My dates and times are a little wonky at the moment, I'll see if I can get them more in line.

Got a little post from John to Tochi.

Had been holding on it in hope Eol would colab.

Tossed him softballs....

I will have a Zhay-la post soon.

Stardate 2634.5.15
USS Peregrine, Deck 5 - 20:00

John tucked his PADD under his arm and then tapped his comm., “Computer, where is Commander Zai?”

=^= “Lieutenant Commander Zai is in his quarters.”=^=

Reaching the turbo lift, he tapped the panel. When the door slid open he entered, “Level two, please.” He knew the pleasantry wasn’t needed but it had always been part of him to be respectful, even to mechanical voices.

Exiting the lift he made his way to the Seconds’s quarters, activated the door chime and waited.

(Assuming Tochi says to enter)

Entering the hastily said,” Commander, may I speak to you in private?”

Tochi was seated at his work station review reports, looking up, he regarded the urgency of the ACTO’s face.

(Assuming he says something and then closes the door.)

Stepping forward John held out his PADD the Commander, “Sir, I don’t know how much information the CTO has shared as of yet on the use of force on the asteroid to destroy or alter its course. I have discussed the photon torpedo strategies Lieutenant Taissard, we ran several pattern simulations but none seemed to be powerful enough. The only alternative I can see to create a significantly larger effect would be a warp core breach.

The type-10 shuttle has a 250 Cochrane warp engine, that would yield a nearly 690 gigaton explosion.

(Assuming the Commander has some comments.)

“Sir, there is no stealthy way to deploy either the photon torpedos or to destroy a Federation asset. Those could easily be interpreted as action in violation of the Prime Directive….” John let that hang for a moment before he continued.

“But there may be an alternative to using a Federation asset.”  John knew what he was about to say would affect the Commander. Zai had recently suffered a personal loss of two close friends whose memory is tied to what he was about to suggest; an idea that would be like rubbing salt in those wounds.  

John steeled himself and continue, “There is another non Federation warp craft on board, “ he paused..” that has been going through some repair work and would need a test flight….”

 John’s heart hurt but he had to continue, “It would be Peregrines’ obligation to mitigate any action created by such an accident, such as removing the asteroid’s debris field which could be interpreted as complying to the Directive.”

John waited his fate.

I am not sure what all has changed this past year but recently was the first time I ever got email notices from PM.

It was nice so I hope it will continue with the new setup.

I will be filling in for C2P and play both Reid and Zhay-la.

BEAR with me as I try to fit into the CTO's green skin.

It may start a little slowly but I will do my best to keep things rolling.

Stardate 2634.5.15
USS Peregrine, Deck 5, CTO's Office - 19:45

John had sent the basic facts of what the Peregrine’s fire power could do but now he guessed Zhay-la needed to figure out how to do a full rack break into a three cushion bank shot around the eight ball. The Lieutenant may have been able to direct an attack on an incoming enemy but the subtle use of force may be a challenge.

They had talked over the ideas: Will we get a better reaction to a full impact body blow or a high energy sustained push to drive the asteroid a few degrees off current course? 

Would we need Engineering and flight ops to figure how many degrees is needed to miss the planet and send the asteroid on its merry way? Or Science to figure how small of bits it needs to be pulverized into to render it harmless? 

Knocking it off course has to figure the impact in just the right location to push the whole thing and not just start it spinning like a pinwheel.

Or can it be broken into chunks that can be more easily moved with shuttles and tractor beams.

They had tried the holodeck to run simulations of photon torpedo arrays for time enhanced reaction and viewing. Zhay-la was showing signs of frustration, “Reid, this still isn’t enough; it is not conclusive. If it wasn’t for the Captain so worried about that Prime Directive more force might be able to be applied.”

Reid was torn, he had an idea that may prove sufficient to move or even break up the asteroid but he needed someone else’s help. What he had in mind was on the edge of breaking the Prime Directive and he couldn’t tell Taissud. He had promised her he would always tell her the truth but he hadn’t promised to always volunteer the truth. There was only one other person on the ship he could dare discuss this with and still protect the Captain from suspicion, “Sir, with your leave I’ll look into this further.”

Zhay-la looked up from the data on her comm, “Very well, see what else you can find. Dismissed.”

John left the CTO’s office and headed up to find the First Officer.

Stardate 2365.05.16 (Sunday) - Impact minus 47:59
USS Peregrine, Deck 1, Bridge - 18:29

John listened as PO O'Connor addressed the Lieutenant.

"Lieutenant Ferrero, I've a broadcast found tha' ye need to hear, sir."

Ander responds, "Oh? Please tell me it's a stand-up comedy routine that's actually funny."

"This message is being sent every half hour," Aoife presses a button and translated audio fills the bridge.

=/= Attention, space-faring beings. We, the citizens of Archin, know that we are not alone in this universe. There is no possibility that so many habitable planets exist in our galaxy with no other intelligent life on them. We may not yet see you, but we know that you are there.

Our world will be destroyed by an asteroid that we cannot prevent. But if you are here and receiving this broadcast, then you surely possess the technology to do so. 

Please, we beg of you. Save our children. Save our species. Save our world. =/=

"Tha's all of it," Aoife pronounces as the audio falls silent, her alto voice even lower and more husky than normal. "They're askin' for our help, sure, sir."

The Lieutenant responed,"Well... eso no le gana a todo ..."......"Mr. Reid, where is Archin located and what do we know of it?"

John looked up from the TAC,"Sir, I would have to believe that Archin is the what they call their world, Calican II is the Federation designation for the planet. By this time I'd guess the brodcasts were being sent in all directions from around the plant to better their chances to have them recieved."

"And the origin of the broadcast, Mr. O'Connor?" he turns his inquisitive gaze towards the Petty Officer.

(OOC: Assuming a report...)

"Do we know anything at all about the gato who's voice we're hearing?" This question, he leaves hanging in the air for anyone to respond to. "And how long have they known about the asteroid? Anyone have any idea about that one?"

He wants to have answers before he reaches out to Captain Drake. 

Well we are with MythBusters and we blow things up!!!!!!!!

Maybe science could track where the asteroid came from to tell if its flight was altered, maybe by Star Fleet?

Or Federation mining? Something caused by the Federation that we can fix?

(or at least it could look like the Federation did it and we are obligate to fix the error...just check with the CSO....)

Just saying............

Ok so I got a little techy...but needed to establish some "facts" to build on. I tossed it to C2P and we go further from there.

Let me know if my post needs edited.

Stardate 2365.05.15
USS Peregrine; Deck 2, Lt. Reid’s Quarters – 1800

(Assuming Taissud contacted Reid to start investigating.)

General Order 1: "No starship may interfere with the normal development of any alien life or society."

From the time John had joined Star Fleet he had had the “General Order 1” drilled into him. He understood well that interference into the natural technological development of another life form or society could easily be seen as colonialism.

He understood that a world’s growth through trial and error was the proper way for them to advance. That handing technology and solutions to an underdeveloped world would deprive them of understanding and knowledge it required to attain such things and would change their natural advancement.

He also understood Star fleet’s mission; “To seek out new life, to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

John believed that the seeking out of “new life” also carried responsibilities. Foremost of that responsibility was protection of that life to allow it grow and develop. His family had carried this belief of protection of the incent for over 500 years so just standing by and watching this planet die will not stand with him.

The screen of his data port glowed as he scanned through information. Averting the collision of the asteroid was not “interfere with the normal development” nudge it then it could pass the planet. One such article appeared.

(OOC: Information from Wikiedia and Memory Alpha)

“Collision avoidance strategies

 Initiating an explosive device above, on, or slightly beneath, the surface of a threatening celestial body is a potential deflection option, with the optimal detonation height dependent upon the composition and size of the object.[65][66][67] It does not require the entire object to be vaporized to mitigate an impact threat. In the case of an inbound threat from a "rubble pile," the stand off, or detonation height above the surface configuration, has been put forth as a means to prevent the potential fracturing of the rubble pile.[68] The energetic neutrons and soft X-rays released by the detonation, which do not appreciably penetrate matter,[69] are converted into thermal heat upon encountering the object's surface matter, ablatively vaporizing all line of sight exposed surface areas of the object to a shallow depth,[68] turning the surface material it heats up into ejecta, and, analogous to the ejecta from a chemical rocket engine exhaust, changing the velocity, or "nudging", the object off course by the reaction, following Newton's third law, with ejecta going one way and the object being propelled in the other.[68][70] Depending on the energy of the explosive device, the resulting rocket exhaust effect, created by the high velocity of the asteroid's vaporized mass ejecta, coupled with the object's small reduction in mass, would produce enough of a change in the object's orbit to make it miss the planet.[5”

Comet deflection possibility

Following the  Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet impacts with Jupiter, Edward Teller proposed, to a collective of ex- War weapons designers in a planetary defense workshop meeting at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), that they collaborate to design a one-gigaton nuclear explosive device, which would be equivalent to the kinetic energy of a one-kilometer-diameter (0.62 mi) asteroid.[88][89][90] The theoretical one-gigaton device would weigh about 25–30 tons, light enough to be lifted on a rocket. It could be used to instantaneously vaporize a one-kilometre (0.62 mi) asteroid, divert the paths of extinction event class asteroids (greater than 10 kilometres or 6.2 miles in diameter) within short notice of a few months. With one year of notice, and at an interception location no closer than Jupiter, it could also deal with the even rarer short period comets that can come out of the Kuiper belt and transit past Earth orbit within two years.[lease_clarify">clarification needed] For comets of this class, with a maximum estimated diameter of 100 kilometers (62 mi), Charon served as the hypothetical threat.”

“Well we don’t need to vaporize it, just move it”.

 John checked the specification of the MarkXXV torpedos in hope there was enough power there to divert the asteroid.

“Photon Type: Type-5, Mark XXV photon torpedo, capable of pattern firing as well as independent launch.  Each has independent targeting packages once launched from the starship, with detonation on contact unless otherwise directed by the ship.  The warhead is a controlled matter/anti-matter explosion yielding 18.5 Isotons and a maximum rated yield of 20 isotons. This type of warhead is loaded with a maximum yield of only 1.5 kilograms of antideuterium. Due to the premixed reactants, the released energy per unit time was greater than in a rupture of a storage pod containing 100 cubic meters of antideuterium. The torpedo has a dry mass of 247.5 kilograms. By using standard physics calculations, a payload of 1.5 kilograms was equal to about 64.4 megatons. The second type, at maximum yield, generated the destructive effects greater than in an antimatter pod rupture. Antimatter was stored as liquid or slush on starships. Density of mere liquid antideuterium was around 160 kilograms per cubic meter.”

“A full salvo of six torpedos would yield 386.4 megatons might make a dent.”

Reading on “an antimatter pod rupture: Antimatter was stored as liquid or slush on starships. Density of mere liquid antideuterium was around 160 kilograms per cubic meter. According to this comparison, the high annihilation rate energy release would be comparable to the effects in a 690 gigaton explosion.”

Well we don’t want to blow ourselves up, but the Type -10 shuttle has a 250 cochrane warp engine. Though smaller the sacrifice of  that could very possibly do the trick.

John summarized the information and sent his finding to Lt. Taissud. He figured she would make the choices or ask for more information.

So Zhay-la  needs to figure out how to do a full rack break into a three cussion bank shot around the eight ball.

Will we get a better reaction to full impact body blow or a high energy sustained push to drive the astroid a few degrees off current couse?

We need Engineering and flight ops to figure how many degrees is needed to miss the planet and send the astroid on it's merry way?

Or Science to figure how small of bits it need to be pulverized into to render it harmless? (1-20m)

Knocking it off couse has to figure the impact in just the right location to push the whole thing and not just start it spinning like one Eol's pinwheels.

Or can it be broken into chunks that can be more easily moved with shuttles and trackor beams.(1km ???)

The holodeck might be a good place to run simulations for time inhanced reaction and viewing.

These are ideas that Reid would suggest to Taissud as they review. 

C2P we can collab if you want or you can run with some of these.

Any one else may like to run with any of these too or just use them to sead better ideas.

BTW..was it said if the astroid is round, oblong, cigar shaped.....that would help (at least me) in figuring what attackes on it may do.

Maybe we can speed up the Yarkovsky effect?

Do we have a communications Officer that would be monitoring the planet side broadcast?

Can we see and hear what they are saying and showing?

Stardate 2365.04.19
Lt. Ried, Personal Quarters

The gloom in John’s mind only felt darker as he sat staring at the glowing screen of his com port. 

For the past few days strangers had been coming aboard the Peregrine, twenty seven strangers. 

Strangers saluted as he passed. 

Strangers came to attention when he entered the Ward Room. 

Stranger’s names were placed on duty rosters. 

John had reviewed the jacket of the six new replacements to the security department. He had met  Ensign Kustrar, introduced him to Chief Brook and teamed him up with Ensign Blackmon to review the ship. He has seen to it the five new crewmen were presented to Chief Brooks for department orientation and assignments. That left one more stranger to meet.

In preparation for the new CTO to transition in he had opened the service jacket to familiarize himself with his new department CO. Two things stood out as he read, the officer was an Orien and a large portion of the information was redacted. There was no personal information prior to her entry into the Star Fleet academy and most of the service information was redacted as was much of her medical records. 

Orion’s were not common in Star Fleet, they had been more for slave trade and piratcy. The females were said to use the pheromones they excreted to control the males around them. 

Now John’s new CO was both.   

On the screen was the research he found on Oriens that seemed to often confirm the rumores. But John didn’t live by remorse and reminded himself of the family creed, “I believe...that all things change but truth…. “. He would soon enough learn the truth.

Stardate 2365.04.19
USS Peregrine, Deck 2, Officers' Quarters - 1448

Navigating the halls of the Peregrine was less of a feat than the Calypso in terms of size, as a Saber barely compared to a Steamrunner in that department, but the ship was brand new to her and that made locating Zhay-la's quarters all the harder. Deck 2 seemed to sprawl on forever, hardly helped by the ongoing repairs and shuffling labels on doors, but given that she had doubled back twice now, it seemed impossible a task to find her suite.

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Zhay-la was only thankful she had omitted her luggage on this trip; trailing up and down the hallway with her bags, even for how few they are, would have been an extra workout she didn't need. Though them sitting in the loading area on the Starbase was hardly better. Forget it if any of the crewmen wandering about looked in and saw her knife collection...

The looming dread of having to answer questions on why she had 235 knives was quickly washed over by relief at the sight of another humanoid on the Deck. Zhay-la half-sprinted towards the male figure, noticeably in a yellow Starfleet uniform, and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Excuse me," she said, hoping this encounter would be brief and helpful. "I'm looking for the officers' quarters, specifically the CTO's. Would you happen to know which room that'd be? They haven't gotten around to updating my nameplate, I'm afraid."

John turned and saluted, “Lieutenant Taissud, I was hoping to meet at the gangway, but your ETA was not posted... I am Lieutenant Ried, your ACTO.”

Zhay-la took in the pips on the officer's collar, his large frame, and the steely look in his eyes. He at least looks to be in shape, she appraised. Better than the ACTO on the Calypso. She returned his salute as she attempted to recall the dossier she had read on the Peregrine's stalwart lieutenant.

Remaining formal in his manner, “Your quarters are on starboard passage way, forward nearer the Captain’s and XO's…..I had heard from Ops that you had not left any instructions on decor so I saw to it the room was cleared and simply freshed.” 

"Clean and sterile works just fine for me, lieutenant," she assured with an air of gratitude. In truth, she had little in taste or decor to offer any more requests than basic amenities. Maybe this posting she could change that...

Turning toward the fore John walked Lt. Taissud door of her quarters that was off the aisle.  “I have taken the liberty to also have your office refreshed also. The CTO’s is across from the Ward Room in the Security Section of level 5...If you wish I could provide a tour of the ship.”

"Clearing my belongings from the gangway first, then a tour, please," the Orion requested. She gave her suite a cursory glance, mostly interested in seeing how stark it would continue to look even after she moved in. "Walk with me, lieutenant," she halfways ordered to Reid.

“Sir we can have Ops deliver your belonging to your state room, when they are sorted we can have your office items transferred.
Tapping his com badge, “Operations, Chief Palmer.”

=^= “Operations here.”=^=

“Lieutenant Reid here… Lieutenant Taissud has boarded; her effects are by the main gangway, would have them delivered to her stateroom?”

=^= “Yes Lieutenant that will be taken care of immediately. If you are with Lieutenant Taissud please inform her we will be contacting her soon to arrange completion of the transfer paperwork.”=^=

“We will relay the message, thank you.”

Turning back to Taissud, “When you have sort your effects we can have Ops deliver your office material to your office in the Security section….let me show you a bit of Peregrine. The bride is up on deck one so I see little need to go there now, so let us go to level 5 then work our way back?”

Taking the now familiar route back to the turbolifts and the docking port beyond, Zhay-la walked with her hands clasped behind her back, eyeing her ACTO out of the corner of her eye. "I appreciate your thoroughness, lieutenant," she commented after a moment. "From your service record it seems I can expect much the same on the bridge. You've been with the Peregrine since her launch, correct?"

“Thank you, Sir.” John acknowledged the compliment. “Actually Sir I have only been aboard a year. I was previously assigned to the USS Mandela for about four years.”

John hoped the Lieutenant didn’t think his demeanor wouldn’t seem too stuff but this was his new CO and she need know he respected Star Fleet’s choice and that respected her..so far.

They entered the turbo lift, “level five”.

When the doors slid opened John direct them to the security section. “May as well get business out of the way first….this is the Ward room.” As they entered Chief Brooks was manning the watch desk. Chief Brooks is an African American with a lanky build. He keeps his head clean shaven. The Chief rose and saluted. “Chief this is Lieutenant Taissud our new CTO.”

Returning the salute, Zhay-la gave Brooks an appraising look before the name came to her. 

“With your permission, sir…As you were Chief.” John nodded to Reg, “The Chief has been on Peregrine since Lieutenant Commander Zai brought her from the Utopia Planetia Shipyards Saber Project. He has been a most trusted advisor and the Chief runs a tight ship. I am sure you will find most valuable in any situation.”

Zhay-la offered Brooks a small smile and a nod, pleased at the glowing review. "I look forward to seeing you in action then, Chief."

Looking about the room, “As with most Ward Rooms this is where your staff will gather for both formal and informal department meeting.”

Pointing to a large picture on the wall of  a bird with wigs fully spread and talons extended in attack, “ That is the Earth bird that the ship is named for, that is a Peregrine Falcon. The Peregrine is also one of the toughest and fastest birds of prey. So we have a lot to live up to.”

The Orion stepped forward, skimming a hand over the mural. It was an impressive beast, especially for the more... boring animals she had seen from Terra.

John allowed Zhay-la to take in the room for moment then continued. “Your office is across the passage.” As they exited the Ward Room he point down the passage,” The brig, Armory and phaser range are down that way, your office is here,” as they cross the passage.

Zhay-la hummed her approval. "Appropriate accomodations. The Peregrine is looking especially good. Do you know if she received any upgrades with the restoration effort?"

John replied with a short "no," and Zhay-la gritted her teeth. She could abide by his formalness - the Academy certainly did their damndest to instill it in their officers, from her experience - but her patience was wearing at the impending questions. Her race was clear and she knew the large redactions to her dossier always rose questions - Shaw had had several questions for her while Zhay-la was her Chief of Security - but if she could preempt that, it would be ideal.

"Step into my office, Lieutenant," Zhay-la didn't quite command but left no room for argument. She pressed her lips together as they entered the sterile space, taking a seat on the desk rather than behind it - maybe inappropriate, but she hoped to appear more approachable than sitting behind a desk with "Chief" on the plaque would inspire.

"I'll take a shot in the dark and guess that you've read my file," Zhay-la opened with. "And seen that I'm hardly a 'typical' Starfleet officer, let alone that I'm Orion." She sighed, readying herself for the routine a decade in Federation space had prepared her for. "I'm aware of my people's penchant for slavery and general barbarism, also that we are not Federation members. I've no illusions that my dossier, for all its redactions, hardly inspires confidence either. I've a... checkered past and make no excuses for it, but I also don't let that stop me from serving with pride in Starfleet." She looked to her ACTO, expression stern but not unkind. "I trust that the concerns you have can be assuaged by this little speech until you can see me in action, Lieutenant?"

Stepping into the CTO’s office John noted the air of informality that Lieutenant Taissud was attempting to display. “Sir, permission to close the door and speak freely?”

She nodded her assent, commanding the door closed herself.

“Lieutenant, it is my job to prepare myself and my crew for a change in command. I read as much of your packet as my clearance allows; I found it… concerning. There was little to no information prior to your attending Star Fleet academy. Your rise in rank is not unusual but your movement from assignment to assignment seem to accompany medical treatments with redacted causes.”

John watch the Orion tense as he enumerated transfer from the Stalker, the Ulysses and the Niagra with various injuries. He continued, ”There were numerous reprimands redacted that I would guess followed the same timeline.”

John could see that Taissud’s jaw was clinching and her breathing was becoming heavier, but the Lieutenant remain restrained.

“Then you transferred to Starbase 40, a marked change in your career and status began to unfold. You had rapid promotion to Lieutenant JG and then to Lieutenant along with command positions of responsibility.”

John let that hang for a moment before continued. “ Some could say that kind of rise could be attributed to the ability of Orions to use their natural chemical discharge to influence others.’

John knew he was pushing it and the narrowing of Taissud’s eyes warned him he had nearly gone too far.

“This crew is..was in top shape before the incident. Now we have to rebuild half of it. So little is known of Orions other than the rumors and stories that it will put you at a disadvantage.  Some will jump to conclusions…. as I nearly did.”

John watched for a reaction but the Lieutenant held her calm, ”Good,” John thought.

“Your commendations that companied your rise tell me you have been defeating your demons. That along with I hope that you do not take offence to my candid remarks or my delving into your packet. Not doing so would not be doing my job. My duty is to Star Fleet, my Captain, my crew and my CO. We need to rebuild a department that is ready, willing and able to step into harm’s way to protect and defend Star Fleet and this ship…. I have only been with this crew a year and you are the fourth CTO I have reported to in that time. I hope you will stay longer; your leadership, talents and skills will be needed to pull this department together again. And I hope I can learn from you… Sir.”

John tried to hold his calm as he awaited a reply.

Zhay-la's eyes flicked back and forth over the ACTO's face, trying to gauge at what he was aiming for here. She was rather ticked over the insinuation of her pheromone ability getting her to this place, but spouting off about that anger did little to help her here. So, she said tersely, "Allow me to clear the air on two issues, Lieutenant. There is nothing on my record before Starfleet because I had nothing before Starfleet, and everything I have earned since joining has been of my own merit or with the promise of making it worthwhile later. I intend to do that here, on the Peregrine, whether you and the rest of the entire crew believe in me or not." She took a breath to calm herself. "I can appreciate someone who does their job thoroughly and makes use of that. Pending his approval, I had already submitted to Captain Drake to have you promoted to Chief of Security. Enjoy the title, Lieutenant."

John saluted as Zhay-la approach, "Sir, I only know one way to do this job.... I will always tell you the truth; I will always tell you exactly how I see things and I will always have your back." 

With that, the Orion made for the door, intending to pick up her own belongings before Ops could upset her knife collection across the ship.

Stardate 2365.05.15
USS Peregrine; Deck 2, Lt. Reid’s Quarters – 1630

Reid had made his way back to his quarters after conferring with Chief Brooks on the Watch Desk rotation and protocol training. Brooks had confirmed that he would gather the crewmen and NCO’s immediately for the protocol review. It could be handled quickly and he would have the training recorded in the crew’s records and with any luck he had already completed it. With as small a crew as they had he didn’t want complicate duty assignments any more than necessary. Blomstedl out of the rotation would muddy things up a bit, but perhaps it was for the best. John asked Chief to assign Blomstedl to partner up with a more experienced crewman until she was able promote out of Crewman Apprentice. He hoped that the watched pot would not boil..again.

The ping of his PADD brought him out of his thoughts. A secured message from the system notified him that all department had gathered in one location. It was standard protocol to let security know when all leadership was in one spot in case of attack or emergency. Normally he got the notice for the Captain’s daily briefing but this was out of the ordinary.  

John could only guess that something in their assignment had changed. He ran the most recent area scan data and it still did not indicate any alien probes or crafts.

Then he noticed that an organic object had changed location, an asteroid was moving in the direction of Calican II. “Oh this can’t be good.” John did a quick plot of the asteroid and it was on a collision course with the planet.

“No.. all those people..“ John now guessed why the Captain has called his staff. All of John's protective instincts kicked in, “We can’t let this happen.”

Stardate 2365.05.15
USS Peregrine; Deck 5, Security - 1525

Reid had been pacing the passage way and had just stepped into the armory as Lt. Taissud entered the security section and marched into the Ward Room. John had figured Taissud would be down straight away to address Crewman Blomstedt, so he had not spoken to the women, who seemed quite distracted as she sat at the Watch station.

From his location he could hear the exchange between Taissud and the crewman.

 "Sir." came Blomstedt’s voice.

A minute ticked by before Lt. Taissud spoke. "So you do know what discipline is after all."

"Blomstedt, allow me to make this clear as trigonic glass," the Orion said slowly, enunciating each word carefully. "You embarrassed me and the entire Tactical department with your chipper little response to the Bridge. As your CO, that reflects poorly on me…and in front of the Captain, no less."

John could only imagine the expression on Blomstedt’s. This was her first assignment out of Star Fleer boot camp after growing up in the relative calm of a star base and seeing mostly laid back Science personnel.

Lt. Taissud continued, "For this misconduct, you'll be spending the remainder of your shifts guarding the brig until we have left the Calican system, rehearsing the line 'Security to Bridge, Blomstedt here.'"

"And save the tunes for your off hours. This is a warship, not a dormitory with phasers."

Lt. Taissud left the watch desk and turned down the hallway towards her office. An "At ease" came echoing down the corridor. The music emanating from the Ward Room came to an abrupt halt.

The CTO went into her office and closed the door. John waited for the inevitable call. It didn’t take long.

=/=Taissud to Reid,=/= Zhay-la hailed her ACTO.

“ Reid here.”

=/=Blomstedt has been dealt with, please be aware that she will be on guard duty to the brig for this mission. If any further incidences happen with my staff, do inform them that they can join Blomstedt at the door of, or in the brig.=/=

“Roger that…I will get her replacement on duty immediately. Until Watch Desk protocol training review can be completed only P.O.3’s or higher will man the watch. “

John figure the P.O’s have more to lose so they should set a better example.

John tapped his comm. Badge. “Chief Brooks.”

=^= Brooks here , sir.=^=

“ Lt. Taissud has addressed Crewman Blomstedl and she will no longer man the watch desk until further notice, her duty station is to guard the brig. Get PO Shaw to the watch to finish the shift and escort Blomstedt to her new duty station…..Reset the watch with PO 3’s or higher only until we can get all the Crewman through watch desk protocols, the sooner we complete the protocol training the sooner we can get back to stable rotation…and Reg be sure when Blomstedt is allowed back on the Watch Desk it is not when the Captain is on the bridge….Reid out.”

Here, hold my beer.....

Ok so the astroid has an iron core, right.

We switch the wires on the EM emitter, polarize the hull make us a giant magnet and drag it away....

We'd be the most "attarctive" ship in star Fleet.....

Well other than the total lack of atmosphere to allow for air movement to have wind to spin the pin whelels it sounds like a solid plan.

Here have another beer.......

Figured Zhay-la would be to addressing her crew issues and as a proper second John gets things in motion.

As for the astroid  maybe a little nudge would change it's course enough to miss the planet.

Stardate 2365.05.15
USS Peregrine, Bridge – 1455

The shift had run smoothly. John had let his security concerns be known to Engineering about checking the beacon before bringing it on board. It had been a similar innocent act or recovery when the recovered the escape pod. Little did they expect the chaos and horror such a routine act would predicate.

The lift doors opened and P.O. Wright entered the bridge and approach the TAC conn lifting a salute to Lt. Taissud and John, “Ready to relieve the TAC, Sir.”. John returned salute. He was glad that Wright had used the expected bridge protocol, one faux pax from his department enough. “I stand relieved, Petty Officer.” Lt. Reid took a few minutes to the action of the day including the boarding of the beacon and remained waiting the Captain to clear the bridge.

Drake had been caught up in the beacon proccess as he had been and hadn't initially noticed the Beta shift personnel filtering to standby positions around the bridge.  Now that the bulk of the bridge responsibilities had been handled, the Captain took his feet.  "Liuetenant Ferrero, double check the probe's sensor ranges and identify a safe spot for our beacon that hides it from Calican scans.  Double check to ensure that there are no further probes to concern ourselves with, and perhaps consult with Science as a sanity check on your plan."

“Aye Sir.”

Turning his attention to the helm, Silas continued.  "Tochi, if you are planning to stick around for a bit, you have the Conn.  If not, I believe that Ensign Owen is the scheduled officer of the watch?"

“Aye, sir,” Tochi returned, glancing over his shoulder to regard Silas, “She’s on her way. We told her to put her studies first given today’s circumstances, but she should be arriving straight away.”

Drake nodded.  "Very well."  He then cut his gaze to the Orion lieutenant at Tactical.  "Lieutenant Taissud," he spoke, indicating the junior Ops personnel, "it appears that your station is well in hand for the time being.  Would you mind joining me in my ready room, please?

John nearly flinched at the Captain’s request. “Oh that can’t be good.”, he thought. John knew how much the Captain put into proper protocol and he could only guess this would have to do with Crewman Blomstedt’s reply to the bridge.

Reid give Drake and Taissud time to leave the bridge.

As he approached the torbo lift he caught the XO’s glance. Giving Tochi a weak knowing smile he nodded. mouthing “On it”.

John entered the lift.“Level five.” He spoke as the doors whoosed shut.

While making his way to the security section he tapped  his Comm badge, “Reid to Chief Brooks”.

=^= Brooks here, sir.=^=

“Chief be ready, it looks like the CO may be being called on the carpet. Crewman Blomstedt’s response tothe  Lieutenant’s call from the bridge was heard by the Captain. I’d like to get a protocol training session ready for the watch desk for all the new enlisted crew…I’ll leave any disciplinary actions up to the Lieutenant.”

=^=”Aye ,sir…fool rookies.=^=

“Thank you..Reid out.”

John headed to security expecting to be called to Taissud’s office.

USS Peregrine, Shuttle Bay 1 - 14:35

“The beacon is now within range, sir.  Shall I begin the tractor beam?”  Peers said with a firmer confidence than she had spoken earlier.

“Yes… let’s go ahead and get that thing aboard.”  Sa’eridon replied and put aside her PADD.  She hoped that crash course on the beacon was going to be enough, it wasn’t that different from the 7A that she had been studying for the past day.  

“On it…”  Peers said and began to work on the console. 

Reid had been checking the progress of engineering and noted a concern.

"Reid to Engineering"

=^= Engineering=^= , replied Sa'eridon.

"I may be a bit paranoid but please be sure the beacon is scanned for any anomalies before it is pulled into the bay . See to it there are no nanites detectable or other oddities. We are still not sure where the nanites originated and we don't need to be infected again."

(OOC: assuming Merideth replies.)

Stardate 2365.05.13; 15:15
Deck 5, Holodeck

The evening light was still a bright although the sun had past its zenith and was moved slowly into the west. The warm rays cast an amber glow on many of the leaves that still clung to the many hardwood tress and those that had fallen along the well maintained wide path that gently spread in front of them. The quite movement of water could be heard not far to their left and a slight smell of burning leases mixed with the rich earthy fragrance of the forest around them.

John gestured for Karri to follow, “Welcome to the Towpath Trail.”

Taking deep breath John let the memories flood into him. “We won’t come across any person eating plants or fierce dangerous animals..perhaps a few tiny curious furry rodents we call chipmunks.”

Karri glanced around at multicolored fall foliage and took in a deep breath too. “ Yes ..this does have the feel of peace…. Where is this place? It doesn’t seem to match the descriptions I have read of your Earth.”

“You may not have been looking for the right things..this is a protected area in the northeast section of what is called North America, just some miles south of the Great Lake called Erie. When so much had been destroyed by wars and industry this park survived.’

“I may have to look this area up again, but was there something special about this area…was the path made wide for peaceful wandering?”

“Perhaps it was luck that saved this area but it is rich in history…..the original inhabitants of the area lived off the land. They believed that the land is not a thing to be possessed, but rather something sacred and alive. They use that waterway over there to travel from the Great Lake Erie down to here. They called the river Cuyahoga, which meant “crooked river”.

The two keep walking in the peaceful quiet.

“That does not seem to be such a grand river…” Karri mused.

“No not grand but long..it flows from here north to the Great Lakes that link up and provided a waterway from eastern ocean to nearly half way across the continent… in times of primitive foot travel that allowed for great exploration… This little waterway extends a few mile more to the south where it turns east to its origins, the natives found that by crossing the land south of the bend they came to another river that flowed south, it was called the Tuscarawas. That flowed into the Muskingum….which flowed into the Ohio which flowed into the Mississippi and eventually that flowed to the ocean to the south of the continent.” John laughed and waved his hands as he talked.

“So this is an ancient crossing of your tribes?”

John was silent for a moment, “Well I guess that is a good way describe it.”

“So these natives must have traveled much to forge such a wide path?”

John could feel the tension easing in his shoulders as they walked and talked. “Well this path is for modern foot traffic but what made the path originally wide were the horses.”

“You did not say the natives had horses, if they had horse then why did they use the water boats?”

John seemed to see the daily concerns melting away from the Caitian as she walked, the questions bringing a brightness to her voice.

“The horses were not from the natives, early settlers from Europe had moved to this continent and steadily pushed westward, unfortunately driving the native west off these lands. I am not saying it was right but it seems the histories of many worlds show as one group evolves it pushes out those that they can.”

Seeing the question still in Karri’s eyes, “The settlers brought need for more trade and more goods. Eventually larger barge type boats were used to bring in goods from the Great Lakes. Because the river flow was north the barges were pulled south by teams of horses. That required a path to be cleared along the shore and that is how this became known as the Tow Path.”

Karri laughed, ‘Of course..progress must happen.”

They walked along with Karri listening as John told of the sights along the way, of the locks used to raise the barges, the Brandywine Falls and the path beyond the Tow Path known as the Portage Path. Karri sensed John needed to talk, to ramble, to let his mind wonder and to bring her along. And it was as he has promised, it was peaceful. After all that had happened to their friends and crewmates peaceful was something to cherish.

Coming to a resting area near a rapids in the river they sat for a while, quietly just listening to the river tumble over the rocks; smelling the freshness of the air as the water sprayed ever so slightly cleaning it as it rose. Karri, her eyes closed taking in the nature senses and blending them with her own memories of forest and river asked, “How do you know so much about this little spot on such large planet?”

“This is where I was born. My home was only a few miles to the west. I took this all so much for granted.”

“So that is why you made the program; to visit?”

A slight tremble entered John’s voice, “I have been here a hundred times but it was only for a lark or some exercise. I heard the information over and over again, I learn the facts, but I had missed the feeling.” John hunch over steering at his shoes, “I have been alone before, it comes with our job, but after what happened to our crew, my crew, I realized I didn’t really know my people, I knew of my people. That became of evident when I wrote the families. I could recall each crewmate; being with them; but I will never know if they knew.” John paused, “Look I didn’t mean to turn this sad, I…” His words just faded.

Karri, took a deep breath, “It’s like being alone in a crowd..I know the feeling. You have made a difference even if you don’t know….You are not alone..and now I don’t feel so alone either. This was so nice of you to share with me. Perhaps we will walk here again.”

Thanks for the clarity, it's just a one liner in the collab but "curious minds want to know".

BTW we just survived our bi-monthly Roll20 game. Doing some old school Dungeon Crawl Classics : Lankhmar.
Still in level one but learning the game set. Have avoided the TPK so far, but it has come close.

Would there be any upgrades added to Peregrine that might come into play? In a collab with C2P and Zhay-la asked Reid if there were upgrades during the repairs.

Stardate 2365.05.15
USS Peregrine, Bridge - 1418

"Lieutenant Taissud," Drake spoke, "we are operating under the assumption that the beacon has malfunctioned due to simple mechanical failure.  While it seems pointless for a hostile power to simply meddle with a deep space beacon, I want to be sure that our eyes are open.  Scan the area carefully, just to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises."

"Yes, sir," Zhay-la turned to Lt. Reid, “Have PO. Wright comb over this upon shift rotation," she ordered to Reid. "I want a dossier for the Calican system by the end of alpha shift. Consult Science if you need to."

 “Lieutenant, the analysis is on your PADD, I had already reviewed the data available in the Star Fleet archives on Calican. Although it is not much due the need to remind distant to preserve the Prime Directive; you will see that as stated they have barely advanced in space flight. Solid and liquid fuels, just enough to reach their own moon.”

Turning away from the console, Zhay-la hailed Security.

=/=Tactical and Security, for all your phaser and brig needs,=/= Blomstedt answered cheekily.

Reid winced, “I need to review protocol with the new staff when manning the watch,” he mused.

"Crewman, inform Petty Officer Shaw that she will be inspecting our weapons systems personally for gamma shift, damn the schedule," Zhay-la commanded. "I want Engineering apprised of the slightest misalignment before contact is made with the beacon."

=/=Yes, Lieutenant Taissud,=/= was the more demure response from the Security specialist.

Reid continuing, ”If they have been able to reach our probe I would speculate that others have been giving them more advanced tec. The pirates out here would readily trade for ores and others item that the Calican would not know their true value…We recently had an incident with the Kulder and Rytain over dilthium. Our sweeps need to check for even Romulan activity as we are not terribly far from the Neutral Zone…. Mister Blackmon and Chief Brooks are heading this investigation.”

Zhay-la turned round to the viewscreen once more.