Actual posts.  Huh.

I'll see what I can do with Science.

Sciene is ready and waiting, Captain.

Small post to help move things forward is up.

Stardate 2365.05.16 - Impact minus 50:04
USS Peregrine, Bridge - 15:32

Ensign Elial waited bemusedly as Ensign Owen carried on her bubbly conversation with the Captain.  The AFCO's excitement was palpable when Drake gave his consent to her suggestion, and she happily relayed orders.

Were he being factual, Eilal could not deny that he himself felt joy.  While an odd electromagnetic field on a rogue asteroid was hardly worthy of some Starfleet science journal, a chance to determine why it was that way appealed to the Deltan on a fundamental level.  The science officer dearly loved learning and discovery, and the opportunity to solve a mystery - however small - held great appeal for him.

"Ya hear tha', Mr Eilal," Owen beamed, "Looks as ef ye'll be gettin' yer wish, aye? Ye may be wantin' ta coordinate wit' Lieutenant Ch’ronnoss."

Eilal nodded.  "Of course, sir," he replied.  "It would be improper for me to leave the Peregrine without my direct superior authorizing such activity.  And truthfully, the Lieutenant may prefer to be the science officer who actually takes those samples.  I will coordinate with him immediately."

The Deltan waited politely while the Bridge Officer made her own arrangements, contenting himself with mentally calculating their time of arrival to 2365 C41A3 DN17 while outwardly observing the changing background of the viewscreen.  Once Owen's discussions were complete, he keyed his own commbadge.

"Eilal to Lieutenant Ch'ronnoss," he spoke.

OOC: assuming a response...

"Sir, we have an interesting development.  I was musing over the electromagnetic field of 2365 C41A3 DN17, wishing to take samples of the asteroid so as to ascertain why it is so anomylous.  Ensign Owen has obtained Captain Drake's permission for us to take a shuttlecraft to the surface of the asteroid for the purpose of obtaining said samples; she has ordered the Peregine en route to the asteroid now.  While I would be eager to complete this duty, I understand that you may prefer to complete this task yourself, so I naturally bow to your seniority here.  Either way, however, I felt it seemly to update you as to this developing situation."

OOC: any response..

The Deltan science officer nodded.  "Very well, sir.  Eilal out."

Stardate 2365.05.16 - Impact minus 50:34
USS Peregrine, Bridge 15:18

Ensign Eilal sat at the bridge science console, peering intently at the instruments.  As was typical for weekend shifts, the bridge was light on senior officers; between the duty rotation and the emotional weight of the current situation, no one had even as much as glanced his way, let alone questioned his work.

He frowned slightly as he reviewed the scanner data for the asteroid.  "Fascinating..." he muttered.

The rock was extremely dense for its size.  There appreared to be some widespread crystallized formations located on it, as well as a collection of heavy metals.  Furthermore, 2365 C41A3 DN17 projected an odd magnetic field that simply didn't quite line up with the rest of the composition scans. 
'
His mild frown deepened as he pondered.  "How very frustrating," he mused. "If only..."

The small woman in the command chair piped up.  "Wha's tha' then, Ensign Eilal?" Ensign Owen asked. 

The Deltan science officer bobbed his head in deference.  "My apologies, Ensign Owen; I did not intend to disturb anyone.  I was simply musing..." he paused.

"Well, g'wan then!" she exclaimed. 

"Yes, sir," Eilal replied.  "The readings for 2365 C41A3 DN17 do not fully make sense, given the data that we have.  While I recognize that such knowledge is immaterial to the larger situation, my scientific curiosity is piqued here.  Unfortunatey, I do not believe that I will be able to gather a more complete picture via sensor data alone.   If only there were some possibility to gather surface samples, I believe that we could unlock the mystery of the anomalous magnetic field that the asteroid possesses."

The bald alien wore a rueful expression.  "Again, I do understand that in the grand scheme of events, such purely academic concerns are of little general interest or importance.  Even so, I cannot apologize for my curiosity and desire here to know more."

OOC: some reply from Owen...

The Deltan nodded.  "I will continue with my duties, sir."  

Sorry I missed the PM.  I just replied - I think there's a natural way to kick it off.

I've been working on this with t_catt for a while, now.  In other words, this was a collab with the captain, not me trying to derail the game all by my lonesome!

Stardate 2365.05.15
USS Peregrine; Deck 4, Science Department - 1430

Lieutenant Ch'ronnoss gave his orders, and Eilal bobbed his head in acknowledgement. "Aye, sir. I will prioritize according to your requests. The probe will be the primary concern, analysis of Calican II secondary, further system study tertiary."

The Deltan turned and met the gaze of a tall, lanky human male. "Crewman West, shall we get to work?" The blonde man nodded and fell into step with Eilal as the two of them made their way into Lab two.

The pair delved into a couple of terminals and called up the data. "Mister West, it seems to me that we should divide the labor," the Deltan stated. "I will analzyze the probe itself. You start with the Calican II analysis; please follow the Lieutenant's instructions and start working on models to estimate the technology level of the Calicans, then expand your work to further examination of the planet and anything that may be relevant to our orders. From there, we can move into overall system analysis. Agreed?"

Tanner West nodded. "Sounds like a plan, sir," he responded in a deep baritone.

A hint of a smile touched Eilal's features. He personally had little concern for titles or rank, though he understood the need for such. If everyone involved was doing their part, he was content. The smile widened ever so slightly as he began to dig into the data.

Stardate 2365.05.15
USS Peregrine; Deck 4, Laboratory 2 - 1535

The Deltan science officer frowned, the marks creasing his normally neutral face.

"Crewman West, please review the data I just shared with you," the Science officer stated. "While I feel confident in my analysis," he continued, "it would not be seemly to share my conclusions without independent verification."

Puzzled, the lanky human nodded as he hunched over his own terminal. "Aye, sir, he replied."

Thus far, the analysis had gone entirely as expected. His own analysis of the probe was quite synergetic with that of the Operations department; the probe had low speed, zero maneuverability, limited sensor and communications capabilities. West's findings likewise had the Calican system within the expected range of scientific development. They still used fossil fuels, they still had pollution issues, their technology barely provided craft that could break the speed of sound; they were generations away from anything apporaching impulse power, let alone warp.

Eilal and West had detected one other probe, but the recommended relocation coordinates of the beacon would provide complete invisibility to the second probe, as well.

No, the item causing the frown on Eilal's face was ouside of the orbit of Calican II.

The Deltan felt West's reaction even as the emotion touched the lanky man's face. Apprehension. Concern.

"Sir," Tanner began, "you are looking at 2365 C41A3 DN17?" he asked.

"That is correct," Eilal agreed. "I assume that you are seeing the same outcome that I see?"

The tall human's face was pale. "I do. Just under seventy-four hours, at the current velocity."

The bald humanoid let out a low, uncharacteristic curse under his breath.

Stardate 2365.05.15
USS Peregrine; Deck 4, Science Department - 1550

"Lieutenant Ch'ronnoss," Eilal began, "Crewman West and I have made a sobering discovery."

OOC: assuming a prompt to continue...

"We agree with the Operations assesment of the probe; it is a primitive device, easily evaded." Eilal stated. "The technology levels of Calican II are likewise within expected parameters. However, this discovery is what concerns us." The Deltan keyed a control, causing a holoprojector to spring to life.

"This," Eilal indicated, "is asteroid 2365 C41A3 DN17. As you can see, it is relatively large - over thirty-two kilometers in diameter." The display zoomed to a cratered, roughly spherical body. "It is rather dense, with an unusual composition. While the bulk of the asteroid is largely silical in nature, the core has a great deal of iron, nickel, and similar dense metals. The concern, as you see, is the orbit of 2365 C41A3 DN17."

The display zoomed out, with directional overlay and elapsed motion simulation features engaged. "In just under seventy-four hours, this asteroid will impact Calican II. This will cause an extinction level event; little beyond particularly hardy microbial life will have any chance whatsoever to survive. The estimated sentient population of Calican II is currently in the vicinity of seven billion life forms, all of which will die. The probability of survival is zero point zero percent for any of the sentients. They lack the technology to prevent the impact or to evacuate any life forms from the planetary surface."

The Deltan science officer blocked out the raw emotions radiating from those around him, ignored the sharp intakes of breath. "Obviously, sir, the Captain needs to be informed. As the Chief Science Officer, it seems that would be more appropriate for you to do."

Just a little science post.  I took a couple of liberties.  Alverstar, I'm assuming that the CSO was in Science and not on the bridge, since I get the vibe that the Captain isn't a big science guy.  If I'm wrong, say so - I can easily edit that convo to use the communicator.

I'm also assuming that yes, it's okay for Eilal to spend effort analyzing the sensor data.  If it's not, then tell me, I'll change whatever.

Stardate 2365.05.15
USS Peregrine, Deck 4, Science Department - 1435

Science Officer Eilal stood over a monitor, poring over the data included. The Deltan's normally reserved expression was actually in a state that one could reasonably describe as "excitement".

"Lieutenant," he spoke to Ch'ronnoss, "this is superb. To date, I have only been able to locate data for the Calican system as provided by the initial survey vessel. When the crew determined that the second planet contained intelligent life, they left the system to prevent any cultural contamination. As a result, the data was limited to the most broad stokes, only." His violet eyes practically sparkled in delight. "The level of sensor data being collected fills in a great many of those gaps. There is fascinating study to be done!"

There is was. An actual, genuine smile made its way onto the Ensign's features. "Sir, with your permission, I would very much like to delve into this system data. This is my area of expertise, after all, and my current assignments are all up to date."

OOC: assuming a positive response...

The smile broadened. "Excellent!" Eilal exclaimed. "I will utilize the terminal in laboratory two. If you have need of me, I will be there."

There ya go, one post.  I backdated it for the previous Saturday night.  It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the plot, but I hope that it's fun to read.

Stardate 2365.05.08
USS Peregrine, Bridge - 1915

The bald humanoid appeared deeply involved in the readouts at the science station, though in actuality, all of the useful data had already been gathered, and the complex computations necessary had been quickly and accurately completed. In truth, the research he was currently working on could have been conducted from the labs down on deck four, but Science Officer Eilal enjoyed the environment of the bridge; it was a small allowance to vanity that prompted him to work in that environment instead of the designated science area of the ship.

Not that anyone would have given a moment's pause to question his presence to begin with; the Deltan was of course authorized to access the bridge science station at any time. However, this vessel was not science-focused, and Eilal knew that some more military-minded commanders were not always as welcoming to what they might consider to be extraneous personnel on the bridge. As such, Eilal tended to avoid the times when the highest ranking officers were on bridge duty when he made such visits.

The current shift was as close to perfect for Eilal's purposes as he could possibly get. Saturday evenings were seen as undesirable times to work, for reasons that to this day made the Deltan chuckle. Why would humans put such emphasis on an arbitrary date based upon the position of one planet relative to its moon, especilly when that planet was light years away? But relevant or not, that schedule meant that those with less seniority would draw this type of shift; as a matter of fact, Eilal was technically the highest ranking member on the bridge at this time.

The only other officer was the acting Assistant Flight Control Officer, a younger human woman who the Captain had given a field commission to. The other duty stations were manned by a handful of enlisted personnel.

This particular shift was slightly amusing to Eilal on one level; both the officer of the watch and the petty officer manning the Operations console were human women with extremely interesting (and somewhat similar) accents that apparently traced back to their home regions. As a matter of fact, the operations petty officer manning the helm and the petty officer at tactical were also female, though the helmsman was Betazoid.

Eilal allowed the very slightest hint of a grin to grace his features. The women were all consumate professionals, of course, but even a child could have felt the emotions that suggested attraction - or, at the very least, curiousity - directed towards him at more than one point.

Deltan sexuality was extensively developed, was an integral part of the species' culture. While this had the frequent effect of instigating curiosity among other species - after all, Deltan physiology was very compatible with many Federation species, and most humanoid species tended to find them pleasing to the eye - any such interspecies contact was forbidden. The simple fact of the matter was that most species lacked the sexual development to stand on even ground with a Deltan partner, especially once one considered the telepathic and chemical compounds included in those sex acts. As a result, any such contact was actually quite dangerous for the non-Deltan partner; obsession and outright insantity were *always* the outcomes of such dalliances.

As had all Deltan starfleet members, Eilal had taken the Oath of Celibacy that helped to ensure the safety of others, and he had willingly taken medical treatments to help reduce his secretion of pheremones that could cause others to lose self control. He understood the actual threat he presented to the safety of other sentients, and was very careful to respect those around him.

However, Eilal did possess a wicked sense of humor, and a boundless appreciation for practical jokes that often took others by suprise. The Deltan was soft spoken and factual in most of his dialogue, causing many to overlook his dry humor or to mistake him as boring and only concerned with his duties.

As he wrapped up his work, Eilal felt eyes on him from across the bridge, felt the idle curiosity behind the look, and the temptation to play a favorite joke grew too strong.

An important part of Deltan foreplay involved placing sexual images into a partner's mind. When he heard the sharp intake of breath from Petty Officer O'Connor, saw her blush and cut her eyes to the side, he allowed the tiniest ghost of a grin to tug at the corners of his mouth, knowing that some vivid - and extremely explicit - imagery had interrupted her shift.

Eilal waited several long moments, pretending to check various figures and readouts, while silently playing at the game a time or two again.

Then, he casually turned and saluted Ensign Owen where she sat at command. "Have a good evening, sir," he spoke mildly. "I believe that my work here is done."

OOC: assuming any response that doesn't prevent him from leaving...

Eilal pretended to not notice the blond-haired human woman slightly squirming in her seat at the Operations console as he kept his expression bland and neutral. Petty Officer Amai caught his eye and arched an eyebrow at him, but Eilal simply gave a bland smile to the Betazoid as he made his way to the turbolift. After all, he would hardly ruin the game by admitting its existence that easily.

I have added a roster entry for my science officer.  There are a few things I could still flesh out, but this should be enough to get things rolling (I hope).

I've been thinking this over.  I see that the big needs right now are Tactical officer and Science officer.  Both of those are pretty interesting to me.  So how 'bout I wait to see if you can recruit a player for either, and I'll just take the other role?  I feel like both of them could be fun.  

I'm playing with some ideas.  So... hopefully?

Good to see some interest here.  Looks like there may be a game, huh?

I could pull my CTO character over from the other Trek Game I was in that fizzled out.  Or make a new character for that spot?

Heck, I could do your science officer, too.  I have a couple of ideas bouncing around.

If you'll have me, that is!

I feel a little odd pushing the scene ahead to the shuttle itself; I'm not sure what there is for Stark to do until we leave. 

I think that you should go ahead and handle the AWAY team leaving the ship, or at least set the stage for them to do so.  If somebody feels like they have something to post, but couldn't do so in all of last week, they could just backpost it.

My two cents.

I'm not suggesting that Stark has to be the pilot, just saying he could be an option, if desired.

I have Stark as having the skills to pilot a shuttle.  Not sure if that will do here or not, but I would think that it would fit the bill for a six person craft.

Stardate: 2365.03.29
USS George Washington Carver, Deck 1 - Conference Room, 0810

Captain Rouhani gave her briefing of the situation and the mission, and handed out assignments to each of the senior staff.  So it came as no surprise when she settled her attention on the wiry, brown-haired Chief Tactical Officer.

"Lieutenant Stark, rumors on board tell me that drills have become too routine," she spoke.  "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."

We've been on board this ship for next to no time, but the drills have become routine already? Stark wondered internally.  Apparently, our egghead cruise has a surprisingly short attention span.  Not that he could say that out loud, of course. 

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

If the Captain really wanted him to keep things interesting, Tom could oblige.  As for being prepared for anything... yeah, experience said that it was tough to know what you didn't know; and thus, it could be tough to prepare for the unknown. 

But they would try.

---------------------------------

"I'll be putting the team together over the next three and a half hours, or so," Cole continued. "I expect I'll need you, Lieutenant McGinty, you too Lieutenant Draci, and Lieutenant Stark as well. Lieutenant Falcone, of course, will pilot the Waverunner. Mister Stark, if you feel it proper, you can bring along another from your department."

If I feel it proper?  Is that naked sarcasm from the Hinge? Stark wondered.

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."

OOC: any response.  If we need to play anything else out, I'm game

--------------------------------

One the meeting was over, Tom double timed it to Security and located Ensign Kyu-Ri. 

The Korean woman kept a calm exterior, but the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her feelings.  "Sir, I hear that the first AWAY team will be leaving soon.  I was wondering..."

Tom frowned and shook his head.  "I'm sorry, Raz, but I can't let you go on this one. Commander Cole has ordered me to be there, and this is a tiny ship.  If it were bigger, we'd have more officers, but since it's just you and me... somebody has to be in charge.  Don't worry, you'll get your chance."

Kyu-Ri nodded with a bit of a dejected expression, but that softened as she considered Tom's words.  "In charge?  Me?" she asked, as if it were too good to be true.

Tom grinned.  "That is correct, Ensign.  You will be the Tactical OIC while I'm off ship.  I'm thinking that I'll bring Ben this time around.  Take care of things while we're gone, you got me?"

The Ensign snapped to attention.  "Yes, sir!  I've got this, sir!" 

Tom could appreciate how she felt.  It wasn't an off ship mission, but being the OIC wasn't a terrible consolation prize for a Zero like Raz.  And besides... Eric would be around to keep her out of any serious trouble.  But just in case she forgot that...

Stark nodded.  "I'm sure that you do, Raz, else I wouldn't leave you in charge.  But remember - Senior Chief Wesson has forgotten more about this department than most of the other scrubs will ever learn.  If you need a hand, take advantage of that experience."

And listen up if he tells you something, Tom mentally added.

Raz nodded.  "Aye, sir.  I will."

Tom grinned again; he believed her. 

Hectic day again today.  Not sure I will get a post up yet, my apologies.

I'll get a post up, but it may be tomorrow.

I usually do Engineering or Ops, so I guess we will see how this goes.  I'll tinker with the roster a little bit, probably, but not a lot.

I look forward to playing with everyone.

So, I posted.  Bromern Sal, I hope I didn't cause offense.  Tom is a career enlisted who went to OCS; even with three years as an officer, he carries the typical senior enlisted distain of most officers in general.  He views respect as having to be earned, and since he hasn't been on board for long, or seen any action...

He will follow orders, he won't be a malcontent.  This is more or less his way to deal with stress.