<SM_James> Summary: While Claymore continues to investigate yet another attack on a freighter, the team aboard Eminence completes their prisoner transfer to DS3. And attached to that, they air their concerns to the brass. Will their concerns be enough to shelve the Eminence project? Will Claymore uncover the source of their unusual distress call? Will the SM ever knock it off with the asking questions in the mission summary?

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

<SM_James> Episode 3: "Players" (12307.15)

<SM_James> =/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Sitting at SCI 1 on the bridge, brainstorming civilian combadges and long-rang communications.::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::On Starbase, in room with Captain Sotovlar and CTO, wondering if I just missed something in that answer.::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Starts tinkering with piggybacking a long-range communications signal off of a civilian combadge....it would be hard, but not impossible...starts working through what it would take for her to do it.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: With Brax, considering the questions they had asked so far and if they covered what the captain had wanted... it had been rather vague.::

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> ::On Bridge, ensuring repair teams are fixing the relays upset by the Warp Drive push.::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: on the bridge, running through various items while things remained... yeah::

@<DS3_Capt_Sotovlar> ::shifts slightly where he's sitting, examining the officers present for a moment:: CTO/CEO: You have provided sufficient information for us to consider Eminence's future within the fleet. Have I addressed adequately your concerns as pertains the vessel?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks to Raeyld::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: I...I think so. CTO: Did we miss anything?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: looks at Brax and back:: Cpt Stovlar: I guess part of the concerns we have are yet to be seen.  Safety being the key one.  So far, Eminence has done... well.  But there are some ifs that are still hanging.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  Cpt Stovlar: I agree with the lieutenant, captain. The ship had to be modified in order to allow us to travel here, which I think calls into question the ability of the ship to respond to a variety of circumstances

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar/ CTO: There is a more...present question. The ability of the raiders to, well, convince people to follow their "orders" despite the person's own desire. What if that hit the person controlling the Eminence?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::stands, still looking at her::  XO: You have the Bridge. Continue to supervise the investigation of the freighter and the communications that came out of it. I'll be in Sickbay to see what answers we might be able to get.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::at operations::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::makes way for the turbolift::

@<DS3_Capt_Sotovlar> CTO: Safety is never a guarantee, lieutenant. If it were, there would no longer be a need for a tactical or security department. ::raises an eyebrow::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Stands:: CO: Yes sir.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::seated at a secondary station reading up on the freighter's history::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Her brow furrows as she works on the puzzle, shifting her weight in her chair as she mentally works the situation out.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::enters the turbolift::  Turbolift: Sickbay.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Cpt Sotovlar:  You misunderstand.  Our concern of safety is the ability for Eminence to remain out of the hands of enemies.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> XO:  Commander, the area is still clear.  And the trail still heads into Breen territory.  Do you have any further orders at the moment?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::hears the hiss of the turbolift doors before he sees them open; the sound provides an auditory cue to move, and he does, though not before opening his eyes::

<Ens Rogers> :: steps into the main sick bay, unsure about being the acting doctor for alpha shift, but happy to assist where he can::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::enters Sickbay::

<Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: nods to the captain as he enters sickbay::  CO:  Sir, the weapons specialist is over there.

@<DS3_Capt_Sotovlar> CTO: An excellent question, and a logical one, lieutenant. Claymore's commanding officer chose well. ::considers for a long moment, then offers a single nod:: It will be among the questions Starfleet will ask of doctor Attler and the engineering core while you are here, and will factor into our final determination.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Finds a way to piggyback a combadge signal on a regular communication's channel.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::somewhat startled by Abara; he pauses and gains his bearing somewhat before scanning the room in the direction Abara is looking::  Sec: Thank you.

<Ens. Rogers> :: turns to Greek whomever just entered sick bay::  CO: oh, captain! how can we help you today?

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> ::With repairs to the Claymore progressing well, turns attention to the state of the freighter in case we decide to conduct repairs to it at some point.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Cpt Sotovlar: I believe for now, that is the basics.  If we think of anything... we will send the questions your way.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::startled again by Rogers; it just seems like that kind of day::  Rogers: I'm here to see if I can talk to some of the people we recovered from the freighter--I'm told there's a weapons specialist among the group?

<Specialist> ::sits up on a biobed, his legs dangling over the side as a nurse tends a fairly large gash in his left shoulder::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> XO: I think I may have found out how we were able to receive that communications signal from a combadge.

<Ens Rogers> CO: I believe so, let me verify. ::Grabs his PADD and checks some info:: CO: Yes sir, right this way

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Nods uncertainly at Captain Sotovlar. Wondering if these are the answers we were looking for.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods and prepares to follow::

@<DS3_Capt_Sotovlar> ::nods once:: CTO: Understood. You will have use of the station while we conduct our investigation, unless your captain requires you returned to Claymore sooner than we reach our decision.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::turns to stare at the CSO, Wondering what answer she'd come up with, he leans back slightly, and folds his hands.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Transfers her attention to Lu's report, dropping into her chair and pulling up her arm console:: SEC_Lu: For now, work with Lieutenant Simmons take details scans of the area leading into Breen space.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Cpt Sotovlar:  Our captain asked to return to the ship once we were done here.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CSO: Work with Chief Lu to prepare a recommendation on if we might be able to extend our sensor range into Breen space via probe. Have those suggestions ready for Commander Davis.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Blinks, her brain catching up to the reports once more:: CSO: How's that?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: stands::  Cpt Sotovlar:  Thank you for your time.

<Ens Rogers> ::leads the CO over to the specialist:: CO: They're still under the affects of some pain-killers but are alert. I'll be nearby if you need me

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> XO: Aye ma'am.  There's a way that a combadge signal if meshed properly with a ships communications system can use that system to broadcast over the ships communication's array.

@<DS3_Capt_Sotovlar> ::offers another nod:: CTO: Understood. We will assign a vessel to return you to Claymore soonest. At this time, Eminence will not be returning pending further examination.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: looks over at the CSO::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods again::  Rogers: Thank you, Ensign.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Sees CTO stand and then scrambles to stand up quickly.:: Captain Sotovlar: Thank you, Captain. Wait, Eminence is not returning?

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> Capt Sotovlar: I mean, not returning, Sir?

<DS3_Capt_Sotovlar> ::turns attention to the CEO and nods:: CEO: The ship may be returned to duty, but we will require further data from the engineers. And that your concerns are addressed.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CSO: Would you suggest that a member of the crew essentially hacked their comm system to reach out to us?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  Cpt. Sotovlar:  As soon as transport is available, please let me know. :: Keeps the frown from showing as she lightly nods her head before turning to leave.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: waits outside the door for Brax::

<Specialist> ::looks up as the commander approaches, and seems mildly unsure of exactly how to greet the officer - which is demonstrated by the man offering little if any actual greeting at all::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> XO: It's possible.  I'm not saying that's what happened, but that is definitely a possibility.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  ::Stands and salutes and follows Tsela-Yokaze out of the room::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Turns and departs, uncertain what just happened in that meeting.::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::logs out of the secondary station, and stands, wordlessly heading for the turbolift::

@<DS3_Capt_Sotovlar> ::stands as the officers leave, and follows the group out of the room as well - while the group likely makes their way to a turbolift, the Vulcan veers in the direction of admiral McKenzy's office::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns and faces the weapons specialist, not waiting for any greeting or response::  Specialist: Hello. I'm Commander Davis, commanding officer of the USS Claymore. I wanted to see if we could talk about what happened aboard the freighter. ::pauses::  How are you feeling? Have you been taken care of alright here?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: Enters the lift and waits for the others, saying nothing.::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> :: Follows, her face cold as the facade slips::
 
@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Steps into the Turbolift.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CSO: Is there any way to try to track from where in the freighter the message was sourced?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: as the doors close, she orders it to promenade::  CMO/CEO:  I think I missed something.  And I do not know if the captain is going to be happy or not about us not bringing Eminence back with us.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: Oh, thank you for saying that. I had no idea what happened there or why.  So we didn't expect that to happen, right?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> XO: Maybe if I had the combadge that did it, but otherwise I don't think I can.

<Specialist> ::seems to snap out of whatever he's in, and he meets Davis's eyes from his seated position:: CO: They come out of nowhere it looked like. I mean they came out of somewhere, but damned if our sensors could tell us where. They're not using cloaking tech, but that's about all we know. First time we got a good look at them they'd taken out our comms.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO:  No... I just represented one of our major concerns... actually, more yours and mine I think.  It was nice to see that he understood and would take it into consideration.  But I thought we were still testing Eminence.  :: as the lift stops and doors open, she steps off.::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> CTO/CSO: I feel like all of the same concerns we've been raising have been ignored by brass at every turn. It's...concerning. I don't particularly like the situations it reminds me of

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  Specialist: From what we've learned so far, it seemed the communications were targeted right away. ::pauses::  Were you able to detect who this was? Who 'they' were?

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: Right, our concerns shouldn't affect the test. They are more for actual implementation of the ship.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CMO:  We will need to take our items off Eminence before we leave.  We might do some shopping while waiting for our transport.  And ummm... you might want to let the captain know what happened.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> CTO: Oh...right. Thank you. Sorry, I'm not used to being in charge. 

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: Right. And weird as it sounds, we should also say goodbye to Aardvark.

<Specialist> CO: Looked like one of our freighters. Or rather a freighter like ours. But we sure as hell don't carry weapons like that onboard. Took our comms out with one shot, and you're right, first shot. ::he pauses, his face cooling slightly:: They have our people.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CMO:  Let us hope the captain is not too... unhappy?  Sheesh... he just might be happy.  :: pats her on the shoulder.  Teasingly::  Lucky you... you get to find out first.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> Specialist: Have your people...?

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> ::Stevens shakes her head:: CTO: I'll reach out to him and fetch my things from Eminence. I can grab anything you need?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CMO: Let's go together.  I agree... it may not be a living being, but it seems only appropriate to say thank you.

<Specialist> CO: There's 28 crew on that freighter, capt'n. Legal minimum for that class if we follow federation law. Your security officer there says you rescued 23.
 
<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::continues monitoring nearby communications channels for activity::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO/ CMO: Depends on the definition of living, doesn't it? I mean I think it's sentient?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> OPS3: Chief, coordinate with Lieutenant Simmons. See if you can find a way to track the source of that comm signal.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  CEO/CTO: Feels weird but I'm game

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::absently accesses the signal and starts pulling the communicator's signature code from the background data:: XO: Aye.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO:  And how many stories of AI's becoming sentient have been written as stories and done as movies in the past?  :: begins to make her way to the docking back and the Eminence.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::does his best to remain expressionless--or at least not lose control and offer much in the way of clues as to who is thinking::  Specialist: Can you tell me anything about these five? Perhaps any common characteristics or anything that might help us figure out why they were taken?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> TO_Lu:  Okay, so we should talk about this probe and extending our reach into Breen space.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: nods::  CSO:  We have a variety of probes that could be used.  I would suggest something small that can be... destroyed if anyone finds it?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Taps her combadge:: *CO*: Raeyld to Captain Davis.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Shrugs.:: Not sure. But the definition of life, artificial life, it's kind of vague. Uncertain maybe? I'd rather give it too much credit and look foolish than too little and look inconsiderate. If that makes sense?

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CSO:  The problem of size... keeping it as undetectable as possible, is it will limit the range it can send back a signal... unless you have something in mind to add.

<Specialist> CO: 4 Betazoid, 1 half-betazoid. Capt'n, first officer, our engineer and - ahem-- uh - well - our cook, for... some reason. Nothing otherwise in common that I can see. But then that's probably more in common than any damn one else in this crew. ::he grins:: Bunch of misfits, really.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> TO_Lu: I would agree.  But we need something that we can add something to to extend the range of the probe's communication as well.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods, then holds his hand up for a moment::  Specialist: Excuse me for just one moment--I'll be right back.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CSO:  I can add anything you want... though I will need to make some minor adjustments.  I am not sure how long that will take.

<Specialist> ::shrugs up a shoulder:: I'm not goin' anywhere.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> *XO*: Go ahead.  ::moves towards the other end of Sickbay slowly, out of earshot of pretty much everyone::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::finishes pulling the data from the signal, and cross-references it to the signals onboard:: XO: The combadge used to send that signal is in sickbay directly next to Captain Davis....oh he's moving away now.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *CO*: Do you have privacy?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Looks to Cawney and nods in acknowledgement::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks around, but feeling somewhat concerned about someone happening upon him, he enters Stevens's office::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO:  It makes sense... and it is very much a human way to... humanize others.  Hmmm... :: looks at the doc::  What is that term called?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> TO_Lu:  I just want to tweak it so that we can extend it's range, both to transmit back to us and it's scanning range.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::watches the door close behind him::  *XO*: I do now. Go ahead.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CSO:  Let me get someone to replace me and we can head down to the lab... or I can do it on my own if you can explain your idea.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *CO*: We have reasons to believe that the signal we received was sent via a combadge routed through the freighter's comms system. We've track that to the combadge you were most recently in close proximity to.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  CTO: Oh, umm... Anthropomorphism?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: arriving in the docking bay, she heads for the ship::  CMO:  Yes... that is it.  And while people say it is not real... ::shrugs::  how do we really know?

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::raises an eyebrow and double checks something:: XO: Ma'am?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  *XO*: Yes, that was the weapons specialist. He claims the attackers abducted five crew members: four Betazoids, and one half-Betazoid. 

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Nods to Cawney::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> TO_Lu:  That works for me.  ::Looks sideways at Tanis to make sure she heard.::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  CTO: Reality is often just what the observer wants it to be. The mind can be a powerful tool.

@<Specialist> ACTION: The airlocks aboard Eminence open automatically as the away team approaches.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: contacts Joy to take over his position on the bridge.::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CMO/ CTO: I've heard the term. I guess it makes sense. But still, she, I mean Eminence and the Aardvark, seem alive enough to me. If it's fake? Then it is a good fake.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: Steps aboard::  Eminence:  Thank you.  There has been a change of plan.  :: looks to Stevens to see if she wants to explain the change.::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> XO: I'm picking up a low powered transmission.  It is on a disused civilian frequency.  Best estimate puts it as coming from a less populated region of Breen space.  Not sure exactly where. It is transmitting the prefix code for the Kingston.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> OPS3: Is it something we can...process? Audio, visual?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *CO*: We're picking up a transmission from Breen space. I'll update you momentarily.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CSO:  Do you have anything specific you want changed on the sensor pallet?  Keep in mind, the more sensitive we make it, we increase the chance of it being detected.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  ::Stevens steps on board:: Eminence: It looks like you won't be heading back. We're going to be sent back in a different transport

<HFI_CW3_Veni> :: continues working  the helm console ::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: while the doctor explains, she head for the room she used to gather her stuff.::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Follows the others aboard.:: Eminence: Yeah, hate to do it, but we've been ordered. Really wanted a chance to get to know you. Once the...scary folks were gone.

@<Eminence> *CMO/CTO*: Understood. While the decision is irregular, I will follow it and advise doctor Attler. He is currently on deck 3 if you wish to speak with him.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> TO_Lu: I just want to extend the range both directions.  Nothing specific more than that.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CSO:  OK...:: heads for the lift, going through his mind what changes to make::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  Eminence: We wanted to say 'thank you' for what you've done for us. We know it wasn't your usual work but being with you was....the trip of a lifetime. Thank you

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> *XO*: Understood.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> Eminence: And hope to see you again. ::Walks to temporary quarters to grab her bag.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::exits Stevens's office and heads back towards the weapons specialist::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> XO: No. It is just a prefix code repeating on the carrier frequency.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: It does not take long to gather her items.  She looks around to make sure nothing is left behind, but her area is neat and clean.  Eminence would probably see to it being sterilized.::

@<Eminence> *All*: I am glad to have served with you, lieutenants. Ensign.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Stands up and stretches her back before following the TO to the TL::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  ::Stevens fetches her things from her 'room' and heads for deck three::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: returning to the main room:: Eminence:  I agree with the others.  And... I regret the sudden change.  But like you, we must follow our orders.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: waits::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *CO*: We're just getting the Kingston’s prefix code repeating on a low energy transmission carrier frequency. Perhaps one of the taken crew is trying to call for help?

@<Eminence> *CTO*: An evaluation of the external situation necessitates that I switch to standby status. I have done so, effective immediately. Thank you, lieutenant.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> OPS3: How precise of a fix can you get on the location of the transmission’s source?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> *XO*: I'll be there in a minute. Davis out.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::approaches the specialist::  Specialist: You mentioned that the attackers targeted the communications systems and eliminated them basically right away.  ::pauses::  How were you able to send a distress call?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CMO:  Doc, you want to talk to Dr. Attler?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Enters the TL with the TO::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> ::orders the lift to the tactical lab.:: CSO: I think I know what to do. ::smiles::  This will be a lot easier then trying to come up with weapon ideas for non-tactical personnel.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::shakes her head:: XO: Without getting closer...we just don't have detailed enough scans of that sector of Breen space, but if we were closer we could follow it to the source. ma'am

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  CTO: Yeah, I'm gonna say goodbye, at least for now

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> TO_LU: Well I'm glad to hear that.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Nods:: OPS3: Check in with Lieutenant Simmons. She's looking into possibilities to extend our sensor range via probes or other solutions, at least until we're ready to get on the move.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: as the lift stops he waits for Simmons to exit before following her.::

<Specialist> ::shrugs, plucks the combadge from his jacket and extends it to Davis:: CO: They took out the array, but with a little coaxing, the subspace equipment onboard can still be used to bounce a signal through. It's a very, very poor man's comms array, and it would have likely gotten to you long after the core breached if the core was set to breach, but it did the job. ::the specialist shrugs up the other shoulder:: Old war trick I held on to. Rather hoped I wouldn't need to use it again if I'm honest.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Steps out with the TO:: TO_Lu: Lead the way.  I'm not sure where your lab is.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::nods:: *CSO* I've been ordered to check in with you regarding the probes you are sending out. Please make sure they are capable of monitoring civilian communication channels.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CSO:  You have never been?  I have done alot of changes to it lately.  You will have to excuse the clutter.  :: walks down the hall and turns to the left, walking a few more feet before arriving at a secured lab.::

<EO_Ens_Meila> ::walks up the corridor in the opposite direction, passing by the CSO, and moving for the turbolift - the SEC with her gets a polite smile and small wave::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: waits for the others, looking around::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> Specialist: Where'd you pick that trick up?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Takes the quiet moment to check back in on her readout::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> Eminence: Have you received official orders yet? We just got word a short time ago. I'm just curious if this decision was made before our meeting or during?

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: enters the double code and then steps back as the lights automatically come on.::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> *OPS3*: Understood.  I'll make sure that it can do that.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: looks curiously at Brax... that had not occurred to her.::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> TO_Lu: Never been here, before, but I get the way it is when you're in the thick of things

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Catches the EO out of the corner of her eye before the door to the office closes, and returns the nod.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: looks around.  A frown comes to his face.::  CSO:  Let me clear an area.  :: moves to the largest area that would hold the probe and starts to carefully clear it.::  CSO:  Well, it is not exactly a place for most folks unless they were curious.  And then there is a trust issue... I admit we can sometimes be a bit cautious were trust is concerned.

<Specialist> CO: Cardassians were moving me from one prison colony to another, not long before Starfleet did what Starfleet does. ::shifts back slightly where he's sitting:: The ship I was on came under fire, and I was able to get my hands on the badge of one of the guards assigned to my section - I'll leave it to your imagination what happened to the guard. Made a few friends on that ship - when you're about to probably be executed friendships happen real fast. He gave me the basics, then kinda held my hand through most of the work initially.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> TO_Lu:  Yeah.  I understand the trust issues.  Glad we can work on this here though.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  ::Steps down to deck three:: Dr Attler: Sorry to surprise you but I wanted to say thank you. We've been ordered to return on separate transport. You've been most hospitable and I really appreciate it

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: finishes up::  CSO:  It does make it easier to have this space.  Give me a moment... :: with that said, goes to the back of the room where various items are stored.::

@<Eminence> *CEO*: My return to deep space 3 indicated a 93% likelihood that at least one aspect of the field test did not go according to specification. Logically, I am to be held until the issue or issues identified are isolated and corrected.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: that was not why the ship was brought back, but she leaves the discussion with Brax.::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Leans against the table as she waits for the TO to come back.::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Nods, then realizes Eminence may not be watching visually.:: Eminence: I see. But you, we, were sent to take the prisoners back. Were there other orders we weren't aware of? If that's not beyond our clearance levels?

@<Dr_Attler> ::is, indeed, quite surprised:: CMO: Oh...oh! Right - you.you.you're verry... verry welcome, lieutenant. A.and you'll be... more than happy to note that Eminence's avatar is currently restoring... restoring this deck to... to its original... uh... configuration.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods, somewhat solemnly::

@<Eminence> *CEO*: Not at this time, ensign. Based on the data you provided, I have been alerted to expect orders to arrive - and you have been alerted to expect alternate transportation.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: after a few minutes, using a controller, he brings out the probe and has it placed on the waiting space.::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> Eminence/ CTO: I'm starting to wonder if we are missing more than we thought we were here? I understand clearance levels and all, but it seems there's a lot we don't know that maybe we should? Or am I just paranoid?

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  Dr Attler: I'll get out of your hair then. Thank you, again. I hope...I hope things go well for you. I truly do.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Turns around and faced the table:: TO_Lu: Okay.  So what do we need to do?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks back to him::  Specialist: I need to return to the Bridge, but I'm hoping we can speak again soon. Just so I don't have to call you "specialist" from now on, what do you go by?

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: pulls out the equivalent of a screw driver and opens one of the panels.::  CSO:  First we need to get to the sensors.

<Specialist> ::shrugs:: CO: Crew calls me Smitty. You might as well do it too.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::Nods:: Smitty: Okay Smitty, sit tight--let the staff know if you need anything.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Sets her palms on the edge of the table and watches as the TO works on opening up the sensor.::

@<Dr_Attler> CMO: I.I.I hope we....we'll be out there again. She's really a fine ship, lieutenant.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> Eminence: I wasn't sure what to make of you when this all started. If it means anything to you, now I feel I know you enough to make this departure a little hard. Going to miss you I think.

@<Eminence> *CEO*: I cannot comment on clearance levels, lieutenant. But I appreciate the thought. ::there's a small pause:: You will be missed as well.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::moves off towards the exit::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: turns to the screen and pulls up the schematics.::  CSO:  I think, if we deactivate this sensor, as it is not needed, and switch this one out for a slightly larger one, given the other leaves space... ::looks at her::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> TO_Lu: That works for me, and it will extend both receiving and sending capabilities?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: waiting for the others, she wonders how long it will take for transport to be found for them.::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CSO:  It should.  It limits other areas, but that is norm for setting up a probe.  You loose some areas as you gain others.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Steps to the airlock, then reaches out a hand to pat the hull before stepping back out into the Starbase. Still not sure why the orders changed so abruptly.::

<SM_James> =/\= END MISSION =/\=

<SM_James> Crew, bail!