Star Trek: Season 1 - Flash Point

[Geekyfanboy]

Quinn entered the lounge and noticed a few of the other senior staff had already arrived. He smiled and nodded as he took his seat next to the Captain's chair. A few moments later the Captain and the remaining senior staff entered and the meeting began. Captain Bell explained our upcoming mission. Quinn was excited to hear about the Iconian mission. He's read a lot about their culture and was very interested in the fact that their technology was so advanced so many hundreds of years ago. He didn't like the fact that we were meeting up with Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians and the Ferengi. This was just going to complicate the mission.

The Captain finished his briefing. "For now the first course of action is to get your teams assembled and to get us out of spacedock." :: He turned to Quinn ::. "Number one, that's your first job. Take us out."

Quinn smiled "Aye Sir"

Everyone stood and started to file out of the observation lounge. Quinn entered the bridge and pressed his comm badge.

=/\= To all hands.. this is Commander Quinn.. prepare for departure. =/\=

::Quinn sat down in his seat, the excitement was building. He pressed button on his side counsel.::

=/\= Starbase 514 this is Commander Quinn of the USS Tiberius requesting permission to depart. =/\=

=/\= Commander the board is green, you are good to go. Safe journeys Tiberius =/\=

:: Quinn turned to Ensign Iblis :: Ensign you heard the man.. take us out!!

"Aye Sir"

Quinn sat there with excitement flowing through his veins. A new mission was always exciting to start but this one was different. This was Quinn's first mission as the First Officer. And even though the mission seemed straight forward he knew better from past experiences that things never go as planned.

The ship shook slightly as the large docking clamps were released. It moved slowly forward until it was clear of the starbase docking port. Ensign Iblis turned in his chair.

" Sir we are clear of the docking port "

" Nicely done Ensign... set coordinates for the Teldra Nebula, Warp 5 "

" Coordinates set sir... Warp 5"

"Engage"

Commander Quinn
USS Tiberius
First Officer

[Jen]

Sevryll stopped the Captain, before he left the observation lounge. "I apologize that I have not formally introduced myself Captain." She stated in a tranquil, even voice. Before she could continue, he held up his hand to stop her and smiled. "I already know you Lt. Commander. I hand picked you remember?" They shook hands before she continued. Doctor Peterson stood with Sevryll glancing from her to Bell in an attempt to gage the Captain's reaction.  Would he be excited or agitated regarding this bit of information?

"Captain, Doctor Peterson has come to possess an Iconian artifact that his mentor discovered. He requested that I help him determine whether the object is authentic. Because of the nature of our mission, I felt it necessary to divulge to you the analysis of my experiment. I believe it may have some significance to our operation."

Captain Bell cut her short with a motion of his hand and glanced around the room; there were still several officers within earshot. They were clearing the area, yet Bell did not want to take the chance of sharing information that may require secrecy for the time being.

He motioned them out of the Observation Lounge, across the bridge and into his Ready Room. The ship had begun to depart and shook slightly as the docking clamps were released. Once they were inside he gestured them to sit in chairs located opposite from his own. He then swung himself upon the desktop in front of them. His palms gripped the table as he leaned forward and signaled with a nod to continue.

"I determined the object is ceramic and thus preformed a Thermoluminescence test, to establish an approximate age." Sevryll folded her hands and stretched them out to rest upon her knees.

"In the practice of making a ceramic vessel, the soft clay must be fired in a kiln to harden it. The process of firing the object releases the trapped electrons and resets the thermoluminescence clock to zero." She paused briefly to take a breath.

"The course of accumulating electrons, and their release when heated, occurs every time the ceramic vessel is reheated. What I have measured, using this technique, is the last time the vessel was heated above 500 degrees Celcius." Her eyes moved to the Doctor sitting next to her— his expression seemed to say "Get on with, it will you?!" So she ceased her description of the testing process and simply revealed her findings.

"The vessel is authentic, Captain. It is approximately 300,000 years old." Doctor Peterson shifted excitedly in his seat; he could hardly contain the exhilaration he felt at learning the object was genuine. Captain Bell raised his eyebrows and whistled quietly. He signaled for her to continue.

"What is particularly noteworthy is that the artifact is imprinted with an ancient Vulcan dialect, identified as "FthinraKathi". I have translated the passage as: "Now receive from us this symbol of total logic." The presences of this text on the artifact would seem to indicate that Vulcans are some how linked to the Iconians."

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I agree, it may indeed have quite an impact on our mission." He stood up and made his way around to his chair. He plopped down into his seat and began pulling up data on the Iconian culture, to display on his view screen.

As he worked, the Chief Science Officer inquired: "Captain, would it not be obligatory to inform the Vulcan High Command and Science Academy of this mission? This vessel affects the Vulcan history. What's more, Vulcan is a principal Federation member."

He found the Iconian Symbol he sought, and swiveled the view-screen around to face Sevryll and Peterson,  before answering his Vulcan Science Officer.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Lt. Commander Sevryll
Chief Science Officer
USS Tiberius
http://www.treksf.com/forums/index.php?topic=1572.0

[Trekkygeek]

Lt. Peters was relieved that finally they were under way, however, he was a little less impressed at the thought of having to deal with so many different species at once. From a security perspective, this was going to be a real headache. With so many species, there would be  many different customs to bear in mind so as to avoid unwanted confrontation. He had had dealings with the Klingons before and wasn't particularly worried about their presence, besides, with Ensign Enoch Iblis and Lt Commander K'arath aboard, he thought they would have a head start in that department. Also, having Ensign Stormshied who was half Romulan on his team would help in easing the sometimes frosty relationship between human and Romulan. His main concern was the Ferengi. Whilst physically not a problem or threat, they were very cunning and more than capable of throwing a spanner in the works.
   Rhys had worked out his rota for security and called a meeting of his staff.
"Okay men, we need to be on our toes from now on. We are going to be dealing with a real mixing pot of different cultures and who knows what may happen? There is an awful lot at stake here and I for one do not want to let the mission down. I have assigned your relevant duties. Lt. Nagumo and Ensign Corran, I want you to make sure that all the ships sensors are fully operational. I need all ship to ship communication channels ready at the Captains orders and the weapons and shields will need to be tested with a simulated programme." He looked at the tactical team who seemed to be pleased to be doing something, they had all spent some time in the various holodecks on fighting programmes just to help dissipate tension.
  "Lt. Bowers, you will be working with me. On our way to the Teldra Nebula we will be trying to get as much information on the people we are going to be meeting. This mission is going to be a meeting of several species who have had bad dealings with each other in the past. If it should kick off, then I want us to be ready. Ensigns Manrique and Stormshield, I want you to update all profiles on all the crew of the Tiberius, as myself and Lt. Bowers get details on the possible visitors to this ship, I will liase with you to complete our information. Remember, this is a mission of extreme importance and we must get this right. Any questions?"
No body said anything, they all looked confidant and ready to do their duties.
"Very well," said Rhys, "dismissed"
With that they all made for the door and exited leaving Rhys on his own. He exhaled deeply. Man that was tough, he thought. He needed to chill out. Perhaps a visit to the ships Counselor Lt. Margon would help. He had never been one for talking about his feelings, but he realised that now was not the time for pride. He was a part of a team and he had big responsibilities. He needed to grow up and realise his full potential.
   

[wso32]

Lt Bowers spent the next several hours reading up on the latest information between all the species that the Tiberius crew would be dealing with.  The recent business / trade dispute between the Ferangi and several other species seem to be of particular interest as these type of disputes can lead to problems between species on this type of mission.  Bowers presented his report to Peters and they agreed that it would be very important for the security crew to remain vigilant of these situations between the species to prevent a disruption to their mission.

[moyer777]

As Counselor Margon made his way from the briefing room he made small talk with several crew members.  He stayed on the bridge for a few minutes as the ship moved forward.  He loved this part of things.  The beginning of a mission was quite thrilling.  As soon as the first officer had said "engage"  the counselor made his way to the turbo lift and then to his quarters.  He entered and found Mr. Mouser lying on his Iconian Research pad.  "Get off that you lunkhead!"  He laughed and scratched his cats ears.  Mouser purred, rubbed against him and then hopped off the desk.

His communication light flashed and he checked it.  It was Lt. Peters.  He wanted a brief meeting to discuss his new duties and the pressures thereof. 

The counselor smiled.  This will be good.  "It is a good sign when the crew actually wants to talk to the counselor!" he muttered.  He tapped his com badge.  "Conselor Margon to Lt. Peters." ...

[Trekkygeek]

"Ah Mr. Margon, I was wondering if you were free for a few minutes, I'd like to drop by and have a chat with you concerning my position aboard this ship?"
"Of course, Of course, come along now lieutenant, I have a free session and it will be nice to meet another crew member.
The Counselors voice sounded very jolly and soothing, immediately, Rhys felt himself getting calmer, at the same time as having to swallow his pride, he just knew that this meeting would help him to settle in. "Okay then, I'm on my way."

  Rhys made his way to the Counselors quarters and pressed the door entry button. It chirruped quietly and a soft voice said "Come in"
Nervously, Rhys entered the quarters and was struck by how pleasant and calming it was and rows upon rows of real paper books, this was reassuring to Rhys as he himself was a great believer in reading a proper book rather than a padd. He also noticed a big tabby cat curled up on a chair. Rhys smiled inwardly, best not bring Phil or Grant to these quarters.

  Rhys accepted a drink of hot tea that was offered to him and was then asked what had been bothering him. At first, his response was rather stilted, he was embarrassed to be discussing his feelings with someone he had only just met. Before long though, he was relaxed and discovered that he was actually enjoying this chat with the Counselor. The Bolian seemed very willing to listen and only interrupted at the correct times. Soon, Rhys had told him almost everything, his doubts at being given such a demanding post, his early childhood and his stay in hospital. His inability to get on with others, and his mistrust in almost every other person. He also confided with the Counselor about his friendship with First Officer Quinn and how it was probably down to this man that he, Rhys, has still alive. He also asked the Bolian not to mention the friendship to other crew. He did not want that to be a factor in any future relationship building.

By the time Rhys had finished, more than an hour had gone and he was mentally exhausted. He had only expected to be there for a few minutes, but  Margon had managed to wheedle out more information from him than almost any other person before, and he hadn't even said much. He now sat across from the blue bringer of calm and waited for his evaluation

[bigtmac68]

Lt Miyamoto was thrilled by the Captain's announcment.

He was pleased to be returning to the Teldra Nebula so soon after the ships last mission. The nebula would play havoc on the scanners and targeting systems of all of the other ships attending the conference, but the Tiberius having so recently visited the nebula would be able to take advantage of all the modifications and adjustments they had discovered during the previous visit.

Moto rapidly reviewed his tactical data on the other possible ships that would attend the conference. He knew all Klingon ships with intimate familiarity having served on every class but the mighty Neg'Var, and he doubted that the empire would risk the Flagship of the fleet on so dangerous a mission. He was also intimately familliar with all classes of cardassian ships having faced them in battle during the Klingon - Cardassian war.

It was the Romulan and Ferengi vessels that drew his greatest attention as he had only engaged either race in simulations. By the time they arrived at the nebula, however, Moto vowed he would be fully versed in every way the nebula's effects could provide an advantage for the Tiberius.

Moto knew that this was a diplomatic mission, but was also well aware that with so much at stake, and with such racial hatred between klingons, cardassians and romulans as well as the greed and dishonorable nature of the ferengi, anything was likley to happen.

Lt Nagumo smiled, his fingers brushing lovingly over the weapons controls.  If there was trouble, he was certain that the Tiberius would have a few suprises for anyone foolish enough to underestimate her and her crew.

" Commander, Tactical reports all systems at full readiness, nebula modifications to sensors, tactical targeting systems and weapons will be complete well before our arrival. "

" Well done Lieutenant, " Quin replied smoothly. " but lets all pray we dont need to use them."

[iceman]

So captain what would you like to do with this Artifiact and any ideas of how this will affect are mission, I hope my discovery will not cause difficulties on this mission. Should we lock this find up in Security for safe keeping?

[moyer777]

The counselor liked Rhys.  He seemed nervous at first, but as he drank the tea the counselor offered him he became calmer.  "I'm not sure if he noticed, but I had a composition called "the rings of sultan five" playing softly in the background. That usually works with first timers" he thought. 

The counselor listened and let the Lt. talk for most of the session.  He just needed to talk to someone.  It seemed that the Lt. was sitting on the edge of his seat at the end of the session just waiting to hear the counselor's response.  Was he crazy or not?

Margon took a drink of his tea and set the starfleet cup back down.  His face had been calm during Rhys's chat with him, finally a big smile came over him and he spoke...

"Lt. Rhys-  you are not crazy."  He said.

"What are you telepathic too?" the Lt. said nervously.

"No, it's just that many people who finally come in to talk think they are" he said in a reassuring type of way.
"I think you have a good head on your shoulders Lt. but honestly, I think you are to concerned with what others think of you."

The Lt. seemed to squirm a bit in his seat.

Margon explained- "From what you have described to me, your battle started early on in your life"

"My battle?" asked Rhys.

"Yes, your battle. All of us have battles in our lives, a percieved enemy that tries to get us off of what our main purpose is in life.  In your case you battle with burning desire for acceptance, something I'm afraid you can't conquer until you quit worrying about how others percieve you." 

The Lt. rubbed his eyes and actually felt himself getting a little emotional.  "Ok?" he stuttered, "and how do you think I could do that?" 

"I have homework for you Lt." said Margon matter of factly.

"huh?"  inquired Rhys.

"I want you to do a little excercise every morning.  It's called mind adjustment.  You need to stop thinking about how others percieve you and start looking at who you really are.  You are a man that has overcome great adversity to be where you are at.  You have learned a lot. You have made it.  And now, you get to be fulfil a dream you have had.  So, every morning write down the challenges you are going to face in one column, and in the other, write down something you have experienced that will help you overcome that challenge today. Use your enemy to your advantage.     What happened to you when you were younger is only as important to you as to the fact that you have learned what you don't like about life.  Now relish in what you do enjoy about life.  The adventure, the thrill.  Let the pain you have experienced be your help in understanding others, but don't let it conquer you, let it help you go forward, oh and Rhys, it's ok to be more friendly toward Commander Quinn.  He isn't the type to play favorites anway, and you are going to need to work closely with him.  Don't worry what others think."

The Lt. sat there stunned.  He had never thought of letting the pain he had felt and the insecurity that he had battled with be his friend, not his enemy.

"You need to understand Counselor, that I'm not normally someone that shows his emotion" Rhys said trying not to get too overly critical of the advice,"at least not the more sensative side."

In fact that was the problem.  Rhys was good at playing tough, he had to do it to survive, "Yes, I understand Lt., but what you aren't understanding is that your weakness is what makes you strong. You have it in for the underdog, you want to protect.  Don't you think you were tailor made for this posting?"

Rhys just sat there.  So much information to take in.  It answered a lot of questions for him.  He was actually feeling strength from his weakness. 

"Counselor," he spoke out, "I don't know what to say." 
"Well", replied Margon, "you don't have to say anything.  Maybe we could talk more about things later.  You already knew this deep in your heart anyway. It's what makes you tick.  Now, go out there and protect our ship and crew."

The counselor stood up and went to his bookshelf.  "Here", he handed a book to Rhys. "It's an interesting read, I know it's old, but you may find it useful in dealing with your "enemy"

Rhys looked at the book.  It was entitled "No more victims".  "Hmm.  Now how am I supposed to get this to my quarters?" he laughed.

"No problem Lt., I'll package it up and have it delivered!" his blue face seemed to get more round as he smiled from ear to ear.

"Thanks Counselor" Rhys said, "uh, I know this is all confidential right?"

"Your secrets are safe with me Mr. Peters" the counselor said with a tone of safety.

"Ok then, maybe we can talk later"  replied Rhys.

"I look forward to it." said Margon.

The door opened and Rhys made his way out of the office. 

[keozen]

Bell looked Sevryll up and down trying to assess the situation as best he could. The artifact did seem to have slipped onto his ship at an extremely oppertune moment, that in itse;f worried him, but if it had any significance on the mission he needed to know.

"Very well Lt Commander, I want you to take this artifact and secure it in Science Lab 3, I believe that is not yet being used for a current study. Access is now limited to yourself, myself and the doctor. This is a classified piece of archeology now, I'd like it to be kept that way."

"Yes sir."

"As for what to do with our find, I do not want the science council, Vulcan or Starfleet, to be informed just yet. We will of course inform them in due time but that time is not yet. Dismissed."

As the Vulcan exited the room Bell paused for a moment, letting his mind regain equilibrium. He always coped well with stress and changing circumstances, his reactions were like a seascape, each new problem causing a ripple, ripples building to mighty waves. In his youth this had been a problem, he was constantly overcome with the waves of stress and obligation, but then his life changed. He got into Starfleet, got into space. He learned to surf those waves.

Time to deal with another wave.

He tapped his combadge,
"Bell to JAG Officer Newol, please meet me in my ready room. We need to talk."

Captain Gilbert Bell,
Commanding Officer,
USS Tiberius

[Archangela]

"Begin program..." JAG Officer Avrik said as she tried to find a place on her bikini to put her comm badge. She knew she could be called at any time.

The salty wind washed over her and she breathed it all in. She could feel the wet sand between her toes as she approached the surf. Newol walked in slowly with her board, enjoying every sensation then paddled out. It had taken her a long time to come up with just he right program and this one seemed to do nicely. Nothing like a private beach where you can call up barrels, stop the wind and keep the storms away. Even if it isn't exact. She could have stayed in there all day. But she decided to get cleaned up and maybe go to 5 Forward.

Newol grabbed her robe and towels.... "End Program." The doors quickly came into view and she started out. She had not stepped three steps into the passage when she bumped square into Lt. Li Sameria, a meeting she was hoping to avoid as long as possible. Lt. Li was one of the only other Bajorans on board. "Lt." Newol said. "Officer Avrik," replied the flustered crewman. Newol smiled and asked, "Have we met?"

"No, I had seen you on board, at the end of the first briefing. I am Lt. Li Sameria." the Lt. said with and uncomfortable smirk.

"Well, Lt. it is good to see you here.... I am on my way to.."

=/\= "Avrik here." =/\=

=/\= "Bell to JAG Officer Newol, please meet me in my ready room. We need to talk." =/\=

=/\= "Yes Captain" =/\=

"Lt. Li, it was nice to meet you. I hope to see you again." Newol said as she headed off.

"Are you going to change into your uniform first?" asked Lt. Li.

Newol stopped, smiled  :blush, and turned instead to the turbo lift toward her quarters.

[Geekyfanboy]

::Bridge::

It's been seven hours since we left the Starbase 514 and so far nothing too exciting has happened. The crew is continuing its preparations for our mission.

Lt Miyamoto spoke up " Commander, Tactical reports all systems at full readiness, nebula modifications to sensors, tactical targeting systems and weapons will be complete well before our arrival. "

" Well done Lieutenant, " Quinn replied smoothly. " but lets all pray we don't need to use them."

"Aye sir" Lt. Miyamoto turns back to his console.

Lt. Li announced, "Sir I'm picking up a  D'Kora Class Starship on an intercept course with us sir.

Quinn said under his breath "the ferengi" he turned towards Lt. Li. Estimated time of arrival Lt?

Lt. Li ran her fingers across the console, " Three hours, seventeen minutes, sir "

"Thank you Lt. " Quinn pressed his comm badge.

=/\= Captain...

=/\= Go ahead number one!! =/\=

=/\= We have visitor's sir. A D'Kora Class Starship is on an intercept course with us. They will arrive in three hours and seventeen minutes.  =/\=

=/\= Very good Commander... keep me informed. =/\=

=/\= Aye sir... Quinn out. =/\=

Commander Quinn
First Officer
USS Tiberius

[Jen]

Lt. Commander Sevryll placed the surreptitious relic within an alcove in Science Lab 3 and activated a containment field. She then walked out of the compartment, and into the central quarter of the lab and secured the entry to the smaller room.  "Computer, deny access to all personnel with the exception of Doctor Peterson, Captain Bell and myself. Alert me, if entrance to the secured area is attempted."

"Acknowledged. Entry secured."

Sevryll stood, facing the magnetically sealed door, contemplating the credence of the discovery. What consequences would such an object hold? She stood transfixed before the door for several minutes, her pulse slowly began to pound in her ears as she lost perception of the room around her. The door to the lab hissed as a technician entered, causing her to rouse from the odd daze. She blinked and the pounding ceased.

"Is everything OK Lt. Commander?" the tech asked.
There was an awkward pause before she slowly replied "...Quite. Thank you ensign."

She decided it had been too long since she had last meditated. After her shift, she would make time to do so.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Lt. Commander Sevryll
Chief Science Officer
USS Tiberius
http://www.treksf.com/forums/index.php?topic=1572.0

[Bryancd]

K'arath's comm badge chirped to life. He slapped his chest to open the line, "K'arath here"

Commander Quinn's voice came through, "Do you think you can handel a little more speed down there?"

Humor, humans always seemed to couch somewhat passive aggressive comments in it. K'arath perferred it more open, more honest, but he knew the First Officer was just trying to get a rise out of him. He didn't take the bait. They were a few hours out of dock but still operating at impulse.

"Warp speed at your discretion, Commander."

"Looks like we are going to be having some company, K'arath." Quinn replied, "The Ferengi's are looking to stop by for a visit and I want to be ready for any eventuality."

"Understood, sir. We will have 105% emergency warp power available within the hour and we will be sure our weapons system upgrades are online, assuming the bridge is prepared to handle any eventuality." He could almost hear the Commander smile.

[Elizur]

Ensign Enoch Iblis, Helmsman
Bridge
Traveling towards the Ferengi vessel

Enoch increased the speed up a bit. 

The Tiberius reacted smoothly and responded quickly.  What a ship! 

K'arath had the engines in fine condition. 

So quickly, the mission was already quite a pleasant surprise. 

Warping towards a Ferengi vessel on an intercept course.  This should be interesting! 

Enoch reflected on the events earlier in the evening.

Enoch had been near the Captain and Sevryll in the Observation Lounge when they had begun a discussion of and Iconian.. something... that Doctor Petersen apparently had in his posession. 

Enoch had excellent ears, and had perked up immediately.  But, Bell had glaced about and motioned Sevryll out of the room. 

Enoch knew he had heard something significant.  Information was being held secret, which of course was to be expected. 

Enoch set his mind to talking to Sevryll.  He glanced to his left.  She was there, pouring over her sensors, studying everything she could about the Ferengi.  What does a Klingon say to a Vulcan?  He would ponder this.