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Thread: Star Trek RPG - Mission #1: "On the Brink"

  1. #1101
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    In the mess hall, on a short break from the investigation, Collins savors a cup of coffee as she reads messages from home. Her great-great-great-grandmother, bless her heart, still puts ink to paper; how sweet. It's nice to know the family is all doing well, since Jeremi knows it will be a long time before she'll see any of them again.
    She finishes one cup and gets another one to drink while she reviews the case notes.

  2. #1102
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    Dr. Brownlock submits a written proposal of a Vulcan mind meld to the Captain and First Officer. He has researched mind melds and provides instances when they were used by Starfleet and why. He states in the proposal that George's death might very well be linked to the Eruunlac and the mystery surrounding them. A specific cause for George's death might lead to some answers vital to the investigation. He also submits a copy of his proposal to Drs. Villa and Noel.

    Ens. Hayes is thrilled to receive an autographed copy (in ancient book form no less!) of "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens from a classmate and good friend of hers from the 2262 graduating class at New York University. Rachel is very pleased to add this book to her growing collection of ancient Earth literature.

  3. #1103
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    Fujishiro expresses again her sympathy for Giya, but doesn't have any advice beyond making complaints up the chain of command.

    She tries to establish contacts with scientists from the various Banij factions. Besides looking for those in similar fields to herself, she'll send introductions of interested Banij scientists to appropriate Federation ones.

    She eagerly receives a small package. Inside, very carefully packed, is a kilogram of tea leaves. She smiles broadly when she sees that the leaves have not been bruised or broken. These will last for quite a while.

    Fujishiro begins to ask around to see who is interested in learning the tea ritual. While some versions have a single host and a handful of guests, the one she is practiced at requires a large group.

  4. #1104
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    Singh is intrigued by Dr. Brownlock's proposal for a Vulcan mind-meld, and calls a senior staff meeting to discuss it. The First Officer is in favor of it, and the Chief Medical Officer, as noted earlier, has no objection to it. What is your advice to the Captain?

    Fujishiro finds the Banij physicists to whom she speaks very grateful for introductions to Federation specialists in the same field. She sees that these kinds of professional linkages just might help with the process of Banij Prime's eventual application for Federation membership.

    Lt. JG Cecilia Bennett, an Englishwoman, happens to see Fujishiro open her package of tea and smiles. "Ooh, tea! I love tea! Please pardon me for prying, Ensign. What kind is it? Who sent it to you?" The navigator suggests that the Lyceum would probably sponsor a demonstration of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

  5. #1105
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    Collins tells the Captain she's in favor of anything that will help the investigation.

  6. #1106
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    Ens. Hayes would love to learn more about tea rituals. She definitely wants to participate.

    Hayes agrees with Collins regarding the mind meld, though she does express her concerns regarding safety and also privacy issues for the security personnel involved. She believes the best course of action would be to ask for volunteers -- from security and Vulcan crew members.

    Dr. Brownlock loves his tea, of course, so he's interested in anything that has to do with it.

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    Mahmoud checks the Deck 5 compartment directly above the Brig, just above where the unmarked cylinder and miniaturized control box were found, and discovers that it is vacant living quarters, last occupied two months earlier. The lock was bypassed by someone with a Security override code sometime in the past week, but the record was then wiped. Upon careful scanning by Mahmoud and de la Paz, it's clear that the carpet was pulled back and the deck plating cut open and then resealed. After consulting with Dr. Brownlock, Mahmoud learns that the DNA traces on the inside of the cylinder were those of George himself. He reports all of this to Vargas and Collins.

  8. #1108
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    From the latest information gathered by Security, Dr. Brownlock is more certain than ever that George's death is the result of foul play. To keep him silent? "The plot thickens," Brownlock mutters. Nigel is convinced that a Vulcan mind meld is just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully, those in charge will think so as well.

  9. #1109
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    Collins reviews her crewmates notes and findings. With furrowed brow and a tilted head, she asks "Could George have poisoned himself? But how could he have gotten aboard the Yorktown before we found him on the alien ship? Who is his accomplice?"

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    Does Collins intend anyone to overhear her, or are those rhetorical questions?

    Capt. Singh approves a mind meld with any or all of the Eruunlac. Of the three Vulcan crewmembers aboard, however, Ens. Sasok of Engineering (Delaney's cabinmate) very reluctantly tells Vargas and Collins that, although he has performed them in the past, he respectfully declines to do one now, especially with an alien species of which he knows so little. Singh will not order Sasok to do so. Crewman T'Pas of Command and Spec/1 Tovek of Sciences have never done mind melds and don't even know how.

    Thalen, for the Lyceum, tells Fujishiro the group will be happy to schedule a Japanese tea ceremony, open to the crew. Science Officer Roble and Chief Engineer Cheverez hear the scuttlebutt and both tell her, in passing, that they'd be interested in attending.

    Personnel transfers to and from the Sugihara are nearly complete. About a dozen Yorktown personnel are leaving and/or being replaced. Perhaps most notably, you all meet Ens. Velir Rangin, the ship's new Xenobiology Officer, when he comes aboard.

    This is Appleciders's new character; see the setup thread.

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    Collins was standing with Cmdr. Vargas and Ens. Mahmoud when she asked all those as yet unanswered questions.

  12. #1112
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    Delaney is excited his latest tech journal library has caught up with him. Otherwise he is back to investigating his findings from the alien ship, the new culture and of course look for ways to improve efficiency in the ships systems.

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    Collins wonders aloud, "Could George have poisoned himself? But how could he have gotten aboard the Yorktown before we found him on the alien ship? Who is his accomplice?"

    Vargas says thoughtfully, "I suppose he might have poisoned himself, Mr. Collins, but the autopsy found no sign of poison. And why would he commit suicide in such an elaborate way, waiting until he'd left his own ship and was in custody?"

    Mahmoud nods. "I also don't see how he could have placed the gas bomb overhead from within his cell, sir. It had clearly been placed from above, and he would've had no way of knowing he would be placed in that particular cell. And if he had an accomplice... well, we still don't know who placed the first gas bomb, in the conference room."

    Now that the captured alien ship has departed, Delaney enjoys a little more free time. Life is good for the young engineer.

  14. #1114
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    To herself, Collins thinks "Man, I cannot wait until I am off duty."

  15. #1115
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    Rangin takes a deep breath and steps off the transporter pad. He shoulders his bag of personal possessions and gently lifts the case that carries his Nhorel mask. He forces up a grin to cover his nervousness and speaks up: "Ensign Rangin reporting. Could I ask for a little assistance in carrying these to my quarters?"

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    A lovely young brunette in a gold Command dress steps forward, smiling, and says with a distinct English accent, "Welcome aboard the Yorktown, Ensign. I'm Lt. JG Cecilia Bennett. I'm a navigator and also the New Crew Liaison Officer. Anything you need to know, any questions you have, just say the word." She nods to the transporter chief. "Chief Brady will arrange for your gear to be stowed in your quarters. If you'll follow me, please, I'll take you to report to the First Officer, Cmdr. Vargas." That is indeed what your orders from Starfleet direct you to do.

    Cmdr. Pablo Vargas rather distractedly acknowledges your arrival and then almost immediately dismisses you, turning his attention back to an Arab officer holding a data tablet. Bennett rolls her eyes once you've stepped out of Vargas's office, sighs and says, "Sorry about that. Cmdr. Vargas isn't in the best of moods today." She then leads you to the Bridge, introducing you to both the Captain and the Science Officer, who greet you much more warmly.

    "We can always use an outstanding xenobiologist," Capt. S.P. Singh says, shaking your hand with an iron grip. "You're the first Coridanite to serve aboard the Yorktown, as it happens, and I hope you'll find your tour of duty to be very fulfilling."

    Lt. Cmdr. Abdi Roble adds, "This is a good ship and a good crew, Ensign. I know you have a lot to offer the Sciences Department. After you've settled in, please page me."

    Other players may meet and greet Rangin now, either on the Bridge, in a turbolift or in a corridor as he goes to his quarters with Bennett.
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 12 Sep 2011 at 09:13 PM.

  17. #1117
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    Collins steps off the turbolift onto the bridge as Lt. Bennet is introducing a new crewman to Lt. Cmdr. Roble. "Wow," Jeremi thinks, "a Coridanite. Cool." and continues on to Cmdr. Vargas. "Sir," she says to the First Officer, "I am completely stumped. I know there is an obvious clue I am missing, like it's in my peripheral vision, but when I turn to look, it disappears. I am good at keeping the peace, and guarding what needs to be guarded, but investigation, however much it fascinates me, has never been my strong suit."

  18. #1118
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    Ens. Hayes is walking with Dr. Brownlock to the Mess Hall for a chat about George and the latest information. Brownlock nods absently at the Coridanite, as if he's seen lots of them before. Hayes stops and smiles. "I'm Rachel Hayes, Xenosociologist. Welcome aboard, Mr. Rangin. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you get settled."

  19. #1119
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    Vargas rubs the bridge of his nose tiredly and says, "I understand, Mr. Collins, and I confess I have no better ideas than you at the moment. I think you and Mr. Mahmoud have, between you, run down virtually every lead, and explored just about every possibility. Some mysteries, I'm afraid, are simply insoluble."

    As Hayes and Brownlock enter the Mess Hall, they see the Chief Engineer and his husband, Lt. Joseph Bancroft, a Sciences astrophysicist, just leaving.

  20. #1120
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    Brownlock orders tea. Hayes decides on coffee. Both enjoy a hot buttered biscuit with honey.

    "I just wish a mind meld had been possible," Nigel laments. "I'm now almost certain that George was killed because he knew a great deal."

    Rachel nods. "To be honest, I'm very concerned about what the Eruunlac were up to and why."

    Nigel finishes his biscuit and orders another. "As am I," he says grimly. "As am I."
    Last edited by WES; 15 Sep 2011 at 02:30 PM.

  21. #1121
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    Capt. Singh, Cmdr. Vargas and your respective department chiefs meet with each of you separately to discuss Starfleet Command's latest orders, promotions and reassignments.

    Pourtash's appointment as lead Helmsman is confirmed, and he is promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade).

    Delaney remains Assistant Chief Engineer, and is also promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade). He is, moreover, issued a commendation for his exemplary service aboard the Eruunlac ship. He has little time to celebrate, however, as Chief Engineer Cheverez needs his help in ensuring that the Yorktown's warp drive is fully checked-out and shipshape after more than a month in Banij orbit.

    Fujishiro is named Assistant Science Officer and is likewise promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade). "It was difficult to choose between you and Mr. Hayes for the ASO post," Singh says, "but Lt. Cmdr. Roble and I agreed that you'll be a better fit for the job. Congratulations, Mr. Fujishiro."

    Collins is named Assistant Chief of Security and is promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade). Vargas says to her later, outside of the Captain's office, "Frankly, Mr. Collins, I was disappointed by your investigation of George's death. But in the past few weeks you've shown you've got the skills and the attitude for this job, and for now, at least, it's yours." He taps her shoulder. "Don't get too comfortable in it, though."

    Hayes will remain Xenosociology Officer, and is issued a commendation for her work assisting Capt. Singh with the Banij negotiations. She is not promoted. Roble tells her, "You did fine work on this mission, but the Captain and I came to the conclusion that Mr. Fujishiro is better suited for ASO. You also haven't quite earned promotion to Lieutenant (JG), but I'm sure that day will come, and not too long from now. Keep your chin up."

    Dr. Brownlock is surprised - but secretly pleased, given his qualms about duty on a front-line starship - to learn that he's being transferred to the Starfleet medicenter on Caldan V to continue his research. The Yorktown will be getting his replacement soon.

    Ens. Velir Rangin, the ship's new Xenobiology Officer, is assigned to share quarters with Ens. Charles Gordon, a deuterium fuel specialist from Nevada on Earth. He is black, stocky and middle-aged, and quiet by nature.

    Spec/2 Alex Nivens is discharged from Sickbay, having at last made a full recovery from the wounds he sustained aboard the Eruunlac ship.

    Ens. Giya, the Deltan junior officer, decides to sign the oath of celibacy and stay in Starfleet, at least for now.

    * * *

    The day finally comes for the ship's departure.

    Ged, Chairwoman of the Governing Council of the Na-Banij, and Hevedj, the new First Citizen of the reformed Soj-Banij Republic, call Capt. Singh on a joint frequency as the Yorktown prepares to break orbit.

    "Thank you, Captain," Ged says, "for all you've done. You have saved my country and averted a terrible war, perhaps one that would have destroyed our species."

    Hevedj adds, "We won't let the madness of my predecessor keep us from establishing a lasting peace on our world. The Accord is a great step forward. I hope someday Banij Prime will join the Federation, and our people will serve aboard your ships, out there among the stars."

    "Nothing would please me more," Singh says, nodding. "As I said when we first met on your world, the future holds so much for your people, if you'll simply step forward, together, and claim it. Our thanks for your hospitality. Farewell."

    She turns to the helm. "Set course for Demeter. Mr. Pourtash, Warp 5, if you please."

    "Warp 5, aye, Captain," Pourtash says. Bennett has already laid in the course, and at Pourtash's touch of a button, the Yorktown leaps forward, as if eager once more to soar among the stars.

    * * *

    The next day. As before, three are meeting in a darkened, very secure room beneath a famous city.

    "It was a failure," Walsingham declared. "An absolute, abject, thrice-damned failure!" His face was red and his meaty fist thumped the table.

    "Not entirely," Sorge said. She was even more impassive than usual. "The geologist is dead, and our Eruunlac operatives will of course keep our secret. No one can trace the operation to us."

    Walsingham scoffed. "Please. That's mere damage control. Was there a fusion war among the Banij? No. Did their self-destruction clear the way for us to take the mineral wealth of their world? No. Has the Federation established an embassy there? Yes. And are the Banij going to join the Federation? Almost certainly, in time."

    "There are still commercial opportunities on the world," Gohh said, flexing his mottled yellow fingers as he looked from one human to another. "We might yet get through treaty or contract what we would otherwise have taken after the war."

    "We all know that that could take years," Walsingham said. "There will be negotiations, and treaties, and Federation scrutiny to make sure we're not exploiting the poor ignorant aboriginals." His voice was harsh with sarcasm. "Overhead costs will be several orders of magnitude higher than we'd planned. Not quite as cheap as strip-mining a wasteland, is it?"

    "Enough," Gohh said, gesturing curtly. "I share your frustration, but this is getting us nowhere. Of course we hoped for a different result, but the presence of a Constitution-class starship necessarily changes many plans. And, to be blunt, things could have been far worse had it not been for our operative on board."

    "Don't talk to me about that man," Walsingham said, scowling. "His gas bomb attack on the diplomats was foiled, and it was only by a fluke that he neutralized 'George.'"

    "It was no fluke," Sorge said. "He's very skilled, but we can't ask too much of him. He's too valuable to us where he is, and where he might someday be, to risk blowing his cover now."

    There was a long pause.

    "Agreed," said Walsingham, slightly mollified. "Are his orders ready for the next stage?"

    "I sent them not an hour ago," Gohh said, "and he has already acknowledged them. Come, my friends. Let us put Banij Prime behind us, and look to the future. We still have much work to do."

    * * *

    On the Yorktown, behind a locked door and with his encrypted and shielded transmitter once more concealed, Dr. Giancarlo Bucci sighed, leaned back and considered his next move....
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 20 Sep 2011 at 07:22 AM.

  22. #1122
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    Delaney thanks his superiors for the promotion and as we warp out of the system takes pride in the Engines running smooth.

    He wonders what surprises their next mission will bring. Then he turns back to an interesting article about an experimental change to the transporters that may allowed improved range for non-living mass.

  23. #1123
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    Collins thanks Cmdr. Vargas. She is disappointed in herself a bit, as well, but glad to be given the benefit of the doubt. Vargas is right, Jeremi won't get comfortable. She's going to keep on moving up the ranks. "Captain Collins" has a very lovely ring to it.

  24. #1124
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    Dr. Brownlock can't wait to leave the ship and continue with his research. He will not miss this duty, but he will miss his fellow crew members. They all tried to make him feel welcome and part of the team. For that, Nigel is quite grateful.

    Hayes congratulates Fujishiro on her promotion. Rachel isn't the least bit disappointed with this outcome. She knows her own promotion -- to Lt. JG and beyond -- will come in due time. She is very pleased with her commendation. She worked hard during the negotiations and feels good about her efforts.

  25. #1125
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    Pourtash thanks his superiors for the promotion, though he's privately somewhat surprised by it. His lack of confidence in himself may be his greatest weakness in the line of duty, though he recognizes it, at least. He'll congratulate the others when he hears of their promotions, quite sincere in his admiration of Fujishiru and Delaney in particular.

  26. #1126
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    Ensign Rangin settles into his new quarters, carefully hangs his Nhorel mask on the wall over his bunk, and checks his duty schedule to see when his first shift comes up.

  27. #1127
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    Jeremi finds Ben "How about that coffee, now? Maybe on the observation deck for the view?"

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    Rangin's first watch will be tomorrow morning at 0800. Ens. Gordon, his cabinmate, is still on duty. What would he like to do in the meantime?

    The shuttle pilot has a big smile in response to Collins's invitation. "Sounds good. Lead the way, Jeremi!"

  29. #1129
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    Fujishiro answers Bennett, "it's gyokuro; a very fine and somewhat sweet green tea. Homegrown by my family in Kyoto. Would you like to join in the tea ritual? I need at least five others, and could use as many as..." She pauses as she does some quick estimates of room capacity, "20."

    Once there's sufficient interest, she'll run a tea tutorial for those most interested. "While not everyone will need to be familiar with the ritual, it works better if a fair fraction do. I'll cover the basics with you so that you can help those sitting near you at the ritual." She then goes through the steps--a quick straight through to show the entirety, then slowly teaches each step, then a quick group practice. "We'll meet again next week. Invite anyone else who's interested. We'll do the full ritual in month or so."


    Upon being promoted, Fujishiro graciously thanks her superiors. "Although I do not desire the rank for its own sake, I do welcome the increased opportunities and responsibilities it will give me."


    When she gets a chance, she talks with Giya. "I'm sure you made the best decision you could considering the circumstances. If you need someone to talk to about the vow, I'll always be around."

  30. #1130
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    Fujishiro finds that she has a full house for her first tea tutorial, including the Captain, Science Officer and Chief Engineer, and even more are interested in coming next time. Lt. Thalen, on behalf of the Lyceum, arranges for the sessions to be recorded for those who wish to come but can't attend because of their duties. Lt. Cheverez offers to try to replicate that particular kind of tea, if she wishes.

    Giya thanks Fujishiro for her advice and explains that she's decided to sign the oath of celibacy and stay in Starfleet, at least for now. She says, "My career means too much for me to give it up now. I just hope I'm up to the challenge - celibacy for me is almost like not breathing."

    Rangin explores the ship and gets to bed at a decent hour.

    Collins and Cooper have an enjoyable evening.

  31. #1131
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    The next adventure: http://www.mellophant.com/forums/sho...il-Nocere-quot

    Please consider this thread closed.

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