<SM_James> Summary: As Claymore picks up where Kingston left off, Claymore's former escort is on final approach to Deep Space 3. For both teams there are no shortage of questions and concerns, but one such question they can both agree on. "Now what?"

<SM_James> Star Trek: A Call to Duty is proud to present the USS Claymore in: "Silent Scream"

<SM_James> Episode 2: "Objectives" (12306.24)

<SM_James> =/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: On the bridge of Eminence:: CEO: We are about five minutes out.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Stepping onto Bridge, looking forward to depositing our "cargo". Makes for Engineering console to monitor ship operations as we move in.:: CTO: Thanks. Trip went...nope. Not going to jinx it.

<MOPS_Ltjg_Gulash>  ::at Mission Operations, where he has been for nearly 18 consecutive hours now, as is his custom when there are away teams::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::staring at the layers of information displayed, floating in space around him. The points of light flowing in an almost organic pattern.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: smiles::  CEO:  Doc is down with his "patients" making sure they are ready to go.

@<Eminence> *CTO*: Priority clearance for Deep Space 3 docking granted, lieutenant. They are monitoring our approach.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: I'm trying not to think about that aspect of the mission. Wait, did I say that out loud? At least they'll be off ship soon.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: On the bridge with tactical duty, going over in his mind what would be the best way to blow up a bridge.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Eminence:  Thank you.  You may take over docking procedures.

<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::in the chair opposite the XO's he has the Bridge at the moment; he's doing his best to speed through intelligence reports, particularly anything Kingston was able to generate or that involved Kingston::

@<SM_James> ACTION: The ship shifts just slightly as a very small course correction is made, and very, very gradually her warp speed begins to decrease.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO: Dr. Stevens will see to their "departure" with help from the station.  You and I have a meeting with the admirals chief of staff.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Hums softly, a very, very old tune, to calm her vitals as the turbolift hums itself through the ship::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::leans forward at his desk, doing some sifting his own; he's looking through sensor data from the Kingston's patrol route, trying some combination of acclimation to this part of space and familiarizing himself with any challenges or problems that were reported--other than the ones they know of already::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO:  Any thought to the encoded message the captain sent?

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: Understood. And appreciated. As to what to tell about the Eminence? We've had a few issues, and a few ways to improve. I was just going with that. Security, redundancy of systems, that kind of stuff.
<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::realizes he's already been through this data--this is the third time--before remembering that he also had just been cleared to view logs from Kingston's commanding officer; he searches for these, hoping they are a little more interesting and enlightening::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Sitting at SCI 1, sensors on and watching for anything that looks even the least bit fishy.::

<SM_James> Scene: While all appears to be quiet, there is a degree of tension among some of Claymore's crew. Claymore had been on this route before, after all. Memory is a thing.

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> ::On Bridge, monitoring Engineering as we move along. Coordinating with Main Engineering to hopefully prevent any "takeovers".::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO: More along his question about the stations attitude about Eminence and what they are planning to do with her.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::zooms the data in a bit, rendering more of the information at a smaller scale.::

<MOPS_Ltjg_Gulash>  ::continues to monitor whatever data they are receiving from Eminence::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::checking the ship's status::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Exits the turbolift and makes her way down the corridor, toward the holodeck. She rings the holodeck's "bell," and activates the comm:: *OPS*: It's... ::Hesitates a moment, then goes, simply:: ...me.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::finally finds the logs and start skimming through them--almost right away he notes that the captain had received multiple briefings concerning a spike in activity in the area::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO:  The impression of the command staff's view, its potential, and their plans, I believe is what he asked.

@<SM_James> ACTION: As DS3 comes into sensor range, Eminence's speed has reached warp 1. As it comes into short range, the ship switches to impulse.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Starts looking over the data that they have on the Kethran and stasis field.  An audible 'huh' as she reads the Captain's idea about a stasis field within the field and begins thinking through its merits.::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: That will take some guessing. Potential we can do, but I think we have some grasp on their concerns. Similar to what we think at least? Maybe more but that's...speculation.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::looks up at the noise:: Computer: Save changes and pause edit mode then open arch.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::also notices a series of concerns about the sources of this spike in activity, as well as attempts to chase down an energy signature or two, yet nothing concrete that substantiated any of the crew's concerns::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::Once he is sure the simulation is secured:: *XO* Enter.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO: I don't suppose you needed to do any "shopping" while we are here?

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: Probably. But no idea what to get and haven't taken a minute to give it any thought. So I'll hold off on that end. Don't really need anything except a few things to liven up my quarters.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: a light flashing brings him thoughts to the present.  He 
reads his screen::  Gulash: Sir, I am picking up a distress call just inside the federation side of the Breen border,.  It is on a federation frequency... not coded.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: We should probably mention though that the Eminence "independence" would be good against...what we have downstairs except one thing. If they take over the one giving orders, it would go bad fast.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::sighs and closes out of the logs and sensor data; he sits back, not feeling all that much better informed despite no small amount of reading::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO:  As in shopping around and listening to what folks have to say.

@<SM_James> ACTION: Eminence comes unnoticeably to a stop, coasting toward the station on inertia entirely. It lines up perfectly with the docking port, and its moorings securing cancels out what little remains of forward movement. From the ceiling, the AI's voice reports, "Docking sequence complete. You are cleared to execute your prisoner transfer, lieutenant."

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: Oh, like intelligence gathering? I could do that if you think there's a need.

<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  ::turns to his right, hearing this::  OPS3: Put the distress call through.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO: It wouldn't hurt.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Eminence:  Thank you.  Where is Dr. Attler?

<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  ::quickly keys in a message to Davis about the distress call::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::Feeds the distress call into the bridge's av system.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::sees a blinking indicator on his console and touches it, reading K'han's message; he stands up and rounds his desk to return to the Bridge::

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> ::Hears the report about a distress call and does a quick check of major systems for readiness.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::As the doors slide open, she steps inside, primarily looking for Fong, but also taking in her surroundings::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Working through it, she's not sure that the stasis field within a stasis field will work.  But what about a time dilation field.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>   :: reaches for communications.  COMM: Toral: If you have some time, can we talk?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::returns to the Bridge, heading right for the center chair::

<SM_James> ACTION: The image is almost entirely filled with static. A blurred image that might be Bajoran but can't be confirmed flickers in and out of view. "Mayday... attacked by... life sup...failing. Emergency power... need... assistance! ... Please!" The channel dies.

#<CSEC_LtCmdr_Toral> ::it takes a moment before the answer comes back:: COMM: CTO: I did not expect to hear from you, lieutenant. Of course. At your convenience.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::pauses to listen, then turns::  SOPS: Where does this originate from?

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: Tries to get info from the sensors.::

<SOPS_LtCmdr_K'han>  CO: Near the border, but on the Federation side.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::The data is flowing in simple points at this level. A simple black background behind the multicolored points of light.  Fong raises his hands out full and brings them together and down in a 'pinching' motion that suddenly zooms the data down significantly until it looks a lot more like a Kethran in a stasis bed.:: XO: ...

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::sits down::  Helm: Lay in an intercept course, maximum warp.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: looks at Brax::  COMM CSEC Toral: I have a meeting with the admiral first.  I will let you know when we are done.

@<Eminence> *CTO*: Doctor Attler is currently adjusting my sensor matrix, lieutenant. You'll find him on deck 4, section 5.

<FCO> ::nods once, already keying in commands:: CO: ETA at maximum warp is 27 minutes, captain.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  AI: Eminence, let him know we are debarking.  If he needs anything, let us know.  We will probably be here a couple of hours.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ALL: Red alert.

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> FCO/ CO: You have full Warp available. All systems in the green.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::All sensors online and starts active scans of the area.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns::  MES: Thank you, Lieutenant.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: hits the red alert.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu>  CO:  I am reading a freighter, Class J.  Basically minimal weapons and basic shields.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Glances around, momentarily in awe - not just of the visuals, which (simple as they are) are still brilliant - but more so of the general structure, flow, function of the data displayed...and how it reminds her once more that her...friend? and Chief of Operations is just as dazzling and bright as those lights::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> Eminence: Logging out of Engineering console. Thank you for the ride, Eminence.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> Sec: Any other information about its present condition?

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::attempts to pull up any transponder signals in the area along with those in the vicinity lately checking the computer logs for details on any ships found in the area.::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CO:  According to stats, the freighters maximum speed is warp 4.  She is a local transport... short range at best.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Remembers where she is and why, and clears her throat a little:: OPS: Per Commander Davis's orders, I'm here to debrief y-- ::Cuts off as she's drowned out by the red alert::

<SM_James> ACTION: Claymore responds to the red alert order in the way only a warship can, as her shields and weapons come online. She reorients herself to intercept their target.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: We should leave our luggage...well, more my tools than luggage, but leaving it here is best, yes?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  Sec: See if you can find anything else out--where she's been recently, other vessels she's interacted with.

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> CO: Sorry sir, but Ensign Brax has drilled it into us. If we go to Red, do we want Combat mode active?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: Heads to the lift::  CEO:  DS3's chief of security is an... acquaintance.  He might also be able to give us some information.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns::  CSO: Lieutenant, while you're looking at the area, cross-reference all your data with any of the energy signatures or strange temporal anomalies we've come across recently.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis><move Davis's up before V'Mehl's last>

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::turns to say something, then hears the klaxons:: XO: ...  ::He shrugs slightly almost loath to go to the bridge. Almost more sure of Cawney's ability than his own.  He sighs internally then clicked the holodeck off before starting towards the door.:: XO: ...

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CTO: Unless you know of another ride home... yes.  No reason to take anything with us.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Aye, Sir.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Nods.:: CTO: I'm not going to doubt your reasons for speaking to someone. You've given me no reason to doubt you.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> MES: Stand by on combat mode for right now.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Starts comparing the current readouts the ones from before that the Kingston took.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns::  SOO: Check this sector of space we're heading to for any recent Breen activity.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO: Hmmm.... :: as they head out to the docking bay, she pauses to check in with security.::

<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  ::Nods::  CO: Aye, sir. ::he's already in his intelligence reports, so he sets up a quick search for anything in the sector::

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> CO: Aye sir.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Follows the CTO.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Follows after Fong, stepping up beside him:: ::Softly:: OPS: ...Thank you.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CO: I have the flight plan for the freighter.  The are enroute to DS3 from New Haven colony.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::taps the armrest with his right index finger::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: looks around for Captain Sotovlar::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> Sec: What do we know about New Haven colony?

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CO: They are a small agricultural colony Starfleet set up on our side of the border.

@<Capt_Sotovlar> ::stands just outside the airlock as the Eminence crew disembarks, his eyes immediately finding the CTO::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CO: Population around 5000.  It is part of Starfleet’s attempt to reduce the need to have supplies shipped out here from the core.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::slows by half a step, letting the XO take lead, falling into an almost, bodyguard like position. He shudders slightly then continues on in silence, not really having anything to say and also having too much to say.  He reaches behind his head, rubbing the back of his head wrap lightly, then seems to 'relax' a bit::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: Comes to a stop before the admin::  Capt. Stovlar: Sir.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Steps into the turbolift, off to one side slightly::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  Sec: Are there any Breen systems--or anything else of note--on the other side of the border from the freighter?  

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Takes a step too many when the CTO stops, then stops and takes a step back.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks towards Operations for a moment::  OPS3: Notify DS3 of the freighter's position and status--and that we are enroute..

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::follows the XO into the lift, hand resting on his tricorder the way security officers rest their hands on their phasers::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::nods to the CO and dumps a burst message to DS3 including locations, the distress call, and that Claymore was responding::

@<Capt_Sotovlar> CTO: You asked to see me. ::it was more of a statement rather than a question, though the question could be implied - he glances sidelong at Brax, and nods once:: CEO: Ensign.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CO: No, sir.  This region was picked explicitly because the Breen did not appear to care.  From the records..... there has not been a Breen ship in this area in over two years.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: Captain. Sir. ::Tries not to gulp too hard.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Capt. Sotovlar: Yes sir.  If we could talk elsewhere?

<Capt_Sotovlar> ACTION: The freighter begins to appear on Claymore's sensors. It drifts in space, most of its systems seeming very, very offline.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CO:I have the freighter on sensors.  :: puts it up on the main screen.::

@<Capt_Sotovlar> ::nods once, gesturing for the CTO and optionally the CEO to walk with him::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Sir, I have the freighter on sensors.  Right now it's mostly offline.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: follows the Vulcan after a glance at Brax::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::starts putting the distress call through a message cleaning program as she works on checking it for concerning details::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::frowns at Lu's report; why would the Breen be hitting freighters in an area they had been for some time--this would seem to rule them out::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  CSO: Anything else of note around the area?

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Follows, hoping that's what the glance meant.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns::  OPS3: Hail the freighter.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Steps out onto the bridge, and - with a final glance Fong's way - quickly strides out to the command center::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: scans the area for any potential enemies in the area.::

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> *Engineering*: No word yet, but prepare a team for away team repair duty if needed.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong><OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::opens a channel to the freighter, sending the Claymore standardized greeting, which is not a torpedo salvo but a prerecorded message identifying them and requesting a reply::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CO: I am reading Ferengi energy signatures,

@<Capt_Sotovlar> ::moves the group into a turbolift, and requests level 19, sector command::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: I'm picking up weapons damaged over most of the freighter's hull.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::nods:: CO: No response.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::steps out of the lift, and rather than taking over for Cawney he moves to a secondary station to get caught up on events::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::sees Raeyld and pauses for a moment as the Ferengi report comes in::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: follows and politely steps to the side.::

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> CO: Engineering is preparing to assist the freighter, if deemed necessary.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> OPS3: Understood. Keep trying.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CO: I am not picking up anyone else in the area... given the recent damage, looking for a warp signature.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Steps in and to the back.::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::Checks the hull type, and starts transmitting on frequencies commonly used by those ships:: CO: Will do.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Sir, I'm detecting that the life support aboard the freighter will fail in less than 2 minutes.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::shifts his gaze forward for a moment::  Helm: Can we get there in 2 minutes? Can we push it any?

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: looks up to pass information along but waits as saving lives is more important.::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::spots Cawney's 'paranoia' and starts scanning through the distress call against the current silence::

<FCO> ::considers a moment:: CO: Chief may hate us for it, but I can get you there in a little less than 2 minutes. I'll need to temporarily divert power from the impulse reactors. ::glances briefly to the engineer on the bridge, smirking slightly:: It'll only skirt the line on about 4 regulations.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Settles into her seat, quickly bringing up the status reports to catch up on events::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> FCO: Coordinate with OPS for the power transfer and do it.

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> FCO: The Chief will enjoy the chance to fix anything you burn out, to be honest. Punch it, we'll patch up after.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::grips his armrests tighter::  OPS3: As soon we get within transporter range, let's get them out.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> *Sickbay*: Davis to Sickbay. Prepare for an emergency transport.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: As the others work on a rescue attempt, he makes a map of the ships track::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::nods from the back of the bridge, already shifting power for helm::

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> ::Orders Damage control teams to the power transfer junctions, anticipating possible overloads.::

<FCO> ::nods once, and turns to pick someone in OPS gold:: OPS: I'm going to pump us above warp 9.5 for exactly 45 seconds. I need you on failsafe override, or the computer will fight me for that entire 45 seconds.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::tilts her head.:: CO/XO: The transport's communications array appears to have been the first target of the attack, and is fully offline

@<Capt_Sotovlar> ACTION: The lift stops on level 19, and the group moves out into a corridor heading for the sector command proper.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: follows a slight step behind.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> OPS3: An interesting approach to avoid pesky distress calls and unwanted Starfleet vessels

<FCO> ::seeing Fong's already on it, he enters a series of commands and Claymore's speed sharply increases::

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> All: Damage control teams heading to power transfer points...just in case things go as expected.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::glances at the helm then Cawney, his eyes flicking only briefly to the XO.  He nods then sends to helm station, 'preplan evasive maneuvers as soon as we drop'.::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> CO: But we still got it...somehow?

<Capt_Sotovlar> ACTION: Claymore hits warp 9.5. A needy little alarm wines at someone, but it doesn't have time to be slapped into silence as 3 power relays give up.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Looks about at the command sector, watching the intense activity.::

<FCO> All: Transporter range in 30 seconds.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> OPS3: Definitely something to look into further.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> Sec: Prepare to drop shields for transporters. Raise shields immediately once we have the survivors aboard.

@<Capt_Sotovlar> ::moves through the sector command, tapping the control on the door to a conference room, and motions the two inside::

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> ::Starts bypass of failing power relays, hoping to keep enough going to allow us to reach the freighter.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Catches up on the reports to glances to Davis:: CO: Recommend we have full security detachments in transport rooms. Without communications, there's a stronger possibility this is a trap. Perhaps explicitly due to our recent interference in the local area...

<FCO> Dropping warp in 5. 4. 3. 2...

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> XO: See to it.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: walks inside, stepping to the side, and looks around, waiting.::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::feels the screen in front of him buzzing and fritzing. He glances at the bridge crew, then swings away from it::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Steps inside, making certain to not pull out a PADD or anything else that might be seen as a recording device.::

<Capt_Sotovlar> ACTION: Claymore drops out of warp, immediately reorienting for evasive maneuvers. And 2 more power relays quit explosively.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::feels the shift from warp::  Sec: Drop shields.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> OPS3: Transport the survivors to Sickbay.

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> Self: She's going to hate that she missed this. *Damage control*: Feeding you coordinates of damaged relays. High Braxian priority. Going to transfer you some bodies from Main Engineering.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::starts sweeping the target transport for life signs. Keeping in mind that ships without active life support systems still have a significant amount of time before they explode, and careful attention is better than rushing.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> XO: Let's get some of that security to Sickbay too.

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> :: Redirects teams from Engineering to damaged power relays.::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> CO: Scanning for life signs.

 @<Capt_Sotovlar> ::motions to the two to choose seats as he moves to the head of the table::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::taps the armrest with his index finger::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::checks the areas that those power relays fed and reroutes as best he can::

 @<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: takes a seat and again, waits::

 @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Sits next to the CTO.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *SEC_CTP_Singh*: Send two security detachments to each transporter room and to sickbay, top priority. One to be stationed inside, and one outside, until the conclusion of the alert.

 @<Capt_Sotovlar> ::turns to examine the officers with him, then nods once:: CTO: This area should suffice. Sector command is by its nature... strictly secured.

<CPO Talya Singh> :: In security::  *XO*:  Yes, ma'am.  Anything specific we should be concerned about?

 @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: Yes sir.

<CPO Talya Singh> :: as she talks she calls in Abara to and his team to go to sickbay and Adebowale and her team to the transporter room.::

 @<Capt_Sotovlar> ::raises an eyebrow slightly:: CTO: What did you wish to speak about, lieutenant?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *Singh*: We're planning to beam out passengers of a Federation freighter with failing life support, or there's also a chance it could be a ruse - by a hostile force who’ve captured the vessel - to get us to lower our shields for a boarding party.

 @<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  : Capt. Sotovlar: Thank you.  As you know, we brought some prisoners back with us on Eminence.  Since we are here, our captain asked us to seek out some answers to questions we have.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::sweeps the ship one more time:: CO/XO: Showing 23 life signs aboard none oubviously telepathic.  They've got a leak somewhere and internal air will last them about ten minutes. Starting first beam out cycle.

<CPO Talya Singh> *XO*:  Understood.  I have teams on the way.

<CPO Talya Singh> :: passes the information onto Abara and Adebowale::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  Sec: Keep scanning the area for any ships and be ready to fire.

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> CO/ XO: Should we send repair teams over or are we concentrating on rescuing crew first?

 @<Capt_Sotovlar> ::nods once:: CTO: Then it may be proper that I put you in contact with the Core of Engineers, as this is their project. Was doctor Attler unable to answer your questions to your satisfaction?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> MES: We're not going to send over anyone until we retrieve survivors and find a way to secure the ship. 

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Nods after Davis::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CO:  Just to let you know, I have a ship signature from about an hour ago.  It crossed into Breen space.  ::pauses a moment::  The signature reads Federation.

<CEO_Ens_Brax><MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> CO: Yes sir.

<Capt_Sotovlar> ACTION: Transport begins, with the first group arriving in sickbay. Their injuries vary from superficial to "will be dead if not taped shut".

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> Sec: See if you can plot out its possible destination from that data.

 @<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Capt Solovar: Our engineer ::nods to Brax::  does have questions.  But the ones the captain is interested in is more along... the future of Eminence.... her... role.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu>  CO:  Already done, sir.

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> ::Returns to directing repairs of the power relays, returning primary systems to activation once repaired.::

<Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: at sickbay, staying out of the way.::

<Sec PO2 Amara Adebowale> :: in the transporter room, prepared::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::sends analysis of the distress call to Cawney then resumes working with the engineering teems wordlessly shifting power away from where they are::

 @<Capt_Sotovlar> CTO: Assuming she passes her tests, it is our intention to utilize Eminence in situations where a constant presence would be beneficial. For example, along the Breen border. Ships are required to rotate currently, which - given our resource restrictions - may leave gaps in the network. Claymore is currently filling one such gap.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::nods:: CO/XO: It looks like whoever sent the distress call used a civilian grade comm badge to send it...about forty five minutes ago.

 @<Capt_Sotovlar> CTO: We have been reviewing your reports from the field on her performance, and will ask your crew for a final recommendation upon the completion of your current assignment.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Frowns slightly at Cawney's comment, and his her combadge:: *Singh*: Have all interior teams notify you if they see any civilians among the recovered, prepared to share their name and basic data.

 @<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: looks to Brax::

<CPO Talya Singh> *XO*: Acknowledged... :: upon which she passes the info along.::

 @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: The ship has great potential. There are a few...possible weaknesses, but they should be fixable. Mostly a matter of backup in case of failure of control systems or computer security being hacked.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> XO: Don't lose sight of that. Something about the attack on the freighter's communications systems--and now this--really, really isn't right. This warrants a deeper dive for sure.

<CPO Talya Singh> ::listens for her teams response.::  *XO*:  Ma'am, they are all civilians.  And they have many questions.

 @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: Basically it comes down to if a command level crew member "fails" on a standard ship, there are multiple checks in place to make sure that failure, or control override, doesn't cause huge issues. Like one check for every crew member. Eminence has just the control module.

 @<Capt_Sotovlar> CEO: I am told there are several failsafes, both local and remote, that should prevent such a possibility. Though of course no system is perfect. Are there failsafes that you believe are missing?

 @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: There are backups, but I'd prefer...I know it is a limited resource, but perhaps make the Avatar a separate "entity"? Completely separate from the ship in case primary control systems fail?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Frowns slightly more:: *Singh*: Then identify the command crew and connect me over the comm.

<Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: receiving the command he looks around.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CO: Understood.  ::Nods briskly::

<CPO Talya Singh> *XO*: They are in sickbay.  Medical says two are in surgery and the third is unconscious.

 @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: Of course there is the chance of the ship being hacked. But that's a risk on any ship. Especially recent...uh, not sure I'm supposed to mention...Well, especially with our delivery.

 @<Capt_Sotovlar> CEO: I will confirm with the Core of Engineers, but I believe it is configured to do precisely that. The Eminence AI could, if necessary, disconnect itself from Eminence and connect itself to Claymore, thus running Claymore like it currently does Eminence. They intend for the AI to be reusable, in other words.

 @<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Capt: A side question from Eminence... Why were orders to release the Kingston verified by Deep Space T instead of by standard authority?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *Singh*: Then find me the engineer, the chief of security, the mess hall attendant.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *Singh*: Anyone who's something other than a passenger.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> OPS3: Status on the evacuation of the crew?

 @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: If it separates before the problem occurs. In case of a catastrophic override, one giving it "false" orders, would the Avatar be able to override the ship's new program?

 @<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: notes the idea of the Eminence taking over the Claymore and can see her captains response to that.::

<Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: asks the group who would be next in command::

<Sec PO1 Imari Abara> *XO*:  Ma'am, I have their weapons specialist.

 @<Capt_Sotovlar> CEO: Like any Starfleet officer, the AI is programmed to countermand orders should the orders not be reasonable, pose a threat to federation security, or violate the principles on which it is programmed. The AI, while in control of Eminence, is separate from Eminence - an attempt to access Eminence's systems does not equate to an attempt to access the AI.

 @<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  ::Not sure what she thought about that as she filed it away to discuss later.::

 @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: Except they are a single system. Standard Starfleet setup is triple redundancy. If the code were altered somehow, that code would possibly override the AI's interpretation of its principles.

 @<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Capt Sotovlar: And to add to that, is a trust issue that is missing from our crew in general.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Glances to Davis, visually polling from him whether he'd like her to take the call with the freighter's weapons office private, or put it over the comm for him to join in::

<Capt_Sotovlar> ::nods:: CEO/CTO: So to confirm, you would for now recommend that the project be paused pending further evaluation?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::tapping at his armrest, he finally feels the back of his head feeling like it's melting, which leads him to turn and see Raeyld looking at him::  XO: Hm? 

 @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: I think further backups, further fully independent backups, would be advisable. I'm not sure the risk is high during the test as much as it is a long term concern. Eventually, doesn't matter how advanced, eventually EVERYTHING breaks or gets corrupted. I'd hate to see the corruption lead to a, well, a mistargeting incident.

 @<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  ::side stepping his question for a moment.::  Capt. Sotovlar: Can you tell us, what role we have in the future if things are going in this direction?  Meaning fully AI ships?

<Capt_Sotovlar> ::nods to Brax, then turns his attention back to the CTO:: CTO: Our role will be as it always was, lieutenant. Of exploration. Of science. Of diplomacy. At a time when resources are scarce, we must better utilize the resources we have. A ship preoccupied with containing a hostile force in their own territory can not be diverted to establish relations with a potential ally.

<Capt_Sotovlar> =/\= END MISSION =/\=

<Capt_Sotovlar> Crew, bail!