Kansas_Jones

I like the "Crystal" clear version as well, City Slicker. :-P

Alright, Will, you're going to get pounced. I can't get the jingle out of my head now!!! This state of affairs cannot be tolerated! Rollin', rollin', rollin' Rollin', rollin', rollin' Rollin', rollin', rollin' Rollin', rollin', rollin' Rawhide! Rollin', rollin', rollin' Though the streams are swollen Keep them dogies rollin' Rawhide! Rain and wind and weather Hell-bent for leather Wishin' my gal was by my side. All the things I'm missin', Good vittles, love, and kissin', Are waiting at the end of my ride Move 'em on, head 'em up Head 'em up, move 'em on Move 'em on, head 'em up Rawhide Count 'em out, ride 'em in, Ride 'em in, count 'em out, Count 'em out, ride 'em in Rawhide!

Joshua, welcome to STSF. This is a wicked cool site to Trek SIM and RPG on. Enjoy and have fun!

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur has entered orbit above what appears to be Wort's seat of power. High levels of interference, along with the cloak are preventing us from completing detailed scans (e.g. finding baby); the infiltration team is standing by to transport down to begin scouting the area and putting themselves in place should negotiations fail 080831_Excal_Chat_Log.txt

I've gotten a couple of player queries about the sim tonight: unless we hear differently from Captain Corizon, the Excalibur will be meeting at our regular sim time.

"My crew knows better than to draw my ire. Good treatment for good behavior." - Colonel C.E. Harper * * * * Commander Kansas JoNs currently found herself lying flat on her stomach across the cornered flat surface edge of the desk, staring down at the carpeted decking with blood dribbling from a corner of her mouth, while her mind attempted to figure out what had just happened. The newly installed first officer of the ISS Agincourt ICC-81762 had reported to her commanding officer, per regulations, at the start of the first duty cycle following the communiqué from the Imperial Control Office that formally announced her official promotion her to the new position. The feline and Colonel Harper had spoken, congratulations were passed along from her sponsor and commanding officer, and then the conversation had moved onto ships business to be discussed. What in the Nine Rings of Hades had just happened? She had been standing at a relaxed parade rest in front of Harper’s desk. Harper had been casually leaning on the front of the desk, arms crossed. They had been discussing ships business, and what the commander’s new duties would entail … Two highly polished combat boot tips appeared in her line of vision from her vantage point over the edge of the highly polished wooden desk. … Oh wait a minute … Slim yet strong hands roughly latched onto the feline’s clothing; one grabbed at the collar of the feline’s uniform tunic, while the other gripped the back of her utility belt. Colonel Charlotte “Medusa” Harper was taller then the five foot three inch Caitian, outweighed her new first officer by at least twenty pounds, was marginally stronger, and therefore had no issues with manhandling her sometimes recalcitrant feline charge. With just a bit of effort, Harper hauled JoNs back to an upright position. These recalcitrant episodes had dropped dramatically as JoNs continued to serve her mentor Harper, both as a senior ships officer and as the one who was sponsored, this was true. This was the real world however, and every once in a while there would be a minor slip up that would draw the ire of her mentor. Thankfully, these little mistakes were never repeated twice, and overall the golden furred cat could be considered a model officer. However, this morning’s little infraction unfortunately marked one of those very annoying little events that could occasionally flash fire and blow up in JoNs’s face when the feline was least expecting any sort of retribution. One callous remark, one moment of the cocky, self-aggrandizing behavior that had so often gotten her in trouble in the past, and then, Boom! - JoNs found herself laid out face down across her commanding officers desk. The backhand had been completely unexpected, and rather vicious. As a general rule, the Colonel did not go about constantly smacking the crew. She might have felt like doing this several times throughout the duty cycles every day, but this disciplinary action for the most part was beneath someone of her station. The few times that Harper did need to impart some sort of physical contact to make a point, it was swift and to the point with just the right about of barbarity, such as today’s little episode. “Walk with me, won’t you Commander,” Harper’s breath hissed dangerously in a pointed feline ear as she confidently bum rushed her Caitian officer over towards the wide picture window that was the centerpiece of the Colonel’s ready room and office. Kansas found herself pushed up against the reinforced clear plexi-glass, with no choice but to look at the dozens of Imperial Fleet ships that were currently docked at the various berths of Starbase K-7; some ships, like the Agincourt, were already docked at a berth. Other ships were placed in a vector holding pattern and waited for the docking approach clearance to be transmitted from the station's main control office. All the vessels currently present within the galactic air space of the K-7 station had put in at the station for personnel transfers or repairs or re-supplying or any one of the dozens of mundane day to day activities that were necessary to keep an Imperial ship of the line functioning properly. The Caitian officer could also not help but catch sight of her own reflection as well as Charlotte’s in the smooth and clear glass surface; JoNs, instead of wearing her usual gold wrap around uniform tunic sported the red hued version of the garment, indicating her new status as the ships executive officer. Black uniform trousers, ending just below the knee to accommodate her cat shaped hind legs. Gold metallic mesh sash worn about her waist. A utility belt was also clasped about her waist, crammed with all manner of weapons and knives and equipment. And with her rich golden fur glistening in the overhead lighting of the office area, and her feline features giving her a predatory edge thanks to genetics, JoNs was visually the very dangerous image of the typical model Imperial Fleet officer. That is of course unless you ignored the fact that the mirror image reflected within the glass also showed a rather ticked off, yet dangerously calm marine colonel who still held the cat firmly upright by her uniform collar and the back of the belt. Oh yes, and the bleeding lip did not add to the bad ass feline image either, no it did not. “Now, tell me what you see out there in the blackness of space Commander JoNs.” “Sir, yes sir. I see the fine ships of the Imperial Fleet.” “Very good. Now, what do each and every one of those ships have in common my dear Commander?” JoNs had no idea what answer to give and she paused for a few seconds too long, prompting Harper to firmly turn the feline around to face her, pressing her back against the glass by planting a hand on one shoulder. “What do those ships have in common? Answer me. Now.” Every defensive instinct screamed for Kansas to bring her paw up and claw Harper. But, she refrained and got control of her primal instincts thanks to long practice through the years and the fact that the personal bodyguards across the room would not hesitate to vaporize the cat where she stood if she were to attack their employer. So, she held onto her instincts and choked out a whispered question. “Sponsor, I do not know.” Harper’s hard, ice blue eyed gaze did not waver, but she nodded once, satisfied with the cat’s comment. “Each ship has a command team. That command team must work together daily with each other in order to insure that the Imperial Empire dictates are carried out and the crew as a whole are kept in line. The Agincourt is of course no exception. I do not,” and at this, her voice dipped dangerously low again, “want or need an executive officer who will become cocky with a taste of her new power. You are not a god, or immune to getting your butt drop-kicked by the brass and taking me along for the ride.” “Sir, yes sir. My comment regarding having a license to do what I want as an executive officer was misplaced. I-I truly meant no harm, and of course I would not abuse my new position …. a-and …I-I’d never leave your back unguarded, Colonel Harper.” Kansas silently cursed herself for allowing the tremor of panic into her purred vocal tones. "It's not my back I'm worried about, Kitten," Harper growled softly, "it's the entire bleeding brass coming down in my face." By now, the "kitten’s" ears had gone completely flat from a combination of fear, anger and annoyance at herself and the situation in general. She shifted slightly in Charlotte's grip, and looked her sponsor square in the eyes. "I truly meant no harm. All I meant was that perhaps with my new found security access as an XO, and with my established contacts, I might find some high level information that we can use against certain members of the Admiralty." "Lovely thought," the colonel replied, with seeming casualness. "Go about it the way you were shooting your mouth off and you'll have the shortest tenure as XO on record. Got me?" JoNs broke the eye contact and fixated her gaze at a spot down on the carpeted office decking. "Yes sir. And understood sir. It is my honor to serve as your Executive Officer, I'd hope that you'd know this." Is she like, going to let go of me soon? The plexi-glass is rather ... cold. Oh dear gods, was that out loud? Oh gods, did I think that? Right? Her gaze then shot again to Charlotte. The sharp blow to the face had addled her a bit, this was for certain. Harper slowly lowered the Caitian back to the decking. "Good, Commander. Very good." Pleased that her paws met the firm decking again, the feline tried to further make amends with her commanding officer and sponsor. She again ventured a quick look into the woman's ice blue eyes and then abruptly fixed her gaze out the large picture window to the Imperial ships jockeying for berthing positions all about the large space station. "I, of course, will not go digging about for Intelligence information on the collective Admiralty of the Imperial Fleet. It was merely a thought. A misguided thought even. I would never knowingly bring unwanted attention onto this ship Colonel." Her gaze visually tracked a Steamrunner class vessel, the ISS Hellfire, as it moved parallel to the Agincourt’s own docked position. The colonel leaned back against her desk. "Discretion, Commander. Discretion." Also thankful that the marine had put a short amount of distance between the two - Medusa had this habit of very much getting in your personal space, like a quiet and deadly panther - JoNs tentatively stayed where she was over by the window while she ventured a statement. "I understand discretion. But, there are also times where boldness and well placed networks of deceit can work just as well. I am just saying that if we wished to, we could very much exploit the Intelligence gathering resources at our disposal as a command team." She smiled slightly. "What makes you think I don't?” Thoroughly depressed now - and really, this day had started out fantastic - JoNs's ears drooped and her gaze again went out the plexi-glass window to check on the taxiing progress of the Hellfire. "So. I'm a day late and a credit short. Again." "No, just a junior officer," Harper assured her. "You'll get the hang of it." The Caitian feline sighed. One ear flipped back and her gaze came around to find Harper again. "Ma'am, not to be bold, but you don't necessarily need to always get physical with me in order to make a disciplinary point, when a simple few words will do; I am not a child." Kansas brought a fore paw up to her muzzle and a pink tongue darted out of her mouth to dab at a few droplets of blood that had splashed on the paw. The colonel's expression chilled again. "You stop acting like a child, Kitten, and I'll stop smacking you down." She stood up, straightening to her full height. "Dismissed, Commander." * * * * Written by: Colonel C.E. "Medusa" Harper and Commander Kansas "Will" JoNs

08.30.08 USS Agincourt NCC-81762 “OMG!” “… so apparently, Lieutenant Colonel Day got the fragging bright idea to mouth off to some big shot of an Admiral while he was issuing orders for the Agincourt to head off to handle some issues on Acamar. Now, because of her general attitude, from what I can gather, some fallout has come on down the line. Or should I say that the sh*t has rolled downhill? Is that the fragging saying that the humans use? Anyway, having two marines in charge of a Fleeter ship is now not fragging regulation enough - even though the command track record of the two Sharks is superb, in my opinion – and personnel changes have come on down the line. Colonel Harper remains as our commanding officer, while Day is still listed on the marine roster. And you, Elder Guardian mine, are now looking at the new la tee fragging da Executive Officer of the USS Agincourt. Captain Left Ear JoNs of the USS Yellowjacket, I am Commander Kansas JoNs, Executive Officer, at your fragging service ma’am. Now isn’t that one heck of a situation report?” Kansas scowled fiercely and an annoyed snarl reverberated across the communications link. Wow. The Kitten hadn’t been this cranky since she had that impacted fang dental issue when she was sixteen. Acting Captain MVess “Left Ear” JoNs, older cousin to the cranky commander and currently the ships commanding officer to the Yellowjacket, paused for a couple of seconds to carefully consider her response and gazed at her guardian child from her end of the visual wireless data feed. The younger JoNs had contacted her Guardian as soon as she was able to on the older feline’s personal communications line. The best way to describe this “emergency call” was as the Oh My Gods, What The Heck Just Happened And Why Am I Now The Executive Officer Communiqué. Left Ear cleared her throat in a trilling purr and proceeded to tread lightly with her response. “You know Kitten, this really isn’t all that unexpected and I think you know that. Earth took a serious blow with that Soltan bombing attack. And I know I really don’t need to tell you the number of officers and cadets that were all killed in action or who are still reported as missing in action. The Starfleet can and will move personnel around within the fleet in order to combat the sudden shortage of able bodied officers. In your case, it was an internal swap; it’s not much comfort, but at least you are remaining on your original posting.” Kansas exploded again. “Screw that! I know that I’ve had the officer training, and when I signed on I knew that there would be the chance that I’d command a ship or at least be one half of a command team someday. But, this is straight up targsh*t! I might as well say it's technically a battlefield promotion!” Wow. Cranky kitten indeed. “Kitten, will you please just listen to me? This whole situation is a battlefield, for lack of a better description. As I said, the Fleet brass … or should I say the surviving Fleet brass? Are just bolstering and reforming the surviving officers and crewmen. I myself have a newly assigned assistant chief engineer. The boy is nineteen years old - you even have fangs older then him – and he was just completing his sophomore year at the academy when the attack hit the Earth. Thank the gods that he and about fifty more cadets were away on Mars for training maneuvers. Now, he finds himself a full el tee, and is the senior assistant to my chief engineering officer. I’ve been hearing rumors that the boy has thrown up, twice, during this last shift due to nerves.” The younger golden furred Caitians bright green and inquisitive eyes flickered as her gaze shot to a point other then her data feed screen and then finally re-fixed on the image of the older brown furred feline. “Um. Twice. I threw up twice once I made it back to my quarters and before I contacted you.” The elder Caitian offered a gentle fanged smile of sympathy. “It’s not easy, I know. I couldn’t keep any food down for at least twenty four hours the first time I was promoted to a full on leadership role. Have you spoken at length with either colonel about the changing of the guard?” “Not yet, not after the initial verbal exchange of the orders passed down by the Admiral that Day ticked off. She beamed down to the surface of Vulcan and located myself and Colonel Harper in order to inform us.” “Is the Agincourt still maintaining an orbital vector at Vulcan?” “Aye. The ship and about half the command staff and department heads had been on temporary detachment assignment to the planet Acamar while myself and a few others offered Soltan tactical testimony to the surviving Federation council members here on Vulcan. The Acamar situation was the mission that Day got all snippy about to the Admiral.” The younger feline snorted. “So, she mouths off, he gets his feelings hurt, and I end up with a face full of responsibility? You know, I’d love to take an assassination contract out on Murphy and Fate and drill ‘em both right in the ass with a phaser … “ Left Ear nodded. “Don’t get hostile Kitten. A little anger at the blind side promotion is fine, but you know better then to let your anger cloud your judgment. You’ve been taught better then that.” She deftly changed the subject to the galactic concerns that seemed to be on everyone’s - both civilian and officer alike – mind. “I heard about the remnants of the government re-convening on Vulcan for a little damage control. How did it go?” “I don’t have to tell you that officially I can’t really comment until the findings are released to the general public. But since you’re not the general public and the word will spread among the Fleet officers more quickly anyway, I can say that with everything that was covered during the proceedings I feel pretty confident that eventually the Alpha Quadrant will be well protected from another attack, and Starfleet of course can’t leave a hostile Soltan force out there winging around the galaxy. The Soltan attack force got the checkmate, and now the Federation Fleet needs to go for their King so to speak.” Kansas stopped speaking, let out a puffed sigh through her muzzle, and then ran a big golden paw across her face. “Enough with my bellyaching. How are things going over there on the Yellowjacket?” The elder JoNs shrugged. “What can I say? We’re still repairing or trying to repair the damage we suffered during the blitz on the Earth. For now, I remain as her acting captain, but I’ve also heard tell of rumors that the Fleet commanders are planning on disbanding the crew and scrapping the Yellowjacket. You know I’ll fight it, but I also have to face the facts and know when to be practical. We lost over half the crew during the skirmish and this old Norway class is staying together with bubble gum and spit and quite a few prayers. I’ll handle it. Don’t worry about me.” Left Ear paused and one brown ear flipped backward as she continued to regard her younger counterpart. “Have you spoken to your parents about this yet?” “And tell them what? Hello Mother and Father, I just got promoted to Executive Officer because a marine mouthed off and I’ve also thrown up twice now.” Kansas shook her head slightly. “I don’t think so. Besides, they are still in the process of getting settled on the family homestead on Cait.” The Earth attack had brought on an early retirement for the elderly parents from their civilian jobs with the Starfleet Academy. The two JoNs’s had promptly relocated back to Cait, and Kansas honestly could not blame her parents, not in the least. “I’ll tell them Left Ear, I promise.” She glanced at the chronometer inset mounted on her desk and scowled. “Look, MVess, my break is almost up and I need to get back to the bridge and act like I know what in Hades I’m doing. I’ll contact you again later?” “Any time of the day or night Kitten, you know that. And calm down before you make yourself sick, you hear?” Some of Kansas’s humor resurfaced at that moment, and she let loose with a purred trill of laughter. “Too late Guardian! I already yakked twice, remember?” Her smiled faded as quickly as it had come. “But, I will calm down. It’s just, this is all so sudden … “ “I know it is, and it won’t be an easy path as you settle in. But eventually, you will adapt and settle in – just like a good security officer. Keep your head in the game, have one or two options to fall back on, and you’ll weather this situation like you always do.” Kansas was tired and emotionally spent, and the stress showed on her feline features, giving her the outward appearance of a stretched thin corpse. But, she managed a fanged smile for her Elder Guardian at the pep talk. “Thank you Left Ear and I’ll talk with you later. JoNs out.”

No offense meant to any relatives who might work for the company, but yes - Comcast can have "moments". Back in 2006, I do believe Comcast was making some local changes and upgrades to my area, but nothing official was announced or customers warned if you get my drift? If a problem call came in, my opinion has always been the company dealt with it on a case by case problem basis. So, it would be issues such as no internet for long periods of time, no connection, and then Boom, the internet was working again. That sort of thing. Ahem. Of course, this *had* to occur the same two weeks when the Agincourt Mirror plot started. Mirror Plot. You know, that thing I tend to, um, go all obsessive over? I was half freaking out because the 'Net started to act up during the 'Court. Service calls were placed, some issues getting a tech out to the house, that sort of thing. Although, I admit, the service call wasn't dropped four times, and within about four days the connection/neighborhood was back to normal. Good luck Sam! Was wondering where ya went. ::throws a life line down into the Abyss::

08.27.08 Agincourt Mission Update: TBS: 18 Hours - The surviving Federation council members decide that a task force will be eventually formed and deployed to deal with the looming Soltan threat. - Local Alpha Quadrant planetary militias will also be formed as an added defense bonus. - The “Soltan Defensive Net” that our Science department has been exploring for the Alpha Quadrant is also considered a viable option and will be further looked into and developed. - Colonel Harper suggested to the Council that it would be a wise course to fully reverse engineer the Soltan warp drive and equip the aforementioned task force with this option. - The Agincourt arrives in planetary orbit over Vulcan. - We have a brand spanking new Executive Officer. Be gentle with her. :-P

::Le Boo Yah Happy POUNCE!!!!:: Happy Birthday!! Captain, My Captain!! Have a good one one!!

08.20.08 Agincourt Mission Update: TBS: 8 Hours - The elections on Acamar are beginning to wind down and the clan factions in general are dispersing from the designated geographic voting areas. However, there are still some minor skirmishes and scuffles taking place in certain areas. Local Acamaran police squads called the Agincourt teams in for further assistance. Eventually, the ornery factions are subdued and some arrests are made by the local police forces. - Meanwhile, the council interview process continues, with both offensive and defensive strategies explored with regard to the Soltan and Selshan fall out situation. Covert operations is one option considered and then the council discussion delved into the general exploration mission adopted by the Agincourt while the crew was traversing the Perseus Arm as another counter option. It would seem that both at home defense as well as an offensive “going to find the enemy” strategy are equally being considered as options and discussions. - A Hydra Complex was specifically mentioned by Lieutenant Commander Condacin. Going directly after the Soltan soldiers of the Selshan would still leave the Hydra head, the Selshan, in a command position. Yet attacking the Selshan full on is somewhat suicidal due to the soldier defensive caste of their servants, the Soltan. - The Agincourt pulls out from the Acamar mission and eventually gets underway back to Vulcan.

MISSION BRIEF: Senior staff has gathered in the observation lounge to discuss possible options for getting the baby back. 080817_Excal_Chat_Log.txt

08.17.08 Excal Mission Update: TBS: One (1) Day The senior staff has gathered in the main observation lounge to discuss getting the Zier baby back from the Boganary raiders and their leader, the Auntie Wort. Our tentative plan of action is as follows: 1.) Sneak into the inner territory under the cover of the cloaking device 2.) Recon the area and gather more intelligence 3.) Get our people in place on the Boggie planet itself 4.) Draw the main Boggie defense fleet away with probe decoys 5.) Negotiate, and ask for baby Julie Zier back Lieutenant Ramson and her fighter pilots will remain on standby alert. The Science and Engineering departments are responsible for rigging the decoy probes. Security and Marines will jointly plan the landing parties, and jamming any adversary communications lines was assigned to Lieutenant Victria of security. We haz planz. Boo Yah.

Totally! No way those girls were 16. Twelve, thirteen, tops. And did I hear a rumor one was missing a tooth? Age policy. Right.

Now, with regard to DS9 being represented in the current incarnation of the STSF ships? I myself just picture all the non canon ships/stations docked around the canon station, awaiting new orders. The SFOL fleet representation is also very nice, btw. The USS Illustrator? I have to ask: was this sim crewed by people who worked as Illustrators in real life? The USS Federation? I'm no expert on the ship classes, but most of the time I can eyeball a design and recognize a ship. But, I do not recognize that ship class of the Federation. Looks like the saucer section is a smaller Prometheus design and attached to the main hull and nacelle design that looks like a blunt Galaxy class design? And the Delta space station reminds me of the design of the Regula One station from Trek 2, although if I recall, Regula only sported one tower.

Had to comment regarding the Swedish olympic wrestler, Abrahamian, who pulled off his Bronze medal in disgust during the flag ceremony. The reason? "He came here for a Gold medal". So ... he represents his country as a whole, is obviously the best of the best if he even made it to the Olympics, has trained for the competition for who knows how many years, and proceeds to tarnish all that and throw the work and preparation away with one stupid action. I also read he did a little temper tantrum act, argued with the referree call, had to be restrained, and slammed a door or two. And, no one is even mentioning the other Gold and Silver winners who had their moment upended by his actions during the ceremony. He's sure getting the press though isn't he, rather then the Gold winner? Supposedly, the Olympic committee is considering disciplinary action against Abrahamian. I hope the officials slam this little Man Princess with so many sanctions or whatever that his head spins. I can't believe people like this man get sent to the Olympics and there's some fourteen year old kid who dreams of going and is unable to and then we get stuck with the pleasure of watching the fallout from a jack@ss like Arahamian. It's just an unfortunate thing, ya know? Overall, I'm sure good sportsmanship is the order of the day at the Olympics. And, I didn't but this little blurb here as a springboard for some of the more world debate oriented individuals to comment on the political side of the countries or what have you. Let's keep it Olympics oriented folks, thanks.

This log (nice one guys) fits perfectly with the on going Season 3 discussion, so I klepped this section. Here's the deal: 1.) I absolutely loved the Soltan/Perseus Arm Mission and I thought the whole thing rocked out. But, considering we role played that scenerio for over a year in real life simming, and had opportunties to get into several action (Soltan prison planet, space battles) scenerios in this sector, I have no desire to head back onto that Soltan/story arc - or the Perseus - at least *right this second*. 2.) But this leads me to my next in character point. From a logical standpoint, while the characters might want to go into Soltan kick butt mode, that's not feasible right now with the Alpha Quadrant reeling from the attack on Earth. Alpha stability needs to be maintained, tactical options and plans and responses need to be explored, and then the Starfleet and her officers can move back onto the larger story arc of what to do with the Soltans. So, in the meantime, all the surviving officers (and there's the key term there, surviving officers. The Fleet lost a lot of officers, and can't just send off a military task force to attack a superior power) deal with the home Quadrant problems such as the Acamar or a council session on tactics. - Once the home quadrant is stabilized, then boom: there's your opportunity to jet back to a past story plot. 3.) And honestly: why the Agincourt? Considering we spent how many months in Perseus ... how do we know that certain Fleet bigwigs don't consider us a security risk right now? Why not send another ship to sort out the Soltan mess? I mean I know the 'Court and her officers are the stars of the game, and of course the crew would get sent back to the Perseus for some Soltan hunting, but y'all know what I mean.

08.13.08. Agincourt Mission Update: TBS: 12 Hours Vulcan: - The Federation governmental council session continues onward as the away team members continue to relay the collected Soltan knowledge. Shadow is introduced to the officials and Fleet officers in attendance. Our resident energy being is questioned about his job as a Seeker of knowledge within the Agincourt sciences department along with the duties he performs to assist the crew. This First Contact went well. - The government council panel then began to address the question of the Soltan turning process as well as their weapons and offensive capabilities and what can be done tactically in order to defend against these capabilities. - A transcript character log illustrates the turning process as recorded by Lieutenant Commander “Sin” Condacin. - http://www.stsf.net/forums/index.php?showt...amp;#entry83674 Agincourt: - The ‘Court enters into a vector orbit above the planet of Acamar. Marine and Security officers are deployed to the surface. Tensions continue to run high due to the planetary elections. - Both the Squids and the Sharks sport the black Special Ops BDU’s for this peacekeeping force mission. Lieutenant Commander “Flux” Kassem accompanies the landing party as the ranking officer on the planetary surface. - On the bridge of the Prometheus class vessel, Science Officer Julio offered some insight into the clan based cultural structure of the Acamarans while Master Chief Keltex manned the bridge tactical station in order to relay and monitor the ground teams. Engineering was informed by Lieutenant Colonel “Paradox” Day to standby for possible orbital bombardment. Kitteh Questions: - Putting aside the fact that Acamar has a history of clan faction based chaos, can we expect more unrest rippling across the Alpha Quadrant in situations such as this? - Did the incursion of the Soltan into Alpha space and the attack on Earth merely light a flash fire of unrest that will continue to burn across the worlds of the Alpha sector?

This chart is so my new PC wallpaper. Nice and thank you Sorehl. EDIT: already added to the work computer and I'm geeking out and showing it to my co-workers. :-P Looking forward to the next update where we have the whole posse represented.

::geeks out and gets all happy at the visual aid:: That chart is wicked cool!

I can totally handle being used as a verb. And I hope that the spokesperson, Emmett, isn't teasing us about STO perhaps being released on XBox 360. I'm a 360 owner who does not want to fork over the cash for a new desktop/laptop rig or updates for my current dinosaur (2003) desktop in order to play STO. I tried PC online MP gaming for about a year (Elite Force 2 and Enemy Territory), and then switched back over to console gaming. Honestly, console based gaming is easier with less game updates and game patch headaches, without the worry of this graphics card or that system requirement, so yes, I hope Emmett isn't being a tease. And I don't intend this comment as a battle of the gaming systems. I love Trek, I'd like to see the STO game move forward, but as an adult gamer with various real life bills and other real life concerns besides gaming, I just do not have the desire to invest in a new rig in order to play STO. I'd welcome a possible STO port over to the 360.

Note: this character log is set during the 12 hour TBS, and the Soltan tactical information paragraph is a retread from a past JoNs log: Soltan Weapons and Tactical Information: http://www.stsf.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=13628 08.09.08 USS Agincourt NCC-81762 “Young and Old” Kansas JoNs waited in a small office anteroom set off the main council chambers, idly toying with a stylus pen between two sharp fore claws. In addition to the main council session, various smaller sessions, consisting of one on one or two on one interviews were being conducted by the council members or various council officers in attendance of the session with the representatives from the Agincourt. The Caitian officer had volunteered to impart the tactical knowledge that her department had gleaned from their exposure to both the Soltan weapons and the few ship to ship encounters. Honestly, while the tactical information was valuable, it was also limited; she really wasn’t expecting the meeting to go on for any sort of extended period. “Lieutenant Commander JoNs.” A tall and slender ranking officer entered through the office’s open doorway, nodding to the council guard on duty outside as he did so. “Commodore Sorov. Starfleet Tactical. I will be conducting our meeting today.” The older Vulcan offered his right hand in the classic human gesture of greeting. The very human gesture enacted by the Vulcan tripped JoNs up, but not to the point where she balked. The younger feline easily fell into the standard greeting practice and grasped his slender and long fingered hand in a large furry paw. “Commodore.” Sorov briskly continued on his way around the desk set in the middle of the room and took his seat, while JoNs reseated herself in one of the two guest chairs set opposite and facing the main chair on the other side of the desk. Her tail tip curled demurely around her lower left leg at the ankle. The commodore perused a data Padd and then fixed the younger cat with his gray eyes. “I see from the biographical updates transmitted from your ships data banks that you are a bit of a disciplinary problem.” Hi there. My name is Mister Subtle Vulcan. JoNs went completely still and flipped an ear back. “Excuse you and pardon me sir?” With an effort she kept her tone neutral, but the growled consonants in her semi annoyed tone were hard to miss. Sorov merely raised an eyebrow at the show of emotion. “It is true that the main fleet communications array and data storage facility have been and are still compromised from the Soltan attack, but eventually the biography upgrades and records from the Agincourt were transmitted over the roving wireless network that is being established among the alpha quadrant ships. I merely took it upon myself to research on the officer I would be meeting with.” “And you feel my personal background is relevant to our meeting Commodore?” “Indeed. The Agincourt and her crew figure prominently in the news feed networks across the quadrants. You and your comrades were lost in space shortly after the ships maiden voyage, dealt with unknown enemies in a sector that is for all intents and purposes is still vastly unexplored, and the Agincourt was present on the literal front lines when the Soltan fleet invaded the quadrant and attacked the Earth. Indeed, you and your crewmates are even more so exposed with your direct dealings with our new foe and concerns. I myself at least, want to know the sort of people and beings that are manning this exploratory warship, and who bring us this necessary tactical information in order to begin to mount a defense against the Soltan.” “That’s all very well and good sir, but this is not a personal inquiry … “ Sorov easily interrupted JoNs, his deep and silky voice accustomed to heading meetings and summits and conferences for decades. “Commander, I find it intriguing that one as young as you maintains both the positions of second officer and chief of security. Especially in light of various recorded reprimands for events such as unauthorized access to medical supplies and,” the Vulcan touched the Padd data screen to scroll the information further along, “you were highly active during the Perseus Arm mission. A common brawl in some gods forsaken backwater tavern, remanded to marine basic training for unauthorized counter actions against unspecified orders from your commanders … “ The gray haired Vulcan trailed off and pinned JoNs again with his gray eyes, placing the Padd down with a gentle click on the gleaming silver toned surface of the desk. Kansas had remained stock still during Sorov’s entire spiel against her. The term character assassination came to mind even though all of the content in her biographical profile was of course true. One paw rested casually on the desktop, flat on the surface with no claws out. The only outward showing of her annoyance was that her golden furred tail had flared out, but thankfully she had managed to avoid lashing it about and the appendage was still set below eye level. “ … With all due respect,” you arrogant hiss-taha, “Commodore Sorov, my fleet record is not the concern here. What tactical information I can offer regarding the Soltan is the concern. I would let my record in its entirety speak for itself, but as it seems that you are more interested in the black marks scattered throughout my profile, I won’t waste my breathe trying to convince you. I am very capable at what I do, it just so happens that I at times I employ unorthodox methods. If you really wish to pursue a discussion on these disciplinary,” need a word. Need another description besides frag ups, "transgressions then I do suggest you speak with either one of my commanding officers." And I would love to see one or both of them handle you and put you in your place Commodore. “In the meantime, do we not have other business to attend to?” The golden furred Caitian pointedly picked up one of the two data storage Padds set in a neat line next to her briefcase on her side of the desktop, signaling what she hoped was an end to the current conversation. She held it out to the Commodore who took it without taking his eyes from hers, and Kansas as well refused to look away from him. Finally, Sorov broke the eye contact to peruse the tactical contents contained on the device. “That contains all of the relevant data gathered by my security guards and armory crews during our months in the Perseus Sector. The data has been broken down into both graphic chart sections as well as text. I can paraphrase if you’d like.” Sorov nodded for her to continue. “Weapons wise, my armory teams discovered that the Soltan soldiers use a dual capability hand grade weapon that transforms from a gel-like ball into a weapon molding perfectly to the users hand grip as well as an energy rifle configuration with a special custom grip conducive to Soltan anatomy and physiology that can not be operated by non-Soltans.” Kansas offered a mild purr before continuing. “Tactically, my bridge tactical officers discovered that a morphing weapon causes a subspace vortex used by the Soltan to travel from sector to sector, and this temporarily interferes with our comms and sensors, and will show as a disruption in local subspace. While the vortex weapon is in use, the combatant ship experiences a power increase and no weapons are employed while vortex is in use. Our general speculation was that the vortex weapon uses a large quantity of power to form, maintain and operate. Any of the officers manning the bridge tactical station were given standard orders to try and focus our programs and scanners on the specific period from the communications and sensor interference, the power spike and the weapons dampening, as this cycle may contain an exploitable vulnerability point to the combatant ship. At least, this is and was the working theory.” The meeting length confirmed JoNs’s initial hunch, and only lasting for about twenty standard minutes. The Commodore asked several questions regarding the recorded tactical data, downloaded or recorded any relevant information on his own data storage spike, and the lieutenant commander fielded his questions to the best of her ability and knowledge. She was still annoyed at the man, but she’d be damned if she showed Sorov full on how she felt. There was something to be said in taking the better part of valor and going the high road. At least, this was what she had been taught growing up, and engaging the man in bickering conversation would serve no logical purpose. “Very well Lieutenant Commander. I believe this concludes our meeting. Thank you for coming.” JoNs just nodded. “Commodore.” The feline began to gather up and situate her data reference Padds and briefcase, while Sorov moved on past her towards the entrance way to the office. The gray haired commodore paused just within the doorway and turned again to his younger line officer counterpart. “And JoNs?” Dancing dangerously into what could be considered insubordination, Kansas merely flipped a golden furred ear back in silent response to the question. The Commodore gave the cat what was definitely a gentle smirk, for a Vulcan. “One parting question Lieutenant Commander. How would you have responded to my questioning six months ago?” “I would have either told you to frag off or vaulted over the table at you Commodore.” If anything, the frank statement brought more of a twinkle to the serene Vulcan’s gaze. “Indeed. I find that service tenure and experience has a way of evening out even the most raw and green officers.” Kansas paused for a beat, accepted the veiled compliment graciously, and offered a small smile to the ranking officer. “Marine training also tends to ground an officer as well.” “Indeed. Good day Lieutenant Commander.” “And to you, Commodore.”

08.06.08 Agincourt Mission Update: TBS: 12 Hours - The Agincourt warped off to Acamar to help with some political brush fires that were flaring on the planet. The away team remained on Vulcan to impart the gathered Soltan intelligence and tactical information to the council members. - Colonel Day appointed Buddha Mathews to head the marines and Buzzsaw MRyll to oversee the sciences and security departments in the interim until the members of the Vulcan away team return. - So far the council session goes smoothly, and no one on the away team has had an allergic reaction (flesh and blood solids and energy beings alike) to all the brass.

Sin, here's the plan: meet me out in back of the Council chambers during the lunch break. After we dump all our data with some boyishly good looking yeoman type aide guy who can pass it along, we totally bolt. Two words: Sand Surfing. w00ters!

Your cover is blown there Casper. That is a wild news story though.