Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, Bridge - 0412

 "Ensign Garner," Captain Drake asked in an acid tone, "exactly what in the hell are you doing to my ship?"

Garner snapped to attention, saluting the captain, “Sir,” his only utterance, no excuses, no explenation.

The din of the snare drum was the only sound on the field. Stormrider was tied to the post, the offer of a blindfold and cigarette were given and refused, the Colonel paced back and forth in front of the infantrymen, their muskets aimed at Stormrider.

"This was perhaps not the most fair of tests.” The Colonel was speaking, “The last time that I checked, however, our enemies have little intention of concerning themselves over concepts such as fairness.  While I am aware that you are new to these sorts of responsibilities, the fact is that you do have them, and you must be capable of handling them.”

Stormrider held his head high.  Mistakes had been made, valuable soldiers could have died, innocent lives could have been lost.  Pirates or no, more training was needed before his next mission.

“My regards to the First Officer,” The Colonel continued, “and will he please cane you for your insolence.”

The Captain of the guard stepped up as the Colonel walked away, his voice barely heard over the drum, “Ready….Aim….”

“Ah... and please, Mister Garner, come and see me in my Ready Room at oh eight thirty."

The sound of so many muskets firing.

“Yes sir!” Garner saluted one more time, he would make sure he was there early.

Garner stood through the rest of the Captain’s orders, and as the Captain exited, and while he did not move, he was chastised himself for messing up like this.

“Well,” LTCM Zai said as he approached the command chair, “that was… exhilarating.” 

Garner exhaled through his nose as if to say that was an understatement

He drew to a stop beside Garner and, resting a cool hand on the sandy-haired ensign’s shoulder, said; “It seems you’ve had enough excitement for one shift, Bradley. Why don’t you go get a cup of coffee? We’ll handle the rest of Gamma watch for you.”

Garner was pretty confused at this, thinking he’d finish out his shift, “Sir?” But thinking better of it, he’d probably be reliving the last ten minutes over and over, and if something were to actually occur, would not be in the right headspace to do anything about it, “Yes, sir, I think that’s best.”

“Very well, Ensign,” Tochi nodded as Garner prepared to take his leave, “and remember; the art of victory is learned in defeat, yes? We look forward to your report on this matter.”

“You’ll have it soon sir.” Garner acknowledged as he made his way to the turbo lift, hardly noticing Lieutenant Nyle chuckling to himself.

His duster full of bullet holes, Stormrider was cut loose from the pole.  Some warning they had given him, he knew next time they wouldn’t miss.  

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, The Airie - 0543

Garner had thought about writing his report in his quarters, but not wanting to wake up his Andorian roommate by accident, and thinking Tochi’s coffee idea was a pretty good one, decided to go to the Airie instead.  There were other crewmen in the mess hall, Alpha shift would start in an hour or so and the people here were going through their morning routines. He mostly ignored them, only looking up when he heard voices talking every once in a while.  He was determined to write a good report, his actions on the bridge earlier were not only embarrassing, but would not be forgotten soon. Writing a good report would be the first in a long series of steps to correct his reputation. Why had he run? The same question kept haunting him.  In the Academy Garner had seen no combat, although he was well versed with all the simulations. Had not knowing the encounter was a test shown his own true colors? Was he a coward? He didn’t think so…

Stardate 2361.02.12

Shuttlecraft 004, Above Sierra-Nevadas, Earth - 1327

“Shuttle 7 to Shuttle 4, you are veering slightly to starboard,” Flight Instructor Peterson’s voice echoed over the com.

“Aye sir, correcting course,” Cadet Garner’s fingers keyed the appropriate places on the shuttlecraft’s console.  An hour into the manual atmospheric flight lesson the first year had been bored. He knew all this like the back of his hand.  He’d been flying Type-16 shuttle’s like this for what seemed like forever. He wanted to open it up, see what it could do.  

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, The Airie - 0551

Garner paused in his report, switched screens on his PADD and resumed the other piece of literature he was working on:

Dear Uncle Bret,

 I hope this letter finds you well.  Sorry I have not written sooner, there has been so much going on as of late.  As I told you in my last letter, I’ve been assigned to the Peregrine, a Saber class starship, and while I cannot let you know where I’m going, life these last couple of days has been interesting.  I like all the folk in my department, there’s one young Petty Officer I like more than the rest, but I’ll tell you all about her later. My boss, LtCm Zai is great. He really knows what he’s doing and he’s super easy to talk to. …his eyes scanned further down the letter.

 I feel terrible that I’m not around to help out with the ranch, I know I’ve been at the Academy for a while, and now I’m posted on a ship, but it’s just dawning on me that unless I’m home on leave, that’s not going to be a part of my life anymore.  I’m hoping Adeline is picking up my share of the work, you said good things about her before. ...skipping to where he had left off.

 I messed up real bad today.  Didn’t do what I was supposed to.  Forgot everything I trained for and ran.  You raised me better than that. I haven’t been doing this long enough to rely on instinct yet, I gotta slow down, think about it, clear the cobwebs.  I know what I have to do, if I did it over again it would be no trouble at all. It’s so clear when I look back. But it’s done now, and I gotta make reparations …

“Do you mind if I sit?” Garner was pulled out of his letter and back into the Airie where Vaela P’Tammah was standing across the table from him, tray in hand, one antennae cocked up with a questioning look.

“Oh, yes please, sorry, I was lost there for a bit.” Garner motioned to the chair across from him, “What are you doing up so early?” 

His roommate gladly accepted the offer and sat down. “I have the helm for alpha shift this morning.  The question is, why aren’t you on the bridge? Gamma shift isn’t over yet.”

Garner shifted nervously “I was, um, relieved of duty… Lt. Zai thought I should get some coffee.  All the excitement this morning… apparently it was too exhilarating for me.” 

She raised an eyebrow mid bite.  

“Not saying he was wrong, mind you,” Garner continued, “Just feel really foolish not finishing my first shift is all.” He sat on his hand, and looked down at his PADD.

The roommates talked, she said nice things, things that made Garner feel better.  He shared stories from his days at his uncle’s ranch, she told him about dropping out of art school.  When she got up to head to the bridge Garner was feeling much better about himself. He deleted the last paragraph in the letter to his uncle. And wrote this in its place:

Things are a might interesting here, gonna have to get used to the ups and downs, but I think I’ll be ok. 

Miss all y’all more than I can say,

Love,

Bradley

After sending the letter, Garner set about finishing the report.  He read it over for the third time, and satisfied sent it off to Tochi.  He finished his last cup of coffee and made his way back up to deck 2.

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, Outside the Captain’s Ready Room - 0807

Petty officer Vish Riva sat at her desk and watched Ens. Garner approach.  He was early, Captain Drake was not expecting him until half past the hour.

“Good morning,” The Ensign nodded his head at her.

“Good morning sir,” She replied.

“I’m a tad early.” He said, rubbing his hands together, then, wiping them on his pants.

“You are early sir,” She said reassuringly, “Can I get you anything?”

“No, I’m good,” He looked around, a bit distracted, “Thank you though.” He added, looking back at her. “I’m just gonna sit for a while, if that’s ok.”

“Suit yourself,” She smiled, “I’ll be right here if you need anything sir.” And she went back to what she was working on.

Garner sat.  He shifted from side to side.  He sat on his hands. He folded his arms across his chest.  Vaela’s pep talk had gotten him this far, but he was right back where he started now that he was outside Captain Drake’s office.  He’d messed up before, a certain broken fence disaster when he was 15 came to mind, spent all night getting the cattle back in, but this was his career.  Was it over before it had begun?

Stormrider stood in front of the Colonel’s office, his bullet ridden duster played loosely on the breeze.  Time to face the music.

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, Captain’s Ready Room - 0830

Garner made the door chime precisely on time.

“Come in.” Came Drake’s voice from within.

"Ensign Bradley Garner, reporting as requested, sir" he gave his best Academy salute as he snapped to attention.

"At ease, Ensign," the Captain replied, Garner stood as Drake lectured.  The young Ensign was expecting the worst: extra duties, confined to quarters, worst of all, no duties, anything.

“...you MUST be prepared to do whatever it takes to prevent that from happening.  Do you understand?" Drake asked.

“Aye sir, I do.” Garner had a lot of things to work out, but nor right now.  Now he waited for the other shoe to drop.

“...you will be ready.  Make me proud, son." Drake’s lecture had been far gentler than Garner expected.

“Yes sir.” The ensign replied, here it come…

Drake nodded, “Dismissed.”

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, Garner’s Quarters - 0840

Garner didn’t remember leaving the Captain’s Ready Room.  He didn’t remember getting back to his room, nor changing into his sleeping clothes.  But as he got into bed, more relieved than he’s ever been in his life, he did remember he was on duty in six hours.  He would speak with his XO then about extra training, he would finally get to fly the Peregrine. Today could have been a lot worse.

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, Bridge - 0407

"Aye sir.” Petty Officer Zhang said camly, keying in the helm controls to evasive maneuver Delta, it was his favorite of the evasive maneuvers.  

The Peregrine made a wide barrel roll to Starboard as the three unfamiliar ships drew closer.

Brok barked, “We’re in the middle of nowhere sir, no systems,” Focusing more intently on the Ops panel, “There does appear to be a rogue planet at 231 mark 045.” Surprise apparent in his face.

“On screen,” Garner requested, “Zhang, head towards that planet, lets get it between us and these ships.”

“Aye sir.” 

“Sir,” T’Darren cut in, “With all due respect, without warp capabilities the advancing ships will be upon us well before we reach the planet.  They appear to be Bandi ships, nothing our shields can’t handle.”

“Then why did you suggest evasive maneuvers?!?!” Garner was exasperated, embarrassed that he had perhaps jumped the proverbial gun.

“Incoming fire.” T’Darren replied without answering the question.

A greensish wash of light impacts the shields as several others fly past the ship.

“Shields at 99%.” T’Darren reported.

“Sir,” Brok chimed in, “I’ve scanned the exterior of the ship and found a device has latched itself to our hull, it was not there when we were in warp.”

A slight pause as Garner looked back and forth between tactical and OPS, “Well?” He addressed the Tellarite, “What is it?”

“Unknown,” Brok continued defensively,”But perhaps it is what is interfering with the warp field generator.”

“Can we get it off?” The Ensign shot back at him.

“Sir, shields at 97%.” The Rigelian interrupted, his facial tattoos all scrunched up. “They have not fired again.” He looked up from TAC, his face a wash of confusion.

“Computer, where the hell is everybody?” Garner said to the air in front of him.

=/=Adama, Peter is on deck 4, Adler, Lincoln is in his quaters, Akig, Oerrik is in his quarters, Amai,…=/=

“Computer stop! Where are the senior officers?” Nothing was going right for Garner.

“Shields at 93% sir, at this rate we will have no shields in ninety-three seconds.”

=/=Commander Drake is in his quarters, Lt. Commander Zai is in their quarters, Lt. Commander Thorson is on deck 8, Lieutenant Tal…=/=

“Thank you computer.” Garner killed the report, why has nobody contacted the bridge? Where was everybody?  This is not how he envisioned his first time in the chair.

“Davis to bridge,” the engineer’s beard was down to his knees, which danced up by his ears, as his bare feet hopped over the cole he was shoveling into the furnace. “Been monitoring your stations, and looks like Brok is onto something. Shouldn’t be any trouble getting back to warp as soon as we scrape the apparatus off the hull.”

“Shields at 85%.”

“Great!” Finally something was going right for Garner, “Can we beam it off, or depolarize the hull or something?”

“No can do,” Davis replied, “Its linked itself with our warp field, we try to beam it off and it’s going to cause a break.  Nope, someone’s going to have to go out there and get it.” Davis seemed a little too nonplussed for as much as Garner was losing it.

“Shields at 69%.”

Just then the doors to the turbo lift swished open. Garner’s relief was almost palpable, here was a senior officer who knew what they were doing.  Was it Tochi come to fly the ship away, the captain to take command, Tal to blast these guys to the ends of the galaxy?

Stepping out onto the Bridge, LTJG Sh’iroalnas immediately makes her way to the science conn and awaits orders while attempting to pick up on what the situation is with an intent ear.

All the hope he had put in those doors melts from Garner’s face and shoulders as the science officer takes her position.

“Would you like to hail the lead ship sir?” Brok said, breaking Garner from whatever trance he seemed to be in.

“Yes!” The exasperated young Ensign said as he stood from the big chair. “Open a channel”

“Smoppen a Schannel,” The OPS crewman mumbled under his breath as he keyed the console, and nodded to the ensign once the channel was open.

Garner tugged the bottom of his jacket into place, looked at the viewscreen, in the background stars and planetary bodies were diving this way and that as Zhang was still maneuvering evasively, in the upper right hand corner a second screen showed the dark rogue planet, below it in another window was an exterior view of the Peregrine showing the device that had attached itself to the hull, in the upper right in the final window was a view of the three trailing ships.

“Unidentified ship, this is Ensign Bradley Garner of the Peregrine.  You have fired on a federation ship without cause or warning, stand down your weapons and shields and explain your actions or we will be forced to return fire.” He turned and made a gesture to Brok to cut the transmission, then looked at the Tellarite expectantly.

“Shields at 37%.” T’Darrent interrupted.

If Garner could shoot daggers out of his eyes at the Rigelian he would, 

“No response.” Brok informed the Ensign. 

“Can we shoot them?” Garner asked no one in particular as he slumped back into his seat.

“The ships are well out of phaser range at this time, it appears whatever they’ve done to our shields is damage enough.  If I were in their position, I would wait camly, and them beam aboard a raiding party or an explosive device, or possibly beam off the captain or the warp core and have their way with us at their leisure.” The TAC crewman postulated. “We will have no shields in fifteen seconds.”

Garner racked his brain for what to do next.  He felt alone, and if the entire ship was looking at him to what to do next.  This was supposed to be easing into command. This was supposed to be an easy Saturday night.  He hadn’t even had a chance to fly the ship yet, and now it might blow up for all he knew. He racked his brain for something he learned at the academy, or at the ranch, anything that might get him out of this one.  Where was Stormridder now? He needed to cool confidence that seemed to evade him in real life. No ideas were coming to him, what else could go wrong? He asked himself.

In answer to Garner’s unspoken question PO Brok complained, “Also, it appears as if the turbolift is no longer functional.”

All of these are dragons

I was imagining Drake has footie pajamas

I expect we're going to see a lot of officers in the PJ's pretty soon.

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, Bridge - 0354

"Ensign Garner!" Petty Officer Brok exclaimed.  "I'm detecting an abnormality with the warp field, it.."

With no further warning, there was a wrenching sensation and the deck pitched violently.  As it did so, the main viewscren display shifted from the streaking lines of warp to a normal star field.

The intercom went off.  =/= Engineering to Bridge! =/=

“Garner, here, what just happened?!?!”

=/=Sir,=/= came the clipped voice of Master Chief Davis. =/=Something is wrong with the warp field generator!  I have initiated an emergency shutdown, as a catastrophic fault was detected. =/=

That’s not good. Garner thought.

“Is that something you can fix?”

=/=Not anytime soon.=/= Davis replied. =/=I’m going to need to do several diagnostics to see what caused the malfunction.=/=  

“Do what you can, I’ll see what…”

The conversation was interrupted by the T'Darin's voice.  "Sir," he spoke calmly. "I am picking up two... no, three vessels coming towards us on rapid intervept vectors."  The Rigellian Tactical officer's voice took on an edge. "They are aquiring target lock on us. Sir, I suggest evasive maneuvers and to raise the shields and arm our weapons."

“Yes! Do that.” Garner was anxious. “Zhang, evasive maneuvers.  Red alert!” The lights and sirens that were so recently in Garner’s day dream came to life on the bridge. “Brok, where are we, is there a system close by?” Without waiting for an answer, “Computer wake up the Senior Bridge Staff, appraise them on the situation. T’Darin, do we know who’s ships are out there?”

=/=Acknowledged.=/=

As an afterthought, “Computer, wake up Commander Thorson as well, we’ll need our warp capabilities.”

=/=Acknowledged.=/=

Did we stumble on some kind of anti-warp mine?  Was this a trap? Of course it was, or these ships wouldn’t be targeting us. Garner gripped the arms of the big chair waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Status report.” Garner said expectantly.

There haven't been a lot of posts recently.  Has everyone done what they need to do before we arrive at the planet?

Stardate 2365.02.20

USS Peregrine, Deck 2, Corridor outside Tubolift - 2242

“Ba da da da da da bum, ba da da da da da bum, thum thum.” Garner couldn’t get the song out of his head.  No one was around, and he was drumming in the air waiting for the turbo lift to arrive. As the doors open he quickly smoothed out his uniform bringing his hands to rest, the Rigelian inside the turbolift didn’t seem to notice.  Was there a smirk though? Had the tall man with the face tattoos seen him?

"I wish you a good evening, sir.  I am Petty Officer T'Darin, and I will man the Tactical station for this shift. I presume that you are Ensign Garner?"

“That I am.” Garner smiled up at T’Darin, he’d looked at the jacket of all the crewmen who’d be on the bridge tonight to better acquaint himself.

Enpok bobbed his head in acknowledgement.  "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, sir.  May fortune's winds blow favorably upon your first Command shift of the Peregrine."

“Um… Thanks… You too.” Garner didn’t really know how to respond to that…but fortune’s winds when there were pirates about…

The lift opened to the bridge, and Enpok deferred to Garner before exiting, the doors shaking Garner out of his imagination.

Making his way to the center of the bridge Garner found Vaela P’Tammah sitting in the big chair.  With a smile he greeted the attractive blue skinned woman, “Hey there roomie, I’m here to take all this from you,” he gestured around the bridge, “Anything I should know about?”

((OOC: assuming nothing has happened)

“Well, have a good night.  Feel like I haven’t really seen you since I’ve moved in.  We’ll have to get a conversation in one of these times.”

As she left he looked around the bridge before sitting down.  Zhang was getting comfortable at Helm down in front of him, T’Darin was doing his final check in at Tactical to the left, and Brok looked annoyed sitting at Ops to his right.

Garner made sure to introduce himself to the other two on the bridge, and with an encouraging word he finally sat in the big chair.

Stardate 2365.02.20

USS Peregrine, Bridge – 2301

Garner had a different expectation for command.

The chair, the responsibility, it was all very exciting, until gamma shift came around.  Garner scrolled though the log, checked the bearing and speed with Zhang, asked Brok if sensors were showing anything, but everything was going nominally, nothing out of the ordinary.  Where were these pirates, T’Darin was anxious to shoot something, Garner could tell.

Stardate 2365.02.20

USS Peregrine, Bridge – 2317

The sun had set but the four riders had a long way to go before they would bed down for the night.  Their horses flew across the prairie outlined in black and the stars flew past them.

At warp, everything outside on the view screen begins to look the same. The closer lights shooting by while the lights further away.

Stormrider sat around the campfire with his compatriots: two infantrymen, the one with face tattoos polished his rifle, the other saw to the horses; and a dandy, his curled mustache outlining his upturned nose.  The four of them were comfortable around the campfire, though rumors that bandits had passed this way not too long ago were on everyone’s mind. The prairie where the riders had made camp was fairly flat, in the distance the outline of the mesas could be seen, and above them the sky was full of stars.  Several shot past them as the men got comfortable. The dandy poked at the fine, Stormrider pulled out a harmonica. Licking his lips, he wet instrument and started blowing a mournful tune…

“Sir?” Zhang turned in his chair to face Garner.

Garner snapped back to attention. “Yes Petty Officer, what can I do for you?”

“Were you whistling, sir?”

“I… yes, yes I was.” Garner looked a little guilty.  He looked from side to side, T’Darin and Brok were also looking at him.

“Just checking it wasn’t a computer signal or malfunction or anything.”

“Nope, just me.  As you were.” The three Petty Officers turned back to their instrument panels, Garner was sure T’Daring was smirking this time.

Stardate 2365.02.20

USS Peregrine, Bridge – 2342

The riders had kicked the fire out in the morning and were well on their way, the horses flying again though the meadow as the sun rose.  Stormrider took the lead while the three others fanned out behind him, the horse hooves kicking up dust as they galloped through the tumbleweeds and scrub brush.  The creek coming up was small and could easily be jumped with the horses. Stormrider was the first to cross, then the two infantrymen.

“Sir, it’s cold in here.”

The dandy’s horse disappeared from underneath him halfway over the creek, and the mustachioed gentleman fell in mustache first.

“What?” Garner was pulled back to attention.

“The temperature, sir, it’s too low.” Brok grumbled.

“Oh no.” Zhang taunted.

“Not this again.” T’Darin chimed in, almost chuckling.

“P’Tammah always turns the temperature on the bridge down when she’s in here, Andorians like it cold.” Brok went on.

“It doesn’t… feel cold to me.  Computer what is the temperature on the bridge?” Garner asked.

=/=The temperature on the bridge is 22 degrees Celsius.=/=

“I suppose that’s a little low.” Garner tried to assuage the Petty Officer. “Computer increase bridge temperature to 23 degrees Celsius.”

=/=Increasing temperature.=/=

“Is that better?” Garner asked trying to keep the peace.

“It’s fine.” Brok grumbled.

“He’s a Tellarite sir.” Zhang chimed in.

“That’s fine.” Garner looked confused.

“They communicate by argument.” T’Darin inserted. “If he doesn’t have anything to argue about he’ll complain to start an argument.”

“That’s not true.” Brok argued.

“He’s just trying to figure out if he likes you or not.” Zhang said helpfully, never turning around.

“I see.” Garner nodded.  “Petty Officer, I think it’s too hot in here now.”

“The temperature is perfect,” a slight smile appeared in the corner of Brok’s mouth. “Perhaps you’re wearing too many under layers, sir.”

“I happen to share my quarters with an Andorian, maybe I’m getting used to the colder temperature.”

“Don’t encourage him.” Zhang laughed.

“In fact, I think I’m going to turn it down to 18 degrees.”

“Sir, that would be a hostile work environment.” Brok balked.

“I don’t know Petty Officer, do I need to excuse you so you can put on more under layers?”

Garner and Brok argued for a bit, T’Darin and Zhang laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation.

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, Bridge – 0001

“And that’s why we don’t have purple uniforms!!” Garner was almost crying at his absurd argument.

The turbolift door opened.

All four sets of eyes turn to the back of the room, the scene makes them all look guilty, Garner standing pointing an accusatory finger at the man stationed at Ops.

Crewman Tam Suder exits the turbolift pushing a covered metal cart.  “Oh man guys,” his smile is broad, “Sir.” He nods to Garner. “I don’t know what you guys are doing, but I could sense the boisterousness all the way up the turbolift.”

“What can I do for you crewman?” Garner asks regaining his composure.

“It’s chow time.” Zhang cuts in, turning around in his chair.

“Huh?” Garner doesn’t know what to make of it.

While Suder pulls the lid off the cart to reveal something that smells good, T’Darin explains, “There is no one to relieve gamma shift without waking up one of the other officers, so at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 the catering staff bring food up to the bridge so the bridge crew doesn’t have to leave.”

“Hope you like Batazoid food sir.” Suder smiles as he loads a plate for the Ensign.

“I hope I do too.” Garner looks quizzically at it.”

“I’m sure it’s awful.” Brok comments a little too loudly to be under his breath. The rest of the bridge crew give him a knowing look, and Garner shakes his head as if to say not now.

Soon everyone was served and Suder was charming the bridge crew, sharing stories of his escapades.  Being an empath, he could tell when his audience was engaged. He stayed long enough to refill glasses and clean up plates before pushing the cart back into the turbolift.

With a full belly the Saturday gamma shift bridge crew went back to their tasks.

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, Bridge – 0123

Garner stared out the viewscreen.  Points of light whizzed past. The thought occurred to him that he’s had a command shift before he’s had a chance to fly the ship.  Not that he minded, command is where he wanted to be eventually. He just happened to like flying as well. Points of light zoomed past the ship.  Should he get a dog? Officers were allowed pets, but what kind of life would that be for an animal to be confined to a starship. Light flew past the ship.

Light hit ship. The bridge rocked spilling Brok and T’Darin and Garner onto the floor.  Luckily Zhang kept his seat.

“Red alert!” Garner yelled, the lights and sounds of the alert filled the bridge.

=/=What’s going on Garner?=/= The captain chimed over the intercom.

A panicked look from Garner over to Brok, made the Tellarite look at his ops readout. “Pirates!” he mouthed.

“Sir, we’ve got pirates!” Garner responded.

=/=Garner can you hold them off while the senior officers have a meeting?=/= The captain asked.

“Of course sir.” Then to T’Darin. “Lock on phasers.” To Zhang, “Bring us about.” To Brok, “Find any weak spots we can exploit.”

“Aye, sir!” All three Petty Officers responded.

The Peregrine spun about bringing what hit them into full view, the three masted sloop was turning its broadside toward the starship.  Zhang turned around to look at Garner, his face was awash of fear and confusion.

“Sir, I believe if we hit them in the mast with our chainshot it will slow them down.” Brok commented without looking up from the Ops post.

Garner turned to T’Darin, his face a mirror of Zhang’s. “Make it so?”

“Aye sir.” T’Darin replied, his fingers flying over the TAC panel.  “Chainshot away.”

Looking back at the viewscreen Garner saw the blue light of the phaser coming from off camera and hitting the base of the mainmast, an explosion, then the mast beginning to fall.  “Direct hit.” T’Darin informed the Ensign.

“They’re coming about.” Brok yelled over the siren.

Garner looked out the viewscreen in time to see the gun ports of the pirate ship explode in smoke and fire as cannonballs are hurled at the Peregrine.  The bridge is rocked again by the impact.

“Shields at 42%.” T’Darin informs Garner.

“Hull breach on deck 1.” Brok interrupts.

“Deck 1?  Where on Deck 1, we’re on deck 1.” Garner urgently requested.

“Shall I return fire?” T’Darin interjected.

“Looks like the conference room.” Brok says.

“Yes, keep firing!” Garner responds to T’Darin, “all the senior officers are having a meeting there!” Garner stands up from his seat quickly.

Garner stands up from his seat quickly.

“Sir?” T’Darin asks. The bridge is silent, only stars can be seen through the viewscreen.

“Just stretching my legs.” Garner covered and sat back down. T’Darin hides a smirk.  

“Sir we’re being boarded.” Brok yells over the red alert alarm.  Looking out the viewscreen Garner can see the sloop has swung grappling hooks over to the Peregrine and scallywags and buccaneers were swinging over.  Out in the hallway Garner could hear screaming and the clink of metal on metal.

Suddenly the door to the bridge is blown inward, through the dust and debris a canon can be seen on the other side.  The wicked looking men and women who were using it poke their heads around the door frame. Tricorn hats and bandanas furnish the heads of the swashbucklers.  Eye patches and gold or missing teeth adorn the hungry faces of those ne’er-do-wells that were making their way inside.

Standing up from the blast, picking up his Stetson, and dusting his… duster off, Stormrider looks the privateers dead in the eye.  Facing the rear of the bridge Stormrider looks to his right, the infantryman standing there was just finishing loading his rifle and bringing it to bear on the sailors.  Looking to his left, the dandy winks at him over his mustache and pulls out a six-gun. Giving it a kiss the dandy aims at the seamen. Stormrider pulls out his own gun and fires three shots at the intruders using his right hand to fan back the hammer, as he runs to his left.  The invaders on the other other hand pull their flintlocks out and take aim. The rifle to their left catches their attention as one of them is blown away. The dandy fires off a couple shots and the second infantryman joins the fray. Before long the bodies of those that tried to make their way onto the bridge lay slumped over their canon.

Stormrider and his posse exit the saloon onto the street.  The wind picks up and catches his duster. He holds onto his stetson as he looks up and down the street.  The whole town has been invaded and bad men and women are carrying trunks and treasure out of buildings and making their way to the sloop at the end of the street.

With a knowing look to the posse Stormrider reloads his gun and makes his way down the middle of the street.  He and the posse start shooting the burglars as they come out of the buildings. Soon some of the thieves start shooting back and the posse has to dive behind an overturned lunch cart for cover.  With a nod to the infantrymen Stormrider and the dandy move to the left and right while the infantrymen cover them with their rifles. With blasts of smoke and fire one by one the robbers fell to the ground never again to sail the seven seas.  

A scream from the Saloon brings Stormrider and the rest of the posse running.

=/=Shuttlecraft to Peregrine, och I ‘ope t’ere be someone lis’nen.=/=

“Garner here, Megan is that you.” Garner was aghast.

=/=Aye I’m out ‘ere on me own, and t’ere be pirates about.=/= The little petty officer called over the comm.

“Brok, do you have her?” Garner asked as Brok regained his station.

“Aye, sir, she’s bearing 43 mark 284.”

“Megan, I need to you stay on course, we’ll come to get you, do not veer off course.” Garner warned. “Zhang, I’m going to need your seat.”

“All yours sir.” The helmsman said as he got up.

“T’Darin, keep that ship occupied.” Garner said as he took the helm.

“Aye sir.” The tall Rigelian said from the tactical station.

Kicking the Peregrine into high gear Garner spun her around at the last moment and lined the shuttlebay up with the trajectory of the shuttlecraft.  Megan screeches into the shuttlebay just as Garner throws the Peregrine into high warp leaving the sloop in his trail. “Do we have you Megan?”

=/=Aye, you have me, ye c’n ‘ave me anytime ye want me.=/=

Garner leaned back in the helm seat and let out a big sigh.

Garner leaned back in the big chair and let out a big sigh.

“Sir?” T’Darin asked Garner, he no longer concealed his smile.

“Just getting comfortable.” Garner said sheepishly.

Stardate 2365.02.21

USS Peregrine, Engineering – 0327

=/=Engineering to bridge.=/=

“Garner here, what can I do for you.”

=/=Hi Sir, this is Master Chief Davis down in engineering.  I just need your permission to requisition a biogenic photon launcher with rear command systems, there seems to be interference in the nucleonic transporter frame.=/=

“The what now?” Garner scratched his head, engineering was not his forte.  Photon launcher didn’t sound good though. “Do you need it now? I’d ask Lieutenant Commander Thorson in the morning.”

=/=Oh no sir, it’s very important to get the level-2 holosustainer with multisynaptic holocapacitors as the interference in the partial subspace sensor is not responding.=/=

“I thought you needed a photon launcher.”

=/=Sir if I don’t get that MK-12 inhibitor with the sarium krellide autocompositors we’re going to have serious problem with the transporter systems.”

Transporter system, Garner knew that word.  “Master Chief, I think you’ll find all of that next the the chemlight batteries, and the box of gridsquares.”

=/=Very good sir, gotta break the new officers in somehow.=/= The sound of cackling could be heard as Master Chief Davis signed off.

“Garner out.”

We'll be here when you get back

What is your age? 38
What is your gender? Male
Where you are from? Oregon, USA
What is your relationship status? Divorced, seeing someone
Do you have children? my son will be 2 on new years eve
What sort of work do you do? I'm an accountant
What is your dream job? independently wealthy
What hobbies do you have outside of gaming? I'm heavily involved in the Society for Creative Anachronism, through which I brew beer, sew clothes, sew tents, carpentry, and verious other medieval things.  I fence, I'm really good at fencing, I've achieved the rank of Master.  I also collect comics, and role playing games.  I like movies a lot.  Writing is fun.

I've updated a bunch of things on the first page.  Go check them out.  I have a schedule for everyone who is not a crewman, I've got helm borrowing tac and ops, I've got ops borrowing Engineers.  It's pretty tight in there, let me know if I've got someone schedule back to back gamma to alpha.  If tac or ops isn't on the bridge they are scheduled to their respective offices, which is just a starting point, I'm sure they're all over the ship doing their thing.  Cole and Rouhani are on the same shift 4 days a week so we can have away missions then.  Rouhani stays on the ship, Cole leads the away missions.  

I've also found some pictures of rooms in the ship, not all of them are perfect, the pictures have a lot of officers sharing quarters, and that wasn't my interpretation from reading the SCDT description.  But it's a starting place.

Stardate: 2365.03.29
USS George Washington Carver, Deck 1, Conference Room - 0740

"You're here early," Cmdr. Cole comments once he's inside the conference room and spots Captain Rouhani peering out the viewscreen. "Is there anything in particular you want me to cover this morning once the meeting is underway?"

“Good Morning Commander,” Rouhani smiles at her first officer. “Please feel free to interject as you see fit, you’ll be working very closely with these officers and their staff, I want everyone to be comfortable with you in command.”  The captain turns back to the view screen and leaves her commander to his own thoughts.

Offering a frown of acceptance accompanied by a slow nod, the XO turns and places his padd on the table where he'll be sitting. Looking back over his shoulder at his commanding officer, he wonders whether she prefers silence before a meeting or conversation. I prefer silence, so I'm going to assume she does too. I am, after all, quite the model to base assumptions on. Chuckling quietly at his mental humor, Max moves back to the door where he can greet all of the senior officers as they enter.

The remains of coffee and coffee cake scatter the conference table, greetings had been said by all parties, and the atmosphere was relaxed.  All eyes pointed forward to where Captain Rouhani stood at the head of the table, her smile welcoming, behind her a viewscreen showing a model of a solar system with three planets.  Along the wall behind Commander Cole, Lieutenant Siric, Lieutenant Stark, and Lieutenant Wilhelm the viewports curving up to match the contour of the ceiling, show stars streaking by.  The opposite wall, behind Lieutenant McGinty, Lieutenant Falcone, and Lieutenant Draci have a large relief in gold of the man for whom the ship takes her name.  

"Good morning," Captain Rouhani starts once the pleasantries and snacks have been dug through. "I hope everyone is well rested. Before we get started, a quick announcement: Captain Kerawa says the Ada Lovelace is going to be late. They had an issue on Deck 3 they couldn't resolve without taking the warp core offline. Due to complications, it's going to take them three days to put it all back together. They are planning on arriving on Thursday. Many thanks to you and your team, Lieutenant Wilhelm." Rouhani nods to the end of the table and Cole follows suit. 

Kurt blinked and bobbed his head in return to the thanks and nods he received.

"As all of you know, our primary mission is to explore Rho Puppis, a previously uninhabitable system rich in dilithium. A terraforming crew is on its way to transform these planets and make them habitable for the colonists who will eventually mine and refine the rich dilithium deposits in the system. This is part of a longer-range plan. Admiral Hanson of Starbase 324 says the terraforming craft is on its way. Traveling at Warp Two, it'll take them six months to get here and we need to have a landing site mapped out for them by the time they arrive. We'll begin by exploring Rho Puppis I and figuring out why we've been unable to pick much of anything up with our scans.

"Lieutenant Siric, what do we know about Rho Puppis I?"

The Vulcan COO sitting between the XO and the CTO states in a flat tone, "Captain, long range sensors indicate that Rho Puppis I is 1.12 Earth's size, .98 Earth's mass, .87 Earth's solar rotation, and gravity is comparable. Sensors are only picking up the planet's gravitational pull, and cannot scan the planet itself. The Paulson Nebula is only 2.27 trillion kilometers away from the solar system, it is 82% dilithium hydroxyls, magnesium, and chromium, also making scanning, as well as warp penetration, nearly impossible. One oddity is that Rho Puppis I has a lunar wobble as if a satellite would affect the planet's tides. But there is no lunar satellite."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Rouhani turns to her left to address the CSO. "Lieutenant McGinty, what else could cause a lunar wobble if not for a lunar satellite? What's the severity of the wobble? How could that affect conditions on the planet's surface?"

McGinty replied, "Off the top of my head, a high-density low orbit satellite, or the planet has been struck my an asteroid, or a large object has passed within the vicinity pulling the planet very slightly off its axis.  Looking at these readings, it's not a very severe wobble at all, it's equivalent of what Earth experiences with her moon.  As for affecting lunar conditions, it'll make high tides higher and low tides lower assuming there's an ocean." 

"Very interesting, thank you, Lieutenant."  Standing straighter and addressing the next individuals in turn, the captain continues. "Lieutenant Siric, once we arrive I want you to perform some short-range scans to determine atmospheric conditions and weather patterns on the surface and gather data about them. Let's see what conditions an away team might have to contend with."

"Of course, Captain."

"How long before we arrive Lieutenant?"

"We will arrive at Rho Puppis I in 3 hours, 17 minutes, 27 seconds." The Vulcan states.

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Turning to Maximus, she continues. "Commander Cole, can you start preparing an away team to gather more information about the surface once we get a handle on conditions down there? Lieutenant Siric, keep Commander Cole informed about what his people will be up against." Max follows her conversation with his eyes.

"Lieutenant Wilhelm, once we arrive you'll be able to fully investigate the hiccups we've been experiencing. When the Ada Lovelace arrives, contact their Engineering officer to compare notes about these problems. Let's learn from each other. Get me a report of your findings as soon as you know what happened."

"Lieutenant Stark, rumors on board tell me that drills have become too routine. Now's the time to shake things up. Come up with some new drills that stir things up a bit. We don't know what we'll encounter on the surface and we need to be prepared for anything.

Stark responded affirmatively.  "Aye, sir.  I have some ideas; I'll put together some proposals for you."  

"Lieutenant Falcone, I want a full inspection report of the Waverider. This is a brand-new atmospheric shuttle and we should know what it's capable of. I want to see a plan for short-range testing soon after we arrive. Let's see what she's capable of, shall we?"

"Aye, sir." Jenna replies. "It'll be ready."

"Doctor Draci, you'll be ready for anything once our away team has left the ship. Also, please recirculate that Councilor Young is available to all crew, we're going to be out here a long time, I don't need my men getting cabin fever while they're trying to do their jobs.  

"Keep up the good work and welcome to Rho Puppis. What questions does anyone have?"

"Just one, Sir. What is your plan for the approach? Just so I can determine when to release the Waverider?" Jenna asked. "She'll be ready regardless, Sir." Jenna was already running schematics through her head.

"That will depend on the short-range scans, Lieutenant Falcone," Cmdr. Cole answers for Captain Rouhani. "Provided that the scans work, they'll show us where we can set down and what kind of atmosphere we're to expect on the surface. From that data, we'll be able to extrapolate the correct entry angle and plot a trajectory for the Waverider to the landing site.”

"I hope to coordinate with Lieutenant Siric as soon as he has that data, Sir." Jenna answered.

"I'll be putting the team together over the next three and a half hours, or so," Max continues. "I expect I'll need you, Lieutenant McGinty, you too Lieutenant Draci, and Lieutenant Stark as well. Lieutenant Falcone, of course, will pilot the Waverider. Mister Stark, if you feel it proper, you can bring along another from your department. Lieutenant Wilhelm, please work with Lieutenant McGinty and put together teams for proper surface scans. We may need to set up multiple sites for science relays in order to get a detailed report and with as mysterious as Rho Puppis I has been thus far, I don't imagine we're going to find it much more welcoming on the surface, so we'll want to make our initial stay as short as possible.”

Tom nodded.  "Of course, sir," he responded evenly.  "One of the suggestions I have included in the report you asked for will be to have no less than two Security personnel attached to all science, survey, and engineering teams if at all possible.  I think that it would be prudent to ensure that all of the AWAY team members are armed, as well - just in case."

"I know it's not a contest, but it sure would be nice to have a leg up on our end of things that push the Ada Lovelace. There's absolutely no reason why we can't have a really solid lead after three days."

"It vill be done, sir." Kurt nodded and turned his attention to the red-haired McGinty. "I vill hafe to look at tse roster and see who I can spare. Tsere are still many different operations tsat I need personnel for, but I am sure tsat tsere are a few. I vill hafe some names for you vithin tse hour. How many do you predict you vill need?"

"Sir," McGinty pipes up, "I'm as anxious as anyone to get boots on the ground, but I'm also very excited about the meteor project I spoke to you of last night.  I would recommend you take Ens. Tiaghen, her experience in exogeology will be invaluable.  You'll also need a lab tech to collect samples, Crewman Uhnari is the best one I've got.  Don't worry, I'll be done with this project before you know it and join you for a future away mission."

"All right, Mr. McGinty," Cole raises his eyebrows. "Please make sure that Ens. Tiaghen is briefed and reports to me by eleven hundred to go over what new details we've been able to ascertain from the scans."

"One problem, Commander. " Jenna said. "The Waverider has a total complement of six, three of which are supposed to be flight crew. I can do it with two, or singly if I have to. Since you have set up five for your away team, that leaves me as the sole pilot. While I feel I am up to the challenge, this first time you might prefer to have two flight crew members, in case of sudden issues within the atmosphere." She cleared her throat.

"Fair enough," Scanning the officers in the room, Max states, "I believe that Mr. Stark has some shuttle experience."

"And Ens. Tiaghen can fill in should the need arise," Lt. McGinty adds.

"Thank you," Max responds with a soft smile. "There we have it, Mr. Falcone. Two capable hands to assist should the mission require the Waverider."

"It's your call, Sir. I just wanted to inform you of the details for the Waverider." She stands at ease, counting down the timeline from the Captain in her head.

Jenna smiled slightly. "Thank you, Sir. That should work out very well with what you've assigned. With your permission, I'll get to work on those tests for the Captain.”

“Looks like you’ve got most of your team assembled already, Number One.” Rouhani nods to Cole. “As for the rest of you, we’ve got a big job and three hours to do it in.  Seems like our own Lieutenant Siric here is going to be in high demand, please make yourself available Lieutenant.”

“I will be in my office.” Siric states flatly.

“The rest of you are dismissed, I’ll be on the bridge, I expect all of you to join me as we make our final approach, wouldn’t want to miss it.”

As the officers get up from their seats, Dr. Draci makes his way to Cole.  “I’ll grab a med kit in case we need anything, I’m a little surprised you need me there, but I’m not going to let you down.  I guess we can always beam down more security if we need them.”  The doctor gathers his things and heads to sickbay. 

Catching Wilhelm on the way out, McGinty chimes her com badge, =/= McGinty to Tiaghen…((OOC: McGinty talks to Tiaghen and Uhnari and lets them know they will be going on the away mission and to coordinate with the correct people)) =/=

I heard from Giddy, he says he'll have a post up today or tomorrow, then we can start rolling the plot forward again.

Feel free to PM me with ideas, they don't have to be fully fleshed out, I'll be happy when I don't have to NPC your character.

I've updated the ships logs, let me know if I've left anything out.

Giddy seems to just be on on weekends, which is fine and it's what he can do.  So I'll wait until we've heard from him to finish out the meeting, expect a post soon.

Eol and Altaira, I put you on the spot, expect Cole to come looking for you.

"Sir," McGinty pipes up, "I'm as anxious as anyone to get boots on the ground, but I'm also very excited about the meteor project I spoke to you of last night."  I would recomend you take Ens. Tiaghen, her experience in exogeology will be invaluable.  You'll also need a lab tech to collect samples, Crewman Uhnari is the best one I've got.  Don't worry, I'll be done with this project before you know it and join you for a future away mission."

Oh man, so sorry to hear that.  I can NPC you're character, she'll take a bit of a back seat, until you get though this.  Depression is rough, I've been there.  I'm routing for you.  PM me if you have ideas, but if I don't hear from you I understand.  Let me know when you're back.

Perhaps they refer to dragons as lizardlike firebreathing flying creatures.  And your six limbed "dragon" is actually a drake, just as a four legged no winged version would be a wyrm.  While I wouldn't call a house cat a lion, I would call a lion a cat.  Just have to open your mind.

Feel free to react in places that I didn't leave a spot to react with.  Feel free to describe yourselves coming in.  Feel free to not copy and paste the whole thing when you make your post, just pick out the parts that are important to your character.  

Happy posting.

For the time being recruitment is closed.  If you'd like to join that is no problem, we can transfer you over from the Ada Lovelace, send me a PM and we'll talk about it.

Alright, got all the PC's on the roster.  Filled in some NPCs, can't wait for science to fill out their roster.  Should have the last couple of PC posts up soon.

Just sent you a reply

Hello, I'm going to push back posting the meeting until tomorrow.  Hoping to hear from our last couple crew before the captain holds her meeting.

So apparently this was much more confusing than I planned it to be. Added to that is that I tend to round, so when I've been saying a week, is actually 12 days. 7 days ago you left japori, two days before that you arrived at japori, three days before that y'all got onboard at Starbase 343. For a grand total of 12 days. Suffice to say we're all on the ship now. Hope that clears things up