From: V. Rahul Chandra (vrccan_at_gmail.com)
Date: Fri Mar 14 2008 - 13:01:22 PDT
========= "Now is the winter of our Discontent" Con't from Taylor's "113" ========= Location: USS PATRIOT Stardate: 2424 [2.8] 0313.1424 Scene: Clarkson/Jade Quarters Daniel was seated on the couch in the quarters he shared with his wife, reading a PADD when she walked out of the bedroom in the new Starfleet uniform. Daniel got up, looked at her and grinned. "Don't laugh..." she warned. "I actually think it looks kinda sexy," Daniel said, walking over to her and taking her hands into his own. "All black...very nice." Catherine looked up at him, trying to decide whether he was being sincere or whether he had something else up his sleeve. Eventually giving up, she asked him when he was going to be changing into his new uniform. "Oh, not for awhile at least," Daniel replied, walking back over to the couch and picking a PADD up off the table. "I was reading the orders regarding the new uniforms while you were getting dressed. Apparently all of the replicators have been programmed to produce the newer types of uniforms so none of the older ones will be constructed anymore." "But?" Catherine asked, sensing there was more to come as she took a seat in one of the chairs. "But," Daniel continued. "We're supposed to go through our old supply of uniforms before switching over so that all of the material can be recycled. And I've still got two of the old uniforms left after this one." "I see," Catherine replied. "Don't you think it's a bit odd that there would be two sets of uniforms in use at once?" Daniel shrugged, taking his own seat again. "It wouldn't be the first time it's happened," he pointed out, placing the PADD back on the table and taking a sip from his drink. =============== Time Index: 2 Months Ago Location: FARLAS PRIME Scene: Senatorial Chamber "This chamber is brought into session," Chancellor L'Tal declared. "And we will start matters by recognizing the senator from the Babrlia Province." "Thank you Chancellor," the man in question replied, standing up and walking over to the podium where the individual Senators stood when they were making their speeches to the full chamber. "As you are all aware, our orbital telescope recently discovered the presence of extra-terrestrial life in a nearby solar system. This was a momentous discovery for our scientists as it was only the third planet that we have discovered that is similar enough in condition to our own planet to support any kind of life that would be similar to us." "The creatures that we discovered living on that planet," the Senator continued. "Are creatures that are bipedal in nature, although we know little beyond that due to the lack of resolution of the pictures taken by our orbital telescope. While I am sure the scientific community would be glad to debate matters back and forth regarding these people, I am afraid that we politicians must be a little more pragmatic in our approach. While we do not wish to seem hostile to a race that means us no harm, all attempts at communication with the nearby planet have failed and we have no way of knowing exactly what their intentions are." "Since this is a unique situation, I believe it requires a unique solution," the Senator concluded. "To that end, I am formally introducing a resolution that would serve as a formal declaration of war against the nearby planet. This declaration, if passed, would be transmitted in the same method that our previous communication attempts were transmitted. The new plasma drives that our space shuttles have been outfitted with can travel very near to the speed of light, bringing the time of the journey down from years to months and allowing us to place a strike force on the planet in a relatively short amount of time." "You wish to occupy the planet, Senator Grithir?" L'Tal asked. "I do Chancellor," Grithir replied. "If and when the troops are able to ascertain that no threat exists to the planet of FARLAS, we can withdraw our forces and return them to this world. However, I believe that because of the potential threat presented to the planet as a whole, we should assume hostility until it is proven otherwise." "In essence, you would like us to try, convict and sentence the other life forms without even giving them a chance to respond to our communication?" L'Tal asked disbelievingly. "Are these the actions of a Farlasian?" "Desperate times call for desperate measures, Chancellor," Grithir replied. "What desperate times have we reached Senator?" the Chancellor shot back. "We have no indication that the aliens are hostile!" "We have no indications that they are not hostile either!" Grithir yelled, momentarily losing his cool before checking himself. A few moments later, he continued in a calmer tone of voice. "My resolution is before the Senate and I have said what I have to say on the matter. My introductory remarks are over." "Very well Senator," L'Tal answered with a nod. "We will recess until after the mid-day meal to allow each Senator to consider the proposal that has been put forth. When we recommence the chamber session, I will open the floor to debate." ============= Time Index: Present Location: USS PATRIOT Scene: Captain's Ready Room "You've done a good job with the ship Captain," Archer said, slowly walking around the ready room and examining everything that was in it with the observational look of a master intelligence agent. "Usually the Federation Flagship would have a little bit more normalcy in terms of the senior staff and I'm glad that your command has been able to provide that." "Thank you Mr. Sterling," Kenta replied. "Although I'm sure you didn't divert the PATRIOT from the Gamma Quadrant all the way back to EARTH just to compliment me on the ship's recent performance." Sterling turned from examining one of the wall plaques to regard the PATRIOT's Commanding Officer for a few moments before he cracked a smile. "No Captain," he said softly. "You're quite right. The matter I need to speak to you about is more serious than a simple house call. A lot more serious." "I'm all ears," Kenta said, leaning back slightly in his chair and folding his hands in his lap as he waited for the intelligence officer to continue. "Well," Archer said. "I think the best thing to do first would be to tell you why Starfleet Intelligence chose the PATRIOT for this assignment." "I've been wondering about that recently," Ben admitted. "It's not every day one of the highest profile ships in the fleet is chosen to do some undercover work." "No, it's not," Archer agreed. "But the circumstances of this situation are rather unique. The last mission that you were on proved two things about the crew of the PATRIOT. It proved that not only are you able to handle situations that involve multiple changeling infiltrations, but it also proved that you have the ability to minimize the damage of a loss. While the mission to the LIOUN system was technically a failure, the fact that relatively few casualties were sustained in addition to the fact that you got the PATRIOT out intact has lightened the spirits of many in command." "I'm not so sure my new First Officer would agree with your assessment of the casualties being few in number," Kenta replied. "Lieutenant Commander Gorman is young," Sterling replied. "And his nature is not one that is given to wanton violence and destruction. This makes certain things difficult for him to grasp. But trust me when I say that in comparison to the worst case scenarios Starfleet had drawn up in a firefight between the PATRIOT and a Dominion Battleship, your casualties were few in number." "I believe you," Kenta answered with a nod of his head. "So, the PATRIOT is being chosen for this mission because of our recent experiences with changelings and our ability at damage control?" "Primarily," Archer said with a nod of his head. "Although the ship itself can not figure heavily in the mission." Ben raised an eyebrow. "You're speaking in riddles Commander," he said. "I still have no idea what this mission is." Archer leaned forward slightly. "I'm about to tell you Captain," he said. =============== Time Index: 2 Months Ago Location: FARLAS PRIME Scene: Corridor Outside Chancellor's Office "He might have something this time," Ramy said as he walked down the corridor with Chancellor L'Tal. "Grithir has always felt that our space program should be geared towards defence of the planet rather than research and exploration and this proposal of his has been worded in such a way as to potentially be able to awaken the xenophobic instincts of many in the Senate." "Xenophobic instincts?" L'Tal questioned. "I had always been proud to lead the people of FARLAS PRIME with the thinking that we were progressive and forward-minded." "Even the most progressive-minded person will retreat from the unknown if he believes the unknown might hurt him," Ramy observed. "That is just the nature of Farlasians." "I do not believe it," L'Tal snapped. "Our people are better than this. Even if we were in danger from a threat, how could we be sure that our weapons and spacecraft would actually form an adequate attack force? Is the Senate so thick-headed as to blindly attack something they know nothing about?" "Well," Ramy reflected. "If these aliens are portrayed as being the enemy, Grithir might feel that a protracted conflict against them might shore up political opposition to him in his own province. It is certainly true that conflict against an outsider might unite the people of this planet in a way that has never been seen before." L'Tal looked over at his aide, a frown on his face. "Do you support Grithir's proposal then?" he demanded. "You would have our people go to war against aliens we know nothing about? What if these aliens are not the only ones? Do we dare bringing the wrath of some unknown enemy down on the people of this planet?" "Calm yourself L'Tal," Ramy said soothingly. "My job is to point out viewpoints that you might not consider on your own. You and Grithir have never seen eye-to-eye on most issues and the space program is just one of many. It is quite possible that he has his own reasons for suggesting an interstellar invasion force, but it is also quite possible that his viewpoint and concern are both legitimate." L'Tal sighed, leaning against the railing and looking out at the well-kept gardens surrounding the Senate building. "You're right as always Ramy," he said. "Grithir is probably just doing what he thinks is best. But that is my job as well and I will debate him on the floor. We shall see if the Farlasian Senators really wish to be warmongers." =============== Time Index: Present Location: USS PATRIOT Scene: Main Bridge Jeff was seated in the command chair on the bridge of the USS PATRIOT, going over the latest scans that had come into the consoles on the chair. With the PATRIOT stationed at EARTH there was not much that Jeff really had to be worried about, but since he was still relatively new to the role he thought that developing good habits right from the start was a very good idea. While he was working on that, the doors to the turbolift opened and Counsellor Tam Niala emerged onto the bridge. She made her way over to the command area of the room, taking a seat in one of the chairs next to where Jeff was currently at work examining the sensor readings. "You know that's probably one of the most futile things I've ever seen you do," she observed when she noticed what it was Jeff was reading. The Executive Officer raised his head and grinned at the Counsellor. "Old habits die hard I guess," he said. "When I was a Chief Medical Officer I made it a point to read every report that came across my desk. Now as a First Officer I'm finding myself drawn to reading all of the sensor reports that come in." "Anything interesting?" Niala asked. "Not really," Jeff admitted. "Just ships coming in and going out along with transports to STARBASE ONE, UTOPIA PLANITIA and many of the other hotspots around the Terran System." "Well, while it's not really that much of a step up, perhaps you'll find the latest crew psychological reports more to your liking," Niala said, handing Jeff a PADD. "Any of the workups abnormal?" Jeff asked. "No," Niala answered. "Things are about as normal as can be with the mental health of the crew. Everyone I was able to get in for an interview anyway." Gorman perked up at the unspoken words in the Counsellor's statement. "Who were you not able to get in for an interview?" he asked. "Just the Captain," Tam admitted. "He keeps finding excuses to avoid them." "He seems fine to me," Gorman observed. "Just very busy. Maybe he really doesn't have the time for an appointment." Tam looked at him pointedly. "Doesn't have the time for a quick check-up?" she asked. "I guess that does seem a bit farfetched," Jeff agreed. "Well, I don't think missing the odd appointment here or there is that big a deal at the moment considering the situation we're in. So unless you strongly object, I would suggest just putting the evaluations in as they are right now." "I don't have any strong objections," Tam admitted grudgingly. "...yet. But I'm going to find a way to get him in for an interview." Jeff smiled. "You do that," he said. "We can always just amend the records later anyway." =============== Time Index: 2 Months Ago Location: FARLAS PRIME Scene: Senate Chamber "Enough!" L'Tal said, slamming his hand down on his table in a way that demanded silence and respect. "This debate has gone on long enough. We are only restating points again and again." "It is because you lack the vision to bring the people of FARLAS PRIME forward Chancellor," Grithir commented. "If this resolution fails because of your lack of support, the people will punish you at the next election." "Watch yourself Senator..." L'Tal warned. "If you wish to run against me in the next election then that is your right as a citizen of FARLAS PRIME. But until that time, you will accord me the respect due to a Chancellor. Do I make myself clear?" There was silence in the Senate chamber as the two rivals engaged in a stare down, neither side willing to back down. Finally, after a few tense moments had ticked by, Grithir averted his gaze and mumbled an apology. "What was that Grithir?" L'Tal asked. "I didn't hear you." "I apologize for my outburst Chancellor," Grithir repeated in a louder voice, albeit with a grudging note to it. "It will not happen again." "Very well," L'Tal said. "Now, as I was saying, the debate is getting us nowhere. I propose that the Senate vote and decide this matter right here and now. Prolonging the debate will accomplish nothing." "Agreed Chancellor," Grithir replied. "I second the motion for a Senate vote on the resolution." "Then we shall vote," L'Tal replied. "Each Senator will come forth and cast their vote on the matter." L'Tal stood at the front of the massive Senate chamber, his eyes slowly moving over the well-adorned interior as the Senators lined up to come forward and cast their votes. FARLAS PRIME was a large planet with a population of 5 billion individuals and for that reason the Senate that represented the planet's population was truly gigantic. In addition to L'Tal, there were 5000 Senators in the chamber, each of whom represented an area with approximately one million inhabitants. While this could make elections very ungainly in many ways, the Senate at the same time was one of the most respected bodies on the planet and the slow speed at which it worked was tolerated by the citizens because for the most part they felt that their concerns were better addressed with the larger body of politicians. As L'Tal watched, each Senator came up and registered his vote by pressing one of the two coloured buttons on L'Tal's desk. As the Senators came up and voted, the terminal on L'Tal's desk kept track of the votes. Each Senator had his own terminal as well that he could consult if he wished to follow the progression of the voting. Most Senators walked up to the Chancellor's podium in groups however and then left for a break after registering their vote. The process of a full vote took hours and the only person required to remain throughout the entire proceeding was the Chancellor. As he continued to monitor the vote of the Senators, L'Tal noticed increasingly that the vote appeared as if it was going to be inconclusive. In the event of a tie vote, the Chancellor was required to act as a tiebreaker. Before his conversation with Ramy, L'Tal would have broken the tie by casting his tie-breaking ballot against the motion, but now he was not so sure. =============== Time Index: Present Location: USS PATRIOT Scene: Observation Lounge "Thank you all for coming here promptly," Kenta said, looking around the table at those who were assembled. In addition to Archer and Ben, there were five other officers present. Jeffrey Gorman, Bret Maverick, Tam Niala, Tanith Corwin and Catherine Sterling-Jade. "We're going to be shipping out as soon as possible," Kenta continued. "So I'll dispense with the pleasantries. Commander Archer Sterling will be briefing you on the upcoming mission." "Thank you Captain," Archer said, getting out of his chair and walking over to the wall monitor where he pressed a couple of buttons and a planet flashed onto the screen. "This is FARLAS PRIME," he said. "A planet just outside of Federation controlled space in the Alpha Quadrant. It is home to a pre-warp civilization and it also happens to be the focal point for your next mission." "The focal point for our next mission?" Jeff asked, confusion riddled across his face. "What about the Prime Directive?" "In this case, the Prime Directive does not apply," Archer answered. "You'll be working to correct a previous contamination of the natural progression of this species." "Changelings," Catherine said. "That's what you met when you told Daniel that this would be a war of infiltration." Archer nodded towards his sister. "The Dominion knows that a military conflict is impossible for them to win," he said, turning his attention back all assembled. "Even if they were able to defeat the Federation in a conventional war, they would not have the resources left to both control the Alpha Quadrant and keep order over their Gamma Quadrant Empire. Starfleet Intelligence realized this early on and decided to keep watch for possible changeling infiltrations into the Alpha Quadrant." "And we can safely assume that you Intel types found one," Maverick said. "Otherwise we wouldn't be sitting here listening to you talk." "That's right Colonel," Archer said with another nod. "We've been able to confirm changeling infiltrations into the government of FARLAS PRIME. We were able to planet an agent onto the planet two months ago and according to him the changelings were able to assume multiple roles in both the government and the private sector of the planet's organizations. Apparently, an orbital telescope on FARLAS PRIME discovered a nearby Federation colony and the changelings have been attempting to mobilize the planet's population to attack the colony ever since they infiltrated the planet." "Have they been successful?" Tam asked. "They have succeeded in prolonging the debate over the last two months," Archer answered. "Far longer than our operative thinks it would have gone otherwise. Unfortunately, our operative was discovered and killed by the changelings before he could transmit us more information, either about the situation planetside or about possible suspects to be changelings." "So we're going in cold then," Corwin commented, a not-too-impressed look on her face. "That's right," Archer said with a nod. "It still doesn't make sense," Tanith muttered. "Why would the changelings choose to infiltrate a pre-warp planet with no effect on the astro-political framework of the Alpha Quadrant?" "Starfleet Intelligence believes that this was done as an attempt to divert the Federation's attention," Archer explained. "If the Farlasians actually sent an occupation force to the Federation colony nearby, Starfleet and the Federation would be hard-pressed to figure out what to do. Finding a way of extricating the Farlasians with as little damage to the natural evolution of the species would likely supplant the Dominion War in the press and that in turn would make it a higher priority for the Federation Council and therefore Starfleet." "And with Starfleet diverted, what was the Dominion going to do?" Jeff asked. "Surely they don't think we'd be stupid enough to forget about the war entirely." "Starfleet Intelligence doesn't know the answer to that question Commander," Archer admitted. "There are theories regarding Dominion wedge pushes in an attempt to occupy worlds of tactical importance, but they are little more than theories at this point. Their reason for doing so is beside the point however. Intelligence has been able to confirm the presence of changelings on the planet and the PATRIOT has been tasked with responding to this infiltration." "In what way?" Tanith asked. "If the planet has orbital telescopes examining space we can hardly afford to bring the ship all the way to the planet." "We have detailed scans of the planet," Archer said. "Which have been uploaded to the PATRIOT's Main Computer. There is only one orbital telescope, so finding a geostationary orbit that keeps the ship outside the ability of the Farlasians to detect it would not be difficult to do. However, we do not want the PATRIOT to go on this mission because the ship itself is too high-profile." "Then why do you want her crew?" Jeff asked. "For reasons that I've already explained to your Captain and that are not necessary to go into for this mission," Archer answered, becoming impatient with all the questions. "Captain Kenta, Colonel Maverick, Lieutenant Corwin, Lieutenant Jade and Ensign Tam will be taking a runabout to complete this mission while the PATRIOT delivers supplies to the Federation colony. Lieutenant Commander Gorman will be in command of the PATRIOT during that mission and will be responsible for responding to a Farlasian threat in the event that they have already launched their strike force toward the colony." "More detailed information is available to you in the ship's computer," Archer said. "So be sure to make good use of it before the runabout leaves the ship." "Are there any questions?" Kenta asked, looking around the table. "Good, because we have a lot of work to do. Each member of the away team needs to review the necessary material in the computer and they need to report to sickbay for their alterations. Thankfully, Farlasians don't look that different from Humans, but there are still a few things that Dr. Dugan needs to put in." "However," he continued. "Before we go, there's one thing left to do. Lieutenant Jade?" The intelligence officer had been examining the material on the wall and only half-listening to the conversation, but she perked up when she heard her name called. "Yes sir?" she asked. Kenta got up out of his chair, walking over to where the Intel operative was seated. "Please get up," he said, keeping his voice and expression neutral. Wondering what she'd done this time, Catherine slowly did as told. Her confusion was increased even more when her brother walked up to her, a stern expression on his face. "We haven't forgotten what you did Lieutenant," Kenta said sternly. "And there are some at Starfleet Command that have grave concerns about entrusting such an important mission to you, even if only in part." Catherine felt her face flush and she lowered her eyes in embarrassment. "Yes, sir," she said. "But since that time," Archer continued for the Captain. "You've done nothing but perform amazingly. You've succeeded at surpassing even the Commodore's most optimistic hopes for your progress and what's more you haven't made Starfleet Intelligence look bad by blowing your second chance. But now, you're going to have to owe us again." "I understand," Catherine said. Archer grinned. "No, I don't think you do," he replied, gesturing to Captain Kenta who stepped forward with a small blue box in his hand. Opening the box, he revealed a full pip. Removing the pip from the box, he pulled the hollow pip from Catherine's rank and replaced it with the full one. "Catherine Sterling-Jade, for bravery and valour in the line of duty I hereby promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant, with all of the responsibilities and privileges of that rank now bestowed upon you." Archer smiled, scooping his sister into a bear hug as the others in the room applauded. "Congrats sis," he said, kissing her forehead as he released her from the hug. "Now," Kenta said. "We've got a lot of work to do, so everyone's dismissed. Lieutenant Jade, please escort your brother to the transporter room." "Aye sir," Catherine said, as the others filed out of the room. "And thank you sir." "Don't thank me Lieutenant," Kenta said. "Thank everyone that filed positive reports on your behalf at command. And thank your brother; you'd never have gotten this promotion without his browbeating some people at command into accepting it." ============= Time Index: A few minutes later Scene: Corridor "You didn't have to do this," Catherine told her brother as they walked along the corridor to the transporter room. "You earned it Cath," Archer replied. "I just made sure you got what you deserved." "Well, thank you," she said again, slightly giddy in the wake of her promotion. "I need to tell Daniel." "You'll get your chance soon enough," Archer said with a smile, before wagging his finger at her. "But remember, you have to continue behaving. It wasn't easy getting this promotion for you, so don't do something stupid and make your brother look bad." Catherine laughed. "I won't," she promised. "I've learned my lesson." "That's my girl," Archer said as they walked into the transporter room. He gave her another hug, before walking onto the transporter pad. "Energize," Catherine said, waving at her brother. Archer waved back before dissolving and leaving a blue hue in his wake. ============= NRPG: And with this post, we have officially begun our next mission! As promised, this mission will be dealing with changeling infiltrations but rather than an infiltration of some major planet in the Alpha Quadrant, the fight is going to take place on a planet with a pre-warp civilization. I thought this would be an interesting contrast to our last mission. While on the surface of it this mission might seem easy, consider that the goal here is two-fold. Not only is the Starfleet crew attempting to remove the changeling infiltration from the planet, but they are also trying to do it in a way that comes as close as possible to correcting the taint in this world’s natural evolution that was caused by the original infiltration. In short, this mission’s going to require a lot of thinking and it’s not one that we can just fight our way out of. For now, I’m estimating that this mission will go 4-6 weeks although that time frame isn’t as firm as the one for the last mission was. If people are having a hard time with the mission I might end it early and of course if everyone’s loving the mission and posting lots we can always extend it past the six week mark. The first phase of the mission involves fleshing out what Starfleet Intelligence has told the PATRIOT about the situation as well as getting the ship to the Federation colony. For now, please avoid launching the runabout to the orbit around the planet as I’ll be referring to that in the next post that I write. It should be out sometime early next week, although I have two essays due Monday and Wednesday next week so that’s a fluid deadline ;) That’s all for now, everyone get posting! Naomi -> Congrats on the promotion girl, you deserved it :) ============ Rahul Chandra <vrccan_at_gmail.com> Playing… Lieutenant Commander Jeffrey Gorman, MD Executive Officer USS PATRIOT & Major Daniel Clarkson, MD Marine Executive Officer USS PATRIOT No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1328 - Release Date: 13/03/2008 11:31 AM From HyperNews_at_youth.net
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