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Thread: Star Trek RPG - Mission #6: "Marala"

  1. #1551
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    "It's possible, ma'am," Jones says carefully. "But I wouldn't know for sure."

  2. #1552
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    "Of course, Lieutenant; we'll have to wait and see," Nia says to the security officer, still pleasant but less cozy. Apparently Jones isn't the chatty sort. For all she knows, he and Kjaerstad could be best friends or lovers or something, and she should've been more tactful. In a more judicious tone, she continues, "This assignment will be a challenge and I'm sure he'll do his best."

    Which is b.s.; she's not sure of anything where that guy is concerned. The stunt Kjaerstad pulled--she remembers now--involved purposely ignoring Kylah's request for backup when the young Communications officer was chasing a potential murderer.

    According to Double-T, who unlike Jones here is always ripe for a juicy story, Kjaerstad even told a fellow officer to stand down, leaving Kylah to face an armed and dangerous suspect on her own. Rawlings speculated that some of the other Security officers resented having to take orders from her, even though Booker--their mission leader--had put her temporarily in charge.

    All in all it was a crazy, malicious act that, if Nia were Captain, should've gotten Kjaerstad reassigned from the ship, probably even facing a court martial. Demotion was too good for him.

    She shakes her head slightly. Kjaerstad's lucky he didn't pull that stunt any later, once Booker got so, uh, emotionally invested in Kylah's welfare. Book would've probably punched a hole in his stomach.

    Speaking of empty stomachs... Nia's growls again. She glances back and notices that Kylah seems to be free from the barrage of hails she's been dealing with. "Ensign Kylah, can you please ask someone down in mess to bring up some sandwiches, protein bars, water, coffee... just a tray to tide us over? Looks like we're gonna be working through watches and some of us might need a little fortification." She addresses the crew at large. "If you have any specific dietary needs let her know."

  3. #1553
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    Nathaniel realizes he doens't know any of these people available. He hasn't been here long enough. He couldn't even take the time to pick the two best looking guys. It wouldn't be the first time he's made a decision that way he thinks wryly. So, I guess, he thinks, he'll just pick the top two names and hope it all works out.

  4. #1554
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    The top two names on the day's Medical duty roster are Ens. Carlos Alvarez, a medtech, and Spec/1 Michelle Brown, a nurse. Dr. Bennett sees that both have excellent records.

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    Rangin checks the data for the two people who can breathe a non-standard atmosphere and see if they can be included somewhere without affecting the main L/S. He hopes they can be and gets ready to pen a note to Lt. Onn as she had asked a while ago and he has yet to respond. Engineering should also be informed as well, if they didn't already know

    Rangin is looking for a set of parameters and choices that can consistently save more people than a straight random choice would, or one that picks random families. Especially, as several of his choices prioritise smaller people who require less oxygen/food than larger people and would be less of a drain on the L/S.

  6. #1556
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    Graham nods. "Good point, Faisal. Have the team sort out who does what job - keep anyone who's likely to know something useful - engineering, helm, et cetera - here."

    Graham turns to the door and scowls. "What is up with this smell?," he says, shaking his head. He draws his phaser. "Better safe than sorry," he adds, shrugging, before he reaches for the door control.

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    Preoccupied with her private dilemma, Kylah gives a start when she hears her name, her fumbling hand nearly dropping the communicator still hidden beneath her panel.

    Fortunately she catches it before it hits the ground. To Lt. Onn, who is asking her to have a light meal sent up, she murmurs an "Aye-aye, ma'am" and is about to get in touch with the galley when Onn encourages the rest of the Bridge crew to make any special requirements known. So Kylah pauses and sends her gaze around.

    Then a little jolt hits her when her mind belatedly processes the Lieutenant's reference to their having to work past their watch. Of course an emergency of this magnitude warrants this, but...

    No, no, I must get out of here! Kylah's fingers curl around her communicator until the metal digs painfully into her flesh. She has to leave the Bridge. And soon.

    How else can she find out if the seeds of her plan can bear fruit? She cannot hail her potential partner, she cannot message him. This particular conversation must not be transmitted over a communicator by text or voice.

    Kylah has no doubt that if there is a message trail, or a secret recording of her illicit request, they will be used against her.

    This must be face-to-face, in private. The thought makes her nauseous, but she cannot let her personal feelings overrule her safety.

    In secret misery contemplating the multiple dangers and risks she must undertake to fulfill her uncle's command, Kylah forces her face into an emotionless mask while pretending to care about her colleagues' lunch preferences.
    Last edited by choie; 21 May 2019 at 02:53 AM.

  8. #1558
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    Nia feels a little buzz from her communicator. She flips it open and, while it's not Booker as hoped, the message still makes her eyes shine with amusement.
    Hey Nia. Currently running inventory on supplies, working out what we can do to serve 1200 instead of 400. Reminds me of you and how you like to get lips round everything. Chef will be glad to have me off ship for a while, although if you're going to be in command, that would put me under you, following your orders at your pleasure. You know I like to get hands on and rise to the occasion, and with you in charge, I'm sure my actions will keep you satisfied. I'll ask Roble and Chef. If it's a yes, I'll slip you something later as a way of saying thanks. - AJAY
    One hand placed over her mouth to cover the grin at Johnson's words, Nia notices that he's cc'ed her on his message to his superiors.
    ROBLE, LT CMDR; ONN, LT: Concerning the Sarafina: I would like to volunteer to lead the provisioning on the Sarafina for the return journey from Novy Rostov and being by being part of any advanced support crew confirming the capability of the vessel to hold and prepare provisions. This would ensure that the crew and those rescued have enough food and water to last until we can reach our destination. -- JOHNSON, ANDREW
    She closes the device with a little affectionate pat. Nia hopes Roble and the chef agree, and that Andy'll find the work rewarding and a change from the usual day-to-day chores. Andy doesn't get nearly enough off-ship action, other than on shore leave. Where he usually sees more action than the rest of us.

    Frustrated at lacking any new knowledge about what's going on, Nia turns to the Science team. "How many non-boarding-party lifesigns are left on the Sarafina?


    Ajay/Johnson by Rangin.
    Last edited by choie; 21 May 2019 at 07:17 PM. Reason: forgot credit

  9. #1559
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    The two people now on Novy Rostov who breathe a non-Class M atmosphere are a humanoid Credonian, who breathes mostly chlorine, and a crablike Vrii, who comfortably takes in far more gaseous sulfur than a human ever could. Both have personal breathing apparatuses, according to NR records. The records include height and weight for most colonists, but not all, and Rangin knows that some people might have understated their weight out of vanity (some of the data is self-reported). The Library Computer seems unable to suggest a set of parameters and choices that would consistently save more people than a straight random choice would. Rangin also knows that the inherent fairness of a random lottery is seen as a virtue by the Captain and Governor.

    Mahmoud makes a note on his tricorder and follows Graham through the door. The cargo hold is about three meters tall, and its deck space is a square about twelve meters on a side. It is almost fully packed with dark, glossy brown wood on battered metal cargo pallets.

    Nobody on the Bridge seems to have any dietary restrictions. "Just some sandwiches and coffee would be good," Dahlquist suggests to Kylah.

    Bancroft says, "Three of the Sarafina's crew have been beamed over here, ma'am, and five remain over there."

    Speak of the devil... the turbolift doors part and Capt. Nicholson Bell enters the Bridge, escorted by two redshirted Security officers, Crewman Alexandra Harper and an Asian man whom the Sidonian BCDO doesn't recognize. Bell says nothing, crosses his arms and stares at Onn.
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 21 May 2019 at 02:25 PM.

  10. #1560
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    Graham shakes his head. "Bunch'a wood. Got to be hot or endangered or something...Faisal, can you scan what this is?"

    He texts Onn. "Cargo hold's full of some kind of wood. We're scanning it. But the hold is secure."

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    Kylah contacts the galley to convey Lt. Onn's request. She has just passed along the order when the Security officers arrive, escorting the man she recognizes as the stupidly obstinate master of the Sarafina.

    In such a fraught situation, Kylah does not dare interrupt.

  12. #1562
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    Nia's muscles tighten when she sees this poor excuse of a human, and she is about to address him when yet again her communicator buzzes. A glance down confirms her hopes--and it's the best timing possible.

    "Bell," she says, swiveling and standing up to face him. She's certainly not gonna address him as 'captain' anymore. "Welcome. I hope you're completely recovered from being stunned." Nia steps forward, close enough to lower her voice to a mutter: "You'd better hope the officer you shot is as fortunate."

    With a contemptuous shake of her head, Nia lifts her communicator while her gaze remains on Bell. "Excellent work, Lt. Graham, to you and the whole team. What you're looking at in that cargo hold," she says specifically for Bell's benefit, "...is some fancy lumber... Telpron, Terrapin, something like that, according to Bell. He's about a half meter in front of me, by the way. Got a bit frisky in the transporter room and had to be...subdued."

    The smile she sends Bell is reflective of her predatory reptilian ancestry, although her tone aimed at Booker is firm but pleasant. "But go ahead and finish your scan, Lieutenant. For all we know this cargo's being used as a cover for something more illicit."
    Last edited by SidonianGal; 21 May 2019 at 10:35 PM.

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    Mahmoud scans the cargo and says, "It's Telperion hardwood, just like the ship's manifest shows. Pretty expensive stuff."

    The Galley acknowledges Kylah's request. The food should be up in just a few minutes.

    Bell says nothing and just stands there, obviously seething.

  14. #1564
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    Rangin looks at the console in both concern and horror: the computer can't do better than a random choice.

    While the Captain and Governor may consider this travesty of a choice ”fair”, Rangin considers it a total abdication of the responsibility of command they are supposed to uphold. Just pick the people from the colony at random and their hands stay clean. But, and this is what worries him the most, is not what they wanted.

    The Governor in his speech stated that families would not be split up, and in a peculiar way it should allow for more people to be saved. If a family of two adults and six children are chosen, then they would use less L/S than eight adults. Possibly enough for another adult and child. Surely the Chief of Engineering is not taking an average of L/S based on the colony adults and children. If you did then when the randomiser picks only adults, you suddenly can't take everyone you promised and a riot really would kick off. You have to build up to the amount, like stacking cubes of differing sizes in a box until its full.

    Rangin looks in disgust at the console in front of him, and starts a new algorithm, a simple one. Giving each person on Novy Rostov a rough average L/S requirement for their age, and grouping by family, what is the most people they can save? Rangin knows it will be above the limit given by Cheverez because the program will skew towards large families with many children ahead of adults. But in doing so, all those little extra boxes are more lives saved at the expense of the larger boxes. It doesn't help to think of it in this way because each one is still a life. But this gives the upper limit, that Rangin craves to show just what can be done.

    It may be the job of the Captain to lead, but it is the job of the Science to inform. If he didn't tell the Captain how many lives she could save if she made a choice, he wouldn't be doing his job. If she chooses to continue with the lottery because she feels it is the right thing to do, then that is her choice as Captain to make that decision, and those people not saved would be on her conscience, not his.

  15. #1565
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    "Unbelievable," Nia mutters at Mahmoud's confirmation heard over the tinny communication speaker. She folds her arms over her chest and continues, once again talking to Bell.

    "Was all this worth it? Wasting our precious time, refusing to help save lives, neglecting Federation law, disobeying a direct command, interfering with Starfleet officers in the course of their duty, assault, and attempted assault while resisting arrest? Just for some fancy kindling that you'd've been compensated for anyway?"

    Lifting the communicator again, Nia flicks her gaze to the Sarafina. "Graham. Other than the wood, you see anything worth keeping for our purposes? Food, bedding, water, tools, anything like that? If so, bring it safely out of there."

    She returns her cool smile to Bell. "Once your team's done checking, follow the necessary procedures to open the hatch and dump that useless pile of wood into space."
    Last edited by SidonianGal; 22 May 2019 at 08:05 PM.

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    Despite the unpleasant emotions radiating from Bell and Lt. Onn, mostly hostility so electric it crackles the air, Kylah is suddenly conscious that everyone is preoccupied. They are either intent on their own work--like frowning, frustrated Velir--or watching the confrontation.

    She takes the opportunity to focus on her panel and, gnawing at her lower lip, hurriedly types in a command to scan the ship for the location of one particular communicator.

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    The Library Computer whirs and hums, and eventually projects that 42 additional lives could be saved with Rangin's revised approach.

    Bell sneers, "Go to hell. It's my ship, not yours, and I have a responsibility to the owners. You can say what you want, and I'm sure you will."

    Graham and Mahmoud see nothing in the cargo hold other than the wood and the pallets. Mahmoud's tricorder scan confirms that.

    After a few moments Kylah finds the communicator she was looking for. It is in the personal quarters of its owner.
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 22 May 2019 at 11:49 PM.

  18. #1568
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    Nia lifts a warning finger. It's not the one she wants to aim at Bell, but she's not vulgar.

    "You forfeited your 'responsibility' when you disregarded the law and forced me to commandeer your vessel. Now that you're in our custody, let me remind you that you have the right--and my very strong recommendation--to remain silent."

    She turns toward the Sarafina again and speaks into her communicator. "Thank you for confirming, Mr. Mahmoud. Lt. Graham, do your thing."

  19. #1569
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    "Acknowledged," Graham replies, wishing he could compliment Nia on her command demeanor. Later. "Nothing useful here. Flushing the hold shortly."

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    A cold shudder runs through Kylah as she stares at the computer-generated result of her search. She closes her eyes and drops her head for a few seconds. The truth is, in some childish, fantasy-driven part of her brain, she hoped the scan would not find its target.

    She hugs herself and tries to stop trembling as she looks back up at the screen. After noting the cabin number, she inhales and clears the search. Now all she must do is get off the Bridge.

    Turning back to where Mr. Bell, his two Security escorts, and Lt. Onn are in a tight cluster near the Captain's chair, Kylah acknowledges at once that this is no time to request a break.

    There is no immediate rush--except that Kylah has no idea how this rescue can be accomplished, even with assistance. It may take time to devise a plan. And no procrastination will rid her of what is sure to be a debasing, humiliating and quite possibly dangerous request for help.

    She holds her breath and prays that Lt. Onn will be available soon.

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    Forty-two. That's it? Rangin thinks to himself. Surely it should be larger amount than that? What am I missing?

    Rangin scans back over the data trying to work out what assumptions he had made, what vital information he had missed, confused because it just doesn't make any sense. With that population you would expect nearly a thousand children of all ages...that, that was it, that was the assumption.

    Rangin cringes inwardly as his heart sinks and he screws his eyes up with the realisation of his mistakes. As mining colony on a hostile planet, they can't have the same birth rate as a normal planet because they need the Life Support to be stable. A rapidly exploding population would never work, it would have to be just enough to keep people happy while allowing the colony to survive.

    He checks the list of people the computer had identified to confirm his reasoning, but he knows the answer already. Every child under sixteen is on it along with their families. His program was not wrong but Rangin had made assumptions, the first failure of any good scientist in understanding what he is dealing with. And those over sixteen where he had set the boundary to use the same life support as an adult, it is as random as he expects.

    He slumps back in his chair feeling tired and drained, his emotions conflicting at the results. In the end his original idea of saving the children and one adult would have been almost the same and here is the proof to show it.

    But it's forty-two more people. He can save a fifth of those who would be on the Sarafina, just by choosing carefully. And given the makeup of the population, everyone still has a chance to escape. It's just that for some of them the chance will be 100% and for the rest it will be reduced, but still possible. He doesn't know whether to cheer or to cry.

    It's something Rangin can live with. He just wonders and hopes that the Captain can live with it too.

  22. #1572
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    Nathaniel taps the communicator on the bulkhead and requests that Ensign Alvarez and Nurse Brown report to his office immediately.

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    Graham sees that the cargo bay's exterior loading hatches can be opened with the controls right there in the Sarafina access corridor in which he and Mahmoud now stand.

    Ens. Alvarez and Nurse Brown both acknowledge Dr. Bennett's summons, and are soon standing before him in his small Sickbay office.

  24. #1574
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    "We're headed over to the Sarafina to access where they are medically." Nathaniel got right down to buisness. "Let's just hope we can get this done without getting in a phaser fight."

    He turns from what he hopes will be a blissfully brief partnership and taps the communicator.

    "Bridge." He says.
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 27 May 2019 at 04:56 PM. Reason: Ship name ital

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    Kylah sees the incoming message and, with a last brief check on Lt. Onn, adjusts her earpiece slightly and takes the hail.

    "Yes, Dr. Bennett," she says, "this is Ensign Kylah." She realizes he likely wishes to speak with the BCDO. Her voice lowers further. "Lt. Onn is currently dealing with the Captain of the Sarafina, who is in custody. May I take a message, or perhaps I might help you?"

  26. #1576
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    Nathaniel sighs. This one, he thinks. He had hoped he’d never have to deal with her again given how flaky she acted before. He needs to make this as brief as possible.

    “My team is ready to be transferred to the Sarafina.” Nathaniel says. “Think you can manage to give her the message?”
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 27 May 2019 at 04:56 PM. Reason: ditto

  27. #1577
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    Graham's demeanor turns sober. "Kobayashi Maru, Faisal...Kobayashi Maru." He shakes his head. "Good work by you and the team here, but we still can't rescue half the colonists, including..."

    He needs to stop to clear his throat. "Maybe someone I haven't seen in long while." He taps the wall with a fist. "Fates give us a big honking de-cloaking Klingon vessel would hold everyone if we just took her by force. Down the hatch."

    He punches the release control to dump the hold's contents into space.

  28. #1578
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    With so much on her mind, Kylah misses the condescension in Dr. Bennett's tone--well, some part of her subconscious catches it, since he is not very subtle. But she too distracted to care.

    "Why yes, of course I can, sir. Oh... in case you have not yet been told, Transporter Room #1 has been designated for those beaming out to the Sarafina, rather than the room where you attended to Ensign de la Paz." Kylah hesitates. "Is he all right, sir? I am sure Lt. Onn will want to know..."

  29. #1579
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    At Mahmoud's suggestion and given the soon-expected arrival of hundreds of evacuees from Novy Rostov, Graham of course purges the cargo bay of its atmosphere before dumping the cargo into space. The other five cargo bays are likewise full of Telperion hardwood on pallets.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_Trees_of_Valinor

  30. #1580
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    Nia catches the action from the Sarafina and grins at the sight of the cargo bay discharging its prize. She imagines the other bays will look just as satisfying.

    "A graceful maneuver. Like ballet," she says, not bothering to look at Bell. To her communicator: "Bravo, Lt. Graham, and to your whole party. Once the other five bays are empty, there'll be a lot more room for our 200 evacuees. Has everyone on the ship been accounted for? I'm assuming some will be staying, if they're cooperative and can help our crew... rather than being a hindrance," Nia says with a sidelong glance at Bell. "I'd like to send the assessment teams over once you give the word."
    Last edited by choie; 29 May 2019 at 08:12 PM. Reason: Because SidonianGal didn't read the cargo bay description carefully enough.

  31. #1581
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    "Roger that," Graham replies to Nia. "Ship and crew secured. We're offering anyone willing and able to help the chance to remain onboard and help out."

  32. #1582
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    Nia really wants to say Your rogering is appreciated, as always, but obviously... not appropriate. "Better and better. Let me tell Chief Harrison."

    She leans over to her chair mic. "Chief? The Sarafina is ready for boarding. Please start sending people over as you can. It makes sense to beam them to the Bridge; they can coordinate with Lt. Graham."

    Communicator again. "Lieutenant, let Chief Brady know when you or team's ready to return before we start back to the planet. In the meantime, unless you have any other immediate task, can you head to the Bridge to meet and brief the crew? I'd like you to remain mission leader on this. Unless you recommend another strategy."

    Nia is very aware of the irate erstwhile captain to her left. But she lets him stew, maybe keep his eyes on the lumber pallet as it floats away, destroyed by the vacuum of space and out of his reach forever.
    Last edited by choie; 29 May 2019 at 08:12 PM. Reason: Had to fix messed up cargo bay sequence.

  33. #1583
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    Chief Harrison says, "Everyone is here, I think, except for the Medical team. I'll start beaming them over."

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    The transporter chief's words travel well over the speakers of the captain's chair. Kylah interrupts her own question. "Oh--I should not keep you, Doctor. The rest of the boarding party is about to be transported."

    She turns to Lt. Onn and speaks more forcefully to catch the senior officer's attention. "Pardon me, Ma'am? Dr. Bennett has chosen a team and they are on their way."

    Before finishing with Dr. Bennett, she adds a sincere, "Good luck, sir. I hope the Sarafina serves your needs well."

  35. #1585
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    About to contact Dr. Bennett, Nia is glad to hear Kylah's report. "Thanks, Ensign," she says, and returns to concentrate on the Sarafina and her communicator.

    "Sorry, Lt. Graham, I just remembered that the other five cargo bays need to be emptied. So if you'd rather do that yourself, go ahead--or feel free to delegate and head to the Bridge. By all means, do as you please, Lieutenant," she adds, her voice professional enough. Although someone who knows her very well would recognize a tiny lilt of amusement mixed with... something else.
    Last edited by SidonianGal; 29 May 2019 at 08:15 PM.

  36. #1586
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    Graham blushes slightly and hope Mahmoud doesn't notice it. "OK, Faisal, let's depressurize and dump the rest of these bays."

    He proceeds to get to it.

  37. #1587
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    Nathaniel shakes his head as he hears Kylah's final words. Some people just didn't get. He turns to his med team.

    "Well, we better get to the transporter room." Nathaniel says mockingly. "Hate to miss out on all the fun."

    Nathaniel leaves his office and he and his team soon arrive at the Transporter Room.

  38. #1588
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    Mahmoud nods, and he and Graham work their way down the access corridor on the lowest level of the Sarafina. Each of the other five cargo bays appears virtually identical to the first. In just a few minutes all are purged of atmosphere and their hardwood contents dumped into space.

    On the Yorktown's Bridge, Capt. Bell listens in, looks very angry but saying nothing else until he blurts out, "Can I go now?"

    Ens. Alvarez and Nurse Brown go with Dr. Bennett and are soon standing on the transporter platform, ready to beam over.

    Kylah's console now shows an incoming call from Capt. Singh for Lt. Onn.

  39. #1589
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    Nia watches the jettisoned cargo in satisfaction, then--hearing Bell's grousing--says, almost to herself, "Now that they've dumped their garbage, it's time to get rid of the trash on our own Bridge."

    She steps an inch or two closer to Bell. "I hope you enjoyed all that. You know, you could've spent this journey on your own ship cooperating with Starfleet, saving lives, getting fairly compensated for your 'sacrifice'--" Nia tosses her head toward the viewscreen. "Possibly even getting a citation and certainly gratitude from the colonists you helped rescue. And the publicity would've boosted your reputation and ability to charge higher fees. A mercenary type like you should've thought of that.

    "Instead," she says darkly, "You'll be spending this time in our Brig with the others who, like you, had the goddamned temerity to fire on my officers doing their duty. Aggressive behavior that was utterly unwarranted. When all this is over and your trial is through, I doubt you'll be hauling overpriced wood anywhere anytime soon."

    Her gaze shifts to the woman standing by Bell's shoulder. "Mr. Harper, take him to the Brig. Please accept my thanks for subduing a hostile threat. You and--" Nia pauses and regards the other security officer with a quick smile. "Sorry, I don't know your name--?"

    She's interrupted yet again by Kylah, announcing that she is forwarding Captain Singh to her immediately. Quick learner, kid, Nia thinks as she waves Bell away like a troublesome gnat. Once more seated in the big chair, she attempts to quell a little rise in anxiety while lifting up her communicator.

    "Onn here, Captain."
    Last edited by choie; 31 May 2019 at 01:34 AM.

  40. #1590
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    Kylah, having sent the hail directly to Lt. Onn's communicator, is still perplexed by Dr. Bennett's cutting her off without a word in response. Likely he is on edge, like all of the crew--even Lt. Onn, though the woman is doing a masterful job of hiding it.

    But Kylah knows her skills in this area are frayed and fragile. With Lt. Onn speaking to the Captain, it seems even less likely that Kylah will have an opportunity to leave. Perhaps she should ask Lt. Thalen first. If he agrees, and a relief officer shows up... why would Kylah be missed?
    THALEN, LT. - Sir, I have a request that I hope you do not mind my asking. The Bridge crew is about to take lunch here, courtesy of the galley. As I am not hungry, may I be excused for a brief period; perhaps fifteen or twenty minutes?

    We have only just started transporting officers to examine the
    Sarafina and will likely wait for their assessment. If it would not overload the pressure on you and the department, sir, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to take a walk, with your permission. And of course if Lt. Onn permits it as well. -- KYLAH, ENS.
    That last sentence seems like a necessary addition. Kylah sucks in her lips, turning her mouth into a thin line as she sends the message.

    She aims her gaze around the Bridge and, naturally, lands on Velir. It is not only her personal inclination, however: he is radiating distress, frustration and helplessness. And when she tilts her head to peer at his profile, his expression is just as downcast.

    Giving a last look at her communicator, she clears her throat and gently asks, "Velir, are you all right?" Oh, what a vapid question! Of course, none of them are truly 'all right' in such a situation. "I mean... have your calculations not produced a satisfactory result?"
    Last edited by choie; 31 May 2019 at 01:36 AM.

  41. #1591
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    Rangin looks up at the sound of his name, caught as he wonders what next to do with his results. Wrap them up and send to the Captain, get someone to check over them. It's the out of the box thinking they have been looking for even if the returns are so dreadfully small.

    He despairs at getting anything further out of it and any other course of action has already been shut down by Engineering. No, this is the best he can do he surmises, although it gives him no pleasure to know this.

    He looks across to Kylah, slumping back slightly in his seat. "They are only satisfactory in that I think I can save a few more people. Disappointing in that I do not believe I cannot save more," he says quietly back across to her, not really wanting to announce such a poor return to the rest of the bridge.

    He nods once to her, "Thank you for the colony list, it proved very useful in challenging my assumptions." The least he can do is acknowledge her help.

    "Excuse me, I need to add some notes to this before I forget them." He turns back to the desk and hastily starts adding notes to his findings before he even considers packaging it up.

  42. #1592
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    Bell makes no reply to Onn but just glares venomously.

    "Ens. Yuanhong Li, ma'am," the Asian redshirt says to her, nodding respectfully, just before he and Harper take Bell off to the Brig.

    Kylah soon has a reply: Just to take a walk? All right, go ahead, with Mr. Onn's permission. I'll send someone up to cover for you. THALEN.

    Singh comes on the line. "Status report, Mr. Onn, if you please, and how soon can we expect you back in orbit?"

  43. #1593
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    Nia looks straight ahead, at a spot on the Sarafina that she can see between Leventhal and Cece. "Yes, ma'am. The Sarafina is safely secured, as of about five minutes ago. There was some resistance but the hostiles are now in our Brig. One casualty on our side recovering from a stun."

    All right, that takes care of the past. "A second team's beaming over now to assess the Sarafina's capabilities and weaknesses. We can do most of this on the way back and in orbit--except for the damage to their shields. Which I regret but we had no choice. And we can't travel at full speed in a vessel with a vulnerable hull."

    Nia closes her eyes briefly. "Sorry, Captain, you hardly need an Intro to Space Travel class." After an annoyed inhale, she goes on: "If we weren't in a hurry I'd just extend the Yorktown's shields, but towing a ship slows us down. That'd just waste more time."

    Still too much explanation. Get the fuck on with it. "Assessing the damage should take ten minutes, fifteen at most. Fixing it... I'll have to wait for the boarding party's report to give you a hard estimate on how long it'll take to get the shields close to 100%.

    "I suppose we could take the Yorktown back now, and let the Sarafina catch up later. I'm worried about leaving necessary crew and resources behind, if anything goes wrong."

    Shit. Are we even out of the danger zone? Even as she continues to talk in a level voice with Singh, Nia's desperately trying to remember what she heard in the conference room, and calculate how far they've traveled.

    "We'll need a half-hour to an hour at the most. If repairs to that ship take longer, we may have to risk leaving her behind, and rendezvous later." Nia swallows. "Hopefully that won't be necessary. Our engineers will be working at top speed. After that announcement... well, everyone who heard it knows the stakes. Time's our enemy, and we have to beat it."

    She wishes she had a panel in front of her. She'd be contacting Cheverez now and asking him if they're safe or not. Her mind continues to race as she finishes. "Excuse my jabber, Captain. What are your orders? Or suggestions, recommendations... anything?" Nia adds with a rare lack of confidence.
    Last edited by SidonianGal; 31 May 2019 at 10:03 PM.

  44. #1594
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    "Thank you for the report, Mr. Onn," Capt. Singh says. "Well done. It sounds like you have things well in hand. Expedite repairs and return as soon as possible. Anything else?"

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    His voice... he is so sorrowful...

    Kylah leans forward and reaches out to Velir, but stops short of his left hand, which rests on the panel near his station. Instead she lets her fingers touch the black panel, very close to his own. So close she can feel his warmth.

    "It is a tragedy, and... and I think we will never forget what this terrible star is making us do. Worse, the lives it will soon destroy. But... Velir, every time you increase those numbers you calculate, you have saved another person. Forty-two souls will live thanks to you."

    Her right hand is small and pale next to his. She longs for him to choose to brush his fingers against her skin, even though it is unlikely now that he has turned away, and even though it is far too dangerous for them to touch, given his new abilities.

    Because she cannot help herself from thinking, and saying in a harder voice: "If I could save a single life, I would. By any means necessary."

    Biting her lip in consternation, she withdraws from him. He is so busy he might not even have heard her, or paid attention at all. Hopefully this is the case.

    Retreating further, Kylah pushes her chair back to its usual position. As she does, the buzz of the device in her hand tells her that Thalen has answered her request.

    She opens the communicator and, reading his generous words, feels her cheeks tingle in a flush of shame at abusing his kindness. Nevertheless, she types a quick thank you to him.

    Now she hears Lt. Onn finishing up her report to the Captain. Kylah hopes there is some news from the planet. An impossible wish fills her lungs with air as she inhales sharply. Maybe it is all a mistake, maybe the scientists miscalculated.

    Knowing such thoughts are childish, she digs her nails into her palms and waits.
    Last edited by choie; 01 Jun 2019 at 01:27 AM.

  46. #1596
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    Nathaniel, his team beside him, climbs onto the transporter pad, hoping this doesn't take long. But like everything else on this mission, you never know what to expect. You just had to be ready for it.

  47. #1597
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    Ens. Alvarez and Nurse Brown beam over to the Sarafina with Dr. Bennett. It does not take you long to find the merchantman's small, one-bed Sickbay. The dirtiness and smell of the ship are, unfortunately, even more immediately apparent. Several of the other Yorktown prize-crew members are moving about in the corridors, looking the ship over and preparing for the expected wave of evacuees.

    A solemn young redshirted man, who appears to be of Indian descent, enters the heavy cruiser's Bridge and introduces himself to Kylah as Ens. Vijay Patel. He says, "Mr. Thalen sent me up to relieve you at Communications, ma'am. He said to tell you to take as much time off as you need."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 01 Jun 2019 at 11:22 PM.

  48. #1598
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    Nia's shoulders relax. She didn't even notice how tense she was until now. "Thank you, Captain. We're still working on it--every scientist and engineer is trying to find a way, any way, to get more people in. The Sarafina will help, but..."

    She holds the communicator a little farther away as she lets out a sad sigh as noiselessly as possible. Finally she has to ask. "What's the status on the planet now, ma'am? Are things..."

    Nia can't think of a word to express the chaotic panic, helplessness and confusion these poor people must be experiencing; emotions that could very well evolve into anger--and worse.

    "That is... do you need me--or Lt. Graham, once he's back onboard--to prepare a landing party of Security to help?"
    Last edited by SidonianGal; 01 Jun 2019 at 11:53 PM.

  49. #1599
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    Singh says, "You read my mind, Mr. Onn. There have been some random crimes, mostly vandalism and opportunistic robberies, it seems, but most of the people here have gone to their quarters and are waiting for the lottery, as ordered by the Governor. We haven't personally been in any danger here at City Hall. The colony's Security forces seem on top of things for now, but I think it would be for the best if Mr. Graham and a Yorktown Security landing party were prepared to beam down on short notice, if needed. Those who don't get selected in the lottery may respond badly."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 03 Jun 2019 at 10:03 AM.

  50. #1600
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    Rangin adds some comments to his findings over the population, and his suggestions for the change to the randomisation of the lottery and the outcomes of what happens if either choice is made. One is a totally random choice, the other saves 42 more people and still gives a chance of survival to everyone.

    He wonders what to do with it next, who to get to check it before giving it to the Captain. Roble...Dahlquist...maybe someone else might be a little more receptive. The current captain.

    She did say that if I came up with any crazy ideas that could save more people I was to interrupt her and let her know. If she is going to make that kind of offer in the Turbolift, then he may as well take her up on it. How she will respond to his findings, well that is why he is running them past her.

    He waits until things are a little calmer before approaching Lt Onn, datapad in hand for her.

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