Task Force: Gamma

Reahil'ea_Zeara · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:00 pm Post subject:

Standing on the patio of her childhood home on Earth, she looked out over the lush land that had always surrounded her as a child.

"Goodbye mother..." she whispered into the soft wind that danced around her. Feeling a tear escape the confines of her closed eyes, she wiped it away and took a deep breath.

"Computer end program" she stated firmly and watched as the world she once knew faded back into the black holodeck that commonly reminded her of graphing paper. With a sigh she exited the room and saw Solek standing outside as if waiting.

"Counselor" she said and started to walk away. She needed some food in her system, and hoped that he didn't plan on detaining her...
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It's acceptable for men to act the fool. When women try, they're considered aggressive and opinionated

Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:34 pm Post subject:

Location: Deck 6, Outside Holodecks One and Two, USS Hartington

Counselor Solek's brow rose upwards in a very Vulcan manner as his gaze went between the two troubled crewmen before him. At the same time the corner of his mouth also twisted up, forming a half smile -- a very un-Vulcan expression -- as he began to speak.

"Lieutenant Zeara, Petty Officer Smith, I had hoped to catch each of you alone, I was not expecting you both to take refuge in the holodeck at the same time... although thinking back on the situation of late I should have had a little more forethought, wouldn't you agree?"

The Counselor's grin turned into a full on smile, warm and disarming as he spoke to them. He was trying to put them at ease and unsure if was at all working. Never the less, he continued speaking.

"Considering I cannot speak with you both in any official capacity while we're all three together, perhaps one of you would like to volunteer to go first. I'd be happy to escort the luck person to my office for a more intimate discussion."

He waited in silence, his eyes moving between the two people before him, watching for any sign he was making progress.

***

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

Lieutenant Solana sat back into the command chair and looked over the report she had carried up from the science lab. Gamma Shift command was not her idea of a pleasant evening, but it was a necessary to preform such tasks in order to one day be in line for a promotion, possibly to even command a science vessel. She met the challenge head on, as she did all others, full of Vulcan patience and discipline.

"Lieutenant," came the voice of the Science Officer on duty, the Pahkwa-thanh Lieutenant Rhak, "Sensors are detecting an energy signal inside the nebula. We can't isolate it at this distance, but I think it may be a ship."

Her brow raised slightly as her body did the same, the Lieutenant making her way towards the science station. As she looked over the data she was forced to come to the same conclusion as Lieutenant Rhak.

"I believe it is a vessel as well, Lieutenant. However, I am not authorized to take the Hartington any further into the nebula." with that she tapped her combadge and called out for assistance.

"Bridge to Commander Qech."
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Reahil'ea_Zeara · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 4:31 pm Post subject:

closing her eyes and shaking her head, even without the ability to read a Vulcan's mind, she could sense the intentions he had.

"My mother always told me to never trust a smiling Vulcan... it's not in their nature to do so."

Turning back around she looked him in the eyes and let a small silence linger between them.

"I suppose, given I can pretty much figure why you're here, and that Mr. Koester is not one to volunteer for such things, that I should."
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It's acceptable for men to act the fool. When women try, they're considered aggressive and opinionated

Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

She could feel the symbiont's pain like it was her own as she looked through watery eyes at the serpentine monsters that were hovering over her. She could hear them talking, hissing to each other in a tongue far beyond the reach of her tired mind's understanding. The restraints cut into her wrists as she fought effortlessly to get away from the pain, fearing the worst for Qech and the baby. One of them picked up a device she'd never seen before, at least not in decent medicine. He switched it on, and she heard a high-pitched metallic whine as he descended upon her, what looked like a twisted smile smeared across his frightening face... She screamed.

"Bridge to Commander Qech."

Davynn snapped awake in a cold sweat, groping for the comm console in the dark. Her breathing was still heavy from her terror when she answered.

"...Go- ahem... go ahead."
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Marek · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 5:44 pm Post subject:

OOC Thought I would point out that I just realized I completely forgot about ol' Brin Vek on this story line, missed a chance for a good post for the guy, I'll weasel him back into the story at some point. Poor guy's the only non NPC science officer on the ship and I drop the ball on a science mission.
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 6:01 pm Post subject:

Location: Deck 6, Outside Holodecks One and Two, USS Hartington

Solek's smile flattened and he looked the Betazoid dead in the eyes as he replied without missing a beat.

"I'm sorry to tell you that your mother was mistaken, Lieutenant. All emotions are in our natures, many of my countrymen simply choose to suppress them. Tu-Jarok teaches us to balance our emotions with logic. It is a path that few Vulcans take, but those of us who walk the Way of Jarok have been able to live fuller, happier lives -- especially amongst the more emotional races we have encountered. No matter, it is your emotions I'd like to discuss. Shall we continue this discussion in my Office?"

***

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

Lieutenant Solana waited several moments and was about to page the Executive Officer once more when an answer called out from the comm system.

"...Go- ahem... go ahead."

The Vulcan Science Officer cocked her head as she heard the Trill's voice calling out do them in near desperation. For a fraction of a second, Solana considered inquiring if the Commander was alright, but soon though better of it. To use an official communication for such purposes was not only illogical but a misuse of ship resources. Firm in her decision she gave her report to Qech.

"Commander, your presence is requested on the Bridge. Sensors have detected an isolated energy signal inside the nebula. Lieutenant Rhak believes it may be a ship. After checking the data I am forced to concur with his analysis, sir."

(OOC: No big deal my friend, we may be getting ourselves a full time Chief Science Officer soon enough anyhow)
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

Qech had somehow managed to get a hold of herself and process the Science Officer's startling information all in the same beat. Her response to the Lieutenant was far steadier than the last.

"On my way."

She dressed quickly, taking care to make certain that she at least looked far most rested than she felt. What time is it anyway?

"Computer. Time."

"2200 hours."

So, I haven't even been in bed that long, she thought, putting the finishing touches on her uniform as she attached her combadge. She quickly exited the room, going over the Vulcan's summary of the sensor readings in her head as the Commander made her way to the bridge.

The hum of the turbo lift was almost a soothing sound, given how tired she was, but her demeanor was that of the unrattled professional the moment she stepped onto the Command deck. She looked to Lieutenant Solana.

"Report."
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 7:59 pm Post subject:

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

Solana nodded as Qech asked for her report. Leaning past Lieutenant Rhak, she activated one of the station's display monitors and summarized what had been discovered.

"The anomalous energy reading is approximately 5 million kilometers off our bow, deep inside the particle field of the nebula. We cannot achieve a more accurate sensor lock from this distance, however I am confidant that what we are seeing is the energy signature of a warp powered starship, comparable in size to the Hartington."
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

Qech nodded. She knew the ship could be just about anyone, or anything. But the options were pretty simple: take a closer look, or go on their merry way, pretending they were never there. And they were explorers afterall...

"I'm assuming the energy flux would prevent us from being able to hail them? If that's not the case then make an attempt."
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:20 pm Post subject:

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

"I'm assuming the energy flux would prevent us from being able to hail them? If that's not the case then make an attempt."

Solana shook her head as she stood back straight again, crossing her arms as she looked back to the Executive Officer.

"We have yet to make an attempt, however, I believe you are correct. The energy from the nebula will make communications difficult, if not impossible."

While her body language denoted irritation -- strangely common from a people who claimed to forsake emotion -- Solana was not so proud to admit when someone else had a better plan. After a moment, the Vulcan conceded to Qech's point.

"However, just because something is improbable, does not mean we should not proceed. Ensign Ulog, open hailing frequencies."

Ensign Ulog at Ops nodded and pressed in a command on his console, following Qech's orders.

"Opening hailing frequencies, you may transmit when ready Commander Qech."
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

Qech nodded and began speaking:

"This is Lt. Commander Davynn Qech of the Federation Starship USS Hartington calling the spacecraft in the nebula. Do you require assistance?"

She waited, not entirely banking on an answer, given the amount of interference. But it was still worth a try.
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:34 pm Post subject:

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

Seconds pass as Qech's message is radioed across the space between the Hartington and the signal in the nebula. After long moments Ensign Ulog sits up straighter, his beady eyes shooting back towards Qech.

"Commander, we're receiving a response."

The Tellarite keys in the command to pipe the message over the Bridge's loudspeaker. Much to the crew's disappointment, they receive only static. Confused, Ensign Ulog furiously works at his station to clear up the message. After a long -- and entirerally too frustrating -- minute, Ulog turns back around, his tan hands clapping against his thighs.

"I'm sorry, Commander, I can't clear it up. There is certainly a transmission in there, but I can't make heads or tails of it with all of this interference."
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

"I'm sorry, Commander, I can't clear it up. There is certainly a transmission in there, but I can't make heads or tails of it with all of this interference."

Qech nodded slowly, staring ahead at the nebula that was stretched across the viewscreen. "Well, we know they're attempting a response. That's a good sign at least."

I hope.

Qech looked to the helmsmen on duty. "I'd like to take a closer look. Take us further into the nebula, but on our 'tip-toes', so-to-speak." She then turned to Ensign Ulog. "With all that interference you're going to need someone to bump heads with, Ensign."

She tapped her combadge, hoping she wasn't about to wake anyone up.

"Qech to Lt. Calodan."
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:55 pm Post subject:

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

"I'd like to take a closer look. Take us further into the nebula, but on our 'tip-toes', so-to-speak."

Ensign zh'Rel nodded, her antenna quivering with anticipation as she set in the Hartington's new course.

"Course plotted, Commander, taking us into the nebula."

Ensign Ulog looked over to the First Officer as she informed him that he'd be having company -- from his department head no less. It was more than a little degrading, however he'd already done one thing to anger Qech this day, protesting when she wanted to have his senior officer assisting would not endear him to her. He sat forward at his console and continued working on the transmission, brooding silently as he waited for Calodan's "assistance".
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ArjimCalodan · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:22 pm Post subject:

OOC: I'm gonna skip the whole call/response thing and just come to the bridge.

Calodan strode onto the bridge and made his way to one of the secondary science stations at the rear of the bridge. "Ensign, if you'd make sure I have access to a copy of that transmission, we can see if we can clear up some of that interference you reported."
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