From jyoung@nqks.com Mon Jun 8 20:28:56 1998 Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 11:57:44 -0600 From: Joshua Young To: INDIGO FLEET List Serve Subject: [INDIGO] USS PROMETHEUS: What shall come to pass? ---OFFICIAL INDIGO FLEET TRANSMISSION--- Date: Fri, 05 Jun 1998 12:56:29 -0500 From: Joshua Young Subject: [INDIGO] USS PROMETHEUS: What shall come to pass? FMD: 6.2321 Scene: USS PROMETHEUS, Same time as Sovak is being promoted. It had been a long day for all officers and enlisted alike, for not only the battlecruiser PROMETHEUS, but fleet wide alike. It seemed as if many of the grand ships were holding memorial services, department heads drafting letters to families and repairs getting underway. The Dalriada had drawn first blood when they had attacked and destroyed the Lexington. They had systematically then went on to the attack more outer lying systems such as DANTE. The recent fight that had claimed the lives of countless men and women, the reports weren't completed in entirety just yet, had most definitely left a mark on INDIGO. Funny, it seemed as if the worst was yet to come. Rand Talon was no different than any other officer within the fleet. He felt the stinging loses that had occurred. There was no way he could have been immune to it. Just because he wasn't liked, trusted or cared for much by virtually the entire crew, yes there were a few exceptions, be them few and far between. He had just come from conducting an inventory of the damages, and found them to be quite extensive. The clean up of the ship which would normally have taken considerable time in dry-dock, while the crew scampered playfully along the decks of the starbase, needed to be expedited as rapidly as possible. He had gone to engineering to see if he couldn't collaborate with Commander Walker on some idea he might have. Walker hadn't been there, and Talon had been let know that he wasn't very welcome there by the remaining crewmen and women as they paused from their tasks long enough to sneer. Talon was far from an engineer, a historian for all intents and purposes, and a biologist when the situation demanded, he wasn't sure what he could do to help, but being in the role of acting Executive Officer, he knew he needed to do something. That was something he really didn't expect to hold for much longer either. Perhaps the late, Captain Rick Slick had been right when he questioned aloud, "What's Phaser smoking over there?", when the Dalriada officer had reported in to assume the duties of OPS officer. Well, one thing was fairly certain, there wasn't much way that the command would allow him to remain in this capacity. It was a battlecruiser after all! The ONLY remaining AGAMEMNON in the fleet! Why would they risk having a Dalriada placed in such a position? Surely it wouldn't sit well with crew moral. Already there was dissension amongst them, and that would only continue to fester if left unchecked. Clearly there was no way that that could be allowed at the present time, given the present situation. He wasn't certain what his future held, but found it hard to believe that after the latest attack, INDIGO command would allow him to even stay aboard the PROMETHEUS. Talon had a brief glimpse of a dark and dismal office cubicle back at SB ALPHA, his name written across the door. A big hazardous cargo placard hanging across it. He was thankful that he was able to, with the support and help of the crew manning the battle bridge, to return the PROMETHEUS at least back to OMEGA. It may have merely prolonged the loss of the big vessel, but at least it kept her in the fight. Talon wasn't a pacifist, nor was he a warmonger. He realized that conflict was at times an inevitable part of existence. Throughout the universe, from galaxy to galaxy, it was time proven statement that there would be a war somewhere. Did it bother him that he was in the middle of armed conflict with his own race? Yes, who wouldn't be upset? It wasn't a natural choice, though he did feel the right one. The Dalriada government was wrong. They didn't look for a peaceful resolution to their differences, they chose force. Starfleet had given them every opportunity to resolve the situation as peacefully as possible, and it had always been rejected. So while Rand didn't enjoy fighting his own, he agreed and supported Starfleet for what they were trying to do. One thing was good out of the whole convoluted mess, his nightmares had taken a reprieve from their duties. He had placed his own mental horrors in the dark recess where they sometimes went, back to the festering shallow pool they lie in, waiting to skulk out sometime later and force their way back into his frontal lobe. If he managed to survive here, should he for some strange reason stay, the Dalriada vowed to seek out the Counselor and try and rid himself of his past. Looking up, he realized he had been wandering aimlessly. Crewmen stared as they passed, some with looks of open contempt, while others did better masking it, simply looking indifferent. Talon also noticed that a security officer was shadowing him. How long had he been there? Why was he there? "Ensign, come here.", Talon called to the yellow shirted woman who had been keeping a close, yet distanced watch on him. Shaking her head slightly in annoyance, the security officer slowly approached, "Yes....sir, what can I do for you?", she asked. "You could start by telling me why I rate an escort? I didn't realize that it had been mandated senior staff was required to carry a bodyguard.", Talon replied, his voice level, his tone inquisitory. The young Ensign looked unwilling to offer a reply, yet stammered out some words a few seconds later, "Well...uh....you were acting sort of strange......and well.....you are a....a........uh.....". "What? A Dalriada?", Rand asked, cocking his head to the side. "Or perhaps I'm a spy.", he added, his tone hushing into a conspiracy like whisper, his eyes darting from side to side. Noticing the eyes of the young woman widen, he straightened again and crossed his arms, looking up at the taller officer before him, "Perhaps, I'm a Lieutenant Commander. A starfleet officer. The acting Executive Officer of this ship, and was merely out to survey the damage that was caused. Don't you think that if I truly wanted to sabotage this ship I could have done so when I was given command on the battle bridge? Look, I know you were doing what you thought was the best for this crew. I commend that initiative, but I'm also sure that you have much more important work to be doing than playing "Mike Hammer" or "Miss Marple". The conversation may have continued further, hadn't the form of Chaz Modix broke suddenly into view. "My, you are a hard person to find! Been searching nearly half the ship for you. Well, I've found you at last, so I suppose I should let you know that *Captain* Sovak would like to see you in his ready room.", the Chamelean said, a big grin forming on his mouth. Talon also noticed the eyes of the young woman widen at that statement. There would obviously plenty of gossip circulating amongst the NPC crew later that day. With a slight nod of dismissal, Rand turned back to Modix. "His ready room, did you say?" ******************************************* FMD: 6.2344 Scene: Captain's Ready Room Rand paused for a moment outside the door to Sovak's, er, the Captain's ready room. It was an ingrained thing most officers did. The quick straightening of the uniform, though he hadn't had time to change yet. There were blackened patches and torn pieces here and there. He silently mouthed a curse, wishing he had taken the short time to refresh himself. He had been too concerned about the status and welfare of the ship however. No time for those thoughts now. This should be where the Captain informs him his D-warp shuttle would be leaving for ALPHA in ten minutes, he didn't have time to pack and his personal articles would be forwarded to him, should they survive that was. Pressing the chime, he waited a moment until he heard the dry voice of the Vulcan CPT intone, "Enter, Mister Talon." How did he know that?, Talon wondered in amazement as he passed through the swishing doors and came to stand in front of the desk Sovak now sat behind. "You wished to see me, sir.", he stated. "Yes, Commander. Have a seat," Sovak said, gesturing toward the chair. As Rand sat down, it suddenly struck him how empty the room looked now. All the decorations were gone from the walls, and no decorative statuettes or personal items of any kind adorned the office. Even Sovak's desk was cleared, down to the gleaming wood. The only thing visible was a PADD that sat in front of the new Captain. For Captain he was in truth now, Rand thought to himself, noticing for the first time that Sovak wore the four full pips on his collar. "I just received a most unexpected visitor from the starbase," began the Vulcan without preamble. "It appears that Admiral Brooks has decided that I am to be the Captain of the PROMETHEUS. That of course leaves the position of First Officer vacant, and I am hereby appointing you to the post." "Uh.... excuse me?" Rand stammered, unable to think of anything else to say. He was tempted to reach up and try and clear his ears of whatever obstruction had caused him to start hearing things, but managed to restrain himself. "I believe I was perfectly clear, Commander," Sovak replied. "Mr. Walker turned down the position, and of all the officers aboard, I believe you are most qualified for the position." "But, Sov..... I mean Captain!" protested Rand. "I'm a Dalriadan!" "What is your point, Mr. Talon?" inquired Sovak coolly. "The crew will never accept me as First Officer." pointed out Rand. "Or trust me even if they did." "Then I suggest you find ways to change that," the Vulcan replied, unmoved by Talon's observation. "But....." "Mr. Talon," interrupted Sovak, a hint of impatience beginning to creep into his tone. "I fail to understand why you are trying to find ways out of a job that any Starfleet officer would be proud to accept. Do you not want the position?" "No, that isn't it at all, Captain," replied the XO-designate quickly. "I'm just trying to save you and the ship an awful lot of trouble." "Suppose you worry about yourself, and let me worry about my own problems and those of this ship. Of which at the moment there are many, and thus I have little time to waste arguing with you." Leaning forward, Sovak's eyes bored into Talon's as he added: "This is a promotion, Commander, and a great opportunity. I suggest you make the best of it, as I have." "Yes, sir," Rand answered in a daze. "Good," said Sovak shortly. "Since that is now settled, I want you to take personal charge of making sure the hull breaches are secured, in coordination with Mr. Walker's work crews and those from the starbase. The Admiral expects us to be ready within twenty-four hours, and I do not intend to disappoint him. Nor do I want you to disappoint me. Dismissed." "Yes, sir," the Dalriadan responded reluctantly, rising slowly to his feet. As he moved toward the door, his mind still in turmoil, Rand was brought up short by Sovak's voice adding: "Report here tomorrow at 1200 hours to update me on your progress." "Aye, aye, sir," Rand said automatically, thinking back frantically to the days of his EVA training that now seemed like a hundred years ago, and knowing he'd damned well better remember it quickly. Somehow he found himself back through the doors, and only then did he allow himself a long sigh. Whether it was from relief or joy, he wasn't sure yet, and it appeared like he wouldn't have much time to figure it out. Belatedly, he became aware of his surroundings, noticing that the bridge crew and techs who were still working to repair the shattered surroundings were all staring at him. Some of them in the concealed loathing he had come to expect, but others in mixed respect and awe, a new sensation for Rand, and one which was a welcome change. Obviously they had already heard, once again proving the old Starfleet adage that the only thing which travels faster than warp speed is gossip.. "What's the matter?" he snapped, glaring at them and placing both hands on his hips in a disapproving fashion. "Haven't you ever seen a First Officer before?" Suddenly, they all seemed to have something better to do, and the whole room exploded into activity around him. Despite his misgivings about this promotion, Rand couldn't help but smile slightly. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all...... ****************************************** FMD: 7.0035 Scene: Observation Deck The small gaggle of officers sat around the table. There was mixed looks from each of them. Talon, now the Executive Officer of the ship, no longer in the acting role, had summoned them there in his first official action. Sitting were from left to right, LCDR Walker, LCDR Kyran and LT Modix. The CEO, CSO and OPS officers, respectively. "Okay.", Talon said standing, "You are all probably wondering why I called you here. Well,", he began, only to be cut off by the Scottish Engineering Officer. "Sir, we dinnae have the time for inspirational speeches. I suggest ye save the "Win one fer the gipper" for some other time. There is much to be done an' very little time to be wastin'". Talon's jaw tightened a bit at the interruption, and the small man stared back at the Scot, each of their eyes locked tightly. Finally Walker gave in with a resigned sigh. "This is far from a motivational speech.", he continued, placing emphasis on speech. "You are correct Commander Walker, we have very little time, which is why I wanted to assemble the people who will be getting this job done and coordinate this operation to the best of our abilities. I don't want this to turn into something resembling a Targh playing with a hoverball." "Now, as I see it. The most severe damage is located along deck's 17, 19 and 24. There is also smaller, but no less in need of repair, breaches along deck's 9, 5 and 11. Count in the remaining damage, and that leaves us with a hell of a workload." "Now, Commander Kyran.", Talon said, getting the answering growl from the Klingon security chief. "You have your people working with Commander Walker's already, correct?". "Yes....sir.", Kyran replied evenly. "Ok, that's good, but I'd like to get even more people on this. LT Modix, I'd like you to track down as many of the crew as you can who have any experience whatsoever in Engineering. Enlist their aid so that Walker and Kyran here have some more warm bodies. Duties permitting, of course. Also, I'll try to get OMEGA to spare a few of their own, but don't count on that. I'd like to see the ship at the best possible operating level by, well, let's say, 1900. That leaves us roughly 18 hours to get this ship back in shape to go back out. Any problems?" "All right then, on that note, let's get to it.", Talon said, watching the small group rise and depart the room. respectfully submitted, LCDR Rand Talon XO, USS PROMETHEUS Josh Young FMD: 6.2321 Talon surveys the damages. Josh FMD: 6.2344 CAPT Sovak informs Talon of promotion to XO Josh/Tim FMD: 7.0035 Meeting of the minds. Josh NRPG: Many thanks to Tim for his input on the Sovak/Talon meeting. Well, that about sets the stage. We have about 18 hours RP time to take care of repairs (give or take a few hours, of course.) Tim: Thanks again. Dave: Thought Chaz would like to get his feet wet at OPS. Jeff: Hope ya didn't mind me using Walker a bit there for animosity's sake. ***This message sent by an official member of Indigo Fleet*** Are you also posting your message to the newsgroup?!!! ---END TRANSMISSION---