Cast of Characters: 

Present:

Ian as Evil_SM
Gunther as CO capt Jordaïn
Brian (AKA Jafo) as CSO LTjg Jarvel
Jason as CEO ens Hoyt
Matt as CNS T’Sele
And
Carol as the new itchy-trigger-finger CTO T’Kerl

Absent:

Brett as TIC OPS manager cmdr Fox Lynam
Linda as FCO LT Ris’Mor
Darren as TO ens Bost’k

Summary: En route to starbase 231 - or what’s left of it – the crew is preparing the ship, and their minds, for events to come. With a warp core running hot, suddenly a federation shuttle hails them. Is it news from the starbase, someone visiting, or even another deception?
Find out in this week’s episode of:

ACTD: U.S.S. Tal-War
NCC 72864

Stardate 10208.17

Host Quchant says: 
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Tal-war Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Standing in the cargo bay with a tricorder::

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: The Tal-War is barrelling along at 9.8

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::In a TL, on her way to the bridge to begin her duty shift::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Hits combadge:: *CEO* Status

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Scans the deck plates where the cargo containers carrying 'medical supplies' were previously sitting curious as to why the containers were full of grain::

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@::At the controls of the shuttle keeping an eye out for the Tal-War::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
*CO*: Sir...I am doing my best to keep us at top speed....Unless I can pull rabbit out of my hat we are going to have to slow down soon

Host Quchant says: 
<Computer> CEO: Warp core auto shut down in 10 hours

CEO_Hoyt says: 
Computer: Override auto shut down ... authorization Hoyt Alpha 12 Bravo.

Host Quchant says: 
<Computer> CEO: Shutdown overridden

CO_Jordain says: 
*CEO* What's the highest speed we can maintain until we get to starbase 231, ensign?

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::TL doors swish open, and steps out onto the bridge::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
*CO*: Sir...I just overrode the auto shut down sequence sir.....It should be okay but she may run a little hot. Just don’t hit any speed bumps ::laughs::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Finds nothing unusual in the cargo bay and no signs of residual debris, so he closes his tricorder and tucks it into the holster on his hips before turning and leaving the cargo bay::

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@::Keeps an eye on sensors knowing she should be meeting up with the ship soon::

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: Tactical sensor blinky light begins to blink

CNS_T`Sele says: 
CO: Reporting for duty, sir. 

CO_Jordain says: 
*CEO* As long as it keeps running for another fourteen hours... Besides, we might need a little reserve in case we'd need to bail out...

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: Technical specs of the ship continue to roll past on a screen in engineering reminding anyone that looks at it that the maximum sustainable warp runs out in ten hours

CEO_Hoyt says: 
*CO*: Bail out sir? ::increase coolant levels to the nacelles::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Sees another unfamiliar face enter the bridge:: CNS: Ah, our new counsellor, I presume? Welcome aboard, mister… ::thinks:: T'sel?

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Walks down a corridor of deck 5 purposefully::

CNS_T`Sele says: 
CO: T`Sele, sir. I believe my cousin was temporarily assigned to OPS recently.

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: Tactial sensor blinky light continues to blink

CO_Jordain says: 
::Notices the light on the TAC console, and since there's no one there yet, goes over and checks it out:: CNS: I see.. I'm sorry, but we're in a quite tense situation.

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: On the SHUTTLE the tactical sensor starts to blink

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Steps into a turbolift:: TL: Deck four...

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@::Sees the lights blinking and slows the shuttle:: Self: Now what...blasted shuttle. Computer: Status on tactical sensors.

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::Wonders why the bridge is so short on crew::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Takes a very short turbolift ride from deck four to deck five and steps out again, turning left and heading down the corridor::

CO_Jordain says: 
CNS: Please take OPS for now, we need someone monitoring the comms …

Host Quchant says: 
@<Computer> CTO: Sensors are working within normal parameters

CNS_T`Sele says: 
CO: Aye, Captain. ::looks at the unfamiliar console and begins to familiarise herself with it as she sits down::

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::Finishes learning the console layout::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Steps through the door into the primary science labs where a pair of lab technicians are comparing his scans of the 'super-wheat' with known scans on file of similar grains for any inconsistencies::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Taps a few controls at TAC one to see what the light is about::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
*CO*: Bridge this is engineering here ... I am going to have to take warp engines off line in 10 hours anyway....Let's just hope It don’t come to that. Or it’s a big big boom.

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@Computer: Evaluate and diagnose why sensors are blinking. ::checks scans of the area looking to see if something might have triggered them::

CO_Jordain says: 
*CEO* That is why I need to know the maximum sustainable speed, ensign.. I'd rather slow down and get there instead of going hot and not getting there at all…

Host Quchant says: 
@<Computer> CTO: Sensors are indicating the presence of the USS Tal-War within two hours of the speed of the shuttle at the time of detection

CEO_Hoyt says: 
*CO*: Captain....I can keep us going at this speed and a little longer then ten hours....After that I would recommend going to warp 6 if not lower.

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: The tactical display on the Tal-War indicates a federation shuttle on an intercept course two hours away at max warp

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@::Rubs head and shakes head:: Self: Blasted Starfleet not even giving me time to get acclimated before sending me back out. Computer: Acknowledged.

Host Quchant says: 
@<Computer> CTO: Additional...sensors indicate that the USS Tal-War is at maximum rated warp speed

CO_Jordain says: 
::Notices the Tac scanners detected a federation vessel dead ahead and turns his head to the new CNS:: CNS: Hail that shuttle, mister T'Sele.

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@::Activates comlink:: COM: Tal-War: This is Cmdr. T'Kerl on the Shuttle Katana. I am currently two hours out on an intercept course.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Walks up to the two technicians and greets them:: Techs: Gentleman ... Mister Rivers, Mister Skevik. Have you found any inconsistencies between the quadrotriticale that was in our cargo bay, and that which is on file in the Starfleet Agricultural Database?

CNS_T`Sele says: 
CO: Aye, sir. ::attempts to open hailing frequencies but gets the COM first::

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: The communications console starts to blink before the CNS can get to it

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@Self: I don't know what the hurry is but I sure hope they can stop long enough for me to board.

CNS_T`Sele says: 
CO: Sir, incoming message from shuttle Katana. Shall I put it onscreen?

CSO_Jarvel says: 
<Tech_Skevik> CSO: No sir ... no inconsistencies. The scans, which were taken of the cargo containers, indicate that it was standard quadrotriticale grain we were carrying.

CO_Jordain says: 
CNS: Yes please…

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::Brings up a view of T`Kerl inside the shuttle cockpit::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Nods and bows his head slightly:: Techs: Very well... ::turns on a heel and heads back out into the corridor beyond as he begins to dictate a report to the Captain on a PADD::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Looks up at the screen:: COMM: CTO: Commander, glad to hear from you.. I was getting afraid you might have been disabled in whatever happened to the starbase…

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@COM: CO: The base sir? It was fine when I left there. Just a lot of activity going on.

CO_Jordain says: 
::Blinks:: COMM: CTO: You haven't heard? How long ago did you leave exactly?

CEO_Hoyt says: 
Computer: What is the current status of the warp core and temperature?

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@COM: CO: I have been en route for just over 24 hours sir.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Finishes dictating his report and slips the PADD into a utility pocket on the side of his uniform pants as he steps into a turbolift:: TL: Bridge...

CEO_Hoyt says: 
::Has already checked the readouts just wants verification::

Host Quchant says: 
<Computer> CEO: ... ::informs him::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
::Leaves another engineer in charge and heads for the bridge::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Nods:: COMM: CTO: They you have indeed cleared the base before the comms failure.. We have received a message through Kootenai station, indicating some kind of catastrophe on sb 231... possibly an attack.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Steps off the turbolift onto the bridge and walks over towards the command deck, leaning over the small railing:: CO: Captain Jordain... ::stops as Cix begins a communiqué::

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::Brings up SB231 specs in a window on her console to review::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Stands at attention while Cix is busy talking on the com channel::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Heard Jarvel enter, but knows he'll wait until the com is finished::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
::Enters the bridge and nods at the CSO:: CSO: Sir ::goes and checks readouts on engineering systems from the bridge::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Glances at Hoyt who just arrived on the bridge and nods, then returns his attention to the Captain::

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@Self: Oh great. COM: CO: Understood sir. I am continuing my course to rendezvous with the Tal-War...eta approximately 1.5 hours sir.

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::Tries to tie into any orbital relays near the starbase, attempting to get a closer look at it::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
::Shakes his head:: Self: Dang it ::increases the coolant flow to maximum flow rate::

CO_Jordain says: 
COMM: CTO: I know it is bad news; I would have liked to welcome you in better circumstances, commander... We will see you at the rendezvous then. All data we have about the situation will be forwarded to your shuttle immediately.

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@::nods:: COM: CO: Thank you sir I will review it once it arrives. Sir what about the ships systems, namely Tactical, are they in working order?

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::gets nothing but static from the relays, but not sure if it’s a problem or just ion storms interfering::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
::Checks weapons real quick and nods at the Captain::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Waits with his legendary Vulcan stoicism firmly in place::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Smiles at the question:: COMM: CTO: They are indeed. I had them checked by engineering over the past few days.

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@COM: CO: Thank you sir. I will await the reports. T'Kerl out.

CO_Jordain says: 
::Turns around and faces Jarvel:: CSO: Good morning..

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Nods at Jordain, as he finishes his communiqué, then presents the Captain with a PADD:: CO: Good morning sir. Captain, this is my report on the quadrotriticale grain that we were apparently carrying. In depth analysis of the scans taken by the lateral sensor array indicate that it was standard quadrotriticale and poses no threat to the crew.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
CO: Further, no sign of residual traces of quadrotriticale have been found in the cargo bay. I'm prepared at this time to make that bay accessible to the general crew populace.

CO_Jordain says: 
::Accepts the PADD:: CSO: Thank you. Let it be known.. Now, can you see whether the message from Orkra was a fraud, sent from elsewhere, or whether it was sent from the surface itself? I still want to know whether they were involved..

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Questioningly:: CO: The communiqué from Orkra, sir? Do we have reason to believe it came from elsewhere?

CO_Jordain says: 
CSO: The emergency was not real. But I only want to know whether the Orkran official was telling the truth about them not 'calling' us.

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@::Continues on course keeping the sensors trained towards the Tal-War::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Looks slightly uncomfortable:: CO: I'm sorry sir, I thought you wished to know the location it came from. If you are looking for an emotional analysis, the Counsellor may perhaps be better equipped to judge the Orkran officials truthfulness.

CEO_Hoyt says: 
CO: Sir ::motions for the CO::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
::Checks the status of the Plasma Relays::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Sighs slightly:: CSO: Perhaps you are correct, mister Jarvel. Try to get anything on LRS for now. Carry on…

CO_Jordain says: 
::Notices the CEO almost jumping up and down on the other side of the bridge:: CEO: Yes?

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::Looks up at mention of her name.. or position, at least::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Nods, bows, and backs away from Jordain's chair:: CO: Aye sir.. ::turns and walks towards the portside Science station::

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: TIME SHIFT, The Tal-War and shuttle are now close enough to stop and start docking procedures

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Begins a timer as the Tal-War comes to a full stop to take on the shuttle::

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
@COM: Tal-War: Shuttle Katana ready for docking.

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::Rubs her head, as if coming out of a daze::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Sits at the main science console on the bridge, overseeing docking operations::

CO_Jordain says: 
COMM: CTO: Permission granted. Shuttle bay doors are open and awaiting you..

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: For time saving, assume the ship has already stopped and the shuttle has just arrived

CEO_Hoyt says: 
CO: Sir...The plasma relays are starting to go all through out the ship. I have teams working on replacing the blown ones. The core temp is also rising by about 250 to 375 degrees Kelvin every hour or so. Just letting you know

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
::Settles the shuttle in the bay and starts shutting down the systems::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Nods at Hoyt:: CEO: Then I suggest you get us the best speed you can without blowing up the core…

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Aloud on the bridge:: All: The shuttle is onboard...

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
::Taps combadge:: *CO*: Sir I am aboard and on my way to the bridge. ::stands up and opens the hatch::

Host Quchant says: 
ACTION: Ship still stopped

CO_Jordain says: 
::Turns head and nods gratefully at Jarvel::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
CO: As for right now...all I can give you is warp 8....I will try and give you more but I wont promise anything.

CO_Jordain says: 
CEO: Get us moving..

CEO_Hoyt says: 
::Resumes course for SB at warp 8.5::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Rises from his chair:: CO: Sir, given the nature of our current mission. Perhaps security should escort the new Chief Tactical Officer to the empty Executive Officer's office ... rather than giving the Commander immediate bridge access.

CNS_T`Sele says: 
::Winces internally at the idea of the ship straining so much::

CO_Jordain says: 
CEO: It'll do, as long as we don't get blown to smithereens before we arrive... ::doesn't expect Hoyt to get the expression::

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
::Tosses bags to a crewman telling him to put those in the CTO's office...remembers the layout from her studies and takes off for the nearest TL to the bridge::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Arches a brow:: CSO: Elaborate, lieutenant?

CEO_Hoyt says: 
::Turns around and looks at the CSO::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Standing behind the main science console:: CO: Well Captain, Commander T'kerl was just recently assigned to replace yourself as CTO. Until very recently, we were not aware we would need a CTO and it is unusual for one to be assigned so rapidly at such a high rank. My calculations suggest is happens in approximately 1 out of every 23 occurrences.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
CO: With the 'surprises' we've already come across, perhaps caution is warranted in welcoming this new officer aboard.

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
::Looks around wondering where security is and why they aren't doing their jobs...makes a mental note to have a long talk with the department first chance she gets::

CNS_T`Sele says: 
CO: I would have to support Mr. Jarvel's assessment. Security screening of some kind would appear to be in order. I would suggest at least an interview before releasing command access.

CEO_Hoyt says: 
CO: Sir....I agree with Lt Jarvel

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Quirks an eyebrow at the support shown by both Counsellor T'Sele and Mister Hoyt, rather unexpectedly::

CEO_Hoyt says: 
CSO: Have an eye twitch? ::smiles::

CO_Jordain says: 
All: I understand you concern. Mister Jarvel, please join me in my ready room.. ::taps combadge:: CTO Please proceed to the ready room. We may have a talk first…

CSO_Jarvel says: 
CEO: As a matter of fact, I do not.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Nods and bows slightly to the Captain and taps a button on his console, calling security to escort the CTO to the Ready Room::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
<Sec_Bubba> ::comes running up as he sees the CTO leave the shuttle bay:: CTO: Sir, hold it right there please!

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
*CO*: Aye sir. ::shrugs and gets in the TL noticing security finally showed up:: SEC: Well it's about time you showed up. Come on I am expected in the captain's RR.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
<Sec_Big John> ::comes running up besides Bubba::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Enters the ready room and remains standing::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
<Sec_Bubba> CTO: Umm, yeah ... we'll be escortin' you there.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Follows Captain Jordain into the Ready Room::

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
SEC: Well let's go I don't have all day.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
<Sec_Big John> ::holds a turbolift for them to walk into::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
<Sec_Bubba> TL: Deck 2...

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
::Exits the TL with Bubba and Big John and turns heading for the captain's RR::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
<Sec_Big John> CTO: The Deck 2 access to the Captain's Ready Room is this way, Commander.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
<Sec_Bubba> CTO: Yeah, da Chief Egghead Science Guy didn't want you walking onto the bridge, so we'll use the deck 2 ramp.

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
SEC: Yes I am aware of the layout of the ship. ::walks to the access way:: Well I think that is a smart thing to do.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
<Sec_Bubba> CTO: Uhh ... yeah. We'll just wait here. ::stops at the end of the ramp and guards the rear entrance.

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
::Walks up the ramp and rings the chime...straightens uniform out of habit::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Takes a deep breath and looks at Jarvel just before the chime goes::

CO_Jordain says: 
CTO: Come…

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Standing behind the two chairs in front of the Captain's desk as he hears someone coming out by the replicator::

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
::Enters and comes to attention:: CO: Commander T'Kerl reporting as ordered sir.

CO_Jordain says: 
::Nods and bows slightly:: CTO: Captain Cix Jordaïn. Welcome aboard the Tal-War, commander... I'm sorry we had to escort you up here this way, but I'm certain you'll understand… 

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Looks the new Chief Tactical Officer up and down:: CTO: May I see your orders, Commander?

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
CO: Sir I would have been shocked if it had been any other way. ::holds out padd with her orders on it::

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Takes the PADD from the Commander and scrutinizes it::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Smiles slightly:: CTO: I believe you have reviewed the little amount of data we sent you..

CTO-T`Kerl says: 
::Nods:: CO: Aye sir I have...sketchy at best I would say.

CSO_Jarvel says: 
::Finds a comma out of place:: Aloud: Hmm...

CSO_Jarvel says: 
CO: This appears to be in order, Captain ... though grammatically imperfect. ::hands the PADD towards Jordain::

CO_Jordain says: 
::Nods at Jarvel as he takes another deep breath:: CTO: Then you must know the situation is only going to intensify.. you will be much needed, commander. ::extends hand::

Host Quchant says: 
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Check back next week to learn how the crew of the Tal-War will handle this…