phaser beam streaks out and the security team scatters, taking cover. Hunter Matheson -> ::loaded for bear, and there's no bear around:::sigh:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Hits the deck::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smart enough to be standing well back of the door when it got blown open:: William Chocox -> ::dives behind a container and then turns into a cardboard cutout:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Someone doesn't want to come quietly. ::Next to Ithene. She crossed her arms and waited.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::rolls to cover, full spread engaged::: William Chocox -> ((Sorry folks, lunch break is overs)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Security> Someone throw in a stunner! Hunter Matheson -> ::grab.... pull... toss:: Incoming! Annisha -> (Little Rihan girl packing heat?) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I mean, would you? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> There was a strangled scream inside the shuttle and then quiet. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> You're hard enough to get out of bed, let alone out of a cloaked ship after committing an act of terrorism. Tandaris Admiran -> ::manipulating various circuits:: I'm testing different power flows through the bypasses the computer put in place following the explosion. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She snorted and elbows Ithene.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smiles, in spite of the situation:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: tilts head, cocks ears and listens for a second :: Subject is incapped. Tandaris Admiran -> Let me know if or when the pressure exceeds 400 kPa so I can adjust the system tolerance. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::ooof:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Kanakh:: Move in? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Matheson, go drag them out! Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I want to know who crippled my damn ship! Hunter Matheson -> Aye, ma'am. ::moves in, checks the area::: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: smiles :: Looks like it's all yours, Mr. Matheson. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: backs him up :: Maryse Dubois -> Right. ::Still watching.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::enters, checks left... checks right:: Contact right. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Inside the shuttle, laying on the floor, is a very stunned Jr'ell Sa'larr, the supervisor in charge of Excalibur's refit. Hunter Matheson -> ::inspecting nooks and crannies, then kneels by the perp, ziptie::: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: keeps the individual covered with her phaser :: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Naughty, naughty, naughty. Hunter Matheson -> ::hauls the super out::: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> +Hawthorne+ It's Sa'larr, Commander. Maryse Dubois -> Ok there. Just hit 400. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::frowns at that:: Hunter Matheson -> ::keeping in contact with right arm, standing to the right, just behind, phaser on hight stun::: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: Hunter :: Have him trussed up nice and tight, Mr. Matheson? Hunter Matheson -> Aye, ma'am. Hunter Matheson -> Zip tie. Not drawing blood, but close to. Tandaris Admiran -> ::eases off the power levels:: Backing off now. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::Stumbles along in front of Hunter, shaking his head, trying to clear it.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Enters the hold, striding in:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> Do we have the piece of... Hunter Matheson -> ::watching Sa'laar's feet, aware of the potential::: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::stops mid stride:: Jr'ell??? Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: keeping the Cait covered, knows quite well how dangerous a cornered Cait can be :: Maryse Dubois -> Ok it's dropping now. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> The freakin' supervisor did it! ::Growls and starts forward.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Hawthorne:: Best keep a distance, Commander. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::looks at Miranda, then to Cohen, then to perp:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::speechless:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::Seems to come to.:: And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it hadn't been for those meddling... Hunter Matheson -> Out of range, ma'am. Until we get him to interrogation. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur has been damaged during repairs. Recovery efforts are underway and a specialist forensic team from Cait has arrived to begin investigating the explosion, which Hunter has been assisting. Commander Admiran and Dr Dubois were on their way to engineering to investigate one of the crazy Trills hunches, while Ithene and Hawthorne continue to pick up pieces. Will, you can have been recently uncovered and as unharmed as you feel with Ithene and Hawthorne at the airlock. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: reviewing a few things while waiting for the 3 others she called to her location to arrive :: Hunter Matheson -> ::still playing tripod:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Takes another look around and heads back to command, letting Hawthorne take over:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::arrives outside engineering with Maryse:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: hears the swoosh of bootied shoes in the corridor, straightens and meets them as they enter :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Stops and looks at the doors to ME.:: You never did say what you were looking for. Hunter Matheson -> ::wide angle to take in the bootied shoes:: Hunter Matheson -> ::figures that's a good shot, so keeps it wide angle::: William Chocox -> ::coughs:: Commander. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Take over finishing this area. I have something else to look into. :: steps over to Hunter, yanks the camera out of his hand and gives it to one of her techs :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> As Maryse and Tandaris arrive in engineering, they spot someone tinkering near the warp drive. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> With me, Marine. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: fast-walks out of the room and into the corridor :: Hunter Matheson -> ::ahh...shakes his hand, having his finger caught in it:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Puts a hand on Will's shoulder.:: Chocox! How are you doing? Did you get caught up on the ship during all of that? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Runs up and does a pick-up hug on Will:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::stops Maryse as they enter the room, pulls her behind a bulkhead:: (q) There shouldn't be anyone else on board after the explosion. Tandaris Admiran -> ((I think I mentioned last week I'm checking if our dilithium crystals were taken to manufacture the explosive in situ, as opposed to smuggling it on board)) Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The person stops whatever they're doing. The lighting is low, so neither Trill or Human can make out more than a figure. If only you were Caitians, eh? William Chocox -> ::winces at Ithene's hug:: Yeah...wrong place wrong time I guess. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::puts him down:: Oh, we were worried about you Will. Well Tandaris was. Hunter Matheson -> ::blends with the wall:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::blushes:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sighs, speaking quietly.:: It always has to get more complicated. ::Looks down at the case she is carrying.:: I'm not exactly armed. ::Does manage to get a hypo with a strong sedative ready though.:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: reviews the map on her padd :: Curses. :: pops open the jefferies tube :: Keep up Mr. Matheson, we have some crawling to do. Hunter Matheson -> ::brings up the rear::: Cptn Swain -> (( Maryse, Tandaris give me a number 1-10 each )) Tandaris Admiran -> ::does have a phaser, for precisely this reason:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((4)) Maryse Dubois -> ((8)) Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: climbs in, sniffs as she crawls along :: They definitely went this way. Tandaris Admiran -> (q) I can't aim in this darkness though…. Cptn Swain -> (( lol )) William Chocox -> That's good to know. What's our status? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Did you get checked out by medical? Are you alright? ::Giving him a look over.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::keepin' up with the caits:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The figure turns firing in the general direction of Maryse and Tandaris, but it hits a collapsed bulkhead. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: sees no reason not to gather more evidence even under the cramped circumstances :: How well do you know Commander Admiran, Mr. Matheson? Tandaris Admiran -> So much for the element of surprise! Hunter Matheson -> Not well, sir. He's an engineer. Maryse Dubois -> ::Backs herself against a bulkhead.:: At least we know for sure they aren't friendly. Tandaris Admiran -> ::breaks cover long enough to return fire haphazardly and then ducks back behind:: on the other hand, my "stereotypical entertainment phrase a day" calendar is getting more usage than I thought it would. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: harrumphs :: William Chocox -> I was underneath the rubble until recently Commander. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The figure turns, fires again, and then makes a run for it. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: Tandaris Admiran -> After them! Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Sit down, for cripe's sake! ::Gestures him to a chair and waves over one of the medics.:: We've got teams on the Excalibur investigating. Hunter Matheson -> ..and he's a commander. Pretty much above my pay grade. I know he's good at what he does, 'cause he wouldn't be a commander if he wasn't. And he's a trill (I think), and he's always good to me... ::chatters on endlessly about nothing::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We don't really know what happened yet. Maryse Dubois -> ::Not sure the comm will get through the radiation.:: +Com+ Intruder alert in main engineering. Shots fired. ::Goes after Tandy.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::gives chase, nods at Maryse alerting station ops:: Hunter Matheson -> ;:continues:: And there was this one time when he did this thing that was really hilarious... William Chocox -> Fine. ::sits down begrudgingly:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Hears the comm and jerks.:: Intruder? Tandaris Admiran -> ::pursues the intruder out of engineering:: Hunter Matheson -> ::crawling along:: He had this thing and he put it up on the wall so when anyone came by it.. you know... Hunter Matheson -> Hey. Intruder alert. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: swears in a combination of Cait and English :: Hunter Matheson -> ::hears the swears and figures he's accomplished his goal:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: crawls as fast as possible, certainly inelegantly, and pops through the end of the jefferies tube with her phaser out, checks both ways :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> In the darkness of engineering, they still cannot make out more than a figure darting through the darkness. It fires several times towards them, but misses wide both time. It takes a turn towards what Tandaris knows to be a dead end. Hunter Matheson -> (darking through the darkness. nice) William Chocox -> Intruder? William Chocox -> ::tries to wave the medic off:: Maryse Dubois -> ((heh)) Cptn Swain -> ( darting, darking whatever )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Security from the station beams into engineering and follows Tandy & Maryse in the chase. Cptn Swain -> ( NOTE: Hunter now has -1 on all rolls for the night. )) Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Are you armed, Sergeant? Maryse Dubois -> ((haha)) Tandaris Admiran -> We've got you now! Give it up. Hunter Matheson -> (sweet. That's a record, right?) Hunter Matheson -> yes, sir. Tandaris Admiran -> ::stops at the corner and peeks around:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Is behind Tandy. Wishes she had a light.:: Hunter Matheson -> Even if I'm not actually armed, I have a few moves that work. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Tandaris turns just in time to hear and then see the whir and fizz of a transporter beam. Then the thud of a small metallic device. Tandaris Admiran -> Uh-oh. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Good, my clutch piece isn't exactly your size. :: nods at the door across the corridor :: That opens into the upper engineering space, with a balcony correct? Hunter Matheson -> Could be. I don't go down there much. Maryse Dubois -> ::Doesn't like uh-oh.:: Hunter Matheson -> I can take point. Tandaris Admiran -> +Station Ops+ Admiran to ops, our intruder just beamed off. Can you trace the transport? Tandaris Admiran -> ::trades phaser for tricorder, scans down the corridor in case the metallic thud was some kind of booby trap left behind:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> There are only two of us, I think we'll share the danger. Go right and stay low. :: takes position by the door :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> It was not, because you're lucky. You hear me? Instead, it appears to be a small, personal transporter. Hunter Matheson -> ::takes right, phaser on stun with his finger on the adjust for quick kill::: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> 1...2...3! :: activates the door, goes in and takes the left side :: Hunter Matheson -> ::nods ready to Kanakh:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Medic> ::Not about to waved off, starts a scan on Will.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::rounds the corner and retrieves the device:: Hmm. Hunter Matheson -> ::moves in, right::: Hunter Matheson -> ::scan scan:: Hunter Matheson -> Clear. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Maryse:: Do you have something for headaches in that medkit? William Chocox -> Harrumph. Hunter Matheson -> ::moves toward a corner, checking around it:: Clear. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Security> ::Comes up behind Maryse.:: Did you at least shoot them? ::Disgruntled at not being able to kill anyone.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Moves towards a wall console:: Miranda... there's still so much interference... looks like there was a transport out near Tandaris but I am having trouble pinning it down. William Chocox -> I probably just have a bruised rib. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up, as she hears doors open on the upper level. Then looks to Tandy.:: Yeah, sure. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Station Ops> +Tandaris+ That's a fairly small signal to trace, but we'll try. Tandaris Admiran -> Oh good. Make mine a double. This just got more complicated. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: nods :: Clear indeed. :: bends over the balcony, glares down at Tandaris :: Perhaps next time you'll keep a duly trained security officer with you, dammit. Now what happened? Maryse Dubois -> ::Reaches in and pulls a tablet, giving it to him.:: Here. This will work for now. Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks up:: Ah, Lieutenant. Thank you for joining us. We lost them, but I got this. ::holds up the personal transporter:: Uh, my DNA is on it. Sorry. But I haven't tampered with it yet! Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She moved over to Ithene while Will was getting checked out.:: Tye into the station sensors and see what they saw. You can probably recognize the smaller signal before they can. Hunter Matheson -> ::continually scans as they move::: Maryse Dubois -> Can you use it to trace the transport? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods and does so:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Medic> Why don't you let me determine that? ::Scanning him, then frowns.:: It looks like you just have a bruised rib. You'll be fine. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: rolls eyes, mutters something that Hunter would probably just barely hear as sounding suspiciously like "someone needs to tamper with your head" :: William Chocox -> ((Tandy would be one to have his own DNS though.)) Tandaris Admiran -> Of course I could, but I wouldn't want to compromise evidence in an open forensic investigation, Maryse. ::doesn't bother whispering since Kanakh would still hear that:: Hunter Matheson -> ::figures the cait's right::: William Chocox -> See? Thank you. Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes a light from a security officer, shining back in the direction they first discovered the intruder.:: Well, we might as well figure out what he was after while we're here. Tandaris Admiran -> Agreed. They were near the primary antimatter injection port, which is never a good sign. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Medic> ::Sniffs and heads off to help someone.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Groans.:: No it's never good when antimatter is involved. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda looked back to Will.:: You're okay? Good, then get over here. Someone just transported off the ship and we need to find out where. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Obviously our shared suspicions have been proved right, Commander. So let's try to work together on this? I'm not just a nerd with tweezers and evidence baggies, I'm also a criminologist and security officer. I know for a fact your crew compliment is short in those. William Chocox -> Damn. William Chocox -> ::walks over:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: heads over to the ladder and smoothly slides down to the lower level :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Kanakh:: Agreed. We have to move quickly. For all we know, there are other intruders or saboteurs on board still. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: They didn't transport to anywhere on the station or the ship; but a personal transporter can't have much more range than that. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> The planet? Hunter Matheson -> Cloaked ship? William Chocox -> How far's the planet? Tandaris Admiran -> ::tosses Kanakh the personal transporter, trusting her half-Caitian reflexes to take care of it:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Possible, but I'd need to see the device. Maybe if Tandaris recovered it we can track it. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: snags it like pro shortstop :: Hunter Matheson -> ::eyeroll::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I have the matter stream isolated, but there's just too much interference. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> You're lucky I didn't take off my gloves. :: takes a tool off her belt and scans it :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Kanakh:: I didn't catch your name, by the way. Maryse Dubois -> If we knew exactly what the intruder took here, we might be able to determine if other places on the ship have been hit. Tandaris Admiran -> Good idea. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Doctor, you can pull the Commander's DNA profile from your records faster than I can. Could you please pull it for me so I can eliminate his... leftovers? Hunter Matheson -> ::Dubois:: Security cameras operative? Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: glances up to Tandy :: Alexandra Kanakh. Tandaris Admiran -> You … you could just scan me, you know. I'm right here. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I'm not sure. ::She accessed the central database to pull up information on the station's location in relation to the planet.:: William Chocox -> Can I take a look? Cptn Swain -> ACTION> We're in luck, for a change, Kanakh's notices the device is still active with the location of the transport. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods to Will:: William Chocox -> ::steps up next to Ithene:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> If you feel up to it. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods as she access her personal device, bringing up Tandy's DNA file.:: There. William Chocox -> It's a bruised rib not a concussion. ::smirks:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Well, gotta love the new batteries in these things. :: reads out the coordinates off the device :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::sighs, always the scanner, never the scanned:: William Chocox -> ::starts taking a look at the matter stream:: Hunter Matheson -> (::snort, Tandaris::) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We're about four hundred and fifty thousand kilometers from Cait. Could a personal transporter go that far? ::Looking at Ithene.:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Thank you Doctor. :: grabs the profile from Maryse with a nod, then also scans Tandy :: Yes, you are conveniently right there so I can make sure you're you. And yes, I'm that thorough. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> If it were expensive enough, I suppose. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> +Command Post+ Kanakh here. The personal transporter still has the coordinates on it. :: reads them off :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Maryse, Matheson:: Let's check out that injector port while we're waiting to hear back. Tandaris Admiran -> ::leads them towards the injector port:: Hunter Matheson -> ::nod:: Yes, sir. William Chocox -> Yeah...you'd need a pretty powerful one. Hunter Matheson -> ::throws the safety on his phaser:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Memorizes the coordinates. Looks to Tandy and nods.:: Hunter Matheson -> ;;holsters:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Well, looks like the universe likes us for a change. ::Hearing Miranda's communicator:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: calls down to her own office down on the planet in Sahrimet, transfers any of the DNA data that isn't Tandy from the device, has them do the work sorting it out down there :: William Chocox -> That's also nifty. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Hearing the comm as well, she entered them to map out the coordinates.:: That's... that's in the middle of space. Tandaris Admiran -> ::crouches to inspect the injector port, both visually and with his tricorder:: What did the mean intruder do to you, sweetheart? Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Good news, Commander. It appears you are you. :: wee hint of a snarky smile :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> A ship? William Chocox -> It would have to be. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Oh boy! Tandaris Admiran -> ::Kanakh:: Yes, always good to double check. I hate when I'm not me. Happens more often than you'd think. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> If it is a ship under cloak, it could be long gone by now. Tandaris Admiran -> There was a time when I had once used to be a ship. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks as Tandy talks to the injector port.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> True. Hunter Matheson -> ::turns away, stifling a laugh::: Hunter Matheson -> ::clears his throat, then turns back::: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: raises an eyebrow and cocks an ear at Tandy's literal sweet talking the equipment :: Based on the number of black holes in your personnel file, I don't doubt it. William Chocox -> Or it could be there waiting for a better chance to leave. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks to Kanakh.:: He really isn't exaggerating. Tandaris Admiran -> ::stands up:: Well, that's not good. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: raises the other eyebrow and cocks the other ear :: Hunter Matheson -> ::leans in for a peek before he straightens up::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> In either case we should be sure something's there before beaming over, but we also don't want to send a ship there either. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> If they are cloaked, it would scare them away. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Don't keep us in suspense, Commander. William Chocox -> We could shoot something that direction. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Excal+ Those coordinates are in the middle of space just off the station. Unknown if there is a cloaked ship there are this time. We are investigating. Tandaris Admiran -> I don't see any signs of tampering. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Considers:: Will, can you rig the stations transporters to lock onto a location and scan before activating the actual transporters? Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> And that's not good? William Chocox -> Yeah, but that's not as fun. Tandaris Admiran -> Well, best case scenario is that we interrupted them before they could do anything. ::weak smile:: More likely they've done something we can't detect until we activate the reactor—or, they did something upstream and came here to check that none of that tampering is evident from here. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> +Hawthorne+ Curiouser and curiouser, Commander. Tandaris Admiran -> ::moves over to a control panel:: Maryse Dubois -> I can see how that is a problem. Tandaris Admiran -> ::casually starts inputting a command sequence:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Yes, but it's safer and has less risk of warning them we're onto them if they're still there. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Likely they didn't expect us to be able to track them. I'd venture a guess we got lucky with that transporter having the coordinates. William Chocox -> Fine, I can get to work on it. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Do it quickly. We won't have much time. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Ah. That would be problematic. I assume any sane chief engineer would go over the entire system with a fine-toothed comb. However I'm guessing you're going to figuratively shake the whole thing at once and see where it rattles. William Chocox -> ::starts working on the console quickly:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::nods at Kanakh:: Bringing the warp core online. Cptn Swain -> (( Give me a number 1-100 )) Maryse Dubois -> Oh god... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> No, I like you're original suggestion, Will. Tandaris Admiran -> ((47)) Cptn Swain -> (( anyone, just need one )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Let's shoot something at it. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Oh dear. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks at Miranda:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((Oh, AS IF none of you saw that coming :P)) Tandaris Admiran -> Matter/antimatter injection online. Start-up sequence in progress. Maryse Dubois -> ((true hehe)) Hunter Matheson -> ::watching the bootup::: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: glances at Maryse :: And you've managed to survive him for how many missions? Tandaris Admiran -> ::despite his cavalier attitude, he has actually slowed down the start-up process and is monitoring it carefully for anything awry, ready to terminate at the slightest hint of a problem:: William Chocox -> Wait what? William Chocox -> ::blinks in bewilderment:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Tandaris is a lucky spotted man who today, did not, as it turns out, blow you all up. He actually rolled well. Not that I am disappointed or anything. Nope not at all. The warp core starts up normally, though it does look like it's a bit low on dilithium. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> But not a weapon. ::Pursing her lips.:: A focused tachyon beam would let us know if there is something there. Hunter Matheson -> ::wondering if Kahakh was a Marine DI in an alternate life::: William Chocox -> Oh...man. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks to the LT.:: Too many to count. Tandaris Admiran -> And we have power. We have no usable EPS grid at the moment, so we don't have power distribution. But we have a big glowing—huh. William Chocox -> ::deflates a bit:: Fine, let's get working on a tachyon beam. Tandaris Admiran -> ::taps the console a bit:: Well, at least that answers that question. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::tips her head, then nods in agreement:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks to Tandy.:: William Chocox -> ::switches to working on that:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::runs her hands over the console:: The stations deflectors are a bit trickier than your standard starship, but we should be able to do that fairly easily. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Letting her fingers run over the console, she accessed the station's deflector array and redirected the power stream to sent out a concentrated tachyon burst.:: Chocox, you got it? Fire as soon as the stream is charged. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Will, as soon as you give me power, dish is reconfigured. Tandaris Admiran -> The reaction rate is fluctuating more than is normal, which suggests someone has removed some of our dilithium. ::pointed look at Kanakh, who can put the rest of that together:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Well that was thankfully anti-climactic. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::working in tandem with Miranda, mentally, clearly:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Which would account for the substance that caused the explosion of which we discovered the residue. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She smiled at Ithene. They always worked well together.:: Hunter Matheson -> So, someone needed dilithium, or they needed dilithium for something. William Chocox -> Annnnnnnnnnnnd power! ::starts it:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::nods:: I'd like to run more diagnostics before I shut down the reactor. After that, you can go over the dilithium crystal chamber with your comb, if you like—though I fear the reaction energy will have done a nice job of obliterating any forensic evidence. Hunter Matheson -> I mean.. .they depleted the dilithium for some reason... Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods to Miranda:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Admiran:: why would they deplete the dilithium, other than to make a mess of things? Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: sighs :: You better hope when we find the responsible party or parties that they're still holding a smoking gun because you're making a potential prosecution a pain in the ass. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The concentrated burst definitely "hits" a ship parked at those coordinates, disrupting the cloaking device and making it visible to station sensors for a moment. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Hit it with a tractor beam! William Chocox -> Hello! Tandaris Admiran -> They used the dilithium to manufacture pentalithium to make the bomb, Mr. Matheson. William Chocox -> ::fires the tractor beam:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Hits with the tractor:: Hunter Matheson -> Whoa... Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Also works well with Will, having shared his body for a while:: Tandaris Admiran -> And since engineering is a hive of activity during repairs, it means whoever took the dilithium had authorization to that effect—or looked like they had authorization. Which means we have a traitor. Maryse Dubois -> I think that is a reasonable assumption. William Chocox -> Well, that's exciting. Hunter Matheson -> (do we know there is a ship out there?) Cptn Swain -> (( Not unless you happened to be literally next to a window )) Hunter Matheson -> Could there be more than one, Commander? Hunter Matheson -> Think maybe we need to checking the vetting. Tandaris Admiran -> I hope not, because I don't know the collective noun for "traitors" Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> I'd consider it unlikely to be anyone from the Excalibur crew. They had plenty of opportunity to cause more damage before. With the other incidents that I was originally going to be investigating before the ship blew... Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 1211.2016 The Excalibur has been damaged during repairs. Recovery efforts are underway and a specialist forensic team from Cait has arrived to begin investigating the explosion, which Hunter has been assisting. Commander Admiran and Dr. Dubois were on their way to engineering to investigate one of the crazy Trills hunches, while Ithene and Hawthorne continue to pick up pieces.

SD 1204.2016 Following an explosion aboard Excalibur during her refit, the Excalibur crew in the area have been recalled and ordered to report to Commander Hawthorne. Search and rescue efforts are underway, and a small team from Excalibur had headed towards the locus of the explosions. As we left off, Maryse's tricorder showed some usual and unusual radiation readings. Questions?

MISSION BRIEF: Following an explosion aboard Excalibur during her refit, the Excalibur crew in the area have been recalled and ordered to report to Commander Hawthorne. Search and rescue efforts are underway, and a small team from Excalibur had headed towards the locus of the explosions. As we left off, Maryse's tricorder showed some usual and unusual radiation readings. Questions? Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Tandaris Admiran -> ::Dubois:: Is the radiation harmful to us yet? Maryse Dubois -> ::With Tandy and Hunter, she's checking her tricorder. Has a perplexed look.:: No, but I'm pretty sure it isn't supposed to be here. Maryse Dubois -> ::Shows Tandy the readings.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((We have respirators. My thinking was that the radiation is dangerous only to our equipment, not to life-forms, at least for now, but that could change.)) Hunter Matheson -> (works) Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks at the tricorder:: Interesting. That definitely isn't what I'd expect even from a conduit explosion. Tandaris Admiran -> That almost looks like residue from … no. Maryse Dubois -> I'm no engineer, but even I know that isn't right. Hunter Matheson -> ::doesn't like the sound of that:: Rhan K'hal -># Lt Kanakh> :: marches around the corner heading toward the Excal's docking port, followed by 11 jumpsuited technicians carrying large cases and wearing full toolbelts :: Tandaris Admiran -> We need to pick up the pace. ::starts walking much more quickly:: Hunter Matheson -> ::follows along:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Quietly to Tandaris.:: You're thinking this wasn't an accident, aren't you? Rhan K'hal -> # Lt Kanakh> :: Alexandra's long stride ate up the ground - even in the chaos heads turned as it's not every day you see a bronze-skinned Terran/Cait hybrid :: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Making her way down from the command tower:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checking the area as they move:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ::Back on the station at her makeshift command center, Miranda directed yet another group, sending more staff to triage.:: Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::directing traffic:: Rhan K'hal -> # Lt Kanakh> :: sees Miranda, her tail twitches and her large, hazel irised eyes lock on :: Commander Hawthorne. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Maryse:: Not quite. I _know_ it wasn't an accident now. What I don't know is whether the people responsible are still here. Maryse Dubois -> ::Doesn't like the sound of that.:: In that case, I don't suppose someone remembered a phaser? I kind of left mine at home. Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> ::Arrives, looking only slightly less of a mess than she had when she'd been at the docking port 10-20 minutes before:: Tandaris Admiran -> Phaser fire would not be advisable if there are any pockets of ionized gas left over from the explosion. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Yes? ::She glanced up and did a doubletake, eyebrows rising.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::rounds the corner:: The site of the explosion should be just up here. Where is everyone? Maryse Dubois -> ::Frowns.:: Still no lifesigns. Hunter Matheson -> ::checking the damage:: Rhan K'hal -> # Lt Kanakh> :: low, clipped voice :: Lt. Alexandra Kanakh, Starfleet Security. My team and I have been sent to deal with forensics of the investigation into the obviously ongoing event. Tandaris Admiran -> There were at least two teams working in this section. Tandaris Admiran -> I hope this just means they've all made it to safety. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> At the site of the explosion there is considerable damage, with higher radiation levels. Near what appears to be the epicenter of the explosion there are charred remains. The physical and radiation damage is significant and it will require more than a tricorder to identify them, though they appear to be partially Caitian. Tandaris Admiran -> ::thinks of Cohen's paramour:: Hunter Matheson -> Aw damn.... ::headshake::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::finally comes across the remains:: Oh dear. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Further away towards a JT, there appears to be more remains. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ::Miranda let out a low breath.:: Forensics? Yes, I think... we're going to need it. Have you been briefed on the situation thus far? Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> ::Pats down her uniform as she arrives near Hawthorne as well:: Lieutenant. I wish command would have given us a little more warning you were coming. Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps up and kneeling down to the body. She pops open the kit and begins taking samples.:: What a mess... :;She turns to Tandy and Hunter, handing them a couple containers.:: You should take some non-organic samples so we can analyze them. Rhan K'hal -> #Lt Kanakh> :: glances at Cohen :: I was being briefed on the various smaller incidents when the explosion on the Excalibur happened. I'm afraid we had no more notice than you. Tandaris Admiran -> +Station Ops+ We've reached the site of the explosion. We have not encountered any survivors. Can confirm … at least four distinct bodies in bad conditions. Rhan K'hal -> #Lt Kanakh> :: Miranda :: Which means I'm short on the specifics, Commander. Hunter Matheson -> ::takes the containers and with a hard swallow, he begins taking samples, kneeling in the debris, hoping what he is getting is non-organic:: Cptn Swain -> OPS> +Tandaris+ Understood, proceed with caution. A forensics team has arrived from the planet, so try not to muck anything up too much. Tandaris Admiran -> ::surveying the exposed bulkheads where the manifold had been briefly installed before its rupture:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets blood, tissue, and hair samples from the bodies in the area.:: Rhan K'hal -> #Lt Kanakh> Obviously S-A-R still takes priority, but if you have any teams inside they will need to stop any investigative activities immediately until my teams can get on site and process the scenes. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # The specifics are is that we aren't sure of the specifics. There was an explosion, somewhere in the plasma manifolds. We're still collecting a crew count from the ship and station. We have roughly fifty unaccounted for at this point. Cptn Swain -> #::Cohen furrows her brows:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # We do have a team on site, attempting to discover what damage has been done. Hunter Matheson -> :with a heavy exhale, he seals the containers and moves toward the doc:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::scans the manifold with his tricorder:: Please don't be trilithium. Please don't be trilithium. Cptn Swain -> << Give me a number Tandaris >> Tandaris Admiran -> ((Uh, 78?)) Cptn Swain -> << that works >> Hunter Matheson -> (good one) Cptn Swain -> (( lol, SWING AND A MISS!)) Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up and takes the containers from Hunter.:: Thanks. I'm almost done as well. ::Taking samples from the last body.:: Rhan K'hal -> #Lt Kanakh> :: nods :: Then I should be there to ensure they do not disrupt the scene and to protect the chain of evidence. Please tell them to expect me, Commander. I hate having to explain myself twice. Hunter Matheson -> (next time give him pi) Cptn Swain -> ACTION> His chanting is for not, as the tricorder does, in fact, reveal trace amounts of trilithium. It also reveals several other interesting substances of various organic natures that should decidedly not be there. Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> ::Considers making a point of reminding the new arrival whose operation this station was, but decides that now was the time.:: Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> ::Nods to Miranda:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Station Ops+ This is Commander Admiran. I have detected evidence that this explosion was not an accident. We need a full forensics team here as soon as possible, and I recommend all travel to and from the station be suspended for the time being. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ::She frowned, but nodded.:: Of course. We can get you close to the site, but you'll have a little bit of a hike. Radiation is preventing us from getting you to the site itself. Maryse Dubois -> ::Stands.:: I'm finished here. We can leave when you are ready. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Dubois:: Are you going to be able to ID the remains? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # +Tandaris+ Acknowledged. We have forensics here now and will be sending them along shortly. Please assist them however you can. They have asked that you not disrupt the scene any further than you already have. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: I should be able to with the samples. Rhan K'hal -> #Lt Kanakh> Very well, thank you. :: motions to her team :: Maryse Dubois -> ::hears Miranda.:: Assure the Commander, I have forensic credentials, and nothing has been disturbed that shouldn't be. Tandaris Admiran -> ::rolls eyes, drily to Maryse:: Analysts always think they're the only ones who know what they're doing. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Hawthorne+ Understood, Commander. We lowly crew members will make sure we don't ruin anything. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Kanakh and her team are transported to the beam-in site, roughly two decks below and a few sections over from the damaged area. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: through the magic of television, gets beamed in as close as radiation allows :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Maryse, Hunter:: All my readings are pointing towards a trilithium explosive, planted within the manifold. When the manifold was activated—without authorization, I'll add—it detonated the explosive. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: pulls out a tricorder, one of the new thin ones, glances quickly over the scan data - splits her team up to begin securing various areas; brings one technician with her and begins the small hike to where the others are :: Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> ::frowns:: I would have preferred planetside authorities not be involved, but from the sounds of it we're going to need them. Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> My people are engineers, not investigators, and with all that's been going on lately. ::Frowns:: Hunter Matheson -> ::bites back a few choice comments::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Folds her arms.:: I've heard rumors that some of the other ships docked for repairs have been have...issues. You think this might be a part of something more? Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> I've ordered all outbound traffic halted and ordered non-essentially personnel to stay in their quarters. Hunter Matheson -> Sounds like it to me. Were they all Federation ships? Tandaris Admiran -> ::nods:: I think there's more going on here at the shipyards than simple delays. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: uses television magic again to make up for lost time - the Excalibur trio can hear the clank of boots approaching :: Maryse Dubois -> Could it be an inside job? Hunter Matheson -> ;;w:: Here comes the cavalry. Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> I think, given the situation and the staffing burden my people are already under. I t makes sense for you take charge of the investigation, Commander. You have my full support and authority. Maryse Dubois -> ::Hears the clicking, turns.:: Tandaris Admiran -> (q) Matheson, I want you to stay here and supervise—supervise, mind you—the forensics team. We can't trust anyone external right now. But don't interfere with what they're doing. Hunter Matheson -> ::Nods:: Aye, sir. ::points to his bodycam:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: enters, her Caitian ears quirked :: I think you can trust planetside Starfleet Security... Commander. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> The question is, can I trust you? Hunter Matheson -> ::snooty:: Tandaris Admiran -> Almost certainly not, but that's why I'll be going. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ::She nodded to Cohen.:: I have no problem with that. It is my ship and, until we know what happened, I would prefer that the station personnel keep well away from it. Tandaris Admiran -> Mr. Matheson here is going to remain in case you need any assistance from someone familiar with the ship. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: frowns as she sees samples have already been taken :: Did you take holograms of this area before you began collecting samples? Hunter Matheson -> ::knew there was a reason he's allergic to cats:: Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> ::nods:: Of course. Let me know if you need anything. Our facilities are open to you as needed. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: is human/caitian hybrid, so think mostly human with some kitty bits :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::lets Maryse handle that question:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Holds up her tricorder.:: I'm not an amateur, Lt. Hunter Matheson -> ::hybrid explains a lot:: Tandaris Admiran -> I look forward to hearing what you uncover, Lieutenant. Until then, the doctor and I will get out of your way. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: notes the blue uniform, mentally reviews what she learned in the briefing :: Dr. Dubois, then? Good. As this looks to be something that will need criminal charges, we don't want any loopholes a defense can wiggle through. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Any word from your coordinator? I don't see him listed on the incoming roster. We he on the ship? ::A bit worried for Cohen's sake.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Studying Kanakh's features, mostly out of curiosity.:: No, of course not. If you'd like to review my file, I do have forensic clearance. Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> ::Sighs:: Yes, we was aboard. I am trying not.. I am trying not to think about it too hard but, I don't have much hope. Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> ::Bites her lower lip:: He was supposed to be inspecting the manifolds. Tandaris Admiran -> ::not sure who is bristling more, the Caitian-Human hybrid or the stubborn Human doctor:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> I'm aware of that, Doctor. :: softens slightly :: We have a dedicated medical examiner beaming up to the shipyards shortly. While they'll be taking the lead on any autopsies I'm sure you will be welcome to observe. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Ah... I hope that he'd vacated. Did he have a transponder? Communicator? Was the station able to track him? Tandaris Admiran -> Yes, good. We really must get going now, shouldn't we, Doctor? ::practically doing everything except tugging on her arm:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: turns to Hunter :: A marine, eh? :: taps on her tricorder :: Good, I hate repeating orders. I suppose you can operate a camera while my technician and I process the scene? :: shoves one at him without waiting for a response :: Cptn Swain -> #Cohen> ::Shakes her head:: No, not yet. Hunter Matheson -> ::feeling like he's being deserted, afraid to move from the spot in case they tell him he disturbed something, worried about breathing or doing just about anything at this point:: Hunter Matheson -> Yes, sir. ::takes the camera, checking it out::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: Of course. As this happened on my ship, I can't help but be involved. ::Looks at Tandy, sighing. She excuses herself from the Lt. and joins Admiran.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::camera... weird... but it is digital::flips it on:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Lt:: Any particular angle, wide-screen, or otherwise? Tandaris Admiran -> ::heads away from the site with Maryse:: +Hawthorne+ Commander, Dr. Dubois and I are returning to the station after a brief side trip. I'm going to need to speak to you and Captain Cohen at your earliest convenience. Privately. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # +Tandaris+ Acknowledge. Find me in the command station when you beam back in. Maryse Dubois -> ::Is well out of Caitian earshot before she speaks again.:: I don't think she likes me. Tandaris Admiran -> ::smirks:: I don't think she likes anyone. Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> You're not Stanley Kubrick. All I need you to do is make sure that everything we do here is in frame. :: indicates a small device just above her combadge :: We have our own bodycams to record what we're doing and looking at more closely. Tandaris Admiran -> Let them have their fun, though. That place is so boring now. Hunter Matheson -> Stanley Kubrick? Tandaris Admiran -> The real question is: where did that explosive come from? ::heading for the nearest Jeffries tube:: Hunter Matheson -> No, ma'am. I'm MGSGT Hunter Matheson, ma'am. Hunter Matheson -> ::seriously serious:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: as such, bends down and marks where she can see the first of the other samples was taken, takes a second for the bodycam to get a good shot, then takes another sample :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Starts climbing down when they get to it.:: And who planted it, and if there are acomplises (sp). Cptn Swain -> ((Two Minute Warning )) Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> Exactly, I said you're NOT Stanley Kubrick. And keep in mind everything you say is being recorded. If this stuff gets used at a trial I doubt you want to be the point of interest. Tandaris Admiran -> Exactly. First stop is engineering. I need to see if our dilithium crystals are intact. Hunter Matheson -> ::makes like a tripod, still doesn't understand the Stanly Kubrick thing:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shrugs:: Tandaris Admiran -> Trilithium is volatile. It would be better, in some ways, to synthesize it aboard the ship, if the culprit could do it without being caught. Otherwise, they would need help smuggling a pre-made explosive aboard the station and then the ship. Hunter Matheson -> ::and now he knows what it's really like to be an NCO marine on a Fleet ship::: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: pulls her tricorder back out, scans it, frowns :: Hunter Matheson -> ::throw him to the hybrid cats::: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> That damned Trill. Hunter Matheson -> ::now *that's* gonna make a good recording::: Hunter Matheson -> ::keep it up, fuzzball, keep it up:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((Lol, Hunter)) Hunter Matheson -> ::gimmie a few more just like that one;;; Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> :: straightens back up, eyes lock onto Hunter :: I don't suppose your Commander mentioned trilithium, by chance? Hunter Matheson -> ::you'll make a Kubrick outta me yet:: Cptn Swain -> ...and... Hunter Matheson -> No, ma'am. Maryse Dubois -> The list of factions that could be involved in this are too numerous to name off. From criminal to militaristic. Hunter Matheson -> ::just waiting for the next comment:: Rhan K'hal -> Lt Kanakh> You'd think that would've been something to bring up, since there are traces of it. I wonder why he wouldn't. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: An explosion aboard the Excalibur has caused Commander Hawthorne to recall Excalibur crew in the area back to the orbital station. Wounded are coming in from various teams who were working aboard the Excalibur when the explosion happened. Captain Cohen and Commander Admiran have arrived at the only currently operating hard-point a bit worse-for-wear, but otherwise unharmed. Now we must sort out what has happened. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Maryse Dubois -> ::At the docking port to Excalibur and had just met up with Miranda. A medkit in hand.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::steps off the transport, bag in hand, he jogs toward the docking port, looking for Excal crew:: Hunter Matheson -> ::then he spots the doc and commander and moves in that direction, excusing himself when he pushes by several groups of gawkers::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Excalibur's docking port was a chaotic mass of people. Miranda had set up a central station to the left of the main umbilical where she was coordinating the rescue efforts.:: Doctor Dubois, I need you to set up triage here to tend to the wounded before they are taken to station medical. Hunter Matheson -> ::and he flashes his credentials at the checkpoint::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::emerges from the airlock with Captain Cohen only to see Miranda and Maryse:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Nearing the docking port with Tandaris, she looked like hell, but was at least in one piece. She winced seeing a stretcher with one of her people badly burned from a plasma relay:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Takes a deep breath, calming herself and heads towards Hawthorne:: Hunter Matheson -> ::he swallows hard as a stretcher passes, then approaches Hawthorne:: Ma'am. ::drops his bag:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods to Miranda.:: Of course. ::She then spots Tandaris and Cohen. Moving towards them, she sets her kit down and gets out the tricorder to scan them.:: How many were on board? ::Stops Tandy and begins scanning.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::submits to the scan:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Matheson. Good, I was hoping you would get here quickly. We've got a rescue effort underway and they're going to need your assistance. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Spotting Tandy and Cohen, she breathed a sigh of relief.:: Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> :shakes her head: Given the amount of work we were doing... gods... I'd say two-hundred different people on various teams. Maryse Dubois -> You've been banged up a little. Couple scratches. How do you feel? Hunter Matheson -> Shuttle, ma'am? Triage? Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Still a little taken-aback by everything:: Tandaris Admiran -> I'm in far better shape than some of the others, Doctor. But thank you. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::absently:: I am fine, thank you. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We don't yet know what happened, Matheson. Come with me. ::Moving her way toward Tandaris.:: I'm glad to see you made it out. Do you know what happened? We have several people unaccounted for on our crew and I'm sure even more from the station. Maryse Dubois -> ::Scans his head.:: No concussive damage, that's good. Admiran symbiont is fine too. Go have a seat and relax a moment to catch your breath. Hunter Matheson -> ;:Moves with her:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Moves over to Cohen and begins her scans.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> We were on our way to inspect the new plasma manifolds when we heard what... well Commander, you described it first. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::looks to him without noticing Maryse scanning her:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Hawthorne:: It sounded like one of the new plasma conduits ruptured, causing a chain reaction. Tandaris Admiran -> Do we have any data from the station's sensors? Hunter Matheson -> ::he hazards a glance out the observation window, and it doesn't look good. The stretchers and the smell along with the damage and it has all the makings of a combat zone::: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> What about Jr'ell? ::Looking towards the triage area:: Has anyone seen him? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> The station is scanning the ship now, though are getting interference from plasma blowout near the coils. I don't know what sensor data they have during the explosion. Unless they were actively scanning for repairs, they're not going to have much. I've got them looking for lifesigns right now, mostly. Maryse Dubois -> ::Finishes her scans.:: You are clear Commander, though I suggest a little rest. ::Looking around.:: Jr'ell? :;Looks to Tandy, since she hasn't met him yet.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::A suddenly worried expression:: Gods, he was supposed to be finishing the install on the manifolds. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She blinked at Cohen.:: Your chief of repairs? I haven't seen him. But then... this place is chaotic. We don't know who is or who isn't on the ship. Hunter Matheson -> ::itching to do something, 'cause standing here he feels helpless, but there's not much he can do but wait::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I need a rescue team sent in to search the area. Admiran, I want you to take Matheson with you. You know where to look. The Doctor will be going, as well. Tandaris Admiran -> Understood. Hunter Matheson -> ::teams up:: Ready, sir. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Takes another deep breath:: I am going to head to command and control and see if I find out more. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Frowns:: And get a new comm badge. Tandaris and mine aren't working. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods, picking up her medkit.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::grabs his emergency kit from its place in an outside pouch and slings it over his shoulder:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> Keep us upto date in CNC Commander. ::Straightens her uniform:: Hunter Matheson -> ::giving its contents a quick check, then secures it::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::obtains a replacement combadge, which is now the cleanest part of his uniform:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sends a message to Rhan before going in.:: A few of us are being sent in to check for survivors. I'll call you again later. Hunter Matheson -> ::Admiran:: Anything I should watch out for, sir? Tandaris Admiran -> As we get closer to the area, we might run into corridors sealed to contain plasma leaks. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded to Cohen and looked to the trio.:: I'm sending other security with you, in case you need muscle. Your comms are open and will stay that way. They're running off station frequencies. Shop communications are dead. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::makes it out of the triage area before leaning against the bulkhead and closing her eyes:: Hunter Matheson -> ::nods:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::puts on a rebreather and a flashlight in case the emergency power has failed:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slips his on, checking it for leaks, then pulls his flashlight from his kit:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Having previously been enjoying a relaxing day at a Caitian spa, she'd been rather annoyed when her R&R had been interrupted, until she learned why. Hair pulled back and eschewing her uniform jacket for work tank-top, she arrived on the scene as the trio of officers set off to Excalibur, and another round of rescue teams returned with more injured.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Hawthorne:: Can you have station ops beam us as close to the epicenter of the explosion as the radiation interference will allow? Maryse Dubois -> ::Checks her light, and puts her kit over her shoulder.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded to Admiran.:: Yes, as close as we can get you. Tag any survivors you find and get them back to the beamout site so we can transport them. Hunter Matheson -> ::notes there are few radiation covers in the area::: Hunter Matheson -> ::figures they're all in use:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::double-checks equipment, then waits for the transport:: Hunter Matheson -> ::standing by:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Admiran, Matheson, & Dubois are beamed into Excalibur in one of the engineering levels, two sections over and four levels down from where the plasma manifolds are located. Emergency lights are on, but erratic. The consoles are all dead. Conduits show signs of a massive power surge in the area. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Watches them transport out:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Miranda:: Commander. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Wipes the tears from her eyes and heads towards CNC finally:: Hunter Matheson -> ::sweeps the area with his light, looking to the commander for cues::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Shines her light around the area.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::thinking...power surge.. power surge... what could cause a power surge:::: Tandaris Admiran -> Well, we're in the right place. Tandaris Admiran -> ::opens his tricorder, which has a limited range owing to the interference:: OK, we're farther out than I'd like to be. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She turned to Ithene, putting a hand on her shoulder.:: Does it ever end? Maryse Dubois -> ::Scans for lifesigns.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::sweeps the corridor for fractures, signs of integrity loss, and anything else that might be a danger::: Hunter Matheson -> ::then sweeps the deck plating::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::She smiled, sympathetically and put a reassuring hand on Miranda's:: Growing up, we were always taught that personal adversity strengthens your soul. Ours must be made of some stern stuff by now. Tandaris Admiran -> ::takes them in the right direction, towards a tube that will let them get up towards the install site:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Maryse's scans don't show any lifesigns. They do walk by a site where two civilian workers were working on a console that exploded, killing them instantly. Maryse Dubois -> ::Frowns as she checks the workers.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::making a note of the area and any ID that might be visible:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets back up, joining the others.:: I'm not getting any lifesign readings...But that something could be causing a little interference, so I won't give up hope. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Makes it to CNC, where she'd assumed a stone face. It was nothing short of chaos, not even the organized type. She took a deep breath and went to work. They were still compiling a list of who should or who might have been on Excalibur.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::continues his sweep, keeping a close watch::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Squeezes her hand, again:: Hunter Matheson -> ::steps over bits of debris as they move along::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Waving for Ithene to join her, she returned to the temporary command post and handed her a data padd.: I need you to get me a crew count. I'd give it to K'hal, but he's planetside, still, and I haven't been able to reach him. Tandaris Admiran -> ::reaches a Jeffries tube:: Let's try ascending towards the manifold location. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: On it. Cptn Swain -> (( Two Minute Warning )) Hunter Matheson -> ::Admiran:: Want me on point? Might be a good idea. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Quietly:: Are you going to try to contact Swain? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Matheson:: Go. Hunter Matheson -> ::takes the lead, rung on rung climbing toward the manifold location:: Hunter Matheson -> ::via com:: How many levels, Commander? Tandaris Admiran -> Four, I believe. Tandaris Admiran -> Assuming our way is unobstructed. Hunter Matheson -> Coming up on level one.... Hunter Matheson -> ::moves on, but not before checking the area:: Watch for debris. Hunter Matheson -> On level two... Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets on the ladder and starts climbing.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::one rung gives out, leaving him hanging::: Hold! Maryse Dubois -> ::Hugs the ladder.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::swings back to grab the next rung::: Okay. Solid from here to level three. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Maryse's tricorder detects heightened levels of radiation, but within acceptable ranges. However, it also detects elevated levels of epsilon radiation, which would not be common for the type of explosion. Cptn Swain -> ...and... Hunter Matheson -> Level three. Moving toward four. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 1127.2016 An explosion aboard the Excalibur has caused Commander Hawthorne to recall Excalibur crew in the area back to the orbital station. Wounded are coming in from various teams who were working aboard the Excalibur when the explosion happened. Captain Cohen and Commander Admiran have arrived at the only currently operating hard-point a bit worse-for-wear, but otherwise unharmed. Now we must sort out what has happened.

SD 1120.2016 Repairs and refits on Excalibur continue, though there have been several delays; some of them are of the ordinary sort and to be expected with such extensive operations, while others have been less... ordinary. Engineering has been asked to assist providing additional manpower, while other members of the crew continue to settle into their alternate assignments.

SD 1113.2016 Excalibur is undergoing an extensive repair and refit at the orbital yards on Cait following the Battle of the Wormhole. Captain Swain continues to be on extended leave, putting Commander Hawthorne in command while the refit continues. Many of the Excalibur's crew have chosen to be stationed on Cait while the work is underway and continue to find their way, while Engineering is working with the facilities civilian and mostly Caitian personnel. During their initial meeting, Captain Cerra Cohen, the facilities manager mentioned they had experienced uncharacteristic delays as of late. So far through the first week, Excalibur has not yet to have one -- though several other projects have had 'incidents' which have taken resources away from Excalibur.

MISSION BRIEF: Repairs and refits on Excalibur continue, though there have been several delays; some of them are of the ordinary sort and to be expected with such extensive operations, while others have been less... ordinary. Engineering has been asked to assist providing additional manpower, while other members of the crew continue to settle into their alternate assignments. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::assigned to SF JSOC, collaborating with Caitian groups::: Rhan K'hal -> :: at work for the second day at the survival training base based out of Rahj'ret, playing solitaire on his monitor since his job description pretty much reads "wait to see if any of the cadets activates their emergency beacon" and not much else :: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::On her way to Excalibur to inspect new plasma manifolds being installed:: Hunter Matheson -> ::in a tactical training room, exchanging ideas on tactical maneuvers, how they vary from one species to another:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::On Excalibur, trying to figure out how he got tricked into letting Tandaris and his minion poke their nose into the repairs. All he needed was another nosy engineer making things more difficult for him.:: Rhan K'hal -> Mren> :: taking in a play in Ahrlisst, the Caitian equivalent to both Hollywood and Broadway combined :: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::stops by engineering first, looking for the Trill or Miranda:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::also on Excalibur, having sent Chocox off to grab some components:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::in engineering, albeit kind of hidden away:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sitting in her temporary quarters, typing up a message.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Is tipped off to Tandaris' hiding spot:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Rounds a corner:: Commander.::smiles, curtly, her burning red hair swaying gently as she did:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::Alone in the JT junction in engineering, he paused in his work, glancing down the corridor to listen. Nothing? Hearing things, he guessed, he glanced the other way and then continued.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks up:: Ah, hello, Captain. Hunter Matheson -> ::eventually the instructor moves them to the combat training room, instructs them to change into their training gear, and Kal realizes he's about to be skinned alive:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> I hope you're not too busy. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> I was hoping we could inspect those new plasma manifolds that were installed yesterday afternoon. ::She paused, flattening her uniform out of habit:: They're a relatively new design, and the first time they've been installed on an Akira-class, as I understand it. Hunter Matheson -> ::but the Caits are geared up with training gloves that pad their claws and assure him with a big toothy grin that they don't bite. much::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::hops up, brushes hands against uniform:: Sure. Lead the way. Rhan K'hal -> :: has a short conversation with Colonel Ahdit, the Andorian base commander, about the weather; which isn't just passing conversation when you have cadets outs training on how to survive harsh elements, in this case arid conditions with plenty of predators :: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::nods:: I think Jr'e... ::she paused, almost flushing:: Foreman Se'lar reported that he was pleased with the installation. Tandaris Admiran -> ::as he walks along:: Aside from the delays, I don't have any complaints about the quality of work of your people here. They seem quite dedicated and proficient. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::Putting his things away hastily, he cleaned up, closed up the console, and wiped everything down. Grabbing his bag, he stoop-crawled his way out of the JT.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: appreciates with amusement that an Andorian is in charge of the hot and dry training base - wonders whether Ahdit is a masochist or if this is a punishment assignment :: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Nods:: They work hard and take their work seriously. I assure you no one has taken these delays harder than they have. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Stops as she waits for the lift:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slowly and methodically, the trainers work one on one, moving systematically through each maneuver, then instructing them to take it in slo-mo::: Tandaris Admiran -> I(How would I tell if a Caitian flushes?)) Cptn Swain -> ( She's human! ) Tandaris Admiran -> ((Oh)) Maryse Dubois -> ::Finishes up her message to Tandaris and sends it.:: Please, please, please make sure station engineering doesn't move anything in sickbay. Not a single biobed out of place. I know they have a habit of adjusting things to new specs, but I have sickbay just the way I want it. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> And, I am told that your crew have been helpful. I know that sometimes the local Caitians can be a little... protective of their turf, but we're still largely on schedule thanks to you guys. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::holds the lift door for Tandaris:: Hunter Matheson -> ::the instructor pairs him with a Caitian female, and they go through the motions slowly, the Cait showing him the most vulnerable spots and several different pressure points, guaranteed to disable::: Hunter Matheson -> (afk) Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Lift:: Deck ## Maryse Dubois -> ::Has the computer play some classical music as she moves over to the couch. She relaxes while looking over case reports and reports from some of her staff that is away.:: Tandaris Admiran -> I'm just looking forward to having Excalibur operational again. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> An explosion rocks Excalibur. Power across the ship flickers and goes out, leaving Cohen and Admiran in a dead lift and in the dark. Tandaris Admiran -> ::stumbles into Cohen as they fall against one side of the lift:: Oh, not again. Annisha -> (I did not do it) Hunter Matheson -> (bak) Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Falls on top of Admiran, her face planting onto his:: Tandaris Admiran -> Oomph! Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Blinks in the darkness, and politely tries to separate herself from the Trill:: Hunter Matheson -> ::they move to their mat and move slowly through each maneuver, she correcting him when he's about to die, and he pretty much appreciates that::: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> What was that? Tandaris Admiran -> It _sounded_ to me like a plasma manifold rupturing after being tested with a live flow. Tandaris Admiran -> Junction overloads sound tinnier and usually leave a faint smell of cinnamon. Rhan K'hal -> :: not for the first time, ponders the training regimen here; most 'Fleet cadets end up going through the course in Ethiopa on earth while the cadets going through Rahj'rat are the hard hitters going into heavy infantry training, undercover intelligence etc. Which in no case includes him, thankfully. Even as a Cait he wouldn't want to trek through the desert and then up into the Duraht :: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Lifts her brows:: Why would there be a live flow in them. ::Ignores the Trill's other comment:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Medical alert sounds on the orbital facility. Hunter Matheson -> ::she places his hand against the pressure point, demonstrating where his grip was and where it should be, then they move through that maneuver again:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::taps her commbadge:: +CNC+ Cohen to CNC come in. Cptn Swain -> ((someone give me a number 1-10 )) Tandaris Admiran -> I assume someone activated them before we did our inspection. ::stands, inspects the TL panel:: Rhan K'hal -> (( 2 )) Tandaris Admiran -> ((6)) Hunter Matheson -> ::slowly he steps, grabs, kneels, presses, throws::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sits up as she hears alarms going off.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::In her office on the station, Miranda glanced up at the alert and tapped her console, searching for details on the emergency.:: Please don't be Excalibur. Please don't be Excalibur. Please don't be Excalibur. FRACK! ::Her fist thumped the desk.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::she rolls to a stand to do it once more:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Looks down, taps her commbadge again:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Frowns:: Lovely. Must have shorted out. Hunter Matheson -> ::this time, step... twist... kneel... grab.. throw;;; Hunter Matheson -> ::she rolls to a stand and nods:: Hunter Matheson -> ::one more time, slowly:: Tandaris Admiran -> The controls are quite dead, which is strange. Tandaris Admiran -> There must be damage to the entire section given that we're on umbilical power. Rhan K'hal -> :: thankfully oblivious to the problems in high orbit, applies himself once again to the solitaire, trying to beat the high score of the officer whose position he is filling while she's on maternity leave :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::tries his combadge:: Admiran to CnC. Admiran to anyone who can hear me. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Nods:: It might have severed the umbilical connection. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Tandaris' comm badge is also dead. Tandaris Admiran -> Well, we're going to have to take the slow way out. Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets up, grabbing a uniform from her closet and changes.:: +Station CnC+ This is Dr. Dubois from Excalibur, I heard the alarms go off. Does your staff require any help? Hunter Matheson -> ::then she ups the tempo::: Cptn Swain -> CNC> +DuBois+ We could use an extra hand in the infirmary. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Admiran+ Hawthorne to Admiran. ::Gets that flat tone commbadges always sound when the line is dead.:: Maryse Dubois -> +CNC+ Understood. Can you say what happened to trigger the alarm? Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Frowns:: There should be magnetic servo around here somewhere. Maryse Dubois -> ::Leaves her quarters.:: Cptn Swain -> CNC> +DuBois+ There was an explosion on the Excalibur. We had a number of teams aboard, still trying to find out what happened. Tandaris Admiran -> ::uses the manual release to open the door on the off chance they stopped near a deck:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Trying not to over analyze before she gets to the infirmary.:: Cptn Swain -> (( give me a number between 1-20 tandy )) Hunter Matheson -> ::and then full out::: Tandaris Admiran -> ((13)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Strides out of her office, heading for the linkage to the Excalibur.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The lift stopped halfway between decks. Maryse Dubois -> ::Shes sends a message to Rhan.:: Explosion on Excalibur. No details yet. I'm headed to station infirmary to help. CnC says there were teams on board. Might be some of ours. Hunter Matheson -> ::and after a few times in flat out mode, she stops to demonstrate the common countermeasures::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Enters the infirmary.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> At the primary airlock, station security is in full-force along with medical teams trying to move both starfleet and civilian personnel out. The lights on Excalibur are flickering. Hunter Matheson -> (the others haven't gotten the message, right?) Tandaris Admiran -> ::reaches for the manual release on the escape hatch at the top of the car:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::gives Tandaris a boost:: Rhan K'hal -> :: hears the little mouse-squeak sound he has on his PADD for non-work related messages, pulls it out and reads through Maryse's message :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks for the infirmary CMO.:: Rhan K'hal -> For the love of... they really should just give us a new one. Tandaris Admiran -> ::pops the hatch, climbs out onto the roof, then offers his hand down to Cohen:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Seeing the chaos, she sent a message to all Excalibur crew that were assigned to the station, informing them of the issue and ordering them to contact her.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Takes his hand:: Rhan K'hal -> :: messages back to Maryse :: "Understood. Stay safe and keep me posted." Hunter Matheson -> ::then they start again, slowly, this time with her counter maneuvers::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets a beep on her PADD.:: +Miranda+ Commander, I've already heard and am in the station infirmary to assist. But if they need more for rescue teams, I am willing since I know my way around. Tandaris Admiran -> ::hoists Cohen up, then grabs the ladder on the interior of the shaft and begins the climb:: Hopefully not too many people got hurt. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Maryse+ Thank you. I need a crew count, first and foremost. Hunter Matheson -> ::eventually she brings him up to speed, and the fun begins:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Nods:: Gods be good, yes. Maryse Dubois -> +Miranda+ Rhan is on the surface, but Tandaris was on the ship last I knew. He may still be on board. Tandaris Admiran -> ::reaches the deck above, hits the manual release and the climbs out, looks around to see if this deck has power:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Maryse+ I'm heading there now to find him. Maryse Dubois -> +Miranda+ I'll meet you at the docking port. You may need me just in case. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Power is offline, but chemical batteries are up with emergency lighting. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> They must have pulled the umbilical power. Maryse Dubois -> ::Grabs a medkit and makes her way out of the infirmary. She starts heading for the Excal docking port.:: Cptn Swain -> (( two minute warning )) Tandaris Admiran -> I assume standard emergency response would have the station sending in teams. We should make our way back to the airlock. Hunter Matheson -> ::the session is finished, and she peels him off the mat with encouraging words then they walk to the lockers:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Nods:: Yes Cptn Swain -> ...and... Hunter Matheson -> ::and he enjoys a long, hot shower before changing into his gear for the next class::: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur is undergoing an extensive repair and refit at the orbital yards on Cait following the Battle of the Wormhole. Captain Swain continues to be on extended leave, putting Commander Hawthorne in command while the refit continues. Many of the Excalibur's crew have chosen to be stationed on Cait while the work is underway and continue to find their way, while Engineering is working with the facilities civilian and mostly Caitian personnel. During their initial meeting, Captain Cerra Cohen, the facilities manager mentioned they had experienced uncharacteristic delays as of late. So far through the first week, Excalibur has not yet to have one -- though several other projects have had 'incidents' which have taken resources away from Excalibur. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Tandaris Admiran -> ::enjoying a brief meal as he reads reports:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Making her rounds, on her way to Excalibur to make a quick inspection:: Rhan K'hal -> :: at the Rahj'ret transport hub waiting for his sister to materialize :: William Chocox -> ::is eating as he looks over what he has to do:: Maryse Dubois -> ::At one of the parks in Rahj'ret, doing a little exploring.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::In the office they'd set aside for her on the station, Miranda had dozens upon dozens of requests to review, each one for a different department or particular piece of work that needed to be done on the Excalibur. She was managing it, so far, but it was eating her days away.:: Rhan K'hal -> Mren> :: arrives on the pad, sees Rhan and squeals, hurtling herself down the steps to pounce on him :: Rhan K'hal -> Oof! Rhan K'hal -> Isn't this a little undignified for a Ph.D.? Rhan K'hal -> Mren> I'm on vacation! Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::The Caitian arrived in the mess hall, searching for the engineers he was to meet. Spotting Admiran and Chocox, he approached their table, tail swishing.:: Greetings. I am Jr'ell Sa'larr, the senior foreman on the Excalibur refit. Tandaris Admiran -> ::makes some notes, frowning as he sees how slow the progress is:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Jr'ell:: Hello there. Please, sit down. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Inspecting some of the crates being unloaded for Excalibur's construction, makes a note on her PADD:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Stops and views one of the statues. She reads the plaque, noticing it was from a french sculptor.:: William Chocox -> How are you doing? Rhan K'hal -> :: holds his sister at arm's length and gives her a look over :: You're still looking thin. Mother says I'm supposed to force-feed you. Rhan K'hal -> Mren> :: rolls her eyes with a tail flick :: I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself. Rhan K'hal -> :: grins :: I wouldn't try. I have more scars from you than I do Mreh and Hakran combined. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> I am well. ::Inclines his head at the engineers. He took a seat, waving to one of the servers to bring him a drink.:: I trust that you have been following our progress? William Chocox -> Yes, I have been. Rhan K'hal -> Mren> Damn right. :: fanged, yet pretty smile :: Speaking of food, I could use some lunch. Something was seriously wrong with the replicators on that transport. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Shown another set of supplies, signs off on them and then moves on after looking at her watch:: Rhan K'hal -> There's a place right around the block. :: takes Mren's single bag, the rest of her checked luggage being cargoed down and delivered :: Rhan K'hal -> Mren> How's the temporary job? :: hip bumps Rhan into motion :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sits down on a park bench near the statue and does a little people watching.:: Rhan K'hal -> Boring as hell. :: starts out of the transport hub, begins cutting through a part of the park between here and the restaurant :: Most of the day I don't even have to open a channel. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Jr'ell:: Is there anything we can do to improve the rate at which we're overhauling the power distribution system? I see this is the third time in a week the schedule has been revised—extended—because of a personnel shortage. William Chocox -> That is a fairly important system. Rhan K'hal -> Mren> From what father has said, that's good. You could use some easy work for a change. Rhan K'hal -> Bah. I like keeping busy, you know that. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Rounds a corner deciding to grab something to eat before her in next inspection, when her comm badge beeps:: +COMM+ Cohen here, go ahead. Rhan K'hal -> Mren> :: wry smile :: You know mom isn't here to ride herd on you anymore, you can relax. Rhan K'hal -> Old habits die hard. Rhan K'hal -> :: notes a familiar scent on the breeze, takes a different fork in the path :: Cptn Swain -> El'Sen> +Cohen+ Captain, we've had an accident aboard the Reno. It appears that when they went to bring a new section of EPS conduits online, there was a feed back loop that caused the entire system to overload. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::He hissed under his breath.:: We're doing what we can. We have so many ships and so few people. Unfortunately, we've had a few transfers recently because of... accidents. Nothing on the Excalibur, however. I'd say other than the labor shortages, the progress has been rather smooth. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles as an elderly pair of Caits walk by.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> +El'Sen+ Nine gods. ::She closed her eyes for a moment:: Was anyone hurt? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> Perhaps our only other issue has been acquiring the materials we need. Shipping has been a bit slower than normal. Rhan K'hal -> Mren> We're going deeper into the park. Which I assume is farther away from food. You don't want me to use claws, do you? Cptn Swain -> El'Sen> +Cohen+ No, ma'am. Luckily only a few of the work crew were aboard today, but this will set us back considerably. It will also mean delaying work on the ESP conduits on Excalibur and Anthony Eden. William Chocox -> Alright... Rhan K'hal -> :: holds up a paw to shush his sister as he spots the back of a familiar brown-haired head sitting on a bench, cuts through the grass to sneak up behind her :: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> +El'Sen+ Unacceptable. We're already delayed on the Excalibur we'll just have to delay the Anthony Eden longer and do them one at time, Cptn Swain -> El'Sen> +Cohen+ Yes ma'am. El'Sen out. Rhan K'hal -> :: speaks in Maryse's ear as he gets directly behind her :: I hope you're not feeding the birds, they get greedy. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::leans against a bulkhead closing her eyes:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Jr'ell:: Why did Starfleet send Excalibur here for its refit if your shipyards are so busy? Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles.:: Nope. No birds here. I would have imagined they would have all been chased away by now. William Chocox -> Closest one? Rhan K'hal -> :: walks around to the front side of the bench, with Mren right on his tail; her pretty face reflects her curiosity as she looks at Maryse :: Tandaris Admiran -> There are at least three facilities closer to DS9 than Cait. Tandaris Admiran -> I assumed it was because of the extent and experience available here. Tandaris Admiran -> ::pushes food around on his plate:: Starting to wonder if Excalibur is not as big a priority as we thought. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::He scratched his fur with one extended claw, then smoothed down the scruff about his neck.:: Because all of the shipyards are this busy. ::He grinned, baring his fangs.:: You came from GQ, right? So did a good quarter of the fleet. And everyone involved in whatever battle you were in had to be patched up. Plus, there have been a few skirmishes out the outlying borders with raiders. Everyone's slammed -- Anteres, Luna, UP -- they're all hurting. We had to divert some of our people to other yards, in fact. Maryse Dubois -> ::Stands as she sees Mren.:: Oh, you must be Rhan's sister. ::Remembered seeing her in one of the family pictures in his apartment.:: Cptn Swain -> (( Actually it was so Swain could get three months of vacation in, but you don't know whtat. )) Tandaris Admiran -> Hmmm Tandaris Admiran -> Hmmmmmmmmmm Tandaris Admiran -> ::picks up his teacup very slowly:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::straightens her uniform and heads for the mess:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::takes a long, deliberate sip:: Rhan K'hal -> Mren> :: extends her paw :: And you must be Rhan's... :: casts a mischievous look his way for a second :: ...friend. Tandaris Admiran -> ::sets his teacup down on the table and looks at Jr'ell:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::His fur bristled.:: Excuse me, but ALL of our ships are priority. You just aren't the only ones. We're doing our best. ::Visibly annoyed at the implication that he wasn't doing his job, his tail swished.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Jr'ell:: Let me put it this way. I'm getting _bored_. Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes the paw.:: Maryse. I'm the CMO on Excalibur. Tandaris Admiran -> You wouldn't like me when I'm bored. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> Then maybe you and your crew could help, instead of sitting on your butts doing nothing. ::He looked between Admiran and Chocox.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::spots the Excalibur crew and Jr'ell, also noticing his tail swish:: Oh dear. Tandaris Admiran -> Ah-hah! ::jumps to his feet, picks up his teacup, downs the rest of the hot beverage in one gulp:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::chokes somewhat, coughs:: I thought you'd never ask! Tandaris Admiran -> Absolutely delighted to be working with you. Come on, Chocox. We have work to do! Maryse Dubois -> ((Careful with that tea. No Doc around.)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> I've got better things to do than entertain a coupl... ::Reels at Tandy's sudden movement, almost falling backwards in his chair. His superior reflexes kept him from falling, however. He did hiss as he leapt to his feet.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Lifts her brow at what appears to be happening, but keeps a safe distance:: Rhan K'hal -> Mren> Nice to meet you, Maryse. I'm Mren K'hal, Ph.D. Sorry, I just got it, I can't help announcing it to the world every time I get the opportunity. Maybe I'll get over it in a month or twenty. William Chocox -> ::slowly gets up and follows Tandy:: Rhan K'hal -> :: interjects under his breath :: Twenty-thousand. Tandaris Admiran -> ((Engineers have to be invited in, but once invited you can never get rid of us)) Rhan K'hal -> Mren> :: elbows Rhan :: William Chocox -> Have a good day. Maryse Dubois -> ::Grins.:: I completely understand. ::Quietly and with a smirk.:: And it never goes away. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: I've got some ideas for drones we could build that would speed up the EPS installation. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Makes her way over to the Cait once the two Excalibur crew had left in a hurry:: William Chocox -> Ooh, fun. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::Puffed up, he stared and then shrugged, smoothing down his fur. He was about to follow, but caught sight of Cohen and paused.:: William Chocox -> I promise to make them non-explosive. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Jr'ell, smirking:: You seem to be enjoying yourself. Rhan K'hal -> Mren> :: giggles :: Rhan was supposed to take me to lunch before he sniffed you out. Would you care to join us? I'm supposed to grill you for information, assess your character and report back to our mother anyway. Tandaris Admiran -> Good. The 12-step program is working, I see. Rhan K'hal -> :: squawks :: Mren! Maryse Dubois -> ::Gives Rhan a curious look.:: Sure. Lunch sounds great. Rhan K'hal -> Mren> Great! :: hip bumps Rhan into motion again :: Lead on! Tandaris Admiran -> ::making his way towards Excalibur:: I knew that if I poked around too overtly Sa'larr and his crew might see me as a nuisance. Tandaris Admiran -> I mean, they'll still probably see me as a nuisance, but this way they can't say they didn't ask me to be involved. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::He huffed.:: Not likely. I'm so tired of having to deal with bored, cranky uniforms. I wish they'd just get lost on the planet for a bit. Go get eaten by something in the wild. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> Now, now. You can't blame them. Imagine having someone else working on your ship for weeks at a time, while all you can do is sit around and watch. Rhan K'hal -> :: leads on, because he has little choice; turns and expertly walks backward down the path, says apologetically to Maryse :: She takes after our mother. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::Grumbles.:: That's why I've been saying that the station needs more pleasure spas. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> Or paid babysitters. William Chocox -> Aren't we supposed to be a nuisance? And who said anything about a 12-step program? Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Sighs:: There's been another... delay on the Reno. EPS conduit foul up. ::Frowns:: You'll want to inspect the parts for Excalibur twice, since they'll be from the same lot. Maryse Dubois -> ::Giggles.:: After the stories I've heard, I would almost be afraid to meet her. Tandaris Admiran -> I'm supposed to be a nuisance. You're still a nuisance-in-training. Tandaris Admiran -> And I put you on a 12-step program to cure you of your dangerous obsession with explosives. William Chocox -> Making explosives for fun isn't being a nuisance? Cptn Swain -> )) Two Minute Warning (( Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> Another! ::Growling now.:: If we didn't have another choice, I'd stop accepting the parts shipments. Seems like we're getting shoddy work more often. I know it isn't our installation! We've double and triple checked those. Tandaris Admiran -> ::sighs:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> I know, but every time we've inspected after there's been nothing wrong with the parts either. Rhan K'hal -> How I feel every time I go home. As for Mren's little... interrogation. :: coughs :: Mother's spy-net has somehow heard about our spending time together... :: embarrassed ear droop :: ...and she likes to jump the gun a bit. Rhan K'hal -> Mren> Mother's obsessed with getting grandkittens. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> Just make sure nothing happens with the Exclalibur. Their XO is an engineer and... well that Chief of Engineering is a handful. William Chocox -> ::smirks and chuckles:: Rhan K'hal -> :: sing-song to Mren :: Not helping. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> Yea, I just learned that. He just tricked me into letting him help with the repairs. Maryse Dubois -> Ah...::Visibly turning a little red. Something she doesn't do too often.:: I see... Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Scowls:: I got a note from his Captain. It said something about keeping an eye on him and not letting him install another cloaking device. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> ::He threw up his paws.:: Great, now I'm going to have to babysit *him*. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Grins:: You always wanted kittens didn't you. Rhan K'hal -> :: to Maryse :: So... welcome to the awkward world of my family. Tandaris Admiran -> ((Did they take out our cloaking device? Awww man.)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Jr'ell Sa'larr> As if I didn't have enough to do. ::Tail lash.:: Yes, but they'd be much cuter than that Trill! Tandaris Admiran -> ((It's OK, I'll just install an obvious cloaking device to disguise the fact I've installed an actual cloaking device.)) Cptn Swain -> ...and... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Now we know what to look for. )) Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has arrived undertow after several weeks to the sprawling shipyards high above Cait to undergo significant repairs. Although the repairs will be technically led by the dock crews, Excalibur's crew that have decided to stay will assist and supervise as needed. Captain Swain is on extended leave, placing Commander Miranda Hawthorn as the senior officer. Excalibur's crew have been assigned quarters in the large administration complex in orbit and are free to explore Cait at their leisure. Engineering, however, have been schedule to meet with Captain Cerra Cohen, the shipyard administrator. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Maryse Dubois -> ::In her temporary room, making things are to her liking.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Having checked into the Caitian Hilton after several weeks on Risa with Miranda, Ithene was feeling even more jovial than usual.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::attempting to find the meeting room:: Hunter Matheson -> ::wandering the complex, getting the lay of the land:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Moves a couple decorative items around. She pauses a moment to take a step back.:: Hmm... Rhan K'hal -> :: on Cait, in his apartment in the small city of Rahj'ret where a nearby Starfleet survival training base is located :: Tandaris Admiran -> I think I passed that door before. ::frowns:: Hunter Matheson -> ::he pokes his head into a few stores::: Tandaris Admiran -> Oh, here we go. ::enters the meeting room:: Rhan K'hal -> :: as he had only to unpack his pair of duffels to be moved in, stands with his paws on his hips, looking around at his temporary home :: Mom was right, this is nice. :: frowns :: I hate that. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Waiting patiently in the observation lounge, wich happened to have a panorama of the Excalibur in dry-dock berthed next to a Norway-class vessel under construction:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda entered the meeting room a few moments after Tandaris, nose stuck in her data padd and only half paying attention to where she was going. When she reached the lounge, she stopped and glanced up to the window, frowning at the sight of the battered ship.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::After a couple more adjustments, she was finally satisfied.:: Finally. ::She checks the chronometer.:: Plenty of daylight left planetside. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Smiles, brushing away a strand of her bright red hair:: Rhan K'hal -> :: as his temp job doesn't start for another 10 days, is decked out in what goes for casual attire for Caits, especially in the wide savanna belt: nothing but a pair of short shorts :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Cohen:: Captain. Hunter Matheson -> ::there's not much in the stores to catch his interest, and though some of the salespeople are pretty pushy, he backs off and leaves::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: Commander. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> ::Dressed in her civvies, Barbara strode across the admin complex, heading for the transport station.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: wonders what his various friends and colleagues are up to :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded to Admiran and then to Cohen.:: A sad sight, she is. ::Gesturing to the ship.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Nods:: Yes, but we'll have her right in no time I am sure. Maryse Dubois -> ::Grabbing a couple of items, she left her quarters to find the nearest transporter room.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Motions for them to have a seat:: Coffee, Altair water? Anything? Hunter Matheson -> ::he stops to check out the directory, and there's not much of interest, so he moves on::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Leaning against the windows of the lounge near her quarters, she thought she saw an ensign eyeing her, but didn't let on:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> ::Spotting Kal meandering, she diverted for an intercept.:: Chief? You lost or just exploring? Hunter Matheson -> ::he finally gives up, returns to his quarters, and gears up for a hike on Cait, hoping he can get his head on straight somewhere in the mountains:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::grabs a cup of coffee and takes a seat:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Just water for me. ::Takes a seat, putting down her padd.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> Thank you both for coming. As you can see, we're pretty busy at the moment. We've got two refits underway on Ambassador-classes, and four new Norway-classes underway. We're also finsihing up three New Orleans. ::Returns from the replicator with two glasses of water and sits one near Miranda:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Finding the transporter room, she gives the chief coordinates for the Rahj'ret transporter hub. Once she stepped up on the pad, she gave the order.:: Energize. ::Shimmers.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> Obviously Excalibur will have fairly high priority for us, but just so you know what we've got working. Tandaris Admiran -> I don't think we're in any particular hurry. Rhan K'hal -> :: lounges in his apartment with some music on; figures people know how to use a comm or ring a doorbell if anyone wants or needs him :: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Frowns:: We should have been done with the Baton Rouge and the San Diego a few weeks ago, but we've had a few unexpected delays with both... but I won't bore you with my problems. Maryse Dubois -> ::Arrives at Rahj'ret hub. She steps off the pad, and moves to find the building's exit.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> ::Not able to catch him before he left, she continued on to transport, giving them her coordinates.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::not long after, he is standing on a promontory overlooking a valley, temperate mountain. he's dressed in temperate mountain gear, backpack loaded for several weeks' survival:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::nods sagely, as if this offhanded mention by an NPC totally isn't some kind of tip-off that something untowards is happening behind the scenes and will come back to bite them all later:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::forces a smile:: Anyway, I'll be assigning one of my more senior foremen, Jr'ell Sa'larr to assist. He should be stopping by this afternoon to meet with you. Cptn Swain -> (( lol )) Hunter Matheson -> ::judging the height of the peak, he figures it will take a few days to reach it and plans the hike accordingly::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::weaker smile—more meetings, great!:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> I had a chance to look at some of your uh... ::forces another smile:: requested modifications to be included in the upgrades. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She turned a curious eye upon Tandaris.:: Modifications? Maryse Dubois -> ::When she exits the building, she stand before an ornate fountain flanked by a couple statues.:: Impressive. ::She watches the water dance around a moment, before finally digging into her small purse for her comm. She gives Rhan a call.:: Rhan K'hal -> Caitian Tourism Association> :: has a nice digital pamphlet about hiking in the Duraht mountains, which helpfully includes warnings about the nu'Khaja, a distant cousin of Caits that is still very much a quadrupedal predator with big teeth :: Hunter Matheson -> ::and he begins the climb::: Tandaris Admiran -> To be fair, some of them come from Mr. Matheson. He is rather big on … "safety" ::does the air quotes:: Hunter Matheson -> ::completely aware of the predatory nature of Caits::: Rhan K'hal -> +Maryse+ :: pulls up the comm on the wall monitor :: Hey there. Tandaris Admiran -> But yes. I believe we can make some modifications at the structural level that could improve systems performance noticeably. Warp coils, for example, have come a long way since ours were last replaced. Hunter Matheson -> ::especially when they wing a thinly-veiled cautionary note his way::: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::smiles, diffusingly:: Some of them will not be a problem... though a few of them...well we'll have to see how the other repairs go. Maryse Dubois -> +Rhan+ Hey. Did I catch you napping? ::Watching the little water spouts jump from pool to pool.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> I'd like for you to specifically rank order your wishlist, you and Jr'ell can sort out the details. Hunter Matheson -> ::and he wonders who is the more dangerous, the one that can type or the one that can eat you::: Rhan K'hal -> +Maryse+ Just relaxing, enjoying five minutes without another call from my mother. I take it you've beamed down somewhere. I don't remember the administration facility having tinkling water. Unless you're calling from a loo. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Purses lips:: Except for this one, Mister Admiran. I can tell you *this* one is uh... ::points to an item:: I can't approve this one. Tandaris Admiran -> ::intentionally padded his list with stuff he didn't really want for exactly this reason:: Maryse Dubois -> ::laughs.:: +Rhan+ I just left the city transport hub, and seemed to have stumbled into a park. Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks at the item, then sighs:: Well, it was a long shot. But it would have been so nice. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> Or this one. ::Shakes her head:: This one I am pretty sure would get us all sent to the stockade. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda leaned back, nodding. She trusted that the administration would have things well in hand, though she'd be keeping a close eye on what they did allow.:: About these delays... Hunter Matheson -> (What? She nixed the still?) Rhan K'hal -> +Maryse+ Ah, yes. Rahj'ret is where Starfleet has its biggest on-planet presence, so it's all prettied up. And the statues have clothes on. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::glances:: Yes? Maryse Dubois -> +Rhan+ Yeah I noticed that. A little odd, honestly. Hunter Matheson -> ::he eventually comes to a 50m cliff, takes his time to rig his climbing gear, and begins the climb::: Hunter Matheson -> ::all the while, sending his hiking plan to his quarters, just in case he's eaten or some such:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> What's causing the hold up? Our crew is enjoying a bit of leave, but we really don't want to be here forever -- as nice as it may be. Our engineering staff is working in conjunction with station personnel. Is it a question of needing more manpower? Rhan K'hal -> +Maryse+ :: chuckles :: So what are you in the mood for? If you want to lounge, my apartment has really cushy chairs. There are some nice restaurants around. The park system is extensive, goes all the way out of the city into a wildlife preserve for safaris. Or if you want to go through the surivival course, I'm sure the base commander would let you. Hunter Matheson -> ::but after what he's been through, he figures that wouldn't be such a bad ending::: Maryse Dubois -> +Rhan+ All of that sounds nice, but I would like to see your place first. I even got you a house warming gift. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Sigs, taking a drink of water:: Nothing too major, honestly. Just a few unexpected delays. We had a problem with a new plasma flow regulator we installed on the San Diego that caused an overload lost a couple weeks of work replacing all the burned out relays. Rhan K'hal -> +Maryse+ Aww. Come on over. Lemme zip the directions over to you. It's only about 1km from the central hub. :: sends along the directions :: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> On the Baton Rouge we had to reinstall a bunch of ODN fiberworks. Rhan K'hal -> +Maryse+ There's a moped shed on the south side, you can check one out with your Starfleet credentials, make it easier. Hunter Matheson -> ::he pitches for the night at the top of the cliff and enjoys the sunset before FF crashes again::: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> We've also had some delays in the various raw material processing centers in the asteroid belt but... those are somewhat out of our hands. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> The Caitian civilian government handles that aspect of the operation. At any rate, the ODN network failure and the regulator appear to be isolated incidents. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks at the directions.:: +Rhan+ Alright. I'll be there soon. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Were the incidents investigated? We don't want faulty parts in our ship. Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Tries to avoid a terse reply and nods:: Yes, as I said they appear to have been isolated incidents; but you're free to inspect any part. Cptn Swain -> (( 2 minute warning )) Rhan K'hal -> :: hauls himself out of his chair to meander to the kitchenette; gets some refreshments around like a good host :: Rhan K'hal -> :: at least hasn't lived here long enough to mess it up ... yet :: Hunter Matheson -> ::sets perimeter alarms around the tent, then settles in::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> If not faulty parts, then I'd blame shoddy work -- and I hope that isn't the case. ::Bites back a sigh, having added yet another thing she'd have to keep an eye on.:: Cptn Swain -> Cohen> ::Frowns, but decides to let the point go.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::After a short trip, she arrives at Rhan's apartment. Gives the door a buzz.:: Rhan K'hal -> (( stop impugning the integrity of the people that'll be screwing our ship together! )) Maryse Dubois -> ((haha)) Rhan K'hal -> It's open! Cptn Swain -> Cohen> Anyway, I am glad you two stopped by... I have a meeting with Captain Cuzare of the Bolivar. Se'lar will see you at the Excalibur this afternoon. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Engineers trust no one! )) Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps in, holding a nice looking bottle in her hands. She looks around the room.:: Cptn Swain -> ...and... Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 1106.2016 Excalibur has arrived undertow after several weeks to the sprawling shipyards high above Cait to undergo significant repairs. Although the repairs will be technically led by the dock crews, Excalibur's crew that have decided to stay will assist and supervise as needed. Captain Swain is on extended leave, placing Commander Miranda Hawthorn as the senior officer. Excalibur's crew have been assigned quarters in the large administration complex in orbit and are free to explore Cait at their leisure. Engineering, however, have been schedule to meet with Captain Cerra Cohen, the shipyard administrator.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur's senior staff (that's you) have been enjoying several days of leave at Deep Space 9 following the Battle of the Wormhole, while an extensive review of Excalibur condition has been completed to determine salvageability. Senior staff have been called to a meeting in DS9's ward room. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ::nervously paces the wardroom:: Rhan K'hal -> :: makes his way into the ward room and finds a seat :: Keep this up I'm going to start to think I work here. Maryse Dubois -> ::Finds herself back in the ward room, sans dress uniform this time.:: Cptn Swain -> ::drinking a cup of tea, on his way to the ward room:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes a seat.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::having been dragged from his buddies, he wanders toward the ward room, wondering what they'll hear this time:: Rhan K'hal -> :: pops a mint and sits back in his seat :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Pulling her hair up into regulation form as she entered the room:: Good morning. William Chocox -> That is yet to be determined. Hunter Matheson -> ::he enters and checks it out before moving on in, taking a seat next to K'hal:: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods at Will :: I think I'll hold off on the "good" part until after we hear what's what. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks:: Now, now, Will. Every morning that you wake up is a good morning. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::slips into her chair:: Hunter Matheson -> ::K'hal:: So... what's going on? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Already seated, Miranda glanced up from her data padd as the others entered, nodding in turn before returning her attention to the reports in front of her. Apparently, drumping one's warp drive resulted in a ton of paperwork.:: Rhan K'hal -> I would guess we're going to hear whether the Engineers were doing a check-up or an autopsy on the Excalibur. Hunter Matheson -> Um.... Maryse Dubois -> He means if we'll still have a ship to go back to. Hunter Matheson -> ::confidentially:: Think they'll give us a piece of her if they scrap it? Tandaris Admiran -> ::enters the wardroom:: Huh, they've redecorated since we were last here. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smirks:: William Chocox -> ::decides to sit down:: Enough mom spit and bondo and she'd fix up nicely. Hunter Matheson -> ::Cho:: That's what I figure. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> No buffet this time, Commander. Cptn Swain -> ::Makes his way to the wardroom, tea in hand:: Hunter Matheson -> Hell, she flew pretty damn well without the warp core. She can't be all that bad. Maryse Dubois -> ::Frowns.:: Or an open bar. Rhan K'hal -> Mornin' Cap'n. Hunter Matheson -> ::adding:: Not all that perfectly, but we're in one piece, and I think that's pretty good. Hunter Matheson -> ::stands when the captain enters::: Cptn Swain -> As you were. Rhan K'hal -> :: not having the Marine ramrod inserted where the sun don't shine, stays sprawled :: Hunter Matheson -> ::sits:: Cptn Swain -> I hope everyone has spent the last several days relaxing. Cptn Swain -> ::Smiles, taking a seat at the head of the table.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::semi-grin, wondering if you'd call it relaxing::: William Chocox -> I was mostly worried about the ship. Maryse Dubois -> I sense the other shoe is about to drop. Hunter Matheson -> ::glance to Cho and the doc::: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: I won't keep you in suspense. Cptn Swain -> The damage is extensive and considerable. Cptn Swain -> However the brass have decided that, in their view, the Excalibur is salvageable. Hunter Matheson -> ::exhales:: William Chocox -> Oh think goodness. William Chocox -> I left some stuff there. William Chocox -> thank* Rhan K'hal -> So do we get a rental while it's in the shop? Cptn Swain -> The fleet tug Tortuga will be arriving later today to begin prepping Excalibur warp-towing to Starfleet shipyards for repairs. Cptn Swain -> They estimate that the refit will take several months, during which time many of you will be stationed near the Excalibur during her refit. Those of you who wish to take extended leave may do so. Cptn Swain -> If you so choose, you may also choose a new assignment. Rhan K'hal -> :: yawns in response to that last option :: Hunter Matheson -> ::his hands folded on the table, he stares down at them, listening::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Considers her options.:: Cptn Swain -> Though for those of you choosing to stay with Excaliubur, Mister K'hal might be an invaluable resource to you, as the refit will be completed at the Caitian Aje'li Fleet Yards. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Pressed her thumbprint to the padd to sign off on something or another and then glances up to Swain, then looks to the crew.:: Cptn Swain -> In orbit of the Caitian homeworld. William Chocox -> Huh... Maryse Dubois -> Someone gets to take a trip home. ::Smiles at Rhan.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: flicks an ear :: You do remember I was raised in San Francisco, Cap? Hunter Matheson -> ::his brain spins with thoughts of being recalled to the teams::: Maryse Dubois -> ((haha)) Cptn Swain -> ::Smirks:: I am sure you have connections. And if not, at least you speak the lingua franca. Cptn Swain -> ::Grins wider over his tea:: And if not, well if you so choose, a good time to reconnect with your roots. Hunter Matheson -> ::maybe if he thinks long and hard, he can use some kind of telepathy or something to sidestep the recall::: Maryse Dubois -> Consider it a cultural experience. Rhan K'hal -> True enough. Everyone remember not to make direct eye contact and to sleep with one eye open. William Chocox -> Well then. Hunter Matheson -> ::then gives K'hal a "huh?" look::: Rhan K'hal -> :: big toothy grin :: Cptn Swain -> At any rate, I won't keep you much longer. As I said you all have options. Thanks to our celebrity, Fleet is being incredibly... flexible in allowing senior staff from Excalibur to decide what they'd like to do next. Hunter Matheson -> ::still staring:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> And what option are you going to choose? ::Pointedly to Swain.:: William Chocox -> (m)What would I even do with that much leave? Hunter Matheson -> ::blinks back to reality::: Rhan K'hal -> :: likes that question, look at Swain :: Cptn Swain -> ::Puts down his tea, smiles warmly:: Cptn Swain -> Before I respond, I want you to all know how proud I have been to command you these past two years. This command was never my idea of what I wanted to do, or where I wanted to be. We, more than most crews, have been tested time and time again in ways most officers and crews will never know. William Chocox -> He's leaving. Cptn Swain -> I am sorry that I missed the ceremony the other day, but I think you all understand why I did. Maryse Dubois -> ::Tries not to thwap Will.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::glances to Miranda:: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Give my regards to Cdr Cormoran the next time you see him, sir. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: I will, thank you K'hal. Cptn Swain -> And as for my decision, I haven't made it yet. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles.:: I have a present for Arden, I'll have it sent over. Cptn Swain -> For now, once Arden is back on his feet we're going to take some time off together and go see my folks on Kynareth. ::Pauses:: It's been a long time since I was home. Hunter Matheson -> ::come to think of it, it's been a long time for him, too::: Cptn Swain -> Then...then I'll decide. I'll be honest, I don't know if I will see many of you again. I wish that I had a better answer for you. You deserve more of one, but I don't. Hunter Matheson -> ::lessee... two.. three years?:::: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods in understanding :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Pressing her fingers to her temples, she massaged them to ease the sudden headache that developed. Briefly, she caught Ithene's gaze and simply shook her head.:: William Chocox -> (m)Maybe I will take leave. Cptn Swain -> ::Smiles:: I don't have anything further for you. As I said we all have decisions to make. I do have two final orders for you before we go. Hunter Matheson -> ::listens up::: Rhan K'hal -> :: was gonna put Miranda on the hook, but noticed the universal signal for "ow, my head" and put it off :: Cptn Swain -> First, I expect all you to join me in Quark's later tonight for a drink or two. Rhan K'hal -> :: has no problem with that order :: Rhan K'hal -> :: gives Hunter a light elbow jab :: Isn't that where you're supposed to jump up and say "Sir, yes sir!" Maryse Dubois -> ::Giggles.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Smiles:: Hunter Matheson -> ::eyes move in K'hal's direction, then away::: Hunter Matheson -> (w) He's not my dl Rhan K'hal -> :: sighs; literal Marine is literal :: Hunter Matheson -> (w) He's the captain. Wouldn't do that to him. Cptn Swain -> And finally, one last standing order. In the word of the poet, be that which you are, one equal temper of heroic hearts. Strive to seek, to find, and not to yield. Cptn Swain -> ::Smiles once more, standing:: I'll see you all tonight. Rhan K'hal -> :: doesn't poke his usual levity in at this point, though seeking, finding and not yielding are sorta hardcoded into the Caitian DNA :: Hunter Matheson -> ::stands in respect:: Semper Fortis, Sir. Rhan K'hal -> Aye, Cap'n. William Chocox -> Aye sir. Rhan K'hal -> :: stands, puts paws on hips :: This is a disaster. Do you know how long the list will be of relations my mother is going to put together for me to visit on behalf of the family on Earth? Cptn Swain -> ::Slips out the back:: Tandaris Admiran -> Well then. Hunter Matheson -> ::stays put, staring, pretty much oblivious to everything around him::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Leans back in her chair, considering all of that:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::was busy picking away at a PADD with upgrade ideas:: William Chocox -> How does one take leave? Maryse Dubois -> ::Stands, looking over at Rhan.:: Well you don't HAVE to go to Caitian. Hunter Matheson -> ::wondering where he goes from here::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Who says you're taking leave? Rhan K'hal -> :: blinks, looks at Cho :: Really? :: pause :: I'll just send you the paperwork. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She slid her data padd off the table, rapping it thoughtfully on her thigh. She looked to the others, gaze shifting to William at the question, then Tandaris, with a slight smile.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::then he laughs quietly, at the irony;:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Engineering is going to need all the help they can get, but you are still allowed leave, if you wish to take it. Rhan K'hal -> Oh yes I do. She probably knew the Excalibur was going there before I did. Maryse Dubois -> ::Grins.:: Mother's intuition? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I take it that means you're staying with the old girl Miranda? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: What she said. But I'm not going to let some pencil-pushing designer from the Corps take charge of refitting our ship. Hunter Matheson -> ::then he blows out a breath, shaking his head::: William Chocox -> They didn't mention doing an inventory of Engineering did they? Hunter Matheson -> ::and he starts to laugh::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Yeah, we still need to have a talk about that at some point. Rhan K'hal -> No, Mother is the head of Starfleet Medical's security and has minions everywhere in San Francisco. Tandaris Admiran -> ::holds up the PADD:: But first, I have an idea for modifying the plasma injectors to increase our intermix flow speed. Should give us smoother rides at low warp factors. William Chocox -> That'd be fun. Rhan K'hal -> :: looks over at Hunter :: I hope you just thought of a good joke to tell tonight, otherwise I might worry about you. Hunter Matheson -> ::turns to K'hal:: No, sir. More irony than anything else. William Chocox -> What do we need to talk about? Hunter Matheson -> You know, when I was taken off the teams and assigned to this ship.. I mean, Excalibur... I thought it was some kind of punishment... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She looked to Ithene.:: I'd thought to take a trip to Risa, first. I need a vacation. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: _You_ know what we need to talk about. Hunter Matheson -> They dragged me kicking and screaming to this... ::he shakes his head::: Hunter Matheson -> ...and now I don't wanna leave. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Grins:: Are we allowed back on Risa after last time? William Chocox -> It was probably there when I was assigned. Hunter Matheson -> And for the life of me, I can't figure out why I want to stay around this crew. Tandaris Admiran -> Wait, what did you two do on Risa? Rhan K'hal -> :: claps a paw on Hunter's shoulder :: Ah. Neither can I. Welcome to the nuthouse. Hunter Matheson -> ::snort:: I think that's it. Hunter Matheson -> The nuthouse. Maryse Dubois -> ::Hears Risa.:: That must be an interesting story. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smiles innocently:: Nothing really. It was... It was all a misunderstanding. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I've arranged for assumed names and fake biometrics. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Excellent. Tandaris Admiran -> "Misunderstanding," hmm? Hunter Matheson -> ::then hears the commander::: Rhan K'hal -> :: perks ears :: I know we go through temporary chiefs of security like breath mints, Commander, but really? You should at least pretend to whisper that. William Chocox -> Nope! I think I still have some of your memories from that time. William Chocox -> ::covers his ears:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She grinned at Rhan.:: Hmm? I didn't say anything. Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes a PADD and begins inputting something.:: Oh, well since you are planning to relax. ::Hands Miranda the PADD.:: That's the holodeck program info that I promised. The Dominion bath house that you and ithene missed. I promise, no drugs in the water. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks at Will, sternly:: Would you like me to share with the group the time you and your roommate and the academy went to that seedy little place in the back streets of Korvus Minor? William Chocox -> I don't know what you're talking about, ma'am. Rhan K'hal -> :: sits back down, leans forward attentively :: Ooh, this is getting good. Tandaris Admiran -> ::K'hal:: Oh yeah, I heard that last guy still hasn't woken up from the coma since the battle. Rhan K'hal -> :: Maryse :: Here we are without popcorn again. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She took the data padd and nodded her thanks to Maryse.:: My thanks. ::Rising from her seat, she tucked both her padds into her tunic.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Grins:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::K'hal:: Do we still have the standard condolence card on file to send to the family? Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks between Will and Ithene.:: Oh...What happened on Korvus Minor? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Snickers, rising for her seat:: Later, maybe at Quark's. Rhan K'hal -> :: Tandy :: I'm sure the Captain has a draft of it ready as soon as he got assigned. William Chocox -> Even if that was the last time I purposely had fun. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles at Rhan.:: Someday we'll actually manage to have some. Cptn Swain -> (( Three Minute Warning )) Rhan K'hal -> :: Ithene :: Tease. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smiles devilishly as she leaves the wardroom:: Rhan K'hal -> :: Maryse :: So, are you going to hound the Engineers to make sure they don't move your biobeds around? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Everyone should take a little time to think about what they want to do and where they want to go. I need your assignment or leave requests as soon as you've decided. If you need recommendations, please come see me. Rhan K'hal -> :: nods at Miranda :: Hunter Matheson -> ::excuses himself and leaves the ward room to meet his buds and fill them in::: William Chocox -> Will do ma'am. Hunter Matheson -> ::and he's pretty sure they'll think he's crazy for not wanting to rejoin them:: Maryse Dubois -> Absolutely. I don't want anything to change in my sickbay. It took a long time getting it the way it is now. Rhan K'hal -> :: grins :: Cptn Swain -> ...and... Hunter Matheson -> ::yeah, those were great times... crawling through jungles, dodging cobras, wallerin' in mud holes, falling into cess pools::: Hunter Matheson -> ::enters the bar:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 1023.2016 The Second Battle of Wormhole has been won. Thanks to the efforts of the Excalibur, the Rogue Jem'hadar threat to the wormhole has been neutralized, but not without a price. Excalibur herself has been heavily damaged and is currently undergoing an inspection to determine if she is salvageable or not while docked a DS9. The fleet itself took fairly high damages as well. The Excalibur senior staff have been notified to come to the DS9 wardroom where rumor is that they will be honored. The Federation president recently addressed the Federation on the crisis and mentioned us by name, apparently we're important now -- or something. **END SEASON 6**

MISSION BRIEF: The Second Battle of Wormhole has been won. Thanks to the efforts of the Excalibur, the Rogue Jem'hadar threat to the wormhole has been neutralized, but not without a price. Excalibur herself has been heavily damaged and is currently undergoing an inspection to determine if she is salvageable or not while docked a DS9. The fleet itself took fairly high damages as well. The Excalibur senior staff have been notified to come to the DS9 wardroom where rumor is that they will be honored. The Federation president recently addressed the Federation on the crisis and mentioned us by name, apparently we're important now -- or something. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Tandaris Admiran -> ((Do we haaaave to? Clearly it's much more important for me to inspect the ship.)) Maryse Dubois -> ::Finds her way to the wardroom.:: Cptn Swain -> (( You do! )) Maryse Dubois -> ((haha)) Hunter Matheson -> ::somewhere on DS9::: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Everyone has also been ordered to wear full dress uniform Hunter Matheson -> (Senior staff?) Rhan K'hal -> (( :: backspaces, glares at Swain :: )) Maryse Dubois -> ::Is now in dress.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checks his stripes:: Maryse Dubois -> ((boo!)) Cptn Swain -> (( That includes, you too Hunter )) Hunter Matheson -> (::siiighhh:: :) Tandaris Admiran -> ::enters the wardroom, looks around to see if he is early, late, or Gandalf:: Hunter Matheson -> ::in full dress, spit 'n' polish, been there, done that::: Maryse Dubois -> :;Would rather be in her lab coat.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: in the dress uniform, which is not nearly as uncomfortable as everyone gripes, and his mane properly coiffed, heads up to the wardroom :: Hunter Matheson -> ::feeling out of place in the wardroom, but you go where you're told to go and do what you're told to do::: Ndak -> ::Making his way to the ward room, his "attaché" in tow, wearing full dress uniform -- including his very stylish cape, the lining of which had been emblazoned with his family colors and crest.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::taking a back seat to the rest::: Cptn Corizon -> ::In the corner, near the drinks, in his dress uniform.:: Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: tagging along with N'Dak, feeling idiotic in the Galae dress uniform - he'd barely had time to get used to wearing the standard pointy-shouldered thing again :: Hunter Matheson -> ::as the only Marine present, he is proud to represent the Corps::: Rhan K'hal -> :: enters the wardrobe, sees Hunter already there and makes his way over :: Rhan K'hal -> :: though would probably rather join Corizon with the drinks, not due to Hunter but due to drinks :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> There are a number of brass present, as well as several Bajoran dignitaries and some of the other fleet commanders and their staff. Noticeably absent, however, was Captain Swain. Maryse Dubois -> ::Standing over by a viewport, looking out at all of the ships, some of them had seen better days.:: Ndak -> ::Glances to Khev:: I see au found a dress uniform that fits au? Ndak -> Issaha> ::Tagging along as well:: Rhan K'hal -> :: aside to Hunter :: Ready for this? Whatever this is? Arrenhe tr'Khev -> I don't think these ever fit, but it will do. Hunter Matheson -> ::stoic expression, befitting the circumstances:: Aye, sir. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> They had also sprung for quite the spread, and there is a buffet at the far end of the room. Rhan K'hal -> Then you're a leg up on me, Gunny. Tandaris Admiran -> ::immediately begins eating food:: Ndak -> It suits you quite well. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: green blush :: Hunter Matheson -> ::still stoic, but a touch of humor, to K'hal:: So long as an airlock isn't part of it. Ndak -> ::Smirks:: As a flag officer, I am entitled to wear this whenever I want, as are my staff. Perhaps I should wear it more often, ie? Rhan K'hal -> If there was an airlock involved, they would've set up the buffet there. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Behind Tandaris:: Worked up an appetite, huh? Maryse Dubois -> ::Turns from the viewport and glances at all of the people now in the room.:: Hmm... Hunter Matheson -> ::standing aside, waiting for the officers to pass through before he even thinks about it:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::between mouthfuls of food:: Ou cold day dat. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Oh and a live band too. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> You'll do what suits you, Rekkhai. :: doesn't really have to add the "you always do" part :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks, putting a few things on her plate:: Ndak -> ::Casts him a bemused glance:: Ndak -> Issaha> ::rolls his eyes:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks down:: They have plates?! Hunter Matheson -> ::and outside the viewport, the Excalibur sits, bearing the scars of war, but still a proud lady:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Walks over by Rhan and Hunter.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: They even have these things, called napkins. Hunter Matheson -> ::then, looking around, he wonders where Captain Swain is::: Rhan K'hal -> :: grins at Maryse :: Maryse Dubois -> Lot of people here. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::takes one and wipes off Tandaris' mouth:: Rhan K'hal -> Too many. :: wrinkles nose :: Maryse Dubois -> Though I notice a couple missing. Most notably, our command staff. Hunter Matheson -> ::turns to the doc:: Yes, ma'am. Tandaris Admiran -> Hey now. Ndak -> ::Rounds the corner and after passing the check point, enters the ward room:: Rhan K'hal -> Mmmhmm. I've wondered about that. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::grins:: Hunter Matheson -> ::not going to speak to that, he decides to listen instead:: Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: follows Destorie in, just out of the range of his whipping cloak :: Rhan K'hal -> Maybe they need to polish off speeches. With this many formally dressed people there are always lots of speeches. Rhan K'hal -> I think that's why they feed you, so you can survive it. Hunter Matheson -> ::tugs on his jacket and checks his gloves one more time:: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> ::Making his way to the front of the room:: Maryse Dubois -> I heard Arden was still on the Medical Ship. Swain could be visiting. Tandaris Admiran -> ((Speeches are the Federation version of a Klingon pain-stick ceremony?)) Rhan K'hal -> Ah. That could very well be. Cptn Corizon -> ::Amused when he noticed that the wine being served was from the House of N'Dak vinyards.:: Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: notes that as well, rolls eyes :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Notices the Admiral making a move.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: eyes go slitty as he catches sight of the Admiral :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> So how is the inspection coming? Tandaris Admiran -> ::mouthful:: Darrably. Tandaris Admiran -> Turns out that when you eject the core at warp speed and after sustaining heavy damage in battle, lots of systems overload. Hunter Matheson -> ::and he can't keep his focus on the room when Excalibur is visible:: Maryse Dubois -> Looks like it might be speech time... Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> ::Clears his throat:: Thank you all for coming. Honor guests, fellow members of the Admiralty. Hunter Matheson -> ::Forced smile:: Tandaris Admiran -> The ship is technically salvageable, but I don't know if—::pipes down:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Quietly.:: Yep Hunter Matheson -> ::turns to face the admiral:: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> I won't keep you all very long. I know everyone is very tired and frankly I am not very good at this sort of thing. I leave speech making to the politicians -- where as I am an old soldier. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods, wiping Tandaris' mouth off again for him while he's focused on the action at the center of the room.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: ears slowly but steadily go down and back the longer Abronvonvich speaks :: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> Anyway, I have asked all of you here for a very special purpose. As you know, the battle for the wormhole was exceptionally difficult. Even under the best circumstances it would not have been easy, and yet through the brave effort, we were able to accomplish that victory. Hunter Matheson -> ::listening to the words, but his thoughts are light years away:: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> One crew, in particular, have embodied what it means to be in Starfleet -- the Excalibur. ::Motions:: I have asked their senior staff here today so that we can thank them, in some small measure, for their bravery and courage. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: mindful of his new position, stills any restlessness caused by prolonged speechmaking but mentally returns to his composition he'd been tinkering with in his spare time to mark the Battle :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Now feels very embarrassed as eyes focus on them.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: ears pop halfway back as the attention turns to the Excal crew :: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> Every person knows when they put on the uniform that they may be asked to give the ultimate sacrifice for the good of the Federation. These brave souls were prepared to make that sacrifice without any question. Not because they wanted the glory or the honor... but because they are Starfleet officers. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: (q) _I_ keep asking for glory and honour, but they just keep giving me cloaking devices. Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> It has been my honor to serve as their fleet commanding officer for the past five years, during which I have continually watched as they have served as the model by which all officers and crews should look to for guidance. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks:: Maybe someone will give you a trophy. Maryse Dubois -> ::Would stand behind Rhan, but that probably wouldn't help. Mutters to herself.:: Please make him stop... Tandaris Admiran -> ::going to use "served as the model by which all officers and crew should look to for guidance" as a blurb on his next CV:: Rhan K'hal -> :: is not exactly amused at being complimented by the Admiral he wants to leave permanent claw scars on :: Rhan K'hal -> :: hearing Maryse, reaches out a paw and givers her hand a quick reassuring grasp :: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> As such, as my final duty as Commanding officer of the Gamma Quadrant Command, I have recommended and received permission to award each of them with the Silver Star for their gallantry and heroism. Maryse Dubois -> ::Relaxes at the gesture.:: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> They will also be awarded the Starfleet Service Cross for their extraordinary heroism. Rhan K'hal -> :: does a mental happy dance at hearing "my final duty" :: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> Finally, their Captain, who is not able to be here today due to a personal committment, will be awarded the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor. Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> So, now, in the grandest of Russian traditions I raise a toast to you, the crew of the Excalibur. May the stars ever guide your way. ::Raises a glass of champagne:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Raises her glass:: Hunter Matheson -> ::comes to attention, as he has no glass to raise::: Ndak -> ::Khev:: (q) Must humans always make such a big deal of these things? Rhan K'hal -> :: has no glass, which is probably good because he therefore could not have broken it :: Ndak -> (( Now now Khev, the man just gushed over you and gave you TWO pieces of hardware for your medal chest :P )) Cptn Corizon -> ::Several glasses in, but raises a glass anyway:: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> Now, as I said, I won't talk any longer. May you all have a good evening, and godspeed. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> (q) It's the kind of emotional reaction and commitment to cause that makes them so difficult to defeat. Maryse Dubois -> ::Sighs in relief.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Tandaris:: Service Cross and a Silver Star, my my he was feeling generous. Rhan K'hal -> :: calls that sigh, raises it a weary shoulder sag :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks as she looks at Rhan.:: I think I'm ready for a drink. Rhan K'hal -> :: Maryse, q :: Now how many more are they going to force us to suffer through? We'll need more medals just for getting through the night. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: He does _owe_ us. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> That does appear to be the end of the speeches as the dignitaries have started to mill back about or quietly dismiss themselves. Abronvonvich could be spotted leaving quietly. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: I think I'd just rather be back on the ship while it's in maintenance than have to sit through more of those. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods, taking a drink of wine:: True. Rhan K'hal -> :: watches the dignitaries mingle or bugger off, sighs again :: Looks like we're done with the hot air, lets' get some alcohol. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Shame the Captain couldn't be here. Maryse Dubois -> No arguments here. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Thoughtfully:: But I understand why. Ndak -> Khev, why don't au get us both a drink. Issaha, don't get auself into any trouble, eh? Ndak -> Issaha> ::Feigns wounded:: I would never get into any trouble, brother. Hunter Matheson -> ::after watching the others for a while, he turns back to Excalibur, the proud lady::: Ndak -> Issaha> ::scurries off before his brother can glower:: Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: looks to the N'Dak vintage :: I don't need to guess your choice. Do you have a contract with Starfleet to lubricate long-winded evenings? :: heads over to the bar without waiting for the answer :: Rhan K'hal -> :: heads over to the bar with Maryse :: At least there's plenty of choice. Maryse Dubois -> Open bars are always nice. Rhan K'hal -> :: looks over to Corizon :: Anything here particularly good, Captain? Ndak -> ACTION> The band is now picking back up with soft, but pleasing music. Cptn Corizon -> The N'Dak vintage wine is surprisingly very good. He also apparently unloaded several crates of the sparkling ale his family is well known for -- it's pretty good. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: arrives at the bar in time to hear that :: He'll be pleased to hear that, Captain. Probably too pleased, I'll have to deflate his head. :: bemused smile as he grabs a pair of glasses :: Hunter Matheson -> ::he finally tears himself away from the viewport and goes to the end of the line: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::sighs:: So, what about you Tandaris. What's next for you? Staying with the Excalibur if they give the go ahead for repairs? Rhan K'hal -> :: grabs a glass of the ale :: I think I'll try this. I think I can use the extra punch. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: I don't really have anywhere else to go. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: nods his regards to the Excalibur crew and meanders back to his boss :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Also grabs a sparkling ale.:: I think we all can use it. Rhan K'hal -> Well, if it's doctor's orders I feel better about it already. :: takes a good sized gulp, his tail does a loop-de-loop :: Hunter Matheson -> (heh) Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles.:: Indeed. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> You could go back to Trill. Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes a sip.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I am sure now that the uh, ship, has been removed they won't mind. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: hands Destorie his glass :: The fanged Captain seems fond of your family's lineup. Tandaris Admiran -> Some wouldn't. But there are members of the Symbiosis Commission who would still like to "study" me, so I'd rather stay as far away from them as possible. Ndak -> ::Smirks:: My mother told me he was especially fond of it when they were stationed on Camelot together. Tandaris Admiran -> The Gamma Quadrant was a nice an anonymous corner of the galaxy. If Excalibur doesn't get a similarly remote assignment, I suppose I might resign and ship out on an independent vessel. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: notes the number of them hitting the ale :: I hope they have a lot of stretchers available. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: I see. Hunter Matheson -> ::after choosing a few simple hors d'oeuvres, he takes a glass of white wine and moves away from the crowd to enjoy it in peace:: Tandaris Admiran -> What about you? Hunter Matheson -> ::close to the viewport:: Rhan K'hal -> Yep. That has kick. :: grins :: Don't let me have another one or I'll end up curling up on the buffet table :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I haven't decided yet. I enjoyed my time on Excalibur, but... well I think I've had my fill of the frontier. Hunter Matheson -> ::his plate on a table, he turns back to the viewport and raises his glass toward the ship:: (w) This one's for you, ma'am. No one else could have done it. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I left an offer to join a team working on some fascinating things at the Denobulian Science Academy when I took the Excalibur. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles, already feeling the warmth hit her cheeks.:: Only if you do the same for me. Cptn Corizon -> ::Slips out the back of the room, a bottle of the wine in hand:: Rhan K'hal -> I'll try to remember that. :: takes another sip :: Emphasis on try. Maryse Dubois -> That's all we can ever really do. Hunter Matheson -> ::drains his glass, then turns his back to her and relaxes into a chair to nibble a few:: Ndak -> ::Takes a drink:: As soon as we've made repairs, we've been ordered to return to homeworld. Ndak -> I can't say that I am looking forward to it. ::Pauses:: I am sure au aren't either. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> Understatement. Hunter Matheson -> ::and accepts a refill from a passing yeoman::: Tandaris Admiran -> "Fascinating things"? Rhan K'hal -> :: sighs :: Wonder how long it'll take to fix her, or if they'll just say to hell with it and look for something to slap Excalibur-D on. Ndak -> But I've spoken to a few friends, rhae Galae Command, and they have given me authority to clear au of any... possible issues related to au... untimely disappearance, rhae the Talon. Tandaris Admiran -> Nanoviruses and chemical computing? Quantum filament architecture? Loop quantum interferometry? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks:: Something like that. Ndak -> On io condition, of course. Hunter Matheson -> ::and he decides to implant his Silver Star in Excal's interior, since she is the one who made it happen:: Arrenhe tr'Khev -> :: tilts head :: Of course. Hunter Matheson -> ::then plots how and where::: Ndak -> Au will be placed on probation and assigned to me as my personal aide-de-camp. So that I may keep an eye on au. Maryse Dubois -> ::Shrugs.:: Only the brass really know for sure. But it would be kind of hard moving on if it were the case. Hunter Matheson -> ::somewhere::: he bites a canape ::somewhere special, where it won't be noticed::: Arrenhe tr'Khev -> A very comfy prison, with a significantly more amiable guard... but all the more dangerous for that. :: wry smile :: Ndak -> ::Nods:: Ie, though I am na sure what my next assignment will be. Rhan K'hal -> You've been assigned to the Excalibur a while. I suppose it would be a lot harder for you. :: places a paw on Maryse's shoulder, squeezes lightly :: Ndak -> I took this io, originally, to be away from homeworld -- out of sight and out of mind. Cptn Swain -> (( Three Minute Warning )) Hunter Matheson -> ::and his crooked grin emerges as he chews::... somewhere it will not be removed, so it has to be secure::: Arrenhe tr'Khev -> So much for that. Ndak -> Ie. Hunter Matheson -> ::and he has the right place, he grins and downs the wine to seal the promise:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Relaxes at the touch of the paw.:: I mostly don't want to have to deal with an entirely new sickbay. ::Grins.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Well I suppose we'll have plenty of time to think about our future in the days to come, let's just enjoy ourselves for now. Arrenhe tr'Khev -> Well, if we end up somewhere unpleasant at least you know the drinks will be good and so will the music. Now you just need to hire a good cook. Hunter Matheson -> ::and almost crashes the glass against the wall, but he remembers where he is and stops in time::: Ndak -> Issaha> ::Already busy wooing a Bajoran woman:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and laughs quietly:: Ndak -> ::Smirks:: Ie, ie. Rhan K'hal -> :: chuckles :: Cptn Swain -> ..and... Hunter Matheson -> ::and the service cross, where will he stash that one?::: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: The Second Battle of the Wormhole is underway. For the moment, the battle is an even pitch with fighting all over the battlefield. Long range sensors have detected an incoming fleet of Jem'Hadar ships, though it remains unclear if they are friend or foe. Meanwhile four groups have broken through the mainlines, headed for the wormhole on different vectors. Excalibur is leading the "Goal Keeper Squadron" along with four other Akria-class carriers. Our job will be to intercept anyone headed for the wormhole. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::at helm, staying as calm as he can, which isn't too calm at the moment::: Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> Corizon's ship, the USS Cheron, has lost primary power and is under attack. Hunter Matheson -> ::glance to Gaither, who nods, then he turns back:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Down in sickbay, ready to receive wounded.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: working the tactical information at auxiliary tactical with all the fancy holographic displays; hits the four groups of Jem'Hadar ships heading for the wormhole with a sensor blast :: William Chocox -> Alright, wonder how much longer until contact. Rhan K'hal -> :: also sees another problem :: Cheron is in trouble. I'm reading their main power down, and they are under attack. NDak -> ACTION> The Romulan and Klingon fleets are engaging the Dominion capital ships at close range, and are being joined by several capital Federation fleets. Hunter Matheson -> ::thinking it would be nice if those Romulans had a few cloaked ships headed toward the Jemmies::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::double- and triple-checking things:: Cptn Swain -> ::Clenches his jaw:: Not our assignment. Helm, bring is to bear on the nearest of those splinter groups. Hunter Matheson -> Coming around to two seven two mark three... Hunter Matheson -> In position, Captain. Cptn Swain -> Send a message to the rest of the group to take one of their own. Rhan K'hal -> Sending... :: passes that along :: NDak -> How close will we need to be to tell if the weapon is on one of those ships? Cptn Swain -> ^^ Rhan K'hal -> :: uses Ithene's recommendation and sends out a probe :: Victria -> ACTION> One of the Al-Ucardian fighters breaks off from fighting and heads toward the Cheron, intercepting a torpedo meant for the ship. It explodes in a flash of brilliant light and the fighter zooms through the wreckage. Rhan K'hal -> Using Tandaris' method, 200,000 km. Using other methods... depends on whether they've turned it on or not. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Then we're going to have to get a little closer than standard weapons range. Cptn Swain -> Helm, bring us in as close as you can. Tactical hold your fire. Hunter Matheson -> ::moves out:: You want us on top of 'em, Sir? Rhan K'hal -> Unfortunately, sir. :: looks over the data from the probe, which he expects to last about 1 or 2 more seconds before being shot down by the Jemmies :: Hunter Matheson -> Putting us into position for maximum sensor reading. Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> A torpedo rips through the saucer of the Cheron. Elsewhere, the fighting on the forward line continues to flare. Reserves under Abronvonvich and the Constantine have joined the fray. Rhan K'hal -> :: gets nada, zilch, bupkis before his timing estimate on the probe's destruction proves accurate :: NDak -> $::Holding on to the armrest of his chair on the oira:: Maintain our formation! Continue firing! Maryse Dubois -> ::Double checking, making sure her nurses and staff were in their positions. She knew it was only a matter of time.:: KVorlag -> @ :::on the naS Sus'a, barking orders to other Klingon ships in his wing::: Hunter Matheson -> We are in weapons range in five... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> ::Helping in medical to prepare, stocking up on the essential first aid supplies and equipment that they'd always run out of first. She brought a case over to Maryse.:: We pulled this from storage, Chief. Need your sign-off on it. Rhan K'hal -> :: with the fecal matter on its way to hitting the air accelerator within a short amount of time, turns off the console's holographic display to rely on the more sturdy standard displays :: Hunter Matheson -> Coming into weapons range. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Excalibur enters weapons range of the splinter group of five attack ships. They open a volley towards us, our attendant fighters scatter. William Chocox -> ::monitors the damage control board:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks it over a moment, then putting her thumbprint on the PADD.:: Very good. Rhan K'hal -> :: gets off a series of concentrated sensor blasts at the Jem'Hadar ships before the weapons fire hits :: NDak -> (( give me a number 1-20 rhan )) Rhan K'hal -> (( 17 )) Hunter Matheson -> ::keeping the ship as steady as he can::: Victria -> ACTION> The Cheron gets its own personal guard as the Al-Ucardian fighter intercepts several more volleys thrown its way and chases off two other Jem'Hadar ships. Tandaris Admiran -> Greg> ::cleaving Jem'Hadar ships like they're made of butter, but because of the damage to his ship he can only go after one at a time:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> No sign of the weapon on the ships. Elsewhere, the Wasp is engaged in a fierce battle with one of the other groups, while the other two Akira-class vessels, Exeter and Akagi are en route to their groups. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur takes several hits from the attack vessels. Hunter Matheson -> ::shudders with the volleys:: Hunter Matheson -> ::suspicious about the four groups headed for the wormhole:: Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> Cheron has managed to get partial power back online and is continuing to fight, because well, Corizon likely thinks it's a Good Day to Die. William Chocox -> ::starts directing damage control teams to affected areas:: KVorlag -> @ :::to his helmsman::: Keep an eye on any that break-off. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> I hate this part -- the waiting. ::She held the box to her chest and looked out over sickbay.:: There's never any middle ground. Rhan K'hal -> :: grunts :: Nothing yet via concentrated sensor scans, we'll need the up-close-and-personal inspections. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: You heard him hunter. Hunter Matheson -> ::it's too obvious:: Cptn Swain -> Tactical, return fire but only target their engines. Tandaris Admiran -> ::reconfiguring torpedo launch protocols:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles.:: The quiet can be good for us. It only means no one is hurt. Hunter Matheson -> (I missed something) Cptn Swain -> ( Get us in closer ) Hunter Matheson -> (got it) Hunter Matheson -> Moving closer, aye. Hunter Matheson -> ::K'hal:: Lieutenant, I'm guessing that the weapon is not on any of these four splinter groups. It's too obvious. Hunter Matheson -> ::moving in, checking status:: I'd lay my bets on the least suspicious. Rhan K'hal -> When you have a fleet of 300+ ships, sometimes you can afford obvious, Gunny. And we can't take the chance. Hunter Matheson -> Aye, sir. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda managed to unclench her fingers from her armrest, though was still tense as they went after the Jem'Hadar.:: KVorlag -> @ :::frowning:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> Yea, I'm not upset about that part. ::She knew it was going to get crazy soon.:: Rhan K'hal -> At least they shouldn't shoot any torpedoes while we're in close. Not that point-blank energy weapons are lovely. Rhan K'hal -> :: reviews the data coming in as they get within 200K of the closest part of the group :: Sorehl -> :::considering alternatives to containing subspace detonations, noting Admiran's thorough research::: Hunter Matheson -> ::tap...taptap:: Aye, sir. But with 300+ ships they can stand losing a few just to get through. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Jem'Hadar vessels break formation to engage us directly. The 310th doing their best to keep them off us, but Excalibur is now in a fight 6 vs 1 with just her fighters to help. Elsewhere, the Wasp is in a similar fight and the Exeter and Akagi are entering weapons range. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks around at her staff as they waited patiently. So professional.:: How are the surgical teams? Hunter Matheson -> ::here we go::: Rhan K'hal -> Looks like they don't appreciate our being nosy, they're engaging fully. Cptn Swain -> Can we confirm the weapon is not aboard any of them? Hunter Matheson -> ::K'hal:: I'll put her where you want her, sir. Hunter Matheson -> ::mutters:: She won't like it, but she'll get over it. I hope. Rhan K'hal -> :: reviews the data one more time :: We've been in close enough to all of them in this group, no sign of the weapon. I'm calling goaltender interference on this. William Chocox -> ::stares intently at the damage board:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: How are we holding up? Cptn Swain -> Tactical> ::Frowns, but is firing of strafing shots that are doing little more than bouncing off the attackers shields, since he hasn't been given clearance to use heavier weapons.:: Sorehl -> :::concerned about the volatile effect of nested subspace field interaction on surrounding space::: William Chocox -> Fairly well, but I've also been very proactive with the teams. Cptn Swain -> Gloves off then. Helm, attack pattern three beta nine. Coordinate with our fighter wings. Cptn Swain -> Tactical target and fire at will. Hunter Matheson -> Attack pattern three beta nine, Aye. Moving in. Rhan K'hal -> :: works on getting word from the other Akiras on the other groups :: NDak -> ACTION> The Romulan flagship takes a shot to her forward "nose" section and nearly collides with a Klingon Vor'cha class cruiser. Hunter Matheson -> ::banks starboard and pivots on galactic axis:: Hunter Matheson -> ::keeping tabs on the fighter wings, plugs into their chatter:: Rhan K'hal -> #tr'Khev> :: belted in somewhere on the Iron Reaver, mutters :: I didn't miss this part one bit. Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> The additional Jem'Hadar ships have entered into weapons range an appear to be taking up the fight against us. The front lines are now pretty fluid. The 'left' flank under Corizon's command is holding, but mostly as a result of the Al-Ucard. NDak -> # ::Snorts, despite himself:: But this is the fun stuff! Sorehl -> Computer, where is Commander Admiran? Rhan K'hal -> :: frowns :: Damn! Looks like those Jem'Hadar were reinforcements. Tandaris Admiran -> Computer> Commander Admiran is in main engineering. Rhan K'hal -> Getting word in from the rest of the goalies, no sign of the weapon. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur scores a hit against one of the attack ships, sending it careening into another in close formation. The other four break off. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> They are all prepped and ready to go. The suites have all gone through decom and are in pristine order. ::She juggled her crate with one arm and pulled her data padd out of her pocket.:: Looks like they have emergency triage ready on the lower decks, as well. Sorehl -> :::hearing confirmation, checks to see that his clearance (although in inactive service) will let him get there during a Red Alert::: Rhan K'hal -> Nice hit, Weps. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Wasp has taken some damage, but has neutralized three of the four in their formation. Akagi is under heavy fire now that they have also engaged. Exeter is clearing its smaller group. Sorehl -> :::heads to Main Engineering, toting aPADD::: Cptn Swain -> ::Clears his throat:: Well done. Hunter Matheson -> ::ducking and weaving with the fighters:: Cptn Swain -> (( Rhan, Hunter give me a number 1-20 )) Rhan K'hal -> (( 3 )) Hunter Matheson -> (7) Tandaris Admiran -> ::leaving Chocox to handle most of the battle-related engineering matters while he continues to hone the countermeasure to the last moment:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Two of the four vessels suddenly break the opposite direction back towards the wormhole at high speed, while the third and fourth come towards us again, weapons blazing. Sorehl -> :::arrives in Main Engineering, attempting to steer clear of the expected flurry of battle stations::: William Chocox -> ::is calmly spouting orders to the teams, trying to prioritize:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Very good. ::Can feel the occasional slight shake from the ship.:: Hunter Matheson -> Thar she blows... ::shifts with the fighters::: Rhan K'hal -> Damn, we've got two breaking off for the wormhole again. Cptn Swain -> Aw hell. Tandaris Admiran -> Greg> ::ship disappears from where it is engaging three Jem'Hadar ships halfway across the system:: Hunter Matheson -> ::hopes it's not a diversion:: Rhan K'hal -> And the other two are throwing a screen Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur takes several glancing blows in various sections. That'll wake you up. Rhan K'hal -> Okay, let's try this again now that we've rattled their bones a bit. :: throws another pair of concentrated scans at the two heading for the wormhole :: Tandaris Admiran -> Greg> ::ship re-emerges from subspace dangerously close to Excalibur, its momentum intact and carrying it directly into the two Jem'Hadar ships in front of Excalibur, armor shearing off in plumes of vapour:: William Chocox -> Damnit! ::shifts the teams:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shakes with the ship, then steadies her out:: Rhan K'hal -> Hole [redacted]! Cptn Swain -> ::Blinks:: Sorehl -> :::looks for the Trill::: Cptn Swain -> Well... um... someone thank Greg for us. Tandaris Admiran -> ::sees a familiar but unexpected Vulcan visitor:: Captain Sorehl! Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Careful, careful. ::Muttering under her breath. Her death grip on her arm rests returned.:: Cptn Swain -> Helm, pursuit course for the two bogeys. Tandaris Admiran -> Greg> ::ship zooms past Excalibur and alters course to defend its flank:: Hunter Matheson -> Pursuit course, aye. Sorehl -> :::dismisses a sense of nostalgia from being on the engineering deck of another Excalibur::: William Chocox -> ::waves distractedly:: Hello whoever you are. Hunter Matheson -> Flank speed to overtake. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Sorehl:: What brings you here, now of all times? Rhan K'hal -> :: sends a short "That was inventive, our gratitude." to the Scorpiad vessel... somehow managing to leave off the "you maniac" part at the end :: Sorehl -> :::hearing Admiran::: This may not be the best of times, but I've been reviewing the data you developed and provided... Tandaris Admiran -> ::oh, the peer-review comes through now, of course:: Rhan K'hal -> :: keeps pounding the two Jem'Hadar vessels with all the sensors can muster :: Come on, come on... Cptn Swain -> (( Aww, Tandaris about to get a Revise and Resubmit. How cute )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> ::Moves to the counter to put her supplies away, clutching the counter for support.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: shouts :: GOT YOU! Hunter Matheson -> ::grins:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Confirmed! William Chocox -> Damnit, damnit, damnit. Rhan K'hal -> Subspace weapon is on the starboard vessel! Cptn Swain -> Hunter lets go get him. Sorehl -> :::continues::: Given the details from Abronovonvich, are we confident in the configuration of the weapon he assisted? Hunter Matheson -> Move to intercept. ::changes course to target to starboard:: Cptn Swain -> ::Miranda:: Let Tandaris know we found the weapon. Rhan K'hal -> +Admiran+ K'hal to Admiran. We've found the delivery vehicle. William Chocox -> ::fingers flying as he attempts to reroute power as the teams keep repairing:: Tandaris Admiran -> As confident as--::remembers that Sorehl probably prefers more precise reckonings:: I'd say we're 75% confident of the configuration. At least, we know what they intended to do. Whether or not they assembled it to those specifications ... Hunter Matheson -> ::Gaither:: Hold us steady. I'm plugging some coordinates. Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> ::nods, takes the board:: Sorehl -> :::nodding' also hearing the advisory from the bridge::: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Having figured out that we figured it out, the second ship breaks and comes at us fast on an intercept course. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She sucked in a breath.:: +Admiran+ Hawthorne to Admiran. Rhan K'hal -> The other ship is trying to intercept. Cptn Swain -> Tactical... Tandaris Admiran -> +Miranda+ Admiran here. Hunter Matheson -> ::comeon baby... don't fail me now:: Cptn Swain -> Tactical> On it... but... they're using some kind of jamming field, sir. I can't get a weapons lock. Switching to manual. Hunter Matheson -> Evasive maneuver laid in and ready. Steady on course. Rhan K'hal -> :: takes a steadying breath :: Cptn Swain -> How long until the bogey is in range to fire that thing? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Admiran+ We've found the weapon on one of the Jem'Hadar vessels are are currently in pursuit. Rhan K'hal -> :: lets Ithene answer that one :: Tandaris Admiran -> +Miranda+ How long until they reach the wormhole? Rhan K'hal -> :: tries solving the jamming field in the meanwhile, shooting various particle beams at it :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> At this speed, roughly 10 minutes. I estimate that we can overtake them in... ::glances:: 9. William Chocox -> ::keeps monitoring the damage board:: Sorehl -> :::continues::: There's an added sensitivity to proximate warp fields. This version may not be adequately shielded. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur fires off several shots towards the attacking vessel, but the speeds we're traveling and the jamming field is throwing the manual targeting fairly well. The manage to score several hits on us as well. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Nods to Ithene with a grimace.:: +Admiran+ Ten minutes. We think we can overtake them -- barely. We'll only have about a minute window to do the impossible. Cptn Swain -> Tactical> Shields at 67% Tandaris Admiran -> +Admiran+ Acknowledged. William Chocox -> ::Jack Sparrow Voice:: (m)Stop shooting at my ship! Rhan K'hal -> Come on, you're not immune to everything you wavery, spit-shined piece of... :: continues various methods of trying to break the jamming field :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The intercepting vessel is closing on us fast. Oh dear, that looks like a collision course. Hunter Matheson -> I got this, Captain. ::poised on the console::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Sorehl:: Yes, but we weren't able to come up with a way to exploit that weakness that wouldn't prematurely detonate the weapon anyway. Please tell me you have an idea. Sorehl -> It may be possible to... set it off before it gets in effective range, and avoid using :::gestures::: a second Merlin. Rhan K'hal -> Oh, hell. Rhan K'hal -> :: sounds the collision alarm :: Hunter Matheson -> ::mental count::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::hears the collision alarm:: That's not good. ::grabs on to the nearest hand-hold to brace himself:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Jem'Hadar interceptor comes within less than 50m of us as Hunter does some fancy flying, and Tactical takes advantage of the proximity to deliver crushing blows. Hunter Matheson -> Prepare for avoidance maneuver.. Hunter Matheson -> ::done:: Sorehl -> :::offers the PADD::: Prematurely detonating is the idea, but only if we can influence the directional affects away from the wormhole. Maryse Dubois -> ::Hears the alarm.:: Brace yourselves. William Chocox -> ::braces:: William Chocox -> Dangit. Rhan K'hal -> Way to go! Cptn Swain -> ACTION> But there's always a however, right? The ship explodes and that close to the ship, shields won't really help too much. Enjoy the rattling around! Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets behind the desk.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Forward torpedo launchers are offline. Cptn Swain -> (( Note: going to go just a little longer tonight than usual )) Hunter Matheson -> ::he and Gaither work madly to get us back on track::: William Chocox -> +bridge+ The hell was that?! Sorehl -> :::elaborating::: During the Briar Patch incident, a similar weapon demonstrated a propensity for attraction to active wrap cores. Rhan K'hal -> :: as the ship explodes :: Oh crap, too good Weps. :: holds on :: Cptn Swain -> ::Does not manage to stay in his chair:: William Chocox -> ::is directing damage teams to the area:: Cptn Corizon -> Tactical> ::dead:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::blinks:: Are you suggesting we jettison a warp core orthogonal to the weapon's direction of travel towards the wormhole? Hunter Matheson -> ::sweating, still trying to "right" the vessel:: Sorehl -> :::shifting from the shaking::: If we cannot stop its deployment... :::hears Admiran reach the conclusion::: Rhan K'hal -> +William+ Jem'Hadar go boom. Approximately 1250 m away. :: another K'hal ruining the upholstery as he holds on with all the claws he's got, more on the left paw than the right thanks to the incident :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> ::Thrown sideways, scrambling to stay on her feet, supplies going everywhere.:: Maryse Dubois -> ((Tac is always the 1st to go.)) Maryse Dubois -> ((Reminds me of doug. Poor doug.)) Tandaris Admiran -> ((I'm glad we started ordering them in bulk)) Cptn Corizon -> (( lol )) Rhan K'hal -> :: calls for tactical reinforcement, in the meanwhile adds the shooty tactical bits back up on his display :: William Chocox -> ((Costco packs.)) Sorehl -> :::straightens::: Well reasoned. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Picking herself up:: 5 minutes until they're in range to launch the weapon. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Sorehl:: If we jettison _our_ core, though, I'm not sure we would be able to escape the volume of effect. Rhan K'hal -> We've lost our forward launcher. Sorehl -> IT would require us to be dangerously close, yes. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::frowns:: That little detour through us off though. We might not be able to overtake them now. William Chocox -> +Bridge+ Not that I'm complaining that the Jem'Hadar went boom, but can we avoid anything that close again? Tandaris Admiran -> ::frump face:: Mad plan, suicidal plan ::moves arms as if weighing the two possibilities:: I love having options. Sorehl -> :::gravely::: There is a distinct possibility we would be consumed in the explosion. But the fleet, the wormhole, Bajor... :::trails off::: Cptn Swain -> ::Dusts himself off as he manages to get back to his feet:: Rhan K'hal -> +William+ With the wormhole on the line? I don't think we can take that off the table, Will. Cptn Swain -> Status report. Hunter Matheson -> ::Swain:: Helm still responding. Ship is not happy, Sir. Hunter Matheson -> She's holding up, but barely. Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets up from behind the front desk.:: Is everyone alright? Tandaris Admiran -> Hmm Rhan K'hal -> Forward launcher is kaput. Ventral shields are... pretty much kaput. Ventral phaser arrays, down to under 50% efficiency. Countermeasure systems, down on the ventral side. Basically our belly is in bad shape. Cptn Swain -> Torpedo launchers? Cptn Swain -> Damnit. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The wounded begin reporting to medical -- though most of them are minor. Cptn Swain -> +Tandaris+ Bridge to Engineering Tandaris Admiran -> ::snaps his fingers:: The wormhole! Sorehl -> :::observing::: Destroying the carrier or the device before detonation is preferable. Assuming we survive the next few minutes, in any case. But this gives us an option with potentially less destruction to the sub space layer. William Chocox -> +Bridge+ Commander Admiran is busy at the moment, how may I help you? Cptn Swain -> ::Hunter:: Keep us on them. William Chocox -> ::directs most of the teams towards the ventral side:: Hunter Matheson -> Aye, sir. We're steady on course now, sir. Bearing down. Tandaris Admiran -> We can't outrun the detonation without warp drive, but we could conceivably enter the wormhole if we time it just right. Rhan K'hal -> :: re-routes some of the stored power for the weapons systems that are only half there to propulsion to hopefully get a bit of that time back :: Cptn Swain -> +Engineering+ If I understand Tandaris' plan correctly we need the torpedo launchers, do we not? Sorehl -> :::allows an eyebrow up::: That's brilliant. William Chocox -> +Bridge+ Damage control teams are already headed that way. William Chocox -> Sir. Hunter Matheson -> ::K'hal:: Thanks for the extra. We need it. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Wait, did I just hear that the launchers are offline? Rhan K'hal -> I'd get out and push if it'd help. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Jem'Hadar ship has entered range to launch the weapon, but given our proximity has not yet done so, through sensors show they are preparing it for launch. William Chocox -> Working on it sir! Hunter Matheson -> Aye, sir. Rhan K'hal -> Captain... looks like they're powering up for launch. Hunter Matheson -> :mutters:: Damn, where's the cavalry when you need 'em. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: And I have every confidence in you! ::Sorehl:: While my people are busy with that, I could use some help reconfiguring the warp core ejection system. Cptn Swain -> How long before we're on them? Sorehl -> You have it. Cptn Swain -> (( Quick poll: finish up tonight, or next week )) Hunter Matheson -> (tonight) William Chocox -> ((I won't be here next week.)) Rhan K'hal -> (( tonight is good )) Tandaris Admiran -> ((Are you kidding me? Tonight)) Maryse Dubois -> ((Yeah that would be one hell of a cliffhanger)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Next week. ::evil smile:: )) Sorehl -> ((If I get a vote, tonight)) Rhan K'hal -> We're on the doorstep. We just have to reach out the arm and knock. Maryse Dubois -> ((I already warned Ja'Lale and Challenger we were going over.)) Cptn Swain -> (( Alrighty! )) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Mutters:: We're almost on them. Tandaris Admiran -> ::heads with Sorehl to the core controls:: We'll need to alter the intermix so the subspace echo aligns with the device's. Hunter Matheson -> ::K'hal:: Any way to get power from somewhere else? Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The vessel launches the weapon. Rhan K'hal -> Weapon is away! William Chocox -> ::has only been barely paying attention, but now realizes what's going on:: Sorehl -> :::follows literally and theoretically::: Hunter Matheson -> Damn... William Chocox -> You're going to do what with the warp core?! Cptn Swain -> +Engineering+ Weapon is away. I hope you have a plan B, and now,. Rhan K'hal -> :: would activate the Armageddon alarm if Starfleet was forward thinking enough to install one :: Cptn Swain -> ::Looks to Miranda:: Sorehl -> :::to Admiran::: There may be no time for finesse. Tandaris Admiran -> +Bridge+ We do. We'll need to jettison the warp core and then high-tail it for the wormhole. Maryse Dubois -> ::Isn't aware of the situation on the bridge as she is now occupied with patients.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She looked to Swain and shakes her head.:: We have to... ::Quietly.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::looks up at the report from engineering:: Hunter Matheson -> ::looks to Gaither::: Rhan K'hal -> :: blinks, not quite sure how A allows for B in that scenario :: Cptn Swain -> +Admiran+ Do it. William Chocox -> ::dang near pulls his hair out:: Cptn Swain -> +Admiran+ Give Hunter the information. Hunter Matheson -> ::a moment of thought, and they nod, then begin loading up the board::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: I want all available power to the impulse engines. Hunter Matheson -> ::Swain:: Got it sir. On it. William Chocox -> Aye sir. Sorehl -> :::to Admiran::: If we drop the core shielding, it may bleed enough sub space wake to draw it off without resonance. William Chocox -> ::rearranges the power: Tandaris Admiran -> ::nods at Sorehl:: +Hunter+ Helm, need you to position the ship on these axes. ::sends details:: Rhan K'hal -> :: turns off every dang thing that isn't essential as the bridge goes to emergency lighting :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Jem'Hadar ship that launched the weapon turns to fire on us, but is deftly handled by our fighters. Leaving Excalibur chasing the weapon towards the wormhole. Hunter Matheson -> ::before power is lost, they take course toward the wormhole::: Hunter Matheson -> (GMTA, Skipper) Tandaris Admiran -> Computer, prepare for emergency core ejection on my mark, authorization Admiran Three-Seven-Three-Epsilon. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Estimate it will reach the terminus of the wormhole in the slowest 45 seconds in film. Rhan K'hal -> (( lol )) Sorehl -> :::in place where directed::: If we make the warp jump before ejection, we might be able to ride the field before it degrades. William Chocox -> ((At least it's not DBZ) Maryse Dubois -> ((We don't need 5 episodes of powering up.)) Tandaris Admiran -> +Helm+ Prepare to engage emergency warp jump on my mark. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Dr. Barbara Shaker> ::Jumps in to help an Ensign with a nasty gash above her eyebrow.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Dramatic score and effects activate with split shots of the Excalibur giving chase. Tandaris Admiran -> Computer> Ejection systems online. ::sounds warning throughout the entire ship:: Hunter Matheson -> +Eng+ Copy Tandaris Admiran -> Computer, eject the core. Hunter Matheson -> ::prepares, as before:: Cptn Swain -> ::Looks to Miranda and mouths:: God help us all. Tandaris Admiran -> +Helm+ Now. Hunter Matheson -> ::engages::: Sorehl -> :::standing near Admiran::: Although, I'm not aware of a core ejection during warp... Rhan K'hal -> :: gripping his console, doing all he can: wait and watch :: Cptn Swain -> (( Oh god the dice )) Tandaris Admiran -> ::Sorehl:: Oh, this is Excalibur, Captain. You of all people should know we never do things the easy way. William Chocox -> I've got you all the power I've got Commander. Maryse Dubois -> ((I find it hilarious that "Dare" from Stan Bush just came up on my playlist.)) Hunter Matheson -> (lost the dice in the jump, Boss?) Sorehl -> :::grips the handrail, watching the massive core transition and descend::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Sorehl:: I've also never heard of a ship entering a wormhole as it drops out of warp speed with a degrading field before. Tandaris Admiran -> This will make an interesting paper we could co-author. Assuming we survive. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur does a mini-jump to warp at the same moment it dumps the warp core infront of the device. Sorehl -> Excalibur was my first posting... Tandaris Admiran -> Mine too. Sorehl -> ...but not my last, I trust. Tandaris Admiran -> Never been able to shake it, as much as I've tried. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> We also hurdle head long into the now gaping maw of the wormhole at speeds well fester than intended. Behind us there is boom. A very large boom. But, from what we can tell, not the type of boom that destroys the wormhole or ends our ability to use warp drive ever again. Rhan K'hal -> If I was Bajoran this would be easier. Saving the Prophets and all. Sorehl -> Twenty years and counting, Commander. Hunter Matheson -> Degrading from warp, Captain. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> It's a real bumpy ride, like a bad wooden roller coaster and if you did not know, Excalibur does not come equipped with barf bags, surely a pity. William Chocox -> Son of a gun. Tandaris Admiran -> ::watching as various subsystems overload:: Cptn Swain -> ::Feels his stomach turning as they're thrown through the wormhole at high speeds:: Hunter Matheson -> :thankful he didn't eat much::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::beginning to feel really strange:: Sorehl -> :::his grip tightening on the rails, warning lights blinking on around him::: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> We lose attitude control and it is now the Tea Cups too. Hunter Matheson -> Aw... ::word:: Rhan K'hal -> :: regretting not being at a console with a chair... and therefore a seatbelt as he tumbles around the raised rail area of the bridge :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Finds herself behind the desk again, but not by choice.:: Strap everyone down if you can! Hunter Matheson -> ::strapped in, but it doesn't help much::: Tandaris Admiran -> We might be experiencing more relativistic effects than normal given the decel ::cuts off, tries to avoid throwing up:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Holding on and holding it down, gritting her teeth. She clung to her armrest, scrolling through the damage reports, but there wasn't much she could do to help just then.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur exits the wormhole spinning, though emergency thrusters finally kick in bringing us to hault before we slam into DS9 Tandaris Admiran -> ((I'm picturing that trippy sequence from Star Trek IV after they slingshot back to the future)) Cptn Swain -> (( Mhmm )) Rhan K'hal -> :: manages to not claw Swain or Hawthorne in the process, surely something that should give him brownie points later, as he finally comes to rest right back where he started, but upside down :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::sits up from where he finds himself on the floor:: Ow. Wow. Rhan K'hal -> :: thankfully Caits aren't prone to motion sickness - but they are prone to grumpiness :: That was fun. Let's not do that again. Ever. Hunter Matheson -> ::sweating, checking the helm console, trying not to look around but he smells the evidence of their jump::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::to everyone in engineering:: Everyone sound off. Sorehl -> :::offers a steadying arm::: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The wormhole opens again shortly after us, Merlin II -- or whatever the Jem'Hadar designation for it was -- is still intact and flying free. Exiting the wormhole it slows before its engines overload, detonating harmlessly. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Pushed back into her chair, she took a deep breath and then another, happy she was still alive to enjoy the recycled air.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slow nod, and he checks with Gaither, who gives him a thumbs-up;:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Romulan from DS9 Episode Voice ITTTSSSSS AAAAA DDDDDDUUUUUUDDDDDDDDD Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM