ORIGINS: USS Hood January 2010

ORIGINS: USS Hood Story Posts
Last Updated: 2262.059

Total Posts: 420+

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Whose Side are We On?

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.004

Scene: On the outskirts of New Detroit

As they journeyed across the city to rendezvous with Team Two Jack contemplated the revelations of the past few hours. It seemed entirely unlikely that Starfleet Command was unaware of the work that Sachen had been pursuing and he was more then a little uncomfortable about the ramifications of this mission. His initial thoughts were concern that Starfleet wanted the information that Sachen possessed. There had been countless examples throughout Earth history of the powers that be hiding away an enemy’s scientist only to secretly back the program after they had spirited him to their side. Was this what the Federation was doing? Hadn’t Humanity learned its lesson in the Eugenics War? Was there a new Colonel Green lurking somewhere in the admiralty or on the Federation Council? It was no secret that a large portion of Command and the Council had developed very martial views after the destruction of Vulcan on how the future was going to progress.

Or was he just being pessimistic? Perhaps the idea was to capture Sachen before an unfriendly government with less qualms about eugenics and bio weapons did. That made more sense and was a lot more palatable for him. But what would he do if the Am-Tal was here to take him out so no one could have him? Did he let it happen? Truth be told he had deep concerns about any government, even his own, actively trying to acquire the information the Romulan possessed. That still didn’t mean he could condone murder he realized. He would have to do his duty and try to bring in Sachen alive even if it meant opposing the Am-Tal. He hoped it wouldn’t come to it. If one of his crew was killed or even the Andorian agent while he defended this scientific ‘genius’ he knew he would never be able to forgive himself.

Fortuanately he was able to tuck those thoughts away as the small vehicle they had ‘borrowed’ came to a a halt at the edge of a large rocky field. Gar looked back from the driver’s seat. “I’m picking up their signal approximately 125 meters to the north.”

The all jumped out of the truck. “Ok lets be quick, no doubt half of New Detroit same them come down. Lets get them out before someone else does.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Just a bit of catch up for me after all your New years posts…this should put the two teams together (based on what David wrote). So I imagine from here we all hop in our truck get over to the spaceport, hop into our liberated spaceport uniforms and wait for the arrival…and see what happens then.

I have no end game idea ie we get him, Romulans recapture him, etc but Steele will, and he expects all of the officers, to do their duty which is try to bring him in. So no sniper shots to save the Federation from itself…from Starfleet officers anyway J

Unless we want to RP a court martial for our next mission!

One week til Star Trek Online!

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Better to Talk later

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.005

Scene: Outskirts of New Detroit.

“How’d your journey go?” Jack asked as the truck bounced along the uneven road. “I was getting more then a little worried, you’re way overdue.”

“Well.” Sean said as he mustered his thoughts and then paused.

“I don’t want to know?” Steele said.

“You do actually. But I think the story would be better told once this whole thing is over and we’re sipping some of the doctor’s tequila. Suffice to say it was necessary to make the landing we did.”

“I see.” The captain answered wanting to press for more information but seeing the looks traded between Sean, Stile and Hemux and deciding not to. “At least you made it to the final party in time.”

“How big of a party are we walking into?”

“Don’t know for sure. What we do know is that the Klingons know that Sachen is on the way. We know there are operatives on the planet but not how many there are. Unfortunately there is a Bird of Prey enroute and will be arriving shortly. We’re assuming that its in response to our quarry. We also have a little matter of the Am-Tal.”

“Andorian security!” Sean exclaimed. “How’d they get involved?”

“I don’t know how they got involved but I can fill you in on my suspicions as to the why.” He continued on for a few minutes bringing the first officer up to speed on the Andorian connection.

“That’s just great.” Sean growled. “Our orders still stand?”

“They do. We are here to receive Dr. Sachen and return him to command.”

“If the Klingons get him first?”

“We try to take him out without revealing our identity. Its important to not start a war with Quonos.”

“And if the Am-Tal get him?”

Jack still hadn’t made a final decision on that one yet. “We *can’t* start a war with Andoria. With Vulcan gone any tension of that level would not be good for the Federation.”

“Then whoever sent the Am-Tal in should have thought of that.”

“Agreed.”

Gar looked back from the driver’s seat. “We’re approaching the space port.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Ugh..that was pretty crappy. But wanted to get something out.

Now, given the flurry of posts in the dying hours of 2009 I feel a little guiltily for asking…but it is my job after all….so how about some posts…we’re getting to the exciting bit!

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: It's Not Your Father’s Augment

by Steve Apple

SD: 2260.005

Scene: Truck on its way back to New Detroit.

Corbett said nothing as he listened to the exchange between Steele and Merrick. He agreed that their eventful trip was best discussed over a drink. Smiling to himself he bent back over the PAAD that Gar had handed him.

While the data was intriguing it was also absolutely horrifying. He would have to discuss the finer points with ARr'Rhiana later. This Bastard was good and had resources, that was for sure. The formulas in this article were breakthroughs in genetic engineering; however, something about this last gene replication sequence bothered him. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Come on Stile, think. Your Masters was in genetics so it shouldn’t be that hard. He said to himself staring at the PAAD, trying to make it tell him the secret by force of will.

“Doc you ok?” DeSimms asked. “You look like you got brain damaged, or something.”

Corbett looked over at the man his eyes narrowing. “What did you say?”

“I asked if you were ok.” DeSimms said. “That pod landing looked rough.”

“No you asked me something else.” Corbett said anger and frustration in his voice.

DeSimms not one to back down growled. “The way you were looking at that PAAD I thought maybe you had sustained brain damage.”

“That’s it.” Corbett yelled throwing the PAAD down and facing DeSimms. “You’re brilliant well at least brighter than you look.” He finished, smiling.

DeSimms ready for a fight wasn’t sure what had just happened. “Huh.”

“You see this DNA replication sequence,” Corbett yelled excitedly as he shuffled over to DeSimms with the PAAD. “Its unique in that it’s base pairs are a combination of both antiparallel DNA and RNA substitutions.”

“Okay.” DeSimms said completely unsure if Corbett had gone insane and needed to be subdued.

“No not okay.” Corbett screamed. “I wasn’t sure what the hell this was until you said the words brain damage.”

“Just what are you getting at doctor?” Steele asked warily.

“This gene sequence is what begins the process of neurulation, or creation of the embryonic CNS.”

“So what, isn’t that part of augmentation?” Gar asked from the driver’s seat not sure what Stile was getting at.

“This son of a bitch needs to be killed not captured, is what it means.”

“Stile slow it down.” Merrick said calmly. “You need to help us medically challenged folk with what in the hell you’re talking about.”

Corbett took a deep breath and began again. “I was reading one of Sachen’s articles. It was in one of the Romulan Medical Journals that Gar had down- loaded and it contained several genetic formulas.”

“Why would he put his formulas for creating an augment in a journal article?” ARr'Rhiana asked.

“Because he’s a genius and like all geniuses he lacks common sense.” Corbett shouted. “Don’t get me wrong ARr’Rhiana; you can’t make an augment from the bits and pieces he’s put in the article.”

“Alright then, what about them has you so excited?” She added.

“The article was about his revolutionary process of combining antiparallel DNA and RNA on the same strand.”

ARr'Rhiana’s eyes took on a fiery look as she began to understand the implications. “He found a way for 5-3 DNA to pair with 5-3 RNA so he can substitute whatever coding sequence he wants without facing an untranslated region.”

“Yes that’s what the paper was about.” Corbett answered. “However, he used his CNS formula as an example because it best exemplified his breakthrough.”

“Now how about saying that in a language we all might understand.” Steele demanded.

“What it means Cap is that he can give his augments any ability he wants. He can imbue them with super strength, endurance and intellect without…”

“I kind of thought that was what an augment was.” DeSimms interrupted. “I’m also not sure how my bringing up brain damage started all of this.”

“First off John you’re right, that is precisely what an augment is. As for the brain damage part, what is the one problem with augments?”

“Besides super ambition and ego,” Gar shot back.

“No that’s it.” Corbett nodded sadly. “The genetic code that was in the article made me think back to the early days of eugenics and what went wrong. Those who create the supermen and women of that time wanted robots not people with emotion and ambition. The code he showed in his paper could actually affect conscience and behavior.”

“Are you saying that he has found a way to make docile augments?” Merrick asked.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. The formula he has here changes the embryonic growth of the augments brain. Neuroanatomical structures which have been linked to certain behaviors have been stunted, or eliminated.”

“You got all that form a formula I don’t believe it.” DeSimms said shaking his head.

“Think about it John. How often is someone’s behavior altered after a severe head injury? We know that specific areas of the brain control certain behaviors and that brain damage can affect those areas and thus those behaviors.”

“Behavior is more complex than that.” Gar added.

“He’s found a way to genetically keep his augments from developing ambitions of their own.” Corbett said then added in a sterner voice. “Let me make this clear, not only can they can learn, adapt, and reason without conscience, but he has genetically and anatomically taken away their ability to rebel and self direct.”

“Are you telling me he has perfected the augment?” Steele asked.

“That’s precisely what I’m saying.”

<<<NRPG>>>

All,

I looked through the logs and didn’t find a reason why Dr. Sachen’s augment work would be any different then Arik Soong’s. I figured that there had to be a reason why this guy would be so important so I created one. I hope this is in keeping with the story line and if I have missed the mark please feel free to scrap this post.

Respectfully,

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: More Questions Less Answers

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.008

Scene: Enroute to the spaceport, New Detroit

<old>

“Are you saying that he has found a way to make docile augments?” Merrick asked.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. The formula he has here changes the embryonic growth of the augments brain. Neuroanatomical structures which have been linked to certain behaviors have been stunted, or eliminated.”

“You got all that form a formula I don’t believe it.” DeSimms said shaking his head.

“Think about it John. How often is someone’s behavior altered after a severe head injury? We know that specific areas of the brain control certain behaviors and that brain damage can affect those areas and thus those behaviors.”

“Behavior is more complex than that.” Gar added.

“He’s found a way to genetically keep his augments from developing ambitions of their own.” Corbett said then added in a sterner voice. “Let me make this clear, not only can they can learn, adapt, and reason without conscience, but he has genetically and anatomically taken away their ability to rebel and self direct.”

“Are you telling me he has perfected the augment?” Steele asked.

“That’s precisely what I’m saying.”

<new>

Jack leaned back against the side of the truck and replayed what he had just heard. The Romulan’s must be going insane thinking that they lost this madman. If what Stile was saying was true and Jack had no doubt it was based on the evidence the doctor had presented, Romulus was the worst place for a break through of this nature to happen. As far as he was concerned the only reason they hadn’t done something like this earlier was because they didn’t have the technical ability.

Creating augments wasn’t hard, the science after all had been around for centuries. What was hard was exactly as Stile had described it. Controlling them. Now, Romulus could create as many slaves as they needed to all the work they felt beneath them. But even that wasn’t the true horror, at least for the Federation. They could make soldiers in the millions all happy to go on whatever suicide mission there masters told them too. And they walk into the fire all fat and happy. The Federation could never stand up to something like that. No one could.

He wondered if the Klingons knew what they were after. Certainly he could never believe that they would fight their wars with flesh automatons. But they would see the threat that this science would provide.

So why had Sachen run? That didn’t make sense. The Romulans should be bending over backward for him. They should be showering him with credits and teams and facilities whatever it took to make him happy and keep him on the path to their new augment created future. Had he realized what he had done? Had the reality of the situation finally dawned on him and he realized his only chance was escape. Or had he been spirited away by those who feared what his creations would bring. There had to be some on Romulus who would see the reality.

“

What should he do if they could not capture Sachen?

<<<NRPG>>>

Just some internal questions and turmoil for Jack.

5 days til STO!

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Orders

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.009

Scene: Officer’s Mess, USS HOOD

Mark Compass sat alone in the officer’s mess enjoying his lunch content with the world. The past two days had been peaceful and he had enjoyed every second of them. The Engineering Teams from the Starbase had left the ship have come to the conclusion that they were no longer going to be able to push Compass around. They’d made it clear that reports would be filed and protests would be made but he was confident that he had done the right thing and the captain and engineer would back him. He’d also made peace with Lieutenant Steering or closer to the truth he had apologized for his actions and his she had, thankfully, accepted. They had quickly reintegrated themselves into the competenet team they had been for the past 6 months and he was more then a little surprised at how satisfying that feeling was. They’d spent the last two days working together to complete the minor repairs and upgrades that actually needed to be done. All that meant, he realized with no small amount of embarrassment, was that he had gotten over himself. And that was most satisfying of all.

Sipping his coffee he ran over the upcoming agenda. They had two more days before the crew returned and then another 12 hours beyond that before the captain and senior officers arrived. He wondered ideally as to what they were doing but he was more interested in what HOOD would be called to do once they were all back together. The last couple of missions had been a bit chaotic and he was hoping the next mission would be something more in the exploratory vein. That was why he had joined up after all and he was getting a little concerned that Command had decided that their new CONSTITUTION class vessels were to be utilized as war ships. He understood that they were the most powerful vessels in the quadrant but he sincerely hoped that they would not be seen solely as warships. Because they were so much more.

[Bridge to Commander Compass.] Mark raised an eyebrow not at the call but from the tone of Mr. Marconi. He sounded a bit stressed.

Setting his coffee down he strode over to the comm panel. “Compass here.”

[Commander we’ve just received new orders. All crew have been recalled effective immediately and HOOD to sail in 6 hours no exceptions. And I’ve been transferred.]

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Larry Hotchkiss and Angela Ornella

by Daniel Belin

Location: USS HOOD

Scene: Briefing Room A

T-5 Hours to USS HOOD Launch

"Gentlemen. I've been told that the Hood is launching in five hours. We are launching with full crew at 2330 hours," Compass turned to the only enlisted man in the room, Master Chief Petty Officer Larry Hotchkiss. He directed the next comment to him, "With our command crew missing, I have had to assign temporary Chief postions. Judging by your experience, Mr. Hotchkiss, I have chosen to put you in the Engineer's seat. As for the rest of you, you can assume you are the Chief of whatever division you happen to be a part of."

"Yessir. I will do my best sir," said Hotchkiss.

"Gentlemen, I do not care what you have to do. Break regulations, scrounge, use gum to insulate pipes. Whatever you do, I need this ship ready to launch in 4 hours."

Suddenly, a woman's voice rang out across the room, "I hope you are not going to do anything illegal."

Everyone looked in that direction. A slender woman in a very revealing civilian uniform was standing at the end of the table opposite from Compass. Most people sitting around the table may have found her attractive if she was not looking at them as if they were Neanderthals. Compass broke the silence, "And you are?"

"Agent Ornella with the Federation Military Affairs Office. I am here to monitor potentially illegal activities on board the Hood."

Hotchkiss rose from the table, shaking some crumbs off his bushy moustache. He said, "Well, I'm off to the Engine Room."

Compass nodded, and Hotchkiss moved to the door. Ornella followed suit and said to Compass, "I think I will go with him."

Hotchkiss was too much of a Starfleet tough guy to complain. However, his burly figure hunched down similar to when he was frustrated with a repair he did. It would be a long day for any mustache enthusiast with a 30 year record in Starfleet.

Ornella smirked. She was finally being put into action to stop the barbarism on these ships. She thought the only reason these enlisted were in Starfleet was because they were a bunch of dumb neanderthals who couldn't do any delicate work. And to think of once she got her hands on Steele, Corbett, and DeSimms. Those three were the antithesis of her optimal Starfleet officer, and she already knew what she'd recommend for the three of them.

NRPG: Putting some NPCs aboard the HOOD, since it appears to be moving into action.

--

Daniel Belin

playing

MCPO Larry Hotchkiss

Acting Engineer

USS HOOD

NCC-1703

and

Agent Angela Ornella

Starfleet Internal Affairs

USS HOOD

NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

USS HOOD: Girls Gone Arctic

by Lena Rose

SD: 2260.009

The racing snow machine finally can to a halt. Both women got off to stretch their arms and legs.

"Chica, I am freezing my ass off!" whined Claudia.

"What? It's beautiful and deliciously cold," Grinned Kiska pulling off her helmet and shaking free her long sleek hair.

Kiska suddenly began stripping out of her riding gear. Claudia who stood hugging herself trying to stay warm shrieked with shattering laughter, "What are YOU doing? You are going to freeze to death!"

Kiska only laughed and continued to strip till she was totally naked and then she ran across the snow barefoot. Claudia watched in shock as Kiska ran further away and then suddenly she just leaped into the air and disappeared.

"STOP …WAIT!" Claudia forgot all about being cold as she screamed at the top of her lungs and went running in the direction she had last seen Kiska. "KISKA!"

Suddenly she came to a ledge and all she could see was steam cloud rising in front of her. "KISKA!" she screamed with terror.

"Claudia! I am ok!" came Kiska's voice down below. "Get undress and jump in!"

The steam slightly parted and Claudia could see Kiska swimming. She crumpled to her knees heaving for air. "Ay, Dios Mio! I thought you got… hypothermia… lost your mind…fell into a frozen lake and drowning to your death."

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." Laughed Kiska. "Come on and get in. It's great for your muscles after a long ride. Therapeutic."

"I am going to need a mental therapist after the scare you just gave me!" snapped Claudia. "I about peed my pants!"

"Better than shitting them." Teased Kiska.

Claudia finally managed to stand up and get undressed. "Giiirl! You are one crazy Chica! Who in their right mind would take off their clothes in the artic and jump into water."

"People do it all the time! Besides the water is hot! Right up your alley" Kiska shouted.

"You wouldn't be lying, would you?" asked Claudia was shivering from head to toe.

"Of Course not…when have I ever lied to you?" asked Kiska as she treaded the steaming water.

Claudia hesitated and Kiska shouted, "Ay, Dios Mio! Would it be steaming if it were cold?"

Claudia made the sign of the cross before she jumped in.

An hour later…

Steam billowed up into the artic surroundings and completely enveloped the two women soaking in the hot spring and drinking wine.

"Now this is what I call living." Smiled Kiska as she flicked her wet hair back and took a deep breath of crisp cold air.

"I can't believe I almost missed this!" laughed Claudia as she took another sip of from her glass.

"Nothing like a soak in hot springs after a hard cold ride on the ice snow machine." Grinned the Alaskan woman.

"Now if we just had a couple of men to join us…" sighed Claudia. "Wonder what our first officer Merrick would do if he saw YOU now?"

"RUN the other way." Snorted Kiska. She wished it didn't bother her that he seemed to have a problem being around her but it did. The next time she saw him she was going to confront him. Whatever his problem was, he had better get over it if they were to work on the same ship. And if there was a problem she had ever right to know.

"What about Steele?" wickedly grinned Claudia.

"Captains are off limits as are first officers….chain of command and all" Replied Kiska briskly.

"Hell….Nobody obeys those rules…after all…we are all human and have human needs and desires," countered Claudia.

"Haven't you heard?" hiccupped Kiska. "We are to rise above our weaknesses."

"Not a senior officer rises above…instead they wallow in them," giggled Claudia

"You know the saying…Boys will be Boys." Laughed Kiska as she downed her sixth glass of wine.

Suddenly the officer's swim was interrupted.

[All Officers from USS HOOD are to report to duty immediately.]

Respectfully Submitted,

By Lena Rose

LTjg Kiska Saxman

Nurse

USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Old Skills

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.010

Scene: Global Exports Office, Arcturus

“Ready?” M’Lana asked her husband. It was time to head for the spaceport to capture the Romulan traitor and while she would never admit it she was beginning to feel nervous. She knew she was highly intelligent and had a head for the intrigue that came with an operation of this nature. Now that she had to go ‘out in the field’ she found much of her self assuredness had left her. More frustratingly her husband seeming to be relishing in the upcoming mission. It was a side of him she hadn’t seen in many years.

“We are.” He answered simply as he checked his weapon one last time.

“You have people in place?”

“Our escape ship is in orbit. The moment we grab the Romulan comm them with the control word and you will be beamed aboard. If I get to Sachen first I will wait two minutes for you to join me on the ship. Likewise should you snare our prey do not wait more then two minutes for me. The objective is to return this p’taq to the homeworld without any interference.”

“And if one of our enemies are victorious?”

“I have two snipers placed in the space port. They have orders to kill Sachen if they see him being spirited away by anyone other then us.”

“Do you trust these mercenaries?”

“I trust them to kill the Romulan if they are required to. But the rifle I gave each of them contains a micro-explosive. Whatever happens in three hours the rifles will explode.” Before she could voice her thought he waved it away. “The rifles I gave them are expensive enough that they will keep them with them. I also have the ability to trigger the charges remotely.”

“I’m impressed.” She said surprised that she actually meant it.

“I know you think I am a senile old fool. Perhaps I am. But there was a time, long ago, when I was a valued member of the Defence Force with a skill that was respected. It is good to use that skill again.” He rose from his chair. “Shall we go my dear?”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Dangerous Mind

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2261.010

Scene: Enroute to the spaceport, New Detroit

In the back of the truck on the way to the spaceport, Sean broke Jack's anxious musings.

"There might be a solution to Sachen that doesn't involve killing him." Sean said and he tapped his skull with his finger. Stile caught on immiadately

"Brain surgery isn't mah forte," the doc admitted. "I 'might' be able to figuah out how to selectively burn enough of the pathways to keep anyone else from piecing the formula back togethah. Can't guarantee what else it might do to man though."

"So much for working miracles," Merrick jabbed.

"And to be frank," Stile added, rubbing his chin, "We would need his full cooperation to do it right. In order to map the neurons coding the information, he'd have to think about the relevant work in all the contexts that he could remember it. Might be messier than I thought at first."

"OK, Just tell me my idea sucked and be done with it."

NRPG: Just scribbling.

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Its Different When its Real

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.010

Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD

“I’ve received clearance from the base for departure sir.” The CPO manning the communications station reported. Ensign Marconi had been transferred off with little notice to make room for HOOD’s new permanent COMM officer who, in pure bureaucratic style, had not actually reported to the ship yet.

“Moorings released.” Lieutenant Steering confirmed from the helm. For the time being she would retain her helmsman role but would also serve as Compass’ first officer.

For his part acting Captain Mark Compass looked up from the padd he had been pretending to read and handed it to Yeoman Greene. “Very well. Mr. Steering take us out, one quarter impulse.”

“One quarter impulse aye.” Steering confirmed. “We have cleared the dock.”

“Come to new course two four eight mark three. Increase to full impulse.”

“Helm answering new course and increasing to full impulse.”

“Departure angle please.”

“Departure angle aye.”

On the viewscreen the Starbase and the planet it circled fell away rapidly as HOOD increased speed. You could almost feel the momentum building as the power flowed through the great ship. It was like she felt relieved to be back out amongst the stars. Mark Compass felt anything but relief. Less then a week ago he had been given temporary command of the massive ship and he had acted like a child with a new toy. It was one thing to be command of a ship in spacedock. It was entirely different to be in charge when you were speeding towards the unknown. In this case the unknown being lurking Klingons and Romulans. He was suddenly very aware of the number of beings aboard ship. All whose lives now depended on how well he could do his job. It was a sobering thought. “Viewer ahead.”

“Viewer ahead aye.”

Thank God I made peace with Kim, he thought. At least he had someone who he knew he could rely on. HOOD was a good ship with a good crew. He knew the people were the best you could have. But he knew the missing officers would leave a large glaring void on the bridge. A void that he was painfully aware he could not hope to fill. But he and Kim would do there best. And chances are all they would have to do was hang around on the edge of the system until the captain called for transport.

“Approaching the edge of the system.” The assistant navigator reported.

“Increase speed to maximum warp.”

He hoped it would be that simple.

<<<NRPG>>>

Scott and I have a JP hopefully coming out tonight that will shed a bit more light on what is happening with HOOD… It takes place between my post Orders and this one.

Until the primary officers are back on board you can of course write for whoever is in command of your applicable departments…altho’ I don’t really see there being much action for HOOD, just getting her in place to end the mission and begin the next one. I know the away team and admiralty are worried the Romulan fleet are waiting in cloak but remember no one on Romulus knows Sachen is gone except the Intel agent who is chasing him…after he let him get away. ;-)

Also, I may get another post out tonight but that will be it for me for the next few days. I'll be around in NRPG but probably won't be RPing. Mon/Tues I've got some stuff to take care of and Wed/Thurs I'll be saving the Federation while playing Star Trek Online! (Woo Hoo) Back to work Friday so hopefully will be posting then ;-)

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Pieces in Place

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.010

Scene: Enroute to the spaceport, New Detroit

<old>

"And to be frank," Stile added, rubbing his chin, "We would need his full cooperation to do it right. In order to map the neurons coding the information, he'd have to think about the relevant work in all the contexts that he could remember it. Might be messier than I thought at first."

"OK, Just tell me my idea sucked and be done with it."

<new>

“Fah be it for me to point out something as demoralizing as that to my hierarchical superior officer.” Stile drolled.

“Well we likely won’t have to make that decision.” Jack answered. “We’re just the pick up crew. We catch him and turn him over to Command.”

“What do you think they’ll do with him?”

“I’d like to belive they’ll pick his brain and hide all the information in Memory ALPHA and then just set him up somewhere peaceful and out of the way and let him live out his years.”

“What do you really believe?”

“I’m trying not to think about it.”

Just then the back of the truck’s doors swung open and Gar and DeSims stood holding a coverall and ID badge for each member of the team.

“I don’t know if that colour works for me.” Stile complained.

Jack shook his head. “Alright its game time. Everyone suit up and lets get this over with as quick as we can.” Would the next few minutes seem them start a war, kill an ally or an ‘innocent’ enemy?

His communicator suddenly signaled and everyone froze. It took him a second to realize that he even still had it. “Go ahead.”

“Hello uh, Jack. Its Mark. I just wanted to let you know that our plans changed and I brought everyone with me. We’re close by and if you need us for a pick up we’re just a call away.”

“That’s good to hear Mark!” Jack said feeling so much better knowing HOOD was here. “We’ve got something to take care of but hopefully you’ll hear from us shortly. Talk to you later.”

“Well that’s good news.” Sean said for everyone.

<<<NRPG>>>

Just jumping the HOOD thread up to our own and getting all the pieces in place. I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.

JP still coming… ;-)

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Madre Especial

by Lena Rose

SD: 2261.010

Lt. Kiska Saxman and Lt. Claudia Mendoza struggled to maintain their dignity as they made their way to the USS HOOD. Both women had too much to drink while on shore leave never dreaming it would be cut so short.

They had managed to make it back on the ship before the after affects really hit Claudia Mendoza. As the walked down a corridor, Claudia stopped abruptly causing Saxman to collide into her and sending them to the ground. "Ay! Run me over why don't you!"

"Sorry," Snapped Kiska collecting herself off the floor. "Get your brake lights fixed!"

"Brake lights? What the hell are brake lights…" huffed Claudia in confusion as she struggled to get up but couldn't. "Don't just stand there. Help me up!"

Kiska began to laugh as she pulled her friend to her feet, "You need to get to sickbay and have Mother give her special."

"Ahhhh…. Un especial." Repeated Claudia in a heavy accent.

"It always sings away the cobwebs and blues." Grinned Kiska as she supported her friend as she headed them in the right direction. "Let's Go! Vamanos!"

Suddenly Claudia began to sing a Latin tune with gusto as she tried to dance a salsa with Kiska who struggled to keep her friend on her feet and keep her quiet. She clapped her hand over Mendoza mouth.

"Shussssh!" ordered Kiska trying not to laugh.

"What?" whispered Claudia. "You want to take the lead?"

"No!"

"Ok, then I take the lead."

"NO!"

Claudia stopped trying to dance and got serious. "Look somebody has to lead other wise you can't dance."

"I don't want to dance." Sighed Kiska.

"Chica, jyou know somethin…I thin you are drrrunk." Breathed Claudia into Kiska face. Kiska grimaced.

"I need to get your ass to sickbay immediately." Groaned Kiska as she wrapped Claudia arm over her shoulder and gripped her waist and rushed as fast as she could to sickbay.

"To Madre sickbay and her especial!" sang out Claudia.

Respectfully Submitted,

By Lena Rose

LTjg Kiska Saxman

Nurse

USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Discussions of the Brass Kind - JP

by Scott Lusby and Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.010

MD: Before "It's Different When It's Real"

Setting: Admiral Carstairs' Office, Starbase 6

"What's their status?" the Admiral sitting across from Carstairs asked- an admiral who happened to be wearing an intelligence division insignia on his breast instead of the normal chevron of a Starfleet officer.

"Two hours to go and a little over 93% of the crew has beamed back aboard. More then I expected given the short notice," Admiral Carstairs responded flatly.

"Oh I don't know, these CONSTITUTION ships are supposed to have the best of the best. I won't be surprised if they sail fully loaded," the other admiral added. Then, his tone changed to something darker, and his brow furrowed. "They better be the best; I'm not sure about this. They could be sailing into disaster."

Carstairs countered. "Steele and his officers could also be walking into a disaster."

"Better to lose six officers then a heavy cruiser, especially one of those." Admiral Donets answered coldly.

"How'd you feel about the Romulans taking the command crew hostage? That's almost as bad as getting their hand on the ship. Their chief engineer could probably build one himself if he had the time. Don't think the Romulans won't wring that information out of him," Carstairs replied. He was starting to get a little annoyed at the sangfroid of the intelligence man Donets.

"If the Romulans are even there. They aren't going to start a war over this."

"Is that what your intelligence says, Admiral?" Carstairs said now, eyebrow raised. "You know what they're losing. There is no way they are going to let that guy walk into our hands. If the rolls were reversed and I was in charge, I'd send the whole damn fleet. Arcturus is far enough away that they could take out HOOD and we would never know until it was far too late to do anything about it." He sighed heavily. "We should have sent the ship in or at least had it close by."

"We're doing that now," Donets responded, his tone still flat, emotionless.

Carstairs shook his head, and replied hotly. "Don't pretend this is some sort of master plan, Admiral- this thing was thrown together from the get go. It started off as simple pick up of a low-level Romulan defector- that's how you pitched it to me, when you needed MY men to go in. But that wasn't the WHOLE truth, now was it? This is no low-level defector- this has turned into a race between every major power in the quadrant to catch or kill one of the most destabilizing individuals since Colonel Green. And it's MY people that are going to get left holding the bag assuming they even survive it."

Donets' reply this time had some bite to it- but not enough to match Carstairs'. "Well now they're going to have backup. All they have to do is pick Sahen up and get out of Dodge. We've given them the ability to do so. And if things crap out they'll have the means to make sure they're safe and no one else gets Sahen either."

Carstairs just sighed. There was little more he could say. Truth be told, he was happy HOOD was getting sent in. He just didn't like the way the whole thing was shot together. "Let's get this over with." He reached out and turned on his desk terminal. "Get me HOOD's CO." Seconds later an anxious looking commander stared out from the screen. "How's the recall coming Commander?"

[Very well, Admiral. Crew complement is approaching 95%. We still have stragglers reporting in but even if no one else makes it aboard we don't have any serious gaps. HOOD will be ready to go as ordered.]

"Good. I will forward you your orders before you sail but let me go over them with you now." It took 30 seconds for the admiral to review the orders he had given Captain Steele. "Your orders are to take HOOD and put her on the edge of the Arcturan system. Once there you will make contact with Captain Steele and support his operation. You can expect to see Romulan and Klingon ships in system. You are not to initiate hostilities but if things get hot defend HOOD and do your best to retrieve Steele and his team. But if your position is untenable you are to withdraw. Captain Steele and his team are expendable; HOOD is not. Clear?"

Compass did his best not to stammer. [Yes sir.]

"Is there anything you need before you sail?"

Compass hesitated for a brief moment. [Admiral- there is a Agent Ornella from Military Affairs Office aboard?]

The admiral shot his companion a withering glare. "Agent Ornella is there to follow up on some complaints. You and your crew are to treat her with the utmost respect and aide where necessary." Now, Carstairs faced Donets squarely as he spoke to compass. "However, she is not in your chain of command and has absolutely no authority over anyone aboard. She will make recommendations when her mission is complete so she is not someone you want to cross. But let me be perfectly clear: until you are relieved by someone in your chain of command or by me, YOU are in command. Is that clear, Commander?"

Compass managed to keep most of the color from draining from his face. [Perfectly, Admiral- HOOD out.]

Donets' own face was a deep shade of purple at the moment. "Admiral, that is completely unnecessary- Ornella is only--"

Carstairs cut him off; he was done cow-towing to the Judge Advocate or Intelligence, regardless of what was happening- especially in his own office. "Admiral Donets, Agent Ornella doesn't belong on that ship- not with the kind of 'evidence' I've seen. Furthermore, she is not YOUR responsibility: she is a JAG asset, not yours; Star Fleet Intelligence has no jurisdiction and no business meddling in JAG affairs."

Carstairs paused for a second to catch his breath- and his temper- before continuing. "If I get wind that you were the one to bring JAG into this mess for the purposes of making it easier to force my people into this reckless, ill-begotten mission, I will see that you are formally charged for your illegal activities. Now, if you please, I have a starbase to run and a ship to bring home- with everyone accounted for, if at all possible. Good day, Admiral."

Donets, behind a face so purple it looked about to pop, looked about to protest further...but the tone in Carstairs' dismissal and the expression on HIS face left no room for one. Instead, as he turned, all he said was "We'll see about that, Admiral."

Carstairs watched the man depart his office, and felt certain that one of them would, indeed, "see about that."

<<NRPG>>

Just finishing off that JP Andy had me working on.

Andy- I hope you don't mind that I named that other admiral... :)

Respectfully Submitted,

- Scott Lusby

/\ VADM Joseph Carstairs

Commanding Officer

Starbase 6

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

AND

- Andy Catterick

/\ RADM Georgi Donets

Star Fleet Intelligence

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Explaining the Orders

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.011

Scene: Admiralty Office

“What’s their status?”

“Two hours to go and a little over 93% of the crew has beamed back aboard. More than I expected given the short notice.”

“Oh I don’t know, these CONSTITUTION ship’s are supposed to have the best of the best. I won’t be surprised if they sail fully loaded.”

“They better be the best I’m not sure about this. They could be sailing into disaster.”

“Steele and his officers could also be walking into a disaster.”

“Better to lose six officers then a heavy cruiser, especially one of those.” He answered coldly.

“How would you feel about the Romulan’s taking the command crew hostage? That’s almost as bad as getting their hands on the ship. Their chief engineer could probably build one himself if he had the time. Don’t think the Romulans won’t wring that information out of him.”

“If the Romulan’s are even there." He looked up from the pile of reports he'd been rummaging through. "They aren’t going to start a war over this.”

“You don’t think so? You know what they think they could have, what they are potentially losing. There is no way they are going to let that guy walk into our hands. If the roles were reversed I’d send the whole damn fleet" He paused for a few seconds and stared through the viewport out at the distant stars. "Arcturus is far enough away that they could take out HOOD and we would never know. We should have sent the ship in or at least had it close by.”

“We’re doing that now.”

“Don’t pretend this is some sort of master plan." He replied incredulously. "This thing was thrown together from the get go. It started off as simple pick up of a low level Romulan defector. To a race amongst every major power in the quadrant to catch or kill one of the most destabilizing individuals since Colonel Green. And it's my people that are going to get left holding the bag assuming they even survive it.”

“Well now they’re going to have backup. All they have to do is pick Sachen up and get out of Dodge. We’ve given them the ability to do so. And if things crap out they’ll have the means to make sure they’re safe and no one else gets Sachen either.”

The admiral just sighed. There was little more he could say. Truth be told he was happy HOOD was getting sent in. He just didn’t like the way the whole thing was shot together. “Let’s get this over with.” He reached out and turned on his desk terminal. “Get me HOOD’s CO.” Seconds later an anxious looking commander stared out from the screen. “How’s the recall coming Commander?”

[Very well admiral. Crew complement is approaching 95%. We still have stragglers reporting in but even if no one else makes it aboard we don’t have any serious gaps. HOOD will be ready to go as ordered.]

“Good. I will forward you your orders before you sail but let me go over them with you now.” It took 30 seconds for the admiral to review the mission HOOD's senior staff were currently embroiled in. He noted that Commander Compass did a somewhat admirable job of keeping the shock off his face. Most of it anyway. “Your orders are to take HOOD and put her on the edge of the Arcturan system. Once there you will make contact with Captain Steele and support his operation. You can expect to see Romulan and Klingon ships in system. If you do identify ships from those two Star Nations." He paused searching for the right turn of phrase. "Or any other, you are not to initiate hostilities but if things get hot defend HOOD and do your best to retrieve Steele and his team. But if your position is untenable you are to withdraw. Captain Steele and his team are expendable HOOD is not. Clear?”

Compass did his best not to stammer. [Yes sir.]

“Is there anything you need before you sail?”

[Admiral there is a Agent Ornella from Military Affairs Office aboard?]

The admiral shot his companion sitting on the other side of his desk out of Compass' view a withering glare. “Agent Ornella is there to follow up on some complaints. You and your crew are to treat her with the utmost respect and aide her where necessary. However she is not in your chain of command and has absolutely no authority over anyone aboard. She will make recommendations when her mission is complete so she is not someone you want to cross. But let me be perfectly clear that until you are relieved by someone in your chain of command you are the commanding officer of the HOOD and she has no authority to issue any orders to you or any member of your crew. Nor does she have any powers of arrest or the ability to detain. Don't take her lightly Commander, her after mission recommendations will carry a lot of weight and can certainly put a large roadblock on someone's career but don't let her try to intimidate you or push you around. She will certainly try."

[I understand admiral.]

The admiral nodded curtly. "Good. Well I believe you have some duties to attend to Commander so I won't keep you. Good luck."

With the viewer off he turned to his companion. "The deal was you wouldn't be sending any IA officers aboard until the conclusion of this mission."

He shrugged. "Its out of my hands."

"Out of my hands? Do I look like a first year cadet? I don't know who is yanking your leash but there was a time when you used to understand that we were on the same team."

<<<NRPG>>>

Well this started out as my post then there was talk of it being a JP between me and Scott and then Scott blew us all off for his CONNIE friends. I know, I know, you're all thinking . Wow!, Scott really sucks...well you're right but lets be fair someone has to pad CONNIE and try to make her look good. So I guess we have to give him some leeway...even if he sucks.

-) Sometimes its just too much fun.

Anyway, as I said earlier this post fits in about 2 or three posts ago and just provides a bit more info about whats going on on the HOOD side of things. As for our Internal Affairs agent I hope none of your departmental staff piss her off. :-) But please lets not go overboard and have arrests and commandeered ships....

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Magic Potion

by Lena Rose

SD: 2261.017

Kiska quickly deposited Claudia on the nearest biobed and ordered, "Claudia, STAY here."

Kiska slightly staggered to the medcart and grabbed two hypos and filled them with the `magic potion' Mother had created for such occasions. She immediately gave herself the miracle juice. "Thank you Mother!" she softly mumbled.

Then she headed back to her friend and found her flopped over and snoring softly with her mouth open. She grinned as hypoed and then shook her awake. "Wake up Claudia."

"Whaaaat?" Claudia asked confused for a moment as she sat up. "Where am I?"

"Sickbay." tossed Kiska over shoulder as she replaced the hypos back on the stand.

"Ay, Dios Mio! What kind of wine was that?" she asked sliding off the biobed. "I never get drunk."

Kiska flushed, "It's a secret recipe passed down from generation to generation from my father side of the family. "

"Are you trying to kill me?" Teased Claudia.

"Now why would I do a thing like that?" laughed Kiska. "Feeling better?"

Claudia paused for a moment and took stock of herself. "Si, as a matter of fact…I feel better than ever!"

"Good," replied Kiska as she reached for a padd and tap the buttons. "You best report in."

"Adios Chica!" exclaimed Claudia as she exited sickbay.

Kiska nodded and then shook her head and turned back to padd in her hand. It was time to get back to work once again.

Respectfully Submitted,

By Lena Rose

LTjg Kiska Saxman

Nurse

USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Confrontation

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2261.017

Timeframe: After Andy's post "Pieces in Place"

Setting: Maintenance Corridor, New Detroit Spaceport

Lieutenant Commander Gar Th'elenth poked his head out around the corner, his antennae swept forward, acting as miniature animate sensors, enhancing his sight, hearing and sense of smell all at once. An Andorian's antennae were really quite sophisticated appendages: they made an Andorian's sight quadriscopic, heightening depth perception and enhancing reception of color; they gave an Andorian much greater sensitivity to sound; they gave an Andorian a sense of smell that rivaled a Terran canine's.

In the direction they pointed.

So, while Andorians were remarkably difficult to hide from, they **were** susceptible to being caught unawares from behind, as their antennae didn't point that way.

So it was no surprise- to anyone except Gar, that is- that an agent of the caliber of Avae Zh'sharav was able to sneak up behind Gar and startle him so badly he nearly shot the beautiful Am-Tal agent point blank with a phaser on stun.

"You're lucky you're not unconscious," Gar hissed, lowering his phaser.

Avae shrugged. "You wouldn't shoot me," she said, her tone strong, confident.

The HOOD's engineer harrumphed. "Don't count on it," he replied. "We're not mated."

Most non-Andorians would have taken that comment to be an insult, but in this case it was a simple statement of fact: mated Andorians protected one another even more vigorously than other races protect their children, even above their OWN children or parents.

As such, Avae brushed aside the statement. "Have you given any thought to our...conversation earlier?"

Gar now turned his entire body to face her. "I have," he said. "And you know I can't."

Zh'sharav's antennae flattened to her head, much like a cat's ears when angry- which, ironically, meant the same thing with An Andorian's antennae. "How can you say that? You KNOW what he is, what kind of information he has in his brain. We cannot let him live!"

"And that is not a decision for us!" Gar retorted. "That is for a jury to decide."

"Are you so sure that your Council will turn him over to the authorities?"

Gar's brow furrowed, and his antennae twitched. "It's YOUR council too- remember, Andoria is PART of the Federation, not a rogue planet. And I have faith this whole operation," he added, gesticulating with his hands, "isn't simply to bring an amoral man to work for us. I can't believe ANY Federation group would do that. If I did, I shouldn't be wearing the uniform."

Avae smirked. "In point of fact, you AREN'T wearing the uniform."

Gar shook his head. "Look- all I am going to say is this: I am going to follow my orders. Either you are going to help us, or not."

Avae met his gaze, and her stance stiffened. "I have my orders too, Gar," she said quietly.

At that moment, she brought up a disruptor she had been hiding behind her back. Gar raised his phaser- perhaps a millisecond late...

...but it mattered not.

A phaser blast came from nowhere, striking Avae square in the back. She collapsed hard to the floor, her disruptor flying from her hand and landing at Gar's feet.

Gar grabbed the disruptor; at the same instant, John DeSimms walked out from around a corner behind the Am-Tal agent.

"Been wanting to do that since this afternoon," the Security man said.

Gar's antennae twitched again, and his brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

DeSimms looked down at the prone Am-Tal agent. "Agent Zh'sharav and I had a little 'talk' after the two of you played touchy-feely in the hotel lobby," he said.

Gar walked over to Zh'sharav's prone form, looking intently at his former lover. Then, he met DeSimms' stare, and his eyes burned cold fury; he knew exactly what kind of "talk" he had had with Avae. "You and I will finish this later," he said, his antennae swept back flat on his head. "We have a job to do first- but this isn't over, pinkskin," HOOD's Engineer/Second Officer growled.

Th'elenth nodded at Avae's body. "Bind her and get her out of here before someone notices her- put her somewhere she can't get out from and interfere with us." He paused, and stepped so that he was less than a foot from the Security man's face, and spoke in tones so cold that it could have frozen ice. "If she dies, you are going to wish you died as well."

At that, Gar spun on his heels and marched off, hastily turning the corner and stepping into the spaceport proper before he completely lost control of his emotions- and his actions.

<<NRPG>>

Just pushing things forward. I wonder what Avae's fate will be here...

Daniel- don't take this personally; our characters have been leading up to something like this since your torture post. Put Avae where you want, but please do NOT kill her off. I have plans for her yet.

Respectfully Submitted,

-- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer/2O

USS HOOD NCC-1703

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOO: It Can't Be This Easy

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.017

Scene: Freighter in orbit of Arcturus

“We’re here.” One of the crewman said as a way of breaking into Sachen’s thoughts.

Sachen tried not to laugh at the useless information. The fact that the large orange planet filled the viewport had made that bit of news abundantly clear for sometime now. The Romulan had been staring at the planet since it had become visible. He knew he would likely only be there for a very brief time but it represented his new home, a new way of life. Freedom. He had never seen a free planet before. It looked like any number of worlds that he had encountered. But it was also very different. He couldn’t really explain why that was. He just knew it to be true. “What do I do now?”

“We are preparing our shuttle. In a few minutes you and three of my crew will take the shuttle down to the main space port and we will hand you over to agents of the Federation. After that you are in their care.” The last statement clearly sounded like ‘you are their problem.’ This time the Romulan did chuckle. “Do you know these agents? Have you worked with them before? Can I trust them?” He felt foolish asking these questions. At this point he had no other options but his nervousness was getting the better of him.

The small alien shook his head. “No. Each time it is different, safer that way.” He shrugged. “I have a secure communication device that will contact them. Once we are in the spaceport I will call, they will tell me where they are and we will meet.” He added matter of factly before handing over the cloak. “Here put this on.” When Sachen had pulled the hood over his head he followed his handler down to the shuttle. It wouldn’t be much longer now.

///

It looked like any spaceport he had been to in the past save for one very large difference, the multitude of species that milled around its confines. He had been here barely five minutes and he had already given up trying to count all the races that surrounded him. He simply could not comprehend the diversity. And this was a border world, what must one of the Federation Core Worlds be like?

“I have made contact.” The lead handler said as he joined the rest. “Stay close to me.” He waited for Sachen to nod agreement and then the small party headed out into the bustle of the busy spaceport.

///

It just didn’t look right. Jack thought as he looked out into the spaceport. He nudged Sean and nodded his head toward a small group walking quickly towards another small group. The scene replayed itself throughout the spaceport but there was just something that didn’t sit right in this example.

Sean took in the sight and nodded in agreement. “What do you think?”

“I think our quarry is about to get poached.” He answered sourly. This wasn’t going to be good. He paused for a second and flipped open his communicator. “Hey Mark its Jack. Listen I think we may need to leave sooner then we thought. Can you get here right away?”

“Sure Jack no problem.” Commander Compass’ worried voice replied. “We’re on our way.”

“Great, see you soon.” He turned back to Sean. “Ok here’s how this is going to go….”

<<<NRPG>>>

Here we go….

Scott: Good post!

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: More Speed Now!

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.017

Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD

“Red alert!” Compass ordered as soon as the comm channel with the captain was closed. “Helm take us in, full impulse.”

“Full Impulse aye.” HOOD leapt ahead from where she had been silently drifting only moments ago. “ETA to transporter range now 8.2 minutes.”

Compass concealed the frown that he felt at the reminder of the length of time it would take to travel to the planet. A direct route would be much quicker but he had reasoned that if there were cloaked ships out there a direct route may walk into an ambush if things went south. And with the captain’s call it didn’t sound like things were going to plan. Not that it was much of a surprise. It was always a balance he thought. That was probably the most essential lesson he tended to encounter when ever he commanded in a situation such as this. He tried very hard to ignore the fact that this time was the first time when the situation was real and not just an interesting training scenario. It was imperative that he got to Arcturus in time to beam the captain and senior staff out before they became overwhelmed by whatever it was they were facing. But it was vital to protect the ship and its crew. Unfortunately sometimes they were not mutually achievable goals. He hoped this would not be one of those times because he knew what the text book said the smart play was but that didn’t necessarily make it the most palatable one.

“Sensor contact sir!”

“Report!” He demanded.

“Edge of the system commander, opposite to us. Ninety-five percent probability it’s a Klingon Bird of Prey.”

“And she’s not cloaked?”

“Her drive appears to be red-lined sir. She’s traveling 15% faster then documented specs.”

“Whats here ETA to the planet?”

There was a brief pause. “We’ll beat her by 87 seconds.”

“Navigator, plot a new course. I don’t want a direct course in but I do want to get there two minutes sooner. Helm lay in the course as soon as its available.” He jabbed at the comm button on his armrest. “Engineering I need more speed now!”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Reports Were True

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.017

Scene: Bridge IKV DAGGER

“Captain! Federation cruiser in system.”

“Show me.” He prayed it was one of the new ships Starfleet had constructed. He had heard many lies about these new monstrosities and he looked forward to seeing one. Perhaps he would be able to test it in battle. One good thing though was the prescence of the Federation warship meant it likely that he had not been sent on a fool’s errand. “We will beat the ship to the planet.” He commanded and watched with concealed dismay as his helm officer and navigator traded a look which clearly said they would be late. “Or one of you will be demoted.” He growled. He took a moment to look around the bridge to see if there any challenges. Unsurprisingly there were none. His officers knew they had little chance at succeeding. And, more to the point it did not effect most of them.

Satisfied that he had made the food chain abundantly clear to all he stepped down from his command dais and moved over to the tactical station. He nodded in approval seeing his first officer was viewing scans of the Starfleet cruiser. “Report.”

“Scans are only partial at this distance but it is a formidable ship. Very powerful. Still much emphasis on science.” He cursed. “But formidable.” Like her captain, she hoped to have the opportunity to meet this ship in battle. But she was smart enough to know this Bird of Prey could not do it alone. She pointed at one of the readouts. “The power output is stronger then anything we have seen. Their weapon systems and defensive shields must be,” she paused but could not find a better word. “formidable.”

“Perhaps.” The captain finally answered. “But Federation weaklings will not know what to do with it.” He watched as his exec laughed in agreement. Fortunately for her she had not seen the reports of what this very ship had done to a supposedly superior Klingon squadron. Looking back at the scans he began to understand. Not that he could ever admit it.

The bridge was too quiet he realized. Stomping back to his command chair he bellowed at his engineer. “More speed!”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commading,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Here's How It Went Down

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2261.018

Scene: New Detroit Spaceport

Sachen was on the verge of believing that he was going to make it. Ruthlessly he surpressed the legions of firemoths dancing in his stomach when he spotted the trio of Andorians marching straight for him. His Federation contacts? He had expected humans, but Andorians would do just fine as long as they were there to take him someplace safe.

The talest of the Andorians stopped in front of Sachen and smiled. "Welcome to New Detroit. Doctor?"

Sachen immediately picked up the uncertainty in the question. Romulan instincts kicked in. "I'm sorry," Sachen said with bewilderment. "Can I help you?"

Two of the Andorians looked at each other. The talker pressed on. "Dr. Sachen we have precious little time."

Again, something urged him to evade. "Sir, you must have me confused with someone else. I am no doctor. And my name is Gri'tov. Now I thought *you* were here to take me to the hotel, but seems my expectations of my good host was either in error or there is somone else here I should be looking for. Good day to you." He made to move past when the tall Andorian grabbed his arm and yanked off the cloak's hood, exposing Sachen's pointy ears.

The Andorian hissed in delight. Sachen only had a startled moment to absorb that he was truly going to die now despite all his hopes and trepidations. Presently he heard a knife being unsheathed and before he could open his mouth to cry for help ... the Andorian let go.

There was someone new standing beside the Andorian. A human.

"Wide beam. Don't bother." Sean said coldly to the Andorians. To the Romulan he added, "Dr. Sachen, I'm Commander Merrick. Sorry for the inconvenience, but your ride is now here."

NPRG: This has truly been one the most, if not the most fun threads I've had the pleasure to read and contribute to in ASR. Glad I could be a part of it. The HOOD truly has a fantastic team of writers. Scott included. ;-)

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Take them!

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.018

Scene: Spaceport, New Detroit

K’Temec watched from a concealed location the communicator brushing his lips, waiting for the command. Andorians and Humans stood glaring at each other while both held and arm to the newly disrobed Romulan. It was a good thing they had played out their scene and drew his attention. He had been certain he had identified the Romulan defector on the other side of the space port but had clearly been wrong. So, the Andorians and Humans fighting over the Romulan defector that could only mean this traitor was worth more then he had originally thought. That was good, not only would he get off this rock he would be promoted as well, especially when he reported the obvious cracks in the relations of two of the Federation’s founding members.

He had a thought. “Switch weapons to stun.” He ordered. Perhaps he could bring a Human and Andorian. What a coup that would be. They would call him a genius.

He watched as the human waved what was certainly a concealed weapon and the small group began to walk towards a secluded corner or the spaceport.

He held his breath and waited before giving the order. “Take them!”

Across the spaceport Sean Merrick and one of the Andorians suddenly dropped to their knees and fell over. Then all hell broke loose.

<<<NRPG>>>

Can’t be that easy.

Hopefully a few of us are around tonight and we can write out this extraction/free for all. Should be good fun! But lets keep it in the finest traditions of Starfleet…ie I don’t want any of our characters drummed out of the service for breaking up the Federation or starting war with the Klingons J

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Firefight

by Daniel Belin

DeSimms saw Sean go down, and stood up violently. He raised his disruptor to hip level, and aimed at a tight cluster of Romulans who were advancing with disruptor pistols. He put down a volley of fire, hitting all of them squarely in the chest. Suddenly, the whole shuttleport seemed to pull a gun. The five remaining Starfleet officers moved to Merrick's body, and knocked over some tables and comm booths for cover.

Norm, bless his heart, started shooting with the EM Rail Gun. The first shot made a crater at a Klingon's foot. Stile and DeSimms were supressing the Romulans and Klingons, who were firing blind from cover. Steele got on the hook and called the Hood, "Where the hell are you Mark, we are getting massacred over here?"

<<One minute to transporter Range>>

"Get into Orbit and beam us up!"

"Oh shit, don't let the Hood into orbit!" yelled DeSimms, still shooting, "Look at the defense net for Arcturus!"

"Whats going on," asked Steele, tearing off a piece of his tunic that was burnt by a phaser.

"Three Romulan dropships and one Bird of Prey just decloaked."

"Dropships? With Troops on them?" asked a startled Corbett, "Sweet Diamond J. Philips! how many troops are we looking at?"

DeSimms fired his disruptor again, "Anywhere from 60 to 100."

The three of them let out a collective groan. Steele put out a message to the Hood, "Do not engage the Bird of Prey unless fired upon. We don't want to start a war here."

DeSimms comandeered the communicator, "This is DeSimms. Tell my second-in-command in security to put together a strike force, Contingency Delta."

<<Understood>>, said the harried voice of Compass, right before the communicator was shot right out of DeSimm's hand and skittered to the other end of the terminal.

NRPG: I think the Romulans won't engage the Hood. However, I am guessing that 60 Romulans and maybe 100 Starfleet personnel will make for an interesting battle on the ground. I will try to get a post out about the Strike Team being assembled. Cant wait to see where this goes.

--

Daniel Belin

Lt. John DeSimms

SEC Officer

USS HOOD

NCC-1703

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Who's in Charge Here?

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.018

Scene: Spaceport, New Detroit

<old>

"Three Romulan dropships and one Bird of Prey just decloaked."

"Dropships? With Troops on them?" asked a startled Corbett, "Sweet Diamond J. Philips! how many troops are we looking at?"

DeSimms fired his disruptor again, "Anywhere from 60 to 100."

The three of them let out a collective groan. Steele put out a message to the Hood, "Do not engage the Bird of Prey unless fired upon. We don't want to start a war here."

DeSimms comandeered the communicator, "This is DeSimms. Tell my second-in-command in security to put together a strike force, Contingency Delta."

<<Understood>>, said the harried voice of Compass, right before the communicator was shot right out of DeSimm's hand and skittered to the other end of the terminal.

<new>

Jack did his best not to tear a strip off the young security lieutenant. That would have to come later when the battle was over and all were safely aboard ship. But Jack had told Desimms on his first day that he was concerned the special ops soldier would not be able to make the transition to life in the navy. Although he had a hard time believing that it would be acceptable to wrestle a communicator from your commanding officer. But this was not the first time he had superseded his authority. Perhaps it was a lack of respect and that was just as bad.

But not something to worry about now, he thought as he aimed a burst of phaser fire at a large statue that towered above several Romulans. It exploded into dozens of fragments, large enough to impede them but not kill them. He wasn’t going to be responsible for starting a war with Romulus. At least they fired first he kept telling himself. He turned back to the rest of the team. “The mission is to get Sachen. As soon as you grab him beam up immediately and have HOOD start beaming up everyone else. GO!”

For his part the captain ducked low and raced out into the mayhem. It reminded him of his last mission as HOOD’s first officer, when he had watched his captain die. Running from cover to cover he finally dove and slid across the spaceport floor come to a crashing halt as he collided with Sean’s body. He was happy to hear a groan from his first officer and for the first time he let the thought through that his friend could have been dead.

“What happened?” Sean asked groggily as Jack pulled him behind a row of vending machines.

“Just another day at work.” Jack said as he placed Sean’s phaser into his hand before jamming a hypo into his neck. “You and one of the Andorians were hit by a sniper, on stun I’d say. After that a hundred Romulans dropped in to make sure Sachen had a secure ride home.” He bobbed up to take a few more shots at some approaching soldiers. “HOOD’s in transporter range and DeSimms has called in the cavalry. I’d like to get Sachen and beam out of here before we bring more bodies down and make this thing bigger then it needs to be. Of course the Romulans might not agree.”

“Where is Sachen?” Sean asked feeling the energy the hypo had given him start to flow through his veins. “If it was the Romulans who led him away they’d be gone by now.” Merrick reasoned as he stun three more Romulans. “I’d say Klingons.”

“I agree. But being so inconspicuous is really not their style.”

“There!” Sean shouted pointing at a huddled Romulan hiding behind a food counter panic clearly on his face.

Jack nodded. “Let’s go”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Gang's All Here

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.018

Scene: Spaceport, New Detroit

K’Temec watched as his dreams of the future came crashing down around him. At the first sign of the Romulans his paid team had flung Sachen to the floor and ran for the door. He knew they were not trust worthy but he had paid them well and explained in painstaking detail what would happen to them if they had failed. Apparently dozens of Romulan troops had provided a greater and more imminent threat. At least his snipers remained, he grunted in amusement as he watched another Romulan go down. He knew it wouldn’t last long Romulans were anything but stupid and soon they would realize where the hidden enemy lurked and kill them.

Perhaps if the battle became violent enough it would trigger a war between Romulus and the Federation. He was certain the humans were from the Federation, probably Starfleet. If that was the outcome and he could figure away to spin this as to his doing he might save himself yet. Sachen! He was the key. He had to find him and if he could not spirit him away then kill him and leave no trace. Romulus would blame Starfleet and the Federation would fear that Romulus would use this scientist to construct whatever loathsome weapon he had dreamt up. He pulled his disruptor ready to slink into the fray. This is what is life had become he thought sadly.

Suddenly he spun around in answer to the whine of the transporter beams behind him. His small corner of the spaceport was suddenly filled with a dozen Klingon warriors all holding a bat’leth. The largest strode forward. I have been ordered to assist you. What is the situation.”

Once again things had changed.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Catch and Release

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2261.018

Timeframe: immediately after Andy's post "The Gang's All Here"

Setting: Spaceport, New Detroit

Gar Th'elenth knew right where the Romulans- and Doctor Sahen- were. He could smell them.

Problem was that a dozen Klingons just beamed down in between him and his prey.

However, they appeared to be armed primarily with bat'leths which, while ferocious in close quarters, was not especially terrifying from a distance.

"Leave it to a Klingon to bring a bat'leth to a gun fight," he muttered as he took aim with his phaser and fired, in rapid succession. Six shots, five down and one winged. Another quick shot and winged one was stunned too.

The other six, however, as Klingons do, charged him. He could have stayed and fought...but chances were good he'd not get them all before they reached him. So, he ducked behind the bulkhead again, and back down the maintenance corridors.

He planned to double back around behind the Klingons and surprise the Romulans...if he could get tot hem before they either killed Sahen or beamed him off-planet.

Gar pushed deeper into the bowels of the spaceport, following the scent of his prey, phaser drawn and ready.

Suddenly, the aroma spiked in his antennae and his nose- Sahen was close.

A second later, he heard Sahen's captors speaking. He knew enough Vulcan to guess that it was Romulan being spoken, but he wasn't fluent enough to understand what they said.

It doesn't matter, he told himself. **You're not here to talk.**

Gar popped out from behind a baggage dolly, and stunned the two guards restraining Sahen, and then two others guarding the flanks. The rearguard, however, grabbed Sahen, and, pulling him tight, aimed a disruptor at Sahen's head.

The Andorian walked forward into the open directly towards the Romulan and Sahen, phaser pointing straight at the last Romulan's face in a classic tow-handed grip.

The Romulan spoke. "Drop your weapon or Sahen dies--"

Gar fired, and before he could finish his sentence the Romulan soldier was down on the ground, unconscious.

Gar moved forward and grabbed Sahen's arm. "Welcome to Arcturus, Doctor Sahen. If you will come with me, please, I'll escort you to safety."

The Andorian quickly keyed his wrist communicator as he led the doctor towards the rear of the baggage sorting area. "Gar here- I have Doctor Sahen. Where are you guys?"

"Don't move, Gar."

The Star Fleeter stopped short; he found himself staring down the barrel of an Andorian-model phaser, close enough to his face for him to notice it was set to kill.

And it was in the hands of the one person he felt certain, at this moment, wanted him dead at least as much as Doctor Sahen.

"Thank you for bringing Doctor Sahen safely to me, my dear," Avae Zh'sharav said with a smile that only looked disturbingly evil to Gar at the moment.

As she took his phaser from him, he held his hands up over his head, palms out.

Where the hell is the cavalry? he wondered.

<<NRPG>>

Just adding my part to this little game here...

I think there's still some Romulans around, and probably an angry Klingon or two, maybe a humiliated Klingon...

...but I'd REALLY appreciate it if someone would find me. Even if it is Commander Compass.

Respectfully Submitted,

-- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer

USS HOOD NCC-1703

AND

Avae Zh'sharav Am-Tal Operative

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Day at the Office

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2261.018

Scene: New Detroit Spaceport

[FLASHBACK TO JUST BEFORE SEAN AND ANDORIAN ARE STUNNED]

The Andorian flushed deep blue with rage. "Do you think you will be allowed to leave here alive pink skin?"

"Keep your mouth shut or I guarantee you won't be around to find ..."

And suddenly Sean felt an overwhelming urge to take a nap. What felt like an hour later, he woke to a dreadful headache and his old pal Jack poking him with a hypo. Moments later they were sighting their Romulan quary across the room and cursing DeSimms for letting the Captain's commo get shot to pieces. Sean let lose an impressive stream of curses when he realized his own had been pick pocketed in the few seconds that he'd been unconscious on the spaceport floor.

"We need to demote DeSimms," Sean said flatly to Jack. Between them they took out a balcony sniper, a Romulan stormtrooper, and a Klingon warrior in rapid succession.

"Don't get me started," Jack replied, ducking a phaser stream.

"Jack!" Sean suddenly shouted.

"What?"

"Somebody's made off with Sachen. They're going out the right exit."

NRPG: Takes place just before "Catch and Release". Steve? You jumping in?

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Don't Press Your Luck

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.018

Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD

“Hail them!” Commander Mark Compass ordered as he stared out at the Romulan warship pictured on HOOD’s main viewscreen.

[I am Commander Val of the Romulan warbird TALON.]

“Commander would you mind explaining what you and your soldiers are doing in Federation space. Strike that, you can explain after you’ve beamed up your troops and pointed your ships back towards Romulan space.” Mark was amazed he had said it all without stuttering, he was so scared.

Commander Val shook his head slowly and offered Compass a disappointed smile. [I’m afraid it is you who are in transgression commander. Perhaps you could explain why you are in Romulan space, or Klingon space, or Orion space or Nausican space. Shall I go on? There are, at last count eight major polities that lay claim to this miserable excuse for a planet. None of them of course recognize any of the others. I trust you understand my point?]

“What I understand Commander is that HOOD is responding to a distress call, we were preparing to beam our party up when you dropped troops into a civilian spaceport and began shooting up the place. Regardless of who lay claims to what I would hope you would agree that there is a volatile situation in the making. I trust Romulus is not looking to go to war.” He was a frakkin Lieutenant Commander his mind kept screaming at him he wasn’t supposed to be threatened war.

“We too are on a mission of mercy. One of our nationals was stolen from us. It is imperative we retrieve him. Once that is complete we will depart, but not before. We are not looking to start a war. Today.”

“That’s is good to hear and I will relay your peaceful intentions to my government. But know this commander, if any of my people are so much as scratched things will escalate in this system.”

“You’re statements are very amusing commander. I had heard that humans possessed a strange sense of humour. I see it is true. You should perhaps take the time to count the ships under my command.”

“Commander Tal. I very much doubt that you’ve been this close to a ship like HOOD but I am completely sure you do not want to see her capabilities up close. Now then, you have two minutes to withdraw your troops from the space port or I will fire into your ship. HOOD out.” Mark turned immediately to Lieutenant Steering, “Ok lets get our people out of there before I have to make good on my threat.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Well this has turned out pretty good! ;-)

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Message from Home

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.018

Scene: Bridge, Merchant Freighter.

He would never know it but he felt the same sense of failure and frustration as his counterpart in the Klingon Intelligence agency did. He had come all this way, commandeered ships, killed crews all in the name of Romulan Security, and his own hide. Only to be beaten here by the navy.

He had made it hear almost ahead of the traitor. He had tasted victory. He had actually been at the transporter control ready to beam himself down into the spaceport when the alarms had gone off.

How had they known? No one did, not even his superior officer knew where he was or who he was chasing. It was impossible. The warbird and the drop ships that hung in space ahead of him told a different story.

It was no surprise when he heard the transporter beams in the cargo bay. He supposed he should make his way down to meet them. Waiting in the bridge for them would only serve to make his journey back to Romulus more painful. He was surprised when he found only one solider waiting for him in the cargo bay.

“Centurion llhran Kola of Romulan Security?”

“I am.”

“I have a message from your superior officer.” The soldier drew his weapon and fired.

<<<NRPG>>>

I think that is everyone!

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Shuttles Away!

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.019

Scene: Shuttle Bay, USS HOOD

Chief Brannon placed the PADD that had contained the greatly abbreviated combat launch checklist and powered up the shuttle craft. He was pilot for PELLEW and lead of all four shuttles. The mission was a simple one leave HOOD scream down to the planet, land on the roof of the spaceport, disembark the security teams who would then provide cover for the senior officers. If all went according to plan the command crew would be on the roof waiting for them. Brannon had absolutely no illusions that that pipe dream was likely. He sighed to himself hating this job. One shot from the Romulans and his shuttle was done. He wouldn’t even know it had happened. Commander Compass was betting that the Romulans wouldn’t fire. They weren’t looking to start a war he had said. But if that was the case then it would probably have been much easier to have the HOOD drop her shields and beam the team up. Even if the Romulans did fire an unshielded HOOD could withstand a lot more damage then any of the shuttle craft could.

Acceptable losses his mind answered for him. He knew the answer, even agreed with it. But right now it wasn’t very comforting. At least as the lead pilot his shuttle was fairly empty. His job would be to bring the officers back up. The other three shuttles were packed to the gills with heavily armed security officers. And while it didn’t seem like it should make much of a difference he was amazed at how gratified he was that he didn’t have some trigger happy recruit who was a farmer six months ago accidentally setting off his phaser rifle inside the shuttle. That would end the trip real quick.

Suddenly his eye caught the brightness of the planet below as the shuttle bay doors slowly slid apart. He began to power up his engines when he received the signal from the bridge to launch. “All shuttles launch….now!”

Then they were away, a sharp diving bank and they screamed towards the atmosphere. So far so good he thought after ten seconds, I’m still alive. Of course the Romulans were nasty enough to wait to shoot them down on the way back up. “Execute turn one…now!”

[Unidentified craft! Unidentified craft! This is Arcturus Space Central you do not have clearance to enter planetary atmosphere you are ordered to reverse your course and remain in orbit until a customs patrol can inspect you.]

Brannon chuckled at that. He didn’t know what was more ludicrous the fact that some desk jockey below thought he was going to turn around or that they tried to pretend that this example of anarchy had a customs patrol. As the warning began to repeat he switched the comm channel “Execute turn two…now” As soon as the turn was complete the spaceport came into view ahead. At least there was no one on the ground shooting at them. That was mildly surprising. And then as quickly as it had begun it was over and troops were taking position on the roof.

Now all he had to worry about was flying back up.

<<<NRPG>>>

Went back and forth on regular transporters or shuttles and shuttles just seemed more fun for everyone! ;-)

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Where's the Doctor?

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.019

Scene: Spaceport, New Detroit

“Are we having fun yet?” Sean shouted over the general noise that reverberated through the spaceport.

“Loads.” Jack answered as he bent around the half wall and fired in the general vicinity of the main body of Romulans. “Frak!”

“What?” Sean asked as he shook small pieces of what had once been floor tile from his hair.

“I shot that guy already!”

“Which one?”

“The big one. I’m sure I already stunned him..twice!” He growled. “We’re getting no where. I hope the rest of the team are having better luck finding Sachen.”

“Speaking of no where, have you seen the doctor?” Merrick asked between bursts of fire.

It took a few moments before Jack was able to make him out amongst all the smoke and general mayhem. “There! Whats he doing with that Romulan.”

Sean looked over to where Steele had pointed. There was Stile helping a Romulan soldier pull over a large piece or debris. It didn’t make sense until he saw two small children struggling underneath. Both officers traded a look which was interrupted by the insistent beep of the first officer’s communicator. He took a last look at Stile working with the Romulan and then flipped it open. “Merrick here.”

[This is Hemux, we have four shuttle craft on the roof ready to evacuate but they don’t know how long they’ll be able to stay there safely. Have you seen the captain?]

“He’s with me now, and I can see the doctor. Where are you?”

[Southwest stairwell with DeSimms. I heard from Gar he has Sachen and is heading for the roof.]

“Understood lieutenant. We’ll meet you there.”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: What Rescue Team?

by Daniel Belin

Scene: Food Court

Immediately After: The Doctor is In

<old>

“How very noble of you John; however, two moving targets are a bit harder to hit than one. I assume you have mastered the skill of running and shooting at the same time.” Corbett chided.

DeSimms shot the doctor a dark look. “On my count, 3, 2, 1 break.”

Both officers scrambled from the meager cover they had and shot out in opposite directions each laying down as much fire as possible.

<new>

The Doctor peeled off to the east, and DeSimms broke off towards a series of pipes. Using his knowledge of Parkour, he swung over one pipe, did a cat-pass over a piece of drywall and leaped onto a walkway. A Klingon saw him and shot a burst into a pipe above him, a cloud of Steam obscured DeSimms. DeSimms ran towards some access stairs towards the roof.

He busted through the roof access door, and was met with Ensign Lowl brandishing a Plasma Rifle. Lowl flinched back and said, "Sorry sir, didn't know you were coming up."

"How many came down," Asked DeSimms. He looked around and saw six shuttlecraft. Troops were disembarking from 4 of shuttlecrafts and the other two empty, ready to transport people out of there.

"About 40," Said Lowl, "Saber and Tango squad."

"All of you have Plasma rifles?"

"No, only half of Saber has the qualifications to use them."

"Only ten people have them?" Exclaimed DeSimms. "Goddammit!"

"We are getting ready to rope through the skylight." Said Lowl, who led DeSimms, "We only got one rope, but you know."

"Jesus, someones taking some extra shifts training," He turned to the mass of security members, "Listen up, we are fast roping in now! All men with rifles rope in first and fast."

"What about the rest of us?" Asked a Medic who was attached to Tango team.

"Is this is frakin' peanut gallery. You rope in second and provide support. What kind of a rescue team is this?"

A burly NCO with a rifle interrupted, "We're ready!"

"DeSimms shot through the glass and dropped a plasma grenade. After the boom, the rope was dropped and DeSimms, Lowl and the other 10 men with rifles roped in, firing as the slid down the rope. They landed, and five men proceeded to form a circle around the rope in a very unconventional fashion. The Romulans dispersed that circle in less than a second, with DeSimms cursing the new Starfleet training.

Lowl and DeSimms began running towards the west exit, where Sachen was last seen. As Lowl breached the door, DeSimms turned around and made an assessment of Security's progress. The Klingons had scattered the 10-man breaching team all over the terminal, while Romulans were keeping them and the Klingons pinned down. Lowl planted the charge on the access door, and DeSimms got into position.

Right as Lowl was about to breach, a loud dull noise came from the direction of the skylight. The same impatient medic that had talked to DeSimms on the roof had fallen into the lobby and was lying on the ground unconscious. The Klingons seemed to think he was, and were ignoring him for the time being. DeSimms turned his head. He would have to deal with this later. He yelled to Lowl, "Breach!"

The two of them ran into the room, where Avae was holding Gar at gunpoint with a phaser. DeSimms grabbed Avae and pinned her up against the wall. Lowl took his kit and gave DeSimms two good old plastic ties. DeSimms tied Avae up and left her on the floor. Who knew, maybe some lucky Romulan would find her.

He turned to Sachen and Gar and yelled, "I know a way to access the roof, follow me!"

NRPG: While Corbett is in one of his 'doctor' moods, how 'bout he try to get to that Medic in the center of the room. Who knows, maybe there are some good Samaritans in the Klingon party as well . --

Daniel Belin

John DeSimms

SEC OFFICER

USS HOOD

NCC-1703

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Andorian Standoff

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2261.020 Timeframe: immediately after "Catch and Release"; concurrent with "The Doctor is In") Setting: Baggage Disbursement, Spaceport, New Detroit

<<snip- from my last post, "Catch and Release">>

The Andorian quickly keyed his wrist communicator as he led the doctor towards the rear of the baggage sorting area. "Gar here- I have Doctor Sahen. Where are you guys?"

"Don't move, Gar."

The Star Fleeter stopped short; he found himself staring down the barrel of an Andorian-model phaser, close enough to his face for him to notice it was set to kill.

And it was in the hands of the one person he felt certain, at this moment, wanted him dead at least as much as Doctor Sahen.

"Thank you for bringing Doctor Sahen safely to me, my dear," Avae Zh'sharav said with a smile that only looked disturbingly evil to Gar at the moment.

As she took his phaser from him, he held his hands up over his head, palms out.

Where the hell is the cavalry? he wondered.

<<end snip>>

Avae reached for Sahen, but Gar stepped between them, hands still raised. "I can't let you do that, Avae," he said, his tone soft but firm.

Avae allowed the corners of her mouth to curl. "I'm the one with the phaser, Gar," she said, reaching to pull the Romulan geneticist towards her.

Gar stepped in between again. "No," he said, this time more forcefully.

Now the curl in her lips was gone, and Avae stepped back, her phaser pointed right at Gar's head. "Don't make me kill you, Gar," she said.

There was something in her voice, a slight tremble, too delicate for those without antennae to pick up. Gar, however, did not miss it.

"You won't," he said, and lowered his hand, slowly, agonizingly, reaching for her phaser.

Avae's grip tightened on the weapon as Gar's hand drew nearer. "Gar- don't make me do something I don't want to do!" she shouted.

"You can't," he said. "You are still in love with me."

Avae's hand dropped just a little, and her eyes flickered for a moment. Then, suddenly, just as his hand was perhaps a few centimeters from the phaser, her eyes flashed cold fire, and the weapon came up again, her finger staring to depress the trigger...

Gar had no more time; instinctively, he slapped at her arm, knocking the phaser away milliseconds before she would have had enough pressure on the firing stud to fire the weapon.

However, his victory was short-lived, as she lashed out, and nailed him with a boot to his chest, sending him sprawling backwards on his back.

His head slammed into the hard cement floor of the hangar, and instantly he felt dazed, unsure of his whereabouts...he swore Avae had somehow managed to clone herself a few times, for he now saw four or five of her...

...as well as 5 phasers, all pointing at him. Yet, try as he might, he could not get up; his head was ringing, as if there were a fire alarm blaring inside of his head.

"We could have had a wonderful life on Andoria," she whispered.

Suddenly there was another explosion; Gar winced, and finally the gray fog creeping into his mind thickened and turned slowly to black...

<<NRPG>>

Come on guys- where the hell are you?? Gar is in trouble here... :)

Respectfully Submitted,

-- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer

USS HOOD NCC-1703

AND

Avae Zh'sharav

Am-Tal Operative

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Routine Journey

by David Kiel

There was blood in the water.

A tinge of it diffused in the flow of the stream. Whatever had happened was not far from where Cedria sat, upstream, and just around that wooded curve she figured. There had been no movement from the trees, no hint of the violence that had clearly just occurred. The flow continued and the tinge deepened slightly. She drew a long breath, the shadow of iron drifted up from the swirling eddys.

Red blood and enough to kill whomever had lost it. Or, whatever. She was too far out in the hills to expect some sort of base crime. No doubt an animal had fallen prey to a hillcat, it was large though and close, she really should have heard something. She rose carefully brushing her long brown hair out of her field of vision.

She moved quietly and with fluid grace, staying upwind of the small copse and silent as the whispered breath of a breeze floating down from the north hill lands. A slight hint of a static whine made her piercing green eyes widen. It would alarm whatever she stalked. A tendril of bluish light curled around her forearm, joined by its friends as the green hills of Trill evaporated around her.

[Three seconds later]

The chill of the transporter beam made her spots itch. Cedria Zade blinked and acclimated to the muted light of the shuttle. It was a long range mark seven, definitely an overpowered choice for someone simply flying in from Trills orbital platform. It was a simple deduction to guess who was piloting and the confirmation followed swiftly. The cool, even voice of her classmate from the academy echoed off the close walls of the shuttle.

"My apologies for the suddenness of the transport, Lieutenant."

"Adrazda," Cedria smiled, turning to face the young Vulcan officer. "What brings you so far from home?"

"I was recalled, and tasked with locating you. You've been reassigned."

Cedria frowned. "Couldn't I have been reassigned after my leave?"

Lieutenant Adrazda Sailek arched her brown and looked pointedly at a sealed command container perched alone in the co-pilots seat. Cedria whistled a short tone of impressed discontent. "I'm not even a high enough grade to open such a thing."

"You aren't meant to open it Cedria, it is for your new Captain. Your instructions are to deliver it to his hands alone." The Trill woman picked up the weighted secure tube, turning it over in her palm as she sat in the chair. Adrazda turned the shuttle away from Trill and laid in a course. "It is implied in those instructions that you not open it along the way."

Cedria smiled at the Vulcan's jest. "I promise to resist the lure of this puzzlebox. Where are we headed?"

"To the Ticonderoga, where you will drop me off and pick up your belongings. I have had them forwarded from San Francisco. You will then set a course for the Arcturus system where you will deliver that to your new Captain."

Cedria turned and stared at the Vulcan pilot, her classmate and the only one at the academy who could occasionally match her control of a starcraft. "Adrazda, if it were not an illogical assumption I would think you were being purposefully coy."

"Captain Jack Steele of the USS Hood."

Cedria gasped as the shuttle shuddered and jumped to warp, her fingers traced the pattern of leopard spots trailing her cheek, a nervous habit shed accepted with this new host. "Constitution class, the flagships of the Federation."

"Congratulations, Cedria." The Vulcan woman looked at her with what amounted to warmth among her people. She had at least used her proper name, that alone was a worthy of note. She stared down at the tube and for the first time was tempted to peek at the contents. Orders that could not be risked to even the most secure Federation transmissions now held in her hand. Cedria wouldn't peek, but that was only a recent change of attitude for the Zade symbiont, some of her predecessors would have dismantled the container already.

"You were far from any settlement." Adrazda said with what passed for concern amongst her people.

"I'm not ready. I, I love Trill, but if it were known I was there. There would be,.." She paused to consider the implications of what she had carefully avoided in her latest covert visit to her homeworld. "There would have been formal dinners. And people, and I would have had to talk to them."

[Three weeks later]

The shuttle blinked out of warp within a few kilometers of the exosphere. She risked only a passive scan, she had been warned of a possible hostile presence. Fortunately her array located the silvery glitter of a starship hull. She set a course and the shuttle arched over the edge of Arcturus and glided without incident to the Hood. She risked a moment to take in the sleek lines and the sheer size of her new home before sending a narrow burst comm request to dock.

Permission was given silently by the opening of the rear docking port, Hood was clearly under radio silence. She checked her passive screen for any sign of hostile elements and slipped the craft carefully and smoothly into dock.

She landed softly and secured the craft. She secured the tube in her hip pocket and rose from the flight chair. Striding back to the small hold she gathered her belongings, four containers massing somewhat more than she did. Placing the largest bag on top of the shipping container Sailek had packed for her, she rolled her stuff towards the ramp and opened the airlock.

Cedria Zade smiled at her first breath of starship air in over a year. She was home for the first time, once again.

<<<NRPG>>>

I've purposely left the actual boarding of the ship begging to give me something to do while the action continues planetside. As we are so close to a fresh mission I decided it would make a cool hook for me to be dispatched with those very orders, whatever they may be. The contents of the command tube are of course the sole discretion of the addressee. Whenever he comes back to the ship to meet his new officer.

Hello everyone, glad to be here and looking forward to the fun to come.

Respectfully Submitted,

David Kiel

Lt Cedria Zade,

NAV, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Final Boarding Call

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.022

Scene: Spaceport, New Detroit.

“Whats he doing?” Jack asked over the din of the phaser, disrupter fire and occasional Klingon bellow.

“Who?” Sean said, his attention firmly on the four Romulans who were trying to get around on their flank. He finally ducked down to take a quick look in the direction Jack was pointing. “Whats he doing?” Sean finally exclaimed.

“That’s what I said!” The captain replied as he took aim and brought down a chunk of ceiling support on the Romulans. The plan had been to keep the phasers on stun so as not to make a bad situation much worse. But as things were slowly spinning out of anyone’s control and as he looked down at the dwindling power level of his phaser he was being increasingly more creative. He didn’t want to kill any Romulans for several reasons. First, as a Starfleet officer he was keenly aware of the political situation and dead Romulans would increase the already present tension exponentially. Next, this mission was a fiasco on the Starfleet side of things and he had little doubt the Romulans that had been dispatched here were just as confused with the whole mess. Judging from the very young age and relative inexperience of the majority of troopers they faced he had his suspicions that this was a training mission that had been given an impossible set of orders merely because they happened to be closest to the scene. Sixty veteran Romulans would have walked right through the 6 Starfleet officers, even with a bunch of crazed Klingons running around and swinging their Bat’leths at anything that moved. All of that meant, that unless he or his team were in mortal danger he was trying very hard not to take any Romulan lives. He found himself laughing at the idea that they weren’t in any mortal danger yet.

“Do you think he knows he’s going the wrong way?” Sean asked.

Jack shook his head. “You never can tell with Stile. Let’s give him some help.” On the count of three both men bobbed up from behind the half wall and laid down suppressing fire allowing the doctor to sprint and then slide his way over.

“Good day gentlemen, how are y’all doing.”

“Peachy.” Sean replied.

“Whats our status?” Jack demanded.

“Our getaway shuttle is on the roof as are the rest of the team. I volunteered at great personal danger to stroll over here and inquire if you will be returning with us or if you’ve had a change of allegiance and decided to join up with our green blooded friends yonder?”

“Do we have Sachen?”

“We do. He is on the roof but at this point there seems to be some confusion as to how he got there.”

“Time to go then.” Jack decided.

“Only problem is that they seem to have cut off our nearest escape route.” Sean said as he pointed over to the squad of Romulans who had taken up position in front of the gateway leading to the stairwell.

Jack grabbed for his communicator. “I’m going to order the shuttles to depart. They’ve completed the mission and the longer they sit there the more the danger increases. We’ll have to get out of here on our own.”

“Now hold on a second.” Stile said as he took a long pull of his cigar. “Granted the direct route might be bit tricky however there is always a Plan B.”

“Like?” Sean prompted.

“This!” Stile swung his plasma rifle around and set it to wide beam. With a grin he aimed at the nearby wall and fired blowing a hole through to the access tunnel. “Shall we?”

<<<NRPG>>>

As you can see I have used all my years of ASR experience to fix the continuity problem by merely hitting the fast forward/vague answer button. Stile would be proud!

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Lifting off Now!

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.022

Scene: Spaceport, New Detroit.

Chief Brannon checked the chronometer by his right hand. So far, on average, his eyes had darted down there every seven seconds or so. That was when they weren’t busy scanning the roof top or the sky. He had this thing about being able to see what was about to kill him. The fact that they were still alive was more then surprising as was the fact that they had been on the roof barely 3 and a half minutes before the teams had started to arrive. He knew intellectually that three and half minutes was a fairly reasonable time for this type of operation. Emotionally it had been just about forever since they had landed.

Deciding he wasn’t going to look down at the chronometer again he turned in his seat to look at the empty shuttle compartment behind him. As lead pilot it was his job to fly the captain out. But like some bad holovid, while everyone else seemed to have made it back to the shuttle, including what looked to be a very bewildered Romulan, the captain was no where to be seen. And of course if the captain wasn’t there why would the exec or the doctor be?

He reverently hoped that they were all still breathing. But chances were they weren’t and someone had to make the call soon or there would be more casualties. A lot more. Turning back to face forward he could see Commander Gar crouching down over near the roof access. His phaser ready while he continuously scanned the area. Finally he reached for his communicator and began to flip open. Brannon didn’t know if he was more upset about leaving them behind or happy that they were about to get the order to bug out. Just a few more seconds he pleaded.

Suddenly Gar dropped the communicator and raised his rifle. Brannon groaned at the sight. The Romulans were about to burst through the doorway. Without thinking he pushed the button to close the hatch. The second the Romulans dropped the engineer he was going to push the throttle and wait for DeSimms to order them to leave. Surely he would make the call.

But then Gar lowered his rifle and turned to run towards the shuttle with the captain and the others behind him. “Holy frak we might just live!” He exclaimed to the empty shuttle compartment. Five seconds later they were clambering aboard as the shuttle doors were still sliding apart.and Brannon spoke into his mic. “HOOD we’ve got them! All shuttles, lifting off now!

<<<NRPG>>>

All: Feel free to backpost and emblish all of our characters journey to the roof! ;-)

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Not with a Bang...

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.022

Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD

“Commander, Chief Brannon signals the shuttles have the package and they are dusting off.” The relief in the young ensign on the comm panel was clearly evident and helped break the tension that had washed over the bridge these past few minutes.

“Alright people you all have your orders. Lets get to work.”

“Shields to full power. Enginneering confirms they are channeling all emergency power to the shields. Weapons on standby.”

“Coming to new course one two one mark eight.”

“Ahead, full impulse.” Compass ordered.

No one really believed that the Romulans would destroy unarmed shuttles returning to HOOOD from the surface. But no one was ready to discount the possibility either. So the quickly developed plan had been for the shuttles to lift off from the New Detroit Spaceport and due some high speed, low level flying until they arrived at the opposite side of the planet where they would then make a run for orbit. At the same time HOOD which had been stationed in geosynchronous orbit above the spaceport would reverse its course and charge by the nearby Romulan warship. The hope was they would be confused by the initial move and would be more focused on a heavy cruiser bearing down on them then four shuttle craft scurrying away.

In the end all the worry was for nothing. HOOD charge by the warbird who did a very credible job of ignoring the Starfleet vessel. Truth be told she was more wary of the smaller but unpredicatable Klingon ship doing something ill advised then Starfleet taking the first shot. HOOD swung around to the other side where the shuttles were just breaking thorough the ionosphere. Seconds later they were on the shuttledeck.

“Warp eight now!” Compass ordered. By the time everyone had disembarked from the rescue craft the Arcturan system had fallen far behind them.

<<<NRPG>>>

Scott, well there could be enough room in timing to resolve the non-contunity issues to work. I also meant to ask if we wanted to arrest some of the Andorians, have them escape or a Plan C

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Denobulans and Shuttlecrafts

by David Martens

SD: 2261.023

Setting: Baggage Disbursement, Spaceport, New Detroit, somewhere high and hidden...

Hemux had tried to stay out of trouble as much as she could. She had took the responsibility of liaison officer between the team and the shuttles to guide them to a proper landingpoint while she kept an eye on the battlefield from a high, well hidden spot. From time to time she had been forced to stun a Romulan that was getting to close to the captain or to Stile but most of the time she had left the fighting to the others. She was a science officer, about hundred standard years old and a lady, ergo she was not much of the fighting kind.

Just as she was thinking she wouldn't have to interfere anymore she heard a grenade explode and noticed how Gar ran straight into the arms of an Andorian female. Hemux cursed as she noticed the struggle and Gar going down. Lucky for him she had been able to take her aim easy and relaxed, she was not a highly trained sniper, but with the excellent rifle she had at her disposal and at this distance Hemux could not mis. She nodded as she saw the Andorian female drop down.

And to make things even better, at that moment the shuttles finally landed! In a few moments she had guided two man of the Hoods rescue team to where Gar, Sahen and the unknown female where and was helping to bring up them al up. They made sure they cuffed and secured both the Romulan defector as the unknown female into the shuttlecraft so they would not sneak out the last minute.

And now, now Hemux was laying on her belly, holding a rifle aimed down while the Captain, the doctor and anyone else got up to the shuttles. She had insisted to be the last one, after all, she was old, compared to the others and Denobulans didn't cared a lot for death. Since ARr'Rhiana had been so long alone and without relatives, she had grown to be a bit fatalistic and the way the Orion guard on the Trading ship had made her confused and angry, even so much that at this moment she didn't care if she lived or died.

Suddenly Hemux dropped the communicator and raised her rifle. Brannon groaned at the sight. The Romulans were about to burst through the doorway. Without thinking he pushed the button to close the hatch. The second the Romulans dropped the engineer he was going to push the throttle and wait for DeSimms to order them to leave. Surely he would make the call.

But then that crazy Denobulan lowered hers rifle and turned to run towards the shuttle with the captain and the others just in front of her. "Holy frak we might just live!" He exclaimed to the empty shuttle compartment. Five seconds later they were clambering aboard as the shuttle doors were still sliding apart.and Brannon spoke into his mic. "HOOD we've got them! All shuttles, lifting off now!

I hope this is alright for you all guys

ARr'Rhiana dropped the rifle and threw up, she just had made it while the Romulans where shooting at her and she had been forced to shoot at least one and probably had hit several other. This was the first time she had to shoot to kill and she never would forget the sight of blood showing up from the Romulan she had shot.

Tears where running down her cheeks and she trembled from anger, fear, anxiety, a strange mix of feelings. Slowly she came back to her positives and looked up through the tears in her eyes. She noticed someone holding her hair out her face and she tried to smile grateful. "Are, did we, is everyone safe?" She was able to ask...

<<NRPG>>

Hi All,

Ok, I know I don't post a lot, but here is my piece to the end of the mission. I tried to adjust the piece with Gar and changed it simply to be Hemux instead of Gar. I also took the liberty to bring Avae on board.

Anyway, hope this fits into the story.

Respectfully,

David Martens

Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux

CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Excellent Footage

by Daniel Belin

Scene: Spaceport

As soon as John finished handing off Avae and Sachen to two men from Tango sqaud, he reentered the fray at the spaceport. Most of the security sqaud had already gone up to the roof, and some Romulans were heading up to the roof as well. DeSimms dispatched ten Romulans on a catwalk above the food court before he realized he was the only human in the spaceport. Suddenly, 70 alien enemies were alerted to DeSimm's presence. With a cry of, "Oh Shit!" DeSimms dove back through the door before thousands of plasma charges hit the area where he was just standing

He ran out to the front of the building, where he saw the transport shuttles leaving. Troops were still jumping onto the remaining shuttles from the roof. John tried to yell to them, but to no avail. Then the Romulans ran out and shot a volley of disruptor fire towards DeSimms. He slid out of the way, and the Romulans were met with phaser fire from one of the shuttles. DeSimms had no choice but to get out of there on foot. He ran towards a drained canal and dove into it, rolling into some barrels. He knew the Romulans were probably in hot pursuit.

Scene: Shuttle Nimitz

The Captain looked down at New Detroit, then to the pilot. He yelled over the din of the engines, “Why are we flying so low?”

The pilot responded, “Our orders are to fly low for as long as possible so we can avoid taking fire from the Birds in orbit.”

“OK,” yelled the Captain. He looked around at all the officers, and noticed something. DeSimms was not seated among them. He yelled to the pilot, “Did the Security Chief get onboard another shuttle.”

“Don't Know! All I know is the Master Chief from Security told me everyone was accounted for.”

Steele shrugged, he knew that DeSimms was probably waiting for all his men to get aboard. Steele had experience with DeSimm's type; first one off the shuttle, last one on the shuttle. They were, in his opinion, part of the good side of Starfleet.

Scene: Drained Canal

DeSimms was running, trying to keep close to the Shuttlecrafts' approved route. The Klingons were right on his heels and he knew it was not a time to be resting on his laurels. Suddenly, a boarded up tunnel appeared out of nowhere. New Detroit was full of these types of tunnels, usually used for smuggling operations. DeSimms rammed through the rotting wood, and ran down into the tunnels below. He thought he had successfully evaded the Klingons for long enough to use his communicator. He tuned it to the Nimitz's frequency, but could not get a signal through the earth up to the ship.

He tried again, boosting the power output. Suddenly he made contact, but alas it was too late. The Klingons had found him, and DeSimms was forced to evacuate himself from the tunnels

Scene: Shuttlecraft Nimitz

“Get on the hook to DeSimms,” said Steele. Corbett fiddled with the communicator and tried to make contact. Steele said, “Get a casualty report from him, just so you know what you're up against in Sickbay.”

“Cant get him on, Sir,” said Corbett, now rapping the underside of the communicator with his knuckle.

“Gar?”

Gar took the communicator and tried to get DeSimms on the line. Frustrated, he mumbled, “It's not our problem. His communicators not receiving. It would make sense if he was underground.”

Steele thought about it for a moment, and then turned to the pilot, “Get on with the other shuttles. See which one DeSimms is one.”

The pilot keyed up all the shuttles and mumbled into his headset for a moment. He shook his head, and loudly asked for confirmation. His face contorted with worry, and turned towards Steele, “All shuttles report he is not on board.”

Everyone in the shuttle looked shocked. This could only mean one thing, that DeSimms was still down there somewhere, possibly dead or injured. Corbett shook his head, “What are you going to do Captain?”

---

Scene: Surface of Arcturus

John had to get to the surface before it was too late. He ran up a service ramp into a speakeasy in the Red Light District. He crashed through the window into the street and kept running as fast as possible towards the city limits. Three Klingons appeared out of a side alley, and DeSimms dispatched them quickly. He dove into the street to avoid a phaser hit from one of the Klingons, but he was too late.

The phaser hit his shoulder, tearing a gargantuan gash in his shoulder. His impact with the ground scratched up his uniform and face. People were staring at him and the dead Klingons. Even though the was a monstrous pain in his shoulder and his legs felt like mush, he kept running. The sight of him running through the streets like a wounded bull caused some people to panic, and run in every direction.

He rounded a corner, and through some coincidence came face to face with the Federation News Service reporters from the Arcturan field office. They started filming the affair, running after DeSimms with a camera. They had a feeling that whatever was going on here was related to the shuttleport, and therefore going to make the evening news. They managed to take a shortcut so they could get a frontal shot of the wounded man running away from something.

They eventually got in front of DeSimms, and captured some of the most captivating imagery in FNS history. The bull of a Starfleet Officer, running through the streets and reaching for his communicator while his shoulder injury covered his shirt in blood. Suddenly, three Romulans popped out of a dumpster, and shot at DeSimms. DeSimms, with his communicator out dodged a disruptor blast and took out his communicator. He tried to call someone, but before he could the communicator was rendered useless by a shot from a phaser. It was definitely a triumphant PR victory for Starfleet, or at least it made a few more boys want to enlist.

The image that followed, of DeSimms shooting his disruptor as his communicator was shot out of his hand was in the computerized print digest of FNS Evening News, with the headline STARFLEET'S BRAVERY SALVAGES HOPELESS MISSON. This in addition to the full tape shown on Evening News was seen by every ship in the quadrant.

---

Scene: the Nimitz

“I just got a position on his communicator tracking beacon,” said the Pilot, “I know where he was a few seconds ago.”

“Whats the closest shuttlecraft?” Queried Steele, now with a look of determination on his face.

“We are it, sir,” said the Pilot, already plotting a course down to DeSimm's position, “We'll be there in fifteen seconds.”

“Do it!”

The shuttle pitched down and banked. Merrick and Gar took phaser rifles and charged them, while Hemux manned the Door gun. Corbett and Steele were at the door, ready for it to open.

The shuttle was five feet above the street when the doors opened, and there was DeSimms, running towards it with a huge whoop. Also there was the FNS, recording every second of it. DeSimms, with his last ounce of strength jumped up and grabbed Corbett and Steele's arms. Gar and Merrick took potshots at the Romulans as the Doctor and the Captain pulled DeSimms up. This footage also featured in the Evening News, as well as every single Starfleet Recruitment Video for the next five years.

As soon as the doors closed at the shuttle lifted up towards the Hood, DeSimms looked at the Doctor who was approaching with a autosuture and said, “Fie the autosuture, I just need some tequila.”

The Doctor smiled, and Merrick said, “We'll all be partaking in some when we have the time. I think you might be getting some gifts from your new fans, DeSimms”

"Well that's the FNS for you. I'd say that this is better than that new Holodrama about the SFIA" said Corbett. He looked at DeSimms, "Anyways, I think we all need some tonic for the nerves, and there is no better tonic than a nice party."

DeSimms and the Captain simultaneously exclaimed, “Hell yes!”

NRPG: Just one final plot twist to salvage DeSimm's career. I don't think he'll be getting any disciplinary actions except a hangover anytime soon.

Submitted Sincerely,

Daniel Belin

John DeSimms

SEC Officer

USS HOOD, NCC-1703

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Riding Off Into The Sunset

by Steve Apple

SD: 2261.023

<<Snip from Dave’s Post “"Denobulans and shuttlecrafts"

ARr'Rhiana dropped the rifle and threw up, she just had made it while the Romulans where shooting at her and she had been forced to shoot at least one and probably had hit several other. This was the first time she had to shoot to kill and she never would forget the sight of blood showing up from the Romulan she had shot.

Tears where running down her cheeks and she trembled from anger, fear, anxiety, a strange mix of feelings. Slowly she came back to her positives and looked up through the tears in her eyes. She noticed someone holding her hair out her face and she tried to smile grateful. "Are, did we, is everyone safe?" She was able to ask...

End Snip>>

Corbett smiled down at her as he let her hair fall back. “Because of you we all made it safe.”

ARr'Rhiana gave a slight smile to the cowboy. “I hate killing, but I’d hate losing my family even more.”

“I understand that very much,” Corbett answered. “I could give you something to help, but I suspect you might want to hold onto that emotion for awhile.”

ARr'Rhiana nodded. “Do all professional scoundrels know the right things to say?”

Corbett had to chuckle at her. She was almost 3 times his age with a lifetime of devastatingly hard experiences and yet she could exude the unconditional love and innocence of a child. “Only the more practiced ones.”

Smiling widely she took a seat on the shuttle and closed her eyes. It would take her time to sort through her emotions, but right know time was something she had.

Corbett left her to her thoughts and turned his attention to the Captain and First Officer. “You’re looking better Sean I think that neural stimulant has helped. You took a pretty bad hit back there.”

Sean sat up a bit to answer, but was gently pushed back down by the Captain. “Don’t let him fool you he’s goldbricking Stile. He gets one small point blank hit and decides to sit out the whole firefight.”

Sean snickered a bit at that. “I thought you needed the shooting practice. Nice dive to my resting place by the way. It almost made you look like a real action hero.”

“Don’t you start with me Commander.” Steele said smiling. “Beginning tomorrow at 06:00 I’m sending you down to DeSimms for evasion drills.”

“Sorry to disappoint you Cap.” Corbett interrupted with an evil glint. “But do to the hit Commander Merrick sustained he’ll need some nursing care for the next day or two. I was thinking of assigning Lt. Saxman to him.”

Both men watched as Merrick turned a shade or ten paler. “That won’t be necessary doctor I’m fine.”

“As chief medical officer I am charged with maintaining your health sar. Now do as I say, or your next physical will be highly unpleasant.”

Merrick nodded meekly, giving both the doctor and Captain extreme pleasure at watching their friend squirm uncomfortably.

Gar sat next to the unconscious Andorian female and Romulan prisoner. Shaking his head he tried to clear his thoughts and the fading effects of his own stunning. He watched Avae and pondered what he was going to do, but that could wait.

He had been listening to his shipmates joke amongst themselves. Humans were a curious race, he thought. They could endure hard battle and tragedy just to make a joke on the other side of it. They were in their own way a remarkable species.

“I seem to remember from old Earth movies.” Gar said quietly. “Westerns I think they were called. That at the end the good guys always rode off into the sunset.”

The senior officer looked over at him and smiled.

Respectfully Submitted

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD-1703

ASR Origins

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Remote Control

David Kiel

Cedria rolled her belongings down the gangplank and looked around for the duty officer. The flight deck was unusually active, it was instantly clear that she was simply the first expected landing. She reached out and snagged a passing crewmans arm.

"What's going on."

He looked over surprised and in a hurried panic extricated her hand from his arm. "We have incoming from the planet and are apparently playing decoy for a Romulan warship." He sped off towards the landing area.

"First minute on board and charging Romulans already." Cedria whistled impressed at fates deadly sense of humor.

She hurried as quickly as her wheeled trunk would allow and tapped a wall panel with quick fingers. She looked around the landing deck at the crewmen dashing about, spotting one lonely fellow wringing his hands in a corner near the turbolift. Eyes darting back to the screen she repeated the pertinent points of the readout to herself a few times and then hurried with her stuff over to the lonely crewman.

"Lieutenant Zade." She said by way of introduction as she approached.

He looked up nervously and smiled. "Crewman Michaels, ma'am."

"You look like you can help me."

"Sure." He said, puzzled but looking relieved to have something to do. "I am a botanist, I'm afraid, I'm just trying to stay out of the way."

Cedria rubbed her hands in excitement as the adrenaline of the surrounding activity began to kick in. "I need to get to cabin nine bravo on the officers deck and then the bridge as quickly as is possible, and I need a guide."

The crewman looked back at her shuttle understanding her need of a guide and picked up two of her bags. "Right this way then." She pushed the trunk and followed as he led them into the turbolift. There was a pause as the lift whirred its way horizontally and then vertically up to the main decks. He halted it at a juncture and the doors whooshed open.

"This way." He trotted quickly down the corridor and then turned to the right following a curved corridor for two dozen meters. Cedria scrambled after him, her trunk clattering along the deckplating as she half rode it around the corners. He stopped at a cabin door and tapped the keypad, it opened and she pushed her stuff in. She pointed to the bunk and he deposited her bags there. He began an explanation of the cabins appointments that sounded like it was straight out of a handbook.

"I'll need a guide to the bridge as well, if you'd wait outside for a second." Cedria cut his dissertation off with a hurried smile as she unzipped her largest bag and pulled out a mustard colored duty uniform, tossing it to her bunk.

"Pardon?" He looked back at her seeming disappointed that she didn't want to hear about the cabin desk feature.

Cedria's eyes glittered and she chuckled to herself. He'll catch on in a second she thought, and reached down and pulled her top up and off over her head. She glanced to the side as she began unbuckling her flight pants, his eyes were wide and fixated on the trail of spots along her slender Trill form. Botany was an exciting profession she was sure but from the looks of crewman Michaels he was clearly not used to seeing young Lieutenants in their undergarments as part of that duty.

He managed a flustered squeak and hurried to the exit. "I'll just wait in the hall." The door whooshed open and closed again. Cedria carefully collected the command tube and her hand comp and changed as quickly as was Trillanly* possible.

[forty-seven seconds later]

The door whooshed open and Cedria hopped out pulling her second boot on as she moved. She looked at the again startled crewman as she stamped her foot on the deck to push her boot the rest of the way on. His eyes widened even further if that was possible as they followed the leopard spots long her leg from the boot to her golden hem of her uniform skirt.

She grinned and pointed a finger at him. "You've seen way too many spots, Michaels."

"Ma'am, I am deeply,.."

"Bridge now, apologies later." Cedria set off in a jog in the direction of the lift.

"Yes, Lieutenant." Michaels caught up and stepped into the lift. He ordered it to deck one while she smoothed the hang of her duty tunic and skirt. "I do hope I didn't give the impression that I uh,…"

Cedria looked over and grinned once again. "Don't worry crewman. I completely understand, trust me. I was a man just a few years ago."

Crewman Michaels eyes widened so far she was sure his eyelids were sprained.

[Fifteen seconds later.]

She left the speechless botanist in the lift and stepped onto the bridge. The ship was moving in an arc over Arcturus, the Romulan ship was still small on the main viewscreen but it was clearly already getting closer. She whistled again, and her attention was distracted by a flash on a secondary display. A formation of shuttles was just exiting the atmosphere, the flash had come from the portmost in the formation and it was peeling away and arcing over clearly out of control.

"Sir, one of the shuttles has lost nav control, their flight controls have overloaded." A communications officer addressed a man in a gold tunic sitting in the Captains chair. Cedria didn't recognize him, he clearly wasn't Captain Steele and did not have captains stripes on his uniform.

"Do we know who is on that shuttle." The acting captain spoke.

"Unknown, sir. It's flight arc has it impacting the planets surface in six minutes"

Cedria stepped a little closer, her vivid green eyes darting from station to station taking the layout as quickly as she could. She had had three weeks with nothing to do but read constitution class technical manuals, but seeing it all helped cement everything in her mind.

"We could intercept, sir. A tractor beam."

"No, ensign. We have to be in position should the Romulans make a move." The acting captain shook his head and then turned when a young Trill woman in a gold uniform cleared her throat behind him.

"Lieutanant Cedria Zade reporting for duty, Captain." She said using the honorific captain to the man who was currently manning the role. "Im the new navigation officer, with your permission Id like to try something a little, unusual?"

"I thought you were the navigator, Compass?" A man in red laughed and looked at the acting captain and turned away with a hastily muttered apology following the resulting stare.

Cedria looked at him with a mixture of shock and dismay at her unfortunate timing. It was her turn to apologize. "Im sorry, I didn't,…"

Compass, to his credit, waved her off with a hand. "If you can do something to help that shuttle do it.." He turned back to the main viewscreen. "Shields up and weapons ready, but don't charge the banks unless the Romulans do."

"Yes, Captain." The laughing ensign said with deference as his hands moved over his console.

Cedria moved quickly pulling a long black cable from one of the emergency repair cabinets and darted over to the communications station. She knelt and stuck her head under the station and attached the cable to the leads and looked up at the communications duty officer. "I need a narrow beam signal linked to that shuttles sensor array."

She then dashed to the helm trailing the cable and slid legs first under it as well. Attaching the cable as quickly as possible, she then pulled her hand comp from her waist pocket and clipped it into a port on the underside of the con. Lying flat on her back she looked up at the helmsman, "If it was just the cockpit controls that have failed and not the engines we can possibly fly it remotely. Access the shuttles command codes and pass them through communications and then pass control to me on the hand comp."

"You intend to fly and land a shuttle from a hand computer?" The acting Captain looked as if he suspected her of being a clever Romulan spy.

Cedria Zade nodded. "I can do this, Captain."

The helmsman looked at Compass with incredulity and awaited confirmation. "The shuttle will crash in five minutes, sir."

There was a short pause and Compass nodded down at her. The helmsman tapped a few keys and suddenly she was looking through the shuttles main viewscreen on her hand comp display. Cedria heard the words `Ahead full impulse' and felt the slightest tug as Hood increased speed. She accessed engine control and sent speed and attitude corrections leveling out the shuttle. Her eyes darted back and forth from the auxiliary viewscreen showing the shuttles rise from Arcturus and the hand unit in front of her.

Still lying flat on the deck of the bridge she began flying, arcing the shuttle up from the surface and picking up speed to rejoin the flight formation with the others. The Hood was moving quickly and she hoped the Romulans didn't choose to become aggressive. If Hood's deck began pitching flying the shuttle would become nigh to impossible. She kept the shuttle about two widths out of proper formation as touch control was tricky on a hand unit meant to display technical manuals.

In about forty five seconds she saw the Hood veer into and turn about on the shuttles display. It was an odd feeling watching herself approaching the very ship she was currently laying down in. She slowed and took the aft position, she couldn't trail the others by far lest her shuttle be left behind. Her brow furrowed and beads of perspiration trailed the edge of her hairline as her fingers moved furiously sending mathematic commands directly to the shuttles engines. Landing was much harder than the rest of it combined.

Cedria Zade set the last shuttle down on the landing deck as carefully as she could and without hitting any of the other shuttles. She cut the attitude controls and powered down the engines and then, with her fingers shaking, allowed the datapad to drop to her chest, breathing heavily and letting all the panic she had been suppressing wash over her.

It had been a difficult first twelve minutes aboard her new ship and she definitely needed some tea. Compass gave the order and Hood jumped to warp speed.

NRPG:

I have been reading all the heroic dashing about planetside and decided to jump in with my own very heroic rewiring of command panels and laying down on the bridge.  This embellishes the details of what happened in Andrews post "Not With a Bang…", not meant as a retcon at all, but as an enhancement of those events.

(*) I like to make up words now and again. As fast as humanly possible in this case modified by Trillanly. It should probably be Trilly but its my word and Ill spell it how I please. :p

Last time I was in ASR there were multiple places one had to post. Let me know if I am missing anything as this group is the only place I am sending to.

David Kiel

Lt Cedria Zade,

NAV, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Party!

by Daniel Belin

2100 Hours Shipboard

Scene: Officer's Mess

The chatter in the officers mess was spilling over into the hallway. DeSimms and Corbett commandeered the mess and set up a little party. Corbett was over with Hemux, chatting away. DeSimms smiled as the Captain came in. The Captain walked over to the bar and poured himself a glass of Tequila, and sat next to DeSimms. He said, "John, I'm a little bit worried about something."

"Yes?" inquired John, sipping away at a cup of god-knows-what.

"What did you do to the guy who didn't notice you were missing?"

"I told my whole security team to be in the cargo bay 1300 tomorrow. Terrible performance from all but a few."

"Who did well?" Asked a smiling Steele. The Tequila was already warming his cold, hungry interior.

"Gene Lowl. He was excellent. I am recommending you put him up for promotion. I want him as my SECXO."

"I'll take it into consideration."

The door opened and Gar and Merrick walked in. Gar started feasting on the food and Merrick poured himself some of the same god-knows-what DeSimms was drinking. Suddenly, Corbett said over all the voices, "It's time for the news!"

DeSimms tuned the screen into the FNS frequency and dimmed the lights. Everybody looked at the screen as John Williamson and Mike Calviston, the 'voices of the Federation' materialized on the set.

Calviston started talking after the FNS logo had flashed onto the screen,

<<"Good Evening and welcome to Evening News with Mike and John, todays headlines are: Fighting in Arcturus leaves several people dead, the Kirk Court Marshal continues, and the starship Vance was decommissioned today," Calviston immediately turned towards John.

John looked at the camera, "Today, a fight over an unknown situation completely wrecked the Arcturan Spaceport. It seems to have ended in a Federation Victory."

Mike led on, "It seems that the Klingons, Romulans, and the Federation were fighting over an unknown asset today. It ended in a heroic, against- the-odds victory by the crew of the USS HOOD. After capturing the assets, a man heroically stayed behind to make sure everyone got onboard. Even when he was left for dead, he and the crew that pulled this off changed all my opinions about Starfleet. Our Arcturan field office captured this footage."

John interjected, "This is captivating stuff. Wow." >>

The viewer was filled with the image of DeSimms persisting in his fight even with the gash in his shoulder. The famous shot then appeared of DeSimms rallying forth with his Disruptor as his communicator was shot out of his hand. The new navigator, Cedria, smiled at DeSimms.

<<Calviston then started talking again, "And here is the unknown Starfleet Officer's heroic rescue.">>

The screen filled with the image of Steele and Corbett lifting DeSimms into the moving shuttlecraft as Hemux manned the doorgun. It was captivating imagery, even for the participants in the shot. Suddenly, a huge spontaneous cheer emerged from every single officer in the mess. It rang through the halls on that deck and made pipes shake.

As the commercials came on, the lights came up again and the talking resumed. The drinking and eating continued at a more fervent pace. DeSimms wasn't the Oracle, but he knew that this was to become one hell of a wild party, considering what near-everyone in that room had just gone through. Suddenly Compass walked in and rather meekly asked, "May I join the party? Sir?"

Steele smiled and said, "Of course. You have your own reason to be celebrating. I'm recommending that you be promoted and be given the position of XO on a ship. I think you've passed my personal command test."

Another, smaller cheer went up for Compass, who said, "Thank you sir!"

Cedria moved to DeSimms, and started talking to him about the footage she just saw. The Trill was clearly enjoying the conversation, and as a matter of fact so was DeSimms. He hoped to learn a little about the past lives of her symbiont before the party got too rowdy.

NRPG: I can't wait to see what happens as the night progresses.

--

Daniel Belin

John DeSimms

SEC Officer

USS HOOD

NCC-1703

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Decisions

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.023

Scene: Officer’s Mess

<old>

Suddenly Compass walked in and rather meekly asked, "May I join the party? Sir?"

Steele smiled and said, "Of course. You have your own reason to be celebrating. I'm recommending that you be promoted and be given the position of XO on a ship. I think you've passed my personal command test."

Another, smaller cheer went up for Compass, who said, "Thank you sir!"

<new>

Jack took a quick look around the room and then turned back to Compass. Duty first. “ C’mon, we need to talk.”

Once they were out in the corridor the captain turned and began to head towards the Observation Lounge. His office probably would have been a better venue but after being planet bound for so many days he was happy to see the stars. As they entered the expansive room he took a table near the window and away from everyone else. Before he could begin Yeoman Greene and her beaming smile suddenly appeared to see if either officer needed a beverage. Once she was gone Jack leaned back in his chair. “Mark I really do hate to lose you. I hadn’t expected to so early.”

“Thank you sir, but I have to admit to being confused as to how all this came about.”

“Rank hath its privileges.” Jack said before continuing. “I hadn’t put in for a new NAV nor did I know I was getting one until she showed up. But it seems a senior captain needed an experienced NAV and he requested you. I’m afraid not all captains are created equal and personnel approved the unofficial poaching.”

“I see sir.” Mark replied although he really didn’t. Hadn’t the captain mentioned something about being a first officer? “Who requested me sir.”

“Well commander it seems Ron Tracey wants you on the EXETER with him.”

“Captain Tracey!” Mark exclaimed. He was one of Starfleet’s most senior and decorated captains just as EXETER was a ship many dreamed of being assigned too. “It was my understanding that EXETER already had a first officer.”

“They do.” Jack answered. “A good one too. No, your transfer to EXETER is a lateral one, although I’m sure Tracey sees it as a promotion. However a friend of mine is captain of the DAUNTLESS, a tough little destroyer that patrols the frontier. She is looking for a good first officer and I told her I think you would fit the bill.”

“I see sir. So what exactly are my orders?”

“HOOD has a rendezvous with USS KIDD in two days. At that point we are to transfer over our Romulan guest and you are to hitch a ride back to Starbase 10 where you’ll meet up with EXETER. I can’t give you any guarantees but if you tell me you want the exec job I’ll forward my recommendation to Admiral Carstairs. Captain Tracey can trade on his fame but I don’t think the admiral is going to leave an XO spot open when he has a good fit.” Jack rose from his seat. “I’ll be sending the admiral my after action report in three hours you have til then to make the decision.”

Mark rose from his seat. “I don’t need to think about it captain as much as I’d hate to leave HOOD I’ll take DAUNTLESS.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Good thing mark went with DAUNTLESS. I’d hate to see him as white powder next to his NAV console while Captain Tracey was down on Omega IV playing Caesar with the Kohms and Yangs ;-)

Ya I’m a TOS geek!

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Back to Normal?

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2261.024 Setting: Shuttlecraft speeding away from Arcturus

<<snip- from Steve's post, entitled "Riding off into the Sunset">>

Gar sat next to the unconscious Andorian female and Romulan prisoner. Shaking his head he tried to clear his thoughts and the fading effects of his own stunning. He watched Avae and pondered what he was going to do, but that could wait.

He had been listening to his shipmates joke amongst themselves. Humans were a curious race, he thought. They could endure hard battle and tragedy just to make a joke on the other side of it. They were in their own way a remarkable species.

"I seem to remember from old Earth movies." Gar said quietly. "Westerns I think they were called. That at the end the good guys always rode off into the sunset."

The senior officer looked over at him and smiled.

<<end snip>>

Gar turned his attention back to Avae. He was worried about her- not medically, as he knew she was not seriously injured. However, she'd been conducting black operations within Federation space- at least what the Federation considered Federation space, anyway- and that was outlawed.

Neither the Federation Council nor Star Fleet Intelligence sanctioned black operations. Period.

Gar leaned back in his chair. He didn't **really** think the Federation and SFIA could afford to be as naïve as that...but the laws were what they were, and Avae was going to end up answering for her crimes.

After a moment, Gar chanced a glance at Doctor Sahen. This man was one of the most despicable men he'd ever had the misfortune of meeting: he was a man who thought of nothing beyond his own gain. He never gave a second's thought to the consequences of his research- a problem more than one scientist has had over the millennia.

Looking back and forth between the two prisoners, Gar couldn't help but feel, at least on the moral level, that Starfleet's brass had gotten this one all wrong. In fact, had Starfleet recognized the kind of monster Sahen was, they could have avoided all this unpleasantness by putting a phaser bolt between the Romulan's eyes and keeping the Am Tal out of the mix.

Of course, that might be giving Starfleet too much credit, he thought: they could- and likely DO- know full-well what kind of monster Sahen was.

They wanted him anyway.

One thing was certain, he concluded as he closed his eyes: there was certain to be quite a flurry of animated communiqués from the President's office and Andoria.

////

Timeframe: 2100 hours- several hours after the shuttles made it back to HOOD Setting: Officer's Mess, C-Deck, USS HOOD

<<snip- from Daniel's post, entitled "Party!">>

The door opened and Gar and Merrick walked in. Gar started feasting on the food and Merrick poured himself some of the same god-knows-what DeSimms was drinking. Suddenly, Corbett said over all the voices, "It's time for the news!"

DeSimms tuned the screen into the FNS frequency and dimmed the lights. Everybody looked at the screen as John Williamson and Mike Calviston, the 'voices of the Federation' materialized on the set.

Calviston started talking after the FNS logo had flashed onto the screen,

<<"Good Evening and welcome to Evening News with Mike and John, today's headlines are: Fighting in Arcturus leaves several people dead, the Kirk Court Marshal continues, and the starship Vance was decommissioned today," Calviston immediately turned towards John.

John looked at the camera, "Today, a fight over an unknown situation completely wrecked the Arcturan Spaceport. It seems to have ended in a Federation Victory."

Mike led on, "It seems that the Klingons, Romulans, and the Federation were fighting over an unknown asset today. It ended in a heroic, against-the-odds victory by the crew of the USS HOOD. After capturing the assets, a man heroically stayed behind to make sure everyone got onboard. Even when he was left for dead, he and the crew that pulled this off changed all my opinions about Starfleet. Our Arcturan field office captured this footage."

John interjected, "This is captivating stuff. Wow."

The viewer was filled with the image of DeSimms persisting in his fight even with the gash in his shoulder. The famous shot then appeared of DeSimms rallying forth with his Disruptor as his communicator was shot out of his hand. The new navigator, Cedria, smiled at DeSimms.

<<Calviston then started talking again, "And here is the unknown Starfleet Officer's heroic rescue.">>

The screen filled with the image of Steele and Corbett lifting DeSimms into the moving shuttlecraft as Hemux manned the door gun. It was captivating imagery, even for the participants in the shot. Suddenly, a huge spontaneous cheer emerged from every single officer in the mess. It rang through the halls on that deck and made pipes shake.

<<end snip>>

Gar leaned over towards Merrick. "I'm not sure Admiral Carstairs would be joining in on the cheering."

"You think?" Merrick asked, his tone sardonic.

Gar's lips twisted into a tight grin. "Yes, I think," he said. "Covert operations- even successful ones- are not supposed to make it onto the Evening News."

They watched as Steele abruptly got up to answer a hail from the intercom across the room. After a couple of quick words, he pushed the intercom closed, and, tugging his uniform and pursing his lips, he marched out of the mess hall.

"That doesn’t look good," Merrick commented. "Carstairs?"

"I'd bet my thermal bedsheets on it," the Andorian quipped.

Merrick's eyebrow shot upwards. "Thermal bedsheets?"

"I come from an ice world, Sean."

Suddenly, there was a call over the ship's comm. [[[Security to the brig- security to the brig.]]]

Gar quickly turned to Merrick. "Avae's in the brig," he said, pushing himself out of his seat.

Merrick followed suit, and found it hard to keep pace with the Andorian.

When they reached a comm. panel, Gar flipped it open. "This is Commander Gar- what happened?"

[[[Sir, the Andorian spy has escaped somehow.]]]

"Good thing you didn't take that bet," Merrick muttered as they jogged towards the nearest 'lift.

<<NRPG>>

Just taking this another step forward. Up to you whether Steele is answering an angry call from Carstairs or investigating an escape from the brig. Maybe we have both happening at the same time.

I'm assuming since we are giving Sahen asylum that he's NOT in the brig, but in guest quarters. Is that where Avae's heading? Or is she escaping? Hmmm....

Respectfully Submitted,

-- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer

USS HOOD NCC-1703

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Madman and the Scientist

David Martens

SD: 2261.024

USS HOOD, Guest quarters...

Time: during party

ARr'Rhiana was facing the Romulan scientist in front of her. She had left the party just before the newsflash. Hemux felt still confused, tensed and she needed to know. She needed to know who Sahen was, why StarFleet had sent them in to get him, why she had endured the Orion Traders again and why she had to kill to rescue Sahen.

So she had wandered to the secured quarters where he was , two Security Guards next to the door and two more at each junction of the corridor leading to Sahens quarters. After a scan of her retina and voice print to make sure she was ARr'Rhiana Hemux, she had to give of her phasor and only then she was allowed to get in with Sahen, joined by one of the guards.

Hemux now sat in front of him, "Dr Sahen, I am ARr'Rhiana Hemux, Science officer. I am curious why you have left Romulus and why StarFleets want you so badly that they where willing to send in one of their top StarFleet senior officers to get you."

She paused for a moment, but the man only looked to her with a slight, grim smile on his face, leaning a bit to the back in his seat.

"I know you reputation, Sahen. You're a brilliant genetics engineer and the results of your cloning is highly praised in StarFleet science. You're findings on growing organs and replacement techniques for limbs are an incredible step forwards into science and medical technology." Now Sahen sat up a bit more straight and nodded to Hemux, but he still didn't said anything.

ARr'Rhiana narrowed her eyes and her voice became more harsh "But I also have heard the rumours, the rumours about forbidden experiments, cloning total humans, or Romulans, breeding and selecting the individuals as you, or better the Romulan Empire wants them. Have you not learned from what happened in the past?"

Now Sahen laughed "You know nothing, woman. You do not know half of what I have achieved. You want to know what I can do ? I do much better then just breed new limbs or new skin for medical purposes. I am way beyond the pity requests of parents who want their son to have green eyes and be 6 foot tall or their daughter to be as pretty as an Orion slavegirl."

Sahens eyes glistened as he talked about his achievements, he was a proud man who had top hide himself to long in the underground, and now found someone who was a scientist, highly trained and good neough toi serve on the top of StarFleets battleships. She woudl understand, at least so he thought...

"In the past they where able to clone humans, breed them with better muscles, being stronger, having a mind capable of better thinking and swifter analysing then normally possible. But they all forgot one thing: they had still the imprints of their original `parent' What I achieved is better, I can breed full grown bodies, not babies that need to be grown over decades before they perform at their best. I am able to grown a full grown adult in less then three months!"

Hemux stared at Sahen stunned, if that was true then it was beyond anything that was achieved until now, that was a really incredible step forwards in genetic engineering.

Sahens lips curled up in a wicked, evil smile "And I even add more to it, woman! I can breed full-grown bodies with a blank mind, ready to be trained for any purpose."

Now Hemux shook her head "That is not possible, a body can not grow for so long without picking up feelings, senses, sounds. Even babies grown in the womb of a mother hear the heartbeat of their mother, taste the fluids in the womb, move their muscles, feel the warmth off the summersun. That all leaves imprints. It is know that soft music calms an unborn child, and..."

"You are an idiot!" Sahens voice lashed out to her with such anger and rage that the guards took a step closer. Sahen looked to him and ignored him as Hemux waved the guard back.

"Grow them in isolated tubes, isolated from sounds, light anything. Keep the temperature exactly as high as needed, it is all possible. And then, in the end, lay the imprint over their mind as you want it, as you desire it. I can create any kind of Romulan or human or Klingon, I want. I am better then God because I choose who they are, what they become!"

Now hemux knew it for certain: Sahen was crazy, but also a brilliant scientist. "You mean you can add a personality to the clones?"

Sahen nodded "Imagine, I create slaves for the mines, stronger muscles, greater endurance, better resistance to radiation or chemicals so they can perform better in hostile environments. I feed their minds with what they need to know to handle the tools and equipment, but no anger against the guards, no requests for better payment, no anger as a mine collapse and dozens of their comrades die in the accident. They just accept their fate... Or soldiers: I create them with better reflexes, better vision so they can see better at night, hear the enemies come from hundred feet away, feel no pain, no fear, I lay a keen mind, ready to follow orders from any superior officer, ready to march into death with a smile."

Sahens eyes where wide open as he talked about his dreams and his breathing was faster. "Imagine what I could do with such an army of soldiers."

Hemux blinked her eyes "Is that why you where hunted away? You want to breed your own army and the Romulan Empire discovered your plans?"

Sahen growled to her "They thought I searched for knowledge, not for glory on the battlefield. They where jealous of my talents as scientist and yet hated me because I found the continuing struggle for territory and new ground an idiotic thing to do. They found me weak so they repelled me from their worlds. And knowing that Romulus might be destroyed in the future, they wanted to become to most powerfull asset in the Galaxy, so they only wanted to use my talents for their own good! So YES ! I wanted REVENGE."

Sahen had a glow in his eyes that made it clear he had completely lost all sanity and normal looks to the universe. He was crazy and very, very dangerous. Hemux stared at him in silence, she knew enough...

Before anyone could speak or do anything there was suddenly a strange noise in the corridor. Running around, a voice talking, then a strange bump or so and then silence again. Hemux narrowed her eyes and the guard layed his finger to his lips.

ARr'Rhiana puled Sahen to his arm into the back of the room, hidden behind a bed and notioned him to shut up as he wanted to ask something. Maybe it was nothing, but maybe Sahen was not safe after all...

<<<NRPG>>>

Hi All,

I tried to figure out what would be so important about Sahen and came up with this background for him. I hope it fits into the storyline.

I also picked up the Alert in Scotts post, maybe the sounds in the corridor are nothing, maybe it's just Gar and Merrick checking Sahen, but maybe it's something bad... (Play the `Jaws' theme here...)

Respectfully,

David Martens

Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux

CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Can I Come Too

by Steve Apple

SD: 2261.024

Timeframe: Parallel to Scotts "Back to Normal?"

Setting: CMO’s Office

Corbett exited the party early and made his way quietly to his office. Placing his hat on the desk he went about the ritual of cutting and lighting a cigar. Leaning back he exhaled and looked appreciatively at the Cuban he held between his left thumb and index finger. He sipped on his glass of tequila and wondered not for the first why he felt so uneasy.

People were getting drunk and slapping each other on the back extolling what a good job they had done, yet here he was thinking about what had went wrong. This mission was supposed to be covert; however, there was the crew featured on a news broadcast that spanned all the worlds of the Federation. The Admiralty will not be pleased, he thought as he took another sip.

The Klingons and Romulans could and most likely would claim that those involved were rogue elements from their respective governments and in no way were legitimately sanctioned. Ah to be a totalitarian government and get away with such things. The Federation would not be so lucky. There would be no way to deny that the actions of the crew from a Constitution Class heavy cruiser were sanctioned. Well not unless Star Fleet wanted to brand them mutineers and pirates. Corbett had to laugh at that thought. What would make Star Fleet look worse that they sanctioned the operation, or that a handpicked crew from a flagship mutinied.

[Security to the brig- security to the brig.] Came over the ships intercom breaking into his thoughts.

Corbett shook his head and put his glass down on the desk. Back to work already he thought as he pushed his chair back and grabbed his hat and emergency med-kit.

He made it to the turbo lift where Merrick and Gar were already inside. “Gentlemen, imagine meeting you here.”

“Avae has escaped.” Gar said with what sounded to Corbett like a mixture of anger and pride.

“So I take it we’re all off to the Brig?” Corbett asked.

“No,” Merrick said. “Actually were headed to Dr. Sachen’s quarters. Gar believes that’s where she is headed.”

Gar just nodded his head to the affirmative.

“I take it you’re trying to get to her before Security does. Mind if I tag along then?” Corbett asked.

“Don’t you have to go to the brig?” Merrick questioned. “From what Gar has told me about her I would bet that the security detail in charge of her is injured.”

“That’s the beauty of being me.” Corbett said smiling as he stepped over to the lift’s comm. button. [Corbett to trauma team 1]

[Harris here sir.] Came the metallic sounding reply.

[Nick take a couple of stretchers down to the brig and make sure no one is seriously injured.]

[Aye sir, I’ll let you know if you’re needed. Harris out]

“Oh don’t give me that frown of disapproval Sean; it’s not an abuse of power.” Corbett said facing Merrick and then turned to Gar. “I have a feeling she only incapacitated her guards; however, what she might do to Sachen is a different matter entirely.”

“The doctor is right.” Gar said grimly. “She will try to carry out her mission and assassinate him. We very well may need Stile on site.”

“Well then I guess you’re along for the ride doctor.” Merrick said.

<<NRPG>>

You know how I hate to be left out.

Respectfully Submitted,

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Racedown

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2261.024

Scene: Nearby the Guest Quarters, USS HOOD

Sean and company rushed up the corridor knowing that if Avae really intended to complete her mission then they had only seconds to stop her. Sean shouted ahead for unwitting crew to make a hole. He glanced back to see Stile holding his hat to his head and Gar gritting his teeth from six flavors of angst.

They pulled up short at the intersection nearest Sahen's quarters, panting like greyhounds. Sean pulled the mini phaser he always carried, Gar gripped his own weapon of choice, and Stile brandished his beloved colt. It was dead quiet in the hallway. He peered cautiously around the curve of the cooridor. What he saw made the lump in his throat drop clean into his stomach. The guards ... were perfectly fine. Still standing even. Hell, they had their weapons drawn and were actively checking the corridors as though ready for action. It could mean only one thing.

Aw frak.

"Gar."

"Yeah."

"This girlfiend of your's."

Gar growled.

"Sorry. Friend then."

"Just tell me what you want to know," Gar demanded.

"Is she as devious as you are?"

"Aw frak," Gar said.

Wanna clue me in gentlemen?" Stile said.

"Yeah. We may be frakked," Sean replied.

"Frakked?" the doctor said puzzled. "What? How?"

"She's not here," Sean said.

"Aw frak," Stile said.

"Waddaya think Gar? Is she going to try for engineering. Blow up the ship?"

"Transporters make more sense. Just beam him out to space. Not even bother rematerializing him."

Sean pinched the bridge of his nose as though a headache were building. "Gosh I really hate to do this," He flipped open his communicator. "Sean to Security."

NRPG: Tag :-) I love hide and go seek.

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: What has it Gots in its Pocketses

by David Kiel

[This post coincides with the party timing wise. Cedria's activities at the party will be dealt with in a separate joint post with Daniel. The below takes place just after the events of `Decisions' ]

Cedria stood at relay junction seven alpha and examined the display. She examined it very closely, it was mostly shiny and black where the display wasn't showing anything and she used that section to check her hair. She brushed a stray lock behind her ear, her long brown hair was tied back in her usual ponytail. She hadn't really had time yet to freshen up with the dashing about and then the impromptu celebration.

She glanced occasionally to the conversation across the room. It was the best opportunity she'd had thus far but there was no way she was barging into the middle of it all. She would wait until one of them left. She tapped a few codes in to alter the display just enough to see another part of her reflection. There were so damn many people on Starfleet ships. She should really have been an architect, just drawings and a comp screen all day, much quieter.

But then she would have had to be an architect, with the drawing and looking at comp screens all day. She shuddered at the thought.

Mr. Compass rose and shook the Captains hand and departed. He seemed a little pleased with the situation at least. She still would be very happy if she didn't get a chance to meet him again before his transfer. Obviously the department transfer would go more smoothly is she had a few transitional meetings with Mr. Compass but then again not every department transition went smoothly and why should this one?

A little transitional chaos could be character building for her new personnel.

She tapped the panel and closed out the session. Reaching down, she picked up a cup of tea that a yeoman named Greene had forced her to order. Slipping her other hand into her pocket she crossed the room to where Captain Steele sat contemplating whatever had just occurred with her predecessor.

"Quiet corners are the best part of the room, I've often found." She said by way of announcing her presence. The Captain was tall, with shortish brown hair and clear blue eyes. Younger than she expected, more the dashing adventurous type than the bookish academic his file had made him out to be. His expression was calm, and he greeted Cedria with a nod and an even smile. There was no sign of undo tension in his face or in his manner. He seemed to carry the weight of the ship rather easier than she felt she might in his place. He also seemed to have weathered the not quite pleasant events on Arcturus rather smoothly as well. It had been a long time since she had been a psychologist, but the knowledge still came in useful from time to time.

"Lieutenant Zade I presume." Captain Steele said, a hand gesturing to the empty seat across the table.

The Trill woman smoothed her skirt and took the proffered seat. "From my encounter with my predecessor, I take it that my presence was less than expected."

"These things happen in Starfleet." The Captain said. "Fortunately Mr.Compass has a new opportunity ahead of him. So tell me, how has the Hood fared in this unexpected trade? Are you a better navigator than the one we are losing?"

Cedria lowered her eyes for a moment. The unjoined Cedria would have blushed at the audacious question, but Cedria Zade was more pragmatic. "Well, I don't really know him, but, yes."

Captain Steele seemed amused by her reply. His gaze remained neutral, the practice of one used to being in a position of command. The corners of his mouth curled slightly and he seemed at least lightly surprised by her unexpected response. "You seem quite sure of yourself?"

She looked around to make sure nobody was listening to the conversation. "I'm six hundred and ninety-nine years old. There are a couple things I'm pretty good at, better than one can usually manage in a single lifetime. I've been a pilot, a psychologist, a politician and those are just the ones beginning with `p'. On the other hand I have also been a criminal, a drug addict and a lawyer. I am a mixed blessing of an operational asset."

The Captain took a sip of his drink and looked at her evaluatingly. "I suppose we will find out soon enough."

She lifted the command tube from her pocket and looking around one last time, slid it across the table. "And I also come bearing presents. Its command locked to your codes and no doubt contains a data device. For your eyes only I am told."

David Kiel

Lt Cedria Zade,

NAV, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Introductions

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.025

Scene: Observation Lounge, USS HOOD

<old>

She lifted the command tube from her pocket and looking around one last time, slid it across the table. "And I also come bearing presents. Its command locked to your codes and no doubt contains a data device. For your eyes only I am told."

<new>

Jack accepted the tube and stared down at it for a moment. His curiosity was of course instantly aroused. Beside the normal concern over what the next mission would bring he had the added pressure of whether or not his transfer orders were contained inside. But it was only a brief pang of apprehension; the message tube had obviously been sealed long before the news crew had laid the covert operation bare. So official censure and disgrace was still waiting on his comm terminal. So it was with relief that he was able to focus his attention on the more important of the two options, his new Chief Navigator. “Seven hundred years old?” He said failing to completely mask the shock in his voice. At least he was able to bite off the ‘you don’t look a day over 100’ comment that struggled to get out. Where was Merrick when you needed him?

“Six hundred and ninety-nine.” She answered demurely.

“Of course.” Jack replied. “I can’t even begin to comprehend that. The things you must have seen.” He said enthusiastically. “Your experience and insights alone will be a tremendous asset on the bridge, as long as you don’t fly the ship into anything I’ll be pretty much happy.”

“No promises.”

“Fair enough.” He smiled.

“I see you have a party of sorts going on?”

Jack nodded. “Its not a standard thing, just blowing off a little steam. The last few missions have been a bit more stressful then most and I guess now is as good a time as any to let our hair down. In general though its not really a nightly thing. Having said that, now would be a good time to meet the rest of the senior staff.”

They both rose from their chairs and headed back down the corridor.

<<<NRPG>>>

Just a quick one, Brian will be happy to know that I’m actually doing work..while at work.

Respectfully,

Andy

Capt Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Still Employed

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.025

Scene: Captain’s Quarters

Jack lay on his bed and stared up at the ceiling as he replayed the conversation with the admiral in his mind. It had gone better then he had expected it to, in that he hadn’t been relieved of his command. But although the admiral hadn’t specifically said it there had been a very clear ‘Yet!’ in the message he had given Jack. The good news, such as it was, had been that much of the reason for the covert operation had been to keep Romulus in the dark as to where their missing scientist had gone had been negated long before the news crew managed to catch DeSimms on video. The fact that both Romulus and Quonos had sent teams made it quite clear they knew where Sachen had fled to. And it was extremely unlikely that Romulan troops hadn’t noticed Federation operatives firing back at them whether they were in Starfleet uniforms or not. Carstairs did concede that no one had expected even Romulus to have the nerve to blatantly drop troops into what all governments privately admitted was a non-aligned world, official claims notwithstanding, and begin to shoot up the place. And as sensational as the news piece was it was short on verifiable facts. Starfleet already had there publicity people working at warp speed to spin the story that the fight had been between Klingons and Romulans. HOOD which had been patrolling nearby had responded to the turmoil and had taken steps to evacuate Federation nationals who had been in or near the spaceport. In the end it probably wouldn’t wash but by then there would be some other sensational story which would be burning up the comm net.

What a frakin disaster Jack thought as he swung his legs around and hopped off his bed. He supposed he could mope around his cabin for the rest of the day but it wouldn’t change things and it was better to be out amongst the crew. Pulling on a fresh tunic he strode out into the corridor and headed for the mess and a comforting cup of coffee. As he walked along he thought about the mission orders he had received. It was a fairly standard assignment, one that Admiral Carstairs felt that even HOOD couldn’t screw up. A tour of the Celes system would be fairly uneventful and be a good opportunity for the crew to do some training and research. Entering the mess he saw Sean tucked away in a corner staring intently into a viewer. Jack stopped briefly at a food replicator to grab a coffee and then headed over to join his first officer.

“So am I getting promoted to captain?” He asked with an innocent smile.

“Sorry, I’m afraid the admiral is keeping me around for the short term at least.”

“Crap. Oh well maybe next time.” The smile on his face faded. “How bad was it?”

Jack shrugged. “It took a few hours but I’m now able to sit.” He sipped at his coffee. “New orders in. I’ve forwarded them to all the senior staff before I came down here.”

Merrck nodded. “Can you give me the highlights?”

“Pretty straight forward. We’re to patrol Celes and the surrounding systems. Should take about three weeks.”

“Whats out there?” Sean asked frowning, he recognized the system name but couldn’t remember anything beyond that.

Jack shook his head. “Nothing of note. Two colonies, three mining facilities and a small science outpost studying the Sonata Nebula.”

“Anything we need to worry about?”

“Doesn’t look to be. Just a ‘show the flag’ run. Drop in on each facility see if they need anything, deliver some supplies, that type of thing. I’m sure Dr. Corbett will want to have his teams do some health checks and I imagine engineering will be called upon to help out with some minor repairs, parts fabrication and upgrades but all in all it should be a nice quiet change to the last three missions.”

Sean raised his mug in mock salute. “Lets hope.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Hi all, trying something new with the mission. Rather then one we can have several mini-missions. They can turn into something larger or not…we’ll see how it develops. I have no preconceived ideas…and it if tanks we’ll get called away to somewhere more epic. ;-)

Also, I'm not trying to jump things ahead, just wanted to write something and I don't know if I will have time Tues-Fri. I also don't want to drop myself in the middle of the Great Escape...I'm really looking to see how it plays out.

So, keep posting where you are and ignore my post til it fits in better with the timeline. :-)

Finally, did my post Introductions go out on the mailing list? I see it on the group but I didn't get it from either the HOOD or ASR mailer...and I know I missed that one post from Scott two weeks ago. If anyone got it can you let me know so I don't resend it.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding,

USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Blown Apart

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2261.025 Timeframe: Concurrent with Brian's "Racedown" Setting: Corridor Outside Guest Quarters, USS HOOD

When last we left our "heroes"...

<<snip from "Racedown">>

"Waddaya think Gar? Is she going to try for engineering. Blow up the ship?"

"Transporters make more sense. Just beam him out to space. Not even bother rematerializing him."

Sean pinched the bridge of his nose as though a headache were building. "Gosh I really hate to do this," He flipped open his communicator. "Sean to Security."

<<end snip>>

At the same moment that Security and Starfleet's latest hero-wonderboy Lieutenant John DeSimms were getting Commander Merrick's rather pained call for help, Avae Zh'sharav was busy proving Gar was, at least in part, correct: she had completely bypassed Main Engineering (in fact, had not even come anywhere close to the secondary hull) and went straight for Transporter Room 2, on the other side of the main hull from where Doctor Sahen was being held.

Avae had spent most of the all-too-abbreviated time that she was in her cell contemplating her mission. Without a doubt, it was completely blown apart: Sahen was in Starfleet custody, and while she was certain she could get to him and complete her mission, she wasn't all that confident that she could do that AND still get off the ship.

And there was still the matter of Gar.

As she crept quietly through the Jeffries tubes, she contemplated her former lover or, rather, her reaction to her former lover.

Her reactions were far more powerful than she ever imagined it would be in her thoughts. She thought she could control her feelings, move on and not let him...affect her.

She was wrong- oh, so wrong...and it had probably cost her this mission, for in the end, Gar was right: she could not kill him.

Avae's thoughts snapped back to the task at hand as she approached the junction nearest Transporter Room 2. As quietly as she could, she crawled down from the tube, and poked her head out of the tube.

She saw nothing.

With the sort of grin a Cheshire Cat would employ, the Andorian agent hopped down from the tube's entrance, and strode towards the doorway to the transporter room, hips swaying as she did.

It was time to get into character.

Avae stepped through the doors as they parted, and gazed at the transporter room tech with the kind of look that could ignite one's soul.

"Care to show me around?" she purred, stepping up to the control panel an propping up against it in such a way as to make all of the curves of her lithe body demand to be noticed.

The tech noticed them enough to react, but played cool. "I'm on duty, Ma'am," he said simply, turning back to his controls.

A quick boot across the face dispatched him from his chair. "Not anymore," she said at the red-shirted unconscious man sprawled on the floor.

<<NRPG>>

To be continued in about 3 minutes...

Respectfully Submitted,

-- Scott Lusby

Avae Zh'sharav

Am Tal Operative

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Great Escape

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2261.025

Timeframe: Immediately following "Blown Apart"

Setting: Transporter Room 2, USS HOOD

<<snip- from "Blown Apart>>

Avae stepped through the doors as they parted, and gazed at the transporter room tech with the kind of look that could ignite one's soul.

"Care to show me around?" she purred, stepping up to the control panel an propping up against it in such a way as to make all of the curves of her lithe body demand to be noticed.

The tech noticed them enough to react, but played cool. "I'm on duty, Ma'am," he said simply, turning back to his controls.

A quick boot across the face dispatched him from his chair. "Not anymore," she said at the red-shirted unconscious man sprawled on the floor.

<<end snip>>

Quickly, Avae worked the controls in front of her. She knew she didn't have much time...but she couldn't simply leave without...

She slid the mechanisms down, and waited for Sahen to appear on the pad in front of her.

All the Am Tal operative got was a derisive chirp from the console.

"Force fields," she murmured. DeSimms was good, she granted him that: force fields around Sahen's quarters to block transports was Security 101, she knew...but that didn't mean everyone knew it or thought of it under pressure.

It also meant they were on to her.

At that moment, the doors flew open, and two security guards ran in.

Avae wasted little time. She slapped the phaser out of one guard's hand and, as he recovered from his shock, she spun, kicking the phaser from the other guard and knocking him to the ground. Then, turning back to face the first guard, she blocked one incoming blow, then the follow-up, neatly with her forearms. Then, leaning back, she shot her leg out, catching the guard firmly in the solar plexus, knocking him down.

By this time, the second guard had gotten up and had somehow retrieved one of the phasers. Before he could fire, however, Avae had crossed the short distance between them and knocked his phaser arm away again. However, this time, she caught him with a backhanded fist across the face on the return, then brought a knee up into his groin. Finally, a two-handed hammer to the back of the head disposed of the second guard.

The first one was back up again, and this time wary of his opponent. He stood crouched, ready to spring like an Andorian snow leopard would on an ice bull.

However, this time, Avae had a phaser. "You lose," she said, and fired.

The first guard dropped like a sack of potatoes.

Quickly, Avae scurried to the control panel again and, after pressing a few buttons, she pushed the slide controls upwards and, rounding the table, climbed the pad.

It was at that moment that Gar, Merrick and DeSimms entered the room.

"It's been fun- see you boys again sometime," she said, waving and winking.

Then, shifting her gaze to DeSimms, she said- this time in tones of pure ice- "We have unfinished business, you and I."

Merrick was the first to react. "The transporter- stop her from beaming!" he shouted.

Gar hurried to the panel, but there was nothing he could do; the transporter had already begun disassembling her pattern.

He glanced up at her.

"Someday," Avae whispered as she disappeared from the transporter pad.

Merrick was at Gar's side. "Where did she go?"

The Andorian engineer looked up. "My guess is another ship- these coordinates are for something moving at warp nearby."

Sean glanced at DeSimms, who was helping his guards up from the floor.

"Frak," was all he said.

<<NRPG>>

Well, that gets rid of Avae...for now. :)

Daniel- don't take this personal, but you know she'll hold a grudge after John's little 'chat,' right?

Hope you guys enjoyed that.

Respectfully Submitted,

-- Scott Lusby

Avae Zh'sharav

Am Tal Operative

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Party Conversations - JP

David Kiel and Daniel Belin

[Taking place after the start of the party and before the `What Does it have in its Pocketses', and before the great escape.]

Cedria had been exploring the ship, trying to memorize the important junctures. It would not do to become hopelessly lost in an emergency. When she had stepped into the officers mess, the celebration had already begun. She hadn't really expected quite as much celebrating to be honest. She was offered a drink by a security ensign, she turned it down with a shudder. Seven years after Padrek Zade and she still couldn't tolerate even the scent of alcohol.

She saw the Captain at the other end of the gathering. There were far too many people for a proper introduction and way too many to give him the command orders she carried. She mingled cautiously and suppressing no small amount of panic at the wide variety of people who might try and talk to her at any moment. Mingling was not Cedria's strength, it was one of Zades, one of the many dichotomies joined Trill got to experience. She knew exactly what to do and how to `work the room', she just really did not want to. Really- very- a lot.

She quickly decided that she might be able to convince the Captain to move to a less occupied area of the ship where she could unload her orders and then perhaps download a nice book for the evening. She carefully moved through the throng until she got to the security officer who had been on the news stream, the one with the shoulder injury. He smiled at her and she smiled back.

"Enjoying the party?" He said gesturing with the drink in his hand.

Cedria looked around, and saw the Captain talking to the navigation officer she was replacing and cringed. That was not a conversation she was going to interrupt. She looked back at the security officer, her eyes drawn to the still open wound on his shoulder. "Doesn't that hurt?"

"Naw," answered DeSimms. He looked at it, "I can take the pain."

"Why don't you just have it autosutured?" Asked Cedria, looking at it again.

"The wound resists laser treatment. Corbett wanted to keep me in sickbay for observation, but I refused."

"Was that a good idea?" She asked, now concerned.

"I should have hired him years ago to be my mother," said DeSimms. He smiled and continued, "The only one around here who ever needed him badly was Merrick. The guy's a fraking injury magnet."

Cedria suppressed laughter. She looked around and said, "You really think it's a good idea to be badmouthing your XO?"

"If you are going to break the rules, don't get caught. Anyways, Merrick doesn't care. In fact I think he knows it better than anyone else," said DeSimms, "But what about you? You ARE a symbiont, right? Tell me about that."

"I'm joined actually. The symbiont is just part of me, we're a shared consciousness so to speak. Once joined we became a single whole. I remember most of the lives of the seventeen hosts before me. I've been many things, architect, astronaut and artist and that's just the ones beginning with `a'." She looked to the side for a moment, "oddly enough I can't draw at all. Some things transcribe well from host to host. Other things not so well. That said I have six hundred and ninety-nine years of knowledge and expertise to fall back on in a pinch."

"Very interesting, if I had so many experiences and memories, I would-" DeSimms was interrupted by a Klaxon.

The intercom came on, <<This is Security Control. A prisoner has escaped from the brig. Situation Baker Two, repeat, Situation Baker Two. Security team to the transporter room. DeSimms, please report to Commander Merrick. All other crew report to designated areas.>> Everyone in the room got up and moved to their respective areas.

DeSimms made for the door as fast as he could, knocking over a Noncom on his way there. this party was over, and DeSimms knew it.

Cedria was visibly relieved by the alert and by the way it emptied the room. She crossed her arms and tried to remember where her emergency station would be in this situation. Ultimately she decided to secure the shuttles, not that anyone would be crazy enough to try and slip through the warp envelope.

She watched the security team scramble out leaving their drinks behind and then headed for the flight deck to check on things.

Respectfully Submitted;

David Kiel and Daniel Belin

NAV Lt Cedria Zade, and SEC Lt. John SeSimms

NAV, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Where’d the Doctor Go

by Steve Apple

SD: 2261.025

Timeframe: Immediately after Brian's "Racedown"

Setting: Corridor Outside Guest Quarters, USS HOOD

<Snip from Brian’s Post "Racedown"

"Waddaya think Gar? Is she going to try for engineering. Blow up the ship?"

"Transporters make more sense. Just beam him out to space. Not even bother rematerializing him."

Sean pinched the bridge of his nose as though a headache were building. "Gosh I really hate to do this," He flipped open his communicator. "Sean to Security."

End snip>

Corbett took out his scanner and began moving it about Sean’s head.

“What the hell…”

“Hold still, I think you’re having a stroke.” Corbett grumbled.

“I’m having several with a heart attack to boot.” Merrick sighed as he knocked Corbett’s scanner away. “We’re heading over to Transporter Room 2”

Gar nodded and turned to run down the hallway. Corbett turned too, but was halted by the intercom.

[Trauma team 1 to Dr. Corbett]

“Corbett here,” He said as he watched Merrick stop to listen in.

[Doc we got a problem. Ensign Jimenez started seizing and her heart rate just plummeted.] The medic said in a panic.

“How was she when you first got to her?”

[She was roughed up pretty bad, but was talking to us. We were just taking her in as a precaution when she went south.]

“Pull up her tunic and tell me what you see.”

[She’s breathing, but it’s shallow and there’s a large bruise on the left side of her chest.]

“How far out are you from sickbay?”

[4 maybe 5 minutes]

“Damn it; don’t move her I’m on my way.” Corbett yelled into the comm. then punched it again. “Corbett to sickbay.”

[Saxman here sir.]

“Kiska I got an emergency inbound 5-6 minutes. I need a surgical unit and trauma nurse prepped and ready when I get there.

[Aye sir, sickbay out]

Corbett turned and almost smacked into Merrick. “Go, you can check in with me later.” Corbett said shooing Merrick away.

“I will.” Merrick said taking off after Gar.

Scene: Brig

“Easy gentlemen, she’s hanging on by a thread as it is.” Corbett said as they lifted her. She started to convulse as soon as they moved her onto the stretcher.

“BP 60/20, pulse 28 and weak.” The corpsman yelled as he watched his hand held scanner.

“No you don’t darlin, you ain’t dyin today.” Corbett scolded in his thick Texas drawl.

“BP 40/10, no pulse.” The corpsman yelled to Corbett. “We need a Cardio Stimulator, or we’ll lose her.”

Corbett ignored the medic and ripped open the woman’s uniform and undershirt exposing her chest. Pulling an old style syringe from his med-kit he grabbed the plunger from the syringe and threw it behind him as he pressed two fingers against the left side of her chest. Once he found the landmark he was looking for he pushed the needle into her chest and was immediately hit with a stream of blood that was under high pressure.

“BP 80/50, pulse 40 and regular, her vitals are getting stronger.” The corpsmen yelled in surprise as they took off down the corridor to sickbay.

“She had a pericardial tamponade, blood in the pericardial space, which was constricting the heart and keeping it from beating. I relieved it with the needle and syringe. Corbett said. “So don’t be so reliant on technology sar, as sometimes the old fashioned low tech treatments work the best. Also you should have figured that out for yourself had you done a proper secondary survey.”

The medic said nothing in return. He knew he had screwed up and instead concentrated on getting the patient to sickbay.

The doors to sickbay swooshed open and they wheeled the patient to the surgical suite. For an outsider looking in the action was very quick as the corpsmen and nurses surrounded the table and began to stabilize the young woman and prep her for surgery.

“Sir what happened, you’re covered in blood?” Saxman asked.

Corbett looked into the mirror that hung outside the surgical suite and saw his cowboy had was streaked and spattered. “Mr. Wong is not going to be happy with this.” He said.

“Who’s Mr. Wong?” Saxman asked puzzled.

“My drycleaner.” Corbett said over his shoulder. “Now let’s get prepped for surgery.

<NRPG>

I was with Sean and Gar for “Racedown”, but eliminated without explanation from the fray in “The Great Escape”. So just in case the continuity police are roaming around I thought I’d post what broke me away from the fun.

Respectfully Submitted,

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS Hood 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Back to the Grind

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2261.031 MD: Three days after Avae escapes and one day after HOOD rendezvous with USS KIDD Setting: Main Engineering, O-Deck, USS HOOD

"What in the name of the eternal gods did those idiots DO in here??!" Gar shouted, his temper finally boiling over as he scanned through the work orders from the past few days. "Where's Compass? I'm going to KILL him!"

He'd spent the last couple of days under the care of Doctor Corbett, as a precaution to the head injuries sustained on Arcturus. He'd thought he was all right...but shortly after Avae had left, he'd found himself with a brutal headache, bad enough to force him to visit Sick Bay; a short examination from the Good Doctor revealed that he was suffering from some post-concussion symptoms.

That was the end of his working for a couple of days.

Still, the time was productive: he had been able to study the changes the Starbase's yard dogs had tried to do- which would eventually evolve into his current frustration, but, initially, had simply produced confusion, as there would seem to be no reason to mess with the ship's communications and sensor networks.

He needed to talk to Compass- now.

"Computer- tie-in," he said, pushing a button on his desk.

[[[Working.]]]

"Location of Lieutenant Commander Mark Compass."

[[[Lieutenant Commander Compass is no longer serving on the HOOD. He was transferred to the USS DAUNTLESS as First Officer two days ago.]]]

Gar grumbled. "Figures."

He closed the connection, and began sifting through the reports further. Truth be told, his crew had done a good job in re-implementing the 'improvements' those idiots from the Starbase had undone over the last few hours...and since he was being somewhat generous, he supposed Compass stood his ground firmly enough in the end...

What was worse was that, now, he had a department full of new personnel. He'd glanced through their files, and all seemed competent enough (they had to be just to be considered for HOOD or one of her sister ships)...but many were young, and that meant they still worked by the textbook.

Even his new departmental XO had taken some convincing...

MD: A couple of hours earlier Setting Chief Engineer's office, Main Engineering, O-Deck, USS HOOD

"I want you to get the work crews going on fixing some of those 'repairs' the Starbase crews carried out," he said, sliding a tablet across the table.

The Tellarite glanced at Gar skeptically- or so Gar thought, anyway; it was hard for him to tell otherwise with a Tellarite.

"Are you sure that's wise, Commander?" Lieutenant Daroth said, grabbing the table. "Usually, repairs are carried out on systems that are damaged in some way."

Gar fumed as he glanced up at his new assistant.

<<NRPG>>

This ended up being too long for one post, so I split it up. Second part coming in a few minutes.

Respectfully Submitted,

- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer

USS HOOD NCC-1703

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Starting Over

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2261.031

<snip- from my last post, entitled "Back to the Grind">

MD: A couple of hours earlier Setting Chief Engineer's office, Main Engineering, O-Deck, USS HOOD

"I want you to get the work crews going on fixing some of those 'repairs' the Starbase crews carried out," he said, sliding a tablet across the table.

The Tellarite glanced at Gar skeptically- or so Gar thought, anyway; it was hard for him to tell otherwise with a Tellarite.

"Are you sure that's wise, Commander?" Lieutenant Daroth said, grabbing the table. "Usually, repairs are carried out on systems that are damaged in some way."

Gar fumed as he glanced up at his new assistant; he wasn't sure if he was hearing sarcasm or if he was falling prey to a little racial stereotyping- gods know the Andorians and Tellarites have had their share of conflict over the years. So he chose not to say anything about it- for now. Instead, he said, "Repairs are also supposed to make systems better- more efficient, more powerful, something. And theirs did not; in fact, overall efficiency in this department has dropped several percent. I'd like the highlighted systems- the communications nets, the sensor nets, and their relays- returned to their previous state."

Daroth sifted through the information on the tablet. "These modifications aren't to spec," he muttered.

Gar nodded. "I know- I authorized them and made the changes because they made the systems run better. I already submitted those improvements to Starfleet Engineering. Please do as I ask."

Daroth looked through the tablet's contents for another few seconds. "They don't seem to pose any danger to anyone...and they **do** seem to improve system efficiency and delivery times," he muttered to himself.

Gar resisted the urge to lean across the table and choke the snout-nosed engineer.

The new departmental XO now looked up and met Gar's gaze. "I'll get teams on them right away, Commander."

Gar's lips curled into a forced grin. "Thank you, Lieutenant," he said. "Perhaps, in the future, we'll be able to dispense with the inquiries and simply follow my orders," he added, perhaps a little more pointedly than he had intended.

Daroth's head cocked to one side. "Perhaps," he said, and walked out of the small office, tablet in hand.

Gar felt himself growl as the doors parted behind the brash lieutenant.

////

MD: present Setting: Same

The whistle from Gar's comm panel jarred him back to the present. "Engineering- Gar here."

[[[This is Merrick- Captain's called a senior staff meeting. Seems we got our new marching orders.]]]

The Andorian paused for a moment. "On my way- Gar out," he said, closing down the channel as he pushed himself up from his chair.

<<NRPG>>

Just pushing this to the next step, since it appears our little cloak-and-dagger mission is over. Andy, care to share what was in the special tube? :)

Respectfully Submitted,

- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer

USS HOOD NCC-1703

STAR FLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Chatting

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2261.031

Scene: Officer's Lounge, USS HOOD

"Oh for crying out loud Stile, I'm fine," Sean insisted.

"I tell you sar that a man who would stoop to relying on a red shirt to do his job ..."

"Hey watch it," Gar shot.

"A security red shirt," Stile corrected, "Is a man who is nothing short of broken. There's something diagnosable on you and I intend to find out what."

"Oh no doc. I know how you work. I'm not getting naked anymore. I don't need massage therapy from a sweet brunette nurse whose name starts with a K. I don't want any snake oil, voodoo dolls, or cat scans. I am perfectly fine. Gar please put that fork away, you're making me nervous."

"You are a sick man," Gar said.

NRPG: Just a quickie.

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Transfer

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.031

Scene: Shuttledeck

“Permission to leave ship’s company and disembark.” Lieutenant Commander Mark Compass said as he stood next to the open shuttle craft door. Inside the young ensign who had piloted the shuttle over from the KIDD did his best to pretend that the fact that the Romulan who was sitting quietly behind him was such an everyday occurrence that he barely noticed him. For his part the Romulan scientist tried hard to portray an individual who traveled on Starfleet vessels all the time. But it was becoming increasingly hard to contain his excitement over his new life. He’d been disappointed with the reception from the officers of the HOOD. To be fair he was sure the space port battle with his ex-countrymen could not have helped. But he was still surprised that he had not been treated more warmly. Of course they were military and not likely to understand how important he was. Well the ever smiling science officer seemed to have a grasp of who was in her midst.

Back outside the shuttle Captain Steele was responding to the request. “Permission granted commander.” He extended a hand. “I’m not suppose to tell you but the admiral has approved your transfer to DAUNTLESS as her first officer.”

Mark beamed. “That’s good news sir. I’d hate to think I’d wasted the last two days going over all her mission logs and personnel records for no reason.” He took a last look around HOOD’s cavernous shuttle bay. “Its been an honour captain.”

“You’ll be missed Mark. Best of luck.”

Five minutes later Jack was back in the center seat coffee in hand.

“KIDD reports Commander Compass and guest are safely aboard.”

“My regards to KIDD’s captain.” Jack said before addressing he new NAV officer. “Set course for the Celes system.”

“Course laid in sir.” Lieutenant Zade replied.

“Alright Lieutenant Steering ahead warp factor five.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Just a quick one. Working on a JP with Steve which will hopefully out tonight.

And for the life of me I don’t know why I wrote the transfer on a shuttle and not the transporter.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

Anonymous

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ORIGINS: USS Hood January 2010

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Whose Side are We On?

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Better to Talk later

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: It's Not Your Father’s Augment

by Steve Apple

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: More Questions Less Answers

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Orders

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Larry Hotchkiss and Angela Ornella

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USS HOOD: Girls Gone Arctic

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Old Skills

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Dangerous Mind

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Its Different When its Real

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Pieces in Place

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Madre Especial

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Discussions of the Brass Kind - JP

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Explaining the Orders

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Magic Potion

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Confrontation

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[ORIGINS] USS HOO: It Can't Be This Easy

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: More Speed Now!

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Reports Were True

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Here's How It Went Down

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Take them!

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Firefight

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Who's in Charge Here?

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Gang's All Here

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Catch and Release

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Day at the Office

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Don't Press Your Luck

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Message from Home

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Shuttles Away!

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Where's the Doctor?

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: What Rescue Team?

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Andorian Standoff

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Routine Journey

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Final Boarding Call

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Lifting off Now!

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Not with a Bang...

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Denobulans and Shuttlecrafts

by David Martens

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Excellent Footage

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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Riding Off Into The Sunset