Cdr Miranda Hawthorne

SD 0223.2020 Will and Reynolds have received treatment for their rashes, while Medical investigates the cause. Leary that his crew was going to sell the whole ship if they didn't leave soon, and also anxious to get to exploring, Swain ordered the Excalibur to head for a T-Tauri Star a few days away. We pick up underway to said star.

MISSION BRIEF: Will and Reynolds have received treatment for their rashes, while Medical investigates the cause. Leary that his crew was going to sell the whole ship if they didn't leave soon, and also anxious to get to exploring, Swain ordered the Excalibur to head for a T-Tauri Star a few days away. We pick up underway to said star. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Irene Mincine: :: Val is at the helm, getting them to the T-Tauri star without crashing into, breaking, or running over anything. :: Cptn Swain: ::On the bridge, drinking tea:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene is analyzing survey data in her science lab. :: Hunter Matheson: ::in security doing the stuff that CSEC wants done:: William Chocox: ::is back down in Engineering, he carefully places a sample of the packing material in a container marked "BIOHAZARD: DO NOT TOUCH" to take to Dr. Dubois:: +Maryse+ Chief Chocox to Dr. Dubois. Hunter Matheson: ::cause you know that CSEC always passes the junk on to ASEC:: Indaura Ryssan: :: in her office :: Hakran K'hal: :: in one of the multi-purpose labs with the various parts for modifying a science probe's sensors arrayed before him on the workbench :: Maryse Dubois: ::In her office, reading.:: +Chocox+ Go ahead. Rhan K'hal: :: standing behind his brother, an amused look on his face :: I don't know why you don't call someone from Engineering to help you with this. William Chocox: +Maryse+ I've got a sample of what we discussed earlier. Do you want that hand delivered or site-to-site? Irene Mincine: :: Irene steps to the replicator. :: "350ml of orange-flavored electrolyte mix. No ice." :: She takes her drink and wanders away for a break. Intrigued by the disassembled probe, she enters the multipurpose lab. :: "High-energy infrared sensor?" Maryse Dubois: +Chocox+ Whichever you think is best. Hakran K'hal: Because I haven't gone through the entire spec sheet on this yet, and the Captain handed this to me personally. Normally it'd be a generic order transfer over the system. Hakran K'hal: :: looks up to Irene :: Among other things. :: sighs :: Hakran K'hal: :: hands the padd to Rhan :: Irene Mincine: Irene> "You look like you could use one of these more than I do." :: Gesturing with her orangeade. :: Rhan K'hal: :: skims over it :: Hakran K'hal: Depends, how much tequila does it have in it? Rhan K'hal: :: snorts :: Irene Mincine: Irene> :: With a smile. :: "I'm on duty, sir." :: She sips the orangeade. :: Hakran K'hal: Then I don't need it that badly. Hakran K'hal: :: looks up at Rhan from his seated position :: Well? Rhan K'hal: You said he was worried about micro-wormholes? Irene Mincine: Irene> :: She leans against the table. :: "From the star we're investigating, yeah?" Hakran K'hal: That's what the Captain told me, yes. Hakran K'hal: :: nods to Irene :: Which would be consistent with a t-tauri. Indaura Ryssan: :: Drinks her tea while reading a journal of psychiatric medicine :: Rhan K'hal: Well, the good news is the probe design will look for that, among other generic navigation hazards. Irene Mincine: Val> :: Turns around in her seat. :: "Captain, I've recalculated our course now that the computer's gone through some of that data we got back from the station. I can shave 3 hours off from our previous ETA. Sound good, Cap?" Hakran K'hal: The bad news, then? Indaura Ryssan: :: One article read: "What to do when a Vulcan cries..." :: William Chocox: +Dubois+ Acknowledged, I'll bring it up. ::takes the container out of Engineering and heads to Sickbay:: Rhan K'hal: One of the more clever special operations designs, this. Combining the lateral subspace wave detector with the inverted quantum reductor the way this is makes for one hell of a narrow-beam subspace communication array. Rhan K'hal: Inbound only, the probe wouldn't have enough energy to transmit that way. Hakran K'hal: [REDACTED]. Micro-wormholes don't send subspace messages. Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Sip. :: "Do I want to know what this probe is for?" Hunter Matheson: ::receiving reports from officers on patrol::: William Chocox: ::walks into Sickbay:: Dr. Dubois? Rhan K'hal: Officially, for detecting micro-wormholes. Unofficially, it's a subspace bug. Rhan K'hal: I can't imagine who around here we might want to listen to. :: ear flip :: Irene Mincine: Irene> "Yeah, I wonder..." :: Hmmmmmmmmm. :: Hakran K'hal: ::growl:: I hate it when you're right. Rhan K'hal: You should be used to it by now. Hakran K'hal: ::grunt:: William Chocox: ::pokes his head around Sickbay:: Hakran K'hal: So how the hell am I supposed to *not* notice the extra data coming in? Irene Mincine: Irene> "Program the computer to junction it off into a secret file. Come on, that's an easy one." Maryse Dubois: ::Steps out of her office.:: Over here. Rhan K'hal: Easier than that, actually. It's built in, that's what the wavelet compensator is for. Will bury that data into the background noise right in the open data. William Chocox: Ah, hello. ::walks over:: Figured I'd take the chance to get out of Engineering. I think Ithene would've been proud of me for that one. Hunter Matheson: ::::big stretch before exiting the office to check on a few things, esp the cherries::: Maryse Dubois: I'm sure she would. ::Looks at the container.:: I assume that's the stuff? Hunter Matheson: ::after checking the roster to be sure that each cherry has an officer that actually knows what to do it an emergency::: Irene Mincine: Irene> "Even better." William Chocox: Yes, yes it is. ::hands it over:: No clue what it is beside packing material. Rhan K'hal: Honestly I doubt we're even meant to chew on the data. Hakran K'hal: So we just wander around doing our science thing for real? Rhan K'hal: Looks like it. Like getting a bug taped to our ass while we sleep and then having us go do our perfectly legitimate business none the wiser. Maryse Dubois: I may have an idea, but I'll run some tests to be sure. Has your itching stopped? Irene Mincine: Irene> "They can't believe we're that dumb, though." William Chocox: Oh! Yeah, that stuff was great. Hunter Matheson: :::steps into the training area to watch for a while::: Maryse Dubois: That's good to hear. Rhan K'hal: We are new to the sector, the admirals might not realize just how used to this we are. William Chocox: How often do I need to keep applying it? Or was it a one time thing? Irene Mincine: Irene> "They've got to know our captain, though, right?" Rhan K'hal: I'd assume so, but forget one hand not knowing what the other is doing, Starfleet doesn't even want fingers on the same hand to know what the others are doing anymore. Hakran K'hal: Mr. Blue Sky & Sunshine again today, aren't you? Rhan K'hal: You should be used to that by now. Maryse Dubois: If you start to itch again, you can apply more. Hakran K'hal: :: sigh of the terminally weary :: Irene Mincine: Irene> "I think it's exciting, personally." :: She finishes her drink and places it in the replicator, where the cup dematerializes. :: William Chocox: Alright. Thanks for it. Any idea on a time frame on figuring out what that is? Hakran K'hal: Let's just hope Rhan is right, yes as usual, and we don't have to do anything but what we're here for. Hakran K'hal: And at the moment, that means putting this frigging thing together. Rhan K'hal: :: rolls eyes with a full tail loop :: Get up and let me do it before you stick your finger somewhere it shouldn't and you end up walking around the rest of the day looking like walking tribble. Hakran K'hal: :: grunts, but rises :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene laughs heartily. :: "That would be a sight. But I agree with Rhan." Hunter Matheson: ::into the lift::: Bridge. Hakran K'hal: Okay, I know when I'm not needed. :: looks to Irene :: Do you have something running? Maryse Dubois: It shouldn't take long Rhan K'hal: :: sits, does the old knuckle-cracking routine, then gets to work assembling the probe guts :: Irene Mincine: :: Shrug. :: "Automated survey analysis. That's why I left my work area to check out what was going on here." Hunter Matheson: :::steps out and takes place at tactical ::: William Chocox: Sounds good. If you could keep me informed about it I would appreciate it. ::smiles:: Maryse Dubois: ::Nods.:: Of course. Hakran K'hal: Then lets head to astrometrics and get under Dansh's hooves. William Chocox: Thanks, for fixing me up and for not informing the Captain. Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Nod! :: "Sounds good to me, let's go." Hakran K'hal: Thanks, brother. :: gives him a pat on the back before heading out :: Rhan K'hal: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hakran K'hal: Does your brother give you that much grief? Irene Mincine: Irene> "Depends how long of a cargo run he's on and how bored he gets." Cptn Swain: ::Finishing his tea, Asher yawned lazily reading over some of the preliminary scans of the T-Tauri star. It, was, as they went relatively normal. But normal was a relative word of course.:: Maryse Dubois: ::Smirks.:: Just don't make it a habit. William Chocox: Oh you know me, always on the straight and narrow. Hakran K'hal: I don't know how people can do that and stay sane. Cptn Swain: ::He assumed that, by now, the Brothers K'Hal had figured out, at least partially, what the special instructions for the probes were for. Technically, he should have given the instruction along with an order to keep it quiet, but he didn't want to insult their intelligence further.:: Irene Mincine: "He's *my* brother, after all..." Hunter Matheson: ::stuffs as much info into his brain as possible, checking out the T-Tauri star system, the good, the bad, and the ugly::: Cptn Swain: << 2 Minute Warning >> Hakran K'hal: Can't lose what you didn't start with then. :: chuckle :: William Chocox: I'm gonna head back down. If I disappear for too long my staff tends to go crazy. Irene Mincine: :: Irene stands up straighter and taller. :: "Insulting a noble Klingon's family is dangerous, you know!" Cptn Swain: ...and... Rhan K'hal: :: gets the first probe put together, gets it beamed into the torpedo bay for insertion into a probe casing :: Cptn Swain: (( So is hitting a superior officer. )) Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur remains docked at the independent station, where, luckily, a certain Science Officer didn't give away the whole ship. Resupply efforts and general leave continue as Excalibur prepares for a survey of the Sellaris Expanse. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM William Chocox: +Maryse+ Dr. Dubois? Ensign Reynolds and I are having a reaction to an unknown organic compound. We're going to need medical attention. Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ Kiss me later, right now I have to figure out how to save the rest of this without having to hike up my tail in the station's red light quarter. Maryse Dubois: :;Was still in the cargo bay.:: +Chocox+ What did you touch? William Chocox: +Maryse+ Packing material. Hunter Matheson: ::AAR with team in security and that's not much::: Hakran K'hal: :: Irene :: In the meanwhile, let's go down and start looking at that data. Hakran K'hal: If the command staff calls just remember to look whipped. Maryse Dubois: +Chocox+ Packing material? ::Sighs:: Head to sickbay, but don't touch anything. Irene Mincine: "Yeah. Mm-hmm." :: Irene seems a bit down, which is understandable. :: "I hope it was worth it." Hunter Matheson: ::grabs his PADD when they're finished so he can take a good look at what info they have re the expanse, and it's not much::: Maryse Dubois: +Rhan+ Well I now know a couple engineers that will be happy you saved our supplies. ::Heads for sickbay.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Had somehow managed to get the stuff on his face, which was starting to go blotchy.:: ARG! ::Scratching frantically.:: What is this stuff?! William Chocox: +Maryse+ Acknowledged, we're on our way. ::Reynolds:: You heard the good doctor. Let's go. ::leads the way out of Engineering:: Computer, lock office, authorization code Chocox-Alpha-Zulu-92. Cptn Swain: ::Makes his way onto the bridge, real tea in his favorite cup in hand:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Still tinkering at the tactical station, he glanced up as Swain entered the bridge.:: Captain. Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ Oh boy. :: pause :: Check first to see if it's shredded Gorn acagite. It's the outer casing on a naturally occurring gourd on their planet. Hopefully that's all it is. Irene Mincine: Val> :: Is idle at helm. :: Cptn Swain: ::Jalen:: Commander. Cptn Swain: ::Blissfully unaware of any of the chaos:: Hakran K'hal: We'll find out. Maryse Dubois: ::Grins.:: +Rhan+ Will do. Maryse Dubois: ::Arrives in sickbay.:: Hakran K'hal: :: heads into astrometrics :: William Chocox: ::comes up into Sickbay shortly after Maryse arrives:: Doctor. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Itching all the way to the lift.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::And into sickbay.:: Cptn Swain: How's everything ::sips tea:: going? Irene Mincine: "I hope the Engineering team had a better time than we did." :: Irene follows Hakran into astrometrics. :: "Maybe they bought some silverware." Hakran K'hal: :: snickers at Irene :: Hey Dansh, we might have some insights for you. Hakran K'hal: Brasunch> :: the stout Tellarite woman grunts :: Better not spoil all my fun. Hakran K'hal: Irene, pull up what you have on the astrometry. Hunter Matheson: :::after pacing a while and giving his neck a good crack, he slips into his office chair to begin rotations, putting the pros on guard with the cherries::: Hunter Matheson: ::and hoping it works::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Tapping out a strongly worded summons to Excalibur's Chief of Security who really should know better than to let a junior officer make shady deals with aliens.:: Oh? Aside from a few hiccups, just marvelous, Captain. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::In Security, licking his wounds:: Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Loads the astrometric data on the local region into the astrometrics system, which provides a nice (expensive) 3D view. :: "Should be uploaded... here." William Chocox: ::looks around Sickbay:: Doctor DuBois? Hakran K'hal: :: steps back, takes it in :: Maryse Dubois: ::Points:: Over there. Don't touch anything. Maryse Dubois: ::Comes over with a tricorder.:: William Chocox: Aye ma'am. ::walks over to the area with Reynolds:: Hunter Matheson: :::sighs with a headscratch, wondering why they gave this ship all the cherries when it's not exactly the thing....::: Hakran K'hal: Well, we definitely won't be spoiling too much your fun, Dasnh. Maryse Dubois: ::Starts scanning.:: So you touched the packing material? I suppose it was from a shady crate? Hunter Matheson: Huh.... :::mutters:: Summons? JO making shady deals... what the hell....? Irene Mincine: "It... hmm. At least there's plenty here we didn't have in the computer. I think we should have some luck finding points of interest here." :: Irene plugs through the systems nearby. :: " Hakran K'hal: Wow, the people of this area NEED this mapped. their travel advisories for a stable phenomenon, when they even bother, can be over a light year apart. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> Ugh, this is worse than that time I got that parasite from that... ah... nevermind. ::Scratching his neck madly.:: It feels like my skin is on fire. Cptn Swain: ::Takes another drink of tea:: Good. Well, then once we've finished getting all of the supplies aboard, I want to get back under way. Better not to linger here before they start charging us a docking fee or something. There's a T-Tauri Class star nearby that I want to start with. Hunter Matheson: ::replies::: "on my way"::: Irene Mincine: :: Irene shrugs, looking through the sparse info. :: "It's better than nothing. It's a starting point, at least." Indaura Ryssan: :: Working in her office :: William Chocox: If I say yes will you not inform Captain Swain and Commander Stanton? Maryse Dubois: ::Looks to Reynolds.:: When I say don't touch anything, Ensign, I also mean yourself. ::Finishes the scans.:: Hakran K'hal: Oh yes, this definitely narrows down some of the points of interest so we don't have to poke around every bush. Hunter Matheson: :::into the lift, wondering which JO was the culprit:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene sighed. :: "Still, I'm pretty sure we got fleeced..." Maryse Dubois: As long as it isn't a bomb, or something that will readily blow up our new shiny ship, I don't care Chief. And luckily for you, this is easily treatable. Stay here a moment. ::Looks between them.:: And no scratching. ::Goes into the back to get the remedy.:: Hunter Matheson: ::Then he remembers he's not CSEC and smirks::: William Chocox: ::shakes to keep himself from scratching himself:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> I believe everything has been loaded that's going to be loaded. ::Glances at Rhan.:: Mr. Khal, are we expecting anything else coming or going? Cptn Swain: ::Is obviously excited to finally, *finally* do real science:: Hakran K'hal: This is only a portion of your data, Irene. Medical also got a good chunk of that file I believe. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> I can't help it! I was already touching myself. ::Has to clench his fists to keep from scratching any more.:: Hunter Matheson: ::::continues with the roster::: Cptn Swain: <<In public Reynolds????? SMH >> Hakran K'hal: (( I'm suddenly hearing Divynls )) William Chocox: Phrasing Reynolds. Cptn Swain: ::Glances over to Rhan, who he assumed was still peeved at him:: Cptn Swain: ::Making his way to the command chair, sipping tea:: Irene Mincine: "Right, right." :: Irene hrmmms. :: "There's a pretty rare T Tauri star here... pretty close to the Sheliak border, though." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> Maryse's scans show the irritant is biological in nature, some naturally occurring fibrous material. She'd have to take samples to get a better reading, however. William Chocox: ::keeps his head on a swivel, keeping an eye out for the other doctor:: Irene Mincine: Val> :: Adjusts herself in her seat, seeing the command chair become occupied out of the corner of her eye. She puts away the padd she was reading. :: Maryse Dubois: ::Comes back with 2 small canisters, Giving one to each.:: Put this cream on, and when you get a chance...dispose of your uniforms. I also suggest using protective gear when dealing with your package. And I don't think I need to tell you to get rid of that too. Maryse Dubois: But, I wouldn't mind having a small sample to study. William Chocox: The whole package? Or just the packing material? Rhan K'hal: :: is holding two separate private communicators, wheeling and dealing with some of the other unaffiliated vendors aboard to try to get back some of the rest of it - hoping they're so shiny someone just miiiight take a bit of credit :: Hunter Matheson: :::still not happy with the offload of cherries, but sends the posting anyway::: Hakran K'hal: I'm sure that'll make that command staff thrilled. Hakran K'hal: What do you think Dansh, can we study that one for a bit to start while you start that grid? Maryse Dubois: The material Irene Mincine: "Yeah, I bet it will..." :: She said, suspicious of the command staff as usual. : "I'm sending the collated list of navigation hazards and warning beacons to the navigation system to keep us in one piece, too." William Chocox: Alright, we'll get you a small sample of it. We'll put it in a sealed container marked appropriately of course. Hakran K'hal: Brasunch> :: Just keep my sensors on the right side of it or you'll hear me hollering. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Experimentally takes a bit of the cream to slather on his neck and sighs as it numbs the skin and dampens the itch.:: Hakran K'hal: Good thinking, Irene. I'll go confab with captain to see what he thinks, you know he's got his nose in this. Hakran K'hal: Go check with Maryse, see what your data brought medical. Maryse Dubois: ::Nods:: Good. Consider it payment for keeping quiet. ::smirks:: Cptn Swain: Rex> ::glances at the message, marks it as unread and plans to deal with it later.:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene closes the console she was working at. "Yessir. I'll let you know if I need to reserve an airlock for jumping out of." :: She heads off to sickbay. :: William Chocox: Pleasure doing business. ::turns to Reynolds:: Go to your quarters, get yourself sorted out, and then head back to Engineering. Unless Doctor DuBois objects to going to quarters to change? Hakran K'hal: :: heads up to the bridge :: Maryse Dubois: As long as you don't touch anything. Hakran K'hal: :: walks out onto the command deck, stops a respectful distance away from the Captain :: William Chocox: I mean, I have to touch my uniform to put it on. Irene Mincine: :: Irene shows up in sickbay, seeing that there's a pretty big commotion going on with everyone occupied... :: "Oh. Um, I can come back later." Maryse Dubois: You can give the cream a chance to activate before you put on a new uniform. :;Sees Irene.:: They were just leaving. Rhan K'hal: :: does a little non-verbal communication with Hak while he's on hold :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene nods. :: "Lt. K'hal wanted me to see if the medical data we brought back from the station was anything useful." Rhan K'hal: :: lots of specific ear twitching, tail flails and eye blinks, that kind of think :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> I'll strip right here and now if needed. ::Blushes as he realizes they have an audience.:: Ah... I mean... I'll see you back in Engineering, Chief. Hunter Matheson: :::exits what they call and office and begins to wander, checking on personnel. he stops to watch maneuvers, arms crossed, judging every move::: Cptn Swain: ::Glances over, drinking tea:: Ah, Mister K'hal of the Blue Shirt Variety. Hakran K'hal: Hello Captain. Would you like some T-Tauri with your tea? Maryse Dubois: I don't know yet. I was too busy trying to save my supplies to look at it. William Chocox: ::walks out of Sickbay and heads to his quarters to get situated:: Cptn Swain: You mean the one in sector 34? Irene Mincine: :: Irene's tan/orange complexion turned beet red. :: "I'm... My apologies, doctor." :: She watched the others leave sick bay. :: Hakran K'hal: That's the one. We got a little more data on it from Irene's data purchase. Not a whole lot but enough that even Dansh is willing to let us zig where we would've zagged... so long as we keep the star out of her mapping field. Cptn Swain: ::Lifts a brow:: Irene's data purchase? Maryse Dubois: ::Puts up a hand.:: I imagine you've already been handed a punishment, so we'll stop there. ::Walks to a computer, and activates it, bringing up the files.:: Hakran K'hal: :: chuffs out a laugh :: You'll have an interesting afternoon debrief with Commander Stanton, sir. Maryse Dubois: So was anything useful to Science? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He snorted at Swain's question.:: One of those hiccups I mentioned, sir. Cptn Swain: ::Glances back to tactical:: Maryse Dubois: :;Starts browsing as she talks.:: Cptn Swain: ::Takes a long drink of tea:: I see. Cptn Swain: Well, then. Yes that is going to be our first stop. Indaura Ryssan: :: Doing a lot of reading in her office, mostly the medical data :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene sighs. :: "Yeah. We got a survey of the region, warning beacons, stuff like that. We know what to avoid and what's worth looking at. What did Medical get?" Hakran K'hal: I can't imagine its proximity to the border is troublesome at all, Captain. Rhan K'hal: :: pfffffffft :: Cptn Swain: ::Produces a PADD from his chair:: I'd like you to begin modifying a few probes to these specifications. Cptn Swain: T-Tauri Stars can create microwormholes. So I'd like some advance warning. Maryse Dubois: Looks like local population files, and various cures for local poisons and illnesses. Hakran K'hal: :: takes the padd, looks it over quickly:: Shouldn't be any problem. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Sort of waddling down the hall and to the lift, trying not to touch anything as he headed for his quarters.:: Irene Mincine: Irene> "So the same sort of thing, survey data." Cptn Swain: Good. Maryse Dubois: ::Nods.:: It's definitely workable. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stantion> ::Looks back to Rhan.:: Lieutenant, get any remaining transactions sorted. I want to be ready to depart within the hour. Hakran K'hal: I wish we had been able to swap out for a larger space sciences staff before this. I may be dragging a cot into astrometrics once we get going. Irene Mincine: :: Irene grins. :: "I'll be pulling double shifts in exobiology and astrometrics for a while, so I hope it's workable." Maryse Dubois: ::Nods.:: You'll manage. better than getting stuck in a room for a while. Just remember to be more careful next time. Hunter Matheson: :::leans against the bulkhead, watching a Ltjg take down one of their best operators::: Um... Rhan K'hal: Everything that I can get aboard will be aboard in about 70 minutes, Commander. I'd get it sooner if I paid an "expedited processing fee" but these people have taken enough from me today. Irene Mincine: Irene> "I definitely won't do that again. That's all I needed, they wanted me to check in down here." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Nods.:: That'll be fine. Send word to all departments of our departure time. Cptn Swain: ::Nods to Hark:: Though you know when we surveyed this area on the GW, I was the only astrophysicist aboard. Rhan K'hal: Will do, Commander. Hakran K'hal: The Dark Ages of Starfleet, sir. You were a brave soul. Cptn Swain: I am not that old. ::smirks:: Rhan K'hal: He didn't specify *which* dark age, Captain. 'Fleet likes to drive in circles sometimes. Irene Mincine: Val> "Circles? Not if I have anything to say about it." Cptn Swain: ::Finishes his tea:: Maryse Dubois: ::Nods.:: I appreciate it then. Cptn Swain: Val, you'll want to coordinate our course with science. As I mentioned, I'd rather avoid microwormholes. Rhan K'hal: +ALL DEPARTMENT NOTICE+ "Departure time XXXX. Be on board and ready to go or prepare to work off your rent on the station." Cptn Swain: ...AND... Irene Mincine: Val> "Looks like we've got a database of warning beacons now, so that'll help. I'll make sure we don't fall into any wormholes on the way, sir." William Chocox: ::gets to his quarters and starts changing out of his uniform:: Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

There are still a few sims flying. :) Excalibur runs on Sunday nights 7PM PAC / 10PM EST Feel free to drop in.

SD 0216.2020 The Excalibur remains docked at the independent station, where, luckily, a certain Science Officer didn't give away the whole ship. Resupply efforts and general leave continue as Excalibur prepares for a survey of the Sellaris Expanse. Engineering has received their mysterious purchase but the packing material seems to be a bit of a biohazard.

MISSION BRIEF: After a brief jaunt to an independent space station at the edge of the Sellaris Expanse, the crew has been recalled to the ship in preparation to depart on their mapping mission. Engineering is awaiting the delivery of a mystery item that was purchased aboard the station. Meanwhile, Medical awaits a set of files from station medical that might give them more information on the biology and medical hazards of the region. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: BEGIN SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: BEGIN SIM Indaura Ryssan: :: Reading up on the data they gathered from the station :: William Chocox: ::is down in Engineering, looking over the list of items they officially purchased from the station:: Rhan K'hal: :: back on the bridge, putting together the expense report :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene is back on the bridge at her science post, getting ready for the upcoming mission. :: Irene Mincine: :: Val is back at helm and no longer wearing an eyepatch, as well. :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Busy at Tactical, of all things, but he didn't often get a chance to tinker with the ship's security systems.:: Hakran K'hal: :: exits onto the bridge :: William Chocox: Ok, so that needs to go here, and that needs to go there. ::starts ticking things off and directing the cargo crew where to put everything:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> OPS receives a message from the ship's quartermaster that engineering has an important delivery from the station and also wants to know why he wasn't informed that Excalibur would be offloading ten crates of medical supplies. Maryse Dubois: ::Sitting in her office for the moment.:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene spots Hakran coming onto the bridge and smiles proudly. :: "Ah, lieutenant. I've uploaded all the data that we got from the station into the ship's computer, so we should have some idea of what we're looking at out there." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Squinting at the device he'd bought that looked exactly like the EMP device they officially didn't have.:: Rhan K'hal: +Goim+ Hey Missoda, I've been waiting for that first shipment. Have it escorted to Lt Chocox's office. As for the medical supplies... I'm as surprised as you are. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Hearing Irene, he glances over.:: What sort of data? Hakran K'hal: :: walks up behind Irene :: Good work. William Chocox: ::looks over at Ens Reynolds:: Need glasses Ensign? Rhan K'hal: +Goim+ I'll get back to you. Indaura Ryssan: :: Working in her office, no patients today. :: Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ K'hal to Dr. Dubois. Irene Mincine: Irene> "Thank you." :: Grin! :: "Medical and scientific data for the region, Commander." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Ah, interesting. I'm sure that will be of some help. Maryse Dubois: +Rhan+ Maryse here. Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ Do you know why we're offloading 10 crates of medical supplies? Maryse Dubois: +Rhan+ We're doing what now? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> OPS receives another message from the Quartermaster that says the station is also demanding five cases of some of their fancy foodstuffs. Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ I'll take that as a no. Irene Mincine: Irene> "Much better than going into the area blindly. Medical is already investigating the data that we brought back." Rhan K'hal: :: looks down :: Rhan K'hal: :: blinks :: Rhan K'hal: Okay, what the hell. Irene Mincine: Val> :: Looks over at her Ops partner at the front of the bridge. :: "What's up?" Rhan K'hal: :: contacts the station for the order details, is promptly sent back the invoice :: Maryse Dubois: ::Gets up from her office, heading out.:; +Rhan+ Which cargo bay is it coming from? Rhan K'hal: :: head swivels :: Rhan K'hal: :: gaze lands and locks onto Irene :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> No, just trying to see if this thing matches our thing. So far, it seems to be of the same type and manufacture. No power source, though. William Chocox: ::gets up and walks over:: No power source at all? Irene Mincine: Irene> "Mm?" :: Her ears (and ridges) were burning at Rhan's stare. :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Pokes at the device with a spanner.:: Well, it *has* one, but it is dead. No readings on the scanners. Hakran K'hal: :: knows his brother well enough to suddenly find himself busy reading a padd :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> Wonder if it is broken and that's why it was in the junk pile. William Chocox: Ah, interesting. Most likely explanation, but that doesn't mean we still can't use it to learn things. Maryse Dubois: :;Heading for the cargo bays.:: Rhan K'hal: Ten cases of medical supplies. Five crates of luxury foods. AND the VIP silverware set? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Head raises slowly.:: Excuse me? What about our silverware? Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Goes from ears burning to looking really confused. :: "What about them?" Rhan K'hal: It appears that data we received came with a hefty price tag. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Authorized by whom? ::Slight lift of the brow.:: Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Her eyes narrow. :: "What? Their CMO didn't mention anything about medical supplies, luxury foods, or silverware..." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> Engineering receives a very large and heavily secured crate from the station. Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ :: sends a text telling her they'll be coming out of upper bay 2, as well as WHY they're going out :: Rhan K'hal: Unless someone else has your thumb, you paid for the order. Indaura Ryssan: :: Exits her office and heads to sickbay :: Indaura Ryssan: :: Sign flips over, saying "The Doctor is Out." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> In the cargo bay, several of Maryse's recent medical purchases are being loaded for transport to the station. William Chocox: ::looks over:: Ooh, that's our new toy. Maryse Dubois: ::Blinks as she replies.:: And no one thought it would be a good idea to fill me in? ::Enters:: You have got to be kidding me. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Turns to stare at Irene.:: Did you read the fine print before signing? Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ ::text:: "I only just found out myself. I don't know if I can do an equivalent exchange to get them back, but I'll try." Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Irene looked pretty guilty. :: "Fine print? I didn't think they were trying to swindle us! I'm... well, you see..." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.:: Maryse Dubois: +Rhan+ Do what you can, cause some of these supplies I still need to fully get us off the ground since launch. I just got some of this stuff. Rhan K'hal: :: contacts the station to get in touch with the head doc to see if he can at least trade something else for the medical supplies :: William Chocox: ::directs the box to be placed in his office:: Thank you folks, we'll unbox it when we're ready. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> Rhan receives a reply that they'll accept a ridiculous sum of latinum instead. Rhan K'hal: Tied To the Top of the Box with a Pretty Pink Ribbon> :: a bag of raktajino beans :: Indaura Ryssan: :: Enters sickbay :: Rhan K'hal: You have GOT to be kidding me. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Watches the delivery and then looks at Will.:: You aren't going to open it now? Do you even know what it is? Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Goes from guilty to contrite. :: "I'm sorry, sir... I'm not used to dealing with commercial entities... I'm a scientist, not a Ferengi marketer..." William Chocox: Well, we were working on this device. We can go open it together if you want to take a break from that. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Glances back to Irene.:: You're also not authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the ship. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> For *exactly* that reason. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::He shrugged.:: That's up to you, boss. I'm just kinda curious. Indaura Ryssan: :: Looked at the staff milling about in sickbay :: Hello all. :: She walked around to the work board to see if anything needed her mental attention :: Irene Mincine: :: Guilty, to contrite, to angry. :: "Why didn't the commander officially in charge of the away team stop me from signing, in that case?" Maryse Dubois: ::Watching as her crates are still being loaded.:: Hakran K'hal: (q) Easy, Irene. William Chocox: Let's do it. ::walks into his office and beckons Reynolds over:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Another eyebrow lift, this one a tad dangerous. He shifted, turning to face her fully.:: And just *who* was with you in your group? Rhan K'hal: :: tries some haggling, offering the rest of the VIP dinnerware set that includes some of the one-of-a-kind Excalibur plates :: Indaura Ryssan: :: Looks at a supply list :: Hakran K'hal: Commander Rex was in charge of the science and medical since I chose not to go, sir. Irene Mincine: :: Irene instinctively sat up straighter in her chair at Jalen's eyebrow lift. :: "I was with Dr. Ryssan and Ensign Komaeda. Lt. Commander Rex was in charge, sir." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> Rhan is counter-offered a less ridiculous, but still hefty sum of latinum, plus the VIP dinnerware with the special edition collector's plates, along with two bottles of the rarest vintage that the command staff has on board. William Chocox: And it was nice of our trading partner to throw in the coffee beans. Rhan K'hal: (m) You wanna play that game with me, do you? Rhan K'hal: :: starts flipping through the Excalibur's inventory :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Oh was he, now? I'll have a talk with him directly. ::He looked at Hakran.:: In the meantime, I expect you to deal with your own staff accordingly. Hakran K'hal: :: direly :: Aye, Commander. Hakran K'hal: Ensign, with me. :: heads for the lift :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> I've never tried Klingon coffee. Is it strong? ::Helps Will to unlatch the crate, struggling a bit with the bolts. He finally just cut them off completely.:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene completely deflates. :: "Sir." :: She follows Hakran like she's going to the gallows. :: William Chocox: If it's made properly. I'm not sure what the barista was on when they made mine yesterday. ::lifts the top of the crate off with Reynolds:: Hakran K'hal: :: enters the lift, waits for Irene to enter and the door to close :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> Inside Will's crate is a smaller crate. William Chocox: ::sighs before prying open the top of the second crate:: Irene Mincine: :: The door closes behind Irene, who looks like she's not sure whether she wants to throw herself out an airlock or tear the panels off the walls. :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> Upon which he finds yet another crate. This one much smaller and packed with some type of organic fibrous material. William Chocox: I swear, if we got swindled I'm going to do absolutely nothing because we're not in Federation space. ::looks inside the next crate:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Frowns.:: What are they playing at? ::Pokes at the strands of packing material.:: They could have just sent a smaller container. Rhan K'hal: :: counters again with one third the amount of latinum, the VIP dinnerware, one bottle of the vintage and a the five kilos of kabeebee nuts he'd managed to score :: Hakran K'hal: :: sighs :: Hakran K'hal: You *REALLY* need to read things before you sign. If you'd been in a different system you could've sold crewmembers. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> Inside the third crate is some sort of mystery device and instructions in some language that neither of them can read. Also, the packing material is very itchy on the hands and both engineers start to break out in hives. Irene Mincine: "At least *that* isn't enforceable. I'm sorry, I screwed up. I won't make that mistake again." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: ACTION> Rhan's deal is accepted and payment requested immediately. Or else. Rhan K'hal: :: sets up the transport while ordering the cargo bay crew to STOP with the medical supplies :: William Chocox: Aw damnit. ::sets the device down:: Rhan K'hal: Oh, you owe me big. Maryse Dubois: +Rhan+ Something must have happened, cause they are putting the crates back. Hakran K'hal: I know you won't. Which is why I'm not going to do any worse than force you to work double shifts for a week. Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ Yeah, *I* happened. Maryse Dubois: +Rhan+ You know, I could kiss you. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: END SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: END SIM Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: END SIM

SD 0209.2020 After a brief jaunt to an independent space station at the edge of the Sellaris Expanse, the crew has been recalled to the ship in preparation to depart on their mapping mission. Engineering is awaiting the delivery of a mystery item that was purchased aboard the station. Meanwhile, Medical awaits a set of files from station medical that might give them more information on the biology and medical hazards of the region.

SD 0202.2020 Excalibur is docked at independent station inside the Edrin Asteroid field on the edge of the Sellaris Expanse. Away teams have headed to the station to begin gathering information about the region and supplies for the coming survey mission of the aforementioned expanse.

SD 0126.2020 Excalibur has arrived at an independent station inside the Edrin Asteroid field on the edge of the Sellaris Expanse where they have docked. Away teams have been assembled to begin gathering information about the region and supplies for the coming survey mission of the aforementioned expanse.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur is docked at independent station inside the Edrin Asteroid field on the edge of the Sellaris Expanse. Away teams have headed to the station to begin gathering information about the region and supplies for the coming survey mission of the aforementioned expanse. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson: $ ::watching the newbies so they don't do anything stupid:: Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Keeping an eye on the two blue shirts as they looked around for the stations medical complex:: William Chocox: $::comes back to the table with his Raktajino:: Thank you Mr. K'hal. Rhan K'hal: $ :: in the coffeehouse, ready to meet with the station's supplier of parts & "parts" Cptn Swain: ACTION> The Raktajino, is well, it's trying bless its heart. They apparently aren't big fans of Klingon coffee and Will notices it is extremely ... stale. Irene Mincine: @ :: The group was outside the station's medical area. Irene was... unhappy with Rex. :: "Why did they put me in charge if I'm always getting in trouble?" Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> :::following along with Rex:: William Chocox: $ ::grimaces at his coffee:: (m)No coffee is better than bad coffee. Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> :: is a surprisingly well-dressed Gorn, because of course she is :: Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Looking around with both wonder and caution :: Hunter Matheson: $ ::still trying to get over the espresso:: Rhan K'hal: $ Master Adjun, thank you for agreeing to meet with us. I'm K'hal, this is Chocox, and that's Matheson. Hunter Matheson: $ ::calls for water::: Hunter Matheson: $ ::respectful nod to Adjun:: Cptn Swain: @Rex> Technically, I am in charge. Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Motions to his surfeit of pips:: Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> You sent underground signal, I am intrigued. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> ::Going back and forth with the coffee shop waiter.:: But... ah... this stuff is green. Is it *supposed* to be green? I.. ah... think I want to get something else. Cptn Swain: @Rex> But since this is, ostensibly, a survey of the station, I felt you should have the opportunity to you know, do whatever it is you blue shirts do. William Chocox: $ Yes, we're in need of some certain items. Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> ::relaxed, watching the area, knowing that this team can handle themselves:: Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene nodded. :: "We're investigating the station's medical complex." :: She took a deep breath and calmed down. :: "We should see if there are any medical-related issues we need to know about in this region." Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> Received official signals earlier, can supply if paid. For "certain item" cost may be steep. Indaura Ryssan: @ I am not sure what to make of this station, but that could be a good idea. Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> ::Rex:: Aye, sir. Irene Mincine: :: On the ship, meanwhile, Val was getting her fake eye put back in. She's probably not having a good time. :: Rhan K'hal: $ My assistant is at the trade office dealing with the official list and the official payment, as I'm sure you've been apprised. Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> Yesss. Rhan K'hal: $ :: motions to Will :: Indaura Ryssan: @ Is our PADD able to interface with the computers here? William Chocox: $ So you are able to procure this "certain item" for me? Hunter Matheson: $ ::takes a look around the store, a little investigation of stuff::: Hakran K'hal: :: back on the Excal, is allowing his underlings to do the shopping and exploring, and is thus kicked back reading from a padd in his office :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> No... no, I don't want that one. That one is... ah... blue. Can I just get something that's normal-colored? Look, how about the brown stuff. Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene takes her padd from her belt and pokes through it a bit. :: "Looks like it can connect to the network, at least..." Cptn Swain: << Team Blue give me a number 1-20, Team Red give me a number 1-20 >> William Chocox: ((8)) Irene Mincine: @ :: 18 :: Rhan K'hal: (( 4 )) Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> Certain item is attainable, although why Starfleet need certain item make me think price should be higher. Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> (gees...sorry. going in and out) ((7)) Hunter Matheson: $ ((7.3)) Cptn Swain: ACTION> Out of the corner of Reynolds eye, he catches what looks like one of the devices we found on the Elasian ships. Just hanging out in a stall of "Odds and Ends" ... at least that's the translation on the sign. It could say Chicken Salad. William Chocox: $ Why we need that item is our own business. It's not that important. Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> :: laughs, which isn't so great coming out of a Gorn, fashionably dressed or no :: Maryse Dubois: ::On the bridge for the moment, but she's checking her PADD for a report on Val's eye replacement.:: William Chocox: $::laughs with him:: Hunter Matheson: $ :::holding back a smirk:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> ::Sipping on his normal colored coffee, finally, he started browsing through the shop while Chocox dealt with his parts contact. Pausing, at one of the bins, his eyebrows lifted and he stared.:: Uh... ::Forgetting all about his coffee, he picked out the device and waved at the shop owner.:: Uh, how much for this one? Rhan K'hal: $ We may as well dispense with the verbal games. How much more will it take to deflect your curiosity? Cptn Swain: $Huni> ::The strange, creature tipped its head:: 5 Drakgma Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> Four. Rhan K'hal: $ Out of the question. Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Glances to Irene:: Make sure they don't charge you for using their network. Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> It look good sitting on shelf, I can leave there long time. Irene Mincine: :: The medical report says that her ocular implant is working again, but it took some doing and recalibrating of both implant and host's implant. Turns out it's pretty difficult to work on someone who was as fried as Val was. :: Irene Mincine: @ Irene> :: She looks over her padd. :: "Voice calls are extortionately expensive. Just data, though, seems fine..." Rhan K'hal: $ Two, and we get the full specs on it. Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Looks on her padd :: We should extract as much data as we can Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> :: blinks at Rhan, then leans in close to will - her dental hygiene isn't as great as her fashion sense :: How bad you want, engine man? Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "If we talk to their CMO or whoever's on duty, I think we could get good info as well." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> Ah... Five? ::Looks down at the handful of whatevers he had changed to whatevers. Holds out a handful of them.:: Is this enough? Hunter Matheson: $ :::leaning against the bar, watching, while the cupcakes make like super security:: Maryse Dubois: ::Schedules Val for some light physical therapy, aka holodeck time, to help. Recommends a nice spa program.:: William Chocox: $::leans in towards her:: Personally? I would love to have it, but I'm not about to allow myself to get fleeced either, I'd be willing to walk away. How much are you willing to let it take up space on your shelf? Hunter Matheson: $ ::signals to tone it down:: Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> :: grins, then leans back :: 2.5 and specs. Final. Cptn Swain: $Huni> ::Frowns in one of the scariest showings Reynolds has ever seen:: Suppose I do enough it is. Irene Mincine: :: Val appears on the bridge, eyepatch still in place. She looks rather unhappy, going straight to the (occupied) helm station and digging through some personal items, to the anonymous ensign's dismay. :: Rhan K'hal: $ :: reaches into bag, and a moment later there's a click - he pulls out 2 bars and 10 strips of latinum and slides it onto the table, along with an empty Ferengi-issue padd :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> ::Probably just got fleeced, but didn't much care. He passed over the money and went to take his prize back to Chocox. Though he didn't want to interrupt the deal in progress, he did do a little dance of impatience within Will's line of sight.:: Maryse Dubois: :;Sees Val enter.:: You alright? Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> :: takes the latinum, then waves a very small data device over the padd, which lights up momentarily before going back to sleep mode :: Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> We have transaction. Assume you will not want part delivered out in open. Rhan K'hal: $ Your call, Will. William Chocox: $ Pleasure doing business with you. And no, that would not be in anyone's interest. ::glances over at Reynolds:: If you can get it to us discreetly it would be much appreciated. Irene Mincine: Val> :: Pauses from digging through the console to scowl at Maryse. :: "Ever had an electric probe jammed in your eye socket?" :: She picks up a small pill bottle from the bundle of crap she always leaves behind. :: "Left these here. Meant to take 'em with me." Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "Shall we see who's in charge of station medical?" Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> All part of service. :: looks at Reynolds :: Your underman needs restroom I think. Down hall, second door on left. Maryse Dubois: ::Frowns:: I saw the report. Did they manage to get it recalibrated? Rhan K'hal: $Adjun> :: grins again, and leaves with her latinum :: Indaura Ryssan: @ Let's Hunter Matheson: $ ::underman?:::shrug::: William Chocox: $ Thank you, I'll pass that along. ::waves Reynolds over:: Could you be a bit more obvious? ::once Reynolds comes over:: Indaura Ryssan: @ This is an...interesting station. Irene Mincine: Val> "Yeah. I have to wear this for another hour or so until it's warmed up again." :: Pointing to the eyepatch. :: "Left it behind in a Dominion debris field somewhere." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> ::Grins.:: Sorry, boss! It's just... IfoundthisoverinthatbinanditlookslikethatotherthingwehaveandIthoughtyou'dwanttohavealookyourself! ::Takes a huge breath.:: Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> Understatement, ma'am. Irene Mincine: :: Irene> "It is, isn't it? It's a high-end commercial station for the ass end of space." :: She led the team into station medical. :: Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> Interesting isn't the word I'd use, but yeah... it's ::shrug;;; different. Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene :: William Chocox: $::blinks:: Take a deep breath Ensign and have a seat, you found a what that looks like a which? Rhan K'hal: $ :: does the felinoid split-ear version of the Vulcan brow raise :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> ::Whispers:: Like that thing that we pulled out of the you know what from that other ship. Rhan K'hal: $ I think this conversation needs to move somewhere else now. Maryse Dubois: ::Nods.:: Well at least you have some time to relax and get used to it. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> ::Pulls the device out from under his shirt so that Will can have a peek and then stuffs it back out of sight.;: Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Continues to follow along, glad that they hadn't gotten themselves into any real trouble so far:: Rhan K'hal: $ :: hasn't detected any listening devices with the low-level scan he did, but if that little data device Adjun had is any indication, they have some high-end electronics around here :: William Chocox: $ Yes, yes it does. And keep that hidden damnit! I wouldn't be surprised if the walls have eyes here. Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> ::follows at their six:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> ::Stuffs it down his pants for safe keeping.:: Rhan K'hal: $ :: ears reverse direction :: Rhan K'hal: $ Just don't fart and set the damned thing off. :: gets up :: Irene Mincine: :: Val shakes the pill bottle. :: "These help with the splitting headache, too. To be honest, I've..." :: She trails off. :: "I have felt pretty off lately. I guess now that I'm not held to flight standards, I don't have to hide *everything*..." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> Ah... uh... ::Starts to walk gingerly toward the door, trying to keep the thing hidden.:: William Chocox: $::gets up with him:: I think we should get back to the ship. Anyone else think so? Irene Mincine: @ Irene> :: She enters the station's spacious medical bay. It was pretty advanced for this empty area of space, like everything else about the station. :: "Let's see if we can find who's in charge?" Maryse Dubois: Sometimes it doesn't hurt to peel back the layers and look at yourself. Hunter Matheson: $ Cho> Aye, sir. Sounds like a plan. Rhan K'hal: $ Yes, I'll need to arrange to have the purchase diverted properly once it shows up on the incoming cargo list. Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> ::checking out the med bay::: William Chocox: $ Thank you for facilitating that. Rhan K'hal: $ You're welcome. But that thing better save my life somewhere down the line, that was a lot of latinum to move. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds>Oh, did you get that thing you wanted? ::clutching the very obvious bulge in his pants.:: Indaura Ryssan: @ Helloooo. May we speak to whom is in charge? Irene Mincine: Val> "I suppose. I don't know if that will help with the splitting headaches... and my fake arm acting up..." :: She shook her head. :: "I trust you more than I trusted the starbase guy." :: Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "I... don't see anyone." Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> ::finds a chime hanging on the wall and presses it::: William Chocox: $ Yes, yes we did Reynolds, and do you have a bag you can put that in rather than making it look like you're happy to see everyone on the station? Indaura Ryssan: @ Neither do I. :: thinks :: I have a medical issue, is anyone here? Maryse Dubois: I'm just doing what I can to help. Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> Hm... you'd think that someone would hear that and come out. It's loud enough. Rhan K'hal: $ :: shakes head :: Indaura Ryssan: @ Perhaps it only responds to actual emergencies Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Station Doctor> ::A pointy-eared female approached the Excalibur crew from one of the offices, looking them over with a raised eyebrow.:: What was it you needed? You don't look injured. Irene Mincine: Val> "Yeah. Your cybernetics guys are... helpful. When they're not messing with my eye socket..." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds>Ah... no... he didn't give me a bag. ::Juggles the device into his tunic, giving himself a sagging stomach.:: Rhan K'hal: $ :: takes the direct route to the airlock, tapping out a message to Ken :: Cptn Swain: << two minute warning >> Cptn Swain: << don't blow the late lead will >> Rhan K'hal: $ :: badges the security at the airlock on their arrival :: Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "Oh, there they are." :: She took a step back at the doctor's appearances. :: "Um, hi. We're from the Excalibur." :: Their Starfleet uniforms probably made them conspicuous... :: "We're looking for any medical info you can share on this region. Any diseases or radiation or anything like that we should know about. We're on an exploration mission." William Chocox: $::walks through as soon as it opens:: Take that down to Engineering. And since that isn't the one that we're not supposed to have we don't have to worry about whether or not Commander Stanton sees it. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Station Doctor> ::Peers down her nose at Irene.:: You could have just requested that information via comm link. It would have saved you the trouble. Information isn't free here. I have files you might want, if you have the funds. Indaura Ryssan: @ Ohh Rhan K'hal: $ :: waggles the Ferengi padd :: I'll get this to you once I'm sure there was nothing malicious added. I don't think Adjun would but she might be an unsuspecting carrier. Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Looks at Irene:: Hunter Matheson: $ :::aboard Excal, debriefing his newbies:: Maryse Dubois: I'm sure they tried to work as comfortable as possible. Though I will talk with them just so we are on the same page. Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> ::checking out the med bay::: Rhan K'hal: :: strips off the $ and puts it in the bin by the door :: Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene looks to Rex, whispering :: "I wasn't given a budget..." :: She smiles at the station doctor. :: "I understand, and whatever files you have would be great." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: $ Ens Reynolds> Aye, sir. ::Awkwardly heads for the lift, moving as fast as he could to get to engineering.:: Irene Mincine: Val> "I've had worse. God, I remember when I had it installed in the first place..." Rhan K'hal: $ :: sighs as Reynolds waddles off :: You really need to season him. Rhan K'hal: :: puts the $ back in the bin again, the clingy bastard :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Station Doctor> ::Brings forth a padd.:: Place your print there to authorize the funds transfer and I'll have them sent to your ship. William Chocox: He's an Ensign and this was his first time at a non-Federation station. Let's just be glad he found the darn thing. William Chocox: And thank you for checking that data. Indaura Ryssan: @ My hand? Rhan K'hal: True. :: nods :: And once we get that certain part, I'll put it where you'll be sure to find it. Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene puts her thumbprint on the padd. :: "Got it." Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> ::steps a little closer to Ryssan, but not too close::: William Chocox: ::nods back:: Thank you for your discretion. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: @ Station Doctor> ::Gives the padd a look and grins.:: Very good. You'll have the files you need within the hour. Thank you for visiting the station. Rhan K'hal: :: gives a little finger salute :: And I'm off. I need to check in and make sure the science and medical team hasn't accidentally sold the ship. Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has arrived at an independent station inside the Edrin Asteroid field on the edge of the Sellaris Expanse where they have docked. Away teams have been assembled to begin gathering information about the region and supplies for the coming survey mission of the aforementioned expanse. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Rhan K'hal: :: at the airlock with the Excalibur's checkbook :: Hunter Matheson: ::as per orders, 2 security for each team, each team painted for easy security vision:: Rhan K'hal: LtJG Goim> :: the ship's Quartermaster tags along with Rhan :: William Chocox: ::standing near K'hal at the airlock, waiting for his first chance to ditch the babysitters:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene's with one of the science teams at the airlock, wearing a small backpack. :: Indaura Ryssan: :: With one of the teams :: Hunter Matheson: :::checks the details for procedure, just in case::: Cptn Swain: ::He decided he would go in the second round of away teams, though he greatly wanted to explore.:: Hunter Matheson: (how many teams do we have?) Cptn Swain: (( UH... Let's have a Medical/Science Team and an OPS/Engineering team) William Chocox: (w) ::K'hal:: Any chance I can get some help ditching the babysitters? Rhan K'hal: :: looks around at the assembled :: Blue vs. Gold today, eh? Rhan K'hal: :: blinks at Will :: William Chocox: And yes, apparently it is Blue versus Gold. Irene Mincine: :: Irene smirks at Rhan. :: "You gold guys are looking for supplies, right? We'll let you know if we run into anything useful. Or fun." Cptn Swain: ::Feels a disturbance in the force:: Cptn Swain: ::Takes a drink of tea:: Hmm probably nothing. William Chocox: ::perks up and looks over at Irene:: Yes, please, directly to me for anything fun. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::with the Blue team:: Let's try not to get into, too much fun. Rhan K'hal: Try not to scan the local biology if it can punch you in the face, Irene. Cptn Swain: (( Gold team grab a $ and Blue team a @ )) William Chocox: $ Are you new here Rex? Rhan K'hal: $ :: dons his $ as he hears the airlock starting to unlock :: Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Gives Will a look:: Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Then glances over to Irene and Indura:: Alrighty. Rhan K'hal: $ :: whacks Will :: He does have 2½ pips, Will. Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene scoffs. :: "I'll let you know if I find any new and exciting bathroom fungi." William Chocox: $::is whacked:: Still could be new to the crew. Hunter Matheson: @ Sec 1> ::keeping an eye out just in case:: Rhan K'hal: $ True. All right, let's see what Othan Holdings has to offer. :: steps right through the airlock as it opens :: Cptn Swain: ACTION> The airlock finally opens and the teams can see into what looks like a futuristic airport concourse. Complete with monitors showing information and lots of commercial advertisement. Hunter Matheson: & Sec 2 > ::a little more relaxed having been there, done that:: Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Looks inside :: Interesting Irene Mincine: @ :: One of the other scientists pipes up as the airlock opens. :: Sci> "Aren't the locals going to take notice of a Starfleet delegation wandering around the station?" Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Motions for Irene and Indura to lead the way. He was just along for the ride and to make sure Irene didn't get into any trouble, as apparently, she'd been tagged as such. William Chocox: $::follow K'hal:: Anything I should know about Othan Holdings? Cptn Swain: @Rex> Probably, but we just look like we're wearing pajamas. Rhan K'hal: $ They keep the place up to date, don't they? Rhan K'hal: $ They like money, and they don't like questions. Rhan K'hal: $ :: checks out an ad :: Cptn Swain: ACTION> One of the ads is for a scratching post like object sold in one of the shops. Irene Mincine: @ :: The scientist, a young guy fresh out of the academy, laughs to himself. Irene leads the team out of the airlock and into the concourse. She looks off in both directions. :: "Bigger than I expected. And less run-down. They must get a lot of traffic despite being this far out of the way." Rhan K'hal: $ :: head-tilt :: William Chocox: $ Why do I get the feeling that's racist? Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Scanning as she walks with her team :: Cptn Swain: @Rex> So, what's first? Rhan K'hal: $ There are other felinoid races around the quadrant that aren't as into modern conveniences. Hunter Matheson: $ ::following behind the newbies 'cause they're newbies::: Rhan K'hal: $ Anyway. Missoda, take who you need and start working on the shopping list. Rhan K'hal: $LtJG Goim> You got it, boss. William Chocox: $ Very well, I'll defer to you on that one. Which way to Othan Holdings? Faster we get there the faster I assume I can go shopping for Engineering supplies. Hunter Matheson: @ Chancer> ::relaxed as he scans the area::: Rhan K'hal: #LtJG Goim> :: trades in her $ for an # and splits off with half the team at a brisk pace :: Irene Mincine: @ Irene hrms. "Good question. We should see what's around, first. I think Komaeda wanted to look at the holosuites, but that can wait." :: The young scientist looks a little embarrassed at the razzing. :: Rhan K'hal: $ :: takes off in the opposite direction :: Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Checking air quality, anything biological :: Rhan K'hal: $ :: hopes Will has the sense to keep up :: William Chocox: $::falls into step with K'hal:: So what's the big deal with these people? Hunter Matheson: $ ::ups his pace and sec spreads out:: Rhan K'hal: $ Othan? I wish I knew, even as far as shady black corporations go they're enigmatic. Rhan K'hal: $ Ken, there's the external trade office, check in and meet the first mate from the Icove. Rhan K'hal: $Obee> Aye, sir. Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene glances at one of the information terminals showing a map and takes off toward wherever the station's central hub is located. :: "Let's go this way. Seeing how long it takes to get to the hub from the ship, to start." Rhan K'hal: %Obee> :: splits off with a few more of the team :: William Chocox: $ That's reassuring... Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Frowns:: Holosuites can wait for sure. Rhan K'hal: $ :: glances back to see what security he and Will were left with :: Irene Mincine: @ Komaeda> "Well, I tried." Cptn Swain: ACTION> One thing missing seems to be any sort of corporate identification or otherwise branding for the company. Virtually all of the signage is in standard. Hunter Matheson: $ ::nods to Rhan K'hal ::: Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Follows Irene : Hunter Matheson: @ Chancer> :::checking out the area, watching::: Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene's analytical mind picked that up right away. :: Irene> "Have you noticed how the name of the guys who run the station is nowhere to be found? Seems weird considering how much advertising for everything *else* there is on the walls. Even if they don't sell to plebs like us, shouldn't they want their name out there?" William Chocox: $ Hm...where are the offices we're looking for? Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::shrugs:: They just took over a few months ago, perhaps they just haven't gotten around to it? Rhan K'hal: $ Which office did you need? :: checks the unofficial station map he'd managed to negotiate off of a freighter captain :: Rhan K'hal: $ :: having unlimited access to the comms on the way in comes in very handy :: Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "Maybe. Who ran it before?" :: The hallways seemed to be growing wider, meaning they were probably close to the station core. :: William Chocox: $ Oh, I'm just following you at this point. Eventually I'm going to need to find a parts supplier and a "parts" supplier. May wind up being the same person. Rhan K'hal: $ :: snorts :: Rhan K'hal: $ (m) Here we go... :: stops, taps something on his padd and then starts stretching out his hamstrings :: Many, I really should get out more. William Chocox: $::looks around:: What's here? Rhan K'hal: $ Oh, nothing, nothing at all. :: continues to stretch for a moment until his padd beeps :: Indaura Ryssan: @ I'm no engineer, but a lot of work went into this station. Rhan K'hal: $ :: stops stretching and checks for the response :: Hunter Matheson: $ ::Rhan::: Look for a masseuse. There's gotta be one around here somewhere. Cptn Swain: @Rex> And it's pretty clean. ::smirks:: We once stopped at this indy station in the Burnai sector. ::whistles:: It was, well it was something. Rhan K'hal: $ Okay, off we go. :: heads back the way they came :: William Chocox: $::blinks:: Well then. ::follows along:: Hunter Matheson: $ ::steps aside, wondering if we'll ever find what we're looking for... like maybe the office?::: Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "The new owners must have a lot of latinum if they can keep a station like *this* clean. These stations are assembled out of prefab components, usually, but this looks like a totally custom job." :: They arrive at the core, which has corridors going off in every direction. Irene looked a bit confused. :: "The map didn't show this very well... Um... Do we want to go toward the trade section? I'm not really sure what we're looking for, if anything." Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> :::thinking it's pretty weird that there aren't many others on the station and we can't find the office::: Indaura Ryssan: @ This place was designed with continuous cleaning in mine. Indaura Ryssan: ...er mind Rhan K'hal: $ :: Will :: You're in luck, they're the same being, we'll meet in the coffee shop. Gender neutral pronouns, mind you. Rhan K'hal: $ Tandaris really should've stuck around longer to give you more sneaky lessons, by the way. William Chocox: $ I would've been fine had Engineering been its own away team. And thank you. Rhan K'hal: $ :: gets back onto the main track, passes Obee's group still sitting in the external trade office's waiting room, gives them a jaunty wave while passing by :: Indaura Ryssan: @ I need to find the medical facilities...for research Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene hrmed. Good of a place to go as any, seeing what kind of medical facilities were available :: "Medical facilities? OK, let's see if we can find them. There might be biology labs over there, too." :: She consults one of the map terminals and leads the group off in that direction. :: Rhan K'hal: $ :: sees the shop up ahead that has a green logo with a fish lady on it :: Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::following a long, keeping an eye on the team and the surroundings.:: Rhan K'hal: $ They do still exist. Hunter Matheson: $ :::Rhan::: Sir, doesn't it seem strange that there aren't many on station? I mean.. I'd think there would be more. William Chocox: $ Could be hiding from your fearsome security teams Hunter. Rhan K'hal: $ I'm sure there are very good reasons for that Rhan K'hal: $ :: opens the door into the coffee shop :: Rhan K'hal: $ After you, Gunny. Make sure the espresso beans aren't armed. Hunter Matheson: $ :::crooked grin::: Aye, sir. Just in case they decide to aim in our direction. :::enters:: Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "Think the engineering team's found... whatever they need... yet?" :: They were getting close to the medical bay. :: Hunter Matheson: $ :::smells pretty darn good:::head tilt::: Clear. Rhan K'hal: $ :: follows :: I suppose the coffee is on me. Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> :::following Rex and company::: William Chocox: $::enters:: Hope the coffee's good. Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Wonders what symbols they use for medical issues :: Hunter Matheson: $ ::Will::: How about I take the first one and if I crater, you'll know it's not a good idea to drink? William Chocox: $ Sounds like a plan. Irene Mincine: @ :: The scientist Komaeda looked at the so-far silent security guy accompanying them. He looked to Irene. :: Komaeda> "Does he talk?" :: Irene shrugged. :: "Oh, we're here." :: They come upon the medical section of the station. It looks pretty fancy, much like the rest of what they'd seen so far. :: Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::Shrugs again:: I was reading through the mission reports. You all do seem to be... adept... at finding trouble. Hunter Matheson: $ Copy that... :::approaches , nodding to the bartender::: Espresso, extra strong. ::pulls his card:: Indaura Ryssan: @ Guess we are not risk adverse. Cptn Swain: ACTION> The coffee shop also sells several varieties of Romulan tea and soup. Also, curiously, something that looks like Swedish meatballs. Rhan K'hal: $Barista> :: nods, glances to Will :: Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "What, do you think I'm going to sneak off to that bar over there--" :: She points to a nearby spaceport bar. :: "--in the middle of a mission? Whatever they have in there smells pretty good, though..." Rhan K'hal: $ :: notes the tea, makes a mental note :: William Chocox: $::glances back at the barista:: Indaura Ryssan: @ I will need to scan it first Irene. Hunter Matheson: $ :::barkeep:: Man... looks great. :::slaps his card on the bar:: ..and a couple for my friends. Rhan K'hal: $ That's your cue to order, Will. Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene brings up the bar's menu on one of the nearby info terminals. :: "Might as well see what they have..." Hunter Matheson: $ :::sniff..sniff...sip::: Whoa... ::cough::: Think this will keep me awake for a while. ::thumbs up to the rest::: William Chocox: $ Ah, yes. ::gets up and heads to the bar:: Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Stands next to Irene :: I need to put you into my schedule. Rhan K'hal: $Barista> :: remaining eerily silent, though the strikingly green eyes continue to narrow the longer it takes Will :: William Chocox: $::arrives:: Hi, how are you doing? Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "I'm fine." :: She glanced over the menu. :: "I've never heard of half these drinks, though." Rhan K'hal: $Barista> :: nostrils flare :: Rhan K'hal: $ Will, you have no idea how lucky you are that there isn't a line. William Chocox: $ All the more reason to be polite. I'll take a raktajino if you have it. Indaura Ryssan: @ :: Watches the others :: Rhan K'hal: $Barista> :: looks over to Rhan finally :: Cptn Swain: @Rex> ::gives Irene a sidelong glance::: Yes, I do. Rhan K'hal: $ Grande skinny latte, double caramel and one of those chocolate chip muffins. Cptn Swain: >> TWO MINUTE WARNING << Rhan K'hal: $Barista> :: starts to make the order :: Irene Mincine: @ :: Hmph. :: Irene> "I am very responsible when I'm on duty!" :: Komaeda grins behind her. :: Cptn Swain: @Rex> That's not what your service record indicates. Rhan K'hal: $ :: looks off to his right as there's movement at the door :: Hunter Matheson: @ Chance> ::checking out the area, listening, not doing much else::: William Chocox: $::turns and looks as well:: Irene Mincine: @ Irene> :: Looking positively unhappy. :: "You looked at my service record?" Rhan K'hal: $Newcomer> It's on me, Shada. Cptn Swain: >> AND << Rhan K'hal: $Barista> :: nods, slides the drinks over :: Hunter Matheson: $ :::watching the newcomer::: Rhan K'hal: $ That would be our contact, gentleman. William Chocox: $ Ah, good. Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has received new orders to begin a mapping mission of the Sellaris Expanse, a relatively unexplored area of space on the edge of Federation space. We're currently en route to the Edrin Asteroid field where they will be stopping at an independent trading outpost. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Indaura Ryssan: :: Drinking coffee in her office :: Irene Mincine: :: Val arrives on the bridge to take over helm for the approach. She's wearing a black eyepatch instead of her usual yellow artificial eye. :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene's at science, looking for anything cool or interesting in the asteroid field. :: Hunter Matheson: ::main security, checking out the team:: William Chocox: ::Is down in engineering, totally not working on a stol-reappropriated Sheliak device:: Maryse Dubois: ::Wandering around the ship, since she doesn't often get the chance to do so.:: Cptn Swain: ::On the bridge, drinking tea as the stars stream by on the viewer. He shifted his weight in his chair. It still felt different from the old Command chair, but he'd get used to it.:: Hunter Matheson: ::finishing questions, he moves out::: Hunter Matheson: ::into lift:: Bridge. Cptn Swain: How long until we reach the asteroid field? Rhan K'hal: :: using a stand-lean stool that he'd personally bolted into place at operations for this mission, still trying to suss out information on this station :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::In his usual spot on the bridge, reviewing the manifest list for the outpost. He muttered.:: Anyone notice that 'independent traders' automatically mean 'expensive'? Hunter Matheson: ::doesn't take long, door opens, he steps out, gives formal recognition to the skipper and takes TAC:: Cptn Swain: ::Smirks over to Stanton:: Apparently a new consortium just took over management. Irene Mincine: :: Val glances at her panel. :: "We'll be arriving shortly, Cap." :: She fidgets with her eyepatch, looking perturbed. :: Rhan K'hal: :: grumbles, not overtly hostile anymore but still testy about supplies :: Indaura Ryssan: This crew... :: looking over her patients :: Cptn Swain: Drop us to impulse once we reach the outer beacons. Hunter Matheson: ::pulling up tac info to check the area::: Irene Mincine: Val> "Aye, beacon Alpha approaching." :: She drops the ship to impulse. :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: (brb) Cptn Swain: The last time I was on here... one of the security officers met this alien from the Xlatris sector. He thought they were being friendly. Turns out it planted its young in her ear. Hunter Matheson: ::complete sweep and not much going past normal:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene perks up, hearing about the strange lifecycle of... something. :: Irene> "That's... I don't know whether that's gross or fascinating." Rhan K'hal: :: mumbles something about replicating a helmet if he has to leave the ship :: Cptn Swain: ACTION> On the viewer a large asteroid field spreads out in front of them, a distant dwarf star providing some glimmer of light. In the distance a very not Federation outpost looms, several freighters circling it. Further off, the blue-green clouds of the Sellaris Expanse cost us a small mint in CGI. Maryse Dubois: ::Arrives on the bridge.:: William Chocox: ::looks over at his personal outside viewer:: Ooh, pretty. Rhan K'hal: :: squints not at the viewscreen but his display :: Excellent, one of the freighters is the Icove, I managed to divert it here with some supplies. We'll have to pay the station a fee, but they were too cagey about whether they had some of these things and I wasn't going on without them. Maryse Dubois: ::Steps up to the railing.:: Ooo... Hunter Matheson: ::his eyes flick toward helm, somewhat skeptical, then continues monitoring as he holds back a smirk at the doc's expression::: Irene Mincine: :: Val adjusts her eyepatch, looking up at the viewscreen. She looks like she's seen things like this many times before. :: "Approaching beacon Delta, sir. Traffic control will want to hear from us soon." Irene Mincine: :: Irene, meanwhile, is entranced. :: "Whoa..." Indaura Ryssan: :: Reading :: Rhan K'hal: They know we're here. They don't get shiny spaceships here often. Rhan K'hal: :: smiles over at Maryse :: Cptn Swain: ::Takes a sip of coffee:: Request permission to dock. Rhan K'hal: :: pushes a button :: Request away. Maryse Dubois: Not to mention brand new ships straight out of the package. Hakran K'hal: :: down in astrometrics with lieutenants Brasunch and Kenet :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Glances at Swain.:: So do you *know* who has taken over management of this place? Cptn Swain: ::Wrinkles his nose:: Some new corporation. Othan Holdings or something? Irene Mincine: Val glances over to Maryse, finally noticing her presence. :: "Hell of a time for my eye to need recalibration, huh? Was hoping they'd finish in the cybernetics lab before we arrived..." Rhan K'hal: I've collated everything I could find on them, which isn't much. If they aren't Ferengi they've been taking lessons on layering assets. Irene Mincine: Irene> "Hope nobody takes umbrage at a show of Federation... power? Shininess? Out here." Indaura Ryssan: :: Gets out of her office, padd in hand :: Cptn Swain: Something to keep in mind if you're on a boarding party. This isn't a Federation outpost. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Huh. Never heard of them. Hunter Matheson: :::quick sweep of every ship in the area and no problem::: Cptn Swain: ACTION> The dock controllers, a very ubiquitous looking alien, informs Excalibur they are to dock on pylon 2, port 3. Maryse Dubois: ::Steps down towards helm.:: If it is causing discomfort, let me know. We can get it adjusted with a quick trip to sickbay. Cptn Swain: Me either. Rhan K'hal: :: shoots the info to Val since she's in a conversation :: Irene Mincine: Val> :: Typing away on the console, she acknowledges Rhan's info and maneuvers to the correct docking port. :: "The cybernetics guys wanted to hold onto it for a while..." :: She points to her eyepatch. :: "Something about nervous irritation, I think." Cptn Swain: ::Stanton:: Standard away teams. This should be a good base of operations for us to conduct our survey mission. So let’s try not to make a mess first thing, hmm? Maryse Dubois: Alright, but don't wait if something happens. Tell me as soon as possible. ::Heads back up to the upper area to lean on her rail again.:: Cptn Swain: Oh, and keep an eye out on Will, someone. I don't want him buying a cloaking device or something else shady. Cptn Swain: Yet. Cptn Swain: The warranty on this ship is still good. William Chocox: ::starts compiling a shopping list with "Black Market Cloaking Device" on the top:: Irene Mincine: Val> "Yeah, will do." :: She didn't seem too worried about it. She spoke up after that. :: "Approaching the docking port. I'll try not to scratch the fresh paint." Hunter Matheson: ::glance to skipper, then Will, slight smirk thinking this is gonna be one hell of a mission::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> I already have that part covered. ::Slyly.:: Indaura Ryssan: :: enters the mess hall :: William Chocox: ::shudders as he feels a disturbance in the force:: Rhan K'hal: :: starts marshaling the transporter room and cargo bay staffs :: Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Looks to the command area. :: "Sir, I'd like to set up the sensor array to get as much info on that dwarf star as I can. Not every day they grab asteroid fields like this." Cptn Swain: ::nods:: Officers thinking. Hakran K'hal: :: pops out of the lift onto the bridge just in time to hear that :: Hakran K'hal: My, Irene, you're beginning to think outside the cell, I'm delighted. Rhan K'hal: :: smirks :: Indaura Ryssan: :: Gets another coffee :: Cptn Swain: ::Takes a drink of tea and stands:: Commander, you have the bridge. Irene Mincine: Irene> "Xenobiology's more than just looking at fungi under a microscope." :: She smiled at Hakran and reconfigured the sensor array. :: Rhan K'hal: We've received a canned welcome message from the station. Preceded by two minutes of ads. Cptn Swain: ACTION> The stations computer has a *curious* accent, but not something anyone can immediately place. Hunter Matheson: ::spitting info to his superior, keeping him informed:: Rhan K'hal: So if anyone is looking for the most durable clothing in Denshala style, whatever the heck that is, there's a shop for that. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Nods.:: Aye, Captain. Cptn Swain: ::Swain heads off to his ready room:: Cptn Swain: ::Pauses just at the threshold:: Den'shala? Rhan K'hal: Yes. Irene Mincine: Val> :: Huh. :: "I thought they were on the run from the Cardassians for skinning endangered raptora minks. Or is that -Dar-shala?" Cptn Swain: ::Makes a face:: Probably nothing. William Chocox: ::gets the notification about away teams:: Whoo! Time to go explore a space station? Hakran K'hal: :: steps up behind Irene :: What do we have? Cptn Swain: ::Disappears into his ready room:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene shakes her head. :: "Asteroids are full of ferromagnetic deposits that are scrambling the sensors, but I can compensate for it. Probably why the outpost is out here in the first place. One old star, though, with a typical composition for its age, as far as I can tell." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> It isn't a Federation station, I heard. ::To Chocox.:: Doesn't that make it a bit dangerous? William Chocox: That's where the fun is! You can get all sorts of things here that you wouldn't be able to get at a Federation station. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::getting the security teams ready to go to the station, sends a note upto to Hunter that he'd be joining one of them: Hunter Matheson: ::blinks, looks up, responding aye, sir::: Hakran K'hal: Then it has a magnetic personality. Irene Mincine: :: Val, meanwhile, kept messing with her eyepatch. She looked a bit uncomfortable. :: Rhan K'hal: Don't make me throw things across the bridge Hak. Irene Mincine: :: Irene stopped what she was doing and gave a deadpan stare at Hakran. :: "If you're expecting a Klingon belly laugh, you're sadly mistaken." Maryse Dubois: ::Walking over to Rhan.:: You caught the Captain's attention with that bit of info. Rhan K'hal: :: looks at Maryse, nods :: Guess what I'll be looking up. :: starts doing so now :: Hakran K'hal: :: looks as sheepish as a Cait can :: Sorry. Hunter Matheson: :::security is on standby, he passes the commander with a respectful nod, then enters the lift::: Security. Maryse Dubois: ::Nods.:: Hopefully no surprises from the past this time. Cptn Swain: ACTION> Federation Google only has a few references to it, and they all appear to be pointing towards a Romulan origin, but it could also be their word for potato salad. Irene Mincine: :: Irene rests her elbow on the console, propping her head up with a hand on her ridges. :: "I'm more interested in the formation of this asteroid field at the moment." Rhan K'hal: :: ear splits :: Hunter Matheson: ::into security:: approaches Rex::: Master GSgt Matheson reporting as ordered, sir. Irene Mincine: :: Val notices Rhan's ears... :: "What's up?" Cptn Swain: Rex>> ::nods:: Since this isn't a Federation station, XO wants two security officers for every away team. Hunter Matheson: ::remembering what the skipper said upstairs::: Hunter Matheson: Aye, sir. Armed? Rhan K'hal: Not the information I expected on that Den'shala. Only a few mentions, all looking to be Romulan. Though it could just be potato salad. Rhan K'hal: We really need to improve our general information network. Irene Mincine: :: Val hrmed. :: "Romulan info's pretty hard to come by. I've never heard of it, but I was on the other end of the quadrant during the war and aftermath." Maryse Dubois: I couldn't agree more. Hakran K'hal: :: Irene :: Any signs of it being a capture rather than a natural? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Glances at Rhan.:: Romulan? I don't like the sound of that. Any references to the Othan Holdings? Hunter Matheson: ::mentally picks the officers::considering the number of teams::: Rhan K'hal: No. As I said, I collated everything I had found on Othan. You can check the files. Irene Mincine: :: Irene hrmed. :: "The orbit's pretty eccentric. It could be from a large impact... maybe sending this data to astrophysics would get us more info." William Chocox: You want to join me on the station Reynolds? Hakran K'hal: Chiefe Erole would love to see it. Hunter Matheson: ::already gearing up, ready to roll::: And how many teams are we talking about, sir? Irene Mincine: :: Irene nodded and shunted the sensor info down to astrophysics. :: "I'll get them on it." Hunter Matheson: :::communication check::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> Ah... I guess? I mean... maybe it could be fun. Hakran K'hal: Feel free to keep looking into it, unless you'd like to be our representative on the away team. William Chocox: I'll show you how to have a good time on a non-Federation as an Engineer. It's a tradition passed down to me from my last Chief Engineer. Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Hrmed. :: "I'm not going to be much help in astrophysics. Away team sounds fun." Hunter Matheson: ::assuming the response::: Aye, sir. ::turns::: XO wants two for (x) away teams, head out. William Chocox: Though, I imagine we're going to have babysitters so we'll have to lose them. Hakran K'hal: Don't get into any trouble. Hunter Matheson: And stick to them like Genezian glue! Got it? Irene Mincine: Irene> "You know me better than thaaaaat." Indaura Ryssan: :: Finishes the last of her coffee :: Hunter Matheson: Lose anyone and I have a lot of work for ya... and I mean a hell of a lot... and it won't be above deck. Hakran K'hal: You're right. I should have said it twice. :: grins :: Hunter Matheson: So paint 'em. Got it? :::rapid response::: Irene Mincine: :: Irene grins and departs the bridge. :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> I heard he was really good at getting into trouble. ::slightly concerned.:: Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

SD 0119.2020 Excalibur has received new orders to begin a mapping mission of the Sellaris Expanse, a relatively unexplored area of space on the edge of Federation space. We're currently en route to the Edrin Asteroid field where we'll be stopping at an independent trading outpost.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has been taken off the now much smaller escort duty and has instead been sent on a new mission. Swain has gathered senior staff (thats all y'all) in the Briefing Room to discuss their new orders. For record keeping, Excalibur has just departed the Elasian system but with no coordinates, yet. Questions Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Hakran K'hal: :: already seated in the briefing room, looking very zen today :: Indaura Ryssan: :: Sits and studies the others as they come in :: Hunter Matheson: ::takes a place in the briefing room::: Irene Mincine: :: Irene's sitting next to Hakran. Val is half-paying attention in her own seat. :: William Chocox: ::walks in and takes a seat:: Hello folks. Hunter Matheson: ::pouring over the latest info on this sector:: Cptn Swain: ::Enters the briefing room, drinking tea:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Jalen stood at one end of the table, waiting for Swain to arrive and get settled before taking his own seat. He glanced up briefly as the crew filed in, but was busy with something on his padd.:: Maryse Dubois: ::Takes a seat:: Cptn Swain: Rex> ::joining late, looking sly:: Rhan K'hal: :: enters late, poking at his padd-xl, looking slightly frazzled - and by the state of his ears, miffed :: Cptn Swain: ::Settles into his chair:: Rhan K'hal: :: flops into his seat and sets his padd down with a solid thunk :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Finally takes a seat, giving the crew his attention.:: Hunter Matheson: ::makes a few notes, then stows the PADD::: Cptn Swain: Good afternoon. I know that word moves fast, but I wanted to let you know that we have been reassigned. Due to, well I am sure you can guess but I am not allowed to tell you, things the Elasian and Cardassian government have decided to scale back the transfer of ships for now. They will only be transferring the small patrol vessels and Starfleet does not believe they need such a large fleet for that. Cptn Swain: ::Takes a drink of tea::: William Chocox: Oh okay. Cptn Swain: I am also sorry to disappoint anyone who thought we'd be headed back to 39 Tango. At least for now. Irene Mincine: :: Val hrms. Looks like it's going to be one of those briefings where they don't tell you anything, she thought. :: Hunter Matheson: ::stoic expression as he listens to the captain:: Rhan K'hal: :: ears flatten a bit more, is clearly more than just "disappointed" :: Cptn Swain: Instead we're getting a mission I am actually excited about for a change. Our new orders are to proceed to the Sellaris Expanse on the edge of Federation space and undertake a mapping survey. One of the first Starfleet ships to do so. William Chocox: Oh, we're exploring? Irene Mincine: :: Irene perks up. :: "A scientific mission, all right." Cptn Swain: ::nods:: For a change. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Stifles a sigh.:: Cptn Swain: We'll proceed to the expanse at cruising speed. Should give science plenty of time to decide what they want to do. ::Taps bringing up the star charts, which shows, ominously, that the Expanse is extremely close to Shelliak space, imagine that.:: William Chocox: (M) Convenient... Cptn Swain: There is an outpost here ::points:: in the Edrin Asteroid field. It's privately operated, but it should be an okay place to stop before we head into the expanse proper. Irene Mincine: :: Val eyes the star chart. :: Val> "Going to be important not to stray into Sheliak territory. They don't like visitors." :: Irene smirked, seeing how close they would be. Hunter Matheson: ::turns his focus to the star chart::: Rhan K'hal: :: makes a short one of those scary cat noises that seem to rumble up from a space much larger than the body it came from :: Cptn Swain: ::Glances to Jalen:: Hakran K'hal: :: blinks at Rhan in concern, as while his brother is intense, usually isn't so close to seeming as if he's going to chomp something, or someone :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Catches the look and nods.:: Cptn Swain: ::Takes another sip of tea:: If my memory recalls it's about a two week trip at warp 7? Hunter Matheson: ::mental note::: Irene Mincine: :: Irene whispers to Hak. :: "He okay?" Hakran K'hal: (w) Don't think so. Cptn Swain: Questions then before we dismiss? William Chocox: Do we need anything from Engineering? Cptn Swain: ::Takes another drink of tea:: Indaura Ryssan: Or counseling? Cptn Swain: The Expanse has some unusual properties so we'll likely need some tinkering with the navigational deflectors. And whatever science needs. William Chocox: Aye sir. Irene Mincine: :: Val nods. :: "Plenty of time to make adjustments at warp 7." Hunter Matheson: Sir, any hostiles in the area or within the Expanse? Hakran K'hal: Science may have plenty of questions /after/ we size up the particulars Cptn Swain: It's relatively close to Sheliak space, though they tend to keep to themselves. Other than that, not that we know of. The Expanse has only ever been surveyed once. ::Smirks:: When I was a jay-gee aboard the George Washington. So that was ::smirks:: well along time ago. William Chocox: So 35 years ago? ::jokingly:: Irene Mincine: Val> "Are the old charts available?" Cptn Swain: I am not that old. Hunter Matheson: ::mental note:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Snorts.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Any *other* questions? Rhan K'hal: :: ignoring the levity and continuing to simmer :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene shakes her head. :: "Won't know until we gather some more info on what we're going into, I think." Cptn Swain: ::Notices Rhan but decides to leave it until after the briefing:: Hakran K'hal: :: inclines head in agreement with Irene :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Alright, crew dismissed. Chief Rex, a word before you go. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::nods:: Cptn Swain: Rhan, I'd like to see you in my ready room when we're done here. Hunter Matheson: :::stands to file out the door::: Irene Mincine: :: Val heads out of the room, going back to her seat at helm. :: Rhan K'hal: Aye. :: gets up, walks out, managing not to knock anyone out with his tail :: Hakran K'hal: :: Irene :: All right, let's go fill in the teams. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Chief Chocox, I'd like you to stay, as well. Hakran K'hal: :: a worried glance at Rhan as he exits :: William Chocox: Ok. Indaura Ryssan: :: Exits, padd in hand :: Cptn Swain: ::Hides his smirk:: Maryse Dubois: ::Heads out of the room, heading for sickbay.:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene glances at Rhan, then pulls out a padd. :: "Sounds good. Sounds like we're going to be busy for a while, huh?" Hunter Matheson: ::enters the lift::: Deck 6 Hakran K'hal: (( ::witnesses a giant rubber band yank ill back into the room:: )) Cptn Swain: ::Motions for Jalen to take lead once the room was clear:: Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Looking very much like he'd been hauled into the vice principal's office:: William Chocox: How can I help you today Commander? Hakran K'hal: Yes. :: grabs the starboard lift :: Dansh is going to be thrilled. She's always complaining how underused she is. Indaura Ryssan: :: Heads to her office, catches up with Doctor Dubois :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene follows Hakran into the lift. :: "Stellar cartography might actually have something to do for once, too." Hakran K'hal: But this is why I insist on keeping an astrocartographer aboard. ::adds in an undertone:: ...not to mention I hate maps. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Once everyone had filed out, he glanced at his padd and then back to the two.:: I was wondering if one of you cared to explain to me why we received a message from the Yalta shortly after leaving that indicated the device taken from the Elasian ship had apparently been... quote... lost in transit. They never received the device. Cptn Swain: ::Hides is grin behind a tea cup:: William Chocox: Oh my goodness! Are you serious? I will need to look into this at once. Indaura Ryssan: :: Turns to Dubois :: Can't imagine counseling will come up during this mission Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Clears his throat:: I hadn't received notice from the detail sent to bring it back. I'll look into it at once. Rhan K'hal: :: leaves Ben at operations, rudely lets himself into the ready room and pokes at the padd from the couch once inside :: Hakran K'hal: :: calls the science team together on the lift ride :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Squints suspiciously.:: Maryse Dubois: You would be surprised. I would study up on the Sheliak. Your counsel could be needed if we encounter them. Irene Mincine: :: Irene beams, looking quite happy with the upcoming mission. :: "I'll get to do some real astro- and xenobiology again, too." :: Her smile turns back into a neutral expression again, though. :: "I couldn't help but notice how close it was to the Sheliak." Hunter Matheson: :::exits in Main Security, calling for team leaders:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Yes, you should both do that. Perhaps it was misplaced somewhere? I would hope that no one *deliberately* kept it from getting to the Yalta. Indaura Ryssan: They are a handful, or mindful. William Chocox: Sir, this is the first I'm hearing that it didn't make it. Hakran K'hal: :: sighs :: Yeah, that's a real coinkydink. Cptn Swain: Rex ::Nods:: Maryse Dubois: That's putting it lightly. Indaura Ryssan: This is a time I wish I was better at writing. Seems like a legal team is more valuable. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Not the least bit convinced, given what Miranda had already told him about the ship and her crew.:: Yes, well, I hope the matter is resolved before anyone calls for a formal investigation. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> I leave it to the two of you to discover what went wrong. William Chocox: Aye sir. Cptn Swain: Rex> Of course, sir. Hakran K'hal: :: enters the briefing room where he'd ordered the section heads to assemble :: Maryse Dubois: The Federation had to use over 300 legal experts just to draft a treaty with them. Irene Mincine: :: Irene looked a little worried, going by the last report she assembled about them... :: "I'm just glad I'm a scientist and not a jurist..." :: She followed Hak into the briefing room. Hakran K'hal: :: scans, spots the stout Tellarite female :: Dansh. Mapping mission. Sellaris Expanse. Cptn Swain: Well, I believe that takes care of that then. Dismissed. Hunter Matheson: Gunny, gather the dogs. ::enters his office::: Hakran K'hal: (( I hope you know I'm going to probably mis-type that as Stellaris a thousand times as much as I play that game )) Cptn Swain: (( That was, the plan )) Hunter Matheson: Grady> Aye, Master Gunnery Sergeant. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Grunts and waves them off.:: I'll speak with you both later. Cptn Swain: ::Looks to Stanton:: Commander. William Chocox: Aye sir. ::walks out and heads to the turbolift:: Hakran K'hal: Dansh> :: looks as perky as he'd ever seen her :: Seriously, sir? Cptn Swain: Rex> ::stiffles a giggle and heads off:: Indaura Ryssan: Yeah. No way to have a conversation with them, though we always speak with their representative, not the Sheliak on the street. Hakran K'hal: Seriously. Eyeball it a few moments so you can give us a basic rundown. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Glances at Swain and smirks.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> At least I have it on the record. Cptn Swain: Yes, though I feel sure we'll thank them later. Hakran K'hal: Bio. Don't know if we'll get a chance to send off away teams, so try to get as good a record as you can via sensors. Irene Mincine: :: Irene makes a couple notes on her padd. :: "We should configure the sensors for wide-spectral element analysis so we can get an idea of what's worth investigating from a biological perspective." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He tipped his head toward the door.:: Am I joining you for your Caitian issue? He seemed a bit... puffed up. Hunter Matheson: ::exits his office, finding the Devil Dogs ready to romp::: Take a seat and listen up. :::proceeds to fill them in on the mission::: Cptn Swain: If you want. Hakran K'hal: :: nods :: Coordinate with R... operations on that. Cptn Swain: He's smart so I assume he put two and two together. Cptn Swain: ::Stands, taking another drink of tea and heading for the doors:: Irene Mincine: Irene> "Will do. I hope he's all right..." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Follows Swain, padd in hand.:: Hakran K'hal: Planetary. Same deal, you'll have to split your time with Bio on sensors, so work together please. Irene Mincine: :: Valdar, representing planetary sciences, nods. :: "Yes, sir." Cptn Swain: ::Moves to the ready room, which was easily placed for such moves:: Hakran K'hal: Izal, look for anything interesting in between the solid bits, of course. Keep me in the loop there. Hakran K'hal: Kenet> :: the Bajoran woman nods :: Hakran K'hal: Okay, Dansh, what are we looking at? Maryse Dubois: I'm honestly hoping we don't run into them at all. Cptn Swain: ::Enters his ready room, walking past the couch and sitting his tea cup down on the desk:: Maryse Dubois: But you can never expect a quiet mission around here. William Chocox: I'm astonished that your team didn't grab the device Chief Rex. Hakran K'hal: Dansh> A lot of space. I do mean that literally, there is some unusual clumping of matter involved in the SE so there are a lot of wide open spaces. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::glances over at Will, with a grin:: Rhan K'hal: :: has just enough control and foxes left to give to rise as Swain enters :: Irene Mincine: :: The Trill planetary scientist Valdar perked up. :: "Rogue planets?" Cptn Swain: Rex> That could have gone worse. William Chocox: Yeah...I'm fairly certain that Stanton didn't believe us though. Cptn Swain: ::Takes a seat, on the desk. Perk of the job:: Lieutenant. Hakran K'hal: Dansh> I don't know, that's why we have to go map it. Cptn Swain: Rex> Well no, but if he wanted to ring us up he would have ordered a search or done it himself. Rhan K'hal: Captain. :: still very grumbly:: William Chocox: Also true. Hakran K'hal: :: snorts :: Indeed. Cptn Swain: I couldn't help but notice you seemed... ::looks at Stanton:: perturbed by our new orders? Indaura Ryssan: :: Enters sickbay :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::In the ready room, he took one of the unoccupied chairs, resting his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward.:: Irene Mincine: Valdar> "Going to be a fun mission, I think." :: Irene, meanwhile, looked a little worried. :: Rhan K'hal: The "oh, good, there's an actual valid cover mission we can assign them" mission? Sir. Hakran K'hal: Okay, we have plenty of time to plan as we won't be there for a week or so, depending on how long we stop over at this private base. So get it right, this isn't something we can just back up and start over. Cptn Swain: We are going on a mapping mission of the expanse. ::He took his tea, and looked again at Stanton:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Lifts a brow at Rhan.:: Something you'd like to say about our new mission? Rhan K'hal: A very interesting shopping list you gave me for a mapping mission then. :: literally pulls his mane :: I know you can't tell me everything, but you *know* I can do my job better if you give me something. As it is, I missed a chance to get us useful supplies because I lost the time to have them rendezvous. William Chocox: However...::enters the turbolift:: that was the first time that I heard that the device hadn't made it to the Yalta. Irene Mincine: "I'll make sure biology's got a plan of attack, no problem." :: Irene was already making notes on her padd. :: Indaura Ryssan: Oh Doctor...? Maryse Dubois: yes? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> I'm sure you'll have a bit more information before we reach the Outpost and can better prepare the ship. ::Leans back in his chair.:: Indaura Ryssan: I put you down as a patient. I messaged you a list of times. See you soon. Hunter Matheson: :::after the mission brief and answering questions::: Very well... inform your teams, get them ready for anything... and I mean *anything*. Check inside, outside, upside down if you have to. Move it out. Hakran K'hal: Okay, everyone have fun. Daily reports, come to me with questions, problems, etc. If there's an urgent cross-departmental when I'm off duty you have my permission to go straight to mission operations. Maryse Dubois: ::smirks:: Cptn Swain: ::Nods:: As always, you can bring any concerns to the Commander. But as I always I appreciate your commitment to your duties Mister K'hal. Maryse Dubois: Alright Hunter Matheson: ::after a long think, he exits the briefing room and enters his office:: Indaura Ryssan: :: Exits sickbay and heads to her own office...to read... a lot :: Rhan K'hal: :: not getting what he wants out of this conversation, but deflates to that look he learned from his mother that she always gave him when he blew off homework for a good night out :: Hunter Matheson: ::pulls up any and all info on the Sheliak:: Irene Mincine: Valdar> "Ops, gotcha." :: Valdar was taking notes as well. :: Hunter Matheson: ::and the Expanse::: Hakran K'hal: Questions? Concerns? Requests for extra real coffee? Cptn Swain: ::Glances over his tea:: And I would just remind you as one of the more experienced officers, the other members of the crew, especially the bridge staff look to you for leadership. Cptn Swain: If there's nothing else, Commander? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Gives Rhan a long, scrutinizing look, but shakes his head.:: No, sir. Irene Mincine: Irene> "Real coffee? Think they've got it at that private base?" Cptn Swain: Very well. Let's get headed to the outpost, shall we? Hakran K'hal: We can hope. Rhan K'hal: Permission to call ahead and check their menu, sir? Cptn Swain: ::Nods:: That would be good. It was barely more than a couple units cobbled together last time I was there. Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

SD 0112.2020 Excalibur has been taken off the now much smaller escort duty and has instead been sent on a new mission. Swain has gathered senior staff (that's all y'all) in the Briefing Room to discuss their new orders. For record keeping, Excalibur has just departed the Elasian system but with no coordinates, yet.

MISSION BRIEF: The Command team is returning from a briefing about the USS Yalta about the situation, everything else is suspiciously normal. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIN Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM William Chocox: ((Ithene's not here to help William do that.)) Cptn Swain: ::Shimmers back aboard the Excalibur, frowning:: Indaura Ryssan: :: Reading over profiles of the crew... lots to read :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Throws a glance at Swain as he steps down off the transporter.:: Not the best of circumstances, is it? Irene Mincine: :: Irene is in her science lab, reading over a stack of padds with info on the Sheliak. :: Cptn Swain: ::Shakes his head:: I had hoped that whatever curse had been placed on the ship was broken by this being a different ship. I was, apparently, mistaken. William Chocox: ::is down in Engineering, having finished up his conversation with Commander Latara:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He chuckled despite himself and headed into the corridor for the lift.:: How much will you tell the senior staff? Irene Mincine: Val> :: Val appears from the bridge's other turbolift and takes her seat at helm after a couple hours downtime. :: Cptn Swain: ::Following:: How much do you think we should tell them? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He blew out a breath.:: Too much could be dangerous to the mission. I'd say... the bare minimum until we're in the field. Cptn Swain: ::Nods:: I agree. Science can stay busy with prepping for a mapping mission. Irene Mincine: Irene> "Computer, what time is it?" :: The computer replies. :: "Oh crap! I'm supposed to cover a shift up there!" :: She dashes for the turbolift, hopefully making it up to the bridge before anyone notices there's nobody at Science. :: Cptn Swain: ::Orders the lift to the bridge:: There's trading station on the edge if the expanse, if my memory is right. Privately owned and operated. Should be a good base of operations. Indaura Ryssan: :: She was both looking at appointments to make and what open hours to consider :: William Chocox: ::looks over at the parts as he continues to parse them.:: Cptn Swain: Once the formal orders come in, we can go ahead and get underway. It's at least a few weeks at cruising speed. Cptn Swain: Have Rhan secure any supplies he thinks we'll need from the Elasians before we do. ::Sighs:: Cptn Swain: Did Miranda warn you about this ship? Indaura Ryssan: :: Sips her tea :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He laughed again.:: Ah... somewhat, sure. Call it a professional courtesy. It was more a crew briefing than anything. The Excalibur has an interesting history. Irene Mincine: :: Irene pops out of turbolift number 2, but catches her foot in the threshold between it and the bridge while dashing out. She takes a spill and padds go flying all over the place. :: Cptn Swain: Remind me to tell you about how I got this command in the first place sometime. Cptn Swain: ::Exits onto the bridge as that happens Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Pauses outside the turbolift with a glance over at Mincine.:: Alright, there? Irene Mincine: Irene> "Yeah, I'm-- Captain! Commander!" :: She pops up to her feet with a sheepish look on her face. :: "Just... uh... you know, getting some exercise in!" :: She started picking up the padds from the floor. :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He quickly moved to help, stooping to pick up Irene's data padds.:: Some of these are for me, I hope? William Chocox: ::pulls up some papers that the Commander had recommended to him:: These are absolutely confusing, even with the annotations. Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Nod nod nod. :: "I collated some diplomatic data and wrote some summaries for you, yeah. I didn't have time to do much before I had to come back up here." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Glances over Will's shoulder.:: Maybe turn it upside down? Cptn Swain: ::Smirks over::: William Chocox: ::jumps, before doing so:: Huh...that does make more sense. Cptn Swain: Well, once we have our formal orders. Move ahead, we'll have a briefing once we get underway. Cptn Swain: I'll be in my ready room. Irene Mincine: Val> :: Val, meanwhile, is thinking she should have stayed in bed after watching all this. :: Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Makes an appearance in engineering.:: William Chocox: ::looks up:: Hello? Cptn Swain: Rex> Chief. William Chocox: Chief. What brings you down here? Indaura Ryssan: :: thinks deeply :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Glances at Irene's data padds, stacking them neatly in his large hands. He tilted his head toward the science station.:: Let's get you organized over there. Cptn Swain: Rex> Apparently we've been ordered to send the device to the Yalta so the big brains back at home can look into it more. ::Bites his lips:: William Chocox: What? William Chocox: ::blinks:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Slinks off to hide at the appearance of the security chief.:: Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Hands him a PADD:: William Chocox: ::looks down at it:: This is absolute garbage. William Chocox: I was starting to make progress. Irene Mincine: "Yes, sir." :: This was the time to be a good subordinate. She wasn't -physically- intimated by Stanton, but she was intimidated from a -can make your life hell- standpoint in a way she wasn't with Miranda. She got her station all set up again. :: Cptn Swain: Rex> I can understand your concerns. William Chocox: ::gives him a look:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Spreading the recovered data padds on the desk, he started sorting through them to see which reports were on what to see what might pertain to him.:: William Chocox: But fine. It's over here. ::motions to it:: Irene Mincine: Irene> :: It was all stuff about the Sheliak that she'd been ordered to collect a few hours ago. She'd done a lot of work in that time and it seemed her diplomatic background helped as much as her analytical skill. :: Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Holds his hands up:: My team will be down in a but to pick it up. Would be a shame if, it weren't here when they came, ::Winks:: William Chocox: Ah, yes, a dear shame. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: (( -gasp - )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: (( Miranda would be horrified. )) Cptn Swain: (( I won't tell her if you don't )) Cptn Swain: Rec> ::Straightens his uniform:: Well, as I said, they'll be down in a bit. Cptn Swain: Rex> . ::Grins again and heads towards the lift:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Throws her a sidelong glance.:: You compiled all of this information in only a few hours? William Chocox: Understood. Irene Mincine: :: Irene smiles a bit proudly, sensing a little disbelief. :: "Yes, sir. I'm pretty sure the replicator ran out of raktajino by the end." Cptn Swain: ((4 minute warning )) William Chocox: ::waits until Rex is gone before he starts grabbing parts to hide them:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Very impressive. ::Slides the padds her way.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Pops over to help Chocox.:: Did I hear that right? Irene Mincine: :: Irene beams, collecting the padds at her station. :: "Thank you. Any more info you need, just ask." William Chocox: That we have only a little bit of time to hide all of this? Yes. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> Oh wow, wow, wow. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::A bit frantic as he grabs a tote to collect some of the smaller pieces.:: William Chocox: Yes, wow, wow, wow, now help me hide this. William Chocox: ::starts carrying bigger pieces away:: Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

SD 1222.2019 - No Sim (Christmas) SD 1229.2019 - No Sim (New Year's) SD 0105.2020 The Command team is returning from a briefing aboard the USS Yalta about the situation, everything else is suspiciously normal.

MISSION BRIEF: Things have quieted down for the moment. Engineering along with command staff are inspecting the unusual device found aboard one of the Elasian vessels. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM William Chocox: ::has finished the cut and is pulling out the guts of the device:: Cptn Swain: ::Entering engineering, looking refreshed.:: Rhan K'hal: :: on the bridge, naturally :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene is taking a science shift on the bridge. Val arrives to relieve the goldshirt at the helm, as well. :: William Chocox: Captain on deck. Hakran K'hal: :: arrives in Engineering, uninvited - because EMPs are fun! :: Cptn Swain: As you were. William Chocox: Thank you Captain. Welcome to Engineering Lieutenant K'hal. Hakran K'hal: Thank you, Chief. Hope no one minds me crashing the party, but I'm intrigued. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Accompanying Swain to engineering to have a look at the EMP and Engineering's progress.:: Rhan K'hal: Back from lunch so soon, Carillon? Did you take time to chew? Cptn Swain: ::nods:: So, what are we dealing with? Maryse Dubois: ((hiya)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> Uh... ::A bit in awe of the command staff. He tried to look busy.:: Irene Mincine: :: Val hmphs at Rhan. :: "You learn to eat pretty fast on the flight deck. Some people could take it as an example." William Chocox: We're just getting everything out of the device. We found what we think is the memory device. Ensign Reynolds was the one that spotted the memory first. ::holds up the memory portion:: Maryse Dubois: ::In sickbay, putting things back in order.:: Rhan K'hal: Wow, they keep the flight deck clean enough to eat off of? Rhan K'hal: I'll have to prod the shuttle bay crews harder. Hakran K'hal: :: nods :: Irene Mincine: :: Val's mismatched eyes narrow at Rhan. :: "We ran things tight down there." Indaura Ryssan: :: Sitting in her office looking at the personnel files :: William Chocox: I was just about to attempt to access it and see who made it. Irene Mincine: :: Irene meanwhile, is monitoring the passive sensors for any signs of EMP discharge given the recent events. Don't want to get caught off guard. :: Rhan K'hal: :: grins, full fangs:: I was---AM, friends with Commander d'Aubigne, Val. I know just how tight she ran it. Cptn Swain: ::nods:: Go ahead. Cptn Swain: ::Stanton:: That's not Elasian technology for sure. Cptn Swain: But they have, over the years, used a number of suppliers for parts. William Chocox: Alright. ::gets it set up on a console that's not connected to the rest of the ship's network:: Let's see what secrets you hold... ::starts typing away:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Nods in agreement.:: Doesn't look like it. I'm curious to see if there's anything there that might give us some clue... ::He moved to have a look at the rest of the device.:: Hakran K'hal: :: crosses arms, watches :: William Chocox: Be my guest Commander. Irene Mincine: :: Val smiles in response to Rhan. :: "I like it that way, don't you?" Rhan K'hal: Depends on what "it" is. Somethings in 'Fleet have a rod inserted too far up the warp core shaft to my way of thinking. But operationally, certainly. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He doesn't touch the device, but he does inspect it.:: If these ships are bound for Cardassia, I'd almost expect something Bajoran, but this doesn't look like their work, either. Irene Mincine: :: Val glances at her console, then looks up at the view of the planet through the main viewer. :: "Yeah, I tend to agree... sometimes. You have to run it that way in times of war." William Chocox: That's because it's Sheliak in origin...at least at the base level. Cptn Swain: ::Nods:: Agreed. ::Asher looked closer:: I am not sure its anything I am familiar with either. William Chocox: Software wise...the memory storage doesn't really have anything useful. Rhan K'hal: :: inclines head in acknowledgement of that sad fact :: Cptn Swain: Sheliak? Cptn Swain: ::Lifts a brow:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Frowns.:: They're a bit reclusive, aren't they? Irene Mincine: Val> "Otherwise... well, you might end up like me here." :: Waves her prosthetic arm at Rhan. :: Hakran K'hal: ::grumbles:: So reclusive I don't even know who they are. William Chocox: Yeah. ::points at various things:: The translator is presenting it to me in English, but I have it tell me the original language. But there's nothing else beyond the base code here. EMP must've wiped it clean. Rhan K'hal: :: grim smile :: I bet you can punch better now. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He glanced at Hakran.:: Why don't you start digging into that and see what you can find out about them? Cptn Swain: ::Strokes his chin:: William Chocox: If you have trouble falling asleep you can read the treaty between the Federation and their government. Hakran K'hal: Gotta start somewhere. Something to drag Rhan into. Irene Mincine: :: Val thinks for a moment, then smiles back. :: "Yeah. It's certainly come in handy a few times. Though the gnarly old burn scars all over usually take care of things too." Rhan K'hal: Wimps. It gives you character. William Chocox: Legend has it it took almost four hundred legal experts to draft the treaty. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Looks back to Will.:: Do you know anything about their technology? Irene Mincine: Val> "Yeah." :: She looks at her console. :: "I got plenty of that, huh." Cptn Swain: ::Stanton:: Continue to find out what we can. I better inform command. Rhan K'hal: Don't you start moping unless you want to be Dr. Ryssan's guinea pig. William Chocox: Not really, but given how little interaction we've had with them I'd be hard pressed to find someone who does know anything. William Chocox: I'll learn what I can, though. Irene Mincine: :: Val shook her head. :: "Moping? Never. I had enough of those damn counselors while I was recovering." Rhan K'hal: :: nods :: Hakran K'hal: I guess I'll go get to poking around. I'll let you know if I come across anything useful, Chief. Irene Mincine: :: Val shrugs lightly. :: "Counselors, doctors, cyberneticists for my eye and arm. I still don't know what the hell half of the specialists were there for. But I'm not a doctor or an engineer." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Do a complete breakdown and scan of the device. I want a report on everything there is to know about it. If any of the other components look like they were sourced elsewhere, I want to know that, as well. Cptn Swain: ::Frowns and heads out of engineering:: Hakran K'hal: +Irene+ Hakran to Mincine. Call someone up with need of bridge time. Get Rhan and join us in the science conference room. William Chocox: Aye sir. I'll get started right now. Hakran K'hal: :: follows Swain :: William Chocox: ::to Stanton:: How classified is this if I may ask sir? Hakran K'hal: Curiouser and curiouser, Captain. Rhan K'hal: :: no need to be notified thanks to his ears :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene nearly jumps out of her seat when her combadge chirps. :: "Aye, sir." :: She gestures to Rhan. :: "Sir, Lt. K'h-- the other-- Hakran wants us to head to the science meeting room." Rhan K'hal: No, you're not a doctor or an engineer, Val. You're one helluva pilot. Rhan K'hal: :: smiles at Irene :: So I heard. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Right now? Very. Keep the files encrypted. This is definitely a 'need to know' project. Irene Mincine: Val> "Damn right." :: She grins and adjusts their orbital parameters just a bit on her console. Hakran K'hal: :: pulls up the basics on the Sheliak and gives it a speed read :: Well, well, well. Rhan K'hal: :: passes off operations to Ken :: William Chocox: Aye sir. Wanted to know before I reached out to see if someone did know anything about Sheliak tech. Cptn Swain: ::Enters into a lift and heads for his quarters:: Irene Mincine: Irene> "Remind me to get info by printout when you're around." :: She departs for the science conference room and calls Tiran, the portly complainer from the jungle mission, up to the bridge to replace her. He does need some bridge time... :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> If you have contacts that might help, just pick their brains without disclosing what you have. I'm certain you can think of something to justify the research. Hakran K'hal: :: stops off on deck 7 and stops by his office before heading next door into the meeting room :: Rhan K'hal: :: with Irene :: I can still hack that. Indaura Ryssan: :: Was thinking of making the computer choose someone at random rather than waiting for the next disaster to leave emotional scars on the crew :: William Chocox: Got it. Thank you sir. Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Arriving at the meeting room. :: "Ops people are very, very dangerous to get on the bad side of, huh?" Hakran K'hal: :: leaning back in one of the chairs in the round-tabled meeting room, reviewing info on a padd :: Rhan K'hal: Definitely. A security officer might punch you, or even shoot you. We can ruin your entire life. Hakran K'hal: :: looks up :: Is he being scary Rhan again? Rhan K'hal: :: full-fanged grin :: Rhan K'hal: Obee> :: with Rex presumably in charge, tries to catch up with the goings on, but stops and blinks repeatedly at the pale moonboy in blue that just arrived on the bridge :: Irene Mincine: Irene> "Yes." :: She takes a seat. :: "Nothing I can't handle, though. I may not have hacked a computer network since high school but the holodeck? That's mine." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Alright. I'll leave you to it, then. ::Nods and turns, heading for the lift.:: Rhan K'hal: Obee> :: or is it green? teal? turquoise? shakes head :: Hakran K'hal: :: swivels ears half back :: So long as you keep remembering to lock the door. Hakran K'hal: Anyway. Irene Mincine: :: Irene clears her throat to change the subject... :: "So what's up?" Hakran K'hal: We're on a classified info gathering mission here. You report to me, or if I fall out of an airlock, go to Stanton. Hakran K'hal: The device that caused the EMP is of Sheliak origin, but the device's memory had no other info as it was apparently wiped with the EMP. William Chocox: Ooh boy. Reynolds! I'm going to need your help on this. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::After a brief ride in the lift, he stepped into medical to check on the transferred patients.:: Hakran K'hal: After refreshing my memory on the Sheliak, we have a very good reason to wonder why the hell one of the quadrants most accomplished hermits would suddenly either interfere with this ship transfer or be connected enough with someone that is involved. Irene Mincine: :: Irene whips out a padd and starts taking notes. :: "It sounds like you need a computer expert--" :: Gesturing to Rhan. :: "--more than a geneticist..." :: With a frown. :: Rhan K'hal: :: whistles, which is not a Caitian specialty thanks to the mouth architecture, but as usual he likes to show off :: Hakran K'hal: No, but I also need someone with an analytic mind and with the clearance to do this. Which is you and you, Irene. Cptn Swain: :In his quarters delivering the information to command:: Irene Mincine: :: She smiles at the praise. :: "Well, you've got that right." :: Her moods had really improved since their last mission, hadn't they? Indaura Ryssan: :: to herself :: Who is the most disturbed on this ship? :: taps her screen ::: Hakran K'hal: So, what's your level of familiarity with the Sheliak? :: looks at both :: Rhan K'hal: Beyond the Tau Cygna V incident and the general background, nothing specific. Cptn Swain: ACTION: The Entire crew comes up on Indura's list, except Stanton. Irene Mincine: :: Irene hrms. :: "Just what my mother's told me about them from her work as a diplomat. They really, really don't like outsiders. She'd rather get jabbed with a painstick than try to even reach one of their negotiators." William Chocox: ((I want to take offense, but I feel like I can't.)) Rhan K'hal: (( hey, I'm weird as heck but well adjusted! )) Hakran K'hal: :: nods :: Better than I did, I couldn't even remember them when their name came up, had to look them up. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: (( LoL )) Cptn Swain: << If you've been aboard this ship for any amount of time, you have a psych profile lmfao >> Indaura Ryssan: :: Frowns :: Oh.. Maybe alphabetical. William Chocox: ::starts scanning:: Irene Mincine: Irene> "So we're starting from nothing, basically?" Cptn Swain: ::Frowns:: +Stanton+ Swain to Stanton Hakran K'hal: Basically, but so long as we're discrete we can pull up whatever we need - if we hit any roadblocks, I'm assuming Stanton will unblock them. Rhan K'hal: :: blows a raspberry :: Please, like I... Hakran K'hal: No hacking. Rhan K'hal: Awwwwww Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> +Swain+ Go ahead, Captain. Rhan K'hal: Party pooper. Hakran K'hal: :: looks to the ceiling, and presumably beyond, for patience :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene hrms. :: "Well, nothing is where you start in my discipline pretty often." :: She chuckles at their exchange. :: Indaura Ryssan: :: Decides to send a message to... Mr. William Chocox for a mental checkup and cleaning :: Rhan K'hal: At least until they start pooing, then you have plenty. Hakran K'hal: :: puts his face in his paws :: Cptn Swain: +Stanton+ Meet me in the transporter room in ::looks:: an hour. Rhan K'hal: What, tell me it's not accurate. William Chocox: ::looks at the ping:: Really? ::types back:: I'm kinda busy at the moment. Cptn Swain: +Stanton+ Apparently we aren't the only ones to find one of these things. Irene Mincine: Iren> "If I have to see what comes out of a Sheliak on this mission, I'll throw myself into the warp core." Irene Mincine: :: Irene> :: Rhan K'hal: :: busts out laughing :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Slightly surprised.:: +Swain+ Of course, sir. I'll meet you there. Hakran K'hal: Before this conversation devolves further, let's get to work, shall we? Cptn Swain: ...AND... Rhan K'hal: Did Hawthorne lend you her whip before she left? Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

SD 1215.2019 Things have quieted down for the moment. Engineering along with command staff are inspecting the unusual device found aboard one of the Elasian vessels.

MISSION BRIEF: During an inspection of one of the Elasian cruisers, the Engineering team found an unusual, alien device hidden away behind a false wall. In trying to remove it, they triggered an EMP that shorted out all electronic devices aboard. Elsewhere, there was an explosion on the surface near the Federation embassy. Asher is, unharmed, and returning to Excalibur. The Federation fleet has been put on alert. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: ::Making his way to the bridge, Rex in tow:: Hakran K'hal: :: back on the bridge after having cleaned up and changed back into a normal uniform :: Rhan K'hal: :: also on the bridge, but where else would he be honestly - listening in on communications to get the lowdown :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Staring at the device they'd brought from the other ship.:: Uh... do you think it is safe for this thing to be here? What if we trigger it by accident and it fries all our systems? Irene Mincine: :: Irene pops out of the turbolift in her full blue uniform rather than the jungle clothes, taking her seat back at Science II. :: "Got some interesting info from Valdar on that crater, sir... but I think we're a little busy for that at the moment." William Chocox: Won't be the first time I've fried the systems on an Excalibur so you'll be in good company. Hakran K'hal: I'm sure it'll keep. Indaura Ryssan: :: Running her office in sickbay :: William Chocox: And hopefully we can find the power source and keep it from turning on. Irene Mincine: :: Val is keeping an eye on the short-range sensors, ready to act at a moment's notice if anything starts blowing up or frying things near Excalibur, too. She looks very tense. :: William Chocox: ::starts scanning it:: Cptn Swain: ::Exits onto the bridge, looking less than his usual dapper self:: Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Nods. :: "I've transferred all the life signs I could pick up in the embassy to the planetary rescue net, as well." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He rose as Swain appeared on the bridge to move to his seat, giving the Captain a nod.:: All in one piece? Rhan K'hal: :: nods at Swain :: Rhan K'hal: :: nods at Rex too, who is presumably still in tow :: Cptn Swain: ::Nods:: Pretty much. Indaura Ryssan: :: Healing the injured, hypos and regenerators :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Puts up a live feed from Chocox's scans onto one of the displays so more people can view it in real time.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Anyone know what happened down there? Rhan K'hal: Something went boom. Irene Mincine: Irene> "That's... what the ship's sensor logs pretty much say, yeah. Sir." Cptn Swain: The initial report is an overload in the cities power grid. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Is that likely to be accurate? Or do you believe it was something... or someone... else? Cptn Swain: ::Frowns:: I am not sure. It would be... odd for it to just happen to be the EPS junction outside the Federation embassy. William Chocox: ::keeps scanning:: Some seemingly bog standard electronics...there's the EMP generators. Rhan K'hal: There's been a lot of chatter on government and military channels. The open channels are mostly speculative or straight business. The encrypted channels interest me a little more in their ... directness. Though of course I do not have authorization to get hacky. Hakran K'hal: Sensors also indicate a considerable increase in military readiness, which is saying something for Elasians. Cptn Swain: ::Glances over to Rhan briefly:: Commander Rex told me there was a... problem aboard one of the destroyers? Rhan K'hal: Some sort of device that Will and Co. discovered. On trying to figure out what it was it EMP'd. Irene Mincine: Irene> "A citywide electrical grid has thousands of those EPS junctions. And being a Federation outpost, it's probably our equipment there instead of Elasian." Rhan K'hal: They're still working on it to avoid any repeats. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::He started feeding the diagnostic data into the computer.:: Maybe, if we can figure out where the components came from, we can get an idea of why it was on that ship. Irene Mincine: Irene> "Would a device like that blow out an EPS grid if it were on the planet instead of a ship?" William Chocox: ::looks up at big feed for a closer look:: Indeed...does that look like the power system to you? ::points:: Looks like it to me. Rhan K'hal: If it knocked out the control equipment for the node in a certain order it's possible that the electro-plasma could cause an explosion. But it would have to be very controlled for it to boom instead of just whoosh. Rhan K'hal: :: learned way too much about power grids a couple of missions ago :: Cptn Swain: Well fortunately unless we get orders, it's not our problem. Hakran K'hal: Cheerful thought. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Squinty.:: Maybe. If it is, then that's the memory module there. ::Pointing at the render.:: Rhan K'hal: I can turn off the communications equipment to make sure, sir. :: wry smile :: Irene Mincine: :: Turning around with a grin. :: Val> "Now you two are thinking like fighter pilots." William Chocox: Yeah, that makes sense to me...ooh, there's probably a lot of juicy details on that module. Rhan K'hal: I am not. I prefer a space vessel I can stand in. Cptn Swain: ::Nods:: Signal the Yalta that we're on standby. : Rhan K'hal: :: inclines head at Swain :: Aye, Captain. Rhan K'hal: :: pings the Yalta to let them know :: Hakran K'hal: :: sits back :: I'm just not seeing anything useful in the data we have. We just weren't looking that way at the time. Our passive sensors are awesome but we are not omniscient. Cptn Swain: ::Glances over to the XO chair: I am going to get a shower and change uniforms. Meet me down in engineering in an hour. I'd like to take a look at whatever Will has found. Irene Mincine: :: Irene looks a little guilty. :: "We were, after all, messing around in the jungle..." Hakran K'hal: :: smiles :: Yes, we specifically were looking up at the time. Indaura Ryssan: +Bridge+ Sickbay here, let me know if we are expecting incoming medical issues. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Gives Swain a nod.:: Aye, sir. I'm just as interested in seeing it, as well, primarily to find out who planted it. William Chocox: ::finishes his scan:: Alright, let's make sure we're not about to blow the ship up because of some tripwire. ::looks:: Maybe want to ask the guys upstairs if they want us to wait to disassemble it. +Bridge+ Chocox to Bridge. Rhan K'hal: +Indaura+ I will Doctor, right after I call the caterers. Rhan K'hal: +Will+ Go ahead, Chief. William Chocox: +Rhan+ If either the Captain or Commander Stanton are there, can you ask them if they want us to wait on disassembling this device? Or to just go for it? Cptn Swain: ::Nods and heads out:: Rhan K'hal: Commander, this one's for you. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::frowns: Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Whispers to Hakran. :: "Sometimes I'm glad my shirt is green and not red..." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> +Will+ You may proceed cautiously, Lieutenant. As soon as the Captain is cleaned up, we'll be down to view your progress. I'd suggest working on it within a containment field. Hakran K'hal: :: grunts :: You've managed to get it red plenty. William Chocox: +Stanton+ Acknowledged Commander. We'll be waiting for you. Irene Mincine: Irene> "Hmph. I'll try not to stain the new ship's carpets." Hakran K'hal: ::changes subject :: So what did Valdar manage to find? Hakran K'hal: Shall we drop in on geo? William Chocox: ::turns to Reynolds:: Let's get this show on the road. Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Shrugs, holding up a padd. :: "I've got her report, unless you want to head down there. The craters were not caused by meteor impacts at all." Hakran K'hal: Weapons impacts? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Holds up a plasma cutter a bit too eagerly.:: Ready, sir! Irene Mincine: Irene> "Close. Nuclear tests!" William Chocox: Oooooookay! ::gently pushes the plasma cutter down:: Let's take a deep breath, and keep calm. Hakran K'hal: They had an interesting recipe to get that combination of elements. Also explains why they're in no hurry to go exploring there. Hakran K'hal: Makes me wonder if the flappy thing of horror is "natural." You want to go down and collect some more samples? :: joking but deadpan :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::A bit deflated.:: Oh... not the plasma cutter first, then? Rhan K'hal: (( ye gods, Will is the voice of reason now )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> ::Holds up a spanner.:: I guess, this? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: (( How the tables have turned. )) William Chocox: We'll see. First things first, we're going to set up a containment field. Then we'll decide which tool to use first. I do love the enthusiasm though. Irene Mincine: Irene> :: Grins. :: "Most likely natural, despite what the holonovels tell you about giant monsters. Yeah, we found natural ingredients for a bomb along with byproducts of a detonation. Trinitite and other artificial glass." William Chocox: ((Well, when you're the Chief of Engineering you need to be sane if your immediate superior wasn't in the same position before command.)) Hakran K'hal: You and your team did good work, Ensign. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Ens Reynolds> Oh, containment field. Right. Irene Mincine: :: Irene beams. :: "Thank you, sir!" Cptn Swain: TWO MINUTE WARNING Hakran K'hal: Speaking of working, I think it's time I made my rounds. :: rises :: Take some bridge duty, should be a light load. Seems like the excitement is over. Irene Mincine: Irene> "All right." :: She slides over to Science I. :: "I'll try not to blow anything up while you're gone." William Chocox: Yes. ::types into his console the necessary commands:: Rhan K'hal: :: calls over from across the bridge :: That's Will's job. Hakran K'hal: :: snorts, heads for the lift :: Irene Mincine: :: Irene smiles and logs herself into the console. :: William Chocox: ((::feels a disturbance in the Force::)) Indaura Ryssan: :: Updating records, checking supplies :: Rhan K'hal: :: half sits on his console while he flips through audio channels :: Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

SD 1201.2019 - No Sim (Thanksgiving) SD 1208.2019 During an inspection of one of the Elasian cruisers, the Engineering team found an unusual, alien device hidden away behind a false wall. In trying to remove it, they triggered an EMP that shorted out all electronic devices aboard. Elsewhere, there was an explosion on the surface near the Federation embassy. Asher is unharmed and returning to Excalibur. The Federation fleet has been put on alert.

MISSION BRIEF: When we last left off, Excalibur had detected an explosion on the surface near the Federation embassy. Meanwhile while investigating an unusual device aboard an Elasian cruiser, Will and his engineering team triggered an EM pulse that disabled all technology in the area of the device. Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM William Chocox: # ::to the group at large:: Alright, sound off, who's not dead? VonDrake: ::on the Excalibur in Engineering:: Hakran K'hal: @ ::unaware of the drama off in the capital or in orbit, is leading the team from the protection of one tree canopy to the next :: Cptn Swain: Rex> ::frowns at the report:: Planetary authorities are responding. Irene Mincine: :: Irene's playing security for the science team with her phaser. Tiran is complaining about the pterosaur. :: Maryse Dubois: ::In sickbay, tending to her last patient that transferred over.:: Irene Mincine: Carillon> "Should we bring up the away team from the surface, sir?" Rhan K'hal: I've lost contact with the engineering team on board the [ship name]. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> ::Peering down at his tricorder, frowning. Glances up, looking about the corridor.:: I think... I think we're all fine, sir. Our equipment is dead, however. William Chocox: #::sighs:: Not again. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Frowns deeper:: The Yalta is signaling for the fleet to go to Yellow Alert Rhan K'hal: ::swivels the scanners over to that ship:: I have their life signs though. Looks like the power went out. Will's specialty, isn't it? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Considering.:: Yes, recall all crew to the ship. And find out where Captain Swain is. If we can't get him on comms, I'm sending someone down. Set the ship to Yellow Alert. William Chocox: # Let's see if we can fix anything. Hakran K'hal: @ Damned oversized pigeon. Shoo! Cptn Swain: Rex> :Nods:: Yellow Alert, aye sir. Rhan K'hal: +SciTeam+ Excalibur to surface team. We've got to bring you up. Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "We should be okay under the canopy of the rainforest. The"”" :: She gets the message from Rhan. :: "Great idea, lieutenant. Let's get the hell out of here." Cptn Swain: Rex> ::puts security on alert, and has a team on standby to go to the surface,:: Hakran K'hal: @ Looks like we'll have to be bad guests and leave the campsite for now. William Chocox: # ::looks over:: Is that thing still on? Hakran K'hal: @ +Rhan+ Go ahead, it's good timing. Maryse Dubois: ::Had just finished up when the ship went to yellow alert.:: +Rhan+ What's happening up there? Rhan K'hal: TR3> :: gets the word and initiates transport :: Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ The list of what isn't would be shorter, Doc. Irene Mincine: @ "We can pick up the samples on our next excursion, or have Engineering transport them to a cargo bay." Rhan K'hal: +Maryse+ We may end up with some casualties from the surface, not sure yet. So be prepared for potential burn victims, shrapnel injuries, etc. Maryse Dubois: +Rhan+ So Excalibur level of crazy. Gotcha. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Stanton:: Nothing from the Captain, last he reported in he was ::pauses:: at the embassy. Hakran K'hal: :: nods at Irene as the transport starts, shimmers back into being on the Excalibur :: William Chocox: #::tries to see if he can get a better look at the device:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> I don't know, sir. I mean... we don't have any working instruments to get a reading. William Chocox: # True. Irene Mincine: Carillon> "The embassy." :: She says coldly. :: Hakran K'hal: :: notes the yellow alert :: Valdar, go ahead and run those samples down to the lab and pass them over to Semek. Everyone can tidy up a bit first, then report to stations. I'll be up on the bridge. Rhan K'hal: :: has a conversation with the transporter operator in TR3 :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Turns to Rex.:: Send a team. I want him found. Irene Mincine: Valdar> "Yes, sir." :: She nods, collecting everyone's sample packs and runs off to the lab with them. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Nods:: Yes, sir. ::Logs off his console:: On my way. Maryse Dubois: ::Keeps sickbay on standby.:: William Chocox: # And our communications are probably down. Rhan K'hal: +Will+ :: a care package shimmers onto the floor a meter away, with comm badges, tricorders, and some medical supplies :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Mr. K'hal, what's the status of our engineering away teams? Irene Mincine: Irene> "Science 2, reporting for duty." :: After handing her backpack to Valdar. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Heads to the lift after ordering his security team to meet them and informed the embassy he was on his way.:: Rhan K'hal: I just sent them a care package so we can figure out why they lost power over there on top of the communications. William Chocox: # Ooh, new toys. ::grabs a comm badge and keys it to himself:: +Excal+ Chocox to Excalibur. Rhan K'hal: +Will+ Excalibur here, go ahead. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> ::Takes one of the newly sent tricorders and scans the EMP device.:: Hakran K'hal: :: exits the lift onto the bridge in his jungle attire, complete with a few leafy souvenirs stuck in his fur :: VonDrake: ::running diagnostics, trying to keep abreast of what's going on:: Irene Mincine: :: Irene follows Hakran out, wearing what would barely pass for a TOS miniskirt as her jungle uniform. She takes over at Science II. :: Hakran K'hal: :: sees right away what the urgency is about, does what he can to start sorting out scans of the embassy area :: William Chocox: #+Rhan+ So...this is absolutely not my fault, but we lost power here. Cptn Swain: $Rex>::Makes his way to the transporter room, and heads down to the embassy:: Rhan K'hal: +Will+ The timing could've been better, however it happened. What DID happen? Irene Mincine: :: Irene uses her expert biology knowledge to try to narrow down any life signs at the embassy. :: "We'll find him." Cptn Swain: $Rex> ::He and his security team beamed down to the surface, things were hectic as responders and police mingled with people.:: William Chocox: #+Rhan+ There's some sort of device attached to the power systems here. We cut power to the section to see what happened and an EMP went off. Rhan K'hal: +Will+ :: whistles:: That's not standard equipment I don't think. : :Stanton :: Commander, this one needs your attention. Cptn Swain: $Rex> ::Things were hectic, but it appeared the embassy itself was intact, though damaged.. He sighed with relief at that at least. :: +KHal+ Rex to Excalibur. William Chocox: #+Rhan+ Ensign Reynolds is trying to get more information from the device with one of our new tricorders. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He rose and ventured over to K'hal's station to have a look at the readings.:: VonDrake: ::now paying more attention to the chatter, realizes there a lot going on:: Rhan K'hal: :: switches to the other ear :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> It doesn't seem to be active any longer, sir. I'm not showing any power draw. Rhan K'hal: +Rex+ Go ahead. Irene Mincine: :: Carillon faces Rhan and Stanton with narrowed eyes, unnerving when one is yellow. :: "If someone is targeting the Federation, there could be a device like that onboard our ship." Cptn Swain: $Rex> +K+ We're approaching the embassy. It appears to be still intact. The local authorities have established a security perimeter. I haven't seen the Captain yet. We're making our way over . now. William Chocox: #::looks over to Reynolds:: Thank you Ensign. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> Let's not jump to any conclusions. We don't know what is over there, much less why it is over there. ::To Carillon.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> Should we try to remove it? ::Looking to Will for direction.:: Rhan K'hal: +Rex+ We've got you on sensors, we're also trying to sort out what we can, we have an entire task force scrutinizing things from orbit. Hakran K'hal: :: aside to Irene:: And I thought Rhan was the pessimist. William Chocox: #::walks over:: If we think it's inactive. Don't want it going off again. Irene Mincine: :: Carillon looks like she's not happy about being shut down, but goes back to monitoring the helm. :: "Right." Indaura Ryssan: :: In her office, last she thought :: Irene Mincine: Irene> "Maybe it's a pilot thing." :: Still trying to find the captain's life signs." :: "I hate hardcore types." Cptn Swain: $Rex> ::Moving through the scrum, he motioned to the team to spread out:: Hakran K'hal: :: while the majority of the sensor data coming from the planet is bio in the effort to locate survivors, there is enough for some chemical analyses, so he has the computer work on trying to identify any possible explosive signatures :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> +Will+ What are you seeing over there, Lieutenant? William Chocox: #::takes a deep breath:: +Stanton+ We have a device of unknown origin and purpose attached to the power system of this ship. We cut power to the section in order to see if that would turn it off and allow us more options for analysis and removal. Unfortunately that caused an EMP to go off. We were going to attempt to remove the device as we do not detect any more power to it. Rhan K'hal: ::keeping an ear on as many things as he can while Obee handles the rest:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> +Will+ If you can do it safely, get it back over here for analysis. I want you off that ship soon. There's been an incident on the planet and we've recalled all crew. Start transporting everyone you don't need for the device removal. Irene Mincine: :: Irene relays all the life signs she finds to the rescue net. :: "I'm picking up plenty of people down there. No captain, yet..." Hakran K'hal: ::nods:: William Chocox: #+Stanton+ Understood sir. Alright, everyone but Reynolds, back to the Excalibur they're recalling the crew. Reynolds, you and me are going to remove this thing. Cptn Swain: $Rex> ::Approaches the main entrance to the complex . where a Starfleet security officer was looking tired. He was covered in soot and smoke. Rex showed his clearance.:: I am looking for Captain Asher Swain. Rhan K'hal: ::contacts the TRs re: the engineers:: William Chocox: #::steps up to the device in question:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> Yes, sir. ::Reaches for his tool case, ready to assist.:: Rhan K'hal: ::verifying:: Rhan K'hal: All crew engineers are back aboard aside from Chocox and Reynolds, Commander. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Sighs as he travels back to the Captain's seat. While he'd taken the command route to eventually command his own ship, he didn't want it happen like this. Swain seemed like a decent person despite his choice in hairstyles.:: William Chocox: #::starts looking to see where the connection points are:: Let's be careful, don't want to get shocked. Irene Mincine: Carillon frowned at the back and forth between the bridge and various teams. :: "I don't know if I can get used to being up here instead of out there..." Indaura Ryssan: :: Sitting down in her office :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::He nodded to Rhan.:: Keep an eye on them. Bring them back if there's any more trouble on the surface. Device or no, I want everyone back. Rhan K'hal: Will do. VonDrake: ::watches as the engineering teams start filtering back in to main engineering:: Cptn Swain: $Security> We're still checking in, but try the main entrance. Cptn Swain: $Rex> What happened> Cptn Swain: $Security> There was an explosion, it all happened so quickly. Cptn Swain: $ Commander Rex. Cptn Swain: $Rex> ::glances over:: Hakran K'hal: (( who invited Michael Bay to the embassy anyway? )) Irene Mincine: :: Irene made sure the transporter rooms were able to keep a solid lock on everyone down there. :: "Linking sensor grid with transporter system. You should be able to pull them out from just about anywhere." Hakran K'hal: The sensor resolution is pretty impressive. Cptn Swain: $Rex> ::sighs:: Captain. We tried raising you. Irene Mincine: Irene> "I really like this ship's sensors, yeah." Cptn Swain: $ Communications are limited to emergency transmissions only. I was about to send a messenger the old fashioned way. Cptn Swain: $Rex> +Excalibur+ Rex to bridge... Rhan K'hal: +Rex+ Go ahead, sir. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> ::disengages one of the couplings that kept the device in place.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> So far so good, sir. Cptn Swain: $Rex> +K+ I am here with Captain Swain. William Chocox: #::disengages another one of the couplings:: Same here. Indaura Ryssan: :: Leaves her office and enters sickbay :: Cptn Swain: TWO MINUTE . WARNING Rhan K'hal: ::lets out a breath:: +Rex+ Glad to hear it. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Breathes a sigh of relief.:: William Chocox: ((There's like, 5 minutes left in the game. :P )) Irene Mincine: :: Irene's relief was palpable. Carillon's expression didn't change, as usual. :: Hakran K'hal: :: tail does a loop-de-loop while he continues concentrating on the sensor data :: William Chocox: # Let's keep going then. ::continues taking it out:: Cptn Swain: $ +Excalibur+ We'll head up soon. I want to get a status report from the embassy first. Hakran K'hal: I'm transferring my current data to you, Ensign. I want to take a look at what data we have on what happened with [Will's Elasian Ship]. Rhan K'hal: +Swain+ Understood, Captain. We have a lock on you now. Indaura Ryssan: :: Pokes her head in :: Hello? Cptn Swain: ...and... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> ::Severs another connection and relaxes when nothing happens.:: Irene Mincine: "Explosives, organics, same thing, really..." :: Watching the data come in to her panel. :: Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

SD 1124.2019 When we last left off, Excalibur had detected an explosion on the surface near the Federation embassy. Meanwhile, while investigating an unusual device aboard an Elasian cruiser, Will and his engineering team triggered an EM pulse that disabled all technology in the area of the device.

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur continues its assignment to assist with inspection of Elasian vessels that are to be sold to the Cardassian government. Science is conducting a survey of the planet's lush, largely untouched jungles, while Medical has just been given several patients from the USS Yalta. During the inspection, Engineering has found something, but what? Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain: BEGIN SIM Hakran K'hal: @ :: following Irene to the point of interest :: Indaura Ryssan: :: Looking over personnel records :: Maryse Dubois: ::Examining patients in sickbay, putting the new equipment through its paces.:: Rhan K'hal: :: keeping an ear on the comms :: William Chocox: #::walks up to Ensign Reynolds:: What do we have Ensign? Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene and the team stop at the rim of a depression about a hundred meters across and several meters deep - the kind of thing you don't see in a jungle very often. Not much is growing in it. :: "This is what we believe is an impact site." Irene Mincine: Val> :: Keeping one hand on the throttle, so to speak. :: Indaura Ryssan: ( I saw the word depression and I thought that was my calling ) Irene Mincine: (Wrong kind :P) Hakran K'hal: @ Let's see what we have. :: pulls out his tricorder and scans for a moment :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> ::Scratching his head as he stared at the inner panel of one of the power distribution nodes on the Elasian ship.:: Uh... that. We found it hidden behind a false wall. ::It was a strange looking thing, about the length of one's forearm, and bristled with connections and networks of all sort.:: One of the crewmen got zapped when he tried to examine it. It seems to be protected by... something. Maryse Dubois: ::Begins treatment for burns on one patient.:: Cptn Swain: $::On the surface, still at the embassy reviewing diplomatic cables.:: Hakran K'hal: @ Definitely not your average soil, indeed. Valdor, what's your take on the depression? William Chocox: #::looks at it:: Zapped how? Indaura Ryssan: :: Feeding her critters :: William Chocox: # And is he ok? Irene Mincine: @ :: Valdar is scanning as well. She wrinkles her nose. :: Valdar> "Rare earths and lanthanides everywhere. Pretty radioactive, which accounts for the lack of vegetation. We should be okay as long as we don't stay too long." Cptn Swain: Rex> ::still on the bridge at the tactical console, monitoring the situation. He hadn't seen this many ships on a tactical readout since the Dominion War. It was unsettling to say the least.:: Hakran K'hal: @ That's pretty loaded for a space rock. Rhan K'hal: EMH> :: the current generation face pops up on a console next to Maryse :: It looks like you're treating a patient. Would you like help? Hakran K'hal: @ :: frowns over his tricorder data, goes through a few settings and scans a bit more :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> Yea, he's okay. It just shocked him a little and made his hair stand on end. ::He pointed to the device.:: Take one of those tools and you'll see for yourself. So long as you're not touching conductive material, it won't hurt you. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> I think it has some kind of shielding. Irene Mincine: @ :: Valdar goes to a knee and collects a soil sample into a heavy container. :: Valdar> "Definitely not something you see every day." Maryse Dubois: ::Glares at the EMH.:: I know how to treat a burn patient, thanks. Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "We don't have much in the way of radiation treatment supplies since, you know, jungle. I don't think we should stay around here too long." Rhan K'hal: EMH> :: looks disappointed :: All right, call me if you need me. Indaura Ryssan: :: Checks her coffee maker :: Rhan K'hal: EMH> :: disappears from the screen :: William Chocox: #::rubs his chin as he thinks:: That sounds like the best explanation. You were right to alert me to this. Hakran K'hal: @ No, I don't think we want to visit the good doctor just yet. :: takes a very precise location reading :: This is something I think I'd like to get a scan of from the ship, if we can get permission. Hakran K'hal: @ Valdor, I'll want that sample analyzed asap. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> We thought about cutting power to this section, but didn't want to do anything drastic until you had a look. Maryse Dubois: :;Sighs:: That'll be the day Cptn Swain: ACTION> Flanked by several fighters painted with chrome stripes on their wings, a large, sleek silver transport skiff emerges from the surface and enters into the formation, passing by the Excalibur well enough for anyone near a view port to get . a good look before it heads towards the Soltok. Maryse Dubois: ::Finishes her patient and goes to a new one.:: Irene Mincine: @ Irene nods. Irene> "I agree. The ship's sensors would cut through the radiation much better than these tricorders." Irene Mincine: @ Valdar> "Yes, sir." :: She puts the sample container in her backpack and climbs back to her feet. :: Hakran K'hal: @ All right, anything else we should look at while we're out and about? No point getting ready twice. William Chocox: # That's the second good idea you've had, but I'm concerned that cutting the power might cause a failsafe to trip. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::glancing up to the view screen and the Elasian yacht:: They sure don't do subtle, do they? Rhan K'hal: No, and they don't care much for a ship's personal space either. That was a bit close. Irene Mincine: Carillon> :: The proximity alarm beeps on the helm console. :: "Elasian transport violated our security perimeter. Were we expecting them, sir?" William Chocox: # What happens if you scan it with a tricorder? Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene looks at her tricorder. :: "Out this way? Not too sure. It's a whole lot of thick trees in every direction." Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Glances up at the alarm, one pale brow lifting.:: Not exactly, but we'll let it slide. Looks like one of the VIPs that the Captain is supposed to meet. Rhan K'hal: :: gives Val an amused glance as we complain about the space violation at the same time :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> So what do you want us to do? ::Frowning at the device.:: Maryse Dubois: ::Looking over her new patient.:: How did you all get injured? Irene Mincine: :: Carillon looks at Rhan as well and laughs to herself. :: "We're on the ball." Cptn Swain: Rex> The ID tag has that as the Royal Yacht "Audacious." Rhan K'hal: Well named ship if I ever saw one. William Chocox: # I'm going to scan it and see if anything pops out like a failsafe. If there isn't anything there we'll cut power, if there is...we'll burn bridges once we get there. ::takes out his tricorder and starts to scan. Hakran K'hal: @ Makes you wonder why, even as a militant civilization, would they not have any scientific data from this area. Irene Mincine: @ Irene looks at her tricorder. :: "The planetary data net has nothing on this region at all, yeah. It's like they just don't care about it. The closest settlement is 800 miles to the west." Cptn Swain: Rex> I have to admit, though, they do design pretty ships. Even if all chrome sees a bit much from a transport. Irene Mincine: Carillon> "They're made to awe the competition. First impressions and all." Indaura Ryssan: :: Wonders if she should visit people at their place... :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # ACTION> Chocox's scans don't show anything to indicate the device is tied to the backup power systems. Hakran K'hal: @ :: looks at Irene :: I wonder how many of those dimples this region might have? :: gives his pointy beard a stroke or two :: I think we should head back to the camp. Tiran and I can haul all the samples back up to the ship and he can get off the hook for a bit back into the lab. I want to get started on those scans, and I can pass of Valdar's sample onto the planetary science people. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Frowns as he sees a message come across datanet:: Apparently there's a big protest on DS9 organized by the Bajorans about this deal. William Chocox: # Huh...that's interesting. It doesn't appear to be tied to the backup power systems...where is it getting its power from then? Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene nods. :: "Good idea. The sensors will be able to find more of them if they're out here, and I want to know if there are." :: Tiran grins, knowing he's going to get back to the ship soon. :: Rhan K'hal: No surprise there. Hakran K'hal: @ I'd like to keep the rest of you down here for now. It'd be easier to move to another location if we look like we're just relocating, rather than starting a whole new expedition. Hakran K'hal: @ So find some more new plants, or analyze tree animals having sex, whatever. William Chocox: # How little of the section can we cut power too? I don't want to be too much in the dark. Irene Mincine: Carillon> "I'd be protesting if I were Bajoran." Hakran K'hal: @ :: starts back to the camp at a good clip, obviously expecting everyone to keep up :: Irene Mincine: @ Irene> "Analyze trees having sex, got it." :: Valdar laughs, they follow Hakran. Irene has no trouble keeping up. Valdar is right behind her, the other two scientists are pretty behind. :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> Maybe it has its own primary generator. Ah, according to the ship plans, if we cut power to this section, it'll only be about a quarter of the deck without power. Cptn Swain: @ACTION> The @ Team hears a sort of feral scream over head and the, if they look up, a large, winged lizard looking creature soaring over the tree-tops of the jungle. William Chocox: # Alright...hmph... ::ponders a bit more. Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene looks up and whips out her tricorder hearing the yell. :: Irene> "Look at the size of that thing!" :: Tiran ducks and covers. Hakran K'hal: @ :: looks up :: And screech right back at you. I guess there's another good reason to avoid this area. Hakran K'hal: @ I think we'd best avoid any clearings until that thing decides we're too annoying to try to eat. Plus I really don't want to have to shoot anything. For all I know it's the Elasian royal mascot. William Chocox: # What is it connected to? Just the power system? Hakran K'hal: @ :: slows and takes considerably more care about his surroundings now :: Irene Mincine: @ :: Irene follows, drawing her phaser. :: "I think I'm the best shot of any of us. Just in case." :: The other scientists huddle as close as possible so they don't get grabbed by anything big and flying. :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> As far as we can tell. ::Still frowning.:: William Chocox: # Alright, let's cut power and see if that changes anything, though I would recommend we stand a bit back while doing so. Cptn Swain: ACTION> Alarms all over the Excalibur bridge start going off as reports of an explosion in the Elasian capital city's West Shore district, the location of the Federation embassy, begin coming through on civilian and military channels. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> I'm not going to argue with that. ::He retreated some distance away, waiting for Chocox to get clear before tapping in commands to cut power.:: William Chocox: # ::steps away with him:: Rhan K'hal: Oh, dammit. Rhan K'hal: Commander, we have a problem. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: Cdr Jalen Stanton> ::Slightly worried look toward Ops.:: What in the devil is going on? Rhan K'hal: There are reports of an explosion in the capital near our Embassy. Rhan K'hal: It's all over practically every channel. Cptn Swain: Rex> ::Looking at the same information coming over the tactical readouts: Irene Mincine: :: Carillon goes into hyper-awareness mode. :: "That is real bad." :: It doesn't come over the helm, but she brings it up anyway. :: Cptn Swain: ..and... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: # Ensign Reynolds> ::Engineering cuts power to that section on the Elasian ship. All systems go dark except for the bright blue glow of the device.:: William Chocox: # Well, at least we know it has its own power system. Rhan K'hal: :: tries to cut through the confusion and get some actual data, not to mention to get through to the flagship :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne: #ACTION> The device suddenly beeps and emits an EMP pulse that takes out power to the Elasian ship and all of the Away Team's devices, including their comms. Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain: PAUSE SIM

SD 1117.2019 The Excalibur continues its assignment to assist with inspection of Elasian vessels that are to be sold to the Cardassian government. Science is conducting a survey of the planet's lush, largely untouched jungles, while Medical has just been given several patients from the USS Yalta. During the inspection, Engineering has found something, but what?