Summary:

Twenty-five hours ago:
The Inferno crew, incensed by the disappearance of the Third and Fourth Prefects with the Captain's children, found themselves transported aboard the Inferno - and hurtling toward the ground at 1,600 ft. Quick actions prevented a fiery death for the crew, but still required some repairs on the Class Y planet upon which they crashed.

Twenty-four hours ago:
The Inferno's away team located the Captain's children aboard what appeared to be a nearby Caeal vessel (runabout equivalent), just as the USS Andromeda arrived to provide assistance. However, the Inferno and Recovery teams narrowly averted fiery death, beamed out seconds before the self-destruct triggered by the Recovery team's beam-in.

Twenty-three hours ago:
The team remaining on the Inferno find themselves injured or rendered unconscious in the blast of the Caeal ship, as the Inferno's integrity is compromised and begins to take on Class Y atmosphere, rendering the ship impossible to transport, while Ensign Ivara's EVA suit is threatened with the same fate.

In the meantime, Admiral Kensington, who had assumed command during the command staff's absence, insists the away team be recovered and the Inferno's auto-destruct initiated. Captain Knight defers to the Admiral's authority over the sector and has Commander Power oversee the recovery and destruction efforts.

He then joined Counselor Varesh in sickbay, for the perilous step of removing his children from the Caeal stasis unit. They triggered the stasis unit and watched as the children safely regained consciousness. However, once the first child rose from the unit, the unit itself began an internal meltdown, rendering its mechanics useless.

While the rest of the team was treated and cleared by medical, Commander Power, on the bridge with the Admiral, exercised the privilege of giving the command to activate the Inferno's self-destruct. In seconds, the damaged-beyond-recovery vessel was consumed in a fiery death, leaving no trace behind.

For the next twenty-two hours, the Admiral retained command of the Andromeda, otherwise allowing the rest of the crew to oversee the ship as needed…but exercising his privileges only to ensure the vessel remained on course for coordinates 096,000,000 at best cruise…coordinates blank on all maps.

The time is now: Oh Seven Two Three Hours...

~”~”~”~”~”~”~”~”~”~Begin USS Andromeda: “And the Stars Fall Down” Mission 1 - Stardate 11210.27~”~”~”~”~”~”~”~”~”~

Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Reading intently from his PADD as he stands paces slowly back and forth through the command pit of the Andromeda's bridge::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::in science lab one, still in her away mission uniform, her normally braided hair bundled in a messy bun behind her head, her pale skin with a wan pallor.  Isolinear chips and translucent power cables are arrayed on a console near the still darkened crystal structure.::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Finishes his morning workout in the gym placing his clean uniform jacket on and closing the locker.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::with his wife still recovering for a while, he gets his children ready for school::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Exits the gym into the main corridor walking to the nearest turbo lift.::

ACTION:
The Andromeda continues at best cruise toward…nothing.

CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Enters the Turbo Lift nodding to a few exiting crewmen.::  TL: Engineering.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Children: Okay, everyone ready?  Make sure you have everything and let's go.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Looks at the chrono on his PADD, and takes a seat in the center chair::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::After the short right down the doors open.::

ACTION:
The Andromeda approaches coordinates 096,000,000.

CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Steps out into the corridor and walks to the large Main Engineering doors.::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::checks the status of the forcefield around the crystal and begins increasing the electrical field charge within the confines of the forcefield.::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Enters Engineering.::  EDO: Mr. T'Kala what’s the status from Gama Shift?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::steps out of the bridge::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::stops in at the preschool and kisses both Brenden and Brianna goodbye before leaving with Braeden::
EDO_CPO_T’Kala says:
 CEO:  Sir all systems are in the green.  We replaced 2 faulty EPS junctures earlier in Gama.  The Port Nacelle is operating about 0.6% more efficient then the Starboard.  I've sent a crew to check on it.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::takes his seat on the bridge and nods at the Admiral passing him:: Admiral: I didn't realize senior officers took the Gamma shift.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::stops outside of Braeden's classroom, picks him up and gives him a kiss before letting him enter the room::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
EDO:  Very good Mr. T'Kala.  ::Notices more Alpha shift entering engineering.::  Mr. T'Kala Gamma shift is relieved for the day.

ACTION:
The time is now: Oh Seven Four Eight.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
HLM:  Helmsman, prepare to drop from warp.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Leans back in his chair::
EDO_CPO_T’Kala says:
  CEO: Aye sir.  I'll have all engineering crews report back.  ::Nods and turns back to the main engineering panel.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::enters the TL and requests the bridge::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::activates his console and reviews various status reports and notices the unusual course:: Admiral: Sir last time I checked we were due to drop you off at a Starbase in the opposite direction.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Begins tapping on his armside console::
EDO_CPO_Gallard says:
 ::Enters Engineering.::  CEO:  Good Morning sir.
SO_CWO_Womack says:
 ::on the bridge at the science station, waiting for his alpha shift replacement before actually leaving::
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
XO:  Our orders have been changed.  ::Rubs his chin::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::brings up sensor scans of the area they're about to enter:: Admiral: I don't believe I saw that memo arrive.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
EDO_Gallard:  Good Morning Chief.  Have a alpha shift team keep an eye on the starboard nacelle.  It might be acting up a bit.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
OPS:  Operations...  ::Taps a few buttons on the arm of his console::  ...please send a subspace ping on the comm channel I'm forwarding to you.
EDO_CPO_Gallard says:
 ::Nods.::  CEO: Understood sir. I'll look over the diagnostics from Gamma and put a team on it.
Aaron says:
 ADM: Aye sir. On your command.
OPS_Lt_Matthew says:
::Looks over his shoulder, a bit incredulously at the Admiral...but shrugs and turns back to his station, sending the ping as instructed::

ACTION:
The time is now: Oh Seven Five Eight.

Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Tables further conversation with Power at the moment::  Aaron:  Mark.  Proceed at three-quarters impulse toward the original destination coordinates.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
EDO_Gallard: Very good Chief.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::steps out of the TL and onto the bridge and makes his way to his chair::  XO: Status Conor?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Detour sir. Admiral's orders however I don't recall seeing a memo about it, you?
Aaron says:
 ADM: Proceeding at three quarters impulse.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Not so much detour as in completely wrong way.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO: No Conor, I haven't.  ::looks over at the ADM::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::looks down at her damaged uniform for a long moment, and then rises from the console pulling her lab coat on covering the hole in her uniform as she heads for the door, checking the status of the crystal one more time:: *Tech_CPO_Fandar* Report to science lab one. Do not touch the ongoing project. inform me if anything happens.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::steps into the turbolift and turns around:: TL: Bridge.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Stands, business-like::  CO/XO:  Mission orders will be forthcoming.
OPS_Lt_Matthew says:
 ADM: Uh, Sir.  I'm receiving a--....an approach vector.  ::Clearly befuddled, as he can't actually see anything to approach::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
ADM: May I see you in my RR Admiral?
SO_CWO_Womack says:
 ::checks the time again then looks at the completely blank sensors::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Looks over the main engineering display.::
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Simply::  CO:  No.  OPS:  Please relay the instructions to helm.  Aaron:  Make your vector as the instructions from operations indicate.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::steps off the lift on to the bridge and walks coolly to the science console, placing an arm on Womack's shoulder in greeting.::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::raises an eyebrow at the Admiral's comment::
SO_CWO_Womack says:
 ::logs off the science station and gives the CSO a look that says 'you are late' before heading for the lift::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Aaron: Belay that order!  All stop!
OPS_Lt_Matthew says:
 ::Shifts uneasily a moment, but relays the vector::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Taps his comm badge on his chest.::  *XO*: Sir Engineering systems are all within Starfleet protocol.  We have a minor fluctuation in the starboard nacelle, but it is within standards.  I've sent an engineering team to run diagnostics.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::steps to the console and logs on checking the sensor status. She eyes the captain and the admiral again wondering if they are going to fight.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
ADM:  Enough is enough Admiral.  We are not going anywhere until you give me an explanation here or in my RR.  Your choice Admiral.
Aaron says:
 ::brings the Andromeda to full stop::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::taps his comm badge:: *CEO* Thanks for the update. Please keep me informed.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::glances over at the CO:: ~~~CO: If you're going to pick a fight, please not in front of the children~~~ 
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Turns on his heel::  CO:  We have instructions from individuals higher ranking than both us to do exactly what is listed here.  I shouldn't even be showing you this.  It says to do exactly what I've done.  ::Hands him the PADD::  We go to these coordinates, we send a ping, we get a vector, and we do not stop because it is a security risk.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::thinks back to the holodrama she had been in recently set in Rome on ancient earth. She for a movement imagined the Admiral and Captain as gladiators in the arena.::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
*XO*: Yes Sir.  I'll contact you once we have more information to report.  ::Taps the screen bringing up the last of the Gamma shift data.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::takes the PADD and looks it over::  ADM: So is there a reason you couldn't show me this in the first place?  I'm more than willing to work with you here, but I refuse to be kept in the dark.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::nods to Aaron to resume at three quarters impulse::
Aaron says:
 ::engages impulse engines::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::raises an eyebrow at the Captain's statement he was clearly not 'more than willing to work' with the admiral, as she had seen it the Captain had been resisting every order the Admiral gave, and she was amazed that the Captain hadn't been ordered to report to the brig yet.::
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
CO:  Yes.  It's classified.  Why is it you can trust whatever faceless desk admiral transmitted these orders to me, but you can't trust me?  ::Takes the PADD back::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
XO: Sensors screens are clear Commander.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Turns away from the Captain, facing the viewscreen::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
EO_Paterson: Now that the warp core is off line run a diagnostic on the plasma chambers linking the starboard nacelle.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
ADM: It's kind of hard to trust someone who is being as coy as you are about everything.  Trust works both ways Admiral.

ACTION:
As the Andromeda continues along the approach vector, the image on the viewscreen shimmers…and is replaced by an image of faint nebular gasses. Sensors flash to life with data, as the gasses clear to reveal the image of a massive Federation starbase, partially under construction. Three other ships are in the station's space.

EO_C2nd_Paterson says:
 ::Turns from the console.::  CEO: Aye sir.  ::Turns back to the console and begins working on the diagnostics.::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::sees the Starbase slowly appearing:: All: I don't remember that being on any star charts.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks to the viewscreen:: XO: Neither do I.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Shakes his head a moment, declining to speak to Knight further::  CO/XO:  That's because it's not on any starcharts, because its existence is classified, shielded by a network of sensor blockers.  Hence...our orders were classified and did not specify the station.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
ADM: So why are we here Admiral?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
Admiral: So why are we being suddenly invited to the party out here?
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Turns to face them both squarely::  All:  Please note that the existence of this base is classified.  You are under orders not to speak of it to anyone, and external communications are restricted while aboard.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
ADM: Of course Admiral.  But why have we come here?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::raises an eyebrow:: XO: New contacts, one station sized, three starship sized, a Nova class and two Defiants..  The nebula's gasses show signs marked similarity to those around Gehmohr
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Continues to look over the ships systems.::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: Lock down the external comms array, no external messages out without my approval or higher.
EO_C2nd_Paterson says:
 CEO:  Sir I think I've found the problem.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CSO: Which ships are out here?
OPS_Lt_Matthew says:
ADM/CO/XO: Picking up Starfleet chatter, and station OPS is providing docking instructions.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Turns and walks over to Paterson looking over his shoulder.::  EO_Paterson:  What did you find?
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
CO/XO:  The recent incursion into Caeal space has changed some minds in Starfleet Command.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
ADM: Oh? About what?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
ADM/CO: I assume we should continue docking and for the positive or negative? A secret starbase is a handy place to make people disappear.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::checks her display:: XO: Transponders say that we have the Helix, the Relentless, and the Champion sir.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
CO:  About the timetable for this region, and the Federation's plans within it.  I'll explain more once the details have been released to me for briefing.  Right now, we're here for resupply and a brief layover.  Nothing serious, but I'll be going aboard to take command of the station earlier than expected.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
ADM: Understood Admiral.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO: Conor, have crew prepare for docking procedures.
EO_C2nd_Paterson says:
 ::Points to the screen.:: CEO: Looks like we have some damage to two of the warp field coils in the Starboard nacelle.  I'm reading a point eight micron change in the field release gap on both of the coils.  Could be normal wear and tear or we ingested something through the Bussard collector.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
ADM: Oh, and Admiral, will Light be joining you here as well?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: Notify all stations to prepare for docking and to prepare restocking requests. Route docking instructions to the conn.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
FCO: Aaron, take us in nice and easy.
Aaron says:
 XO: Aye sir.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::forwards a list of probes that need to be replaced to the OPS panel::
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
CO:  Yes, she'll be remaining with me as my attaché.  Under certain circumstances, she'll be available to the Andromeda as mission circumstances dictate as an intelligence specialist.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
*CEO* We're about to dock. Don't ask but you should have some shore power if you need it for your investigation and repair work for the engines.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
EO_Paterson:  Good work.  We have an engineering team heading that way.  ::Taps his badge.::  *XO*: Commander we found the problem with the starboard nacelle.  Looks like we have two warp field coils going bad.  Engineering teams are heading there now.  If we get a chance it would be nice to replace them, but for now as long as we are out of <c>
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
XO:  Commander, if you could please draft a short note to the crew reminding them of the confidential nature of this station...then once we dock, you may sound leave for a period of twenty-four hours.  I'll be recalling the senior staff for briefing sometime near the end of that period.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
warp we can patch them and realign the field release gaps.  It would hold until we can get proper replacements.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::nods at the Admiral:: Adm: Understood
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
*XO*:  Docking sir?  ::Questions what’s going on up in the bridge.::  I thought we were in the middle of no place sir.
OPS_Lt_Matthew says:
ADM/CO: We've been cleared for entry into their docking bay.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::monitors the distance to the station as they continue to approach::
Aaron says:
 ::slowly brings the Andromeda through the doors of the station::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
*CEO* Like I said, don't ask. You have a 24 hour window of us not being docked in the middle of nowhere to work on the engines.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
*XO*:  Confused, but understand Commander.  ::Pauses.:: Should I keep us on internal power sir?
Aaron says:
 ::cuts all engines to let the Andromeda move in on her own force::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
Aloud/Helm: Range to station 50 meters... 45 meters...40....
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
*CEO* Keep the impulse engines warm, if needs be when we don't dock, go aboard the station which isn't here and find out what shape they are in. There isn't any obvious signs of any construction on a station which doesn't exist, which we're not docking at in the middle of nowhere.
Aaron says:
 ::slows their velocity::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
Aaron: You scratch the paint and you'll be scrubbing plasma conduits for the rest of your career.

ACTION:
The with gracefulness and light touch of a butterfly alighting upon a flower petal, the Andromeda's docking ring gently kisses the station's aperture. With a soft click...hisssss that reverberates through the ship, the Andromeda safely docks.

Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
CO:  The station isn't constructed to completion, yet...which is why we were originally slated for a several month stint at Deep Space Five.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
*XO*:  Understood Commander.  I look forward to some time on a station that isn't here.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::watching the very short range sensors on her console:: Aloud/Helm: Contact in 20 meters, eighteen, fifteen, twelve...contact in ten, eight, five, three...two...contact.
Aaron says:
 ::grins:: XO: Satisfied?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::sends an encrypted message to the CSOs console to scan the area and sensor jammer technology discreetly::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
Aaron: I'll be sure to put on my EVA suit and go have a look later on ::smiles::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::sends a ship wide message informing them they are now on a confidential mission portion and no discussion of their location/station/events occurring are to be discussed outside the crew but a 24 hour shoreleave window is open once resupply operations are complete::
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
OPS:  Switch over to station power and computers, and notify engineering.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
EDO_Gallard:  Chief we will be docking shortly.  I want all systems monitored.  Be ready to switch to station power once we have hard dock, but keep the impulse reactor on low power mode just in case.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
OPS:  And send a subordinate to my quarters for my things.  I'm already packed.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All: Before leaving for any shoreleave, be sure to lock down all stations.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::raises an eyebrow at the message and replies to the XO via the intraship mail system, 'Commander, any attempt at scanning will be detected by the station. I suggest you contact the Admiral with a verbal request for information.::
EDO_CPO_Gallard says:
 CEO: Expecting trouble sir?   EO_Gallard: I've not had a lot of success on stations Chief.  So let’s just be ready for anything down here.
OPS_Lt_Matthew says:
RADM: Yes sir.  ::Initiates the transfer to station power and computers:: *CEO*: Ensign, we're switching to station power.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Taps his badge.:: *OPS_Lt_Matthew*:  Understood bridge.  ::Initiates station power transfer.::  Andromeda is under station power.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::replies to the CSOs message "Start with something totally passive. I'll see what I can figure out aboard"::
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
EDO_Gallard:  Station power is online.  Keep the impulse reactor at 10% and emergency power on standby.
EDO_CPO_Gallard says:
 CEO: Aye sir.  ::Enters the request into the engineering terminal.::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
~~~CO: Feeling left out of the loop here. Surprised we didn't hear about a station being built on the grapevine~~~
OPS_Lt_Matthew says:
*CEO*: Understood.    ::Turns to the command staff:: Sirs, we are now under station power.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
~~~XO: I'm a bit disgruntled myself.  But, we're here so we will make the best of it.~~~
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Approaches Knight::  CO:  Captain, I'm going to take my leave.  I'm eager to get to my new office.  Briefing will take place about twenty-four hours from now.
Host SC_RAdm_Kensington says:
::Offers a cordial, reserved smile::  CO:  Welcome to Deep Space Seventeen.  ::Turns and makes his way toward the turbolift::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
ADM: Understood Admiral.  We will await word.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: Understood
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::shuts down her station in time to see a second message ping up on it. she sighs slightly and reboots it then frowns at the message, she replies, "Commander, be aware that all non-personal information recorded on the Andromeda's computers is subject to perusal by Starfleet command, and station control. Further, sensor scans of a classified installation fall under the Starfleet Official Secrets Act. Attempts to subvert this act would likely be considered treason. I would like you to confirm your orders. Sir." she presses send, folds her arms and looks at the XO with a single raised eyebrow::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::whispers to Conor::  XO: I'll never understand certain Admirals with the need for secrecy.
CEO_Ens_McQuade says:
::Taps his badge.:: *Engineering*:  All engineering teams we have docked at a Starfleet Station.  Normal duty shifts until further notice.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::shakes his head:: CO: I'll see what I can go find out while I'm aboard.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All: You are relieved for shoreleave.  I suggest you take advantage of it.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::reads the message:: CSO: Fine, do nothing in that case. ::sighs to himself::

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Pause Mission - Time Lapse: Twenty-four hours~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

Notes:
Large portions of the station are not yet inhabitable, but one entire section of the promenade is complete.  Since this station's very existence is classified, the commerce is limited, but there is a presence already, serving the crew and construction personnel.

A tense undercurrent of pensiveness pervades the personnel that have been laboring in secrecy, protected only by two Defiant-class vessels...and now, the Andromeda.

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