Cdr Miranda Hawthorne

SD 0327.2016 Part of the away team has continued their meeting with Finnus, while the other part continues their afternoon in the hot springs, where they appear to have made a rather disturbing discovery. SD 0403.2016 The Excalibur crew continues its search for the missing Starfleet crew. Part of the crew is watching a rat hockey match, while the other team is about to begin searching the contact for the team's house.

MISSION BRIEFING: Part of the away team has continued their meeting with Finnus, while the other part continues their afternoon in the hot springs, where they appear to have made a rather disturbing discovery. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::half wondering what it's like to be a rodent being smacked around with a puck:: Hunter Matheson -> ::decides he doesn't want to know:: Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Having been keeping watch at the door, wanders back over to Tandaris and Finnus as Miranda goes back to watch the door.:: Rhan K'hal -> Well, we're supposed to be gathering data while blending in... now we just have to figure out where and how to do that without getting blended by the local cocktails... food... and air. I'm sure there was a chapter about this in the manual. Hunter Matheson -> : :blink:: You got a manual? Maryse Dubois -> This will be difficult, the longer we try not to blend in and have fun, the more we stand out. Rhan K'hal -> That was sarcasm, Gunny. It's my second favorite tool right behind fish boning knives. Cptn Swain -> #Finnius> So, I should show you to his quarters then? Hunter Matheson -> Oh. Right. ::no, he doesn't understand it:: Tandaris Admiran -> #I thikn that would be a good idea. Tandaris Admiran -> #::still fiddling with the data PADD:: Hunter Matheson -> ::nods affirm to the doc:: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods at Maryse :: At least the rest of you have a bit of an advantage, being standard humanoids. The only other fur I'm seeing that isn't part of a coat was just currently shot into a goal. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Some servers come by the team spectating the Rodentia Hockey League Game, offering them drinks. They all seem to have great urge and desire to take them up on their offer too. A near, uncontrollable urge at that. Cptn Swain -> #Finnius> ::Frowns, this was all a little more than he'd bargained for but, well not much for it at this point, he supposed.:: Alright come with me. It's not far, but we'll want to use the back alley ways. Hunter Matheson -> ::looks from K'hal to the rodent, then back::: Hunter Matheson -> ::whew:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shoves his hands in his pockets, giving as congenial a 'no thanks' smile to the servers as he can:: Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Glances to Miranda:: Should we get the others? Cptn Swain -> #Miranda> ::shakes her head:: No, let's go. You lead the way. ::Glances to Tandaris and Ithene: Tandaris Admiran -> #::shrugs:: Maryse Dubois -> It's becoming harder to resist certain urges now. ::Resisting...for the moment.:: Tandaris Admiran -> # Something about this feels off. More off, I mean, than the rest of this mission. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Keen eyes might, however, catch which way the servers are going with the food. Which is towards a small complex back towards the main settlement room. Hunter Matheson -> ::still has the smile, aside to the doc:: Yeah. Same here. Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Lifts a brow:: How so? Cptn Swain -> #Finnius> ::Leading them through what passed as a closet/head and through a back door that opened into a back alley behind the housing units.:: Tandaris Admiran -> #::holds up encrypted PADD::<q> Finnius just happens to end up with this after Dhal dies? But he doesn't know what Dhal is up to? Why, exactly, is he being so helpful? He could easily slip us in this warren. Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> You read too many detective holonovels. Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Though she agreed with him.:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEFING: While looking for a missing Starfleet team on an icy Dominion mining planet, the AT from Excalibur has made contact with an alien who apparently knew they were coming. They've been told that the team's handler, Sral Dhal, is dead. Their new contact (and hopefully ally) is leading part of the team to saver quarters where they can discuss the situation. The others have availed themselves of the luxurious hot springs, relaxing, but with the intention of winkling out information from the locals about the station. While it is said to be Dominion controlled, they've seen no evidence of Jem'Hadar or Vorta in the colony. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> BEGIN SIM Maryse Dubois -> ::Still quite naked, relaxing in a pool.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::floating, enjoying the view:: Rhan K'hal -> :: still scowling over the magic snax as he sits in the lounger; pulls out his Delta quadrant tablet that he'd picked up at the market on that planet where Ithene fell on him, obviously speaking to the build quality that it survived :: Hunter Matheson -> ::then the smell floats past:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::He seemed extremely paranoid as he led the way through the tunnels. They'd taken several turns through an icy maze until reaching a particular door. He entered a code and slipped inside.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::jerks upright to tread water and looks around:: Hunter Matheson -> ::his adrenaline spikes and he reverts to recon mode:: Tandaris Admiran -> #::follows Finnius inside, wary:: Rhan K'hal -> :: having heavily modified it to do things that no civilian tablet should, he links into his not Starfleet on outer appearance tricorder that's in his pocket and has it scan the chunk of food he'd slipped in there with it :: Hunter Matheson -> ::he moves slowly toward the others and whispers:: We gotta get outta here... Hunter Matheson -> ::still surveying the crowd:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sits up from her restful position.:: What? Hunter Matheson -> (w) We gotta move. Someone has a weapon. I can smell it. Maryse Dubois -> You are imagining things. How can you smell a weapon? Hunter Matheson -> ::gives the doc a look like "are you kidding"?::: When you've been around 'em long enough, you learn. Hunter Matheson -> (w) sweat.. gun metal... powder... and ::sucks in a breath:: C4. Tandaris Admiran -> #::looks around:: Very ... spartan. Tandaris Admiran -> # Can we talk now? Rhan K'hal -> :: frowns over the chemical analysis, but doesn't have the right apps on the tablet to do anything more thorough :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Server> ::Approaches the hot springs with their drinks, smiling.:: Hi! Are you enjoying yourselves? I brought your refreshments and thought you might like to try one of our other hot spring concotions. It helps with the underlying smell. ::She poured one into the water and they got new smells -- all of these were floral.:: Which one do you like better? Maryse Dubois -> All I smell is strawberries. ::Turns around, resting her arms up on the edge of the pool.:: Rhan, dear, could you come her a minute? Rest your feet in the pool. Hunter Matheson -> ::checks out the server and the drinks::: Maryse Dubois -> That smells nice. ::Getting a hint of lavender.:: William Chocox -> I smell chrysanthemums. Hunter Matheson -> ::and the smell disappears, replaced with...blinks:: Rhan K'hal -> :: glances over at the doctor, flicks an ear but punches the tablet off and heads over to sit on the edge... but is still wearing his boots so doesn't bother with the hydrotherapy :: William Chocox -> Why so tense K'hal? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Finnius' quarters were, indeed, spartan. Just a simple bed, table, chairs, and a Jem'Hadar replicator. Another door (presumably) led to the bathroom facilities. The structure had been lined in some type of insulating material, which blocked the cold. Indeed, the room was quite warm and cozy. The only thing out of place was a box full of electrical components and equipment beside the little man's bed. He hurried to the box, dug through it, and brought out a palm-sized device with a switch. After throwing the switch, he relaxed. Rhan K'hal -> :: gets a whiff of Caitian savannah grass as he settles in, frowns even more :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Gives her thanks to the server as she takes her drink, waiting for her to be dismissed.:: What do you smell, Rhan? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> Alright... that should jam any listening devices so we can talk freely. ::He looked at the others, still quite nervous.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: quietly :: Something that doesn't exist in this quadrant. We're being very subtly chemically induced. Hunter Matheson -> ::slow nod:: William Chocox -> Well, I doubt they actually have a warp core out here. Hunter Matheson -> (w) Any idea why? Tandaris Admiran -> # So, start at the beginning. What happened to Dhal? Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Yeah. I smelled strawberries, now lavenders. This isn't simple aromatherapy. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Server> The woman left briefly, but returned with several bowls of frosted cold-fruit to take the heat off the springs. Rhan K'hal -> :: q, responding to Hunter :: I imagine it's a very effective method of keeping the civilian populace of this apparently very important place under control. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Server> Let me know if you need anything else, okay? ::She smiled sweetly and drifted off.:: Maryse Dubois -> Thank you. ::Looks at the bowl of fruit, setting it at the edge, but not sampling any.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::lowly:: So I'm guessing they have a lot of ways to keep people "under control" other than giving them smells. This whole place could be controlling our thoughts. Rhan K'hal -> :: q :: I wouldn't touch the food either, the bite I had earlier had something in it. I'm sure you'll be fascinated by the analysis when you get a chance to look at it. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::He frowned at Tandaris.:: I don't know what happened to him! I just know that he ended up dead. He was obviously poking about in things that shouldn't be poked about in. He was a friend of mine. About a month ago, he stopped going to the hot springs. We used to meet there once a week for a bit of gaming. When I questioned him about it, he said that he was working on something and didn't have time for it. Hunter Matheson -> ::nod to K'hal:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Glad she hadn't taken a sip of her drink either.:: I'm sure I will. Rhan K'hal -> We need to find somewhere else to go for a while, if we keep not accepting the "hospitality" they're bound to get suspicious. William Chocox -> (w)You have a plan on where to go? Maryse Dubois -> Can your scanner get a good reading of the water? More importantly what she put in it? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> A gaggle of bathers, men & women of various races, approached the AT's hot spring and joined them. Tandaris Admiran -> # We were supposed to meet with Dhal. He knows some friends of ours who were stuck here. Hunter Matheson -> ::hands on the edge of the pool, he pulls himself out and sits on the lip, checking the area:: Maryse Dubois -> :;Smiles at the newcomers.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::quick smile, nod:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> What friends? What were they doing here? Rhan K'hal -> :: nods, turns himself slightly to point his pocket-mounted tricorder in the right direction and then pulls out the tablet, pulls up the local weather report, which happens to be his chosen method of activating the scanning :: Tandaris Admiran -> #::draws himself up:: What do you think? Tandaris Admiran -> # That's not important. Do you know how we could go about finding them with Dhal dead? Rhan K'hal -> Still a lovely -50° below on the surface, I see. Maryse Dubois -> ::To the newcomers.:: Would any of you like a bowl of fruit? Our server just brought them to us, and I'm afraid I'm just not hungry. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::He rubbed what little hair he had on his head.:: Ah... that's tricky. You don't know why they were here. I don't know why they were here. We've had a few strangers come and go lately, but that's normal. People come for the healing power of the springs. Some like to stay on for a bit. Rhan K'hal -> :: walks over to the clothing lockers, pulls up the real scan results, quickly skims over the results :: Tandaris Admiran -> # Do you have any news services here? The people we're looking for will know ot look for certain ... messages. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Man> ::Swims up to Maryse and smiles, leaning over her to catch the fruit.:: You sure? It's quite tasty. Just a little hint of cool sweetness to tantalize the tongue. ::He popped a piece in his mouth and then pulled out another for her, bringing it in to feed her.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::eyes the man::: Rhan K'hal -> :: stalks back over to the pool :: Ah, Maryse, I just got a buzz from K'Bob, he's off his shift finally. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::He shook his head.:: No news services or broadcasts down here. No signal this deep. We're either working the factory line or spend our free time with social activities. William Chocox -> Sir, can't you tell when a woman says no? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Something Hunter notices while he's sitting naked on the edge of the pool. Any of his bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes from training had healed over in the short time he'd spent in the water. Maryse Dubois -> ::Shakes her head, smiling nicely to him.:: Sorry. I just recently ate, but please enjoy them. ::looks up at Rhan.:: Ah. Looks like I have to leave. Have a good rest of your soak. ::Slips up out of the pool.:: William Chocox -> ::climbs up as well:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Man> ::Looks a bit disappointed, but shrugs it off. He throws William a glance and just smiles, taking the bowl of fruit over to the others.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Grabs a nearby towel and begins to dry off.:: William Chocox -> ::dries off as well:: Hunter Matheson -> ::touching the areas, then looks to K'hal:: Been waiting for K'Bob. ::stands and grabs his towel:: Rhan K'hal -> Let's go back to the rodent hockey area, small groups of people standing about weren't uncommon there. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ::Miranda crossed her arms.:: So it seems that you know a whole lot of nothing. Why don't you tell us what you do know. How did your friend die? Maryse Dubois -> ::Grabs her clothes from the warmer and begins to get dressed.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slips on his clothes, checking the pockets to be sure nothing is missing::: Rhan K'hal -> :: waits for everyone to get dressed :: Hunter Matheson -> ::quick run of the towel over his crew, then tosses it into the bin:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles as she slips one arm under Rhans, and the other under Kal's.:: Shall we? Hunter Matheson -> ::and nods to both:: Sounds like a plan. Rhan K'hal -> Absolutely. William Chocox -> ::gets dressed and walks up to the group: Maryse Dubois -> Remember to smile and enjoy yourselves. William Chocox -> Of course. Hunter Matheson -> ::Plastered smile:: You got it. Rhan K'hal -> :: jocularly :: You know I don't like to smile around strangers, Maryse. Sometimes they mistake showing the fangs for something else. Tandaris Admiran -> #::looking around Finnius' apartment, poking through stuff:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> He just dropped dead! I was supposed to meet him for a meal in his quarters and when I got there, he was on the floor. Medical services said that he'd used a few malayan herbs as flavoring in his stew, but they'd gone bad. Poisoned him. He didn't even like taste of malayan herbs! Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Do what you can. ::grins.:: Hunter Matheson -> So.. if you don't smile much, what do you do when you're enjoying yourself? Maryse Dubois -> ::Is lead into the hockey area with the 3 guys, finding a comfortable place to talk.:: Tandaris Admiran -> #::opening drawers, rifling through things:: Rhan K'hal -> It's all in the tail, Gunny. Hunter Matheson -> Oh... right. ::smirk:: Hunter Matheson -> And the ears? Rhan K'hal -> So... :: pulls out the tablet, hands it to Maryse :: Good news, there are topical regeneratives in the water. So they really are healing springs. William Chocox -> Well that's good. Hunter Matheson -> ::K'hal:: I.. noticed. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: I figured. William, show me your right arm William Chocox -> ::holds it out:: What about it? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::Catches Tandaris poking through his things.:: Hey! What are you doing?! Those are my things! Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes it, rolling up the sleeve a little.:: You used to have a scar just below your palm. And Kal.. ::Motions him to turn as she gently pulls down part of his jacket, exposing a part on the back of his neck.:: He had a recent bruise that doesn't exist anymore. Rhan K'hal -> Before you do your happy dances... Rhan K'hal -> ...the bad news... if I'm reading that right it's some sort of offshoot of Ketracel that the helpful serving staff is adding to the water, drinks and food. Hunter Matheson -> ::aside:: And all the scars from training injuries are gone. Hunter Matheson -> ::Rhan:: Not a good sign. William Chocox -> I liked that scar. Maryse Dubois -> Oh lovely. :;Thinks about it.:: That makes sense. It could be used as a controlling agent if modified for use on multiple species at once. Tandaris Admiran -> #::Finnius:: Yes, and? ::continues searching for anything that might be of Starfleet or Federation origin, or anything that could belong to Dhal:: Rhan K'hal -> That's my take, though I'll definitely let you write the paper on it. My biochemistry is better than most, but you're the one with the fancy letters after your name. William Chocox -> Who doesn't like fancy letters? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The humidity of the hot springs had grown, making the room a bit foggy. They could no longer see the other walls and other exits. The warm, humid air had a calming effect. They should just have a seat and relax for a bit. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: It also helps that I have studied Ketracel before. But I admit, the thought of altering it into various forms escaped me. Rhan K'hal -> (( it's a good thing we left and went back to the rodent hockey cave )) Hunter Matheson -> ::fighting the urge:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ACTION> Tandy finds a standard issue data padd of Federation design. William Chocox -> That would be weird. Rhan K'hal -> I'd guess long term exposure would heighten the effects, so we're going to have to be damn careful. And we need to let the others know. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::He yelps:: Hey! Don't touch that! That was Dhal's. ::Tries to snatch it.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: If exposed too long to it, we could grow a dependency for it. Hunter Matheson -> Yeah. Except I'm so damn sleepy.... Rhan K'hal -> :: open paw slaps Hunter :: Tandaris Admiran -> #::holds the PADD juuuuust out of reach of the shorter man's jump range:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slapped awake:: Thanks. Keep it up. There's something in the fog. Rhan K'hal -> :: glance to Maryse :: I'm sure you have a hypospray that would do the same thing, but I have an unlimited supply of mine. Tandaris Admiran -> # Federation, Commander. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::Jumping for it, waving his stubby little arms frantically.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::nods.:: I can't bring attention to us. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ::Miranda grabbed the little man by the collar and hauled him away, tossing him onto the bed.:: Sit. Stay. That's our tech. You found it in his quarters? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::Scowling, he nodded.:: Yea, but I couldn't activate it. It needs a code. Tandaris Admiran -> #::checks the PADD, enters his security authorization:: Maryse Dubois -> Unfortunately, we don't know where the others are at the moment. So we can't be in a hurry to rush off. Hunter Matheson -> Riiight... William Chocox -> True. Hunter Matheson -> ::digs his fingernails into his arm to stay awake::: Rhan K'hal -> No, and we don't want to wander into any more unknowns until we figure out a safe-ish place to assemble. And the springs are definitely off limits. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ACTION> Access denied. >> You are not authorized to access this device. Rhan K'hal -> Did anyone see anything about room rentals? Hunter Matheson -> ::shakes negative:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # What about his quarters? Has anyone taken them? Maryse Dubois -> Not off hand, no. Tandaris Admiran -> # It needs a personal code, Commander. Tandaris Admiran -> # I can probably bypass, but not here. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::He shook his head.:: No, they weren't anything special. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Two minute warning )) Rhan K'hal -> Let's hope the rodent hockey games last a while then. I do admit that looks fun, though I'd rather do it by paw than with a stick. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ::She nodded to Tandaris.:: I think we have a look at the man's quarters. Perhaps there's something there to help. William Chocox -> Rodents? Maryse Dubois -> Apparently the rodents are the pucks in this game. Rhan K'hal -> Most pucks aren't furry and try to run away, Will. William Chocox -> Well yes, but how often do you bat rodents around? Tandaris Admiran -> # Agreed Rhan K'hal -> You've obviously never been to a Caitian pre-school. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( And... )) Hunter Matheson -> ::snort:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> END SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> END SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> END SIM

SD 0320.2016 While looking for a missing Starfleet team on an icy Dominion mining planet, the AT from Excalibur has made contact with an alien who apparently knew they were coming. They've been told that the team's handler, Sral Dhal, is dead. Their new contact (and hopefully ally) is leading part of the team to saver quarters where they can discuss the situation. The others have availed themselves of the luxurious hot springs, relaxing, but with the intention of winkling out information from the locals about the station. While it is said to be Dominion controlled, they've seen no evidence of Jem'Hadar or Vorta in the colony.

MISSION BRIEF: While looking for a missing Starfleet team on an icy Dominion mining planet, the AT from Excalibur has made contact with an alien who apparently knew they were coming. Their search for the missing team's handler, Sral Dhal, has come to an abrupt end as they have just discovered the man is no longer among the living. Their only lead, and presumably ally, is a curious little moleman that's been following them. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Chattering and shivering after being pulled from the icy water.:: William Chocox -> So...do we want the holodeck sim to be just this area, or include the cold areas too? William Chocox -> ::to Dubois:: Tandaris Admiran -> What do you mean Dhal is dead? How? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::runs a hand through her hair:: Hunter Matheson -> ::MM dragged out of the water, he looks to the doc and speaks quietly:: Want to do this, Doc, or should I do the honors? Hunter Matheson -> ::retrieves a tightly- folded mylar blanket from a cargo pocket:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::He whispered softly, glancing around frantically.:: M-m-murder. C-can't s-s-s-say m-m-more h-h-here. ::He started to pull away, heading for the hot springs.:: N-n-need to g-g-g-et w-w-warm. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> *Mole man> Hunter Matheson -> ::great... murder:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::With their group finding the others, she gestured to the shivering man in their midst.:: Who's this? Dahl? Tandaris Admiran -> You're not going anywhere. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Narrows her glance bit, looks about to make sure no one else is watching. Though she suspected they could easily be listening.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::She also remembered the Jem'hadar ability to cloak themselves with a bit of internalized horror.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::glances to Will and Maryse:: William Chocox -> You ok over there? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Yes. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Just we need to be ... careful. Hunter Matheson -> ::looks to Admiran, then back to the doc::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: This fellow claims Dhal is dead. William Chocox -> Well that's certainly awkward. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> Shhhhhhhhhhh! ::Hissing at Tandaris.:: It's n-n-n-ot s-s-s-safe h-h-here. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lowly:: We should find someplace... quieter and more secure. William Chocox -> And somewhere he can get warm. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns, and opens her tricorder, trying to remember as much as she could about the Jem'hadar cloaking ability, and if there was anything she could do to locate it.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole Man> And w-w-w-warmer. ::Nodding in agreement.:: I've g-g-g-ot a p-p-place. Hunter Matheson -> ::anxious look, judging the mole man's hypothermia kicking in::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Now a pale shade of blue.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances to Maryse:: See what you can do, eh? Maryse Dubois -> Well we should probably not stand around any long in this area. Unless we want a mole-sicle? Maryse Dubois -> Take him, gently into the warmer area. Hunter Matheson -> Basic strip and roll should help, ma'am. He's going down fast. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Pulls Miranda aside.:: (w) I am not sure how... good of an idea this is. Hunter Matheson -> ::watching the guy turn blue, which is pretty hard since it's a mole:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and he's never seen a blue mole before, so it's also kind of a curious thing:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Suddenly jerks away and scurries toward the room with the hot springs.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shrug, tucks the mylar blanket back into his Class A pouch:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Follows after the little guy.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::winds up his cord, strips the water from it, and slips it back as well::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Speaking quietly with Ithene, she shakes her head.:: <vs> I don't like it either, but we don't have much of a choice. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods, knowing not to question further.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::follows along with the rest, taking rear guard:: William Chocox -> ::follows Dubois:: So as I was saying, do we want the cold rooms to lead into the hot rooms? Or just the hot rooms for the holodeck? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Motions for Rhan to come closer.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Not bothering with shedding his clothing, he jumped in to the nearest pool and groaned.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: ear tilt, heads over :: Hunter Matheson -> ::leans against the wall of the entryway, arms casually folded, watching both directions:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::quietly:: It occurred to me that the Jem'Hadar could be... following us in shroud. Now, sensors have trouble detecting it, but someone with your... enhanced sensory abilities... Maryse Dubois -> Why would we want the cold room? ::Sticks with Mole-man, so as not to lose him.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::smiling at passing women in various stages of dress::: Maryse Dubois -> ::But doesn't jump in water.:: Rhan K'hal -> ::q:: It's not exactly the most ideal environment, but I've already been keeping an ear and a nose open for them. That's why I'm letting everyone else play chase the mole. Hunter Matheson -> ::admiring the view:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Once he was in the water, he started removing his clothing, tossing it back over the side.:: Ahhhhh.... so nice. Someone throw those in the heater for me, eh? S'over there. ::Points to a bank of cubby devices nearby.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Good. If this man is right, and their contact was murdered, I would think the Vorta -- if they were behind it -- might have left someone behind to keep an eye on things. I can't imagine no one has noticed us. William Chocox -> Just making sure for when I write the program. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks to Kal for that honor.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::smirks.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda nodded.:: And if he knew we were coming, then likely someone else was expecting us, too. Rhan K'hal -> :: snorts :: We're already the circus come to town, all we're missing is the big tent. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smiles:: I left it in the shuttle. Hunter Matheson -> ::mouth open to protest, then decides he'd better not, so with a acquiescing grin, he grabs the mole's clothing and tosses it into the warmer:: Hunter Matheson -> ::steps back to wink a thanks to the doc::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::No longer blue, color was starting to come back into his cheeks. His eyes were half shut, enjoying the heat.::: Mmm, you guys should come in for a soak. It's the best part about this place. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances over to her shoulder where the rest of the team was looking to their new friend.:: Want me to do the questioning? Maryse Dubois -> Would love too, but we are kind of pressed for time. Rhan K'hal -> :: heads back over to his best vantage point and continues his bipedal tricorder routine :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Several unclad men and women of various species stroll past the away team on their way to one of the pools.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Points at the rear view.:: And that, too. William Chocox -> (w)It should be illegal for some of these people to walk around naked. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We need to get him to a secure location, first. We're already too exposed. He said he had a place. Maybe his quarters? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::nods:: Hunter Matheson -> ::chucklesmirk:: (w) ::cho:: Just admire the best view, and you got it made. Rhan K'hal -> ((afk)) William Chocox -> (w)If only it were that easy. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Turns on heel and makes her way over, making sure to saunter just enough to be pleasing without being... obvious.:: Maryse Dubois -> Life comes in different shapes and sizes, Mr. Chocox. Remember that. Hunter Matheson -> Hey.. just... you know... ::dismissive wave:: ... ignore the mud and rocks and just look at the... ::deep breath:: mountains. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Woman> ::Swimming up to the edge of the hot spring pool, she rested her folded arms on the edge, smiling up at Hunter and Will.:: Why haven't you two climbed in with your friend? All of those clothes must be so... hot. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Kneeling, she smiled.:: If only we did have time for a bath. I just love them, but sadly we don't. You said you had some place... quiet and... safe we could talk? William Chocox -> I'm busy at the moment, but thank you. Hunter Matheson -> ::Woman:: Hot? Hell no. The clothing breathes with ya. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Sighs at Ithene.:: Yes. As soon as my clothes are done, then. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smiles:: Good. Hunter Matheson -> ::hears the ding and retrieves the clothes from the dryer:: Here ya do. ::hands 'em over:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Woman> ::Pouts a little, but shrugs and swims away.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::glances to Hunter and Will:: Non-sense why don't you two enjoy yourselves a little. Maryse Dubois -> ::Snickers.: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::The fewer people that packed up and went with their new best friend, the better.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::eyes widen:: Seriously ::Ithene:: William Chocox -> ::blinks:: What? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::whispers to Maryse:: We don't want to look too obvious. Hunter Matheson -> ::his face lights up;: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda fetched a towel and held it out to the mole man.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Taking the towel, he climbed out and dried off, then dressed in his dry clothes. He, like nearly everyone else, didn't seem to care about nudity.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Grins.:: Only if Miranda says it's ok. You and her enjoy your private talk with our friend. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances to Miranda:: William Chocox -> ::just waits:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda considered, turning to survey the hot springs, then her team. Her lips pursed slightly.:: I wouldn't want us to split up normally, but in this case, I think it is necessary. We've been drawing too much attention, already. Those that wish to stay here, may do so. Try to chat up the locals and see what they think of this place. Something here is... off. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods in agreement.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::broad smile:: I'll take a dip. Where do we put our clothes? William Chocox -> Fine, I'll try to relax. Maryse Dubois -> :;Smiles happily as she walks over to one of the warmer boxes, and begins removing her clothes. Cause she too, doesn't care about nudity. She puts them all in the box when done. Then heads to the pool.:: Enjoy. :;Walks close to Ithene, speaking quietly.:: I take it the kitty will keep an eye out? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::He pointed to the woman handing out towels.:: You can leave them there if you don't want them to get wet. The hot springs are free for anyone to use. So is all the food and drink. Part of our living here. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda looked to Rhan.:: Are you braving the water or going with us? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Yes. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks to Tandaris, wondering if he was going to join them or go for a swim.:: Tandaris Admiran -> I would like to go somewhere warmer Maryse Dubois -> Excellent. ::Gets into the pool.:: Oh, elements this feels so good. Hunter Matheson -> ::nod to Mole man:: Appreciate it. ::grabs a towel, locker, strip, lock, turns, towel over one shoulder and makes for the pool::: Tandaris Admiran -> These pools remind me a little too much of home. Hunter Matheson -> ::slips in to the pool. to the doc:: Yeah. Sure does. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smiles, she would have hated to miss that.:: Very well then. Mister... uh.. ::glances to the moleman:: I am sorry what was your name? Rhan K'hal -> :: quietly to Miranda :: I won't be much good as a lookout shut up somewhere while you're talking, and I doubt I'll have an inconspicuous spot to keep a watch outside. I'll stay here, try to see what I can sniff out and make sure they don't get worse than pruny. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda wasn't prudish about nudity, either, but seeing her crew strolling around naked wasn't a distraction she needed just then. Tipping her head toward Rhan, she nodded.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> You may call me Finnius. ::He gestured to one of the tunnels they'd not yet explored.:: This way. It isn't far. Hunter Matheson -> ::vaguely wondering if Caits have to wear fur covers because of the fur::: William Chocox -> ::decides to just go with it and strips down before sliding into a pool:: Hunter Matheson -> ::then just gets lost in the warmth of the pool::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::follows, keeping his eyes peeled for an ambush in case this is a trap:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Rests on the edge, looking up at Rhan.:: You should at least soak your feet. Make it look less conspicuous. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Very well Mister Finnius. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::glances back to Admiran.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The pools are amazing. Ridiculously amazing even. Hunter Matheson -> ::is being ridiculously amazed:: William Chocox -> Damn this is good. Maryse Dubois -> ::Runs her hands through her hair.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::floating, to Cho:: Almost too good. Rhan K'hal -> :: works a thread loose from his coat until it's a few centimeters long, cuts it off with a claw; then, after the other group leaves through the tunnel, finds a spot to attach it to the tunnel wall - will hopefully notice if it flutters due to the passage of something or someone invisible :: William Chocox -> Can you go 5 minutes without making me paranoid? Hunter Matheson -> ::smirk:: I can try. Hunter Matheson -> But you eat it up so quickly, it's just too tempting. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Server> ::Drifts over to their pool and pours in a vial of scented oil, which drives off the faint sulfur smell. Soothing scents, different for each person, fill the air above the pool.:: Hi, enjoying the soak? Can I get anyone a cool beverage? Rhan K'hal -> :: heads back over to a chair, grabs one of the free food offerings on a table, and sits :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Finnius> ::Pulls on his coat as they leave the warmer hot springs area and enter a tunnel of rock. It was cooler, but not icy cold here.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Holding up a hand to the server:: I'm good, thanks. ::looks to Cho:: William Chocox -> I'm good. William Chocox -> Thank you though. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The food tastes wonderful to R'han. Like a favorite food would, even though he likely had never sampled the local cuisine. Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets the faint smell of strawberries.:: I have a craving for a strawberry smoothie. Rhan K'hal -> :: narrows eyes, looks at the food suspiciously :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> But the feeling dissipates. Hunter Matheson -> ::leans back for a float:: I'm gonna say they have just about everything here. ::point:: Ask him. William Chocox -> ::sniffs:: Someone running a warp core in here? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Server> ::Nods to Maryse.:: Of course. I'm sure we have something to approximate that. I'll be right back. Cptn Swain -> ...and... Rhan K'hal -> :: picks off a bit and puts it in his pocket with his muted tricorder, feels around for the right spot to initiate a scan :: Hunter Matheson -> ::Cho::not as casual as he appears:: Could be. Rhan K'hal -> :: will take a peek at the results later :: William Chocox -> ::gives Hunter a look:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0313.2016 While looking for a missing Starfleet team on an icy Dominion mining planet, the AT from Excalibur has made contact with an alien who apparently knew they were coming. Their search for the missing team's handler, Sral Dhal, has come to an abrupt end as they have just discovered the man is no longer among the living. Their only lead, and presumably ally, is a curious little moleman that's been following them.

MISSION BRIEF: The away team has descended below the icy hellscape above into the heart of the Dominion base where they are looking for a missing Starfleet team, but first they must find the teams handler, who could be the key to uncovering their whereabouts. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::hanging back, looking like a tourist while he checks out exit strategies::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::attempting to discern technical info from the various technology visible to them:: Hunter Matheson -> ::not many options here:: William Chocox -> ::waits for orders:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: Well let's hope the stalagmites didn't cause the team to stop reporting in. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::After the room of death icicles, Miranda was far more cautious, especially about the ceiling. She hurried through the next tunnel, heading for their destination district.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::leans in Ithene's direction:: Ice can disrupt the signals? Maryse Dubois -> ::Was glad she had moved into the next area.:: No ceiling of death in here... Rhan K'hal -> I think she was referring to unexpected impalement, not interference. Hunter Matheson -> ::blank look, then:: Oh. Right. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts a brow:: Hunter Matheson -> Yeah, that'll disrupt the signals. Hunter Matheson -> If you can't move, you can't... you know... ::sigh, his voice trails off:: signal. William Chocox -> Well that's certainly a macabre thought. Maryse Dubois -> ::Checking the signs, making sure they were still headed in the right direction.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lowly to Miranda:: The quicker we find the handler the better. ::Pauses:: But you know that. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Another opening in the icy tunnels reveals a second cavernous space, though this one was made of rock and not ice. There were several buildings in this area, but the majority of the space was dominated by tiers upon tiers of hot springs. The uppermost spilled into the level below and so on. It was significantly warmer here and very humid. Ferns and moss grew upon the rocks surrounding the pools. William Chocox -> Well, who else is hot. Tandaris Admiran -> ::waits for Ithene's inevitable rejoinder:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> There were a few people enjoying the pools and several more walking between. No one was wearing clothing. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smiles:: Oh Will. Can I play with your body again? Hunter Matheson -> ::blink:: Rhan K'hal -> :: ear tilt :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Ah... ::Miranda paused, looking around.:: Did we take a wrong turn? Is this the right district? ::Looks at Tandaris.:: Tandaris Admiran -> Why look at me? Maryse Dubois -> ::Chuckles at the sight before her.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Because you and Maryse can read the signs. ::She gestured to the ones on the wall.:: I was expecting personal quarters or perhaps a food district. Not... bathing pools. Hunter Matheson -> ::crooked grin, muttering to himself:: Gettin' to begin to like this place... Tandaris Admiran -> ::unzipping his parka, starting to sweat:: Cptn Swain -> ::takes off her Parka:: William Chocox -> As long as I'm in control ma'am. Tandaris Admiran -> The sign over there says "Spa," but that's about it. No … district … notation. Hunter Matheson -> ::enjoying the view:: William Chocox -> ::takes his parka off as well:: Hunter Matheson -> ::zip slip:: William Chocox -> ((Man, I thought I had a great come back there. :P)) Maryse Dubois -> Oh...this is the place, or at least part of it. ::Grins, as she too starts removing extra clothing.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::a finger through the hood hook, he tosses it over his shoulder:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> What about that one? ::She pointed to part of the wall where an archway led into another series of pools. Several naked people were seen running frantically out of that area, teeth chattering, and jumping directly into the hot spring.:: Tandaris Admiran -> Worth a try. Maryse Dubois -> Word of medical advice, we may have to join the natives. If you sweat too much and re-enter one of the other areas, you may freeze to death. Hunter Matheson -> ::chews on that one a while:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Well... I suppose we should start asking questions. Doctor, take Chocox with you and speak with the people at the food service station. I'm assuming that's what it is. ::She pointed to an alcove in the wall of the cavern where a woman was serving drinks to more naked people, who then took those drinks with them to the pools.:: See if we're in district eleven. Our contact's name is Sral Dhal. William Chocox -> Hm. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Admiran, you, K'hal, and Matheson go see what's in that other chamber. Don't wander too far. I don't want us getting split up. Tandaris Admiran -> Understood. Hunter Matheson -> ::his attention drawn back to Hawthorne, away from the present distraction:: Rhan K'hal -> :: is glad he didn't bother adjusting his clothing level, since he'll be on the cold team ::\ Tandaris Admiran -> ::leads the way into the colder room:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Of course. :;Heads down the walk, putting her jacket over her shoulder as she loosens her top. She waits for Will before approaching the stand.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: follows :: Hunter Matheson -> ::slips the outer parka back on:: Hunter Matheson -> ::zip:: William Chocox -> ::walks up beside Maryse:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::While they spread out, she and Ithene went to the spa's welcome desk -- a series of rocky tables near the springs where a man was handing out towels.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Leans up on the stand.:: Hi. I was wondering if this was District 11? Tandaris Admiran -> ::sees people sitting on blocks of ice:: Tandaris Admiran -> Bizarre. Why would anyone possibly find this enervating? William Chocox -> ::stands casually against the desk. Rhan K'hal -> Mental instability? Hunter Matheson -> ::shrug:: Beats me. Hunter Matheson -> ::Rhan:: Or that. Hunter Matheson -> Makes me wonder how the ceiling is stable, given the heat in the other area. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Tandaris, Rhan, and Hunter found themselves in a smaller cavern, also of rock, but with icy pools rather than hot springs. People would randomly jump into the pools, climb out, and then run for the springs. There were also other ice-related activities, including some strange game where two teams skated along a sheet of ice and batted a black furry rodent back and forth with long curved sticks, each team trying to fling the hapless creature into the other team's net. Every so often, the rodent would get away and skitter across the ice in the wrong direction before it was captured again. Tandaris Admiran -> Let's go watch the game, mingle with the spectators. Hunter Matheson -> ::stares:: I'm going with mental instability. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Cocktail Woman> Hmm? Oh, yes. This is part of District 11. Our entertianment district. Are you visiting someone? We don't get a lot of tourists. Rhan K'hal -> :: dryly :: What's Dominion for "Goooooooooooooooooal!" anyway? Hunter Matheson -> I'm gonna guess the same word they have for kill. Hunter Matheson -> Maybe... maim? Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Yes, we're actually supposed to meet Sral Dhal here? ::Looks back at the inviting hot springs.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Beyond the ice rink, there was a sloped area with channels cut into the rock. People would take blocks of ice, sit on them, and slide down the channels. It looked like fun, anyway. Tandaris Admiran -> If this Srolldoll person knew any tradecraft at all they would have told us exactly where to find them and how to recognize them. ::hurrumphs:: William Chocox -> Oh really? Rhan K'hal -> You'd think Hunter Matheson -> ::Admiran/K'hal:: They probably don't have a clue, which means we're walking into something really, really bad. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Cocktail Woman> Dhal? That rings a bell. Hmm... I know I've heard that name before. We get a lot of people through here, though. Since the Dominion sorta collapsed, this place has turned from strictly mining to more of a housing facility. Hunter Matheson -> (w) The reason why handlers aren't usually with their packages. William Chocox -> I see. Rhan K'hal -> It might be a good idea to talk less about those... logistics in case anyone around here has ears as good as mine. Hmm? Maryse Dubois -> Do you know if he frequents this area much? Hunter Matheson -> ::nod to K'hal::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Cocktail Woman> ::She shrugged.:: Couldn't tell you, really. Like I said, we get a lot of people through here. This is the primary entertainment district, so people come here to undwind. Either of you want a drink? ::She gave William a little smile.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Tandy / Rhan / Hunter - give me a number from 1 - 5 )) Rhan K'hal -> (1) Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles:: Maybe later, though we may enjoy your hot springs for a while. Hunter Matheson -> (7) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( wrong )) Maryse Dubois -> Thank you. ::Heads back over towards Miranda and Ithene.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((3)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Tandaris notices that someone was tailing them. He was a short, squatty, mole-like man, balding with white tufts above his ears that shot out in all directions. When he saw them looking his way, he ducked behind a group of spectators. Tandaris Admiran -> ::quietly:: Don't look now, but there's a suspicious looking fellow at our nine. Just headed back into the crowd. Hunter Matheson -> ::nod:: Maryse Dubois -> Well this is definitely District 11. And the name Dhal was familiar, but too many faces to know for sure. So my guess is he will come to us. ::Starts removing her clothing.:: Miranda, how long has it been since you and Ithene enjoyed a good hot spring? Tandaris Admiran -> Short and shifty, kind looks like an unkempt Captain Picard. Rhan K'hal -> Lovely. Hunter Matheson -> (w) Want me to corral him, or just let him tail? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda and Ithene had both removed their parkas because of the heat. She turned as she caught sight of Maryse, moving to meet her. She jerked a thumb at the man with the towels.:: He knew the name as well, though couldn't tell me why or give me a description. Tandaris Admiran -> Let's head for a more secluded area and see if he joins us. ::gestures to a nearby alcove with one of the ice pools:: Hunter Matheson -> ::follows along:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Ithene> ::Grins at Maryse's question.:: Too long! Way too long. ::Glances at the nearest pool.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda cleared her throat.:: This is business, not pleasure. As much as I'd love to indulge in a good soak or a massage with heated stones, this isn't the time. We have a man and a team to find. Tandaris Admiran -> ::enters the alcove and reluctantly takes a seat on an ice ledge, shielding them from view of the main room but allowing them to watch the entrance:: Maryse Dubois -> Well considering we don't know what our contact looks like, we might as well stay in one place till he comes to us. Otherwise we risk wandering into places we shouldn't belong. Hunter Matheson -> ::tucks himself into the ice ledge::: Hunter Matheson -> ::Admiran:: I can wander out, let him follow me, then you two can snag him? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She squinted at Maryse.:: He doesn't even know we are here or that we need to meet with him. And we don't even know if he's alive. We can't wait around and hope he stumbles into us. No... we need to find someone that knows him. Hunter Matheson -> ::suspects that this is our guy::: Maryse Dubois -> Well that makes things a little difficult, considering people have heard the name, but no one knows what he looks like. William Chocox -> Wish we had a place like this back home...how do we not know what he looks like? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Doesn't give them a chance to put another plan in place. He followed them to the alcove once he realized they'd disappeared. Peeking around the entrance, he realized far too late it was a trap, and tried to backpedal. Slipping on the ice, he landed hard on his rump and slid right into the icy pool.:: GAH! Hunter Matheson -> Huh. ::pushes off from the ledge:: Not exactly familiar with the area, I guess. Tandaris Admiran -> Fish him out before he freezes too much to talk, please. Hunter Matheson -> Copy that... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Floundering in the icy water, trying to pull himself out, but his heavy clothes kept pulling him down.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::unzips a pocket and pulls out a thin, strong rope with a fairly large knot and loop on the end;:: Hunter Matheson -> ::steps to the side:: Hey! You! ::shouting:: Tosses it toward him. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Looking around, she frowned.:: We need to ask someone else, though everyone seems to be engaged in various... activities. There has to be a food district around. Where people sit and talk or drink and have time for conversation. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Come, let's see what the others have found and then push on. Hunter Matheson -> :::reels it in when he misses:: Grab it when I throw! Hunter Matheson -> ::tosses it right next to him when he emerges::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Alright, but I'm taking mental notes. We're recreating this for the holodeck. William Chocox -> Hm. Hunter Matheson -> ::his crampons dig in for support:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Mole man> ::Grabs onto the rope on the second try and, with some help, is freed of the water. A bit blue and shivering, he tried to talk through chattering teeth.:: A-a-re y-y-ou the o-ones-s-s-s l-looking-g f-f-for D-d-d-dahl? C-cause h-he's-s-s d-d-dead. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> END SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> END SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> END SIM

SD 0306.2016 The away team has descended below the icy hellscape above into the heart of the Dominion base where they are looking for a missing Starfleet team, but first they must find the teams handler, who could be the key to uncovering their whereabouts.

MISSION BRIEFING: An Away Team from Excalibur has taken a shuttle down to an icy Dominion-controlled planet in an attempt to find the location of missing Starfleet officers. They've just taken transport down to a mining colony that was dug beneath the surface. A complex series of tunnels and chambers sprawls in all directions like a vast underground city. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::takes the rear guard:: Hunter Matheson -> ::mostly 'cause he likes the view:: William Chocox -> ::is somewhere between Hunter and whoever's in front:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::glad they are somewhere warmer now:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The first series of chambers appear to be for common use as there are many of the colony's inhabitants passing through. Various tunnels branch out in four directions with section numbers indicated above each one. Maryse Dubois -> ::Is in the middle of the pack, having just removed her coat.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::mental notes on species, exit points, places to stay away from, composition, you name it:: Hunter Matheson -> ::he makes a 360 as he walks, careful to not step on toes:: Hunter Matheson -> ::casual, relaxed, kind of touristy:: Tandaris Admiran -> Where's the rendezvous? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns, looking at the scrambled readings on her tricorder. She made some adjustments trying to cut through the electro-magnetic interference.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Glances about out her surroundings, taking particular note of how the caverns were carved out.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::head nod:: There's a Rendezvous Cafe a ways down. Saw a sign back there. Hunter Matheson -> Not really sure about the translation, though. My Dominion's a little rusty. William Chocox -> Certainly warmer down here. William Chocox -> And bad joke Hunter. Hunter Matheson -> ::thinking it's a little warmer than it should be in an ice cavern, so maybe there's a heat vent somewhere::cho:: What? Hunter Matheson -> ::not quite able to hide the smirk:: William Chocox -> Nevermind. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She threw a glance at the others.:: We're looking for the handler from District 11. Everyone keep an eye out for the location signs. William Chocox -> Ok. Hunter Matheson -> ::checking to see if they are numbered in sequence, or even/odd:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and some of the signs need a paint job bad:: Maryse Dubois -> It's over there. ::Points to an area off to the right.:: My Dominion isn't as rusty. ::Smirks.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::crooked grin:: William Chocox -> Good to know someone knows what they're doing. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Well spotted. I can't read Jem'Hadar to save my life. ::She headed over to the tunnel that would take them to district 11.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::hands thrust into his pockets, parka hood thrown back, unzipped::: William Chocox -> ::follows the commander:: Hunter Matheson -> ::casual, slow movement toward Cho:: Sound a little nervous, Bro. Hunter Matheson -> ::lowly:: It's all good, man. We're good. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::glances to Hunter, but doesn't say anything.:: William Chocox -> I'm fine. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::She was still messing with her tricorder, but had the presence of mind to slip it back into her jacket when the approached a commons area.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The team didn't seem to be getting much attention. All the other people traveling through the junction were bundled against the cold, androgynous shapes in fur and insulated material. Hunter Matheson -> ::shrug to her look, figuring that's a "shut up" and decides he'd better do that:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles as followed the glances of the others.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::casual wandering, checking things out:: William Chocox -> ::looks around:: Tandaris Admiran -> Nobody seems too perturbed or concerned Hunter Matheson -> Yeah, pretty laid back. Maryse Dubois -> Too preoccupied with their own worries I imagine. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> The larger chamber narrowed to a smaller tunnel that led to districts 9 - 12, but was still large enough for a dozen people to walk shoulder to shoulder. The roof was an arc of pure ice, but the floor had been plated in ridged metal that provided excellent traction. Hunter Matheson -> Or too cold? William Chocox -> I think as long as we keep out of others' business they'll keep out of ours. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> That's a good thing. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods in agreement.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Presses her lips together in a not quite frown.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::keeping a casual eye on Ithene since she seems to be alert::: Hunter Matheson -> ::no signs of melting in the ice, but a few cracks, making him think the ice crust isn't completely stable::: Hunter Matheson -> ::Ithene:: There any tectonic activity on this rock? Hunter Matheson -> ::still glancing up and around:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Shakes her head:: Not tectonic. The gravity from the star, however, does have an effect. Hunter Matheson -> Um.... Hunter Matheson -> But it's not a tectonic effect, just melts it once in a while? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smiles:: It's a little more complicated than that. Hunter Matheson -> ::curious:: Yeah? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> It's called tidal flexing. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Science nerd. ::Miranda huffed.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: Getting nervous? ::Looks back at Hunter.:: Hunter Matheson -> Oh. Like tides in the ocean, only this is frozen, to it's tides in the ice? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::smirks:: That's why I have a blue uniform, dear. William Chocox -> It's lasted this long Hunter. I'm sure we're fine. Hunter Matheson -> ::Maryse:: Not nervous. Just curious. It's weird. Never saw it before. Hunter Matheson -> ::tongue-click:: Gotcha, Bro. ::Cho:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Something like that. It's a little more... ::thinks of the word:: Complicated. The planet isn't geologically active. It's core is dead, but the sun and it's over active electromagenetic field are essentially heating the planet by constantly deforming it. Hunter Matheson -> Huh. Like a sculptor? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Wow... ::Maryse stopped as they exited the tunnel and entered the next junction.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::turns to look at the wow:: William Chocox -> Um...huh... Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Comes to a stop, looking up from her science lesson:: Maryse Dubois -> ((Wait...I stopped, or you stopped? Maybe we both stopped?)) Hunter Matheson -> (stackup at the exit before breach?) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Icy stalactites and stalagmites made the next open junction a maze of crystal pillars. Lights above and below glowed through the natural icy sculptures. Hunter Matheson -> Woah.... ::jaw drops:: William Chocox -> Well then...this is certainly amazing. Maryse Dubois -> That's...impressive. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Several had broken off and lay on the floor in large chucks, some laying taller than the average person. Hunter Matheson -> ::dead stop, looking up and around, he's jostled by a passerby and apologizes:: William Chocox -> These are large. Hunter Matheson -> :::sidles toward the commander:: You know, we might not want to be around when one of these breaks off... Tandaris Admiran -> I'm sure you're more than agile enough to leap out of the way. Hunter Matheson -> Uh.... ::doubtful grimace:: Maryse Dubois -> As large as they are, you should be able to hear them crack a little before they break. Should give you a little advanced warning. :;Grins.:: Maryse Dubois -> *be able Hunter Matheson -> Well, yeah, maybe. ::Maryse:: Back on the farm, the water tower loaded down in winter. No way you can jump outta the way of those things when they decide to target the ground. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> As if Maryse was psychic, they heard a loud creaking, groaning noise from above. Hunter Matheson -> Lost a bull that way one winter. Nasty mess. Hunter Matheson -> Uh, oh.... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She glanced up.:: Ah... I think we'd best get through here as quickly as possible. Keep your eyes on the ceiling. William Chocox -> Will do. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up.:: Maybe you're right. William Chocox -> Yeah. Hunter Matheson -> Right behind you. Tandaris Admiran -> ::scurries:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Heads off to one the nearby tunnels at a rapid pace, weaving through towering ice and fallen, broken pieces.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Everyone give me a number from 1 - 10 )) Hunter Matheson -> 7 Cptn Swain -> 4 Maryse Dubois -> ((8)) William Chocox -> ((8)) Tandaris Admiran -> ((9)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Lucky )) Hunter Matheson -> ((perfect 36)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> One of the giant icicles of death cracks, shudders, and plummets toward the group, landing a few meters in front of Ithene where it bursts into a dozen pieces and showers the group in ice. William Chocox -> Damnit. Hunter Matheson -> ::showered:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::flutters her eyes:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::shakes himself like a dog:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shakes out, emptying his parka hood as soon as they are in a stable area:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Wipes ice and snow off of here.:: lovely Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> A passing native sees the chaos and starts laughing, before scurrying on and out. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> And... William Chocox -> I think we're being laughed at. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0228.2016 An Away Team from Excalibur has taken a shuttle down to an icy Dominion-controlled planet in an attempt to find the location of missing Starfleet officers. They've just taken transport down to a mining colony that was dug beneath the surface. A complex series of tunnels and chambers sprawls in all directions like a vast underground city.

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur away team has arrived on a frigid ice world, deep within the Dominion frontier where they are attempting to locate a lost Starfleet team. First, however, they are on the lookout for the team's native handler to determine if he is still alive and if he has any idea what happened to the team. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::zipped up, trudging along:: Rhan K'hal -> :: hates, hates, hates having to have his tail jailed within his suit; but still better than it breaking it off and having to carry it:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Wipes snow off her goggles, looks at the tricorder with a frown.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::shivering and suffering:: That's it. Next time, I vote we have to extract a team aWOL on Risa. William Chocox -> Yes, I agree. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> It could be worse. Rhan K'hal -> I'm sure Admiral Tightass will keep that in mind if we get as far as "next time." Hunter Matheson -> ::snorts through his helmet comm:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks:: According to the data, the entrance to the city should be just up ahead. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Bundled, gloved, hooded, and scarfed, she felt like a walking marshmallow.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Not only did the AT have to contend with cold, stinging wind, the ground was icy and slippery. Maryse Dubois -> (9Sorry I'm late)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Maryse slips on the ice and falls on her butt. Tandaris Admiran -> ((We're trudging.)) Rhan K'hal -> Well lead on then, lieutenant commander Yeti. Even if it's only 15° warmer in there it'll be an improvement. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I'd feel a whole lot better about this, though, if Excalibur was able to keep an open comms line. Tandaris Admiran -> ::turns, stops to offer Maryse a hand back up:: Careful now. You're the one who's supposed to heal us. Maryse Dubois -> ((hey now)) Rhan K'hal -> These suits are so padded, I'm surprised she didn't just bounce right back up. Maryse Dubois -> Oof. ::Takes Tandy's hand.:: Right. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The crew comes up on a several structures, including what look like shield generators. They appear to be creating dampening fields to protect against the harsh, biting winds. Up ahead, there looks like an entrance carved into the ice. A giant tunnel? William Chocox -> Wow. Big. Maryse Dubois -> ::Brushes herself off.:: Years of gymnastics, fencing, and yoga still doesn't prepare you for a good layer of ice. Tandaris Admiran -> Amazing that anyone would choose to live here with so many habitable worlds. This place must be pretty special. William Chocox -> Better be. William Chocox -> And don't underestimate people's stupidity. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Likely sized to move machinery in and out. With all this interference, they wouldn't be able to transport anything. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I wonder if they have native animals that would make the going easier out here. That said, let's speed this up and get indoors. This wind is killing my negating my skincare routine. Hunter Matheson -> ::automatically, he mentally calculates how he would take it down, disable it, use it to their advantage, or get around it, whatever is needed here:: Rhan K'hal -> Or people's dedication to their home government. Which explains why I'm here, I dunno about any of the people thattaway. :: indicates the city :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> And hey, they left a light on for you! Approaching the tunnel, which looks like it was dug with a core driller directly into the ice, you see a platform around a bore hole deeper into the surface with a lift apparatus awaiting. Rhan K'hal -> I guess now we find out if we need something more specific than "open sesame" to get in. Hunter Matheson -> :also automatically checking their perimeter, 'cause, you know, you can take the man out of SPECOPS, but you can't take the SPECOPS outta the man:: William Chocox -> Speak friend and enter? Hunter Matheson -> Mellon Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks at the humans for a moment before shrugging it off.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shrugs:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Motions them over to the lift.:: William Chocox -> ::walks over:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> This is the way to the settlement. Maryse Dubois -> ::Walks over to the lift by Ithene.:: Rhan K'hal -> I'd hope so, sorta overkill for a restroom entrance. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Or maybe where they drop nosy aliens to be sacrificed to their monster god. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> At least we'll be warmer. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> There is already a warmer, more humid updraft coming from the massive borehole. William Chocox -> That's true. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances to Miranda:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::shuffles over, inspecting the technology around them, but halfheartedly—mostly just cold:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Steps up onto the platform where the lift operates to see if there was someone operating it or if they had the run of the place.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: follows the Cdr on :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Looks like they don't have a welcoming committee topside. Tandaris Admiran -> ::piles on, steps on Rhan's foot:: William Chocox -> ::steps on:: Maryse Dubois -> I don't blame them. ::gets on the lift.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: turns head to glare at Tandy :: Hunter Matheson -> ::slips in wherever he fits:: Tandaris Admiran -> Oops, sorry. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Nope. Let's see how this thing works. ::Steps into the lift, which was thankfully closed in to the elements, but would be a bit of a squeeze with them all bundled up.:: William Chocox -> How hard can it be? Rhan K'hal -> Most advanced species with any digits are fond of buttons or other tactile controls. :: oh so helpful :: Hunter Matheson -> ::if he fits, he sits:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::On the lift as well.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::or maybe it's better to stand and hold on, giving a sheepish apology to Chocox:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The control panel is clearly of Dominion design. There's a large purple button and a smaller green button. The purple button is below the green one. Rhan K'hal -> :: joins the sardine brigade :: William Chocox -> Thank you Hunter. Hunter Matheson -> Any time, sir. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Admiran, have a look. Or I'm going to start randomly pushing buttons. Maryse Dubois -> On the bright side, I think we are all warmer now grouped up like this. Tandaris Admiran -> ::squeezes past:: Rhan K'hal -> Always a silver lining, Dr. Tandaris Admiran -> Hmm. ::touches the button that is Dominion for "main":: Hunter Matheson -> ::glances at the doc, serious:: You can move closer to me, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The lift begins to descend into the bore hole. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Holds his footing at the sudden motion:: William Chocox -> Woo! Rhan K'hal -> :: rides :: Cptn Swain -> AUTOMATED VOICE> ::clearly being translated:: Welcome to Mining Settlement 323 en-Ji Garudia. William Chocox -> Hm. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::One hand on William's shoulder, one on Rhan's arm, she held on as they descended, looking down into the pit.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: quietly :: More friendly than I'm used to in my career. Cptn Swain -> AUTOMATED VOICE> The Dominion welcomes visitors for trade or travel. Please mind all rules and regulations during your visit. The local Vorta Adjutant is available to assist in any way needed. Thank you, have and enjoy your visit. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Travel. Rrrrriggghhhht. Maryse Dubois -> That was a little overly friendly. William Chocox -> Who travels in the Dominion? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Shrugs:: Hunter Matheson -> Couple kinds I can think of. ::Chocox:: Rhan K'hal -> :: taps foot :: This is almost as bad as the lift ride to the TIC. William Chocox -> Nothing's that bad. Tandaris Admiran -> The post-war tourist trade was pretty brisk for a few years there. Tandaris Admiran -> ::cricket chirp:: Um, but I guess not here, in particular. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> And the Dominion does or did have a number of "free" peoples who were allowed to operate semi-autonomously. Hunter Matheson -> I'm thinking more along the lines of black marketers looking for whatever they can find or offload. Hunter Matheson -> ::shrug:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Each section of lights popped on as they moved down through the tunnel, but didn't show much more than drilled out sections of ice. Maybe a wooly mammoth or crazy squirrel trapped in one or two, but that's it. William Chocox -> Kinda desolate. Hunter Matheson -> Pretty cool mammoth back there. ::thumbjerk:: Hunter Matheson -> Pretty good eating, too. Gotta thaw it out first, though. William Chocox -> How and why do you know that? Hunter Matheson -> And.. .uh.. keep your fire going. ::turns to Cho:: SERE. William Chocox -> Ok then. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Several kilometers below the surface, the lift finally comes to a stop. There is another tunnel leading out from the platform. The temperature has risen considerably, and while still cold, you should be able to take off some of your gear comfortably. In the distance through the tunnel, you can make out lights and the sound equipment. Very keen ears could likely hear various voices, as one might expect in a commons area of a mining settlement. Hunter Matheson -> Basic training. They put you in all kinds of weird places. Hunter Matheson -> ::cranes his neck to see around the group:: Rhan K'hal -> :: wiggles whiskers, notices the temp change and pulls off his hood so he can use his very keen ears :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Pulls her hood back and degoggles:: Veritable heat wave. Maryse Dubois -> ::Lowers her hood and unzips her coat.:: There must be thermal pockets helping to heat this place. Rhan K'hal -> It's not deserted, that's a good sign. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She removed her goggles as she stepped out and pushed back her hood, loosening her coat and pulling the face shield down.:: Well... we're here. Doesn't look like much yet. Hunter Matheson -> ::flip, zip, strip:: Rhan K'hal -> :: takes off goggles, claw-combs fur back down :: Hunter Matheson -> ::avoiding the furballs::: Rhan K'hal -> Sounds like there's a common area not too far down the tunnel. Cptn Swain -> ...and... Rhan K'hal -> Too much to ask to hope they have a hot cocoa stand, huh? Hunter Matheson -> Man... I haven't had one of those in... well, can't quite remember. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0221.2016 The Excalibur away team has arrived on a frigid ice world, deep within the Dominion frontier where they are attempting to locate a lost Starfleet team. First, however, they are on the lookout for the team's native handler to determine if he is still alive and if he has any idea what happened to the team.

SD 0214.2016 The Excalibur is preparing to enter orbit of our destination. Commander Hawthorne is assembling the away team.

SD 0207.2016 Excalibur is closing in on the target system. We have continued to avoid detection, but long range sensors have detected a Jem'Hadar patrol in the area.

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur is preparing to enter orbit of our destination. Commander Hawthorne is assembling the away team. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Comm goes out for all AT members (that's all of you) to report to Shuttle Bay Two. William Chocox -> ::shows up a little bit after the comm:: Cptn Swain -> ::On the bridge, arms crossed.: Tandaris Admiran -> ::finishes giving orders to the engineer in charge, then heads for the shuttle bay:: Rhan K'hal -> :: sighs, trudges off like a cat getting dragged to the vet :: Hunter Matheson -> ::grabs gear for popsicle deploy, sprints to the lift:: Shuttle bay 2. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::on her way to the shuttle bay, polar gear in hand.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::exits on bay level, looking for the rendezvous point:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Excalibur, still cloaked, drops out of warp and enters into orbit. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Already in the shuttle bay, she was going over their supplies. She was wearing her cold weather gear except the heavy coat and gloves, which were too hot to wear on the ship.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: enters the bay, grabs his gear that he had the foresight to shove there and looks for the Cdr :: Maryse Dubois -> :;Enters the shuttle bay, donning her snow bunny gear. Her coat is folded over one arm, while a medkit is in the other.:: William Chocox -> So...anyone else leave a home planet that was fairly cold by joining Starfleet? William Chocox -> Because that's why I joined Starfleet. Hunter Matheson -> ::ducking into the locker room, he drops the white bag, changes to civ, slips on his whites, grabs non-fleet essentials, and exits, sprinting toward the XO:: Hunter Matheson -> ::weapons check, rations check, check check check:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Trill is usually very temperate. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> No. ::She glanced up at Chocox, brow arched.:: When you say cold, how cold do you mean? Tandaris Admiran -> I do not enjoy the cold. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smiles at Miranda:: This year's winter collection is fabulous. Rhan K'hal -> :: sees said Cdr, drags his feet the rest of the way over :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances to Tandaris:: Aren't Trill especially sensitive to the cold? William Chocox -> Depends on what part of the planet you were on. William Chocox -> Why? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Nods to Rhan.:: How's the coat growing in? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: Well thanks for just spreading it around. Maryse Dubois -> ::Chuckles as she listens to some of the others complain about the cold.:: It's a shame I couldn't bring some skis along. William Chocox -> About the only good thing about home. Hunter Matheson -> ::hanging around, listening, waiting for the brief:: Rhan K'hal -> Nearly fully in by now. William Chocox -> Looks good on you. Cptn Swain -> d'Aubugine> ::Approaches Miranda:: Shuttle's loaded, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> d'Aubugine> Want one of mine to fly it -- or is Matheson? Hunter Matheson -> ::listening, looks to Hawthorne:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Good. You're going to need it. ::She turned to d'Aubugine.:: Matheson could handle it, but I want one of yours going down with us to babysit the shuttle. He's going to be needed elsewhere. Cptn Swain -> d'Aubugine> ::Nods:: McClarken will go with you then. Hunter Matheson -> ::steps forward:: Call signs, ma'am? : :D'Aubugine:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Everybody load up. ::Gesturing to the shuttle.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::already stuffing some gear into the shuttle hold:: William Chocox -> ::steps into the shuttle:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Climbs into the shuttle and finds a seat.:: Cptn Swain -> d'Aubugine> McClarken? Call him Kestrel. William Chocox -> ::arranges his cold weather gear so he can sit down:: Cptn Swain -> d'Aubugine> ::Waves and heads off.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: enters the shuttle, sits, crosses his arms over his chest and otherwise continues looking resigned :: Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. Operation call signs, I meant, for Flight Ops and the shuttle. Hunter Matheson -> ::left alone on the deck, he shrugs, figuring there are none:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Heads for the shuttle.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::enters the shuttle last, making his way forward to the cockpit:: Hunter Matheson -> ::nod to McClarken:: Pre-flight complete, powering up. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Closes up after Hunter enters and secures the door, then takes her own seat and straps in.:: Everyone prepare yourselves. This is going to be bumpy. Tandaris Admiran -> ::straps in:: William Chocox -> Wonderful. Maryse Dubois -> Lovely. :;Buckles up:: Hunter Matheson -> ::five pointer secured, he checks everything one more time, then their destination:: Cptn Swain -> McClarken> ::Nods:: Operations has given us the all clear. William Chocox -> ::straps in as well: Cptn Swain -> Ithene > ::buckles in:: Hunter Matheson -> ::McClarken:: Aye, ma'am. +Flight OPS+ Shuttle [name] ready to depart the bay. Cptn Swain -> FlightOps> Cptn Swain -> FlightOPS> +Shuttle+ All clear. Hunter Matheson -> ::last few checks:: +Flight OPS+ Shuttle X. Copy that. Departing now. Standard departure vector. Going dark. Hunter Matheson -> ::smoothly lifts the shuttle from the deck, slow pivot, then out::: Hunter Matheson -> ::running dark, flying casual:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Hawthorne:: Clear of the bay, Commander. Standard approach vector to the planet. Do we have landing coordinates? William Chocox -> (("I don't know, fly casual.")) Hunter Matheson -> (heh) William Chocox -> ::waits for the bumps:: Hunter Matheson -> ::notes them pre-loaded:: Never mind, Commander. I got 'em. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> As the shuttle heads into the outer atmosphere , there are several bumps. Hunter Matheson -> Entering the atmosphere. Strong crosswinds and eddies. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, we'll be just outside the one of the underground cities. It's where the team's contact last sent a transmission. Hunter Matheson -> Aye, aye, Commander. Hunter Matheson -> Hang on for a jet stream. It's gonna be rough. No way to go around. William Chocox -> Great. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Holds on to her seat, gritting her teeth as the shuttle started to rock and jump.:: Rhan K'hal -> Eddie gets around. If he isn't in the space-time continuum, he's in the atmosphere hanging out at the Crosswinds. William Chocox -> I hate windstorms. Hunter Matheson -> Grab a barf bag if you need it. ::watching the console, finger poised to go manual if need be:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Closes her eyes for moment.:: William Chocox -> Don't worry, I'm not going to mess up your shuttle. I know how you flyboys get. Hunter Matheson -> ::McClarken:: This shuttle used for SPECOPS, ma'am? She handles like a breeze and has a lot of extras. Awesome bird. Hunter Matheson -> ::not minding the bumps, but he'll probably feel the bruises after they land:: Cptn Swain -> McClarken> ::nods:: Yep. Specially equipped for it. Tandaris Admiran -> ::hanging on to the seat but otherwise not too badly affected, so far:: Hunter Matheson -> ::grin to McClarken:: I'm getting to like this crew better and better. ::shouts aft over the wind noise:: Exiting the jet stream. Should get easier for a while. ::he hopes:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The shuttle exits into the fall smoother lower atmosphere, where the crew can see a cold, icy landscape. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She turned to the others, eyeing them.:: So the plan is to find the handler and hopefully have him lead us to the team. If he can be found. This planet is a hodgepodge, so we shouldn't stand out too much. Hunter Matheson -> ::enjoying McClarken as second seater:: William Chocox -> Annnnd maybe it's colder than home. Hunter Matheson -> Approaching coordinates. ::McClarken:: How's the landing area look? Hunter Matheson -> ::other than cold, icy, and barren, he's hoping:: Cptn Swain -> McClarken> Some cross winds we'll have to adjust for, but otherwise we'll be fine. Hunter Matheson -> ::nods:: I'll deploy the cleats, just in case. Hunter Matheson -> ETA two minutes. Stand by. Hunter Matheson -> ::crabbing the shuttle in because of the crosswinds:: William Chocox -> ::closes his eyes:: Hunter Matheson -> ::which means that the nose is pointed a little more than "just" 90 degrees off and we look like a crab on the beach:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::slips on her jacket:: Hunter Matheson -> Skids down in five.. four... three.. two.. one. Skids down. Cleats engaged. Hunter Matheson -> ::McClarken:: All yours. Cptn Swain -> McC> ::Nods:: Happy hunting/ Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks:: Everyone remember where we parked. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Nice landing. ::She unbelted herself and pulled on her coat, flipping up the hood.:: We shouldn't have to walk too far to get to the entrance. Hopefully. Hunter Matheson -> ::unstraps, zips up his suit, secures his boot straps, then shrugs on his jacket:: Maryse Dubois -> ::gets out of her seat and puts her coat on.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::settling his weapon where it is not visible, but fully accessible, turns to Ithene:: Row 7. Always park in row 7, so you don't have to think when you look for it. ::smirk:: William Chocox -> ::gets out of his chair and pulls his coat on as well:: Hunter Matheson -> ::standing ready::] Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Miranda:: As long as we don't lose this one, right? Tandaris Admiran -> ::takes out tricorder, frowning:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She groaned.:: Don't remind me. That's why I brought a babysitter. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Snickers:: I assumed. William Chocox -> What's wrong Chief? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Pulls her mask over her face and pulls down her goggles. Grabbing her pack, she glanced at the others, making sure they were ready.:: Here we go... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She slapped the controls and the door opened, hitting them all with an icy blast.:: William Chocox -> Damn! Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: The intense magnetic field is disrupting all but the most basic tricorder functions. William Chocox -> ::braces himself against the breeze:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns, pulls the jacket up.:: William Chocox -> This will be fun. Cptn Swain -> ...and... Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur is closing in on the target system. We have continued to avoid detection, but long range sensors have detected a Jem'Hadar patrol in the area. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::at helm, keeping us out of harm's way:: William Chocox -> ::is in Engineering Tandaris Admiran -> +Bridge+ Engineering to Bridge. Hunter Matheson -> ::checking the diagnostics, checking the cloak, checking the tac sweep and keeping an eye on the hostiles:: Cptn Swain -> +Admiran+ Go ahead. Hunter Matheson -> ::steady as she goes::: Tandaris Admiran -> +Bridge+ All systems should be restored now. We should be able to operate at normal power levels, aside from shields and weapons, of course, with the cloak active. Hunter Matheson -> ::takes note of engineering's report:: Cptn Swain -> +Tandaris+ Good. There is a Jem'hadar patrol on sensors, hopefully the cloak will continue to hide us. Hunter Matheson -> ::initiates another tac sweep to verify and gives the skipper a thumbs-up::: William Chocox -> ::monitors systems on his console:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Shifts in her seat at the news from engineering, lips pursed as she took a look at her seat display to scroll through the latest reports.:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Swain+ This is the top-shelf model, with all the improvements incorporated since the Dominion War to counteract the Jem'Hadar cloak-busting technology. We should be safe for the moment. Those magnetic readings Matheson was talking about were worrisome, though. I wouldn't be surprised if we had trouble maintaining the cloak in orbit of the planet. Cptn Swain -> +Tandaris+ Noted. I know you'll do the best you can. Hunter Matheson -> ::standard report:: Steady as she goes, Captain. All systems within standard parameters. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Keep our course steady. Hunter Matheson -> Aye, aye, sir. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: You busy? Hunter Matheson -> There is no indication that the hostiles detect us. Hunter Matheson -> ::shifts off the constant sweep to keep the probability of detection minimal::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::while he waits for Chocox's response, he crosses over to the power distribution panel and double checks the M/A flow rate:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She turned to Swain, fingers worrying at the hem of her tunic as she often did when anxious.:: We've not discussed our plan for when we actually reach the planet. If the sensors are as useless as science believes, I assume we're going to be sending a shuttle. Cptn Swain -> ::nods:: I don't like the idea of transporting with all that magnetic interference anyway. Cptn Swain -> You'll lead the team down. William Chocox -> Not particularly. William Chocox -> What do you need sir? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: I need you looking over the scans we have of the planet's magnetic field. Start running simulations on how it will affect the cloak, and come up with some recommendations for how we can keep our presence concealed. William Chocox -> Will do sir. William Chocox -> ::brings up the scans on his console:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded, glad she didn't have to quote rules and regs at him. Swain, she'd noticed, wasn't the sort of captain that felt the need to pop off the ship every mission.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Knowing the Captain, he'll probably send the away team in a shuttle, so you can take that into consideration—the ship should stay nearby, but we might not need to stay right in orbit if you can find a close hiding spot. Cptn Swain -> It's going to be rather cold on the surface. William Chocox -> Sure thing sir. Hunter Matheson -> ::listening to the bridge chatter, he's glad he brought the white bag::: Hunter Matheson -> ::it's next to the green one, the blue one, and the brown one in his tac locker:: Cptn Swain -> I am guessing you'll want to set down at the surface mining station where their informant was supposed to meet. Tandaris Admiran -> ::leaves Chocox to his task and hides away in his office to contemplate the dreaded duty assignments roster:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, I've also had supplies prepped to take the cold into account. No uniforms, obviously. We'll be searching for their contact first. That's our only lead at this point. Tandaris Admiran -> ::mutters to himself:: I miss being the irresponsible one. ::signs off on a team assignment:: William Chocox -> ::looks at the scans, starting to make calculations and the like:: Hunter Matheson -> ::so they're flying in an unmarked bird::: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: A good idea. Hunter Matheson -> ::picking up bits and pieces here and there, pretty thankful that command's on top of everything:: Hunter Matheson -> ::quick tac sweep::: Cptn Swain -> I'll put the team together at your choosing. Hunter Matheson -> ::and turns it off:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::begins plotting a way to get Chocox promoted to Deputy Chief Engineer so he can foist all this paperwork off on him:: William Chocox -> ((Assistant to the Chief Engineer?)) Hunter Matheson -> (Nah, Deputy Chief means you get a bright shiny badge and a gun :P) William Chocox -> ::shudders as he feels a disturbance:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::figures that if he fakes his own death, lies low for a few years, he can come back in as Chocox's underling:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: With their cloaking device installed -- though it has caused some power consumption issues, which engineering continues to work on -- the Excalibur has slipped quietly across the vastness of Dominion-controlled space, as yet unnoticed. We're still several days out from our target destination. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> ::On the bridge, standing along the railing at the aft of the bridge.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::steps out of the conference room, PADD in hand, looking worn, his face skewed into a questioning frown:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::On the bridge as well, looking through the results of some her data mining:: Rhan K'hal -> :: hovering behind Ithene again, her new furry shadow :: Hunter Matheson -> ::snaps to:: Captain Swain. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances over to R'han, and hands him a PADD.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: takes PADD, skims over :: Hunter Matheson -> ::figures he should have at least showered and changed:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Seated in her chair, just as surly and out of sorts as she'd been the entire mission, she glanced up as Hunter emerged from his workspace.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::exits the TL onto the bridge:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Oh, did you get the turbolifts working, then? )) Hunter Matheson -> ::Hawthorne:: Ma'am. Report analysis is... ready. Cptn Swain -> (( Emergencies only, but I suppose he *is* the engineer )) Maryse Dubois -> ::Sitting at a console on the bridge.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Seeing Tandaris on the bridge made her frown even more. She cleared her throat and stood, glancing at the others.:: Well, seeing as how most of the department heads are here, we should probably have a mini briefing. Everyone gather around. Tandaris Admiran -> ((I think after a couple of days I can get a TL working.)) Cptn Swain -> ::Swain circled around. nodding in agreement.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::not happy with the results, he wonders if there's anything to report:: Rhan K'hal -> :: turns around, ears cocked :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Stands and leans up on a railing.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::after a quick glance down, then a look up, he shakes his head:: Well, there's not much to report. Too much data missing, but I'll give what I have... Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Putts her padd down and looks up.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Tucks his arms behind his back and nods:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She gestured to Hunter.:: Go ahead. At this point, anything is something. Hunter Matheson -> Other than we have a frozen rogue planet buried in hostile territory around a belching star, with a planetary shield that could be artificial, and a team that's lost somewhere down there, that's it. ::he looks up, frustrated:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks intently at Hunter, trying to absorb this:: Hunter Matheson -> ::steps forward to hand the PADD to Hawthorne:: The closer we get, the more information we'll get, ma'am. ::Swain:: Sir. For now, that's about it. I do have one question, though. Rhan K'hal -> :: tail loop-de-loop of amusement :: Hunter Matheson -> Does the team happen to be biomarked? Cptn Swain -> ::Lifts a curious brow.:: Yes? Cptn Swain -> ::Shrugs:: Their communicators would be ID-tagged but honestly, I don't think anything beyond that. Or at least nothing I saw in the briefings indicated anything more than that. We know where they were supposed to meet their contact at, so I guess that’s where we need to start? Hunter Matheson -> ::looking at what appear to be blank faces:: The standard bio-chemical signature implanted under their skin? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: And even if they were... with all that magnetic interference... well it would be like trying to... what's the phrase you humans have? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Some idiom about needles and stacks of something. Hunter Matheson -> ::turns:: Well, ma'am, that's the beauty of biomarking. They seem to poke through a lot of magnetic interference because they're based on chemistry, not electronics. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Needle in a haystack. ::For Ithene.:: Hunter Matheson -> Also, if the planetary shield is artificial, we might find a window. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smiles politely:: I am aware, however, *our* sensors aren't readily able to cut through that much magnetic interference to locate a chemical signature. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Gives a glance over to R'han.:: Cptn Swain -> So why do you think it could be artificial? Hunter Matheson -> Well, sir. Given the information we had 6 months ago, the computer gave it a 63% chance of being artificial. Hunter Matheson -> ::flips through the PADD, since he's not a geek:: Hunter Matheson -> It said.... “The magnetic field fluctuates at intervals coinciding with high energy particles emitted from the planet’s star, specifically during the planet’s orbital perihelion. The magnetic field does not match the configuration of naturally-occurring fields.” Hunter Matheson -> ::looks up;: Cptn Swain -> ::Frowns more deeply, glances Miranda.:: Tandaris Admiran -> Why did someone go to the trouble of setting up an artificial field there? What's so important? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Her mouth drew into a tight, thin line. Nodding slightly, she glanced to Tandaris.:: That's what I'd like to know. Hunter Matheson -> My guess, sir? To protect them from the star's emissions? Hunter Matheson -> But I'd like to know why they settled here in the first place. Maryse Dubois -> Something must be important to send a Starfleet infiltration team. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We know so little else about the planet, like what they are mining and why. It could be any number of reasons. Hunter Matheson -> ::nod to Dubois:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She glanced to Ithene and Rhan.:: Do you two have anything to add? Tandaris Admiran -> On a brighter note, as you might have noticed, I got the turbolifts working. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: As I said sensors are going to be muddled at best; we won't be able to get a good look at the system itself until we get closer. With the cloaking device up, we can't use our main array. Rhan K'hal -> Based on the stellar activity I'd say an artificial assist on the magnetic field isn't out of the question. Though we still don't have much to go on once we get there. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::nods:: Like I said we won't be able to do much analysis on the planet till we're much closer to the system. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances to R'han:: Though... I had an idea. Cptn Swain -> ::Looks to Miranda, having heard Ithene's "ideas" could be a bit... "unorthodox":: Rhan K'hal -> Where's my hard hat and biohazard suit? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She cleared her throat.:: Listen up.. . Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I was looking through some of the information on the Dominion network. They have automated sensor probes that they routinely dispatch for... well who knows why. ::Pauses, looks to Miranda.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We had one other thing to tell you all now that we're nearly to the planet. The mission the team was originally sent on is no longer important, but so that you know, they were sent here to contact the Vorta to seek their help in stabilizing this system. Hunter Matheson -> ::stabilizing?::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::narrows eyes:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We've both been told that this fact is not be recorded in any logs, briefings, or other communications. The mission and those sent on it are still classified. If you wish to continue your career with Starfleet, you'll remember this. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> This came from the Admiral himself. Tandaris Admiran -> ::oh great, more "need to know" information he didn't want to know:: Cptn Swain -> ::Still behind the railing, arms tucked behind him.:: Maryse Dubois -> Speaking of the team. May I have their information so I can properly treat them if the need arrises? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Wrinkles her nose.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded to Maryse.:: I will get you their medical files. Keep the planetary conditions in mind, as well. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: of course. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Waving a hand at Tandaris.:: You want to fill everyone in on how the ship repairs are coming? Tandaris Admiran -> Turbolifts are online. I'm bringing other support subsystems online one-by-one to prevent any overloads. Most should be online by the end of the day, and then I'll work on improving the efficiency of major systems like sensors. ::nods at Ithene:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Good. Cptn Swain -> We've been fortunate so far that we're away from the major action of the Dominion's ongoing internal strife. However... Cptn Swain -> My briefing from the Admiral indicated that we will likely be entering an area of ... increase tension in the next several days. As long as the cloaking device remains functional, we should slip through ... unnoticed. Tandaris Admiran -> The cloaking device is stable, that much I can guarantee. Cptn Swain -> ::Straightens his posture.:: I understand that none of you are thrilled about this mission -- I appreciate that; but we do not have the luxury of picking which missions we get. Your junior officers look to you for leadership. If you have doubts about this mission, I suggest you keep them to yourselves. Cptn Swain -> I assure you, the Admiral would not have put our lives in danger, if this mission were not critical. Rhan K'hal -> :: skeptical look :: Hunter Matheson -> Captain Swain? Cptn Swain -> Yes? Hunter Matheson -> I understand that only those on the bridge who were briefed on the mission are privy to it, and all others should be excluded. Is that correct, sir? Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Need to know basis. Hunter Matheson -> Aye,aye, sir. Cptn Swain -> ::Glances to Miranda.:: Rhan K'hal -> (( nominates "I assure you, the Admiral would not have put our lives in danger, if this mission were not critical." for BS of the year award )) Tandaris Admiran -> ((Does Chocox need to know, or am I hiding everything from him?)) Hunter Matheson -> (second that) Maryse Dubois -> ((lol)) Cptn Swain -> (( I would assume he would need to know /some/ things. Maybe not the full extent of our assignment. )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Unless there's nothing else, this briefing is over. If you have questions, feel free to ask. We'll answer what we can. Cptn Swain -> ((Though, obviously, you're free to "value your career" are differing rates.)) Rhan K'hal -> If the "mission is no longer important" what is so important about covert operatives to risk the quadrant's flagship on something that would normally be done by a trained SI team? Tandaris Admiran -> ((Well, Tandaris doesn't really value his career, but he has enough respect for Hawthorne and Swain not to disobey their orders.)) Cptn Swain -> Due to the...on going situation we don't have those trained SI -teams. Excalibur has been assigned instead. Hunter Matheson -> ::steps down to Hawthorne, hands her his report, and moves on to resume his position at helm:: Rhan K'hal -> :: frowns, knows a non-answer when he hears it but isn't going to press in a bridge briefing :: Hunter Matheson -> ::logs in and begins the standard diagnostic procedure:: Maryse Dubois -> ::The answer doesn't sit well with her either.:: Cptn Swain -> And because we're who the Admiral trusts to complete this mission. Take the vote of confidence for what it is. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She took Hunter's report, glanced it over, and then sat it on her chair.:: Need I remind you that most of our officers are now back in the Alpha Quadrant? We're one of the few remaining in the GQ that can handle something like this. Hunter Matheson -> ::and it looks like all systems are go::: Hunter Matheson -> ::wan smile, thinking lucky us::: Hunter Matheson -> ::standard report:: Steady as she goes. Rhan K'hal -> :: thinks "Starfleet Intelligence knows how to go through the wormhole same as anyone, so I'm still not buying what you're selling even if I have to use it anyway" :: Hunter Matheson -> ::initiates a tactical sweep:: Hunter Matheson -> ::if K'hal said that aloud, he would remind him that Starfleet Intelligence is a contradiction in terms:: Rhan K'hal -> :: still frowning, looks down at Ithene's head :: So. Knowing we know what we don't know, what do we know that will help us know more? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Finds the files they'd been sent on the missing team and sends the medical portion over to Maryse for her own use.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Exhales.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slight sigh of relief, seeing the way is clear::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Well as I was thinking... Cptn Swain -> Ithene> The Dominion has a sophisticated network of automated sensor probes. They send them out all the time. Their space is vast, even reduced in size by the Scorpiad War, it's still larger than the Federation, Romulan and Klingon Empires. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smiles:: We could tap into the system and borrow a probe. Maryse Dubois -> ::Starts looking at the files as they are sent. Stops when she gets to one in particular.:: Hmm... ::Doesn't elaborate.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Glances to Maryse:: (mouths) Cptn Swain -> "Need to know, only." Rhan K'hal -> :: chuffs out a laugh :: We might as well, we've already done everything else. Maryse Dubois -> ::Gives an understanding look, says nothing.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: I thought so as well. I'll need your help. The sub-systems that manage their probe network is a little more... complex. Rhan K'hal -> Well, it's about the only thing I can bring to these dratted covert missions. Just call me Sir Hacksalot. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0131.2016 With their cloaking device installed -- though it has caused some power consumption issues, which engineering continues to work on -- the Excalibur has slipped quietly across the vastness of Dominion-controlled space, as yet unnoticed. We're still several days out from our target destination.

SD 0124.2016 Excalibur is now getting deeper into Dominion territory, but Tandaris and his team are ready to bring the cloak online, and we are hopeful this will let us pass unnoticed though Moria ... err Dominion space.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur is now getting deeper into Dominion territory, but Tandaris and his team are ready to bring the cloak online, and we are hopeful this will let us pass unnoticed though Moria ... err Dominion space. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> So, ready to activate the cloak sir? Hunter Matheson -> ::at helm, getting deeper into target land::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::On the bridge, wondering still who had the bright idea to give Tandaris a cloak.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: on the bridge, practically perched on the back of Ithene's chair, tail swishing :: Cptn Swain -> ::On the bridge, looking rather tired. Glances to Miranda:: Hunter Matheson -> Steady on course, Captain. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> The Dominion might as well made their password JemHadar123. That was a little to easy. ::To Rhan:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Still frowning. It hadn't gone away. She was torn between sending a scathing note to whoever gave Tandaris a cloaking device (probably the Admiral) and going down to engineering to see it in action.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::On the bridge as well, getting routine reports from sickbay.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::smirk, to Ithene:: My favorite password - ***** Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: What do the latest diagnostics say? Cptn Swain -> Check with our local mad Trill to see if the cloak is ready. Cptn Swain -> The longer we're out here exposed...::trails off:: Rhan K'hal -> Mmmm. I am a little suspicious about how easy that was, but perhaps with their empire crumbling, being a bit lax is a part of that. William Chocox -> Just about. Rhan K'hal -> But then we're not trying to rifle through the Vorta's underwear drawers either. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> True. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Can you *please* stop saying the word 'easy'. ::She called back to Rhan and Ithene, scowling. Her jaw was tense as she glanced at her data padd, not really able to concentrate on the reports just now.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::waits till she turns around and rolls her eyes.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::yeah, she's definitely not happy::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Stops what she was doing to look up at the others.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::glances at the results:: Mmm. I'm not crazy about the power distribution curves. Cptn Swain -> ::Is smart enough to know when to leave well enough alone, goes for tea.:: Tandaris Admiran -> When we engage it for the first time, I want you to monitor the flow and manually adjust as needed. William Chocox -> Will do. Hunter Matheson -> ::adjusting helm to compensate for the upcoming cloak::: Rhan K'hal -> Difficulty levels aside, let's keep our exposure short. Hunter Matheson -> ::not that he's ever been there, done that, but, yeah, he might have. Maybe.::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ;:Agrees:: I am querying it for the basic information we need first. It all seems to be fairly low level. The system doesn't seem like it was all that important... or... Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts a brow:: Now that's curious. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Tandaris+ Bridge to Engineering. Well? ::Drumming her fingers impatiently.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: ears perk :: What've we got? Hunter Matheson -> ::glance over, hearing the last part:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Hawthorne+ Well what? Hunter Matheson -> ::back to helm:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Well there's a bunch of information about the planet until a certain point. And then it's uh... suspiciously barren. Maryse Dubois -> ::Notes the tensions in the air and quietly begins scheduling mandatory rest for everyone on their next shift change.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> :points: And then right about the time Camelot came online 6 years ago... nothing. Rhan K'hal -> :: squints over the data :: You're right. That can't be a coinkydink. Hunter Matheson -> :without turning:: Planetary shield or cloak? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I am not saying it means anything... you know... but uh... the Vorta are rather ... thorough. Cptn Swain -> Ithene > ::shakes her head:: Neither. It's just like.... they stopped mentioning it. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Tandaris+ Well... what's the status on the you know what? ::Through her teeth.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Returns to his chair with hot tea.:: Rhan K'hal -> That definitely makes me think that whatever they're doing there is related to what to the permanent Federation presence here. Hunter Matheson -> ::his eyes still on the console:: So maybe they have established a base there and they're not talking about it? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> See in every previous report for the sector... or whatever the Jem'Hadar name is ... there's a report about it. Then... nothing at all. For six years. William Chocox -> I think she means the device sir. Tandaris Admiran -> +Hawthorne+ Ah, you mean the cloaking device? It is fantastic. I am swooning. Tandaris Admiran -> +Hawthorne+ I think it will work. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> There is a note in about 2372 or so of some drilling being sub-surface to determine if there were minerals deeper down worth mining. But... nothing conclusive. Rhan K'hal -> Hmph. Hunter Matheson -> ::hm... underground facility::: Hunter Matheson -> ::watching his console closely:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> So I am guessing there is an underground facility. Hunter Matheson -> ::Sloooow turn to Ithene::: Cptn Swain -> ::Glances over to Miranda, wondering if the Trill planned on surviving this mission.:: Rhan K'hal -> So, not only are we going to have to deal with a cranky star, a whopper of a magnetic field, frigid cold, and now underground. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: With a likely secret base with who knows what fun things. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She sighed and rubbed her temple with her fingers.:: +Tandaris+ Fantastic. Why don't you integrate a new messaging system into our alerts so that when the Captain calls for Red, the *entire* ship will know what you've got tucked down there. Hunter Matheson -> ::K'hal:: Makes sense to have an underground facility, sir, if the surface is that bad. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Tandaris+ Is the bloody thing working or not?! We're exposed out here! Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Pauses hearing Miranda, continues:: Well I mean they could have an igloo Hunter. Rhan K'hal -> Yes, Gunny, but it's also going to make it one helluva lot harder to find. Time isn't going to be on our side. Hunter Matheson -> Aye, ma'am. There's that Hunter Matheson -> ::Rhan:: True, sir. Tandaris Admiran -> ::decides this isn't the time to point out that given the size of the ship, word of the cloaking device has probably spread by now:: +Hawthorne+ It will work. But it's a bit overpowered for our profile.I'd rather not strain it, at least until we have the systems calibrated to support it. Cptn Swain -> ::Tries to hold back a chuckle, drinks his tea to hide the smirk:: Maryse Dubois -> ::makes sure to schedule extra time off for Miranda.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::swivels:: Commander, ma'am? Cptn Swain -> +Tandaris+ Commander, I am afraid we don't really have that luxury. There are thousands of Jem'Hadar warships out there, and most of them aren't going to be excited to see us. I am not, particularly, in the mood to start fighting them off either so... if you would be so kind. Cptn Swain -> ::Gives a glances over to Miranda and mouths something about iron fist in a velvet glove.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I swear to all that's holy, I'm going to start redirecting power distribution nodes to overload. And I can do it, too! I have the capability! ::Hissing. She surged up out of her seat and stalked to Hunter's position, hands held behind her back.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::glance to XO, then CO, then back:: I'd like to request a heads-up for cloaking so we don't run into a star or something. Tandaris Admiran -> +Swain+ Aye, sir. ::Chocox:: You want to press the button? Hunter Matheson -> ::backs up as much as he can while he's in the helm chair:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::under her breath to Rhan:: Tandaris is going to have a cold shower for weeks. Hunter Matheson -> ::she be in vulture mode::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Colder than the planet, I bet. William Chocox -> Sure. Tell me when. Rhan K'hal -> :: as if nothing else is going on :: So, have you gone over the difficulties we'll experience in orbit with Admiran? Or did you delegate that one? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I delegated. ::smiles:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> This is your heads up. Prepare yourself. If you need direct updates, coordinate with engineering. For as long as they're alive. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Now. Hunter Matheson -> ::respectful nod:: Yes, ma'am. Rhan K'hal -> :: chuckles :: So long as he thinks about it, I don't want the cloak to pop out the minute we get in orbit. If it makes it that long, that is. Hunter Matheson -> +Engineering+ Requesting a heads up for helm before cloaking. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Rhan, lowly:: An operations officer once tee-d her off once... his shower spit ice cubes for a month. He couldn't figure it out to save his life either. Rhan K'hal -> :: smirks :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She stalked over to the replicator and busied herself with selecting something to drink.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Drinks from his tea, hiding a wide grin.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: is markedly relaxed for this mission, is either getting used to the Abronvonvich-induced danger or danger in general :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lowly:: It only ended when he, in a fit of desperation, asked the XO to use her shower. Hunter Matheson -> ::it suddenly occurs to him that the cloak might not be 'Fleet, so it could be *slightly* incompatible with Excal::: Rhan K'hal -> :: tail swoop of amusement :: Hunter Matheson -> ::deeeep breath, followed by a slow exhale::: Tandaris Admiran -> +Bridge+ The "device" is now available to be engaged at your convenience. Cptn Swain -> ::Sips:: Activate the cloak. Hunter Matheson -> ::leans forward for maximum view of his console:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Braces herself just in case.:: Maryse Dubois -> Here we go... Cptn Swain -> (( Everyone, give me a number 1-10 )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Some calming beverage in hand in a shatter-proof glass in case she gripped it too strongly, she moved back to her seat. One hand flew up at Tandy's message and she shook her head as she plopped down, muttering under her breath.:: Hunter Matheson -> 7 Maryse Dubois -> ((7)) Rhan K'hal -> :: meanders back over to operations for this part :: Rhan K'hal -> (( 1 )) Maryse Dubois -> ((8) Cptn Swain -> (( This s for all the taunting about warmth. )) William Chocox -> ((8)) Hunter Matheson -> (9) Maryse Dubois -> ((::facepalm: :)) Hunter Matheson -> (::smirk: :) Tandaris Admiran -> ((3)) Cptn Swain -> (( lel. imma re-roll on sec )) William Chocox -> ::presses the button:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The cloak activates. Power across the ship begins to go down, and we're now running on AUX power as the thing is sucking main power like a kid given chocolate milk. No fancy fun things for the rest of the trip, it seems. Hunter Matheson -> ::watching the colors change, the atmosphere, and... oh, yeah.. the power::: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> That includes replicators. Enjoy them rations! Rhan K'hal -> (( we still at warp? )) Maryse Dubois -> ((hah)) William Chocox -> ((This is why we can't have nice things.)) Cptn Swain -> (( Warp still works, thankfully )) Hunter Matheson -> (yep) Cptn Swain -> (( First roll, btw, was BOOM lol )) William Chocox -> That's uh...interesting... Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks around as the lights dim:: Huh. Rhan K'hal -> :: looks over his console :: Well, I had a button ready to put us in the mode in case we needed it, but looks like it took care of itself. Maryse Dubois -> ((I blame Will. he pressed the button.)) Cptn Swain -> +Tandaris+ Taaaanddarrrrisssssss Hunter Matheson -> ::not that concerned about the aux power, so long as warp is working and they're on course:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Curses and clenches her glass so tightly that it groans dangerously.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: Does this mean my hairdryer won't work? Tandaris Admiran -> +Swain+ Hey, I _said_ we needed more calibration! Rhan K'hal -> This means your shower won't work, so you won't need it. Hunter Matheson -> Helm responds within acceptable parameters, Captain. Cloak has little effect. Tandaris Admiran -> +Swain+ We should be able to tweak the profiles after a bit and give you power to more systems. But for now, this is as good as it gets. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> This means we're lucky to still have life support. ::She stood again and started pacing.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Don't the VIP quarters have running water? ::devilishly:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((Who showers with water anymore?)) Hunter Matheson -> (who showers?) Cptn Swain -> +Tandaris+ See that you do. William Chocox -> ((Who wipes?)) Maryse Dubois -> ::Thankful most of sickbay runs on an independent system in emergencies such as this.:: Maryse Dubois -> ((gross)) Cptn Swain -> (( *Looks at the first dice roll, regrets not using it* ))) William Chocox -> ((I was going with the flow.)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( I'm going to have to do a lot of editing to this log before posting it... )) Hunter Matheson -> (It's a guy thing) Cptn Swain -> (( lol )) Maryse Dubois -> ((lol)) William Chocox -> ((I'm sorry Commander.)) Hunter Matheson -> (Hey, c/p gets the whole thing) Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Manually adjust the power flow. See if you can find a "sweet spot that doesn't compromise the integrity of the cloak but doesn't consume so much power. William Chocox -> On it sir. William Chocox -> ::starts adjusting slowly:: Rhan K'hal -> There is some good news... I won't get eyestrain. Not that I have anything to look at, as pretty much my entire domain is powered down. Tandaris Admiran -> I'm going to take another look at the adapter, see if I can't streamline the design and improve its efficiency. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Finally breaks off from her chair and wanders up to helm again.:: Matheson... Hunter Matheson -> Ma'am? Cptn Swain -> ::Looks at his tea:: Luckily...I have a self-powered kettle. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::nods to R'han:: We still have the uplink to the Dominion network. But with power down, I don't think the computer is up for doing a lot of parsing of their... jibberish. I am going to download them to my PADD and see what I can do. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Care to join me in the mess? Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Might as well. Pick out the good rations before they're all gone too. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I have information that you need to review. I've managed to pull the reports from this team's activities and have the profile of their handler. He's a native to the planet, but with Federation sensibilities. He called in the team's non-response when they didn't make their contact point and then disappeared himself. Hunter Matheson -> ::thinks about that one a minute:: Not usual to have a native handler, ma'am. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> No, not usual, but in this case it was necessary. They thought he might have gone to investigate the team's absence himself, without waiting for backup. He's either been captured with them or was removed beforehand. Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. ::brow crease of concern:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::goes to a workstation, pulls up the adapter schematics:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Our investigations will likely begin at his last known location. I want you to filter through his reports and let me know if you find anything we might be able to use. William Chocox -> ::keeps adjusting, trying to get power back up:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Are you implying that was my intent? ::taking her tablet:: Cptn Swain -> << Ithene, just a shade away from going full Ferengi on this, you know >> Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. You know I'm not counterintel, ma'am, so my ideas might not be the best. Hunter Matheson -> I'll try to stick to the facts, ma'am. Rhan K'hal -> I didn't imply anything... I obscurely hinted at. Cptn Swain -> ::To Hunter and Miranda:: No, but you're better trained than most on this crew for that sort of thing. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::walks up to the lift:: Hunter Matheson -> ::swivel:: Yes, sir. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The lift doors don't open. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Nods in agreement with Swain.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::frowns:: Rhan K'hal -> :: point as the jefferies tube :: Aux power, remember? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I am going to kill that Trill. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::grumbles and heads for the JT.:: Rhan K'hal -> It'll be good for you, your thighs are starting to look a little jiggly. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> You'd best watch yourself, kitten. William Chocox -> ((::feels a disturbance in the Force: :)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::gets up and takes out a tricorder, begins scanning the adapter to compare actual performance with the specs:: William Chocox -> ((Almost as if our Caitian was murder all at once, and then silence.)) Hunter Matheson -> ::hearing a bleep, he swivels back:: Excuse me, ma'am. Sometimes cloaks do strange things to nav. Rhan K'hal -> :: very feline grin :: Cptn Swain -> ::Frowns:: How compromised are our long range sensors? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Moves back to her chair and takes a seat, still frowning.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::another deep breath, followed by a slow exhale:: Rhan K'hal -> Ens Tacki> Sort of like wearing blinders while being astigmatic, Captain. Tandaris Admiran -> ::notices that some of the capacitor units are not discharging properly into the Klingon ports:: William Chocox -> Can't seem to find that sweet spot sir. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods to Tacki:: Keep a weather eye out then. With the cloak up, we can't have a CAP out. Rhan K'hal -> Ens Tacki> Aye, sir. Cptn Swain -> ::Takes his seat next to Miranda.:: Deep breaths. In... out... Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: All right. Continue investigating to see if you can determine any other power-saving measures. William Chocox -> Will do. Cptn Swain -> ::Miranda:: And remember, there's always a bottle of relaxation elixer in the ready room. Rhan K'hal -> :: following Ithene through the jefferies tubes, where he may or may not be seeing thigh jiggle in actuality :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I think I'm going to be spending most of this mission in your ready room. ::Grumbles.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Does not have jiggly thighs. This is the 24th century, they make ways to avoid that.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Miranda:: I'd tell you to go see fi you could assist Tandaris but... Hunter Matheson -> ::thought, swivels back to command:: Commander Hawthorne? Where should I review the reports? A secure area, ma'am? Cptn Swain -> I don't think the cloak can hide that big of an explosion. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Which was good, because she had like three jelly donuts for breakfast.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::moves to replicator, begins fabricating a replacement capacitor:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She pointed to the conference room for Hunter.:: You can use it as your workspace during this mission. Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. Will do. Cptn Swain -> ...and... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( So long as you don't start calling it your office and tell Swain that your office is bigger than his. )) Cptn Swain -> (( lolol )) Hunter Matheson -> (Oh, no, ma'am. That's like signing my death warrant.) Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has been given orders, though the official nature of them has not yet been widely circulated. After a brief layover, Excalibur is preparing to leave once more. Curiously, a large portion of the crew have been rotated off so that the crew is running on a much smaller crew. Additionally, engineering has been given a new toy, mysteriously. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::at helm, preparing for departure:: Cptn Swain -> ::Enters on the bridge, looking more than a little annoyed:: Maryse Dubois -> ::On the bridge, looking over a report she was recently given.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::notes the captain's entrance, but tends to business, as per protocol when preparing for departure:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::comes to engineering, having received word there has been some kind of special delivery:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::On the bridge, looking at her crew rotations.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: on the bridge, and more than a wee itty bit suspicious about this mission... but at least grateful that they get the whole ship to do whatever on this time :: Maryse Dubois -> Cancelled...cancelled...cancelled...::Reading.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Sits:: Status report. Hunter Matheson -> ::verifying systems status, establishing a connection with Camelot just so he doesn't miss a lick when they cast off::: Hunter Matheson -> ::Swain:: Helm is ready for departure, Captain. Casting off at your command. Tandaris Admiran -> ::sees a sealed crate marked "Excalibur c/o Commander Admiran":: Huh. Cptn Swain -> Clear all moorings. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::In her seat on the bridge, she swiveled as Swain took his chair. She'd been frowning since the Admiral had departed.:: Hunter Matheson -> Clearing all moorings, aye. William Chocox -> Package came in for you. Hunter Matheson -> Ship now in command of power and communications. Tandaris Admiran -> So I see. Any ideas? Cptn Swain -> Ahead full, half-impulse. Maryse Dubois -> Seems most of my day has been cleared up. Seeing as most of the crewmen I had scheduled for checkups are suddenly no longer on the ship... ::Taps on the PADD, before setting it down on the bridge console she had confiscated.:: Hunter Matheson -> Ahead full, half-impulse, aye. Hunter Matheson -> ::slips her smoothly away from the station:: Entering departure corridor. Hunter Matheson -> ::eyes sweep the console, total focus on systems just in case someone messed with it while docked:: Hunter Matheson -> ::all verified secure:: Cptn Swain -> ::Glances over to Miranda:: William Chocox -> Probably something dangerous. Cptn Swain -> As soon we've cleared the outer beacon, we can lift the embargo. Maryse Dubois -> ::Noticing the moods both CO and XO seem to be in.:: Hunter Matheson -> Approaching inner beacon. Do we have a vector, Captain? Cptn Swain -> ::Shakes his head:: Hunter Matheson -> ::maintaining corridor integrity:: Hunter Matheson -> Approaching outer beacon.... Hunter Matheson -> Clear of outer beacon, Captain. ::tap...tap::: Hunter Matheson -> Continuing standard departure. Cptn Swain -> Set course for the following coordinates. ::Sends them:: Warp 7.5. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded, but was not happy about it. Glancing back at Maryse.:: Stick around Doctor. You'll need to hear this. Tandaris Admiran -> Only one thing to do, then. Tandaris Admiran -> ::rubs hands together:: Let's open it! Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Very well. My schedule is free at the moment anyways. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks over at them.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checks the coordinates, notes the implications but does not question, not even in his mind:: Coordinates laid in. Going to warp 7.5 in four.. Hunter Matheson -> three... two.... engaging. Rhan K'hal -> :: ears twitching in suspense... and irritation at the way this is going :: Cptn Swain -> ::Clears his throat.:: Now that we are clear of the system... William Chocox -> ::shudders:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::keys in appropriate security codes to unlock the crate:: William Chocox -> Alright. Let's get it over with. Maryse Dubois -> ::Leans on the railing, looking down at the Command staff.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::notes 7.5 achieved, deferring to the captain's words:: Cptn Swain -> We are going on a rescue mission deep within side Dominion space. Tandaris Admiran -> You might want to stand back. Cptn Swain -> A Starfleet team on a classified mission has failed to report in, and our objective is to find them. Hunter Matheson -> ::after checking the helm one last time, he attends to the mission briefing:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Folds arms.:: Fantastic... Rhan K'hal -> Oh, is that all. William Chocox -> ::hides behind Admiran:: Cptn Swain -> The planet they were operating on is known as Atrian IV. Science and Operations will be in charge getting as much information about them as possible. Cptn Swain -> it* Hunter Matheson -> ::swivels to face the captain:: Cptn Swain -> Hunter -- your job will be to keep us out of harm's way as much as possible. Tandaris Admiran -> ::opens the crate:: Now let's look at what we've got here … what? Hunter Matheson -> Aye, Captain. William Chocox -> Son of a gun. That's never a good sign. Hunter Matheson -> Permission to slave tactical to helm, sir. Hunter Matheson -> For information only, sir. Cptn Swain -> ::Has decided not to tell them the little detail about the Admiral's son.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Of course. Hunter Matheson -> ::nods affirmation:: Aye, sir. Cptn Swain -> ::Glances back to Miranda:: You have the bridge. Tandaris Admiran -> Hmm. Tandaris Admiran -> I wouldn't have expected that. Rhan K'hal -> :: calls in his relief so he can go join Ithene :: Tandaris Admiran -> I mean, I didn't think _anyone_ would be foolish enough to give me—whoa. Tandaris Admiran -> ::removes the front of the crate so he can examine the contents more closely:: This is a Mark XVII. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances over to Miranda as Swain leaves the bridge.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::stands at the captain exits:: William Chocox -> ::peeks out from behind Admiran:: What is it? Tandaris Admiran -> What? Oh. It's a cloaking device. Tandaris Admiran -> A Klingon Mark XVII cloaking device, to be exact. This is top of the line. William Chocox -> Who'd be stupid enough to give you one of those? Hunter Matheson -> ::then resumes his position at helm, making the initial connection to tactical information:: Maryse Dubois -> How exactly do they expect us to take a Federation starship into hostile Dominion territory? Hunter Matheson -> ::would say "very carefully, ma'am" if it was his place to say it:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Swain+ Admiran to Swain … Hunter Matheson -> ::initiates a tactical sweep, testing the connection:: Rhan K'hal -> Maybe the Admiral dropped off some purple paint before he came up to the bridge. Cptn Swain -> +Admiran+ I assume you got the present from Governor K'Vorlag? Tandaris Admiran -> +Swain+ Oh, so you know about this. William Chocox -> ::mouths "Present" while making air quotes:: Cptn Swain -> +Admiran+ The Admiral apparently was owed a favor. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Sighs:: So, let's find out what we can about this planet we're going o. Hunter Matheson -> ::relaxes into his chair, refusing to allow his mind to wander:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Swain+ With all due respect, Captain, that must have been one hell of a favour. This is a Mark XVII. Only the dreadnoughts get these. Maryse Dubois -> I would respond to that, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around this mission. ::Noticing Miranda being particularly quiet.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She let out a breath, glancing to Maryse.:: We have a few tricks up our sleeve. They aren't sending us in without a little something to help. But, other than that, we're on our own. It'll be up to us to negotiate, run, or fight... depending on circumstances. Cptn Swain -> +Tandy+ I didn't ask him how big of a favor it was. Rhan K'hal -> :: Ithene :: Yes, because it would've been far too much to ask for the Admiral to give us the same information on the planet the lost team had going in when he dropped by. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Well... ::lifts a brow:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> He might have. Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes a seat to relax.:: What could they give us to help? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> This team that's missing went in without backup, without support, and without any guarantee of success. By all accounts, their disappearance should be written up as a loss and everyone should move on. Sound familiar? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> We received a data upload before we left. I thought it was just some information I'd request about an anomaly. Tandaris Admiran -> ::goes across engineering to a strangely blank part of the bulkhead, starts knocking:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Makes her way over to Rhan:: Rhan K'hal -> I'd say "when pigs fly" but I wouldn't want to be misinterpreted as being anti-Tellarite. Hunter Matheson -> ::satisfied with his settings, he swivels back to the conversation:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Her attention strayed for a moment to Hunter, but didn't linger too long. She tilted her head at Maryse.:: The less you know about that, the better. It isn't exactly legal and probably breaking a half dozen treaties in the process. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Well... they just might. From what I can tell there shouldn't be a whole lot of data on this planet. It's way out of our way, deep in their frontier. Yet... Hunter Matheson -> A question, Commander? William Chocox -> Sir? William Chocox -> ::follows him, looking at the bulkhead quizzically:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::knocks and listens:: Almost … ah-hah. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Points at the screen where she's sent him the information:: Look at how much we seemingly have on the system and the region. Tandaris Admiran -> ::grabs a hyperspanner:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::delivers a solid whack to the bulkhead at that point:: Cptn Swain -> +Tandy+ I assume, from your file, you know what to do with it. Rhan K'hal -> Hmph. Maybe the old fart wants us to succeed. For a change. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> You can be that's the Admiral's doing. ::To Ithene with a nod. She threw another glance Hunter's way.:: Yes? Hunter Matheson -> Do we know how many there are, how long they have been gone, or their physical status? Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Just as long as it isn't a cloaking device. Giving one of those to Tandaris is like giving an arsonist fuel and a match... Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods to Miranda, then back to R'han.:: Maybe it's not hopeless after all. Rhan K'hal -> Well, let's see what we've got then. :: opens the data :: William Chocox -> What are you doing? Tandaris Admiran -> ((I'm RELAPSING)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::watches as the entire bulkhead falls off:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: It's my stash—uh, I mean, the power taps for a cloaking device. Maryse Dubois -> ::Pauses as she realizes what she just said, then sits up.:: You guys DIDN'T give Tandaris a cloaking device did you? Tandaris Admiran -> I hid it away before I left, so my successor wouldn't disassemble them. You know. Just in case. Contingencies and all. Hunter Matheson -> ::taking in the rest of the conversations around him:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> It is a small team of four. We don't know their current condition, but they are two weeks overdue. I believe they've been out four weeks now. Their objective is unknown to us. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Grimaces at Maryse's question and throws her a look without commenting.:: Hunter Matheson -> And I am assuming this is compartmentalized information, so someone is their handler and will verify their identities, ma'am? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: Class R --- mmm. William Chocox -> You mean this isn't the first time you've had a cloaking device? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I hope we brought our snow suits. William Chocox -> So someone has given you a cloaking device, not once, but twice? Tandaris Admiran -> No. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We have their files, including their contact on the planet. They will likely be our first point of contact when we get there. Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. Tandaris Admiran -> ::begins counting on fingers:: There was the one the Romulans gave us. And then there was the time I built one out of spare parts in a marketplace…. Rhan K'hal -> :: sighs :: Why do we always get sent to the crappy planets. Maryse Dubois -> ::Quietly:: Oh my god, you did... ::Makes note to prep Sickbay for burn injuries.:: Tandaris Admiran -> So this is at least the third cloaking device. Maybe the fourth. Tandaris Admiran -> They all start to blur together. Maryse Dubois -> ((Nice knowing you Will)) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: I don't like that magnetic field either. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Doctor, I need you to prep for the worst. We don't know if they have been injured, captured, or both. Torture isn't out of the question, either. William Chocox -> Third or fourth? Why do people keep trusting you with this stuff? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> But considering the planet is an ice ball, I imagine frost bite and hypothermia will be some of the minor things we have to deal with. Maryse Dubois -> Can I have an estimate on their numbers? I need to know if I should prep a triage center or not. Rhan K'hal -> And look, a highly eccentric orbit that's in the perihelion phase with a star that likes to belch high energy particles. Hunter Matheson -> ::glad he brought all his tactical bags:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Oh boy. Shuttles. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( And if you are all lucky, you'll all get your own tauntaun sleeping bag. )) Maryse Dubois -> ((wee)) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: We should try to find out what we can about what's going on in the area with the Dominion. Hunter Matheson -> (HAHO! Drop in, geared up, slink around, grab and go. Piece 'o cake.) Rhan K'hal -> Hopefully they're all busy being murderous on the outskirts of their territory. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Four, Doctor. There are only four of them. Five if you count their handler, who might also need extraction. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> With any luck. William Chocox -> So...how do we hook this up? Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Very well. Tandaris Admiran -> First you fetch the antigrav units, because those suckers are _heavy_. Hunter Matheson -> Their handler is with them, ma'am? Hunter Matheson -> ::eyes about to pop out:: William Chocox -> On it sir. ::goes to grab them:: Tandaris Admiran -> We'll need to rig an adapter, because Klingon devices are slightly different. William Chocox -> Alright. Tandaris Admiran -> And this model is going to draw significantly more power than we're used to, so we'll need to figure out some mechanisms to compensate. William Chocox -> Hm. Rhan K'hal -> I wonder, with all of the hullabaloo going on if we might be able to sneak our way into their non-military network on the way there and get more info straight from the source. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Grins:: I wondered the same. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, their planetary contact is their handler. We do not know his status, either. The entire team might be compromised. Rhan K'hal -> I like you when you're not annoying me. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I am willing to give it a shot, if you are. Hunter Matheson -> ::aw s*** goes through his mind:: Hunter Matheson -> ::stoic:: Yes, ma'am. William Chocox -> ::pulls some antigrav units into main Engineering:: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Will be our best bet for info without landing and saying "hi, we're new here, can you show us to the nearest lost Starfleet officer?" Assuming of course that, if this talk of a cloaking device actually gets us cloaked. I don't care how good we are, it's harder to hack during a red alert. Tandaris Admiran -> ::begins drawing up a wireframe for the adapter:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I wonder where we can tap into their network. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Leans back in her chair, brows drawn together in thought.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Considers:: William Chocox -> Have any ideas? Hunter Matheson -> ::swivels back to the helm console, believing the brief to be finished::: Rhan K'hal -> The Dominion is nothing if not efficient, so there should be more than one access point along our projected route. We'll want one that's busy enough that one more signal won't raise a brow ridge but not so busy that they're having to check closely to prioritize access. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::nods, pulls up their course and overlays it with a map they have of the Dominion's communication relays.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::automatically shifting his focus to helm and the tactical analysis, checking ahead for any roadblocks that might signal a slight shift in direction:: Hunter Matheson -> ::still half listening to the bridge convo:: William Chocox -> Should I be worried about this? Rhan K'hal -> Before we're out of range I want to get the latest gossip line from Camelot from the refugees, see if there's anything relevant. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0117.2016 Excalibur has been given orders, though the official nature of them has not yet been widely circulated. After a brief layover, Excalibur is preparing to leave once more. Curiously, a large portion of the crew have been rotated off so that the crew is running on a much smaller crew. Additionally, engineering has been given a new toy, mysteriously.

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur has escorted the Vatican back to Camelot Station, which remains rather zoo like. No rest for the wicked, it seems, however as we were greeted with a message that Vice-Admiral Misha Abronvonvich will be coming aboard shortly to meet with Captain Swain and Commander Hawthorne personally. The crew has been ordered to catch their breath, help unload wounded passengers, and maybe have tea if they can manage it. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ::is working in Engineering:: Hunter Matheson -> ::offloading the wounded, since he's trained for that along with a lot of other things he wishes he wasn't::: Cptn Swain -> ::Glances at Miranda, as he stands to move towards the Ready Room:: (L) Not like Misha to make house calls. This should be... /interesting/ Rhan K'hal -> :: in his usual spot on the bridge, scowling at the sight of Camelot on the viewscreen :: William Chocox -> Wonder what we're about to be up to now. Maryse Dubois -> ::Overseeing the transfer of patients.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> No, and I don't particularly like their brand of surprise. ::Giving the bridge a glance before leaving with Swain.:: Rhan K'hal -> +Maryse+ K'hal to Dr. Dubois. Tandaris Admiran -> ::William:: I made tea. Can you handle that? Hunter Matheson -> ::as he wanders through, checking general status, awaiting orders from the docs - because he's not a doctor, he's a corpsman - one patient in particular catches his eye, and he moves in that direction:: Cptn Swain -> ::Enters into the ready room, waiting before the doors close to say anything.:: When I asked what was going on with the Vatican -- they were incredibly tight lipped. ::Pauses:: Even Arden wouldn't tell me on an open channel. William Chocox -> Yes, I can handle tea. Rhan K'hal -> :: pouts a little, seems Swain and Hawthorne have wised up to the power of his ears and aren't saying anything while they're still on the bridge :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Makes her way over to Kitty:: Hunter Matheson -> ::the smell is almost overwhelming, but he does his best to ignore it and kneels down next to the cot, striking up a short conversation with the ensign, who seems way too young for Starfleet::: William Chocox -> Who can't handle tea? Maryse Dubois -> +K'hal+ Go ahead. ::Watching an escorted patient go by.:: Rhan K'hal -> +Maryse+ Camelot Medical is understandably still a bit snowed under, but they've made room for the worst of the Vatican lot. I'm transferring down the particulars to your PADD. Contact the transporter room directly for transport of the patients that can't be moved manually. Rhan K'hal -> :: tilts head Ithene's direction, notes she was able to brush her hair today; always a good sign that we haven't been shot at :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Takes a seat on his couch, resting her arms on her knees for a moment.:: I'd wondered about that. And this secret mission they seemed to be involved in. I assumed he was going to let us in on what's going on. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks at her PADD.:: +K'hal+ Understood, and thanks. Cptn Swain -> ::Heads over to the small bar in the corner, and begins making tea.:: Tea? Tandaris Admiran -> ::William:: Good point. Tandaris Admiran -> ::passes William some tea:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Motions her head towards the RR:: What do you suppose that's all about? William Chocox -> ::sips it:: William Chocox -> Thank you. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Security (and more practically, Operations) receive notice the Admiral is coming aboard. Maryse Dubois -> ::Has her staff start marking the ones that need to be transported. Once ready, they begin beaming them off.:: Rhan K'hal -> Probably having something to do with whatever the heck the Vatican nearly got blown up over. :: glances down at the beep :: And that Admiral Tightass is coming aboard. Tandaris Admiran -> We've had a tough few days Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: I don' like it. Rhan K'hal -> :: taps out that said Admiral is aboard and zips it into the ready room monitor :: Cptn Swain -> ::Pours two cups of tea, even if Miranda didn't want one, he'd at least have on ready Misha he supposed.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::he stays by her cot until she's taken away, and his professional smile fades quickly as they move towards the exit :: Rhan K'hal -> Neither do I, but not much we can do about it except wait for the crap to start. Hunter Matheson -> ::deep breath, changes his gloves, tossing the used pair into the recycle bin:: William Chocox -> That we have. Rhan K'hal -> :: follows the Admiral's progress through the ship via his comm badge signal :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> None for me, thank you. I'm too wired right now. ::Her knee was bouncing uncontrollably.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::after moving through the decontam chamber, he spots Doc DuBois and moves in her direction:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Leans against the console, briefly before heading to the replicator:: Want anything from the replicator? Altairwater, Tea... a glass of warm milk? Hunter Matheson -> ::she looks awful busy, so he waits for her attention:: Rhan K'hal -> I've a bottle of water stuffed in the cup holder already, thank you. Tandaris Admiran -> ::pokes idly at a console, noting status on repairs:: Cptn Swain -> ::Comes over the couch with tea.:: The XO of the Vatican wanted me to tell you, again, how thankful she was for your hard work. Especially with their Chief Engineer taking that plasma blast. William Chocox -> How are repairs coming? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Grins mischievously.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Notices Hunter approach, she looks over at him.:: You didn't have to help you know. My staff could have handled it. But, thank you anyways. Rhan K'hal -> Look smart. He'll spit out of the lift any moment. Don't want him to be any grumpier than usual before he sees the command staff. Tandaris Admiran -> Faster than they could be. It helps that we were so well provisioned, although working on hte Vatican taxed us Tandaris Admiran -> Now that Camelot's teams are taking over, we can resume regular rotations. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::does a Picard maneuver with her uniform, and hair.:: William Chocox -> Good. Rhan K'hal -> :: gets on the horn with the transporter room to see how things are going :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda grimaced.:: They had more than a handful. We patched them together as best we could so they could limp in to Camelot, but it could have been worse. She was rather tight-lipped about their mission. I had the impression that she didn't know much. Hunter Matheson -> ::he nods politely:: I figure an extra hand doesn't hurt, ma'am. Besides, there's no way I can relax when things need tending to, so I'm here until I'm not, ma'am. Anyway, I'm qualified corpsman - combat casualty care, that sort of thing. I can do most anything short of major surgery. Hunter Matheson -> Oh, and I haven't delivered a baby yet, either. ::minimal crooked grin:: Rhan K'hal -> :: keeps busy so he can avoid leaping out of his seat and mauling the Admiral when he shows up, which he still feels is due after that hatchery mission :: Cptn Swain -> ::Nodding, taking a drink from his tea.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods with a slight smile.:: I'll be sure to keep all of that in mind. Cptn Swain -> Abronvinvich> ::Exits the turbolift, looking more tired and less energetic than was usual for him. He barely even acknowledged the bridge crew, and didn't bother scowling, before headings straight to the RR.:: Hunter Matheson -> So, is there anything I can help with, ma'am? Rhan K'hal -> :: fur still stands a little bit on end while he pokes rather harder at his console than necessary during the Admiral's transit :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She stood as soon as the Admiral entered, smoothing one hand down her uniform tunic and nodding in greeting.:: Sir. Maryse Dubois -> ::Shakes her head.:: No, thank you. The last of our patients are being beamed out now. Cptn Swain -> ::Stands, giving a respectful nod as well.:: Admiral. Cptn Swain -> Abronvinvich> ::Disappears into the RR.:: Please, have a seat. Hunter Matheson -> Okay, then. ::he gives a short nod:: I'll move on out. Rhan K'hal -> :: hops out of his seat as soon as the RR doors close, stalks around the bridge twice until his fur re-settles :: Tandaris Admiran -> Now that we aren't distracted by marauding Jem'Hadar I wonder what our actual assignment will be Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Almost giggles at Rhan, finally getting her drink from the replicator.:: Sure you don't want some warm milk? William Chocox -> Indeed. That will be interesting. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods to Hunter, then turns and watches the last patient being beamed out.:: Rhan K'hal -> What I need right now is definitely not available while on duty. Cptn Swain -> Abronvinvich> ::Making his way over to the couch, he took a seat in the arm chair near Miranda and Swain.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Snorts.:: We're in port, so, I mean, I am sure no one would notice if you got into the catnip. Rhan K'hal -> :: gives Ithene a sour look :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Considers.:: Though you might want to go into the Obs Lounge if you decide to roll around on your back. Hunter Matheson -> :::strips the last of the gloves into the recycle bin, moves through the UV lights, and exits the area::: Rhan K'hal -> :: settles back in his seat, pokes at it, looks over at Ithene :: Hmm, due to a failure of thingie, I have no choice but to cut the science department's computer allocation down to 0.1%. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Snorts:: Want to explain that one to the Captain? Hunter Matheson -> ::taking the lift to his quarters for a long shower and a fresh uniform:: Rhan K'hal -> :: sigh :: You're damned lucky the Captain is as much of a nerd as you are. If we had a phaser jockey in the command chair they'd never notice at thing. Tandaris Admiran -> If our next mission isn't too … intense, we should work on some modifications to the long-range sensor array Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Retakes her seat and leans forward on her thighs to keep her knees from bouncing nervously.:: Cptn Swain -> Abronvinvich> ::Clears his throat, realizing that he had to be the one to talk first. He really did look tired.:: Captain, Commander. I wanted to thank you both for the job you did rescuing the Vatican. Captain Varen was exceptionally complimentary of you. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Grins.:: Always know your weight class Rhan... always know your weight class. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Makes her way back to the science station.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and after exchanging information with his bunkmates, he has a fleeting thought of going to the station, then remembers that it's probably not too relaxing over there, so he enters the lift:: Bridge. Rhan K'hal -> I also know your weight class, I'm still a few centimeters flatter than I was before you fell on me. Hunter Matheson -> ::with the final check of his hair and uniform, of course:: Cptn Swain -> ::Glances quickly to Miranda.:: Thank you, sir. I was hoping you'd be able to provide us with some...::considers:: more information about what they were doing out there? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Rolls her eyes.:: That was months ago, Kitty. Sticks and stones though. Hunter Matheson -> ::steps out onto the bridge, not too surprised to find others there:: Hunter Matheson -> ::nods in greeting to Khal and Ithene:: Ma'am. Sir. Rhan K'hal -> Don't mention things I can throw while a certain flag officer is in the next room. Rhan K'hal -> Hey Gunny. Run out of things to do? Cptn Swain -> Abronvinvich> ::Clears his throat again.:: Well, unfortunately I can only tell you that you'll have to continue wondering. The only additional information I have to add is that you should not mention the incident further in your logs, and your crew should be under the impression that talking about it won't exactly... further their careers. Hunter Matheson -> Yes, sir. Getting bored, but I guess I shouldn't say that 'cause you know what happens. Hunter Matheson -> We have a flag on board? Cptn Swain -> Abronvinvich> ::Looks at both of them.:: Am I clear? Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: The Admiral himself. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She frowned, but nodded.:: Of course, sir. Maryse Dubois -> :;After making sure Sickbay was clear, she finds herself up on the bridge.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Considers protesting, but decides better of it. Takes a sip of tea instead.:: Hunter Matheson -> Huh. ::kind of surprised, but not that surprised, he slips behind the helm:: I'm going to say I shouldn't even think about asking? Rhan K'hal -> :: ears flit back at the lift door opening again :: Hey Doc, empty out the barn already? Hunter Matheson -> I figure it's safer that way. Cptn Swain -> Abronvinvich> Good. Now, to the matter that brought me here. I am assuming you're both wondering why I came to you, instead of my usual summons? Maryse Dubois -> ::Says her hellos and nods at K'hal.:: Yeah. We are finally clear. Rhan K'hal -> Good thinking, Gunny. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Gives Hunter a nod, before turning to the newest edition of the Bridge.:: Maryse. Cptn Swain -> The thought had crossed my mind, Admiral. Maryse Dubois -> ::Leans against the rail.:: So, what's the gossip topic for today? Cptn Swain -> Abronvinvich> ::Glances away for a moment.:: I have a... special mission for you. One that I cannot trust with anyone else currently under my command. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Listens intently, eyebrows rising in surprise.:: William Chocox -> Anything you have in mind? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Takes a drink of her warm jalla juice, and decides to let the Kitty be the gossip in chief for a change.:: Rhan K'hal -> Mental contemplation of what brings the Admiral :: somehow manages to make the rank sound like a swear word, the wonders of the Caitian palate :: aboard mostly. Hunter Matheson -> ::he starts a rundown of helm and navigation systems, lining things up, running diagnostics, the usual::: Hunter Matheson -> ::listening to the chatter behind him, of course:: Maryse Dubois -> The Admiral is on board? Things MUST be serious then. Rhan K'hal -> Mmhmm, he's right in there. :: thumb jerk toward the RR doors :: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> A few days ago we lost contact with a Starfleet team that had gone into... unfriendly space to attempt to make contact with elements of the Vorta Council that we believe might be able to help us get this situation back under some semblance of control. Rhan K'hal -> Though in less weighty matters, I also heard that Ithene started a pool about which system Cdr Admiran will try to "renovate" next, with an over/under on time to failure. Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> ::Pauses, standing, clearing his throat.:: They were to report in once they had met with their contact on the Dominion held planet of Artain IV. Tandaris Admiran -> I'm not happy with the refresh rate on the array. Something in the last upgrade—maybe the new space-time driver coils in the impulse engines--is reducing its efficiency. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks:: You're just sour that you're not going to win. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: As long as he stays away from any of my equipment. Hunter Matheson -> ::and he finds the minor helm glitch has been corrected::it's the little things:: Rhan K'hal -> Hey, I can't play, I have insider information. :: pats his console lovingly :: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> They're overdue. I want you to find them and bring them back... alive. I don't care about the mission anymore. I just want them brought back home and in one piece. William Chocox -> What can we do about that? Hunter Matheson -> ::check... check... check::: Tandaris Admiran -> That's what we need to find out. Hunter Matheson -> ::and that's about all he can do since they're on station power and control:: Tandaris Admiran -> That is the joy and frustration when we have so many interacting systems of such complexity. Tandaris Admiran -> Upgrade one component, and ou can’t always predict how the others will react. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> And why can you not trust anyone with this mission? It isn't as though you've sent a secret team in to disrupt relations with the Dominion. Right? ::A bit suspicious.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::flicks everything off, logs out, pats the console and stands, stretching:: Cptn Swain -> ::Can't hide his surprise, looks to Miranda and then to the Admiral.:: If I may, sir... what makes this team special enough to risk sending us deeply into... unfriendly space as you put it? Artain IV is well-inside their space. Rhan K'hal -> Might as well get some R&R, Gunny. I have a feeling we'll be doing something idiotic, dangerous, and probably illegal, considering. :: thumb jerk to the RR again :: Cptn Swain -> Abronvonvich> ::Without missing a beat.:: Because the officer leading the team is my son. And I don't give a damn about anything else but being able to hug him again. Hunter Matheson -> Copy that, Sir. Thing is, the station is so jammed, where do we go for R&R? Rhan K'hal -> Well, knowing you, R&R might serve better as workout. Try the gym. William Chocox -> That's true. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0110.2016 The Excalibur has escorted the Vatican back to Camelot Station, which remains rather zoo-like. No rest for the wicked, it seems, however as we were greeted with a message that Vice-Admiral Misha Abronvonvich will be coming aboard shortly to meet with Captain Swain and Commander Hawthorne personally. The crew has been ordered to catch their breath, help unload wounded passengers, and maybe have tea if they can manage it.

MISSION BRIEF: While en route to Camelot, Excalibur intercepted a distress call from the Federation's flagship in the quadrant, the command and control, Aventine-class USS Vatican, under the command of Irae Varen. They were under attack from Jem'Hadar forces, but also being co-defended by them. Excalibur managed to even the numbers. The attacking Dominion forces retreated as Semil -- of the Hundred -- arrived with several additional vessels. Now we look to find out what we walked into, and to tend to our damage and wounded. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::after blowing out a deep breath, he takes another and continues to check the helm console for bogies that might need a fix:: Rhan K'hal -> :: on the bridge, taking a deep breath :: Hunter Matheson -> ::slower, more measured breathing as the adrenaline wears off, but he's still sharp in case things go sideways... again:: Cptn Swain -> ::Pulls his hair out of his face.:: Bring us about. ::Glances over to Miranda:: And see if we can get the Vatican on the line. Tell the fighter group to hang a squadron out while everyone else comes back in to catch their breath. Hunter Matheson -> ::quick response:: coming about, aye. Tandaris Admiran -> Just replaced that … and that … and that … Tandaris Admiran -> Why did we even bother upgrading that if it was going to get broken anyway? Hunter Matheson -> ::as he checks the position of the fighter group, he also checks for optimal ship presentation for landing:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda gripped her armrest tightly, jaw clenched. Her first instinct was to run to engineering to uncover the damage to *her* ship, but she had to remember her duty. She wasn't Chief of Engineering any longer and wasn't needed there.:: Message the Vatican and get their damage report. We're here to assist them in any way needed. Start transporting their wounded to sickbay at the earliest opportunity. Rhan K'hal -> Aye, Commander. Rhan K'hal -> :: whips off a message to the Vatican, checking in and asking for info and bodies; you know, the usual Gamma Quadrant version of "hello" :: Hunter Matheson -> ::general announcement:: Helm is responsive. Position achieved. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Text from the Vatican: Subspace communications array damaged. But standing by to begin transferring wounded. Also 'Thanks.' Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Engineering+ Hawthorne to Engineering. Rhan K'hal -> Looks like their subspace communications are down, but they send their gratitude along more old-fashioned communications routes. Tandaris Admiran -> +Hawthorne+ Admiran here. Everything is fine. Hunter Matheson -> ::maintaining Excalibur's position relative to Vatican, now realizing that they took a few too many hits:: Rhan K'hal -> :: gets everything organized with the Vatican's transporter room and our sickbay :: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: What's the status of our Hundred... friends? Rhan K'hal -> :: checks :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Admiran+ I assumed so, otherwise you'd be screaming for spare parts. The Vatican has been heavily damaged and we're sending assistance. Assign a team and have them meet me in the transporter room in fifteen. Rhan K'hal -> Looks like some of them are doing the "cleaning up" with a few of the Jem'Hadar that were too damaged to warp out. Otherwise they're just hanging out. Tandaris Admiran -> +Hawthorne+ Acknowledged. ::flags down a passing engineer, gets them to assemble a repair team:: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Inquire to Vatican command what further orders and assistance they require. Rhan K'hal -> Aye sir. Rhan K'hal -> :: texts back over to Vatican to inquire :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::turns back to the pressing matter of prioritizing systems repair:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Tactical indicates additional Klingon warp signatures inbound, likely responding to the distress signal. Hunter Matheson -> ::slips a minor maintenance request to engineering, noting a few bugs in helm, but nothing he can't compensate for:: Cptn Swain -> ::Pleased that his crew performed well under pressure, but displeased with the situation as a whole.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and then he resets the navigation sensors to compute Vatican's crabbing and adjust accordingly for relative stationkeeping:: Hunter Matheson -> ::for the most part he keeps his eyes secured to the helm console, but occasionally takes a look at the main viewscreen, wondering how they survived at all, considering the exterior scoring::: Cptn Swain -> Text from Vatican: Continue to assist in repairs and medical situation. Captain Varen is transporting to Hundred command ship and will be leaving with them to continue his mission. Once repairs to Vatican engines are complete, Excalibur will lead them back to base. Rhan K'hal -> :: reads over, decides to just forward this one to Swain :: Rhan K'hal -> :: zips it over to the command chair console :: Cptn Swain -> ::Reads over the text, forwards it to Miranda with a scowl:: Rhan K'hal -> :: checks over all the tow truck systems now :: Rhan K'hal -> :: just in case :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Reviewing the reports as they stream in, then glances to Swain.:: I'd like to know what that is all about, but I suppose it is 'need to know' and we don't. I'll liaison with their command staff when I transport over with the engineering team. Tandaris Admiran -> ::glances at estimates for repairs to the power distribution grid:: Not bad. Looks like the new flow regulators are at least having the intended effect. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: I am going to make a point of asking once we get back to Camelot. Cptn Swain -> ::Glances over to Rhan:: Tell the incoming Klingons to set up a defensive perimeter in case anyone else wants to take a shot at us while we assist Vatican in repairs. Hunter Matheson -> ::mental note re: defense force:: Rhan K'hal -> Aye, Captain. :: sends a communique over to the Klingons, and being that we're not part of a task force anymore puts Swain's desires to them more in the form of a strong request than a command :: Cptn Swain -> ::Stands:: Rhan, can you get me a secure line to Camelot in my ready room? Rhan K'hal -> Aye sir. Rhan K'hal -> :: set that up, has it waiting for Swain in the RR :: Cptn Swain -> ::Glances to Miranda:: Keep me informed of repair progress. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Hundred vessels, along with the remaining Dominion vessels who were in the area when we arrived break off and jump away to warp. Rhan K'hal -> :: watches the beetle ships poof off as the Klingons set themselves up in a good position to fight and watch our backs, lets out a sigh :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded absently, still reviewing reports coming in all over the ship, taking special note of the medical preparations.:: K'hal, if they are ready, transport their wounded. If there are too many for sickbay, they have triage units ready to set up in cargo bay one. Rhan K'hal -> Aye, Commander, they're ready. :: gets the patient transfers started :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Makes her way onto the bridge, her hair looking a little more unkempt than normal.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::one eye on the console, one eye on navigation to check positions on the Klingon vessels:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM