Gamma Mission

[shran]

"Alright, Ge'Haan, let's get to the point. We need the crew rosters re-synchronized from ship-board time to fleet-time. Standard specifications will be 8-hour shifts, 8 hours of duty, the rest can be spent to the crews own insight, as long as the other crewmen are not hindered by them and other work from outside the duty shifts will not heap up. A standard time for the fleet has not yet been set, so I'll assume our we won't have to change schedule for more than 8 hours, as this would mean another shift gets different times of working. No problem with that in essence. Let's assume worst case scenario, being we would have to change up to 4 hours.
Point two, the day before departure, we'll need to substract 10 minutes from each shift, then make the alpha shift on the day of the departure 30 minutes longer, by letting it end on the regular time. Is that met by your approval?"

slightly baffled by the two-minute monologue about duty shifts, Ge'Haan approved. "I guess so. You have been thinking, I noticed."

"Nah, just some on the spot thinking and a slight brainstorm this morning. I had to sort it out with you, here it is. Another point will be the process of change during that day. I'd suggest a three minute interval between each deck, in order to avoid cluttering of the hallways and to let it proceed orderly. Why? Because we have 19 decks, with crew quarters located on decks 8, 9, 12 and 15, including the officer's quarters. 1/3 of the entire crew would have to get to their stations, located on 15 decks. 50 of these people would have to get to engineering, located on decks 2,3 and 4. Just to gie you an example of why we need these intervals. Only in that way can we accomodate a swift shift change, without having the hallways clutterered as if school's out for summer."

"You can't just have thought up that. What kind of weird person are you anyway? Do you have a plug to the ships computer or something?'

"Actually, I do," replied the petty officer, showing Ge'Haan his former drug plug, now an interface with the main computer.

"Well well. Kasper, let me try to describe you in one sentence: 'more than meets the eye.'"

"I guess you could say so. I think I'll keep this one in mind."

"Petty officer Nijhoff, you did an adequate job on preparing the crew rosters for departure. But what about crewmembers with a different cycle of sleep?"

"I guess that poses some more intricate challenges to me. I'll think about it later. But i believe this can be adopted for the human part of the crew without problems?"

"Yes indeed. I guess meeting concerning duty rosters has been completed. Have fun during your shift, Kasper."

"I certainly will, Darel."

[Mark]

USS PALADIN
:::combadge chirps::: "Bridge to Lt. Mark"
Grabbing a towel from the bench and wiping the sweat from his face due to his workout, Mark replied, "This is Mark. Go ahead, bridge"

"Lietenant, this is Commander Rochey. The science team from Vulcan Science Acadamy has just reached the station, and will be coming aboard in 20 minutes. Meet them at the main airlock. The Captain and I have a meeting with their team leader, so escort the scientists to their quarters, and bring the team leader to the bridge."

"Aye, Sir." Mark replied and closed the channel. Taking into consideration the sensitive sense of smell Vulcans, especially Vulcan women have, Mark raced off to his quarters for a quick shower and a fresh uniform.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The airlock cycled open.
"I'm Lieutenant Mark, welcome abo........" Mark froze in midsentence. Standing just a few feet away were a set of black eyes that still gave him nightmares occasionally.

"Is something troubling you, Lieutenat?" Torak asked mildly, raising an insulting eyebrow "You seem to have misplaced your manners."

Angerly, Mark recovered himself, and put forth his best Vulcan facade "Forgive me. I was momentarily surprised by your presence. It's been quite a few years, Torak."

"Indeed" the Vulcan replied "Not undesireably so. Why, may I ask, are you aboard? Your gold uniform indicates operations and engineering. Are you perhaps a maintence technician on board?" Torak went on, with a very slight inflection in his voice letting all present know of the insult suggested in Marks direction.

Neutrally, Mark replied, "Gold is also the color which denotes Security as I sure you know. I am the Security Chief and Tactical Officer of the Paladin."

Looking Mark deeply in the eyes, Torak replied "I am sure that I feel safter already."

Mark felt the old pain immedietly start to build. Damn, Torak was a strong telepath. Most Vulcans needed to be able to physically touch you, but Torak was so strong, he could make contact with just his eyes. Mark was defenseless against this kind of assault and they both knew it, knew why, and knew that Torak had done this to him when they were both still boys. Mark felt the blood begin to run from his nose, but stubbornly refused to wipe it.

Spinning sharply to his left, Mark broke eye contact and said "Follow me" and quickly escorted the team into a turbolift calling for the bridge just ahead of the doors closing. How the hell was he going to deal with Torak again, for any significant amount of time in the small confines of this ship? Mark's heart was racing and he was sweating again, but this time from fear.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The turbolift doors opened on deck five, where Mark led the remaining members of the Science Team to the quarters they had been assigned to. He indicated three doors on the port side of the corridor, and three on the starboard side.

"These have been assigned to your team for the duration of our mission." Mark explained, having regained his calm as soon as he had left Torak with Captain Fletcher and Commander Rochey. "As I understand it, from time to time you may be asked to lend assistance on a different ship in the task force, where they will assign you guest quarters, but these will be your permanent residence.

"Your assistance is appricated, Lieutenant" a quite strikingly attractive Vulcan woman replied "Incidently, my name is Dr. Vellar. These are Doctors Sotal, Turrod, Villir, and Tinnas."

All five Vulcan scientists and Mark exchanged nods.

"Would you please wait a moment to allow us to place our things in our quarters?" Dr Sotal requested " We understand that there is a lounge aboard. We have been on a small science ship for nearly two weeks, and we would be most gratified for a place eat a meal in a non cramped setting."

Mark answered, "Of course, Doctor. Our Ten Forward lounge will be at your disposal for the duration of your assignment to this ship"

"Excellent" Dr Tinnas responded, as all five Vulcans entered their assigned quarters and quickly reemerged minus their luggage.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ten Forward was mostly empty as the ship was still docked at DS9, but in the corrner Teoas was enjoying a quiet and relaxing drink. When the doors swished open, he looked up and saw the new Security Chief escorting several Vulcans inside. Teaos shot Mark a questioning look, and Mark responded by steering the team in his direction.

Mark introduced each member of the science team to Teaos, and then said "This is Commander Teaos. He is the Chief Science Officer aboard the Paladin."

Dr Villir said "Indeed. Then I'm sure we would enjoy a stimulating discussion of comparitive scientific theories much more than discussing brawling with you, Lieutenant. Good day."

Mark was stunned for a moment by the abrupt and quite rude dismissal. A look from both Doctors Sotal and Vellar indicated that all did not share the same attitude, but they did all help themselves to seats a Teaos's table. Commander Teaos shot Mark a look, and all the young Lieutenant could do was raise an eyebrow in apology.

[Teaos]

The swirling blue/grey wormhole collapsed in on itself cutting off the Alliance fleet from their homes, left sitting in the now empty space that seconds ago contained the swirling wormhole sat the fleet.

Not since the Cardassian/Romulan attack on the founders supposed homeworld had a Alpha Quadrant fleet entered the Gamma Quadrant. Thankfully for galactic peace the Alliance was not here under a flag of war, they came seeking to retain and secure the peace that had reigned since the end of the Dominion war.

At the head of the fleet sat the USS Paladin, flanked on either side of the Romulan and Klingon flagships. Arrayed behind them was the rest of the fleet, organised in full battle positions the commodore was taking no chances, he didn't put anything beyond the Dominion, even attacking a peace envoy.

At the center of the fleet sat the seven ships that would form into the fleets home base along with a few other supply vessels. Knowing full well it could be over a year before any of them could return to the Alpha Quadrant.

However no matter the power of the Alliance fleet they seemed to be utterly dwarfed by the twin structures sitting before them.

After seeing the effectiveness of DS9 during the war not only as a fortress but as a command centre the Dominion had fielded their own versions.

Two massive stations sat before them, built in the standard grey Dominion alloys and illuminated with a eerie blue light. Weapons turrets littered the stations along with a swarm a various Dominion craft proved the futility of assaulting the hulking stations.

~~~

On the fleet bridge of the Paladin Commodore Grayling stood at attention viewing an image of a Vorta on the screen before him.

"As per our agreement you shall be escorted to your staging area by two of our assault craft, you liaison shall transfer to your station as soon as it is established" The Vorta said in its monotone voice.

"Understood, thank you for your co-operation" Grayling said before killing the communication.

"Commodore Grayling to the fleet, engage warp five to our staging area"

~~~

After drifting out of range of the Dominion gate stations the fleet jumped to warp as one leaving the space fortresses to guard their only way home.

[Mikey]

"Thank you all for coming." Mikey had summoned the department heads plus Petty Officer Nijhoff to the conference room fifteen minutes prior to the first alpha shift since arriving in the Gamma Quadrant. Predictably, Dr. Holmes was the last to arrive. "You are of course familiar with our briefing and objectives, but I wanted to clarify a few things.

"The role of the Daystrom during this operation will be primarily that of defense for the fleet, and that will probably include escorting ships on reconnaissance missions - either directly or with fighters. In addition, because of our auxiliary craft capability, we will also be responsible for some force-projection and limited scouting duties. I may be involved in either face-to-face or comm meetings with fleet command from time to time - Lt. Cmdr. Ge'haan, you will remain up-to-date with fleet activity. Mr. Nijhoff, you will coordinate the staff based on my or Cmdr. Hewer's instructions. Lt. Hewer - if you are caught up, see if you have any volunteers to assist with the construction of the base. Lt. Moncano - build a team to prepare for planetside landing and manning the ground vehicles. Questions?"

Moncano asked, "A team prepared how, specifically, sir?"

Mikey gritted his teeth, closed his eyes for a moment, and said, "Assault, vehicular operation, e-suit ops... see Cmdr. Hewer at his convenience. You have the good fortune of having the best former security chief in Starfleet for an XO." Mikey shot Hewer a meaningful look. "Thanks again, everyone. Dr. Holmes?"

After everyone but Holmes and Mikey filed out of the room, the doctor said, "You wanted to see me, your captain-ness?"

"I had asked you for your crew report at a certain time. I'm not inclined to bust chops for something like that while we're sitting at dock, but now that we're on mission I expect my instructions to be followed."

Holmes waved a dismissive hand. "I was busy. I got it done, didn't I?"

Mikey approached Holmes. "There is a reason for the things I ask of my staff. I don't care if you can bring people back from the dead - if you can't or won't follow instructions in the chain of command, I have no use for you aboard this ship."

"I HAVE brought people back from the dead," said Holmes somewhat petulantly.

"And I still can't have a doctor - even a great one - who cannot function as part of this crew. Are we clear?"

Holmes switched his cane to his left hand and brought his right hand up in an exaggerated, mocking salute. "Aye, aye, your captain-ness!" he said at the top of his lungs and then turned and left. Mikey just sighed and stared for a moment.

[shran]

Dr. holmes waited patiently to see the petty officer he was scheduled to examine, enter and walk to his office.

"you're late," was the sentence with which the appointment started.

"Yes, I know that. But only late by 26 seconds."

'You know that XO's and commanding staff make a huge point of that, assuming you are aware of this ships history."

'The only person to make a fuss about such trivialities was commander Andyeskovene Rocheineskina, which is now serving on the USS Paladin. This means that I can be late for duty shifts an appointments for at least 26 seconds, sir."

'My name may be damn simpler than Andy Rock, but you'll notice that you'd want him as your CMO instead of me, because he doesn't know he was surrounded by idiots. I do."

'I, sir am not an idiot. i am the oldest person on board this ship, with access to the greatest amount of knowledge present on this ship, being the central computer."

'Now listen, you walking calculator, go sit on that bench before you make any other idiot statements. or i might be forced to introduce Windows vista in your sysytem.'

'Very well, dr. holmes." Nijhoff remained calm, for there was no reason to get angry. Admitted, the doctor was a complete arse, but he knew he would be stuck with this person for the next year at the very least, so he decided to remain adamant under his words and t try not to aggravate him.

"Well, you smarmy git, nothing seems wrong with you, except the lack of a soul."

"Dr. Holmes, as you may klnow it is still not proven wether humans have a soul or not. Vulcans however do have an analogy for soul, being their katra."

"you don't have a katra, in fact, all you have is an interface with the computer. The computer made you to what you are. In fact, you are a walking calculator."

"Contrary to what you might think, doctor, I do have emotions, I just see no need to show them. All that is sufficient for me, is storing the knowledge i have either in my brain or in the computer. When off duty, I can use that time to process that information."

"Input, process, output, is that all you can do? You are a calculator indeed. 16 to the power of 3."

'I beg your pardon sir?'

"16 to the bloody power of 3. is that that difficult for you?"

'no sir, 16 to the power of three equals 4096.'

'Why didn't you say it the first time?"

'because your question was out of the context. you asked me to answer a mathematical question out of the proverbial blue."

'Well, deep blue, your examination is over. good afternoon.'

"What is your conclusion?'

'Good afternoon."

"Can I perhaps receive a report about my physical and mental condition?"

'Good afternoon."

[Mark]

USS Paladin.....Officers Quarters

Mark sat quietly in his darkened quarters with the only light in the room eminating from his meditative candle. Because he was, at the moment, completely at peace and accutely aware of his surroundings, he felt the heavy vibrations in the deck plates of his floor, before his door chime rang.

"Come in" Mark spoke quietly.

The doors hissed open to reveal a MASSIVE figure, who had to duck to enter the room. He faintly resembled a stone golemn of legend. At 7'5, and weighing in at over 500 lbs, the massive brikar, Tar Ritan was literally giant come to life. Mark repressed a smile, remembering when he was a child, the huge alien would literally blot out the overhead deck lights.

Slowly he came out of his meditative state, and rose to his feet. "Is anything wrong, Tar?" Mark asked.

Looking down at his feet, the imposing figure rumbled in his deep voice, "There's something that I need to tell you, Marky-boy, and I need to say this sooner rather than later."

Only Tar would ever be allowed to get away with calling him Marky-boy, and then only in private, as Tar had given him that pet name when he was about three years old.

"I need to tell you how grateful I am to be here." Tar went on, "I was completely washed up, and ready to leave Starfleet. I never thought I'd be back in space, much less on the Paladin, of all ships. I want you to know this, Marky-boy. I will NEVER let you down and I will ALWAYS have your back. I swear this to you, on your parents memories."

Moved, the young lieutenant cracked a small smile. "Thank you, Tar. That means alot. Of course, you should know that I never even considered becoming a department head and not having you with me. Now, if I can just get used to GIVING you orders, instead of jumping when you say something, well then........"

The huge brikar laughed with an ear splitting guffaw. "Don't worry kiddo. I'll teach you how to be a leader of men. Even a stubborn old brikar will follow you into Hell itself before I'm done with you. Come on, Marky. We have that staff meeting in 10 minutes."

Nodding, Mark led Tar from his quarters towards the armory, where he would have his first staff meeting of his security and tactical officers. Hearing a loud bang, Mark turned and had to stifle a grin as the huge brikar was again rubbing his head muttering,

"Blast those Starfleet engineers. Why can't the design a damn door for normal sized people, like me?"
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

USS Paladin....Ships Armory...Briefing Room

The room buzzed with the voices of the ships security and tactical staff. It's cramped confines were beginning to get slightly hot and stuffy when Mark and Tar entered.

"Ok everyone" Mark ordered. "Settle down".

The room fell silent.

Mark began, "Before we get started I just want to say this. Each and every one of us are serving on the most advanced ship in the fleet, and she's the first of her series to boot. That gives us a reputation to uphold, so most likely when the USS Templar is ready to launch, odds are, they'll follow our example. So let's do this lady proud, agreed?"

Every voice in the room gave a loud woop.

Mark continued, "As security, it's going to be up to us to put ourselves in harms way to protect the other officers of this ship, as well as to defend the ship itself from any number of threats. As such, this department will immedietly begin an intensive physical and skills training program to keep us at our peak while we are out here in the middle of nowhere."

A good natured rumbling stirred echoed threw the room.

"At this time, I'd like to introduce my deputy, Lieutenant Junior Grade Susan Miller." Mark introduced the red haired beauty.

"Howdy, yall" she greeted the room with a lazy wave and a stunning smile.

"Don't let her looks fool you, people" Mark warned. "Starfleet Special Ops courted her just after we got out of the Acadamy, because she doesn't know how to miss with a phaser. She will be responsable for and in charge of making sure we can all hit port side of a freighter."

This time laughter echoed threw the room.

"Next," Mark continued "I'd like to introduce Lieutenant Junior Grade Tar Ritan."

The huge brikar officer rose to his feet, causing the room to fall silent.

"He will be in charge of your small unit tactics and training." Mark continued, "Listen very carefully to what he has to say. If you get into trouble on a planet, or we get boarded, his instructions and experience may just be the only thing that keeps you alive."

Tar gave a half wave and took his seat.

"Now, I, Lt Miller, and Lt. Ritan will each be a shift leader. Last but not least, is Ensign Danial Collins. He will be the Gamma Shift leader. Ensign Collins, where are you?"

The baby faced Ensign self conciously rose to his feet and gave a small wave to the crowd.

"Ok, any questions?" Mark asked, "None? Good. Now, let's move on to the business at hand"

Mark continued on with his briefing into more mundane matters.

[Teaos]

"It feels different" Teaos commented as he and Fletcher walked down the hallway absently, they had both taken to just walking around the decks randomly getting a feel for the new ship.

"Certainly has a more military feel to it" Fletcher commented.

"I'm still surprised Starfleet agreed to field a true battleship, I guess the Dominion war and Romulans scared them more than I though" Teaos said as they watched a security detail walk by, it might of just been his imagination but Teaos seemed to notice the crew held themselves differently, as if serving on the Paladin was a constant honour.

"There is a difference between surviving a war and winning one" Fletcher stated with a edge to his voice, Teaos knew the personal cost the war had cost him "Rumor has it the Andorians were almost threatening to secede from the Federation if Starfleet wasn't reorganized"

"That would have caused a stir" Teaos said having not heard that rumor.

"It could have almost been the end of the Federation, we have more enemies than the public realize"

"That's why we're here now?" Teaos asked.

"One of the reaons " Fletcher commented as they walked down to engineering.

[Reliant121]

"Doctor Mairin, we've got a report coming in of an accident in the holodeck," Said a medic who's name she hadn't bothered to learn just yet. Lifting her eyes to the ceiling, she ambled over to the hypospray cupboard.

"Whats the problem with him?" She responded, sighing softly. It had been a while since she had eaten, and hunger was setting in all to quickly for her liking. She'd tried to limit her intake of food, a little concerned about her weight. It wasn't amazingly high, but it was a tad over the recommendation. It didnt work. Instead she found herself almost sick with hunger. Taking in all accounts, it was far more prudent to eat. And by god she could eat.

"Second degree burns, looks like a dozen or so light blade scars," The medic said.

"Gah, what is it with Mr. Kandak and his blasted hand to and programme. Every other bloody week, I tell you," Mairin groaned. It had become standard routine for Chief Petty Officer Kandak, a rather aggressive man, to let loose his feelings on unsuspecting photons in the holodeck. It was also routine for him to receive injuries. Burns weren't uncommon, an enemy wielding a flaming torch or some such and a knife wound here and there. Of course, Kandak disabled the safeties. If Mairin got her way, they would be permanently locked on.

Picking up the hypospray and burying it in her lab coat, she strode out of the bay. She was rather intent on getting this over and done with and gorging herself on something warm and flavoursome. Probably something involving large quantities of potatoes. Upon reaching the turbolift and setting it off on its journey, she stopped to think for a second. Giggling to herself, the retrieved a tiny vial of Romulan ale, and took a swig. She dropped back slightly, unprepared. But the flavour was magnificent, as it always turned out to be.

She walked out of the turbolift and hurried down the maze of corridors. When she reached the holodeck, several crewmembers had already moved Kandak outside of the bay doors.

"Blast you man, why do you do this to me every other week," She scolded, injecting the pain relief into his blood stream. She reached in her coat, and after considerable effort of searching around retrieved a dermo-regenerator and ran it across his wounds and burns. He didn't respond to the question, he knew it was rhetorical. So did she.

"Done. Now for once, can you please try to get to grips with this thing called "survival instinct". You dont seem to posess it," she said sternly. "Right. off duty now, so i am getting something to eat."

"Would that be a 3 course meal, m'am?" A crewman joked.

"Bah, if only," Was her reply, as she strode down the corridor, and disappeared into the maze of the ship.

[Mark]

USS Pegasus-Main Engineering

"Look Commander, I know it's hard for you to believe, but I do happen to know my way around an engine room" Master Chief Donnie McDuff snapped at the red faced and highly irrate Systems Interface Liaison Officer. "And I've added a tirtiary bypass relay from the bio-neural gel pack interface, because it will keep the damn thing from exploding in some poor sods face if we get any kind of power overload!"

"And I'm TELLING you Chief, there is no reason to do that!" Lt. Cmdr Tina Jorden, hollered at the old man "Two relays are good enough! How often do you think both relays would get overloaded?! Are you to stupid or ignorant to realize that by doing that your going to reduce their efficiency by nearly a percent and a half? I won't allow it! I'm giving you a direct order Chief McDuff, PULL THE EXTRA BYPASS RELAY!!!"

Every man and woman on duty in engineering stopped what they were doing and were staring at the two engineers with expressions ranging from confusion to apprehension.

McDuff's face went cold. "Come with me please, Commander." McDuff headed for his office. After the door closed, McDuff spun on his heel and angerly faced the pretty young Commander. "Listen here little girl, and you listen good. This is MY engine room, not yours. Don't you DARE insult me in front of my staff again, or you'll never see the inside of Engineering again."

As she began to reply hotly, McDuff interupted her, "I'm the Chief Engineer aboard this ship, and if I don't want you here you won't be here. Understand this, I've been building and rebuilding engines since your grandfather was in diapers, and good enough has gotten alot of good people killed. If I pull that extra relay, and for whatever reason one of those two remaining relays is damaged, the other one will overload and explode. How many people die because they're console explodes in their faces? Didn't you ever wonder why panels on the old Constitution Class ships would just short out before exploding? That third bypass saves lives, little girl."

Jorden's eyes narrowed dangerously, and her voice dropped to a whisper "How dare you talk to me like that? I'm a Starfleet Officer and a Lieutenant Commander. I'm your superior officer, and I'll have you brought up on charges for insubordination, Chief."

"It's Master Chief, ma'am. Would you like for me to call you Lieutenant? It would show almost the same degree of disrespect." McDuff replied. "As for you being my superior officer, guess again. I'm the Chief Engineer here, not you. All those young ensigns and lieutenants out there work for me, NOT the other way around. I report to the Captain and to the First Officer, not to you. If you would care to file charges, be my guest. After over 70 years in Starfleet, I have my share of reprimands on my record, so what's one more."

With that, McDuff walked past the furious officer and left his office, heading for the turbolift thinking about relaxing and getting some lunch. As he approaced the the turbolift Lt. Tucker, the Security Chief staggered out of it. McDuff caught a strong wiff of Scotch on her breath as she exclaimed

"Hey, this isn't the lounge! The turbolift must be broken, Master Chief! What am I doing in Engineering?"

Shaking his head he replied "I'll take a look at it first chance I get, ma'am. In the meantime, why don't we get you back to your quarters?"

Tucker threw her arms around the old man and exclaimed, "You are the sweetest man in the world! I'd LOVE for you to take me to my quarters!" and planted a sloppy kiss square on his lips.

As McDuff gently disentangeled himself from the drunken young woman and guided her into the turbolift, he wondered what kind of a crazy house he'd landed himself onto this time, and muttered under his breath to himself, "I'm getting to old for this shit."

[Mikey]

There was a curious sense of indifference mixed with a strange intensity aboard the Lacron. It was as if the Romulans were so completely confident in themselves that nothing could bother them. Grr'lek's quarters were spare of decoration, but spacious and comfortable; he wasn't sure if it was an odd, austere hedonism or the simple Romulan belief that they deserved luxury but still maintained a martial frame of mind.

Grr'lek sat alone - as usual - in the officer's mess, not for the first time admiring the simple clean lines of Romulan design. A young officer with whom Grr'lek wasn't familiar paused by his table a moment and sneered, "You know, we don't require Starfleet's oversight - and don't appreciate its espionage."

Grr'lek barely reacted. He slowly turned toward the Romulan and answered, "That's good, because I'm not here for either of those purposes."

"Then why are you here, exactly?"

"To coordinate. Whether or not you or I like it, we are here to work together - the success of this operation may very well depend on it. I am here to facilitate that cooperation."

The Romulan grunted and left. Just as quickly, Commander D'tyra sat opposite Grr'lek. "Don't let Verclar bother you," she said. "We are a pragmatic people, but proud. Some of us are still stung that in the final analysis, we required the help of the alliance during the war."

"No more than we required yours," answered Grr'lek.

"True, perhaps. But we are proud, as I said, and unused to relying on any but ourselves. In time..." D'tyra was interrupted by a comm from the bridge.

"Commander! Long-range sensors have picked up a system: low gravitational gradients, two class-E planets, one class-D, two class-G, and one class-L with strong Van Allen belts, no preliminary signs of sentient habitation."

"Acknowledged." D'tyra swept out of the room with Grr'lek in tow.

"If I may, commander?" Grr'lek asked quietly.

"Yes, er... lieutenant?" Commander D'tyra showed no sign of self-consciousness over her unfamiliarity with the Federation rank terminology.

"The USS Daystrom has craft embarked which are capable of closer studies of the gravity wells and bodies of the system. Combined with your data analysis capabilities..."

"Yes, I see," D'tyra said as they entered the bridge. "Secure the services of one of these craft."

Grr'lek seated himself at an auxiliary bridge console and commed the Daystrom. Darel's voice answered the hail but was quickly interrupted by background noise. "Hello, lieutenant," came Captain W'trisk's cocky baritone. "Couldn't keep away, eh?"

"Actually, sir," Grr'lek answered coolly, "I'm planning to just use you for your shuttles. Can I borrow a survey craft?"

"I'll have runabout 2 ready to go. Come aboard whenever you're ready."

[shran]

Gamma quadrant, appointed system for Alliance fleet, fleet time: 20:00

' Alright guys, this is going to be a night' s job. We can't just build a station over the course of a day, so they say. I agree with it, so we build it at night. ONe laast time, al sections and auxillary personnel, report on your status."

"Section A reporting, internal core is pressurized, no sytems operational as of now, except propulsion, maneuvring, life support and the like."

"Section B reporting, idem dito to section A."

"Previous reports are shared by C."

"Section D has no problems to report."

"Section E is ready to go."

"Section F is ready to be deployed."

"Section G is slightly excited, but no problems."

"G, this is station assembly coordination. Let me make this clear. i pass the jokes around here."

"Section G understood that is is the station assembly coordination that passes jokes around here."

"Auxillary support standing by if any problems may arise."

"Good. This is station assembly coordination, i order section G to be thrusted gently into place. Support crews, stand by incase anything happens. Execute."

"This is section G, moving towards central point, not deploying arms, see you in five minutes."

*five minutes later..*

"This is station assembly coordination to section G. Section G, have you reached your specified coordinates?"

"Section G can confirm that she is in exactly the right spot."

"Acknowledged. Sections A, B and C, combine your sections, use the allocated joints from section H, please proceed. Sections D, E and F, I want you to use the allocated joint sections from section H to combine and to form the complementary set of DEF. Future joint sections, give your estimates on the assembly procedure duration."

"Sections A, b and C here, we estimate that the assembly is going to take about 3 minutes at most."

"Sections D, E and F project that the estimated time of assembly will be 2 minutes."

"Sections A through F, you have each 2.5 minutes, make the best of it. G-spot, please deploy your arms to facilitate the joining f section ABC with section G."

"Section G reporting, we are deploying arms."

"Section ABC, this is station assembly coordination, please report on the status of your joining procedure."

"Section ABC is connected at all essential structural points, connecting hallways are pressurizing, and secondary connection points are underway."

"Section DEF is reporting it has finished its assembly procedure."

"Section G, this is coordination, how is the deployment of your arms underway?"

"Section G reporting, our arms are deploying, yet are not pressurized. As soon as the arms are deployed, DEF could have arrived at the appointed connection arms, facilitating connection."

"Section DEF, move towards the g-spot, nice and slowly, to connect with section G."

"Section DEF here, we are moving towards the appointed connection ports. Requesting two sphinx workpods to facilitate connection of power conduits and conveyor belts."

"Auxillary support, dispatch two sphinx workpods towards connection arms D and F, and facilitate connection to section G."

"Auxillary support here, we are on our way."

"Section ABC reporting, we are ready for final assemblance with the rest of the station. Requesting permission to move towards the station."

"this is coordination. Section ABC, you have permission to move towards your appointed destination. Station, prepare for arrival of section ABC."

the last moments were aways the most impressive. As the final part of its organs attached to the main body, the station seemd to come alive, boosted by a final jolt of movement from that section. It spun the station around its torus, and would continue to do so as long as the mission would last. in this way, the phaser arrays could go without the prolonged firing, allowing for ooling time. Also, it provided some spin, and with it, artificial gravity, thus taking away strain from the gravity plates.

Seemingly fragile, the station was it indeed, to some level. ONe decent shot and the shields were down. Another one, and the sector it hit, would be vaporized. however, bulkheads and emergency doors didn't allow depressurization. A lesson learned bby trial and mostly, error. there she was, seemingly so fragile, but already on its way to getting everyday a bit better and better.

The sheer beaty it seemed to emanate seemed to come from the almost godlike proportions of the sections, and the harmony one could find in it. It could be seen as a small candle of peace, in a sea of war, and mostly, the unknown. If it only knew of what tragic future it would have, the dangers it would face and the inexplicable phenomena, that would be stumbled upon.

[Mark]

USS Paladin-Main Bridge

Every person on the main bridge stood transfixed at the beauty of the station coming alive on the main viewscreen. It was truely a sight to behold.

Teaos asked Captain Fletcher "Did you ever see anything quite like that before?"

Captin Fletcher replied "Something similar once, but this was damned impressive as well. Glancing over his shoulder at the uptight Security Chief the Captain asked Lt Mark, "What about you Lieutenant? Ever seen a station come alive before?"

Mark cocked his head, "No sir. I've never even seen anything remotely like it before. It puts me in mind of.........." a beeping on his tactical display quickly drew Mark's attention away from what he was saying.

"Sir," Mark reported "Internal sensors have detected a weapons discharge onboard. It's signature matches that of a phaser. Deck 5, section 12."

"Lieutenant, get down there and see what's going on." Fletcher ordered.

"Aye, Captain" Mark replied, quickly making his way to the turbolift. Taping his combadge Mark ordered "Mark to Security, report to Deck 5, section 12. I'm on my way." As he stepped into the turbolift he wondered why anyone would be firing a phaser around the junior officers quarters.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
USS Paladin-Deck 5, Section 12

Mark rounded the corner to find his security team waiting for him at the door. Glancing at the name on the door, Mark suddenly felt cold all over, an emotion he quickly surpressed. It read Ens. Collins, Danial. Mark rang the door chime once, and again a second time, with no response.

"Computer, locate Ensign Collins" Mark ordered.

"Ensign Collins is in his quarters" the Computer replied.

Tapping his combadge, Mark said "Mark to Collins, Collins please respond".

When he recieved no reply he keyed the entry on the door, only to find it locked from the inside. Keying the override button he commanded "Computer, Security Override. Authorization Mark, Alpha Beta 1-3"

When the door whisked open, the smell of burnt flesh and the ionized air told everyone what happened. In plain view on the floor lay a single type 2 hand phaser, it's power indicator display showing it set to setting eight, and the computer monitor on his desk read in large font reading I just can't take it anymore.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
USS Paladin-Sickbay

"I'm calling it suicide" the Doctor stated. "Cellular residue matches Ensign Collins DNA, and the damage is consistent with a high powered phaser shot at close range."

Captain Fletcher looked over at Rochey and said "I had no idea. Damn. He should have gone to see the counseler before doing something like that. He was only 22."

Nodding, Rochey replied "The desire to self terminate is sometimes strongest with the young. But I concur. It was a waste."

As Rochey was speaking, Mark walked into sickbay, carrying a PADD and wearing a grim expression.

"Something to report, Lieutenant?" Fletcher asked.

"Yes sir, and it's not good news either." Mark replied, I've completed my initial investigation and I've concluded based on the evidence that it was not in fact, suicide."

"Horses**t", interupted the Doctor. "You found the phaser next to his remains, in a locked room, with a suicide note. How can you possibly conclude it's not suicide? Are you suggesting it was an accident? Wanting to protect his family is noble Lieutenant, but they deserve the truth."

Raising an eyebrow, Mark replied "You have just stated the most obvious reason for my conclusion, Doctor. The fact that we found the phaser. This is a little known fact. If he had indeed set the phaser to that power level, then turned it on himself, the energy coursing threw his body would have done so, so quickly and with such power that the phaser itself would have been vaporized along with his body. The fact that we found the phaser at all and matched it's discharge frequency with the one that sensors recorded confirms that this was the insturment of death. Therefore, he could not possibly have been holding it when he died."

Captain Fletcher scratched his chin thoughtfully, "Could that phaser have been set for a delayed discharge?"

"No sir" Mark responded "That particular feature was not activated when we found it, and nobody else touched the weapon except me, so I know for certain nobody accidentally disabled it."

Rochey rumbeled "I don't like where this is going."

Fletcher nodded his agreement, "Neither do I."

"Also sir," Mark continued "Upon scanning the phaser for residual DNA or even fingerprints, I discovered absolutely none at all."

"What does that mean?" the Doctor asked.

"It means that either nobody touched the phaser or that they were wearing some kind of protective glove Doctor." Mark replied.

"And not many people would replicate a set of gloves just to wear when they kill themselves." Fletcher added.

"Whose phaser was it, Lieutenant?" Rochey asked.

"It was one of six normally posted in the shuttlebay, sir." Mark replied "There is no computer record of that security panel being opened, yet upon visual inspection I confirmed that this one was indeed missing"

"This is looking more and more suspiscious, Captain." Rochey said.

"Why steal a phaser to kill yourself with, if you have your own sidearm? It doesn't make any sense" the Doctor asked.

"There is only one logical conclusion, Doctor." Mark replied.

Captain Fletcher, Commander Rochey, and Lieutanant Mark all looked at each other and all three spoke together, "Murder."

[Sonic Glitch]

"Now there's something you don't see everyday." said Captain Lewis as the bridge crew watched the new station come alive.
"Agreed sir." Said Commander Pearson, the first officer who had served with him back on the Katana. The modular design was relatively simple, but it was effective for what the fleet needed. The lettering scheme had also provided some decent snickers amongst the bridge crew while they eavesdropped on the construction chatter. Commander Patel actually turned a rather suspicious shade of red at one point, prompting a knowing smirk from Lorcan. I wonder what that's all about thought Lewis, Oh well, if I need to know I'll find out.
"Now that the show's over, we can resume normal operations. Paul, you up for Beta shift?'
"Always sir!"
"Ok, I'm gonna retire for a bit, try not to disturb me unless it's a dire emergency."
"Yessir. Just for the record, what constitutes a 'dire emergency'?" asked Pearson
"Oh you know, the usual." replied Lewis with a smile, "threat of imminent death, the bridge is on fire, warp cores about to breach, sudden loss of atmosphere or breakout of plague, you know."
"Understood sir, disturb only for disasters of Biblical proportions."
"Exactly! See, I'm glad I brought you along Paul, you know me too well." Was the laughing reply.
"Unfortunately sir." replied Pearson with a smile. With that Captain Lewis left the bridge.
"Computer, please locate our Assistant Mission Specialist."
"The Assistant Mission Specialist is currently in Holodeck Three." replied the Computer in it's soothing female voice.
"Holodeck Three" Lewis told the turbolift. When he reached holodeck he found a plain environment, a gray walled room with a simple mat in the middle.
"I understand humans use padding in their sparring." Spoke a surprisingly calm, stoney voice from the corner.
"It does tend to help, we're much more fragile then the Jem'hadar you know." replied Lewis with a smirk.
"Nonetheless, Victory is Life." Stated Taran'atar
"Victory is Life." agreed Lewis as they began a sparing session.

[Teaos]

Commander Teaos was in one of the only labs on board the Paladin, although a warship she was fitted out with some very advanced, if not very extensive scientific equipment.

Currently he was sitting at one of the work stations with Torak and Sotal discussing Dr Art Vandalays latest work about the creation of permanent artificial subspace corridors.

Teaos was listing the various benefits of having the Federation research and eventually lay down some high speed corridors through out their space, not only would it allow almost anyship in Federation space access to incredibly fast travel but it would also save huge amounts of resources since most ships wouldn't have to be fitted out with super fast warp engines.

Torak however was vigorously defending his position that every ship should be fitted with their own independent transwarp corridor generators. While slower and more labour intensive there is no risk of your travel network being sabotaged or even taken over by an enemy.

Sotal seemed to be agreeing with Teaos but was diplomatically not going against Torak, the Vulcan was apparently far more intimidating than the human.

Just as Torak was about to refuff Teaos' claim that the network could be locked down if needed they were interrupted by the comm system.

"Commander Teaos, report to the captains ready room ASAP for an emergency meeting of the senior staff" A voice rang out.

[Reliant121]

The Danube class runabout departed its parent bay, and streamed clear of the Daystrom. Grr'lek sat at the controls, while a rather unsatisfied Sub commander Nyatra sat next to him, her arms folded in the manner that a spoilt child might sit if they had been denied something.
"Something wrong, sub-commander?" Grr'lek asked, not taking his eye from the panel. N'yatra slowly turned her head for dramatic effect, although it was lost on Grr'lek as he wasnt looking. He face turned from a grim grump to a rather scornful glare.
"I harbour no taste for this task I have been assigned," She replied bluntly, turning back to the panel. She had taken a small amount of time to learn some limited controls of the Danube. She found the display crude and cluttered, and the design was anything but aesthetically pleasing. She wouldn't admit the design's practical value, because it strengthened the argument against her.
"I'm not exactly leaping over the gates for this one either but I will do as I'm told," Grr'lek commented. He turned to catch the end of yet another penetrating death glare. "Runabout 2 to Fleet, we're going to warp. See you in 5 days." he said. A simple text message from the station was the response.