**SD: 90505**
**Scene: Console Room**

Selak had just finished his work on the days flight plans, when a call
came in for him over the intercom.

[Ensign Selak form Chief Smallwood, could you come down to 
shuttle bay 1? We have a problem with one of the shuttles.] 
(NRPG: See below for information on this new NPC.)

"On my way." Selak responded. 

**Scene: Shuttle Bay 1**

Smallwood was running a Tricorder over an open panel in the floor 
of the shuttle when Selak arrived.  

"There is an imbalance in the warp nacelles and I can find no reason 
for it." Said the Chief. "I have done level 1 diagnostics on every
system and replaced both the port and starboard power couplings, but
I still can't find the problem."

"Could the readings from the computer analysis be giving you false 
information?" Asked Selak.

"I have thought of that as well, so I did a second  test using my own
hand built shuttle diagnostic computer, but the results came back the 
same." Smallwood replied.

"What do you want me to do Chief?"

"I want permission to take another shuttle out of service and  start to
swap components one by one until I find the problem."

"How long will that take to finish?

"About 12 hours, but if you need the second shuttle back you can 
have it in less than an hour." Replied the Chief.

"Very well, but keep me informed of your progress." Said Selak.

Smallwood started to shout orders to his maintenance crew and Selak
set off in search of  Lt.(jg) Hogan. 

"Computer, current location of Lt.(jg) Hogan?"



**Scene: Console Room**

Selak entered the Console Room and looked around for the CSO.
He could see someone he did not recognise in a mustard shirt and 
decided that must be him.

"Lt.(jg) Hogan, I am Ensign Selak. Welcome aboard."

"Thank you Ensign. What can I do for you?"

"I would like you to know that I have an extensive collection of 
ancient weapons in my quarters, it is a hobby of mine. It does mean,
however, that seeing as they are all fully functional, they could be
a considerable security risk should anyone break into my quarters."

Hogan thought for a moment. "What do you propose Ensign?"

" I have set up a complicated alarm system inside my quarters, based 
on voice print and a body scan of anyone entering. I would like to 
link it up to the station direct alarms in your office so you will be
notified if it should go off." Said Selak.

NRPG Kevin/Phil any comments?

**Scene: Shuttle Bay 1**

suddenly a large shower of sparks erupted from the port nacelle of the
faulty shuttle. 

"NO YOU CAN'T CONNECT THEM THAT WAY." Shouted the
Chief "Smallwood to Ensign Selak, this repair may take a little longer
than I first thought. We have just lost one of the nacelles "



NRPG All: Please note the new NPC Chief Smallwood. He can 
usually be found in one of the shuttle bays with his head buried deep 
inside an access panel of one of the shuttles. He is generally 
considered to be one of the best shuttle mechanics in Starfleet and
takes enormous pride in his work. He has been in Starfleet all his life.
(about 40 years service) He once flew a shuttle back to a Starbase
after all it's power systems had failed by coupling a consignment 
of phaser rifles it was carrying to the power conduit and using two 
tricorders to act as an emergency flight computer. He considers every 
shuttle he works on to be one of his children.

Phil: Is this NPC okay? I can write some more detail for him if you 
wish.

All: I will be working nights this week, so I will not have a lot of 
time to write much. I will still try to get off a post some time during
the week if I can.

Also, I met Brent Spiner (Data) yesterday. What a friendly, funny  
and approachable man. It was a pleasure to talk to him. I just wanted
to share that with you.  


Respectfully submitted
Shaun
Ensign Selak FCO/CNO
DS 101

Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end 
-- Commander Spock.

**SD: 90505.1101**
**Scene: Observation Lounge**

  A day had passed since Ruane had watched the departure of the USS
GALAXY under the command of his friend; Capt.David Jackson.  Since then
Graeme had kept up with the routine paper work and spent as much of his
off time with Michelle Gordon - if he were asked he was say the two were
having a...relationship.  This gave him the greatest feeling of worth
since his time aboard the TIAN AN MEN experimental cruiser.
He remembered those days fondly; Graeme was an engineer and was at home
nowhere more than the inner workings of a starship, he hoped that one
day he would have the time to do something in the engineering line
again...perhaps one day he might reach Admiral and resume the work that
his team had begun on the UTOPIA-Class vessel...a vessel he had seen in
operation in the mirro universe.  He wondered...

  "Computer, call up all scans made on the ISS ARDENT, NCC-72369-B."  He
waited as the computer searched the database.

    The computer responded as it clicked away;
obviously it was interfacing with the alien core as it was going very
slowly.  Ruane noticed something of interest...in the bottom right
corner sat a visual of an octogan, parts were gray and others were
yellow, it was like a timer...the grey parts changing to yellow as the
computer approached the end of the task.  He made a note to inform
McLeary of this, he wondered whether it had been noticed elsewhere.

  

  "Display scans."  The first scanner log of the ISS ARDENT appeared.

  "Damn, I should have known."

  

  "It wasn't directed at you."

  .  The computer switched it's voice relay off until it was
called upon again.  Graeme sat frowning...of course the scans wouldn't
show much...not only was DS 101 the worst equipped station for science
functions; the UTOPIA-Class was in this universe as it was in the mirror
universe...designed to reflect scans back to the originator the moment
they touched the deflector shields.  Ruane switched the interface off,
he had had his fun for now and nothing was to come of it.

    The
computer bleeped.  Ruane turned towards the observation lounge's main
display.

  "On screen."



  [Captain, good to see you again.  The USS CURIE is approaching DS 101
now, we thought you should now that we're on our way.]

  "Understood, however I've had my executive officer talk to Admiral
Terkow of the Dergrad vessel; the HEC'NU.  You are to rendevous with the
HEC'NU at..."  Ruane tapped a few buttons,"...these co-ordinates."  On
the screen Cmdr.Zahn Z'Dark looked at the co-ordinates coming in.

  [Okay Captain.  We'll see you some other time then.]

  "Indeed.  Please remember this is a delicate diplomatic situation;
this is the first we've had a meeting with the Dergrad Empire and no
weapons have been fired...remember we want to keep this alliance to work
on peace in this sector.  If the Admiral is difficult, humour him.  I
don't think I need to say anything more except 'Good luck'."

  [Thank you.  Zahn out.]  The comm channel closed, Ruane turned back to
his console and resumed the paper work for the BANGALORE's mission.  He
was making a crew roster, the vessel would be commanded by LtCmdr.Alyza
for the duration, with Roberts serving as FO/OPS officer.  Selak was to
be the flight control officer with Hogan as CSO for the vessel.  McLeary
would be useful for the survey obviously, and Ip'sc could be teamed with
him to see things from a contractors point of view whilst also offering
the experience of a former high ranking StarFleet officer.  Graeme was
slightly worried about sending them out on their own for the first time,
but he knew right now he had to stay at DS 101 should the CURIE need him
to talk to the Dergrad.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
TO: All senior staff.  Mr.Ip'sc
FR: Capt.Graeme Philip Ruane
SUBJ: Staff Meeting

All senior staff are to
assemble in the Observation lounge by 90505.0000 for a staff meeting.
Departmental reports are required.

        -Capt.Ruane

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Ruane sent the message and then headed to his room to get some sleep
before the briefing.

Submitted by Phil Long
Capt.Graeme Philip Ruane
Commanding Officer
DS 101, Amgine Sector
Antelope Squadron, Cocoon Fleet

(real SD 905052139 EST, but we can assume this to have happened on the same
day as Phil's post, quoted below)

>**SD: 90429.1657**
>**Scene: Club 101**

>  "Alyza, about your proposals for recreational facilities; I think we
>can go ahead with them.  Roberts initial proposals included two
>Holodecks on the second floor of this club itself; I think that can be a
>major part of them.  Plus half of deck 15 is still empty space and
>additional storage; I believe that could be used for the gym and
>arboritum."  Graeme said, smiling.  He knew that strictly this was
>business, but he didn't really know what else to talk to his executive
>officer and science officer about.  He had never really been able to
>socialise with his crew too well, dispite his desire to be more than
>just a commanding officer to them.  One of the common myths was that a
>commanding officer should isolate themselves from socialising with the
>crew; Ruane had never believed this - he knew a unit worked better if
>everybody knew the strengths and weaknesses of one another - even those
>of the commanding officer.  Alyza responded,
>

"That would increase the efficiency of the non-Vulcan members of the crew
greatly.  I have observed that non-Vulcan productivity goes down when
recreation facilities are not available.  The gym, of course, will prove
usefull for keeping all of the crew physically fit, though I benifit more
from workouts in  Vulcan standard gravity."  

Alyza, like Ruane, had difficulty socializing.  To her, the only logical
reason to be here was to eat dinner and out of a sense of duty.  Yes, she
was there because all of the senior staff was required to be there.  Alyza
went silent, observing the people around her, and eating her dinner...




Live long and prosper \\//
Gretchen A. Haas

SD: 90506

	Rissa paced in her quarters, then stopped what she was doing long enough
to check the computer screen. Nothing. She sighed and began to use her time
more constructively by doind dance warm-ups. Her recently unused muscles
let their protest know and it only served to enforce the petite green
orions determination to exercise. There had been nothing for her to do
here, and to tell the truth she had been somewhat terrified to go outside
of her quarters. 

	The station was just that...stationary. Many people could come onboard and
no-one the wiser. It wasnt like a starship where visitors were rare and
always announced. She pushed herself to the limits of her endurance, a fact
that was still somewhat hampered by her injuries. Her spine wasnt as
flexible as she was used to it, but she had been reassured by the
Regulators CMO that it *would* regain its full movement. The arm was still
the worst of her injuries and she had counted herself lucky in that she
hadnt lost it completely.

	Eventually her strained muscles cried out in agony and she desisted in
torturing them anymore. With a grateful sigh she allowed them to gradually
cool down, then relax in a nice oldfashioned shower. Water trickled off her
green skin to pool momentarily at her feet, before being sucked back up by
the replicator. The bandages would need to be changed soon, and she'd need
to see the CMO of the station for that. Which meant leaving her quarters.

	She dressed and began her pacing again. She wished Zack were here, but he
was involved with base business and it was doubtfull he'd get offduty on
time. Things were happeing on the station, and she didnt like it. She had
no control over what was happening. The men that she had escaped from to
stow-away on the REGULATOR could easily pick up her trail if she remained
stationary, and not for the first time since coming here did she regrett
her decision. But Zack had saved her life, and therefore he owned her now,
wether he knew that or not. Glancing at the chronometer, she sighed again,
then threw on another light wrap that really didnt do anything to hide her
figure, as much as she tried to do just that. For now she didnt want to
attrackt too much attention.

	Her lithe form stopped within the frame of her door, and she noted any
possible passerbys. Quiet. Silent as a shadow, she slipped out and gave the
command to lock the door behind her. Soon she was heading onto the
promenade in search of sickbay. She hadnt gotten a tour yet, but as usual
she was resourceful and found her way quickly.....

*******************************


just a little nothing to introduce Rissa ;) 

tatya

SD 90505.2151 EST
Scene: computer core

After Ens. Barak and Ens. McLeary had finished for the day,
Barak made an observation. 

Barak turned to McLeary and said "Have you considered the possiblity that
the race that built this station was from a hot climate?"

"No, what makes you think that?"

"Logic."

*but of course*, thought Mick, *what else?*

Barak continued "The ceilings are exceptionally high, however, all of the
furnishings that we found on the station when we arrived, that is those
things that were bolted to the floor, were of correct seating height for
the average humaniod.  Therefore, it is logical to conclude that from the
waist down, the race is or was not inordinately tall.  Additionally, the
height of the consoles and size of the print is in keeping with someone
whose eyes were at the level of a humaniod's.  There are no purches or
levels that can only be reached by one who is flying, so the ceiling hight
is not for winged creatures.  On every hot, dry planet I have studied, the
ceilings are higher than is average for other planets.  Even on your own
earth, ceilings are higher in hot desert or near desert regions.
Therefore, I conclude that it is probable that the race that build this
station came from a hot, dry climate."

McLeary was impressed with Barak's logic and the soundness of his
observations.
The walked onto the turbo lift in silence.

----------

NRPG: short, but I felt the need to write this and I had a bit of free time
:-)

Phil: Yes, I will keep the crew of the Bangalore in line :-)

Live long and prosper \\//
Gretchen A. Haas

Stardate: 90505-2346
Scene: McLearys Quarters

"Computer - Personal Log, Ensign Michael Scott McLeary - Today was one
to remember.  First, Barak has really come on to something.  He has
rendered a theory that the aliens were not as tall as I had first
imagined.  They very well might be our size but come from a heated
environment.  The tall ceilings would account for the rising of hot
air and the cooling of the air at body level.  This will need some
review and it is a good possibility.  Second, Ruane is setting up a
mission to visit a new planet in the area and I am to go along as an
archeologist.  What a chance to prove my abilities.  I look forward to
the mission. End recording."

Mick sipped on his drink and sat back.  "Computer - Karzark number 32"

The sounds of the old Vulcan symphony filled the room.  *I will need
to find someone to work on the power output of the computer station in
the cubical.* Mick thought as he listened to the deep tonal music that
had been created on Vulcan over 1000 years earlier.  Not logical but
more harsh, almost Wagnarian.  Though it was the Klingons who could
play Wagner.  

He turned to the computer again, "Computer, message to Commander
Ruane. Subject: Need to contact acting Chief Engineering Officer to
assign or help me with locating possible power conduits and origins
within cubical 26 ~/~.  Respectfully submitted - Ensign Michael
McLeary - ASO.  Send"

Back to his drink and the music Mick began day dreaming as to what
might lie ahead.

Submitted:
Chuck Stotz
Ensign Michael McLeary


Stardate: 90505.2356
Scene: CSO's Office

<<<>>>
Transmission Status: Secured
From: Lt.(jg) Zachary M. Hogan, station CSO

Upon coming onto the station, I have found the security staff to be quite
adept at their current positions.  I recommend no changes be made in the
current duty roster.  Ensign Marguerita Velez will remain as my assistant
chief of security, with Ensign Markus Seelbinder my second.  

As of stardate 90505, two days following my arrival on this station, I
have processed four petty criminal acts.  These persons have been
subjected to a fine and released from custody.  

Furthermore, I have recently received word from an informant of the last
CSO, of the impending arrival of an illegal cargo of unknown materials.  I
have arranged a secret meeting with the said informant and hope to uncover
more concerning this prior to the upcoming mission.

Anticipated security drills and side-arm requalifications will be
conducted hopefully prior to the upcoming away-from-base mission.

<<<>>>

Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Thigpen
Lt(jg) Zachary M. Hogan
DS 101 CSO

**SD: 90506.2048**
**Scene: Observation Lounge**

  Graeme looked over the report from the security department.
Interesting, he was pleased with the punctuality too; next he looked at
the message from Ens.McLeary and smiled.  The station was without a
chief engineer at the moment; right now the most qualified person to
investigate the power conduit just happened to be him.  As he thought
about how he would reply the first of the crew arrived and took their
seat; it wasn't long before the room was full of DS 101's senior staff;
with the addition of the civilian; Ip'sc...he would be laying probes as
the ship headed for it's destination.  Once everybody was present Graeme
stood.

  "First business of the meeting; can I please have a status report from
each department that has not reported as yet."



  Graeme nodded as Selak finished his report on his
department...interesting.  He thanked them for their reports before
continuing.

  "The second point of this meeting; we have orders to investigate the
nearby system; a Class M planet has been detected and we are to survey
it with a possible view to colonisation.  This is the first planet to be
surveyed for colonisation and a marking point for the Federation's
growth within The Cocoon.  Certainly an important mission."  Ruane
paused to let the senior staff take everything he said in.  Ruane was
somewhat unsure about colonisation in such a volitile region of space;
but even if nothing happened for some time the planet would have to be
surveyed - better sooner than later.

  "Each one of you here will be a part of this mission, McLeary will be
teamed with Ip'sc and Roberts with Alyza and Selak."



  "The mission will be led by LtCmdr.Alyza.  Commander, continue the
briefing."  Ruane left the rest up to Alyza; it was her mission after
all.  


  
  Once Alyza was finished it was time for the crew to ship in with ideas
and comments, Ruane listened to them all as Alyza replied, occasionally
chipping in himself when called for...


  

Submitted by Phil Long
Captain Graeme Philip Ruane
Commanding Officer
Deep Space 101, Amgine Sector
Antelope Squadron, Cocoon Fleet




  "First business of the meeting; can I please have a status report from
each department that has not reported as yet."

	Roberts began his report, handing a PADD to Graeme.
"Ship activity has picked up a little bit, but talks I've had with
freighter captains reveal there are still fears about being attacked by
Dergrad Rebels. The science department has requested to perform controlled
tests on the organic docking area, which will require clearing all ships
from it. I've listed a time most appropriate for the tests, when ship
activity is minimal. Updated software for the Ops console is nearly
complete. A full diagnostics will be required to insure proper operation.
It'll cause a temporary blackout of Ops systems, so all ships needing to
depart during the diagnostic should be detached from the station. Minimal
systems will be maintained by a separte system that will hook up with the
computer and maintain necessary operations.", Roberts concluded his report
and folded his arms.

Lt.John Roberts
Robert J.Stadnik

SCENE:	Promenade
SD:	90507.1555

	Slowly, Ip'sc made his way through the promenade towards the main 
lift which would whisk him to the meeting Capt Ruane had called.  Normally, 
he would have taken the side lift near his quarters, but Shimura had 
insisted he take the long way in order to get some additional exercise.  
"Yes ma'am."

	About half way through a less populated area of the deck, a motion 
in the darkness of a corridor caught Ip'sc's attention.  He spun quickly, 
ready to meet whatever adversary was there.  Instead of an oncoming attack, 
a flash of green quickly emerged, paused, then darted back into the 
shadows.

	That couldn't have been what he thought he saw, could it?  No, no 
Orions this far out.  Ip'sc could feel his heart pounding against his 
chest.  He body was certainly reacting as if that were an Orion slave girl.  
Whoever it was, she was long gone now.  Ip'sc collected his wits, chided 
himself about his adolescent behavior and continued on to his meeting.

**************************
SCENE:	Observation Lounge

	Ip'sc arrived five minutes early.  He was not sure how long it 
would take him to limp to the meeting and he did not want to be late.

	"Thank you for coming, Mr. Ip'sc," greet Capt Ruane.  He and Cmdr 
Alyza were the only two officers present.  Interesting, thought Ip'sc to 
himself.  Most commanding officers preferred being the last to arrive to 
staff meetings.  "Please, help yourself to some breakfast," continued 
Ruane, lifting Ip'sc out of his reflections.

	"Thank you, Captain."  Ip'sc hobbled over to the setting, where 
coffee, tea, juice and water were set out among various fruits and 
pastries.  Conspicuously absent were the de facto pastry of Starfleet 
briefings: bear claws.  For some reason, while he was in the service, all 
morning briefings were centerpieced by the large, sugary rolls; he never 
knew why.  Another difference in the station's commander, thought Ip'sc.

	Ip'sc grabbed some sliced apples, grapes and a glass of water.  "No 
bear claws.  Unbelievable," he commented aloud, still amused at his 
insignificant discovery.

	Alyza apparently heard his comment, for as soon as he took a seat, 
she addressed him formally.  "Mr. Ip'sc, why would you expect appendages of 
one of Earth's indigenous species to be served aboard a Starfleet space 
station?  Surely you are aware that offworld consumption of native 
creatures is generally prohibited at all Starfleet posts."

	"What," asked Ip'sc, wondering what she was talking about.  "Oh, 
the bear claws.  No, Commander, not real bear claws.  It's a type of pastry 
that the brass really seems to like--or used to at least."

	"My error," apologized Alyza, ending the conversation as quickly as 
she had initiated it.

	The rest of the senior staff filed into the observation lounge.  
Ruane began the meeting, asking for departmental status reports.  Ip'sc 
suffered through the reports, trying not to fidget in his seat.  His side 
was really hurting, and the prolonged immobility in the lounge's chair was 
not helping.  Finally, they got to the real mission briefing, with Cmdr 
Alyza providing the important details.

	Ip'sc found that he would be working closely with the station's 
Archaeology specialist, Esn. McLeary.  Although he usually preferred 
solitude, Ip'sc welcomed the opportunity to work with McLeary on this 
mission.  Since his rescue from the Dergrad, he had grown accustomed to 
constant company, and wasn't sure that he was quite ready to give it up 
yet.  Since the ASO and the civilian would not have much in the way of 
routine ship operations during the mission, it would be an opportunity for 
Ip'sc to expand his horizons during the lull between the real work.

	The meeting adjourned, and Ip'sc and McLeary made their way 
together.  After the obligatory introductions, the Starfleet ensign struck 
up the conversation.  "Mr. Ip'sc, this will be my first mission outside of 
archaeological studies, and I'd appreciate getting together with you before 
we leave...you know, so I'll know what you expect of me.  At your 
convenience, of course, Sir."

	Ip'sc smiled.  "Sounds good, Ensign.  One condition, though," he 
added.

	McLeary stiffened.  "Yes, Sir?"

	"That you stop calling me 'Sir' and start calling me 'Ip.'"

	The ensign smiled, relief apparent in his face.  "You got it, Ip.  
And call me 'Mick.'  I'll get some details of our duties from Cmdr Alyza and 
meet you somewhere.  How about at Club 101 for lunch, say 1300 hrs?"

	Ip'sc nodded.  "1300 at the Club.  I'll see you there, Mick."

Respectfully Submitted,
Ip'sc Carbo
Civilian
DS 101
hiha@tfs.com

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