Host ScottB says:
Overview: It is now three days later. The Admirals' Banquet was held aboard PG to a fair degree of success. The attention has turned to tracking the USS Lodi, which has not reported back in over a week.
Host ScottB says:
"Privileges of Rank" - Part 3...
Host ScottB says:
=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= CONTINUE MISSION =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=
CIV_Ryan says:
::In the weapons lab sitting at a work bench, making adjustments to a targeting scanner::
Host OPS_Mushgrave says:
::On the bridge monitoring communications::
CNS_Valis says:
::Records her notes on crewman Baris's counseling session.::
Biishe says:
::In the science lab, working on some experiments.::
FCO_Panthera says:
::on the bridge monitoring flight control::
Host CO_Madred says:
CTO: Mister Turnbull, have we had any luck locating the Lodi?
CIV_Ryan says:
::Picks up a laser cutter and begins cutting a hole in a small area on the scanner::
Host CO_Madred says:
::sees Turnbull shake his head in the negative::
CNS_Valis says:
::Gets out of her chair and pauses the recording long enough to retrieve a Haliian mocha from the replicator.::
Biishe says:
::Looking through the scope, makes a few notes on a PADD before changing the samples.::
Host ScottB says:
ACTION: Incoming com from the Retaal system automated monitoring buoy, very garbled
Host CO_Madred says:
FCO: Let's expand our search pattern ...
FCO_Panthera says:
CO: Aye sir.
OPS_Mushgrave says:
CO:  I' receiving a com from the Retaal System...  ::Shakes head:: It's very garbled.  I can't make any sense of it.
FCO_Panthera says:
::starts keying in the sequence to expand the search pattern area::
OPS_Mushgrave says:
::Tries to clear up the signal.::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Puts the laser cutter on the counter then surveys her work carefully::
Host CO_Madred says:
OPS: On speakers Mister Mushgrave...
Host CO_Madred says:
::taps his combadge:: *CIV*: Mister Ryan, I'd like you to report to the bridge when you have a moment.
OPS_Mushgrave says:
CO:  Aye on speaker...  ::Taps a few buttons and the message is now on speaker.::
Biishe says:
::Completing those observations, puts it aside to pick up another.::
CIV_Ryan says:
Self: Well, okay then...I've got a hole.....now what?  ::Taps COM badge:: *CO*: On my way, Sir.  ::Stands and walks out of the weapons lab towards the TL::
Host ScottB says:
<Buoy> COM: PG: We... Jilyid sec Retaal... Remove colonists... *Zzt*... in control of your *gggzzzz*... 10 hours...
CIV_Ryan says:
::Taps the control pad calling the turbolift and waits for the doors to open::
OPS_Mushgrave says:
CO:  Trying to clear up the static...  ::Taps a few more buttons::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Enters turbolift:: TL: Bridge.  ::Tugs on uniform::
OPS_Mushgrave says:
::double checks her readings.::  CO:  Hmmmmmmm, the buoy is being overridden by an outside signal.   Trying to isolate and identify.
CNS_Valis says:
::Walks back to her desk and flops back down in her chair.:: Computer: Resume recording...crewman Baris's phobia of small spaces has begun to spiral out of control and is interfering with his work in engineering. I will be starting a program of desensitizing therapy with him tomorrow.
CIV_Ryan says:
::Exits turbolift onto the Bridge and walks down the ramp to the command deck:: CO: Reporting as ordered, Sir.
Host CO_Madred says:
::glances at Ryan:: CIV: That was expedient ... please join me in the Ready Room.
Host CO_Madred says:
::rises from the Captain's chair and crosses the bridge to the Ready Room::
FCO_Panthera says:
::continues monitoring the search area::
CIV_Ryan says:
CO: Aye, Sir.  ::Waits for the CO to head towards the Ready Room and follows;;
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Completes the set she was working with and glance up at the chronometer::
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Carefully seals her work and sets it back in the incubator::
CNS_Valis says:
::Finishes up her recording and pulls up a schematic of the Paula Greene and begins looking for a suitable Jeffries tube to use.::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Enters the Ready Room and stands in front of the Captain's desk::
Host CO_Madred says:
::before entering the ready room:: FCO: You have the bridge, Commander.
CSO_Tsalea says:
*CO*:  I am on my way.
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Sets her codes and alarms and heads for the bridge.::
FCO_Panthera says:
CO: Aye sir, I have the bridge.
Host CO_Madred says:
::looks at Ryan standing in front of his desk:: CIV: Please ... have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?
CIV_Ryan says:
::Sits down in the chair:: CO: No, thank you, Sir.  ::Waits patiently::
Host CO_Madred says:
::takes a seat behind his desk:: CIV: You really need to learn to relax, Ryan. I don't remember you being this uptight as our Chief Tactical Officer...
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Arrives on the bridge and glances around::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Looks puzzled:: CO: Uptight, Sir?  I don't feel uptight.
CNS_Valis says:
::Marks down a few possibilities and then goes to a different screen to check their functions.::
Host CO_Madred says:
::looks at her less than convinced:: CIV: Mmm ... anyway, what I wanted to talk to you about was the Retaal system. I'm going to need some information, and your background would seem ideal to be the one to supply it to me.
Host CO_Madred says:
*CNS*: Report to my ready room please...
CIV_Ryan says:
::Nods to the CO:: CO: Yes, Sir, I'll get right on it.  ::Makes a mental note:: CO: May I inquire as to the interest in the Retaal system?
Host ScottB says:
<OPS> ::continues to get readings:: CSO: Sir, we received a brief signal from a monitoring bouy we have in the Retaal system. Except it was forced to transmit a piggyback signal from a third-party, on Retaal VII.
Host CO_Madred says:
CIV: That seems to be what this whole conflict is about. I'm hoping that by understanding those we're in conflict with I'll be better able to predict their actions.
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Steps down to the flight deck::  OPS:  The message?
CNS_Valis says:
::Is startled by the Captain's voice and taps her com badge.:: *CO*: I'll be there momentarily Captain Madred.
Host ScottB says:
<OPS> ::replays the earlier message, still garbled::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Nods to the CO again:: CO: Aye, Sir.  Is there anything specific you are interested in or would you prefer a complete history?
Host CO_Madred says:
::shrugs:: CIV: Whatever you can dig up.
CSO_Tsalea says:
FCO:  Which planets are in that area that have colonists?
CNS_Valis says:
::Sends the location she selected to the crewman and heads out of her office and towards the bridge.::
CIV_Ryan says:
CO: Very well, Sir.
Host CO_Madred says:
::nods:: CIV: And you don't need to call me sir every fifth word ... Captain is just fine. ::winks::
CIV_Ryan says:
CO: Aye, Sir...err...Captain.
Host CO_Madred says:
::shakes his head:: CIV: You're dismissed Commander.
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Walks over to her station and puts the message through her computer system, running it through, listening and making minor adjustments to clean it up.::
FCO_Panthera says:
CSO: I'll check ma'am. ::checks over the information:: Just VII the federation colony that was put on a few months ago at the request of that planets government.
CNS_Valis says:
::Steps off the turbolift onto the bridge and walks towards the ready room, pressing the chime when she reaches it.::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Stands:: CO: Aye, Sir.  ::Turns and exits the Ready Room walking directly to the turbolift and enters:: TL: Weapons lab.
Host CO_Madred says:
::rises from behind his desk and heads back out onto the bridge:: CSO: So what do you think of our 'message from the winds'?
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  I am trying to clear it up.  What he have basically sounds like an ultimatum to remove the colonists.
Host CO_Madred says:
::spots the CNS and nods at her:: CNS: Counselor, I'd like your thoughts on this... ::motions for the CSO to replay the message::
CNS_Valis says:
::Watches Madred walk past her and shrugs and then walks over to her seat.:: CO: On this?
Host CO_Madred says:
<Computer> COM: PG: We... Jilyid sec Retaal... Remove colonists... *Zzt*... in control of your *gggzzzz*... 10 hours...
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Replays the message, unable to clear it up further::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Exits the turbolift and walks into the weapons lab.  Sits down at her desk and accesses the LCARS for information on the Retaal system::
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  We are on course for that world?
Host CO_Madred says:
::shakes his head:: CSO: No ... not yet. We're still searching for the Lodi.
CNS_Valis says:
::Listens to the message and frowns.:: CO: Where did this come from?
FCO_Panthera says:
::curls her feet under her and wraps her tail around the chair for stability...continues watching over the search pattern::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Watches as the computer brings up the requested information then begins reading and taking notes on a PADD::
Host CO_Madred says:
CNS: A subspace communications relay we have in the Retaal system ... site of the recent protests against colonization at Starbase 68.
CNS_Valis says:
CO: Do we know what Jilyid might mean?
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  Shall we notify Starfleet command then and continue with our search?
Host CO_Madred says:
::sees Mister Mushgrave leave the bridge and wonders what's going on, but figures he'll ask later::
Host CO_Madred says:
::glances at the CSO:: CSO: I'd like to know what the Counselor thinks first, Commander.
CIV_Ryan says:
::Taps her PADD extracting information from the main computer::
CSO_Tsalea says:
::nods, turning her glance towards the counselor::
Host CO_Madred says:
::shakes his head at the Counselor and shrugs:: CSO: Any matches for "Jilyid" in the linguistics database?
CNS_Valis says:
::Turns to look as the CSO checks and mulls over the rest of the message, what little there was, in her head.::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Taps the desktop terminal to check for more information but doesn't find any.  Looks at the PADD:: Self: It's not much but that's all we have.  ::Shrugs and taps her COM badge:: *CO*: Ryan to Captain Madred.  I have the information, Captain.
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  Only one.  An archaic translation meaning "Keepers of the center."
Host CO_Madred says:
::frowns slightly:: CNS: Vaguely reminiscent of the Hebrew ... Jihad.
CNS_Valis says:
CO: A human term? I'm not familiar with it.
Host CO_Madred says:
::frowns again:: CSO: Aww hell... CNS: It means 'holy war'. Sounds like we have some political terrorists on our hands.
FCO_Panthera says:
::listens to the conversation on the bridge as she continues monitoring::
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  By the sound of it, the colonists have been given 10 hours.
CNS_Valis says:
CO: Wasn't there political unrest on the starbase as well? Might they be related?
Host CO_Madred says:
::glances to Panthera:: FCO: Set course for the buoy ... let's take a look, see if we can find any signs of tampering.
FCO_Panthera says:
::nods:: CO: Aye sir. ::keys in a new course and heading and turns the ship heading that direction:: On our way sir.
Host CO_Madred says:
::nods at Valis:: CNS: The protests on the Starbase were against our colonization of this world ... the same one the transmissions coming from. It's almost certainly related. ::heads to the center and takes his seat:: CSO: Contact Starfleet and advise them of the situation. CNS: Counselor, work with Mister Ryan to come up with anything you can...
Host CO_Madred says:
...on these "Keepers of the Center".
CNS_Valis says:
::Nods her head:: CO: Right away sir. ::Gets up and heads for the turbolift.::
Host CO_Madred says:
*CIV*: Transmit it to my console, Ryan. Counselor Valis is on her way to speak with you. We've had a development.
CTO_Turnbull says:
::eyes flutter open from his extended time of meditation on the holodeck::
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Nods and turns to her station, informing SF of the situation and the message being incomplete for being hacked.  Sends a copy of the message.::
CIV_Ryan says:
*CO*: Aye, Captain.  ::Taps her PADD linking it to the desktop terminal then transferring the data to the Captain's Ready Room terminal::
CNS_Valis says:
::Checks Ryan's location with the computer once she's in the turbolift and requests it take her to the appropriate deck and section.::
CTO_Turnbull says:
::draws in a deep breath::  Computer:  End program.  Relay messages to this PADD.  ::walks out of the holodeck feeling very refreshed::
Host CO_Madred says:
::thinks as he reads:: CSO: Lets also contact the government on Retaal IV. They may be able to assist us with a 'local perspective'.
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  Do you wish to speak with a representative?
CTO_Turnbull says:
::scrolls through messages and realizes more time has gone by than he had supposed::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Taps her desktop terminal to clear the screen then walks over to the work bench and surveys the scanner thinking about the next step::
CNS_Valis says:
::Heads into the weapons lab and looks around for Ryan.::
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  I have no reply from Starfleet at this time.
Host CO_Madred says:
::shakes his head:: CSO: No ... let's just keep them on the backburner until we have something further.
CSO_Tsalea says:
::nods::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Looks up as the CNS enters the weapons lab:: CNS: Counselor, what a surprise.  I rarely receive visitors down here.  ::Motions to a stool::  Have a seat.
CTO_Turnbull says:
::thinks:  I'd better check in with tactical.::
CTO_Turnbull says:
::enters a turbolift::  Computer:  Brig.
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Can I get you something to drink?  ::Looks around at the mess in the lab and frowns::
CNS_Valis says:
::Smiles at her and looks around.:: CIV: This looks like a nice quiet place to work. ::sits down:: Thank you. Did the Captain already bring you up to date?
CNS_Valis says:
::Shakes her head:: CIV: Thank you, I am fine.
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Composes a letter requesting general information on Jilyid::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Looks back to the CNS:: CNS: Up to date?  I was only told to access data on the Retaal system, which I've already forwarded to the Captain.  Do you have further information?
CTO_Turnbull says:
::exits the turbolift and walks down the corridor to the brig::  SEC:  Johnson, Get me the situation reports for the last day or so.
FCO_Panthera says:
::monitors their progress:: CO: Sir 1.5 hours to the border of the Retaal System.
Host CO_Madred says:
::nods at Panthera:: FCO: Steady as she goes ... do we have any concerns once we cross into the system?
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Working down here, I am not always informed of our current assignments unless the Captain requires my services.  ::Smiles::
CNS_Valis says:
::Nods:: CIV: I suppose I do. It is possible that political terrorists are threatening a colony in the Retaal system. ::Hopes she got everything right.:: We're to find out what we can about them and we have the word Jilyid to go on.
CTO_Turnbull says:
::sits at his desk and logs on to his secure terminal, and checks locations, assignments, personnel movements::
CNS_Valis says:
::Smiles at Ryan's comment.::
FCO_Panthera says:
CO: Given the situation I would think we would always have concerns but I will check further sir.
CNS_Valis says:
::Snaps her fingers:: CIV: It's possible the protests on the starbase are related to this group.
CTO_Turnbull says:
::rises, crosses room to replicator::  Computer:  Coffee, hot, black.
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Monitors the area of space, sensors on wide scans.::
CNS_Valis says:
::Nods in satisfaction.:: CIV: And now you know everything I do.
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: "Jilyid"?  Well, let's see what the computer has on this word.  ::Stands and access the desktop terminal, programming the computer to access the linguistics library:: CNS: It'll take a minute or so.  ::Waits::
CTO_Turnbull says:
::receives his beverage and returns to his desk to continue reading::
CNS_Valis says:
::Looks on quietly.::
FCO_Panthera says:
::looks up from her search:: CO: I can't detect anything sir but that doesn't mean it's all clear.
CIV_Ryan says:
::Glances over at the CNS:: CNS: Oh and be careful of what you touch in here...it could be dangerous.  ::Grins::
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO: I have your 'general' information.  It is not much.
CTO_Turnbull says:
::doesn't like what he's reading in the daily briefings::  SEC:  Johnson, I'll be on the bridge.  ::downs the hot liquid with a few gulps, and feeling energized strides to a turbolift::
Host CO_Madred says:
::nods at Panthera:: FCO: Very well ... keep your eyes peeled, Commander.
CNS_Valis says:
::Chuckles.:: CIV: I'll keep that in mind. Perhaps we can learn more from the starbase about the protesters there as well.::
FCO_Panthera says:
::nods:: CO: I will sir.
CTO_Turnbull says:
Computer:  Bridge.  ::rides quietly to deck one::
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Yes, good idea.  I'll bring up the files as soon as the computer is finished.
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  They have never heard the name.  They have heard of vague rumors of an underground movement.  However, as it is not their custom to get involved with other planets problems, they know of nothing else.
CNS_Valis says:
::Nods and then looks around.:: CIV: What do you do in here?
CTO_Turnbull says:
::exits the turbolift onto the bridge and crosses over to tactical, receives a short briefing from the duty TAC officer and logs in::
Host CO_Madred says:
::frowns and shakes his head:: CSO: Naturally, why be useful! ::growls::
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: I work on modifications of existing defensive and offensive devices.  ::Smiles::
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Raises an eyebrow::
Host CO_Madred says:
::sees Turnbull enter the bridge:: CTO: Good of you to join us, Commander..
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Ah, here we go...::Looks at the display screen and reads:: "Jilyid" Archaic translation of "Keepers of the Center".  Okaayy....what's "Keepers of the Center?"
CTO_Turnbull says:
CO:  Thank you, sir.  ::brings up a tactical display and begins to process the data from sensors::
CNS_Valis says:
CIV: Captain Madred said something about a human word for Jihad being similar. I'm not sure. Perhaps we can find references to Keepers of the Center. That may be a more commonly used term.::
Host CO_Madred says:
::wonders why the Federation bothers with these planet's that don't even want anything to do with other worlds in their own system::
CIV_Ryan says:
Computer: Computer, access any and all information on "Keepers of the Center".  ::Waits::
CTO_Turnbull says:
::corrects a small variation in scanner output::
Host CO_Madred says:
CSO: Please bring Commander Turnbull up to speed.
Host ScottB says:
<Computer> CIV: Working...
CTO_Turnbull says:
::turns to CSO as she begins to speak::
CNS_Valis says:
::While they wait she looks around again.:: CIV: Do you prefer working with some devices over others?
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  Long range scans show small masses of rock orbiting a solar mass.
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Weapons, specifically hand weapons.  ::Smiles::
Host ScottB says:
<Computer> CIV: Commonly used in xenophobic groups, first used by the... ::drones on and on::
CSO_Tsalea says:
::Turns to the CTO and explains to him what has occurred and their current destination as well as the governmental response.::
Host CO_Madred says:
::glances at Tsalea:: CSO: Small masses of rock ... an asteroid belt?
CTO_Turnbull says:
CSO:  Understood, Commander.  "Keepers of the Center?"  
CNS_Valis says:
::Smiles back and then listens to the computer.::
CTO_Turnbull says:
ALL: Center of what?
CIV_Ryan says:
::Listens as the computer drones on giving information on Keepers of the Center::
FCO_Panthera says:
CTO: Center of the universe, center of the galaxy, center of the system, center of the planet, etc....it could be just about anything sir.
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  No, the numbers are limited to 4.
CTO_Turnbull says:
::runs tactical scans of the orbiting rocks for abnormal power surges::
CNS_Valis says:
::Glances at Ryan but stays silent as the computer continues its monologue.::
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Okay, "Keepers of the Center", "Center" of what?
CTO_Turnbull says:
::shrug:: FCO:  Indeed.  but why hack a message onto a marker buoy about it?  and what makes the "Center" worth "Keeping?"
CNS_Valis says:
CIV: Can we bring up a visual of the system itself? Maybe it'd make more sense looking at it.
FCO_Panthera says:
CTO: Well there you have me. ::shrugs::
Host CO_Madred says:
CSO: Is there something unusual about this... ::confused as to why the CSO brought it up::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Taps the terminal bringing up a star chart of the Retaal system.  Eight planets appear on the screen::
CNS_Valis says:
CIV: Which are colonized?
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  Unknown.  There appears to be some problems with the incoming data.  I will run a level 4 diagnistics.
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: According to the information in our database, which by the way isn't much, the system consists of 8 planets.  Planets 4 and 7 were contacted by the Federation.
CTO_Turnbull says:
FCO:  I find the motivations for which beings act are usually the crux of the matter in any given situation.  ::shrugs::  How they get to those motivations on the other hand...
FCO_Panthera says:
CTO: That is anyone’s guess.
CTO_Turnbull says:
CO:  Initiating Full System Scan for anomalies...
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Both governments seemed very friendly.  Number 7's government specifically requested a colony for a cultural exchange.  We refer to them as the Retaalians.
Host CO_Madred says:
::nods at the CTO::
CNS_Valis says:
::Looks at the system's image.:: CIV: So this would be the dead center of the system? ::Points::
CTO_Turnbull says:
FCO:  Exactly my point.  ::sighs::
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Affirmative, however if you notice you are pointing to empty space.  ::Grins::
CNS_Valis says:
::Smiles:: CIV: I had noticed. ::Chuckles:: I guess that's not it then hmm?
CIV_Ryan says:
::Taps the display laying a grid over the image of the system::
Host CO_Madred says:
CSO: Can we perform an automated diagnostic of the subspace relay at this range? It might have something to tell us.
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Let's hypothesize for a moment.  Perhaps "Center" means center of a planet?
CTO_Turnbull says:
::monitors sensor inputs as they come in::  
CIV_Ryan says:
CNS: Specifically planet number 7 since it's the one with a colony.
CSO_Tsalea says:
CO:  I have already run one.  Would coming closer assist?  Probably.  Someone may have tampered with the relay itself.
CNS_Valis says:
CIV: It could or the center of a city or the center of a building on a planet....::Nods:: Seems as good a place as any to start.
CTO_Turnbull says:
CO:  Nothing out of the ordinary, Captain.  It's quiet out there.
CTO_Turnbull says:
::lets the words associate freely in his head...keepers...center...center...keepers...::
CIV_Ryan says:
::Nods:: CNS: Now, our database makes no reference to a city beneath the planet's surface, so we might assume there could be a city or some kind of area inside the planet.
Host ScottB says:
=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= PAUSE MISSION =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=

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