[21:01:41] <SM_James> Summary: Claymore has been on patrol near the Breen border, working in concert with Europa, for just slightly less than a month. IT's been largely uneventful, though the occasional passerby needed to be gently (sometimes slightly less gently) reminded that no entry means no entry. Barring an unfortunate series of events, this forecasts to be a not entirely insane mission. The CTO's unfortunate series of events, however, see her shuttle arriving at the independent colony. Her 3 tails have remained with her the entire way, never closing the distance and always pulling back should the shuttle attempt to. They break off when the shuttle reaches the colony, going - presumably - their own way. This... is a positive sign, right?

[21:01:41] <SM_James> Star Trek: A Call to Duty is proud to present the USS Claymore in: "Crossroads"

[21:01:46] <SM_James> Episode 1: "Finding Solid Ground" (12301.07)

[21:01:56] <SM_James> =/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

[21:02:40] <SM_James> Info: It is currently early in alpha shift. Those who never leave the bridge are firmly glued to their chairs. Everyone else is probably looking for more coffee.

[21:03:07] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::on the bridge with a mug of something that is steaming, but does not smell like coffee::

[21:03:33] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::In her office trying to puzzle through the data on Nate's research . . . still . . .::

[21:04:57] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> ::On the bridge at SCI 1, trying not to yawn again.::

[21:05:12] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::settles in to the center chair, then picking up his single PADD to begin working through status reports, updates, news bulletins, and a host of other random things::

[21:05:24] <SM_James> ACTION: The statement made by Vulcan ambassador Sessuk advocating for Romulan/Vulcan unification is being rebroadcast over media channels to fill the time between updates from the emergency taskforce.

[21:08:13] <SM_James> ACTION: The sector defense net completes another diagnostic scan, filling in the gaps in the patrol net that can't be immediately occupied by Claymore or Europa.

[21:08:31] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::enters the bridge, sipping hot chocolate, and heads for her seat:: CO: My 9 o'clock has decided to skip our meeting. Not that you care, and maybe I don't either ::sighs and sits::

[21:09:08] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::finds himself skimming the news reports rather than the status reports, at least to start; but before he gets too far in, Iza appears::

[21:10:08] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks up, then to Raeyld's chair, then back to Iza--he does pause to consider that for a moment::  CNS: I am sorry to hear that. Hopefully it wasn't anything too urgent or traumatic that you were anticipating in that slot today.

[21:11:36] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::checks his schedule out of habit, he remembers that he wouldn't schedule anything during his normal shift, but just to be safe he studiously avoids looking the counselor's direction::

[21:11:38] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::smiles mischievously:: CO: Oh, not really. But it was supposed to be good gossip. That I can't tell you about nor share with anyone, of course ::taps her chin twice:: Maybe I can write a paper for a conference, naming no names, of course.

[21:12:10] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> ::in her office, reviewing some of the newest medical papers::

[21:12:17] <SM_James> Info: Claymore will complete its patrol circuit in 15 minutes. Europa will intercept with Claymore, by design, in 15 minutes.

[21:12:55] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods, understanding, but adds::  CNS: No worries, Lieutenant. But, in all honesty, I'm up to my eyeballs in gossip and drama of a totally different sort, and probably at my limit with both.

[21:13:28] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::steals a glance at Fong's back before focusing again on the dwindling contents of her cup::

[21:13:41] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Sits back in her chair in her office.  Using the heels of her hands, Evie rubs her eyes.  They are so tired after staring at the myriad of equations and formulas on the stack of papers on her desk.  Something isn't making sense, and she's not sure what or why::

[21:14:02] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::signals to Cawney that he is needed off the bridge::

[21:14:34] <XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Scrolls through her PADD, checking on a few updates she's set the computer to routinely alert her to. Locations of a few crew members, updates regarding the movements of a few other individuals throughout the Federation and so forth....and makes her way along the corridor of deck four and into the main ward of Sickbay::

[21:14:43] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis>  ::Monitoring the area for unusual disturbances - though she doesn't expect to find any.::

[21:15:28] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::takes another sip:: CO: I should let you get back to the news, then. However, if you need to delegate, I can read and tap buttons with the best of them.

[21:16:20] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods again::  CNS: I'll keep that in mind.

[21:17:25] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::nods back, but keeps quiet. For a little while at least. If she were to ask what's interesting in the news...? Better not::

[21:18:51] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::removes her hands from her face and stands from her desk.  Stretching her back.  First straight back, then to the back right.  Then the other direction.  Heads to the replicator in her office.:: Computer: English Breakfast Tea with lemon and honey.

[21:19:11] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::nods to Cawney then heads off the bridge towards the operations 'office'::

[21:19:20] <XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Walks through the ward of sickbay and approaches the CMO's office, rapping her knuckles lightly upon the edge of Stevens' office door::

[21:19:49] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::scrolls through, not reading word-for-word too much of anything; the volume of things he has needed to go through as XO and now CO has pretty well harmed his ability to focus on a longer text one after the next unless absolutely necessarily::

[21:19:50] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::As soon as she ordered it and it began to materialize, it made her think of T'alin.  She grimaced and considered ordering a strong mead instead.::

[21:20:13] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::sits at the ops console and checks the status to see if anything had changed since she left the backup station a few moments ago::

[21:20:38] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> ::Stevens waves the knocker in without looking up from the screen, her face twisted into confusion:: XO: Please come in, the door is open

[21:26:04] <XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Steps into the path of the sensor, allowing the doors to slide open, offering a warm smile:: CMO: Hello Doctor.

[21:27:55] <SM_James> ACTION: Europa comes into sensor range, and Claymore's sensor logs are syncronized with her to complete the patrol picture.

[21:27:58] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Stares at her cup of tea wondering if she should exchange it for some alcohol.::

[21:28:30] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> ::Picks up on the Europa's approach,::

[21:29:01] <SM_James> ACTION: Simmons gets an alert on her terminal. Nate's research has been approved for clinical trials.

[21:29:17] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::senses a bit of interest and perks up, after sadly disposing of her empty cup::

[21:29:18] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> :: Stevens jumps up, confusion replaced with surprise and joy:: XO: Raeyld! Come in, Come in!

[21:29:39] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Hears her terminal bleep at her, and heads over to see what it is.::

[21:30:28] <SM_James> ACTION: Media update: "Ambassador Sessuk Believed To Be In Talks With Remaining Romulan Factions"

[21:30:33] <XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Smiles a bit wider, making a quick downward gesture with her PADD:: CMO: No, no, please don't stand. May I sit?  ::Points to a chair with the PADD::

[21:31:28] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::returns to her seat and waits for whatever... if nothing happens, she'll download War and Peace and try to catch up with her reading::

[21:31:59] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld: Oh course! Please! ::Stevens hesitates, wanting to sit in the other chair next to Raeyld but decides to just sit behind her, no matter how out of place it still feels::

[21:32:05] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Slides back into her seat and pulls up her alert.:: Out loud:  Ens. Nate Tompkins Research Approved for Clinical Trials.  ::Her mouth slowly falls open, her hands wrapped around her mug of tea lower until the mug settles against her desk and her eyes read the article.::

[21:32:15] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::receives a notification regarding Ambassador Sessuk which leads him to tap it and focus more::

[21:32:24] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld: How can I help?

[21:33:16] <SM_James> ACTION: Europa passes by Claymore, who begins a slow loop around and returns to her patrol route. Tactical is alerted to an unregistered freighter stopped and turned back by Europa 4 hours ago. Sensors update to recognize the freighter's configuration.

[21:36:05] <XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Settles into her chair and turns a bit to comfortably face Stevens, folding her hands slightly on her lap, cupping the PADD casually above her crossed knees:: CMO: I was making my rounds this morning-- ::Pauses a slight moment, her mind taking note of her use of the medical terminology even in her more "command" role, before she continues::

[21:37:05] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Stands up and places her palms on the top of her desk and leans in, continuing to read. With each line, her jaw tightens more, her forehead furrows more, her eyes narrow more.  By the time she's done, it's amazing she can see anything her eyes have been narrowed into small slits.::

[21:37:23] <XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CMO:--and, since we've been at this a few more week now, I wanted to stop in and see how you feel everything been running in sickbay with your current personnel complement, particularly since Doctor Simmons transferred out to the science department. ::Tilts her head slightly, indicating a shift to something more personal:: And...how are you, doing?

[21:38:51] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Her chest heaves as her breathing begins to speed up.  She understands the implications of this article all too well.  People are going to begin to die and there's not a damn thing that she can do about it. . . Yet.::

[21:40:55] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld: Oh! Yes, well... Technically speaking, we have enough doctors. I know my roster has an open spot for a doctor but it is just an administrative role that's open and needed to be filled. I...I just wasn't ready to give on Dr. Simmons. I...I'm still not... 

[21:41:23] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Picks up her mug and hurtles it across her office with a scream.  Liquid spewing everywhere and her mug breaking into a thousand shards.::

[21:41:58] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::Candelaria taps the chair's display and notices that the "excitement" is just the Europa passing through and exchanging information with Claymore::

[21:42:27] <SM_James> ACTION: In the XO's chair, sitting with her hands folded in her lap, is what appears to be a child of approximately 12 years. Blonde hair curls around her face, framing soft blue eyes. She wears a Bajoran style dress, approximately knee-length, and seems to look curiously about the bridge.

[21:43:40] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::continues to do her job, which does not involve looking behind her at the command cluster::

[21:43:54] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Forwards the article to the CO and XO with the name highlighted.  Then she puts in a request for someone to come clean up the mess she has made.::

[21:44:22] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld: And as for me.... ::Stevens pauses, no longer meeting Reayld's eyes as she continues:: XO: I think I'm doing alright. 

[21:44:27] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::looks up to the screen, then to the captain, then...:: Child: Oh, hello. ::blinks::

[21:44:27] <SM_James> ACTION: Helpfully, the computer automatically pages a cleaning crew to Simmons's office. And cautions her about taking better care of Starfleet assets.

[21:44:29] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> ::Movement catches her attention out of the corner of her eye:: CO: Um....Sir.

[21:45:01] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> ::Pulls out her tricorder and starts scanning the girl.::

[21:45:22] <Child> ::just smiles softly at Iza, virtually ignoring the scan from science as if it wasn't happening::

[21:46:06] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::stands and turns to the girl, looking at her kindly while she notices the scanners:: Child: You aren't from around here, are you? ::returns the smile:: I haven't seen you before.

[21:46:09] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::seems oblivious::

[21:46:26] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> CNS: She reads human.

[21:46:36] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::gives the Captain a soft kick with boot::

[21:47:59] <Child> ::dismisses Iza from her focus and continues to look curiously around the bridge:: CNS: We are from many places, and none, counsellor Iza. ::continues to very softly smile::

[21:48:12] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> SO: Thank you. Do you know her? I'm sure I know all the children onboard, but... ::returns her attention to the child::

[21:48:48] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> CNS: No.  I've never seen her before, and the Turbolift doors didn't open onto the bridge before she appeared.

[21:49:27] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::there is a thing that happens, when something is so far out of the realm of expected that you can't notice it.  A child’s voice on the bridge hits that point for Grace::

[21:49:35] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::nods at Tannis, her gaze focused on the girl:: Child: You are . . . how many? What do you call yourself . . . yourselves?

[21:49:57] <XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Tilts her head, leaning a bit to the side:: CMO: Oh...?

[21:50:17] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::fiddles with something in the operations 'office'  really more of a closet, but still.::

[21:50:22] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Decides that perhaps she needs to take a break and clear her mind.  Maybe a hot shower or maybe a workout on the holodeck.::

[21:50:51] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::finally looks up, then back to his PADD--but then quizzically looks up again at the child::

[21:51:35] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::walks around the captain, to the other side of the child's chair, and kneels by her side:: Child: It's very nice that you know my name.

[21:52:14] <Child> ::raises, then lowers, her left shoulder in a sort of half-shrug:: CNS: There is no direct name in your language. ::pauses, studying Iza:: Native, or common. You may call us... observers. ::follows her as she maneuvers to the other side of the chair:: It is what we do.

[21:52:44] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::In Engineering, having just finished a level 3 diagnostic on the Starboard sensor array.::

[21:53:40] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld: I... well.... yeah. I'm doing better than I ever have while on the ship, honestly. I....I even went on a date :: Stevens brand into a wide smile and finally looks back at Raeyld::

[21:53:58] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::tucks a curl behind her ear, nodding:: Child: Observing is a way of learning. We do that some times, too. ::looks at Tannis for a moment, then back at the child:: Is there anything in particular you've come to observe?

[21:54:12] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> ::Starts doing some research on "Observers" in the LCARS.::

[21:54:21] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::let's this play out--which is to say he remains quiet rather than following his baser impulses--as Iza engages this "child"::

[21:55:22] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::turns slowly in her chair, her head tilting slightly, then she turns back to her console and check's the bridge holoemitter status.::

[21:55:40] <Child> ::simply, straightforwardly:: CNS: You.

[21:56:51] <CEO_Ens_Brax> CHC_WO_Priax: So, that bypass in the third step of the diagnostic is there in case the primary array gets a power loss. Got it.

[21:56:59] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> ::Shrugs as if to say, 'nothing yet.'::

[21:57:01] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::this definitely takes Candelaria by surprise, and it shows:: Child: Us?

[21:57:59] <Child> ::just repeats:: CNS: You.

[21:58:12] <XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Practically grins:: CMO: That sounds...amazing...? ::With a hint of question, just in case?::

[21:58:35] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::frowning at the results, she considers using the holoemitters to mask the gremlin's presence, but for now she continues doing her job beep boop.::

[21:59:35] <CHC_WO_Priax> CEO: Well, yes to a certain extent. It is also used to ensure that the link between the array and the rest of the sensor pallets is maintained. See, right here they break out into the full spectrum link.

[21:59:45] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::thinks, without malice, that we're not that interesting, but anyway:: Child: I see. Anything in particular about us . . . ? We are many and varied.

[22:01:17] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Exits her office and heads for her quarters as she decides if her ultimate destination is her shower or the holodeck.  Or maybe she'll shower in the holodeck. OOOO, maybe an actual waterfall as a shower?::

[22:01:29] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::starts working on a transporter lock just for the practice, and not because she is thinking about beaming the child apperition into space in the event that this is a 'boop' moment.::

[22:01:30] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Nods, viewing and trying to commit to memory just how the linkage works, then expands the diagram in bits and pieces.::

[22:02:01] <Child> CNS: And you are one and uniform. Often the two statements, while true, are in conflict.

[22:02:22] <SM_James> ACTION: The transporter lock absolutely refuses to engage.

[22:03:21] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::finishes scanning over the communications array for residual polarized particles and checking the calibration settings, he puts 'degauss communications antenna on his list of things to do::

[22:03:25] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Arrives at the TL:: TL: Deck four.

[22:03:26] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld: It was... short. Just a drink together, really. But... well.... I get to see her every so often and so..... yeah, we're going to see where it goes

[22:04:32] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::frowns more than slightly.  She doesn't like that at all. She prepares a second plan to beam the bridge crew to engineering and seal the bridge::

[22:04:47] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Rides the TL leaning against the wall, her eyes closed and her mind racing.::

[22:05:00] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::her smile widens at the deflection:: Child: that is a very interesting concept, and I'd love to know about how you view us. What made you decide to observe us? What do you wish to learn about us?

[22:06:13] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::As the TL Stops on deck four, Evie gets off and heads down the corridor - two lefts and a right.::

[22:06:31] <XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Smiles:: CMO: I'm really happy for you and...whatever happiness you find in it.

[22:06:32] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::steals a glance at the Captain, but soon returns her attention to the girl-who's-most-probably-not-just-a-girl-maybe::

[22:06:47] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Notices a sensor blip on the array and focuses on what it was, intending it to be just a glance.:: Priax: OK, I must be reading something wrong. Is this saying we had a failed Transporter lock...on the Bridge?

[22:07:28] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::sends a message to the CO's armrest reading, "Transporter will not lock on intruder. Bridge evac beam out standing by" ::

[22:08:04] <CHC_WO_Priax> CEO: Why would...hmm, looks like it. Guess they would try to beam something, but...nah, has to be a mistaken input. Manual error?

[22:08:12] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Enters her quarters.  Walks through the main room and plops backwards on her bed, her arms spread out and heaves a huge sigh.::

[22:08:14] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::trades glances with the counselor, then is distracted by the console, which he reads quickly before looking back at the girl-who's-most-probably-not-just-a-girl-maybe::

[22:08:32] <Child> CNS: We are where we are required. You have, had and will require us.

[22:09:15] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> ::Wondering WHY we require this girl and what her part is to play - in whatever it is that they are supposed to be doing.::

[22:10:31] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::raises a brow and purses her lips for a moment, acknowledging another deflection:: Child: I had no idea. What have we and will we require from you?

[22:10:51] <Child> ::very slowly, turns her eyes on Tannis, studying the science officer for a long moment:: CNS: You will learn what you need when you need. You have learned we are. ::returns her attention back to Iza:: That is what you need.

[22:11:21] <CMO_Lt_Stevens> XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld: Thank you. I...I didn't think I'd ever let myself open up like this when I first joined. Claymore really has become a true home for me.  Anyway, sorry, I'm rambling now...

[22:11:45] <CEO_Ens_Brax> Spack: Did I miss something while we ran the diagnostic? Something going on in the upper decks?

[22:11:49] <SM_James> ACTION: IT is as if the chair was always empty. The child is gone, and not even an imprint remains.

[22:11:58] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> ::Looks around at everyone else wondering why the girl chose her to focus on.....can she read minds?::

[22:12:19] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::tilts her head to a side, having followed the Child's attention to Tannis and back:: Child: And how--- All: Where is she? ::stands, looking around although she knows it's useless::

[22:12:57] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::starts filling out the paperwork regarding the failed transporter lock::

[22:13:01] <PWL_CW2_Spack> That's a negative, Chief. All's quiet near as I've been told.

[22:14:20] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Looks around to make sure everyone else could see and hear the girl.::

[22:14:26] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::climbs under the communications array, hooking a padd up to it and listening to the raw data flowing through the system::

[22:14:43] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::her heart rate, which fastened as the Child disappeared while centimeters away, starts returning to normal:: CO: Captain . . . ?

[22:16:20] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::staring at the chair for a moment, then finally draws his attention back to Iza::  CNS: Counselor?

[22:17:26] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> CO: There was a child sitting by your side just now, right? ::swallows, looks at Tannis, then back at Davis:: Someone who arrived and left and not a single alarm sounded. Am I correct?

[22:17:55] <Lt_Morgan_Tannis> ::Nods at the Counselor.:: CNS: That would be correct.

[22:17:57] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> CNS: Sure did seem that way.

[22:17:59] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::pauses::

[22:18:08] <CO_Cmdr_Davis> CNS: But, I'm wrong more than I am right.

[22:18:17] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::nods.: CO / SO: All right. I can live with that.

[22:18:16] <SM_James> =/\= END MISSION =/\=