SIM:James - Zero Tolerance

Crew of Deep Space 285

Lt. Commander James

ZP - 314 - 159 Rank: Lt. Commander Station: Deep Space 285 Position: First Officer Species: Terran / Vulcan Gender: Male Age: 34 DoB: 236704.30 Birthplace: Shi'Kahr, Vulcan Main • Sims Personal History • Medical Record School Report • Academy Record Awards & Service Ribbons Starfleet Academy Graduate Ribbon Featured Nominee Defense of Temporal Flow Ribbon Featured Bio Neelix Award TOSMA 1-year Member Good Conduct Ribbon Purple Heart Diplomacy Ribbon User Page

• Mission: Zero Tolerance
• Ship: USS Discovery-C
• Started: Unknown
• Ended: In Progress

Arrival

((Cargo Bay 2, USS Discovery C))

:: James' first thought was that he really needed to have a word withwhoever
had designed the seating in that shuttle - it had obviously not been designed
with humanoids in mind. Ignoring the extensive pain in his back James started
to get excited - he was finally out of the academy, no more forced study,
no more having to think of convenient excuses to avoid partys... ::

:: The shuttle landed in cargo bay 2 with a groan. For a moment, nobody
moved. Then, the silence was abruptly broken by the buzz of conversations and
laughter raising from the group of excited ensigns all unbuckling as one. James
started to free himself as well, relishing the relief when he was finally
out of that 'seat'. He remembered that he had to go to the bridge immediately
and started to head that way when he heard someone shout his name. ::

SHAGAN: T'Pau!

JAMES: Ah Cadet, no Ensign Shagan. It is quite the coincidence that we both
got posted here.

SHAGAN: ::grinning:: I know! I can't believe it myself.

JAMES: You should have came to talk to me on the journey. It would have made
it much more... bearable.

SHAGAN: Well if I'd seen you, I would have. Shame, right? It would have been
nice to make conversation, might have made it faster.

JAMES: Quite. It would have been interesting to know what you have done
since our training exercise.

:: They started to walk together towards the checkpoint. James was glad that
he would know at least one person on board. ::

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

:: After reaching the checkpoint James & Telice chatted for a bit before
heading off to their separate ways. James headed to the Turbolift and rode
it to the Bride. He was quite impressed with how fast it ran... He'd have
to have words with the ships engineer! ::

JAMES: Ensign James reporting for duty sir.

New Officer

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

JAMES: Ensign James reporting for duty sir.

WESTERBRIDGE: Oh. I see. OO I should talk with FO Blueheart Oo Please come
with me.

:: Tom then approached the FO Blueheart ::

WESTERBRIDGE: Sir, a new officer is trying to report for duty. This is
ensign James.

Blueheart: [Tag]

JAMES: I shall sir.

WESTERBRIDGE: All right, sir.. :: turns to James :: Welcome aboard, ensign
James

JAMES: Thank you, sir. If it is alright I would like to start my duity
immediately, where is the Ops station?

ANYONE: [Tag]

James: Thank you.

:: James heads over to the Ops console and sits down before it. He takes a
second to read the display and as far as he is aware everything is within
ordinary limits, of course he would have to ask at some point about the ships
'quirks' but they where all within ordinary Starfleet limits. ::

0o I shall have to find my counterpart at some point... 0o

Reporting for duty

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

JAMES: Thank you, sir. If it is aright I would like to start my duty
immediately, where is the Ops station?

BLUEHEART: ::pointing:: Over there.

JAMES: Thank you.

BLUEHEART: ::to James:: Keep monitoring the commchannel between the Achilles
and the Discovery. Make sure there are no interruptions. We are in the midst
of exchanging vital data, including data on the plague which would be very
useful to Dr Aven.

JAMES: Aye, Sir.

BLUEHEART: After you've accomplished that, I'm inviting you to join our small
discussion ::nodding towards the task force:: because your opinions count.

JAMES: Oh... Thank you Sir.

BLUEHEART: When you're done, I'll introduce you to the others. Carry on,
Mr James.

JAMES: Certainly Sir.

:: James looks down at the comm panel to look at the progress of the
transfer. It appearers to be running smoothly although a slight variance on
packet #995 concerned him slightly, but the ships computer should correct
that. He sets the panel to alert him when it is complete and joins the task
force. ::

ANYONE: [Tag]

Back to work

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

VALDIVIA: We are not THAT old. It's just that each pip ages you more than
a year.

BLUEHEART: ::sighing, draping an arm on the CSO's shoulders:: After all this
is over, let the both of us reflect on our `younger' days over a bottle of
vintage Catalan wine of your choosing.

VALDIVIA: Seems good for me. I'm going to need it.

SHAGAN: I hope many of us will get to partake, Sir.

0o A party-like thing! Well I suppose it couldn't hurt... 0o

JAMES: A get together may help us new officers to integrate with the crew, Sir.

::Blueheart turned to LtCmdr Valdivia, but she had started to walk away.::

VALDIVIA: I have something to do. I'll join you later.

BLUEHEART: ::puzzled and amused:: O-kay… ::turning back to the medical
officer and Ops ensign:: Yeah, why not? During shore leave, perhaps? I'll
see to it that Mr Cogud remembers he's still in possession of a barrel
of bloodwine.

0o Bloodwine! Why I never. 0o

JAMES: That would be most... interesting.

SHAGAN: [Tag}

BLUEHEART: ::chuckling:: But before we party like it's 2999, I owe the chief
science officer a private date. ::He cast a glance at the fleeting shadow
of LtCmdr Valdivia.:: My ex-Counsellor senses are picking up a strange vibe
from him… Something's on his mind, and I don't just mean the mission.

JAMES: I hope that he recovers swiftly.

SHAGAN: [Tag]

BLUEHEART: ::laughing:: No, I doubt it's because of the old-people jokes. …
oO Is it?? … Oo

JAMES: I tend to find that Humans are either deeply and noticeably offended
by such jokes, or are not at all... It is quite... fascinating.

SHAGAN: [Tag]

BLUEHEART: ::clasping both hands:: Okay, back to business. Mr James, is the
comms signal still strong?

:: James does a quick look to confirm what he already knew - he had the
system setup to alert him to any drop in signal strength. ::

JAMES: Very, sir. It appearers to have increased slightly.

BLUEHEART: Excellent. We need auxiliary power on standby in case we encounter
atmospheric interference or if the signal strength wanes. Because we're going
to retrieve and analyse the medical data next. You may have to reroute power
from… oO Let's see how creative he is! Oo elsewhere.

:: James looks down at his console and tries to find somewhere that can
spare power ::

JAMES: There appearers to be excess power in the Secondary/Aft Tractor Beam
Control and Emitter. It won't be quite enough to create a comfortable margin,
but if I drain this then I should be able to have minimal impact on the
other systems. In the event that we need a aft Tractor Beam, then I should
be able to redirect power within :: Looks down at screen for conformation ::
10.68 seconds.

BLUEHEART: Dr Shagan, review the medical data from the Achilles. Analyse the
symptomatology, the disease progression and especially the lab results. Go
through all their research and progress to see just how close they were to
a cure. Organize all this data for Dr Aven to review later.

SHAGAN: [Tag]

BLUEHEART: While you're at it, any idea you may have regarding how to beat
this disease, I'll be more than willing to hear you out. ::to both Ensigns
Shagan and James:: This is a team effort, people, and we are more than a team.

0o Could that come in use? ...It couldn't hurt. ::

JAMES: I'm afraid that I'm no doctor, but I did read a paper on Genetic
modification systems recently and it stated that most leave a distinct
signature. If this plague is man-made, than it may be useful to try to find
out its signature - if it indeed has one.

SHAGAN [Tag]

Argument

((Bridge, USS-Discovery-C))

JAMES: I'm afraid that I'm no doctor, but I did read a paper on Genetic
modification systems recently and it stated that most leave a distinct
signature. If this plague is man-made, than it may be useful to try to find
out its signature -if it indeed has one.

SHAGAN: Obviously. ::Coldly:: Vulcan’s don't really study man-made diseases
though, do they?

JAMES: It is Vulcan nature to study everything, so that we may understand it.

SHAGAN: ::shrugging:: I don't think there are many Vulcan medical officers
on the fleet, that's all.

JAMES: You would be quite surprised. Vulcan's take a great many positions,
the study of medicine is no exception to this.

SHAGAN: ::Annoyed:: I see. ::Turning to First Officer Blueheart:: I will have
to go to the medical lab to conduct the research, Sir. I have to go through
the infected medical files. oO And I have to calm down. Oo Permission to
leave the bridge, Sir?

BLUEHEART: [tag]

SHAGAN: Thank you, Sir.

More Work!

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

BLUEHEART: ::nodding:: Granted. ::He sighed.::

SHAGAN: Thank you, Sir. ::She turned and left the Bridge.::

BLUEHEART: ::turning to the ensign at the Ops/Comm station and smiling
uncomfortably:: So, James… Um.. stream the data to Sickbay so both Drs
Aven and Shagan can analyse it. Alert me of any power fluctuations in the
signal strength immediately, understood?

JAMES: Certainly sir. I have already made the data available to Dr Aven and
when you requested Dr Shagan to the bridge I started preparations to make it
available to Dr Shagan. It should be completed... :: Looks down at screen. ::
Now, Sir.

BLUEHEART: James, tell me about this paper you read. Better still, if you
could locate a copy, forward it to my PADD.

JAMES: I think it should be with my things I'll send you a copy when I get...

:: Blueheart held up a finger to James, presumably to silence him. ::

BLUEHEART: Hold that thought a second.

WESTERBRIDGE: Sir, Lt. Sharpe told me that Ensign Luciano was confined to
his quarters for trying to assault Zero in the Sick Bay.

BLUEHEART: ::surprised:: What?! ::annoyed:: How the hell is he going to
bodyguard me if he's confined to quarters?!

JAMES: I imagine that it would be most difficult. :: James said with the
briefest of curves along the edge of his mouth. ::

WESTERBRIDGE: [Tag]

BLUEHEART: ::to Ensign Westerbridge:: Sorry, ensign, didn't mean to exhibit
some agitation. It's just that… never mind.

WESTERBRIDGE: [Tag]

BLUEHEART: Thanks, ensign. ::smiling:: I appreciate your thoughtfulness. And
thank you for informing me.

0o I hope that Telice isn't upset with me... 0o

WESTERBRIDGE: [Tag]

BLUEHEART: What's the situation in Sickbay? Is everything under control?

0o I mean, its her fault... I know she dislikes Vulcans but that's no reason
to make quips like that... 0o

WESTERBRIDGE: [Tag]

BLUEHEART: You're doing a great job, Mr Westerbridge. Continue your
surveillance. Let me know of any updates.

0o When I'm off duty I shall have to go apologise... 0o

WESTERBRIDGE: response

BLUEHEART: ::turning back to Ensign James:: Now, where were we?

:: James snaps to attention. ::

0o My mind wasn't wandering, Sir... I heard every word of that! Really! 0o

JAMES: I was just saying that I have a copy of the paper in my quarters 0o
I hope... No, starfleet tends to be competent enough to actually deliver my
stuff to the right place... unlike the ones at the Academy... 0o and as soon as
I have a free moment, I shall send you a copy. Unless this takes priority, Sir?

BLUEHEART: [Tag]

The Race

(OCC: Sorry, for any mistakes, I'm typing this on my phone.)

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

VARAS =/\=Varas to James=/\=

JAMES =/\=James here sir=/\=

VARAS =/\=PO 2nd Class D'ona Helron has died from complications from the
plague. The symbiot is still alive. You need to find a Trill within the next
few hours to be a host.=/\=

JAMES =/\=Have you informed the captain, Sir?=/\=

VARAS ::angrily and frustrated::NO! The CO does not know yet. She just died! I
don't have time for Starfleet protocol. Tell the FO if you want. You need
to do what ever they taught you at Starfleet Academy and use that fancy
equipment of yours and get me a Trill here NOW!=/\=

JAMES =/\=I shall have to inform Commander Blueheart first, Sir.=/\=

VARAS =/\=I don't care. Just find a Trill that is hopefully trained to be
joined. Varas Out.=/\=

0o Where am I going to find a Trill that's ready to join!  Oo

BLUEHEART: [Tag]

JAMES: It was Ensign Varas, Sir. Mrs Helron has just died.

ANYONE: [Tag]

JAMES: I have been requested to find a new host for her symbiot. With your
permission I would like to prioritize this task.

:: Without waiting for a reply, James returns focus to his station. He was
well aware of the the value of the Trill symbiots and was not willing to
let even a single one expire ::

:: After minutes of frantic searching, James finally found a suitable
match... there was only one flaw... ::

JAMES: Sir, I have found a replacement host... there is only one problem.

ANYONE: [Tag]

JAMES: She is 2 Hours away, if she travels within Federation limits.

BLUEHEART: [Tag]

JAMES: I have already taken the liberty of requesting Starfleet authorize
full warp. I should be hearing back from them soon. I realise I should have
gone through proper protocols, but as time was of the essence, I decided it
was not logical to delay through them. I will accept any formal punishment
as a result of my actions, Sir.

Comfortably Numb

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

:: James was double checking the route power takes to main deflector when
he was interrupted by a loud exclamation from the science station ::

VALDIVIA: =/\= Nickles did what? =/\= Ops!

JAMES: Yes, sir.

VALDIVIA: Get a lock on Nickles, in sickbay. That's Ensign Luciano. Have a
transporter ready to beam him... to his quarters if needed.

:: James looks down at the Ops console trying to find Nickles... The Com
panel was slightly different than he was used to, but when he found it its
location seemed to make more sense. ::

JAMES: Transporter locked on.

::Blueheart intentionally eavesdropped on the conversation in stunned
silence.::

VALDIVIA: =/\= Captain, we have a lock on Nickles. If needed we will beam
him away from Zero. =/\=

::Blueheart waited patiently for the CSO to conclude his conversation with
the CO, displaying a bewildered look upon his face when LtCmdr Valdivia
turned to speak to him.::

VALDIVIA: They brought Zero to sickbay. Nickles was there being treated
and... he just snapped and attacked him.

BLUEHEART: ::groaning aloud and shaking his head disappointedly:: oO Why am I
not surprised?! Oo Let Security handle the situation. ::shoulders drooping::
Thanks for informing me, John.

0o "Why am I not surprised"... What have I let myself in for... 0o

VALDIVIA: Anyway... I also though we need a medical officer. If we are moving

Time

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

BLUEHEART: ::glancing at his chronometer:: Well, why don't you tell me
everything you know about this She then?

JAMES: I was lucky to find a trained trill firstly. Secondly, her name is
Fenna Fax and she is currently at the Deep Space 284. I am polling for
her record now, but I have communicated with the Symbiosis Commission,
who have agreed and recommended her. I have also requested her record from
them... Once again, I apologise for not asking your permission, but it did
not make logical sense. In the time it would have take to go through official
channels, the symbiot may have died.

BLUEHEART: ::weary:: I will ignore your unconventional methods for now,
James. My brain is working beyond its physiological capacity so I can only
process bits and pieces of information at a time.

JAMES: Thank you, Sir.

BLUEHEART: The ship that's bringing this Fenna Fax to rendezvous with
us.. what is it?

JAMES: I believe it's the USS :: looks down at screen :: Valiant.

BLUEHEART: I see. What's their ETA now?

JAMES: Their latest telemetry suggests 1 hour 40 minutes.

BLUEHEART: What, can't they go any faster?

JAMES: I believe their Chief Engineer is attempting that right now.

BLUEHEART: ::wringing his hands:: It might not be soon enough. Inform Medical
of our status regarding the arrival of Miss Fenna Fax and to be prepared
for… potential emergencies.. Also, keep me posted regarding the status of
the symbiont. Liaise with Medical.

JAMES: Aye, Sir.

::A shadow fell across the floor of the Bridge. Blueheart turned around in
his seat.::

BLUEHEART: ::glancing at his PADD:: ::He dropped the device onto his seat.::

GRELL: Warrant Officer Grell, here sir, I have been ordered to fill in at
the helm.

BLUEHEART: ::nodding respectfully and smiling diplomatically:: Welcome to
the Bridge, Warrant Officer Grell. ::extending an arm gracefully to indicate
the location of the station:: Take your station, Mr Grell.

GRELL: Thank you sir ::turning to the FO when he reached the station:: Sir,
on a personal note, may I say I have been looking forward to piloting one
of these magnificent ships for a quite a while sir

BLUEHEART: ::eyes bright, grinning:: Treat her right and she won't disappoint
you… Define `quite a while', if you don't mind.

GRELL: Sir, where is the Senior Helmsman?

BLUEHEART: ::suddenly somber:: He's unwell.

GRELL: Oh the Plague... Understood sir

SHAGAN: =/\= Doctor Shagan to the bridge. =/\=

BLUEHEART: ::tapping his commbadge swiftly:: =/\= Blueheart here. Go ahead,
Dr Shagan. =/\= oO I pray it's not news of more deaths! Oo

SHAGAN: =/\= I am on my way to operate Petty Off- to rescue the symbiont
while we can. Have you found a host? =/\=

JAMES: =/\= We have indeed, she should be here within a maximum of 2
hours. =/\=

SHAGAN: =/\= Two hours?! That's too long! =/\=

JAMES: =/\= We are trying to get her here sooner, but I can't guarantee
anything. =/\=

SHAGAN: =/\= I understand, but I can't work miracles. Please direct this
Fenna Fax to me as soon as she arrives. =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= My orders exactly. Oh, Dr Shagan. I appreciate all that
you're doing, with the plague and now with the symbiont. I'm glad we have
you on board, doctor. =/\=

SHAGAN: =/\= Thank you. Shagan out. =/\=

BLUEHEART: ::to Ensign James:: Ensure adequate power on standby for the
Medical team when the time comes to sustaining the symbiont long enough for
the joining. I'm not exactly certain what's the longest time a symbiont has
lived after its host has died. Anything regarding this from your vast reading?

JAMES: Transferring power now Sir... ::Pushes a few buttons on his panel ::
I'm afraid I don't know much more about the Trill than is common knowledge,
but the Dax symbiont was outside the body for several hours after the Death
of its host on Deep Space 9.

BLUEHEART: Anything in the Vulcan archives regarding symbionts in emergency
situations,.. ::cynical:: like the host dying from an incurable plague,
for instance…

JAMES: Actually, yes. Not so much plagues, but in regards to incurable
diseases, in 235...

Untitled

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

::Blueheart's commbadge chirped.::

TIAN: =/\=Tian to FO=/\=

BLUEHEART: Excuse me, Tom. ::tapping his commbadge:: =/\= Blueheart here. Go
ahead, Meng. =/\=

TIAN: =/\=Raj, I know you are busy but I need your superb , galaxy renowned,
just perfectly the best Counsellor skills as Counsellor right now.=/\=

BLUEHEART: ::stifling a chuckle:: =/\= What's the catch? =/\=

::Tian briefed the counsellor on all of the details::

TIAN: =/\=Raj, I am not saying he is going to destroy the ship, though I
seriously would not put it past him. But he has plans for after he deals
with Hawke that he is not telling us. Any thoughts on how I or we should
proceed? My gut says he is still a danger.=/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\=So does mine. But this algorithm of yours.. what is----=/\=
::He was cut short.::

TIAN: =/\=OK Raj. Can you please brief SCPO Risette on what you just told
me. She was out of earshot for a bit and I need to be in Security. She knows
where I am if she needs to reach me.=/\=

BLUEHEART: oO Sheesh! Oo =/\= Okay. =/\=

RISETTE: =/\= response =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= This is he. Go ahead. =/\=

RISETTE: =/\= response =/\=

BLUEHEART: ::sighing:: =/\= Just between you and me, SCPO Risette, I didn't
understand this so-called algorithm of Meng's. Run it by me again? Without
all the mathematical equations and jargon this time? =/\=

RISETTE: =/\= response =/\=

0o Well, for once I'll be the one interrupting a conversation... 0o

JAMES: Sir, pardon my interruption but the USS Valiant has arrived. It
appearers that they managed to get Warp 8, making the journey much faster,
24.972973 minutes, if my calculations are correct.

((OOC I actually calculated that from
http://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=Warp_Speed_Chart !))

BLUEHEART: [Tag]

JAMES: Aye, Sir.

JAMES: =/\= ((OOC Would I use these for a inter-ship communication??)) USS
Discovery to USS Valiant. USS Valiant please transport Miss Fax directly to
sickbay. =/\=

JAMES: =/\= James to sickbay, Miss Shagan, Miss Fax has arrived. Please
stand by for her arrival. =/\=

The end...

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

:: The helmsman turns to face James ::

GRELL: Ensign James, is it?

JAMES: Yes, it is indeed. What is your name?

GRELL: Warrant Officer Grell, been in Starfleet 14 years

JAMES: 14 years... 0o That's a long time! 0o I've only just joined this ship
from the academy. Are you the ship's helmsman?

GRELL: No, I am just filling in for Ensign... Cogud I think.

JAMES: Ah.

GRELL: Good new about the plague don't you think?

:: James was overjoyed by the news. James was hard pressed to find a time
where he felt more jocular! He was absolutely ecstatic, exuberant in his
thoughts and generally quite happy. He longed to jump and shout, he was part
of a crew responsible for saving millions of lives potentially! ::

JAMES: :: In a exceptionally flat voice :: Yes, quite.

Hello, Goodbye

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

COGUD: Captain, permission to return to duty?

WALTAS: RESPONSE

COGUD: Thank you sir

::Cogud approached the helm, sitting in his seat was a Bolian, as Cogud got
closer, the Bolian stood up::

COGUD: Excuse me, have we met?

GRELL: No, I am Warrant Officer Grell, 14 years of service to starfleet,
you must be Ensign...

COGUD: Cogud, Ensign Jorus Cogud

GRELL: Thats it, I just kept your seat warm for you ::Smiling::

COGUD: Well then Mr. Grell, I relieve you of your duties ::Grinning::

GRELL: Thank you... Sir

COGUD: Perhaps a drink is in order when I am off duty?

GRELL: Perhaps

James: Goodbye, Mr. Grell.

COGUD: Hello, I do not believe we have met ::Extending his hand to the Vulcan::

:: James takes the hand in a firm handshake. ::

JAMES: Ah, you must be the regular Helmsman... It is... nice to meet you. My
name is James.

COGUD: Nice to meet you Mr. James, I am Ensign Jorus Cogud, but you can call
me Jorus, or Cogud, or Mr. Cogud, or anything else you deem fit ::Smiling::

JAMES: Certainly, Mr. Cogud. I look foward to working with you.

Red Alert

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

::Moments after the Captain had returned to the Bridge, the tactical console
let out an incessant spine-tingling warning sound.::

WALTAS: They can't be serious.

BLUEHEART: Orders, Sir?

WALTAS: Battlestations.

:: James rushed to bring up as much information as he could on his screen. He
needed to view everything from the shields power levels, to the communication
channels around the ship, yesterday.

BLUEHEART: Aye, Sir!

BLUEHEART: ::standing up:: Commander Mitchell! You're well! Boy, am I glad
to see you!

MITCHELL: Someone slap the big red button!

BLUEHEART: ::perplexed:: But why, Sir?

MITCHELL: Cause we're about ten seconds from having torpedoes flying at us!

BLUEHEART: ::hastily:: Understood, Sir.

::After the Captain initiated red alert, Blueheart opened a ship wide hail.::

BLUEHEART: =/\= Attention all hands! This is First Officer Blueheart. Man
your battlestations! =/\=

WALTAS: Mitchell lock our weapons on the Valiant and prepare to fire.

MITCHELL: response

WALTAS: Mr. James, signal the Valiant. Let's see if they're willing to talk.

JAMES: Broadcasting on all available frequency... now, sir.

WALTAS: ::leaning forward:: They're trying to drop our shields. Too bad I
don't have the command codes.

0o What now... Who the *** does!! 0o

JAMES: :: In a surprised voice :: Say what! .... :: Returning to his flat,
normal voice :: Sir.

WALTAS: A precaution I took before we started the mission, Ensign. Are
they responding?

JAMES: Still, nothing... I'll try to umm... *encourage* them to answer.

0o I seem to remember there is a way to force them to respond... 0o

WALTAS: ::turning to Helm:: Mr. Cogud, welcome back to the bridge.

COGUD: response

WALTAS: No. This ship does not move regardless of what the Valiant attempts to
do. Mr. James, reinforce our shields. Place the remaining power at Commander
Valdivia's discretion. I won't surrender the Achilles no matter what they
try to do.

:: James suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. As soon as the alert sounded,
he had transferred the energy reserve to defensive systems and weapons. ::

JAMES: Shields at 100%, sir.

WALTAS: Mitchell, target their weapons and shields.

MITCHELL: response

BLUEHEART: oO How the hell did we end up in this situation?! Oo

:: Suddenly, our hails where answered. A image of the ships deck flickered
onto the screen. James lent back down to his panel, attempting to improve
the image. ::

WALTAS: ::nodding to Mitchell to disarm Discovery's weapons, he turned to
Ensign James:: Prepare for transport. Send him to the security area just
outside the brig. I think Mr. Hawke will be rather surprised to see him. Have
Commander Ghyurn meet him there.

JAMES: Aye, Sir.

WALTAS: Commander Blueheart, you have the bridge. Work with the Valiant's
crew to assist in rescuing the Achilles. I want her back in orbit so we can
begin administering the cure.

BLUEHEART: ::standing up, at attention:: Yes, Sir!

::Blueheart turned to the Bridge crew after the Captain exited the Bridge.::

BLUEHEART: What's the status of the Achilles?

James: She is still on the planet.

BLUEHEART: How long before she's in orbit?

ANYONE: response

BLUEHEART: ::shaking his head and frowning:: Not good enough. We have to
get her up in half that time.

ANYONE: response

BLUEHEART: ::to James:: Hail the Valiant. ::pause, softly:: Then get me
Engineering and Science.

JAMES: Aye, Sir.

BLUEHEART: Hello, I'm Raj Blueheart, First Officer of the Discovery. Let's work
together to bring the Achilles back into orbit. She has many ill and dying and
we have to cure them as soon as possible. I'm thinking combined tractor beams?

VALIANT: response

James: Umm, Sir the two would work against each other. It would have the
net result of no beams...

Physics Lesson

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C)) 

James: Umm, Sir the two would work against each other. It would have the net
result of no beams...

COGUD: Reminds me of rule 208, sometimes the only thing more dangerous than a
question is an answer, James what would happen if we put a third tractor beam
into the mix, would that counteract the counteraction?

JAMES: I don't actually know... As far as I'm aware its never been tested... But
it shouldn't work according to know physics. The two beams don't work as they
are each operating at different frequencys, so the two cancel. A third should do
the same, unfortunately the beams can't be the same frequency due to the
Uncertainty Principal, and a Hesinberg compensator would also negate the effect
of the tractor beam.

COGUD: ::Turning to the Vulcan at ops:: James, remind me of rule 111 if we do
get the Achilles out of orbit ::Smiling::

JAMES: Frengi? I still haven't got around to reading those....

COGUD: Treat people in your debt like family... exploit them ::grinning::

JAMES: ... Fascinating.

((OCC Note, the above physics lecture is actually true, there is experimental
work on attraction beams, and there are already repulsion beams that work by
energizing electrons with exact quantum frequencys!))

Ideas

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

VALDIVIA: What's the situation?

BLUEHEART/ANYONE: response

VALDIVIA: Then why the red alert?

BLUEHEART: response

VALDIVIA: They what? Wow... are they willing to help now?

BLUEHEART: response

VALDIVIA: Alright... less than 2 hours then. Ideas?

ANYONE: response

VALDIVIA: Ok... I see three phases. One is getting them out of the surface.
I don't think their engines will help here, because they are stuck. I think
we could use the tractor beams of the probes. If each one pulls the
Achilles in its direction, the total resulting force (after certain
calculations) will be upwards.

ANYONE: response

VALDIVIA: Second phase, transit. This will need a fair effort from their
engines, and probably help from our Bussard Collectors, as Rogg has done
before. They'll have to use their own deflector dish to keep the storm at
bay. I think this is the most delicate part.

ANYONE: response

VALDIVIA: Finally, once in the outer atmosphere, we will tow her out with
our tractor beams. Hopefully she will already be past the storm. Doubts?

JAMES: Wouldn't using multiple tractor beams violate the Uncertainty
principal?

VALDIVIA: Although that's technically true when using a tractor beam in a
small object, particularly at an atomic level, on big ships we can aim them
at different parts of the ship. But you are right, if we aimed at the same
section, the effects will probably compensate. However, if we pull from the
dish, and they pull from the nacelles, we won't have this problem. It will
put some strain in their hull, but we are talking about a Galaxy. Their
integrity field will hold.

JAMES: But the integrity field is a singular wave. It would still violate...

0o Wait... would that work... 0o

JAMES: :: In a rather excited tone. :: Hesinberg Compensators!

ANYONE:

JAMES: :: Endeavoring to keep his voice flat, but rather failing. :: If we
where to re-route they're main shields power through the Transporter
controls, then the Hesinberg Compensators, should turn them into particles,
due to they're secondary Duality effect which should be most prominent in
the transporters as that's thire primary use. By creating a particle shield
as opposed to a wave, we can latch onto the shield and lift it up, without
violating the Uncertainty principal. If we where to use Multiphasic beams
we should also be able to pull it up a lot more easily....

((OOC: Will backsim any more discussion.))

VALDIVIA: Ok, I already simulated the first part. Although your idea about
the multiphasic beams could enhance the effect.

0o My 3rd year project might be useful here... 0o

JAMES: I should have a model of them from my Academy days... I'll have a go
at running the data through them as well....

VALDIVIA: Vedra, could you run a simmulation on the second part? Use the
readings from Rogg's ascension for the effect of the Bussard Collectors.

VEDRA: response

VALDIVIA: Finally, for the last part, we better contact the Valiant and
tell them. Commander?

BLUEHEART: response

:: That being said, he was returning to the science station, when the
turbolift opened and the doctor from before appeared. She looked surprised
for a moment, and then asked. ::

SHAGAN: ::awkwardly:: ... I take it you don't need a medical officer on the
bridge?

VALDIVIA: Actually, you arrive at the most perfect time. We are getting the
Achilles out of there. Two hours tops... :: he looked at the sensors with a
dark expression. :: Actually, they don't have two hours. And hour and a
half. Once there, they will be needing the cure. Could you make sure
everything is ready?

Plan

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

BLUEHEART: I'm sure it is… So what's the plan? Do we need to run a
simulation ?

COGUD: Sounds like we should, it seems like a lot could go wrong

JAMES: Simulations are always logical.

BLUEHEART: We need to run this hypothesis by the Valiant. Are we working
with Science and Engineering on the Valiant as well? We should.

COGUD: Sir I have a bad feeling about the Valiant, this whole situation
seems odd, I can't explain it, I have a gut feeling

VEDRA: I hate to intrude, Sir, James, Cogud. But sensors are picking up
an increase in ionic activity in the planet's upper atmosphere.

BLUEHEART: ::murmuring:: Great! ::to Vedra:: Source?

VEDRA: A natural plasma storm, Sir. ::pause:: But it's a big one. And
it's picking up, Sir.

BLUEHEART: Right. Okay, people. That's our cue. We better get the
Achilles up before the storm activity reaches a level where it'll be
impossible to compensate for the ionic flux without blowing out a
nacelle. And that's not even considering what that amount of radiation
will do to the crews of both ships. ::turning to Vedra again:: Can you
extrapolate when the storm will reach critical activity?

VEDRA: I can. We have approximately 1 hours and 56 minutes to get both
ourselves and the Achilles to a safe distance so as not to be affected
by it.

BLUEHEART: =/\= Bridge to LtCmdr Valdivia and Lt Rogg. =/\=

VALDIVIA/ROGG/FRYE: =/\= responses =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= We need your help on the Bridge urgently. Blueheart out.
=/\= ::turning to face the Bridge crew with a grim face:: You heard Mr
Vedra. We have less than two hours to get the Achilles into orbit. We
can do this, people!

JAMES/ANYONE: response

COGUD: Sir, if you don't mind I'll get Mr. Grell up hear, he said he has
been in Starfleet for 14 years, he may have some ideas if he is so...
Experienced.

::Blueheart nodded in agreement.::

COGUD: Thank you sir. =/\= Cogud to Grell, report to the bridge =/\=

GRELL: =/\= I am on my way ... sir =/\=

COGUD: =/\= Good to hear, Cogud out =/\=, Sir I recommend we send the
Achilles the cure now.

::Blueheart frowned in disbelief and arched a skeptical eyebrow.::

MITCHELL: Raj, it would help if they had as many hands as they could.
But I don't think Commander Cook will just accept that we came up with a
cure. She'd have to hear it from someone she trusts. Someone like say
me. She knows I had the plague, and now she'll be able to see I'm cured.

BLUEHEART: I'm inclined to agree with you, Sir. ::He shot Ensign Cogud a
fleeting, inconspicuous, sideways glance.:: But the atmosphere... the
interference... do we have time? ... ::He scratched his chin again.::

MITCHELL: Well Lt Rogg and I have the most experience in dealing with
the atmosphere. And I'd say we've really got about half the time your
thinking.

BLUEHEART: ::furrows in his brow deepening:: Your suggestion, Sir?

MITCHELL: The Achilles' crew was working diligently on repairs as they
could. If we flood the atmosphere using our ram scoops as they launch,
like John did for Rogg and I's ascent, it would reduce the pressure on
her. Then once she got high enough, we could try the dual tractor beam
idea. Physically yank her the rest of the way out.

BLUEHEART: ::pensive:: It could work. It could actually work. There's no
time for a simulation so we'd just have to jump right in and keep our
fingers crossed.

MITCHELL: It's going to depend if she has enough power to break free of
the surface.

BLUEHEART: In case she doesn't, is there any way we can help her with
that? Augment her power somehow?

MITCHELL/ANYONE: response

::The CSO stepped onto the Bridge.::

VALDIVIA: What's the situation?

BLUEHEART: We need to get the Achilles into orbit like, yesterday.

VALDIVIA: Then why the red alert?

BLUEHEART: The Valiant tried to disable our defenses.

VALDIVIA: They what? Wow... are they willing to help now?

BLUEHEART: Yes.

VALDIVIA: Alright... less than 2 hours then. Ideas?

::Blueheart related to him Cmdr Mitchell's idea.::

VALDIVIA: Ok... I see three phases. One is getting them out of the
surface. I don't think their engines will help here, because they are
stuck. I think we could use the tractor beams of the probes. If each one
pulls the Achilles in its direction, the total resulting force (after
certain calculations) will be upwards.

ANYONE: response

VALDIVIA: Second phase, transit. This will need a fair effort from their
engines, and probably help from our Bussard Collectors, as Rogg has done
before. They'll have to use their own deflector dish to keep the storm
at bay. I think this is the most delicate part.

ANYONE: response

VALDIVIA: Finally, once in the outer atmosphere, we will tow her out
with our tractor beams. Hopefully she will already be past the storm.
Doubts?

JAMES: Wouldn't using multiple tractor beams violate the Uncertainty
principal?

VALDIVIA: Although that's technically true when using a tractor beam in
a small object, particularly at an atomic level, on big ships we can aim
them at different parts of the ship. But you are right, if we aimed at
the same section, the effects will probably compensate. However, if we
pull from the dish, and they pull from the nacelles, we won't have this
problem. It will put some strain in their hull, but we are talking about
a Galaxy. Their integrity field will hold.

JAMES: But the integrity field is a singular wave. It would still
violate... Hesinberg Compensators!

ANYONE: response

JAMES: If we where to re-route they're main shields power through the
Transporter controls, then the Hesinberg Compensators, should turn them
into particles, due to they're secondary Duality effect which should be
most prominent in the transporters as that's thire primary use. By
creating a particle shield as opposed to a wave, we can latch onto the
shield and lift it up, without
violating the Uncertainty principal. If we where to use Multiphasic
beams we should also be able to pull it up a lot more easily....

VALDIVIA: Ok, I already simulated the first part. Although your idea
about the multiphasic beams could enhance the effect.

JAMES: I should have a model of them from my Academy days... I'll have a
go at running the data through them as well....

VALDIVIA: Vedra, could you run a simulation on the second part? Use the
readings from Rogg's ascension for the effect of the Bussard Collectors.

VEDRA: Aye, Sir. ::He immediately got to work.::

VALDIVIA: Finally, for the last part, we better contact the Valiant and
tell them. Commander?

BLUEHEART: On it. ::He hailed the Valiant and briefed the Bridge crew on
the CSO's plans.::

::The turbolift doors hissed open once again.::

SHAGAN: ::awkwardly:: ... I take it you don't need a medical officer on
the bridge?

VALDIVIA: Actually, you arrive at the most perfect time. We are getting
the Achilles out of there. Two hours tops... :: he looked at the sensors
with a dark expression. :: Actually, they don't have two hours. And hour
and a half. Once there, they will be needing the cure. Could you make
sure everything is ready?

::Words were flying around, a few Telice understood but most of it was
beyond her. The crew was working on getting that other ship back in orbit.
Unwilling to be in the way, she was about to turn around and leave when
someone actually answered her question.::

VALDIVIA: Actually, you arrive at the most perfect time. We are getting the
Achilles out of there. Two hours tops... ::he looked somber:: Actually,
they don't have two hours. And hour and a half. Once there, they will be
needing the cure. Could you make sure everything is ready?

SHAGAN: ::recognizing the CSO she had met on her first day:: Of course,
Sir. Will we be beaming the supplies on board the Achilles? With your
permission Sir, I don't know how much of their crew is infected, but I
would like to mount a medical party to beam with the supplies. I'm sure
they could use all the extra hands.

VALDIVIA/BLUEHEART: [tag]

SHAGAN: Very well, Sir.

Preparations

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

::Dr Shagan showed up unexpectedly on the Bridge.::

VALDIVIA: Actually, you arrive at the most perfect time. We are getting
the Achilles out of there. Two hours tops... ::sombre:: Actually, they
don't have two hours. And hour and a half. Once there, they will be
needing the cure. Could you make sure everything is ready?

SHAGAN: Of course, Sir. Will we be beaming the supplies on board the
Achilles? With your permission Sir, I don't know how much of their crew
is infected, but I would like to mount a medical party to beam with the
supplies. I'm sure they could use all the extra hands.

BLUEHEART: But with this impending plasma storm and elevated radiation
levels, I'm not too sure it's a good id----

VALDIVIA: Good. Have them ready and await orders. We don't have much time.

SHAGAN: Very well, Sir.

::Dr Shagan was off the Bridge quite as abruptly as she had stepped onto
it. Blueheart continued to oversee the situation, only vaguely aware of
LtCmdr Valdivia receiving a hail from Ensign Frye. He eavesdropped
politely on the conversation.::

FRYE: =/\= Frye to Commander Valdivia =/\=

VALDIVIA: =/\= Go ahead. =/\=

FRYE: =/\= Sir, if I can use a shuttle craft and borrow a pilot, I can
rig a portable multiphase tractor beam. This will help reduce the
problem of getting the Achilles off the surface so our ships beams can
pull her out of the atmosphere. =/\=

VALDIVIA: =/\= That could work. How much time would you need? =/\=

FRYE: =/\= An hour tops, Sir =/\=

VALDIVIA: ::turning to Blueheart:: What do you say? It can be very
helpful, but we already lost a shuttle.

BLUEHEART: ::running a hand through his hair:: Do you think it will
help? ::There was a tinge of frustration in his voice.::

VALDIVIA: I think it will help in the last phase. But still, I would
make very clear to the pilot that they must not under any circumstances
enter the atmosphere.

BLUEHEART: ::checking the chronometer obsessively:: The clock is
ticking… Okay. ::He nodded sombrely.::

VALDIVIA: Mitchell, you know the pilots and the shuttles.
Recommendations for both?

MITCHELL: response

VALDIVIA: Well, then, Commander. What will it be?

BLUEHEART: If Cmdr Mitchell is okay with it, then I'm okay with it. ::He
smiled gratefully at the CTO.:: Let's do it. ::tapping his commbadge::
=/\= Blueheart to Ensign Frye. =/\=

FRYE: =/\= response =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= I've approved your plan for the portable multiphase tractor
beam. Discuss with Cmdr Mitchell with regards to the pilot. =/\=

FRYE: =/\= response =/\=

SHAGAN: =/\= Commander Blueheart, this is doctor Shagan. =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= Blueheart here. Go ahead, doctor. =/\=

SHAGAN: =/\= Commander, I strongly recommend that counsellor Collim join
the beaming party. Her skills will be needed on the Achilles. =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= Recommendation approved. =/\=

SHAGAN: =/\= Copy that. Shagan out. =/\=

::Blueheart was finally able to seat himself and stretch out his weary
legs. The CSO approached him.::

VALDIVIA: I wouldn't like to sound catastrophic... but I think they
should bring two security officers.

BLUEHEART: Hmm. Yes, a tad extreme. Explain.

VALDIVIA: The Achilles crew could be very desperate. The idea of a cure
could generate chaos.

BLUEHEART: Logical. But they are Starfleet officers after all… And we
still have a shapeshifter and that b**** Hawke on board… No, John. I
can't spare anymore security officers at the moment. But I'll have them
on high alert to beam down instantly if the need arises.

::The CSO resumed his work on the simulations and after a few minutes he
approached the First Officer once again.::

VALDIVIA: Commander, with your permission.

::Blueheart nodded.::

VALDIVIA: Ok. Everything is ready, and we are down to 27 minutes before
the storm strikes.

::Blueheart was tempted to start biting his nails.::

ANYONE: response

VALDIVIA: Engineering has readied the tractor beams and coordinated with
the Achilles. This is it. We only have one opportunity. I'll control the
probes for the first phase. Vedra, control the Bussard collectors and
make sure the ship gets up here. James, you will coordinate the last
part. Cogud, we will probably have to dive a little for that, but make
sure to stay clear of the atmosphere.

VEDRA: Understood, Sir.

COGUD: Yes sir.

JAMES: Aye, Sir.

VALDIVIA: Alright then. We don't have much time. Let's do it.

BLUEHEART: ::to James:: Has Dr Shagan and her team beamed aboard the
Achilles? Have they acknowledged safe transportation? What's their status?

:: James spends a few seconds bringing up data on the panel ::

JAMES: Yes, Sir. I have also layed in some corrections for the interference.

BLUEHEART: And Ensign Frye? The shuttle? The pilot?

JAMES: Ensign Frye is currently heading towards Main Shuttlebay now, Sir.

MITCHELL: response

BLUEHEART: The increase in ionic activity is going to dampen
communications soon. Ensure communication is established at all times.
You may have to have auxiliary power on standby to augment communication
signals.

JAMES: I have already made preparations for it, Sir.

BLUEHEART: Stream whatever data we acquire of our progress directly to
the Valiant. We need a highly coordinated effort in this monumental
endeavour.

COGUD: If this is successful sir, remind me of my 2309 barrel of
bloodwine ::Grinning::

BLUHEART/ANYONE: RESPONSE

Sabotage

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

MITCHELL: =/\= Mitchell to Bridge. =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= Blueheart here. Go ahead, commander. =/\=

MITCHELL: =/\= Some else is launching a shuttle. And it's not my or Cobra. Grab
it! =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= What the frak?!! =/\= ::to Cogud, voice alarmed:: Unauthorized
shuttle launch!! Tractor beam!! Now!!

COGUD: response 

BLUEHEART: I want to know who's on that shuttle!!

James: Aye, Sir!

:: James brought up menu after menu but could find no sign of any shuttle. ::

JAMES: :: Highly emotional :: Hnaev! Some wort must have re-programmed the
sensors, I'm not reading anything unusual down there! :: Trying to calm down ::
I recommend engineering run a Level 3 Diagnostic, at least Level 4 although if
the sabotage is as sophisticated as I suspect Level 4 won't cover it... Sir.

ANYONE: response

Experiment

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

MITCHELL: =/\= Mitchell to Bridge. =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= Blueheart here. Go ahead, commander. =/\=

MITCHELL: =/\= Some else is launching a shuttle. And it's not my or
Cobra. Grab it! =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= What the frak?!! =/\= ::to Cogud, voice alarmed::
Unauthorized shuttle launch!! Tractor beam!! Now!!

COGUD: ::Snapping to attention:: Aye sir ::Cogud began to wrestle with
the controls

BLUEHEART: I want to know who's on that shuttle!!

James: Aye, Sir!

:: James brought up menu after menu but could find no sign of any
shuttle. ::

JAMES: :: Highly emotional :: Hnaev! Some wort must have re-programmed
the sensors, I'm not reading anything unusual down there! :: Trying to
calm down :: I recommend engineering run a Level 3 Diagnostic, at least
Level 4 although if the sabotage is as sophisticated as I suspect Level
4 won't cover it... Sir.

COGUD: James is right sir, I cannot find any evidence of a shuttle, wait
::Cogud looked at the sensors:: I am picking up a faint energy signature
off our port bow, locking on.

JAMES: Boosting power now. Mr. Cogud, you should have increased
resolution... now.

BLUEHEART: RESPONSE

COGUD: I have it sir.

BLUEHEART: RESPONSE

((OOC: This will happen slightly later, I'll just backsim anything
before here.))

JAMES: With your permission, sir, I would like to run some tests to find
out how useful our sensors are.

BLUEHEART: [Tag]

JAMES: I would just be requesting non-essential personnel to move around
the ship, at their connivance, and track them on the console. I suspect
the saboteur has either created some kind of sensor loop or has wiped
his or her pattern from the sensors. If the first is true, the subject
will not have moved and if the second is true, there will be a slight
delay. This will also let me see which decks are affected.

BLUEHEART: [Tag]

JAMES: Hopefully, no more than 10 minutes, at most 20.

Rescue

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

::Cmdr Mitchell had just informed the Bridge of an unauthorized shuttle
launch.::

BLUEHEART: =/\= What the frak?!! =/\= ::to Cogud, voice alarmed:: Unauthorized
shuttle launch!! Tractor beam!! Now!!

COGUD: ::snapping to attention:: Aye sir

BLUEHEART: I want to know who's on that shuttle!!

JAMES: Aye, Sir! ::after some time scanning his console:: Hnaev! Some wort must
have re-programmed the sensors, I'm not reading anything unusual down there! I
recommend engineering run a Level 3 diagnostic, at least Level 4 although
if the sabotage is as sophisticated as I suspect Level 4 won't cover it... Sir.

COGUD: James is right sir, I cannot find any evidence of a shuttle, wait
::Cogud looked at the sensors.:: I am picking up a faint energy signature
off our port bow, locking on.

JAMES: Boosting power now. Mr. Cogud, you should have increased
resolution... now.

BLUEHEART: Wait, wait! Sabotage?! What are you talking about?! Get Engineering
then. But more importantly, do we have the shuttle in our grasp?

0o Damn, did I say that out loud... 0o

COGUD: I have it sir.

BLUEHEART: Good!

WESTERBRIDGE: Sir, I have dispatched a small security team to secure the
unauthorized shuttle and take the neutralize the pilot. This person possibly
can be Hawke, but I don't know at this point.

BLUEHEART: ::frowning:: Neutralize? First of all, good thinking, Ensign.
That was swift thinking on your part. It could be Hawke in that shuttle
or it couldn't be… Any way we can determine that? Bioscans? Shuttle bay
access logs?

WESTERBRIDGE: response

BLUEHEART: Do what you can, Ensign. I need to know who the pilot is!

WESTERBRIDGE: response

JAMES: With your permission, sir, I would like to run some tests to find
out how useful our sensors are.

BLUEHEART: Right now?

JAMES: I would just be requesting non-essential personnel to move around
the ship, at their connivance, and track them on the console. I suspect the
saboteur has either created some kind of sensor loop or has wiped his or
her pattern from the sensors. If the first is true, the subject will not
have moved and if the second is true, there will be a slight delay. This
will also let me see which decks are affected.

BLUEHEART: As long as it involves non-essential personnel. But I'd like to
remind you that we are still at red alert. How long will this take?

JAMES: Hopefully, no more than 10 minutes, at most 20.

BLUEHEART: You got 5. ::narrowing his eyes suspiciously:: And what's this
about sabotage and saboteurs? ::mildly annoyed:: Where did this hypothesis
come from? Do you have any evidence of a sabotage?

JAMES: The sensors have multiple redundancy’s. The chance that they all
would have failed is 12^69594453 in one against. It is logical to assume
sabotage. 0o Calm down, James... 0o

VALDIVIA: If we wait any longer, we will lose the Achilles whole crew to
the storm. I know Hawke and Zero are free, but it has to be now.

BLUEHEART: ::firmly:: Do it.

VALDIVIA: Thanks.

:: James blots out the world around him. On one side of his panel is a
list of personnel, and on the other a live map of each deck. One by one,
he selected the best candidates from the list and politely contacted them,
asking them to move into into another section or deck.  Occasionally,
he brought up people who where too busy but, most of the time, he avoided
essential personnel. The results he got where quite...  fascinating. ::

VALDIVIA: Congratulations. We just saved a lot of lives. ::checking the
chronometer:: With no time to spare.

BLUEHEART: Well done, John! Well done, everyone!

VALDIVIA: We should send the medical team.

::Blueheart nodded approval.::

ANYONE: response

BLUEHEART: ::to Westerbridge:: Any luck in determining if it's Hawke?

WESTERBRIDGE: response

BLUEHEART: ::to James:: It's been 5 minutes. Report.

JAMES: The internal sensor readings on the 'less popular' decks, such as Deck
21 appearer to be in a feedback loop while decks like Deck 7 appearer to have
no such loop, however there is a slight delay that would be consistent with
a pattern erasing program. The only unaffected decks are Decks 1 through
5. I have compiled a full report on each deck on this PADD, although it is
a very rough copy.

:: Hands Blueheart a PADD ::

BLUEHEART: And this.. sabotage? Explain.

JAMES: As I previously pointed out it is virtually impossible for any one one
of the sensors to give false information, baring accidental damage. However,
accidental damage would not cause a pattern like this.  This suggests
deliberate intent. Baring in mind, we currently have a officer implicated
in a large plot, it is not a remote possibility that he had sabotaged the
sensors, in order to cover his escape. I don't know exactly how he did it, it
I would hazard a guess that he installed some kind of device in the computer
core. As you can imagine, this would not only mean that we can not trust the
internal sensors, but that every other ship system, which is not mechanical
or biological in nature, is also thrown into doubt. I will however, state
that this this is a hypothesis, however all of the evidence appearers to be
pointing to it.

((OCC: I have no idea where this fits in, so I'm sticking it at the end of
this SIM. I will backsim anything else))

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

::Cogud had caught the shuttle no sooner than Valdiva made the announcement,
the Achilles was being rescued::

VALDIVIA: If we wait any longer, we will lose the Achilles whole crew to
the storm. I know Hawke and Zero are free, but it has to be now.

BLUEHEART: response

VALDIVIA: Thanks.

:: He ran to his station. ::

VALDIVIA: Ok, get ready.

:: He controlled the probes and hooked their tractor beams to Achilles. ::

VALDIVIA: =/\= Achilles, this is Discovery. We are about to get
you out. As soon as you have cleared the surface, activate impulse
engines. Engaging... now. =/\=

:: He checked the sensors. The ship was moving. ::

VALDIVIA: Vedra, engage the Bussard Collectors. Give them a tunnel to get
through.

VEDRA: response

VALDIVIA: =/\= Achilles, follow the reduced pressure tunnel. =/\= ::then
to the bridge. :: James, contact the Valiant and have them ready to follow
us. Cogud, initiate approach. Do not enter the surface.

COGUD: Aye sir, bringing us in ::Cogud steadily brought the Discovery close
enough to grab the Achilles::

JAMES: Engaging tractor beam, now.

VALDIVIA: Ok, we are ready. She is about to enter tractor beam
range... now. Engaging tractor beam. Move us away so we can pull her.

COGUD: Aye sir, full reverse ::Cogud initiated full reverse gently pulling
out the Achilles, she was free::

VALDIVIA: =/\= Discovery to Achilles, you are out. Stabilize your orbit so
we can disengage tractor beams. We have a medical team ready to beam. =/\=

:: Valdivia took a really deep breath, and looked at the bridge crew. ::

VALDIVIA: Congratulations. We just saved a lot of lives. ::The clock showed
1:47. :: With no time to spare.

BLUEHEART/ANYONE: response

VALDIVIA: We should send the medical team.

BLUEHEART: response

Zero Hour

((Slight backsim))

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

::The First Officer was keen to identify the occupant of the shuttle
that launched without authorization.::

BLUEHEART: ::to Westerbridge:: Any luck in determining if it's Hawke?

WESTERBRIDGE: According to internal sensors, the pilot of the
unauthorized shuttle is ensign Radclift. It wasn't commander Hawke. Soon
the security team should verify the internal sensors.

BLUEHEART: ::He harassed his PADD to extract the ensign's personnel
file.:: oO Why would he do that? Is he a part of this so-called
sabotage? Is he a part of a larger, darker conspiracy? Oo

WESTERBRIDGE: Do you mean that internal sensors has been compromised?

JAMES: Very possibly. The chance of mechanical failure is wildly remote.

WESTEERBRIDGE: That is very serious. It affects the security of this
ship. If the internal sensors can't be trusted, then the security of
this ship has been compromised. This problem must be solved and resolved
as soon as possible.

BLUEHEART: ::nodding:: Run another series of high-level diagnostics. I
think we can spare the power now that the Achilles is in orbit and the
errant shuttle is nearly docked back on the ship.

WESTERBRIDGE: I will get on this problem, sir.

James: f you don't mind, Sir, I would like to recommend the highest
levels be centred on the computer core, if there is sabotage it is the
logical target.

::No sooner had he uttered his assurance, his console blinked rapidly.
Blueheart noticed it and walked up to the security ensign-cum-personal
bodyguard and peered at the flashing console from behind his shoulders.::

BLUEHEART: Um.. is that phaser fire detected in the shuttle bay?

WESTERBRIDGE: response

BLUEHEART: Who's firing?? oO What's going on in there?! Oo Do we have a
visual?

WESTERBRIDGE: response

BLUEHEART: oO Is this craziness a residual effect of the plague? Or an
adverse effect of the cure? Oo ::He sighed.:: What do you make of this,
::pointing to the screen:: Tom?

WESTERBRIDGE: response

BLUEHEART: ::wry grin:: Yup. That about sums it up.

WESTERBRIDGE: response


((Present))

::The Captain's voice through the comm made Blueheart jump a little.::

WALTAS: =/\= Bridge, this is Captain Waltas. The Hawke situation has
been resolved. Stand down from Security alert. =/\=

BLUEHEART: ::tapping his commbadge eagerly:: =/\= Acknowdged, Sir.
Standing down. =/\= ::He signaled Ensign Westerbridge, who heard the
Captain's hail.:: oO … `resolved'… Is he.. dead? Oo And Zero, Sir?

WALTAS: =/\= Zero is dead. =/\=

0o Dead.. Zero... Wasn't that the serial killer... 0o

BLUEHEART: ::Blueheart looked visibly shocked.:: =/\= Dead? I mean.. of
course, Sir. Acknowledged. See you on the Bridge, Sir. Blueheart out. =/\=

::Blueheart turned around slowly to face the Bridge crew, who clearly
heard the news.:

ANYONE: response

BLUEHEART: ::to Westerbridge:: What's the situation on the Achilles? Is
the Medical team doing okay?

WESTERBRIDGE: response

BLUEHEART: ::eyes wide:: What?!

WESTERBRIDGE: response

Returning Home

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

::After closing the commlink with Lt JG Tian and Dr Aven, Blueheart
turned to Ensign Westerbridge, his bodyguard, the target of further
ponderings.::

BLUEHEART: And if both Intel and Medical clear him, I'll arrange for Mr
Radclift to meet with the Counselor.

WESTERBRIDGE: That seemed to be premature. Ensign Radclift had somehow
entered the main shuttle bay which was declared a secured area. The
ensign had somehow managed to launch a shuttle from the main shuttle
bay. This is rather a clear mystery, and it prompts an investigation.
Then there is the matter of the ship system sabotage. There must be
another investigation about the sabotage acts.

BLUEHEART: ::nodding grimly:: Ah yes.. The sabotage hypothesis…

WESTERBRIDGE: Lt. Sharpe must be notified of these matters immediately.
Now that everything is winding down, we should focus to get to the
bottom of these matters as soon as possible.

BLUEHEART: ::smiling at the ensign's unbridled enthusiasm:: Yes, notify
Lt Sharpe, Tom.

SHAGAN: =/\= Discovery, this is doctor Shagan. Mission was successfully
completed, we are ready to beam back aboard. =/\=

BLUEHEART: ::smiling again:: =/\= Acknowledged, doctor. Good to hear
from you again. Standby. =/\=

SHAGAN: =/\= Acknowledged. Shagan out. =/\=

BLUEHEART: Ensign James. The away team is ready to beam back aboard.
Make sure they do so safely.

JAMES: Aye, Sir.

::The turbolift doors hissed open. Blueheart knew who it was even before
he turned around.::

BLUEHEART: ::straightening his back:: Captain on deck!

:: James immediately stiffened his pose. :: 0o So, this is the captain... 0o

WALTAS: ::quietly:: Report.

BLUEHEART: The Achilles has been successfully brought back into orbit,
Sir. She is underpowered but not in critical energy deficiency. We got
her out just before a plasma storm struck and managed to inch the
Discovery a little out of the way too. The away team has reported in a
successful mission aboard the Achilles and is awaiting to be beamed back
aboard. ::short pause:: An ensign tried to pilot a shuttle without
authorization. We're still investigating the matter, Sir.

WALTAS: What happened with the shuttle? Who took it?

BLUEHEART: The shuttle was tractor-beamed back into the shuttle bay and
is secured. The ensign in question is one Mr Radclift. He is in the Brig
at the moment. I've requested Intel to interview him, as well as Medical
to exclude any physiological condition that could've given rise to his
erratic behavior.

WALTAS: Make sure everything is secure. Ensign Nickels is securing Hawke
now. I don't think he'll be waking up any time soon.

BLUEHEART: ::gracious half-bow:: Aye, Sir.

WALTAS: ::looking at the Achilles on the view screen:: Well done,
everyone. I trust the cure has been administered?

VALDIVIA: The medical away team in charge of that has just returned to
Discovery. I will make sure the cure is added to libraries and send
through the sector to all affected parties.

WALTAS: ::nodding:: Let's get our people home. What's the best speed the
Achilles can muster?

JAMES: Warp factor 3.5, at present although I think it could be raised
to 4 after some repairs.

WALTAS: Very well. We'll let her lead and head back to DS-285. Set a
course, Ensign.

COGUD: Aye sir, course set

WALTAS: Engage.

COGUD: ::turning to the captain:: Sir if this mission has been
successful, I have a barrel of 2309 blood wine ::Cogud eyed the FO and
grinned::

::Blueheart slumped deeper into the back of his seat and tried his best
to hide behind his overworked PADD.::

WALTAS: response

COGUD: Shall I have it beamed directly to the bridge?

WALTAS: response

:: Blueheart sighs hevilly. A hail came through to the Bridge. Blueheart
answered the hail himself. ::

FRYE: =/\= Frye to the Bridge =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= Blueheart here. Go ahead, Ensign Frye. =/\=

FRYE: =/\= Yes Sir, Just trying to get a sit rep on the Achilles
situation =/\=

BLUEHEART: =/\= She's safely back in orbit, Mr Frye. She doesn't have
maximum power yet, mind you, but optimal. Monitor her energy
fluctuations, won't you? =/\=

FRYE: =/\= That's amazing Sir, good to hear. Call down if you need
anything. =/\=

MITCHELL: ::approaching the Captain:: Captain, may I speak with you in
your Ready Room?

WALTAS: response

Updates!

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C))

:: James turns to the captain, his expression quite sheepish. ::

JAMES: Sir, about the sabotage....

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C, A few minutes ago))

:: James had the full diagnostics of the sensors open on his panel. It
might be engineering's job to work out exactly what was wrong, but he had some
some time where he could afford to be distracted and its not like he didn't
know what he was doing. The results puzzled him somewhat. As far as he could
tell there was no device attached that could do this, although as he had not
physically inspected the computer core, it couldn't be rejected, neither was
there any sign of any virus, worms or trogans... Inspiration hit him! He
directly checked the source code of the system controlling sensor feedback and
lo and behold found a single commented line that could cause erratic sensor
output, in the right case! Now he just had to find out how... ::

0o Ah, there is a diff log... Oh... 0o

((Bridge, USS Discovery-C, Present))

WALTAS: [Tag]

JAMES: It appears not to be sabotage after all. Recently, there was a slight
code update and... it has a small bug... When certain systems activate, a
line of code which should execute doesn't causing erratic sensor output, very
similar to that which you'd expect from tampering....

WALTAS: [Tag]

JAMES: It happens, although that's not an excuse. I'd very much like to...
talk... with whoever thought it was a good idea to submit that patch, still
it should be able to easily be fixed... I would expect a new patch to be
waiting for us when we arrive.