<SM_James> Summary: Claymore's away team makes ready to leave Ds3, empty-handed and on a new ship. Meanwhile, Claymore herself makes preparations to dip a toe into waters not touched since a war no one wants to talk about. Will Claymore find its answers, or trigger a second war with a still unfamiliar enemy? And who is Twelve Centurys's extra passenger?

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

<SM_James> Episode 4: "Diplomacy" (12307.22)

<SM_James> =/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

<Tac Ens Joy Senezem>  :: On the bridge, keeping track of the energy signature from the freighters attack

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: In securities lab where he and Roberts often spent time perfecting and creating new weapons.  He tightened the last joint down before stepping back.::  CSO: It is ready to go.'

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: With a duffle bag swung over her fight shoulder and a black orchid cautiously held in the crook of her left arm. She waits for permission to board the USS Twelve Centuries.  They had been informed it would be 30 hours before they made it to the Claymore.  There definite advantages of flying aboard the Eminence.::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Standing and waiting to board the Twelve Centuries, bag slung over one shoulder and a small potted fruit tree in her arms.::

<MES_LtJG_V'Mehl> ::Manning the Bridge Engineering Station.::

@<SM_James> ACTION: Security at the Twelve Centuries indicates the Claymore's officers are cleared to board.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::In a turbolift, standing impassively as she waits for the tube to do its work::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> Sec_Lu:  Well it was a good two hours work.  I'll let the CO know it's ready.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CMO/CEO:  That is us... :: heads up the ramp.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::parked in the center chair, scanning through reports from the past two hours::

<SM_James> Scene: There's a little tension aboard Claymore, though that may largely be due to their proximity to Breen space and all of the implications that go with. History is a fun, but painful, thing.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CSO:  If it works.  Let me rephrase that as it will work... we do not want it discovered.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Nods and steps up.:: CTO: Kind of exciting, getting to see a new ship.

<MO_Lt_Nobel> ::Works on restocking the supplies while he keeps an eye on the man in a coma's vital signs::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> ::Holding another plant and standing next to the other two:: All: I'm glad I let you talk me into this. This is pretty!

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::For some reason, their proximity to Breen space is effecting something of an inverse reaction for her...Breen space instead evokes what she feels was the more successful - if ultimately more court-martial-worthy - portion of her tenure as acting Captain::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: smiles:: CMO/CEO:  I bet we look rather interesting... boarding a ship, each of us with a plant.

@<SM_James> ACTION: Security scans each member of the crew as they pass, before individually clearing them for entry. The ship itself looks as though it isn't primarily designed for passengers. Still, there are spare quarters, and as the Claymore officers board, they receive their assignments.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Tips her head back and forth as she contemplates their situation.::  Sec_Lu:  I think it'll work.  We've certainly done the best that we could.  I'd like to say that's all anyone could ask, but that's not technically true.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> CSO:  I will load it up.  Let me know when you are ready to launch.  :: maneuvers the palet to put the probe on.::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: Just wait until this thing grows. I needed something that could produce sugar if I want to eventually get the still working. If I can do that anyway...

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> Sec_Lu: Assuming the CO decides to launch it.  Thanks for your help. I'm going to go ahead and head back to the bridge.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::leans back in his chair, rubbing his eyes::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: with a nod, he guides the probe out and to the launch bay.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: steps into the lift and waits for the others before ordering it to deck 3::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Steps into the lift.:: All: Deck 3? Not sure I'll be able to sleep that far from the Warp hum.  ::Smiles.::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> CTO: So, if I have questions about raising this, can I come check with you?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Turns and heads out of the Tac lab and heads for the nearest TL.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CMO:  Just make sure you give it proper lighting.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO: I am not sure you will get the type of sugar you want from fruits... ummm... what did you end up getting?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CMO: And yes... though I am not a botanist... my mother was.  And I am sure we have one aboard.

@<SM_James> ACTION: As the lift opens on deck 3, the team seas a Betazoid woman step out of a lift opposite them - she makes a left, and starts down the corridor. At the same time, the ship's ambiance changes as she powers her systems for launch.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: I think it was from Tellar? The tag on it said it's similar to an apple. Which if I remember right from the Academy is a decent fruit for fermentation. Not looking for anything high concentration.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: Arriving, loads the probe.  As it heads for the launch doors, he stops it and puts in the commands for the bridge to launch it when ready.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Exits out onto the bridge and makes her way toward the command center::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Steps into the TL after it opens:: TL: Bridge.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Quietly.:: All: Am I getting paranoid seeing the Betazoid and getting nervous?

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO: Hmmm... if you had told me what you were going to do with it, I would have suggested grapes.  Though that might be a challenging to grow unless you want a vine throughout your cabin.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO:  I hope so.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Shrugs.:: CTO: Worse that happens is I have fruit for snacks.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO:  I can make apple pie.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::sees Raeyld approach::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::receives a message regarding working with the CSO on getting a probe into Breen space and starts searching the map of space near Breen space for a asteroid field or uninhabited star system that a rock could be thrown from::

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu>  *CSO*: Set and ready to go when ordered.

<Tac Ens Joy Senezem>  :: goes through some incoming data::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Exits the TL onto the bridge. Walks over to her station as Tanis moved over one.  Starts going through her messages.::

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::on the bridge:: XO/CO: We have a passenger transfer notification from Twelve Centuries.  Our crew will be returning along with a Doctor Alysa Miran.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> *Sec_Lu*: Understood and acknowledged.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: See? Already options for it. Had hoped to try and make some "real" alcohol from "Replicated" sugar to see if it would work right. Still need to ask permission on that though. Asked Captain Damrok just before he left. He was...hesitant. Which I get.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Sir, Lu and I were able to get the probe adjusted and programmed.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: arrives at her assigned quarters:: CEO:  I am not surprised.  Apples also taste good with peanut butter.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::highlights a few likely candidates of rocks that could be 'thrown' into Breen space to provide sensor cover for a probe and sends that to the CSO::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Approaches Davis, foregoing what would otherwise be an instinctual nod, and settles into her seat, looking to Cawney:: OPS3: Underst-- ::Breaks off; and would probably do a spit take if she'd brought a drink with her::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO:  There is an old earth saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"  ::smiles at the doc::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::does something of a double-take between Cawney and Raeyld::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  CTO: That's true. Apple juice is too sweet for me so I won't be there

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::points out a particular asteroid field along the Claymore's current course before sending the message::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Steps to quarters and opens the door, looking in.:: All: This is nicer than I expected.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CMO/CEO:  Personally, I love grape juice... my addiction.  Shall we take a break and rest or see if we can get a tour of the ship?  We do have 30 hours.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Her eyes go from the back of the CO's head to what just popped up on her console.  Opens and reads the message.  Then begins perusing the content.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> OPS3: I'm sorry, just to confirm. You said...Doctor Miran is joining them?

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO/ CMO: I'm not that tired. It's been a confusing few hours, but physically I'm still doing well.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::checks the information on her screen:: XO: Yes Commander. She is listed as a primary source on research in the style of telepathy Starfleet suspects we are dealing with.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CMO/CEO:  Settle our new house guests and... :: looks at Kaylee::  You want to contact OPS to see if we can get a tour guide?

@<SM_James> ACTION: It takes a moment, but Twelve Centuries quickly jumps to what some of the crew might recognize as warp 7.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::eyes Raeyld and Cawney, certainly interested in her reaction and what its significance is, but also recognizing he's ignoring everything else::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  ::notes the vibration and to no one in particular::  And we are off....

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Pauses  a moment to internally digest that additional information in context, then nods once, not too firmly, ensuring her expression is once again appropriately professional:: OPS3: Noted, thank you.  ::Glances to Davis to catch his eye just briefly, then quickly pulls up her console to read up on the past few hours happenings::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns::  CSO: Sorry--the probe you said?  ::gets up and walks towards Science so he's not talking across Raeyld's conversation::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> CEO/CTO: I'd be down for a tour

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Pauses a second, then places bag and the plant inside the room.:: CTO: Aye, at a decent pace. Engines are thrumming decently strong.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Looks up at the CO:: CO: Oh, it's just that the probe has been outfitted and programmed.  Mr. Fong and I are working on how to get it across the border in a way that won't draw undue attraction to it, and he has an idea that I believe has merit, Sir.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Shoots a response to Fong that she's talking with the CO about his idea now.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CSO: What is that, exactly?  ::comes within an arm's length of Science::  I must admit I'm concerned that shooting anything across the border is going to come back and bite us--or at least could, potentially.

<SM_James> ACTION: Claymore receives a defense net alert - unauthorized crossing attempt at Breen border. Coordinates indicate USS Europa is closest vessel, and is responding.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::feeds the defense ned alert information to CO and XO's datapads::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: has her door remain open as she secures her plant and gear.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CMO/CEO: Don't forget to secure your plant.  One never knows.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Fong has suggested that we mask the probe by using the tractor beam to repulse small asteroids around it, making it look like just another asteroid.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> CTO: Good call, thank you!

<Tac Ens Joy Senezem>  XO:  Commander, I am picking an unauthorized crossing over the border.

<Tac Ens Joy Senezem>  :: pulls up the border patrol listing::  XO: Europa is the closest.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::sighs and shakes his head; it's like they can't take 5 minutes to get their bearings and make one decision, before the next event--or crisis--rears its ugly head::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Hears the CTO, turns back and steps inside. Finds a corner the plant will fit in and moves the couch to kind of lock it in place.::

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> ::gets her plant all settled before tapping her comm badge:: *OPS* Sorry to interrupt, but could we get a tour?

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::motions to the Tactical officer, indicating that her information was the same as theirs. With a nod of the head before going back to monitoring the communication channels.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> Tac: ETA for Claymore and Europa?

<Tac Ens Joy Senezem>  CO: Europa should reach them in about 30 minutes.  We are approximately 4 hours from them.

@<OPS> *CMO*: Absolutely, lieutenant. I'll send someone for you.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens>  CTO/CEO: Tours on the way!

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods, then looks towards Operations::  OPS3: Signal Europa and let them know we've observed the crossing. Let them know we're ready to assist if needed.

<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::nods and sends a signal to Mr Kendal on the Europa::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Steps back out of quarters.:: CMO: Excellent! CTO: I locked it in a corner and pushed the sofa up to hold it in place. I think it will be all right.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO/CMO:  There are various methods to keep your plants secured.  Clean up is a pain not to mention it could put your plant into shock.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Uses Tac's scans to see if there's something about the ship that will tip their hand or about the aread around the ship that's crossing the border.::

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: secures her door and just waits in the hall as the easiest method to await their guide.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::finally turns back to Simmons::  CSO: Okay--masking by making it look like a meteor? That's the plan?

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: For our own quarters I can make adjustments. Modifying the internal structure of quarters we'll be in for about a day and a half? Probably not the best career move.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: That's the suggested plan.  It has its merits, but as you know there are no guarantees.

@<OPS_LtJG_Tyrno> ::steps off a lift and looks around, before the Bajoran steps in the direction of a group of officers standing outside someone's quarters::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  CSO: What course is projected for the probe? What was our thinking there?

<SM_James> ACTION: Sickbay's comatose patient's readings begin to fluctuate slightly, steadily increasing.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  CEO:  I use a double method.  A magnet and a strap.  I also have a type of cloth that keeps the soil from spilling but allows it also to breath.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: I believe the idea was to send it in the direction of the last freighter to cross from Federation to Breen space to see if we pick up anything along the way.

<Nobel> ::Notices the biobed readouts changing and heads to the coma patient.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::pauses for a moment, focused down on the console for a moment--mostly in thought rather than really looking at the device::

<Patient> ::one eye slowly struggles to open, but eventually does, and he very slowly, almost gingerly, looks around::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: My specialty is listed as mechanical repairs, but half of that is the ability to work stuff in the fabrication lab. Pretty sure I can make something to hold a pot. I can make one for you if you need some?

<MO_Lt_Nobel> ::Tries to ascertain what exactly is going on from the fluctuations.  Is he regaining consciousness or is he going to go into shock or arrest.::

<Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: quietly watching in sickbay.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods--again, mostly to himself::  CSO: Let's do it. Send the probe.

@<OPS_LtJG_Tyrno> ::approaches the group of officers, then pauses, saluting to the CMO:: All: Someone called for a tour, I'm told?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Aye, Sir.  I'll let Fong know.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO:  I am always interested in trying new things if they are better.  :: turns to the bajoran::

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS Tyrno: Oh hi!

<Patient> ::tries extremely weakly to sit up, but even if he wasn't restrained the effort would barely be noticeable::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Sends a message to Fong that his plan was approved by the CO.::

<MO_Lt_Nobel> ::From the biobed readings and the fluttering of his eyes and movement of his fingers, Nobel realizes that he's at least semi-conscious.::

<MO_Lt_Nobel>*XO*: Our visitor is regaining consciousness.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::returns to his chair and glances at Raeyld::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::sends back early estimates of how long it would take an asteroid from that field traveling at a reasonable rate of speed to reach Breen space, while he continues an inventory of ship's stores::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Taps her combadge:: *MO*: Our John Doe?  ::Glance to Davis as she responds to the call::

<MO_Lt_Nobel> *XO*: Yes, exactly.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> *OPS*: The CO has approved your plan.  How long before you think we'll be able to execute it?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *MO*: One moment. ::Mutes her combadge:: CO: Should I speak with him again, or someone else?

@<OPS_LtJG_Tyrno> All: You've got nearly full access to the ship. Where would you like to see first? ::tilts his head a degree, grins:: And yes, the bar is almost certainly one of the correct answers.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> *CSO* The indicated asteroid field is roughly an hour away. Claymore would need to be in it to launch the probe, or probe formation with cover.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> *OPS*: Okay.  Let me let the CO know.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: looks at Kelana::  CEO:  Bottom to up?  I know you want to check out engineering... ::wryly::  briefly.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::Frowns::  XO: Who?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Sir, OPS says the asteroid field that we will need to use to mask the probe is about an hour away.  We'll need to head there to shoot the asteroids across the border.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO/ Tyrno: Any part of the ship will be interesting, honestly. Real engineering involves fixing the ship, not just the engines...Well, to be fair fixing the engines is a big part, but still. Bottom up sounds good.

@<CMO_Lt_Stevens> All: I'm down for that. I do think the bar needs to be a stop though

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: looks toward Tyrno::  OPS Tryno: We have a plan.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CO: The survivor we picked up in the escape pod.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  OPS Tyrno:  Perchance you have an atrium?  I am working on getting one back up on the Claymore.  They used to have one until the one in charge left and probably vanished with the remodeling.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::almost has trouble remembering who that person is and when he came aboard, given the Claymore is basically a space-faring refugee camp at this point::  CO: I suppose--while you're down there, perhaps you could talk to "Smitty" too and see if you can prise anything else from him.

@<OPS_LtJG_Tyrno> All: Bottom up it is. That works out, as I suspect the captain'll want a conversation with you lieutenant. ::briefly glances at the CMO, then over to the CTO:: Ah, we'll make sure you get to see that. It's still very much a work in progress, but our science folks are proud of it. Or so they say.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  OPS Tyrno:  Thanks.

<Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: after taking a short break, returns to the bridge and takes over from Joy::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CO: Will do. And at the earliest opportunity, we should touch base about...Doctor Miran, and related aspects. ::Unmutes her combadge:: *MO*: I'll be there momentarily, Doctor.

<Tac Ens Joy Senezem>  :: seeing Lu smiles in relief.  As he joins her, she fills him in on what he missed over the past few hours.::

<MO_Lt_Nobel> *XO*: Acknowledged.

@<CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS Tyrno: How long have you been aboard? Never got this close to a Sovereign. How's service here?

<Patient> ::draws in a slow, shaky breath, his eyes focusing slightly better, and almost wrasps out:: Self: Damn...

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: Follows after Tryno::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::

@<OPS_LtJG_Tyrno> ::steps into a lift and request main engineering, as the direct access to the actual bottom will be through there:: CEO: Been aboard 2 years tomorrow. Service here is... well it can vary a lot. We go where we're needed. ::shrugs up one shoulder:: Apparently today we're needed on the Breen border, so that's where we go.

<MO_Lt_Nobel> Patient: Careful there.  We picked you up.  Your life signs were very weak, so don't try to overdo too much too soon.  I'm doctor Nobel.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks behind Raeyld, and then the path she just walked, to Science::  CSO: Send the coordinates to flight control. 

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> OPS Tryno: As you are the Admiral's ship... does that mean you stay docked until needed?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Aye, Sir.  Will go.  ::taps the coordinates out and sends them to the FCO on duty, causing her to think about Talin.  She hadn't heard from him in awhile, and while she might not acknowledge it to many others, she was worried about him::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Steps into the turbolift and orders sickbay::

@<OPS_LtJG_Tyrno> CTO: We stay docked until there's a hole to fill, aye. Sometimes it's at the admiral's order. sometimes it's a distress call. And sometimes... ::a small shrug:: Sometimes it's because the sector's shorthanded and a ship that can fly's a good ship.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::shifts his attention forward and leans back in his chair::   Helm: As soon as you receive coordinates, plot a course. Warp factor 6. 

<FCO> Receives the coordinates, and plots course and speed at CO's order:: CO: On your word, captain.

@<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> OPS Tyrno:  Do you find yourself with a lot of wait time?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> FCO: Engage.

@<OPS_LtJG_Tyrno> ::as they come out of the lift at main engineering:: CTO: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. We've only been in dock about 12 hours before this assignment.

<SM_James> ACTION: Claymore takes off at warp 6, destination the afore mentioned asteroid field... and answers, maybe.

<SM_James> =/\= END MISSION =/\=

<SM_James> Crew, bail!