ORIGINS: USS Hood November 2009: Difference between revisions

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ORIGINS: USS Hood Story Posts
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[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Take Us In

by Andy Catterick

MD: 2.1000

Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD

“Captain we’re entering the system.”

“Secure from warp and bring us to a full stop.”

“Aye sir.” Their was a brief pause as HOOD shed the warp field and bled off her speed. “Answering all stop.”

USS HOOD hung at the very edge of the system with her bow pointing inward. All sensors were at full as they swept inward looking to find any information that might give them an edge or an answer. Jack rose from his command chair and circled the bridge slowly waiting for the results. The entire bridge crew were intent on their stations as each sought to discover anything that might be a threat to their ship. The only noise was the wurring of Lieutenant Hemux’s scanner. Finally the Denobulan looked up and faced the captain.

“Report.” Steele ordered needlessly more out of a need to do something then on the chance the science officer would have waited to be asked.

Hemux had made a complete scan of the system but could tell from the look on the captain’s face that he wasn’t interested in any of the stellar phenomenon or the dozens of other discoveries that had peaked her scientific curiosity. That would have to wait until the mission was completed she realized with a mental sigh. “I have located USS RUTLEDGE. She is currently in orbit of the third satellite of the fifth planet.”

“Any sign of the FESARIUS or any First Federation marker buoys?”

“None appear to be evident.”

Jack sat back down in his chair.

“Hail the RUTLEDGE.”

After a brief pause Yoshi looked up from his console. “No reply captain.”

“Keep trying.” Jack replied as he turned his attention back to Hemux. “Lieutenant?”

The science officer briefly re-consulted her scanner. “All emissions are within normal parameters. Lifesigns present and match the posted numbers for that class of vessel.”

“Could be comm problems.” Sean said, not really believing it.

“That would be way too easy. And they can see us if we can see them. This long with out voice contact they should be flashing their running lights or using any number of methods to get our attention.”

“So they don’t know we’re here.”

“Or they don’t want to be seen.”

“Or they can’t respond.”

Finally Jack looked back at Sean. “Take us in.”

“Helm all ahead ½ impulse power.” Sean ordered. “Yellow alert.”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Mutiny Afoot

by Andy Catterick

MD: 2260.305

Scene: Science Lab 1, USS HOOD

“Ok, what’ve you got.” The captain asked without preamble as he strode into Science Lab One.

Hemux who had been intently staring at her monitor almost jumped out of her skin at Steele’s sudden arrival. “I think I have made a breakthrough captain.” She said as her customary smile broke across her face.

“Explain.”

“I ran several scans of the two shuttle pilots and found some very strange readings. They were very weak and if I hadn’t been looking for something out of the ordinary I probably wouldn’t have noticed. That being said the only reason they really jumped out at me was because I had reviewed the information you had forwarded from Admiral Carstairs.” Hemux rose from her seat and pointed at the wall monitor which to Steele at least looked like a random jumble of multicoloured lines. “In fact if you look at the Y7 reading on Subject One here you’ll see that..”

“Lieutenant I’m sorry I’m sure it is very interesting and I am just as sure I won’t have the first notion as to what you are talking about. We’re running out of time.”

“Yes sir, sorry sir.” She frowned. Jack had never seen her frown before and he knew he’d have to come back and apologize. “Here you go.” She handed him a tricorder.

“Whats this?” He asked as he looked down at the tricorder wondering if he was supposed to understand what it was doing.

“I’ve modified this device to emit a signal that should dampen the electro-magnetic signals that were affecting the pilots and by extension those on the planet.”

“For how long?”

“As long as the power supply lasts.”

“What kind of range?”

“At least a few meters, perhaps as many as a dozen. It will depend on the strength of the aliens.”

Steele stared at the tricorder for a few seconds and then looked back up at Hemux. “Let me get this straight. In less then an hour you developed this device where Hutchinson, who has been working on for several years could not.”

“I had the advantage of having his work to build on as well as having some live test subjects. Additionally I think it is evident from Dr. Hutchinson’s work he was trying to contain these aliens, or some sort of energy creature like them. I was intent on blocking them out. It was much simpler especially with the HOOD’s computer power. And as you said, we don’t have a lot of time. Or options.”

“Is it going to work?” Steele asked.

“Yes.” The science officer replied with a calm certainty.

Two minutes later Steele materialized at the entrance of the pyramid almost getting knocked down by a running DeSimms and Corbett.

“Status report.” Steele ordered.

“We have to get the ship sir. Immediately.” DeSimms said with a blank stare.

“Yes sar, there is no time to explain. We must have the ship lower the shields and beam us up.”

“Where are Commander Merrick and the rest of the team?”

“I relieved Commander Merrick after he sided with the life forms in the pyramid.”

“You relieved him?” Steele asked as he opened up the tricorder. “Lieutenant you don’t have the authority to do that. Starfleet regs leave that to myself and the doctor.”

“He appeared to be under the influence of the life force.” Stile confirmed. “We should get to the ship quickly captain. They are coming and you are not strong enough to withstand them. They will consume you.”

“I see.”

“We should go to the ship now captain. Order them to drop shields and beam us up.”

“Very well.” Steele said as he powered up the tricorder. For a second nothing happened and Jack thought all was lost. But then both Stile and DeSimms went rigid and let out a blood curdling scream. They dropped to the ground and Jack watched in horrified fascination as yellow vapour emerged from their mouths, it paused for a second until he turned the power up on the tricorder and then sped back into the pyramid.

“Where are we?” Stile said as he struggled to his feet.

“And what happened?” DeSimms added.

“From what I gather you mutinied and abandoned your comrades in the face of danger.”

“We did what?” DeSimms demanded.

“Can’t say I remember doing that Sar.” Corbett agreed.

“Whats the last thing you do remember?”

“We were all in the antechamber and Commander Merrick was trying to make contact with the aliens.”

“You saw the aliens?”

“They are using the dead archeologists as hosts.”

“Like they did with us.” DeSimms growled.

“Not to sound like I’m complaining but having been under the influence as it were why am I not dead like the misfortunate archeologists? And just to press my luck how did you drive out the evil spirits?”

“You can thank Lieutenant Hemux for the cure.” Jack said as he raised the tricorder. “He created a dampening field. As for the other answers.” He gestured to the pyramid. “They’re in there with our comrades. Let’s go.”

“Sar, if you like I could carry that nifty device for you.” Stile drawled.

<<<NRPG>>>

Dan/Steve: It would have been fun writing a post arresting you both for mutiny…but this was easier. And I look forward to your characters explaining it all to a pissed Sean and Gar. I imagine it will start off with…”You see it was like this, there were these aliens…” <G>

And once again great work all! I believe October has been our best month. I hope you are enjoying the story as much as I am!

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Waking Up to a Bad Nightmare

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2260.305

MD: 5.1640

Scene: Pyramid Object, Valorum IV

"Ugh," Merrick said as he roused himself from the cold floor. "I have the worst headache." Then he looked up and was pretty sure he was about to die.

Half of the landing party was flat on the ground unconscious or worse. The other half ...

Not five feet from him, Gar was using a K-bar sized knife to dissect the twitching body of one of the security team redshirts. At first he wasn't sure what for. Then the andorian started stuffing handfuls of human meat into his mouth. Beyond him, a few other presumably "inhabited" crewmen were feasting in like fashion on their fellows.

Like a frightened kid, Merrick scrambled back to the nearest wall and took in the horror of this "dining hall." There were scores of half-consumed corpses strewn everywhere. It looked like half of the archeology team had been served up in there.

He couldn't see Corbett and DeSimms.

Then Merrick realized that he was completely unarmed, without a communicator, and that there was, in fact, no obvious exit to the room.

"Oh dear God," he gasped.

Slowly, Gar looked back at him. He uttered through a mouthful of somebody's innards, "Don't expect God to help you now." And then Gar jack-knifed his blade straight into the Merrick's thigh.

NPRG: Your punishment for your sins Scott is ... demon possession and cannibalism. Unfortunately, Merrick is next on the menu. So you tell me? Nightmare or Star Trek hell? Presumably, Merrick is the only one unpossessed because of the drug. Why he woke up so quickly from it ... we'll presume a failed attempt at possession jump started him. That's my third confirmed redshirt by the way.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: "Mother's Trust"

by Steve Apple

SD: 2260.307

MD 5.1620

Scene: Sickbay, CMO’s Office

<<Snip from Lena’s Post: Mother’s Orders>>

Kiska softly sighed; she hoped the away team was all right. She shook herself realizing she was wasting time just standing there. They would all be told in due time. She decided she better get busy and finish performing her duties. She was just about to head back to the decontamination chambers when suddenly Lt. Dawson called her to the doctor's office.

Kiska left the med-cart to the side and headed into the office where both Lt. Dawson and Lt. Commander Grey where waiting for her. It appeared she was about to find out what was going on down on the surface with the away team after all.

<<End Snip>>

Lt. Commander Grey sat behind the CMO’s desk looking into the vid-screen when she heard her newest nurse enter the office. Looking up she gestured for Kiska to take a seat.

“Is the decon chamber set up and ready Lieutenant.” Grey asked in a very businesslike manner.”

“Ye yes ma’am” She stammered. Something was going on and Kiska wanted to know what, but was afraid to ask the head nurse. It wasn’t her place to demand answers.

“That’s good.” Grey said nodding. “Now I want you to coordinate with both the Science and Engineering departments to set up an EMP field down there that is capable of dampening any electro-magnetic signals the landing party may be giving out.

“Ma’am? Kiska asked.

“I don’t believe I stammered Lieutenant.” Grey said her eyes piercing into the young woman.

“No ma’am.” Kiska said a bit taken aback by Mother’s harsh attitude. “It’s just that…” She started then paused. “Ma’am a concentrated burst of an EMP at that short distance could affect the electro-magnetic field of the human body. It could result in brain damage and cardiac failure.”

Mother coolly appraised her nurse and opened her mouth in what seemed like a reprimand “Very good Saxman, I like it when my nurses think and don’t just follow orders blindly.” She said

Mother paused in thought for a moment; she needed to tell her nurse what was really going on. If the young woman was going to make this work she would need to understand what she was dealing with. She knew she couldn’t leave it up to Lt. Hemux, the Denobulan was closed mouthed and probably wouldn’t tell her nurse much. Saxman was new and untried, but she needed to start building trust with her at some point and now was as good a time as any

“Lieutenant what I’m about to tell you is privileged information, not for the entire crew, is that clear.”

“Yes ma’am.” Kiska said crisply her excitement almost overwhelming her.

“About an hour ago the Captain beamed down to the surface of the planet with a tricorder that was programmed to give a short EMP blast at close range.” Mother said. “It seems the Cowboy and the Cop got themselves taken over by an alien life form and our Chief Science officer deduced that this was the best way to get them back. The result was that the alien entities fled and our people are back to normal. Well in the case of the Cowboy at least back to himself.”

Kiska couldn’t help but chuckle, then realizing she had she immediately stopped and stood up straighter.

Mother ignored the chuckle and continued. “We need to replicate that in the decon chamber; however, you bring up a very valid point about the harmful effects of an EMP blast at that range. We don’t know if those 2 just got lucky and a second blast might injure, or even kill them. Also I’m not sure what it will do to an Andorian. Why don’t you run a check through the medical database for any information on the subject and then transfer it to Lt. Hemux. The 2 of you will need to create a work around if you find anything deleterious.”

“Yes ma’am.” Kiska said trying to hide her excitement.

Mother gave a slight smile and then turned back to the vid-screen. “Dismissed.”

Kiska turned and left the office smiling from ear to ear.

<<NRPG>>

OK Lena, Mother has put her trust in you, she’s tough, but loveable.

Respectfully Submitted,

(NPC) Lieutenant Commander Rachael Grey, RN, MSN

Chief Nurse, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

apb

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD NCC-1703

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: We Need a Plan

by Andrew Catterick

SD: 2260.311

MD: 5.1700

Scene: Pyramid

Gene lay on the cold stone floor face down and contemplated his imminent death. He had overcome his fears and even overcome the dreaded Red Shirt Curse, or at least he had thought he had. But then the mission slid even further into disaster as the First Officer had ordered them to follow the dead archeologists deeper into the pyramid. Gene had trusted that the FO knew what he was doing. He had prayed he had known anyways. He was an officer after all and weren’t they supposed to be smarter then everyone else? But then they had come to this room and it looked like maybe the FO had made a small mistake. At least the doctor and DeSimms had obviously thought as they had made a run for it. Leaving me behind, Gene reminded himself for at least the 100th time. At that point things became fuzzy. One moment he had been standing torn between his desire to run for it and his duty to remain and the next he was lying on the floor unable to move any muscle in his body. It appeared that Merrick was in the same situation as he was and both stared at each other, neither being able to move or even speak.

He wondered if it would be painful. He hoped it would be quick. He wished that he could have faced it on his feet, had a chance to fight back.

Suddenly he saw a reason for hope. Commander Gar sat up. He watched as the Andoriann slowly looked around the room as if to take in his surroundings. Slowly but steadily the engineer rose to his feet and then turned to look down at Merrick and Gene.

C’mon, Gene thought, C’Mon get us out of here. He watched as Gar bent down to pick up a knife. Were they tied up he wondered. He could see anything on Merrick and he didn’t feel any bindings on himself. What was Gar doing with the knife. The answer came quickly as he suddenly plunged it into Merrick’s leg. He could immediately see the pain in the first officer’s eyes along with the realization that this was how it was going to end. Killed by the aliens using Gar as their tool.

"But why?"

[They are trying to escape.] A voice suddenly said. But it wasn’t something he heard Gene quickly realized.

[I have taken possession of your body. Just as your companions no longer have control of themselves.]

"Why are you doing this?" Gene demanded.

[They are trying to escape. They need you to transport them to your craft. As long as one or two get aboard they will be able to take your ship and free the rest.]

"Who are you?"

[We used to be called the Bretlin. Thousands of years ago our life force was stripped from our bodies and imprisoned here for all eternity.]

"The you are criminals."

[This is a prison.] The voice confirmed. [But not all of us are criminals. I and a others were wrongly convicted. It is we few who will try to help you. You must flee and ensure no one else can ever come to this world. If the others are allowed to escape they will spread evil throughout the galaxy.]

Gene took this all in as he saw the being that controlled Gar leave the knife in the first officer’s leg. "Why didn't he stab the other one?"

[Your captain is coming he will see the wounded human and transport him to your ship. He is host to many of us. Once aboard they will take possession of your crew and the escape will be complete.]

"How can we stop them?"

[I have taken possession of you. The others think I am with them. I am not. When the time is right I will release your body and you must act.]

But will I do?

<<<NRPG>>

Just a recap and some momentum (I hope)

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: You Can’t Reason With a Zombie

by Brian V. Mansur and Steve Apple

SD: 2260.312

MD 5.1630

Scene: Velourum IV, Planet Surface, Outside of the Pyramid

<<Snip from Andy's Post "Mutiny Afoot"

"Not to sound like I'm complaining, but having been under the influence as it were why am I not dead like the misfortunate archeologists? And just to press my luck how did you drive out the evil spirits?"

"You can thank Lieutenant Hemux for the cure." Jack said as he raised the tricorder. "She created a dampening field. As for the other answers." He gestured to the pyramid. "They're in there with our comrades. Let’s go."

"Sar, if you like I could carry that nifty device for you." Stile drawled."

End snip>>

Corbett had many experiences with blacking out, but unlike the spirits he was used to, these dead ones left him with a hell of a hangover and palpitations. "Captain Jack a word sar."

"What is it doctor?" Steele said easing up a bit after Stile's uncharacteristic behavior.

"Pass me the tricorder, I'd like to take some readings of DeSimms and myself." Corbett said trying not to look like a man who was ready to pass out.

"I'm not sure given your past behavior that would be a wise move. How do I know you're truly you?" Steele asked raising an eyebrow.

"Unfortunately sar the things I could proffer as convincing evidence, a gentleman would never speak about in public." Corbett said shuffling uneasily from foot to foot.

"I'm convinced, it's you." Steele said holding up a hand indicating he didn't want to hear Corbett's evidence. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure yet. How did you create the dampening field?" Corbett asked reaching for the tricorder with a shaky hand.

"A short range EMP blast." Steele said concern in his voice. "Why?"

"I'm reading massive Nernst disruptions throughout both mine and DeSimms' bodies." Corbett said adjusting the tricorder and his hand scanner.

"Okay, now how about you say that in a language I understand," Steele said.

"Sorry Cap," Corbett said. "The EMP blast has disrupted our natural energy field. All our muscle cells are polarizing and depolarizing in a

Disjointed way. I. " Corbett tried to finish his sentence as he fell to his knees.

"Stile." Jack yelled as he caught the doctor.

Corbett just barely managed to whisper ""Green vial.." before he passed out.

Steele grabbed the med-kit and pulled out the green vial and injected both Corbett and DeSimms who had also passed out.

After a minute or two Corbett rolled onto his side and felt as if his grand pappy's old mule Sara had kicked him the chest. "Thanks." He said to

Steele as he made it to his knees.

"What was in that vile, or shouldn't I ask." Steele said smiling down at the doctor.

"A combination of Adenosine and Metrazine, basically drugs to bring the heart out from a lethal arrhythmia. However, I don't know if we're out of the woods yet."

Steele looked concerned as Corbett got unsteadily to his feet. "Stile is this a direct result of the EMP blast."

"Yeah." Corbett said nodding his head and trying to catch his breath. "It's a catch 22, Cap. The cure works, but unfortunately it could kill the patient."

"What about reducing the bursts intensity?" DeSimms asked. He was already on his feet, but looked as unsteady as Corbett.

"I don't know John. Reducing the field's intensity and duration may not drive those things out. Corbett said. "Given those things psionic capabilities we may not get a second chance if the signal is too low."

"So what do you suggest? Steele asked.

Corbett was about to say something when Merrick's horrified voice came from inside the pyramid. "Oh dear God."

As one, they turned and raced into the pyramid toward the sound of Merrick' yell, Steele leading the way.

~~Inside the Pyramid~~

The 3 men stopped short at a scene of utter horror. The remaining security personnel were fighting each other like animals over the dead flesh of

The archeologists or their fallen crewmates.

Commander Merrick had managed to half run to a dimly lit alcove farther into the pyramids base. Corbett saw a Star Fleet issue K-bar protruding from

His left thigh.

DeSimms picked up a phaser from the floor of the pyramid and had no problem pressing the firing stud this time, but nothing happened. Snarling, he

threw the weapon away and leapt to defend one of the of the still twitching crewmen on the ground with his own knife.

Corbett tried to make his way over to Merrick when Gar jumped in front of him. The Andorian had a crazed look and was ripping flesh from what had

been a security mans arm that he now held like a prized meal. "MMMMM Redshirt, tastes like chicken." Gar yelled as he pushed it over to Stile.

"No thank you sar." Corbett said slowly backing away. "Pair it with a good wine and maybe then."

A look of evil comprehension dawned on Gar's face. The Andorian dropped the meat to the ground and started marching slowly toward Corbett. The

doctor rapidly fell back to the Captain who was punching furiously at the tricorder.

"Um, Captain, I think perhaps we should use that EMP and sort the mess out later sar."

"Doctor." the Captain said.

"Yes sar,"

"It isn't working."

And then Gar was upon them and trying his hardest to ‘eat’ Corbett. The doctor punched the Andorian repeatedly as he tried to knock him off. The pair tumbled and rolled a few times over. More than once, Corbett felt a sharp nip at his arm or fist.

"Get the hell off of him Gar!" the Captain yelled as he bodily pulled the straining eating machine that Gar had become off of Corbett.

DeSimms was there suddenly too, delivering a precision blow to the back of the engineers skull. The first one didn't do more than stun the man, but the second put him down.

Corbett, now reeling from both the earlier EMP hit and his romp with Gar, stumbled to his feet in time to see the Captain already dragging

His First Officer out of the room. DeSimms followed close behind with Gar in tow.

"You looking to be an hors d'oeuvre doctor?" DeSimms said. "I’d get moving if I were you!"

Corbett winced and turned toward the entrance. His heart was racing and his body felt like warm crap. That feeling; however, turned icy as soon as he realized that the rest of the ghouls seems to be taking note of him. One of the redshirts made a lunge for him. Corbett recognized him as Crewman Lowl.

"I'm not possessed sir, please help me." the man pleaded.

Corbett didn't answer, he just grabbed a handful of the man's thermal suit and hastily made for the door, dragging the crewman behind him.

<<NRPG>>

Well Scott, now that Brian and I are no longer Andorian jerky it looks like space rations for you. Hope this sheers up some of the past posts and keeps us moving forward.

Respectfully Submitted Jointly,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

And

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Now is the Time

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.314

MD 5.1630

Scene: Outside Pyramid Object, Planet Velorum IV

Jack looked around at the motley group in dismay. All that had made it outside were himself , Merrick, Gar, DeSimms and Crewman Lowl. Engineer Gar lay unconscious before them where he had dropped from DeSimms right cross. The rest remained inside and Jack was trying with all his might not to picture what must be currently happening to his people. The crew he left behind. It seemed that the aliens might be able to control humanoid form but apparently they could not control themselves. Eventually they would come for the rest of the Landing Party.

“Steele to HOOD.” He said as he flipped open his communicator.

[HOOD here.] Came the worried voice of Lieutenant Commander Compass HOOD’s navigator.

“Commander, no one is to beam down to the surface and no one is to be beamed up unless you have an order confirmed by myself and Dr. Corbett. Is that clear?”

[Yes sir.]

“Good. Steele out.”

Steele turned back to the officers. He was the captain. He was supposed to know what to do but the truth was he couldn’t even begin to come up with a plan that would work. “As of now we can’t take the chance of beaming back to the ship. Gar is already under control and anyone of us could be hosting an alien. If we let those creatures aboard there will be no stopping them from taking the ship. My instinct is to order HOOD to drop some emergency buoys quarantining this system and then warp out of here.”

“I really can’t say I like that plan.” Stile quipped. “Especially the ending.”

“Nor do I.” Jack replied. “Gentleman, if any of you have suggestions or any miracles you want to pull out of your hat. Now is the time.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Both Jack and I have no idea how to get our intrepid crew out of this one. Good thing you guys are smarter then me!

Scott: I believe you pledged one post a week…. ;-)

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Impossible Decisions

by Dan Belin and Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.317

MD: 5. 1640

Scene: Outside of Pyramid Object, Planet Velorum IV

“Captain there’s something I need to tell you.” Crewman Lowl stammered nervously.

“What is it crewman.” Steele asked.

“Sir I have one of the entities with in me right now. It says it is part of the minority that is not bent on our destruction. It also agrees with you that you can not risk letting any of the entities off this planet.”

“It does, does it?” Steele replied warily. “Just what else does your visitor have to say.”

Lowl quickly ran down the information that the alien had relayed to him.

“So this is a prison?” Merrick asked when the security crewman had finished his tale.

“Yes sir, that’s what it says sir. The pyramid acts as a both as a food source and a kind of magnet that will not let them escape. However they have found that if they inhabit a humanoid form they can break out.”

“How long have they been imprisoned here?” Stile asked.

Gene shook his head. “It isn’t sure, definitely hundreds of years possibly thousands.”

“That’s quiet a sentence.” Jack added.

“These were extremely evil criminals. Their world did not believe in the death penalty but they were very creative in their punishments.”

"Captain," said DeSimms, looking back at the sealed entrance, "We in security have a term for the situation we are in now. We call it deep in the crapper. The only thing that is clear right now is that there is a imminent threat to our ship and possibly the entire sector, " pausing for a moment, "Who knows what abilities these things have. Starfleet doctrine says I have a duty to recommend something to you."

"What," asked the Captain. He was trying to remember the doctrine that DeSimms was quoting, but it flew his mind.

DeSimms looked at the ground, "It has only been done twice in the history of Starfleet. It is a highly controversial and often argued tactic."

"Get to the point!"

"Sir, I recommend as the Security Chief that this planet is an imminent threat to the surrounding sector and passing vessels. It would be near impossible to quarantine the planet because of the advanced psychological and physical control demonstrated by these parasitic organisms," DeSimms looked around at the group. He had a feeling this would not go down well, "Sir, I am recommending implementation of General Order 24."

“You mean-“ Said Corbett, surprised.

“Yes, that one.” DeSimms looked at Steele and Corbett, “The one that orders the destruction of the entire inhabitable region of a planet.”

Lowl grumbled. “Do it!”

“Was that your recommendation or your visitor’s?” Jack smiled coldly.

“Both of our’s.” Gene confirmed. “It’s the only way to be sure.”

Jack looked over at Sean and Stile. Merrick shook his head slowly. “It would be final.” He said non-commitally.

Jack nodded. “Agreed. On the other hand we could take out everything within 100 kilometers of the pyramid and that would do the job as well.

“If they are all here.” DeSimms countered.

“We are.” Gene answered in a voice that definitely wasn’t his own.

“Says the alien whose buddies decimated an unarmed, peaceful archeological team.” DeSimms replied. “And I know you aren’t with them, but how do we know that.”

Jack nodded. “He’s right.” He paused and turned to look out at the wilderness. Could he really be responsible for its destruction? General Order 24 had only been invoked once before, so far as he knew. Captain Garth had used it as a bluff on Antos IV fleet gossip said that the Antosians had some sort of supernatural power that could overwhelm the Federation. But in the end he had canceled the order and the annihilation of a planet and its beings. At least here there was no sentient life to worry about. He knew he would feel little emotion for the alien entities after what they had done to the archeologists.

“General Order 24 is used to stop a race that was actively hostile to the Federation.” Stile whispered.

“These things are.” DeSimms replied. “Just think what they will do with control of the ship.

“The HOOD will do a lot of damage but in the end I can’t say it is a threat to the security of the Federation. Starfleet will stop her.”

“And what if these things play it smart and take over a few more ships before they start their killing?” Jack said. “Or what if they make for Romulus or the Klingon Empire and start wiping out worlds there? They could plunge the quadrant into war.”

“You’re not seriously considering destroying this world when all you have to do is take out that monstrosity.” Merrick said ash he pointed to the pyramid.

There was a long pause as Jack looked at each of his people. “I have to consider all options before I make my decision. But whether I go with GO 24, or destroy the pyramid or another option we still have another pressing issue.”

“How do we get back to the ship without bringing the aliens with us.” Merrick answered.

<<<NRPG>>>

Dan I had a lot of this post written when your JP post came in so I added it to the middle and tweaked the end.

Jack won’t order GO 24…as much as he might like to. Still need a way out of this mess. I have one idea but I don’t want to be a hog so I look forward to what you guys come up with.

And somewhat related. I read an article saying Star Trek Online will be live Feb 02, 2010. The article went on to say that it will be set in the ORIGINS universe. Checked out the website and they are still same PRIME. Either way, anyone looking to join up?

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

and

Dan Belin

LT. John DeSimms

SEC Officer

U.S.S HOOD

NCC-1703

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Lack of Opportunities

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.318

MD: 5.1640

Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD

Lieutenant Commander Compass leaned back in the command chair and fought the urge to drum his fingers along the armrest. He was trying to project an appearance of calm command. Unfortunately he knew he was failing and that the bridge crew, while respectful, were seeing him as he actually was, a seat warmer. Right now almost the entire senior staff was in danger on the planet surface and here he was in command of one of the most powerful vessels in the quadrant and all he was really in charge of was making sure the ship maintained orbit. He wasn’t even really in charge of that, there was both a navigator and helmsman, not mention the laws of physics, on top of that major accomplishment.

No one had even brought him coffee.

He wanted to do *something* not only because, like everyone else aboard, he genuinely feared for the lives of his fellow officers below but because he wanted to prove that he was an officer who could contribute, someone who could save the day, overcome the impossible. It was those officers who moved up the chain of command. Those officers who were trusted with ships of their own. He was desperate to be one of those officers.

Up til now his few opportunities at command of HOOD had come at unexciting moments. The Grave Shift when the ship was in transit or even less thrilling, when it was sitting in spacedock. Compass was an exceptional navigator and a solid officer; he wouldn’t be on a starship if he hadn’t been. But he needed to prove himself as a command officer and this was the perfect time to do it. He just had no idea what he could do to show everyone what he was made of.

At this point his only hope was that the Science Officer could pull some trick out of her hat, something that required him to make a decision. Of course it would be of tremendous help if that something saved the day.

On the other hand he thought grimly as his fingers drummed along the armrest. If the senior staff died on the planet he just might make first officer.

<<<NRPG>>>

Some fluff….

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Acquiescence

by Scott Lusby

NOTE: this post contains some material which might be disturbing for some. Fortunately, it'll all be over soon... :)

SD: 2260.319

MD: 5.1625

Setting: Pyramid Thingy, Velorum IV

Lieutenant Commander Gar Th'elenth couldn't take any more.

The sensation that had begun as a simple tingling in his antennae had gradually become something much worse: he now felt as if every nerve ending in his body was on fire, as if someone was touching and every one of them with the open end of an EMP tap.

[Stop fighting, and the pain will leave.]

He heard the Voice in his head, and knew that somehow the Voice was right: all he had to do was relax, to accept the inevitable.

Another voice, this one from deeper within him, furiously begged him not to as it seemed to fade deeper into the background.

[No! Don't do it!]

He couldn't take it any longer...

Suddenly, Gar leaned back, screaming at the top of his lungs, fists clenched at his sides as he let go...

And then, suddenly, nothing. The pain- aside from a gentle throb at the base of his antennae- had subsided.

As, apparently, had his own will, as he soon found himself pulling out his knife and plunging it hilt-deep into the inert form of one of HOOD's security officers lying next to him.

[What are you doing??!!]

He sliced off a piece of flesh roughly the size of hamburger patty.

[It is pointless to resist us,] the Voice said.

As if to prove its point, Gar felt the dull throbbing at the base of his lobes increase a little, then felt himself bring the raw flesh of what had been Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Stewart to his mouth.

[No!] he wanted to scream. He wanted to make his arm muscles take the flesh and throw it down. He wanted to clench his mouth shut to keep from what he knew would follow from happening.

And he could do nothing to stop it.

His mouth opened, and his hands forced the meat into his mouth.

Inside, he screamed.

<<TIMELINE>>

MD: 5.1625- Gar falls under alien possession.

<<NRPG>>

The working title for this was "A Nice Chianti Would Make the Meal". :)

A short one to get inside Gar's head during his possession. I'll follow up with something else later today.

Respectfully Submitted,

- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer

USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Breaking Free

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2260.319

MD: 5.1630

Setting: Pyramid, Velorum IV

Gar glanced up from his unwanted feast, and looked at Dr. Corbett. Somehow, he knew Stile was also supposedly possessed; he wasn't sure how he knew, but he did.

<<snip- from Steve's post, entitled "You Can't Reason With a Zombie">>

Corbett tried to make his way over to Merrick when Gar jumped in front of him. The Andorian had a crazed look and was ripping flesh from what had been a security mans arm that he now held like a prized meal. "MMMMM Redshirt, tastes like chicken." Gar yelled as he pushed it over to Stile.

"No thank you sar." Corbett said slowly backing away. "Pair it with a good wine and maybe then."

<<end snip- briefly>>

[Something's wrong,] the Voice murmured in the back of his mind. Something had happened that the Voice had not expected...

<<snip- again from Steve's post>>

A look of evil comprehension dawned on Gar's face. The Andorian dropped the meat to the ground and started marching slowly toward Corbett. The doctor rapidly fell back to the Captain who was punching furiously at the tricorder.

"Um, Captain, I think perhaps we should use that EMP and sort the mess out later sar."

"Doctor." the Captain said.

"Yes sar,"

"It isn't working."

And then Gar was upon them and trying his hardest to 'eat' Corbett. The doctor punched the Andorian repeatedly as he tried to knock him off. The pair tumbled and rolled a few times over. More than once, Corbett felt a sharp nip at his arm or fist.

"Get the hell off of him Gar!" the Captain yelled as he bodily pulled the straining eating machine that Gar had become off of Corbett.

DeSimms was there suddenly too, delivering a precision blow to the back of the engineer's skull. The first one didn't do more than stun the man, but the second put him down

<<end snip>>

/////

MD: 5.1640

Setting: Outside the Pyramid, Velorum IV

Gar felt the darkness begin to give way, and he struggled against the fog swirling in his mind.

He also felt the throbbing in his skull; he couldn't be sure if it was from the butt of DeSimm's rifle or from the Voice...

He tried to separate the two; it was hard in the dull consciousness he had barely achieved to this point. However, after a moment or two, he had managed to do so. The pain in the base of his skull throbbed wickedly, enough to further cloud his mind, to be sure. The rhythmic throbbing he had been experiencing at the base of his antennae, however, seemed dull, nearly as dull as his own consciousness.

Somewhere from the depths of Gar's soul, a voice cried out to him.

[Now- here's your chance. Do it now, or you'll endanger the entire ship!]

Gar thought back to what he had learned from the Voice, about their criminal past...all those people...women...children...all for their selfish desire for power...

And then he thought about what the Voice had made HIM do...to Stewart...what he tried to do to Stile, his friend...

He squeezed his eyes closed, clenched his teeth, and began to fight again.

The pain was instantaneous, but he felt...something. The Voice was giving way; maybe the butt of DeSimm's rifle had weakened it like it had weakened him. Unconsciousness might reduce one's electromagnetic energy production...he couldn't be sure, and he didn't care.

All that mattered was that he sensed a chance.

He gathered himself, slowly, and, all at once, pushed against that which controlled him.

The pain within him was excruciating.

/////

MD: 5.1645

Setting: Same

<<snip- from Andy's and Dan's JP, entitled "Impossible Decisions">>

"And what if these things play it smart and take over a few more ships before they start their killing?" Jack said. "Or what if they make for Romulus or the Klingon Empire and start wiping out worlds there? They could plunge the quadrant into war."

"You're not seriously considering destroying this world when all you have to do is take out that monstrosity." Merrick said ash he pointed to the pyramid.

There was a long pause as Jack looked at each of his people. "I have to consider all options before I make my decision. But whether I go with GO 24, or destroy the pyramid or another option we still have another pressing issue."

"How do we get back to the ship without bringing the aliens with us." Merrick answered.

<<end snip>>

At that moment, a blood-curdling cry startled the senior officers.

"Doctor!" Jack Steele said as he ran over to the source of the screams.

Gar's mouth was thrown open, his back arched, in obvious pain.

<<TIMELINE>>

5.1630: Gar attacks Stile upon the realization that Stile is no longer possessed.

5.1640: Gar begins to regain consciousness, and senses a chance to regain control of himself.

5.1645: The landing party discusses its options, but Gar's struggle interrupts them.

<<NRPG>>

OK...Gar's trying to fight. I didn't quite know where to go with this at this point, so I figured I'd leave it to Steve to see if there was something he could do for Gar.

Once Gar regains consciousness and is back to something resembling himself (I expect some vomiting when he fully realizes what he's done), he'll definitely advocate GO24 if they don't have any other answers soon. But he'll happily accept another option should it become available.

Maybe Dave can help us there- can the HOOD do something by retuning its phasers? Use the navigational deflector? Do something with the presser/tractor beams? Anything to disrupt their EM signatures? Maybe that would mess them up? Looking for a permanent solution, I imagine.

Just some thoughts.

There's two posts, Andy. :)

Respectfully Submitted,

- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer

USS HODD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: More Pieces

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.319

MD: 5.1630

“Hey Mitch! How ya doin, heard you had a hell of day.” Lieutenant Steering, HOOD’s chief helmsman said as he clapped the shuttle pilot on the back before dropping into the seat on the otherside of the table.

“You got that right.” Mitchell agreed before shoveling a spoon full of chili into his mouth. “Don’t know what was worse being in a shuttle at 15,000 meters and realizing I didn’t have control or all the poking and prodding the so called scientists having been doing to me.”

“So what happened down there? Did you really lose control?”

Mitchell took a sip of his coffee and shrugged. “Don’t know really. One minute we’re flying along and then the next the shuttle isn’t going where we want her to. No matter what we tried we couldn’t point her toward the pyramid.”

Steering leaned forward. “So were you being controlled or was the shuttle?”

“I don’t know, at the time I thought it was me but now I’m not so sure. According to the geniuses in blue there was some force that was causing the shuttle to deviate from its flightpath. That’s what they tell me anyway.”

“Are they certain?” Steering asked as he unconsciously pulled away from the pilot. “You’re not infected or anything like those unlucky bastards down on the planet?”

“They let me out.” Mitchell shrugged as he scooped up the last of his chili.

//////

Scene: Planet Surface, Velorum IV

<< snip from Scott’s post>>

At that moment, a blood-curdling cry startled the senior officers.

"Doctor!" Jack Steele said as he ran over to the source of the screams.

Gar's mouth was thrown open, his back arched, in obvious pain.

<</snip>>

Stile dropped to a crouch and ran his medical scanner over the Andorian’s body as he consulted the readings on his tricorder. “He’s in a tremendous amount of pain. He’s also expending a lot of energy.”

“Whats it doing to him?” Sean asked, concerned.

“I think it’s what he’s doing to the alien.”

Jack’s communicator beeped. “He’s fighting it?”

“I think so.” Stile answered as he pulled a hypo from his pouch and carefully confirmed the contents. He hesitated and then jabbed it into the engineer’s arm. Immediately Gar’s screams and thrashing intensified for a few seconds and then he collapsed and all was silent.

Jack’s communicator continued to beep insistently. “Damn!” He said as he flipped it open and took a few steps back. “Steele here.”

[Commander Compass here sir. The medical and science teams have finished their investigation and they’ve past on some preliminary results.]

Steele and Merrick traded a look. “Go on commander.”

[Based on the incidents that the landing party logged, the failed equipment etc and the readings they were able to take on the shuttlecraft and the two occupants they are certain that what ever effected the equipment was directed from inside the pyramid and they are highly confidant it was not a biological force.]

“What do you mean not a biological force?”

[The shuttle’s controls were jammed sir. There is clear evidence that some kind of jamming field was directed from the pyramid. We also went over sensor logs and found that when the landing party’s equipment began to fail there was a corresponding power jump inside the pyramid. Additionally, while we can’t get a full sensor return off the pyramid its becoming clear, now that we know what we are looking at, that there is a tremendous artifical energy source within the structure. We’re not 100% certain but there is a strong possibility it is some sort of matter/antimatter device.]

“A ‘good work’ to everyone up there commander.” Steele out. “What do you think?” He asked Sean as he placed the communicator back on his belt.

“If what Gene’s alien is telling us is true and that they are prisoners here it could be that someone or something is acting as a jail warden making sure no one escapes.”

Steele nodded in agreement as he considered the ramifications. “Most likely a computer of some sort. And if we can get to it…”

“We can find away to be sure we purge the aliens and get the hell out of here.”

“If we can get to it.” Jack agreed. “Somehow I don’t think the inmates are going to be too accommodating.

“Let’s hope Lieutenant Hemux keeps working as diligently as she has been.”

“Captain!” Stile called out as he began to wave the med scanner over Gar again. “Something is happening.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Maybe Landru is moonlighting. ;-)

Dave: I echo both Scott and Jack…I hope you are smarter then the rest of us! ;-)

I know, I know a navigator named Compass and a helmsman named Steering, pure genius! ;-)

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

USS HOOD: give me an E, give me an M, give me a P...

by David Martens

SD: 2260.318

MD: 5.1630

Scene: USS HOOD, Science lab

ARr'Rhiana stood in front of the viewscreen in the lab. On each of them there was a orbital view of the planet. She had marked the whereabouts of the Pyramid and had done some calculations, and now she had come up with a plan. But as usual with these plans, it was rather risky and she needed aproval of the current commandng officer.

So she walked up to the comm and hold the key for the Bridge

"Hemux to Bridge"

[Compass here, I am listening.]

"Commander Compass, I think I have the solution for our problem, it is rather risky so I would like you to come over to the lab so I can explain things."

[On my way.] came the short reply.

A few minutes later Lieutenant Commander Compass joined up with ARr'Rhiana Hemux and nodded to her "So, what do you have for me, Lt?"

Hemux went to a screen and started her expose: "We know these being seem to exist on a energy level and using electrical or Electro-magnetical signals to take over their hosts. From what we know from the away - team these beings are kept imprisoned within that pyramidal shape down on the surface."

She looked to Compass to see if he was following her resume of the situation. He nodded and said rather harsh "Go on." So Hemux continued, bringing up images that showed the effects of her suggetsions.

"Now what disturbs electrical and magnetical signals? A huge burst of EMP. Question is, how do we create that? Simple: we toss in some nuclear bombs and fill the entire planets atmosphere with EMP. Two problems: First : we have no idea how this will affect the entities. Will they just release their hosts and be confined to the Pyramid? Will it kill them ? Second problem: given the highly electrical activity of the planet, what will be the exact effect of the EMP? It might trigger some natural disasters as volcanic activity, huge thunderstorms, maybe a shift in polarity of the planet."

Compass looked puzzled; his eyes wandering from one screen to the other. "I assume you must hve an idea on those questions, Hemux?"

ARr'Rhiana nodded "I do, sir. I think it will only temporary block these entities out, like a electrical pulse can cause a coma or bring a human for short time into unconsciousness. There for I would destroy the pyramid at the highest level of EMP - activity. That will most likely destroy the entities and solve the problem that they might regain their power."

"What about the away-team?"

Hemux shrugged her shoulders "We can lock in on them and beam them out when the EMP-burst is released. There is a 90 percent chance that they will be free of the hostile influence. Offcourse we will immediately stun them when they materialise and take them into quarantine until we are fully certain that they are free of any influence. Once of the planet we can examine them in sickbay. Any hostile entity that would be locked inside someone will cause unnatural brainwaves, muscular tension, nerval activity and so on that can be monitored with bio-scans."

Compass tapped his fingers on the chair he was sitting in. "What if we can't get a proper lock with all the EMP- activity? Or if they are not free of the hostile entities?"

ARr'Rhiana looked rather worried but her voice was solid "I believe that in such case it is either them or a whole lot worse. If these entities break free and make their way to the HOOD they will use our ship to spread and find more ships. Maybe they will then be able to reproduce and spread over the whole quadrant. If these entities where powerfull enough to take over our away team when they where weakened then they only will grow stronger since they now have a new source of food."

"So how would we release such a EMP-burst?" Compass asked.

Hemux sighed, it seemed her plan would be going on "We release six nuclear bombs with a yield of 5 megaton spread in an orbit above the equator, at a height of 365 kilometres, one above each pole on the same height and four on the 45 norther and 45 souther circles. All have to detonate simultaneously. We monitor the spread of the EMP burst carefully and when it peaks above 20,000 volts/metre the entities should be knocked out. The power f the EMP pulse will then rise more and I think around the range of 25,000 volt/metre we can safely beam our people out. Once they are safe on board we can destroy the pyramid."

"Any risks for our ship or anything else?"

"Not sure, Sir. We can release the bombs from a safe distance as long as we stay within transporter range, although I would recommend not to stretch that to much, with all the EMP it will be harder to get a proper lock on the targets to beam them out. Also I have no idea what the other effects will be on the planet, as I said it can cause several disasters, but they will probably be limited to localised and isolated spots on the surface."

She took a deep breath "I believe it's our only option, Sir." She had done her best, now it was up to Compass to take the desision.

<<<NRPG>>>

Hi All,

Here is a possible solution, for more information on the EMP burst effect check the `Starfish Prime experiment' and the `K- project'.

Respectfully,

David Martens

Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux

CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Betting on the Numbers

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.325

Scene: Planet Surface, Velorum IV

“Captain’s log supplemental. All indications are that the final alien has left both Commander Gar and Crewman Lowl and we are ready to leave this planet. I take full responsibility for the failure of this mission. Not only were we unsuccessful at rescuing the archeological team I have failed to take the necessary steps to protect the members of the Landing Party. The fact that all members of the archeological team had been seized and then killed by the aliens inhabiting this pyramid before HOOD arrived in no way diminishes the sense of loss and frustration I feel. All that remain of the landing party are myself Commanders Merrick and Gar, Lieutenant DeSimms and Crewman Lowl. At this point the only goal is survival. The plan is to return to the ship but up until now we could not guarantee that we could do so without transporting the aliens with us. Fortunately Lieutenant Hemux and her teams have come up with a solution. I can’t say any of us here on the planet are excited about transporting out a microsecond before we are engulfed by nuclear devastation. But there is no other way and time is running out. If we do not make it I hope my death will offer some small comfort to the souls that were left behind. End log.”

Jack looked around at the team. “Ready?” No one answered aloud but Jack looked into each man’s eyes. “Let’s get the hell out of here.” He flipped open his communicator and paused to take one last look around. “Steele to HOOD.”

[HOOD here.] Commander Compass’ nervous voice replied.

“Its all up to you.”

[We’re ready captain.] Hemux’s calm voice cut in. [Counting down now. 10, 9, 8…]

Steele flipped the communicator closed. “Good luck gentlemen.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Just a quick one. I hope we make it!

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Did We Get Them?

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2260.325

MD 6.000

Scene: Planet Surface

[We're ready captain.] Hemux's calm voice cut in. [Counting down now. 10, 9, 8.]

Steele flipped the communicator closed. "Good luck gentlemen."

Steele looked up, wondering if he would see the ionization trail of the nuke spread as it dove in. And then there was light all around him. Steele shut his eyes instinctually. Then he felt his knees buckling as a final EMP wash hit his nervous system. As consciousness faded, the transporter snatched him up and wisked him heavenard on an invisible beam of pure energy.

/////

Scene: Shuttlecraft NIMITZ

He fell dead away to the deck of the Shuttlecraft Nimitz along with the rest of the landing party survivors.

It seemed like hours, but as he roused to the voice of Mother giving orders, he saw the chrono showed just a few minutes had gone by. He heard coughing, a slapping sound, and someone (Corbett?) groaning.

"Damn woman, did you have to hit me so hard?" the cowboy complained.

Steele stiffled a laugh. "Status."

Beside him Hemux was there from the HOOD. She helped him up to a chair. "Did it work?" he asked.

"I don't think so, captain. If you'll look at this panel."

The display showed an expanding ball of vapor and dust rapidly lifting from ... a completely intact pyramid.

"Son of a bitch," Steele murmurred.

NRPG: Quick one to bridge Andy's post with the group JP we've begun.

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Wisdom of Cowboys and Heroes

by Dan Belin, Brian V. Mansur, and Steve Apple

SD: 2260.326

MD 6.000

Scene: Shuttlecraft NIMITZ, In Orbit of Velorum IV

<<Snip from Brian's Post: "Did We Get Them">>

"Did it work?" he asked.

"I don't think so, captain. If you'll look at this panel."

The display showed an expanding ball of vapor and dust rapidly lifting from ... a completely intact pyramid.

"Son of a bitch," Steele murmured.

<<End Snip>>

Corbett painfully got up from where Mother had hit him and put his hat back on. Carefully he made his way over to where Steele and Hemux were standing. Rubbing his chin he looked at the display, which showed the intact pyramid. "I see that went well."

"Doctor do you have a point to make?" Steele asked while still frowning at the screen showing the intact pyramid.

"Yes sar I do." Corbett said as he characteristically pushed his hat further back on his head. "What's running through your mind Jack? I bet you're seriously thinking about GO 24 right now aren't you?"

Corbett watched as his Captain slowly nodded. Before the man had a chance to verbally answer Corbett continued. "Jack before you let DeSimm's carve up that planet I want you to think about this. That pyramid is a jail and we've seen it has defensive capabilities."

"Stile get to the point." Steele grumbled cutting the doctor off.

"The point is if you blow that planet to hell then chances are you'll release those entities."

"How so?" Merrick asked as he joined them.

"We've been talking about that pyramid as a jail and with good reason, but Sean you heard them, the ones who possessed the Archeologists, they said it was their ship. What if the radioactivity of that planet is keeping that ship grounded."

"You just thought of that now." Merrick complained.

"I think Mother's little love tap knocked some sense into me." Corbett said.

"So what do you suggest Doctor?" Steele asked not liking the picture Stile was painting.

"As far as GO 24 is concerned I’d say don’t go medieval on the planet's ass until we know how to really kill these things," Stile said holding up his hands.

"Any energy pattern can be disrupted or dissipated," DeSimms broke in. "That means they can be killed."

"You got a plan to do that?" Steele asked.

"These beings are essentially non-corporeal electromagnetic energy," the security chief continued. "Hemux proved that an EMP blast disrupts their flow, but obviously doesn't kill them. Think back to academy physics. EM forces take the form of self-propagating waves. These electric and magnetic field components oscillate in phase perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. What if we change that oscillation? You can't destroy energy, but you can sure as hell disrupt the cycle or phase it differently."

"We know the phase signature they have," ARr'Rhiana said jumping in. "If we can strip away the energy modulation they have to exist in, it should kill them."

"Exactly," DeSimms said. "And there's something else this will accomplish. Even if I am wrong, and there are survivors, a properly phased, highly disruptive attack, we're talking planet-wide ... that will take the radiation that shields the planet making it habitable. That will let the star system's radiation flood the surface planet and should keep any survivors trapped here on what will soon be a dead world."

"I see what you are getting at," Steele said. "The Velorum system is still for all intents and purposes a border system, meaning it could shift out of Federation hands. It won't do to advertise that this system might harbor dangerous non-corporeal criminals."

"What's wrong with that?" Merrick asked, obviously still not working on all thrusters.

"People are curious and some unscrupulous," DeSimms said. "What if this system reverts to Klingons? What do you think they'd do if they found our little warning buoys?"

"I see your point." Merrick agreed. "So what your hoping to do is keep those beings locked inside their pyramid and make this system unattractive to visitors."

"If you don't know something's there you're not going to look for it." DeSimms said. He turned square to the Captain, waiting for orders.

"Prepare the HOOD to destroy the planet’s atmosphere. Put all weapons and deflector section on General Quarters."

DeSimms moved swiftly to open a channel to the Hood, "Security, put Decks 3-12 on Red Alert. Weapons crew man battle stations. Reconfigure deflector to fire a full-magnitude pure energy wave and ready all weapons. Do not fire until Captain Steele gives the order," DeSimms paused, and he looked at the Captain. Steele looked back at him with a raised eyebrow then pointed to Hemux. DeSimms continued his relay. "Lieutenant Hemux will feed fire control some tuning numbers for the energy weapons. Standby for her data package."

<< NRPG: Brian here: This ties in some material Dan wrote in the JP draft. I'd say our work here is done. Anyone want to write a final action sequence showing the planet going up? Dan you want that?

Respectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

and

Dan Belin

LT. John DeSimms

SEC Officer

U.S.S HOOD

NCC-1703

and

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Too Fast

by Andy Catterick

SD 2260.326

MD 6.0001

<<<old>>>

DeSimms moved swiftly to open a channel to the Hood, "Security, put Decks 3-12 on Red Alert. Weapons crew man battle stations. Reconfigure deflector to fire a full-magnitude pure energy wave and ready all weapons. Do not fire until Captain Steele gives the order," DeSimms paused, and he looked at the Captain. Steele looked back at him with a raised eyebrow then pointed to Hemux. DeSimms continued his relay. "Lieutenant Hemux will feed fire control some tuning numbers for the energy weapons. Standby for her data package."

<<<new>>>

All eyes turned to look at Steele. Some looked expectantly others looked pleadingly but Jack could feel the weight crushing down upon him. Too fast he kept thinking, this is going too fast. We’re away, we’re safe they can’t kill anymore crew. But they did kill. Those alien monsters killed the archeological team and they killed his men. Made his officers doing horrific things. He looked at the wound in Sean’s leg, looked at the blood that stained Gar’s tunic. He saw the fear in Lowls eyes. They were monsters that had to be stopped.

But they had been stopped, for now at least. DeSimms was right things might change in the future. But that was the future, a future with many possibilities. In the here and now things were contained.

[Captain we’re standing by for your order.] Hemux’s voice came over the comm. It was devoid of all emotion.

Too fast.

I want those frakin things dead.

Too fast.

[Captain! Readings have changed on the planet. Energy increase from the pyramid. Shield strength is increasing.]

“That won’t affect the outcome on the atmosphere.” DeSimms confirmed.

“Steele to HOOD. Stand down all weapons, I repeat stand down all weapons. I need immediate confirmation of that order.”

[All weapons standing down. Confirmed captain.]

Steele moved closer to the window and looked down at the planet teeming with life. “We’re Starfleet and we don’t wipe out worlds, especially out of revenge.”

<<<NRPG>>>

I just couldn’t in the end see Steele ordering GO24 when it wasn’t necessary…I’m going to go with the nuc plan as a simple way to distract the ‘warden’ and casue the EMP pulse to get us free of the aliens and back in orbit.

Nothing like a little tension at the end of the mission….

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Debrief

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: Captain's Quarters

[That was a gutsy move deciding to deploy nuclear weapons.] The admiral said. Jack had spent the last 15 minutes discussing the written mission report he had already sent through. The fact that the admiral had commed less then 4 hours later wasn’t really a surprise, nor was the fact that it took barely 30 seconds for him to bring up the nucs.

“We were running out of time and options sir. I know it was an unorthodox action but it was my judgment that it was the only choice. Of course my science officer took all available precautions. The weapons were clean, we seeded the atmosphere before deploying the weapons to keep any radiological contamination at a minimum. Once the weapons were detonated we took steps to cleanse the atmosphere. In the end there was very minimal impact to the planetary biosphere.” Jack get his face impassive but he want to tell the admiral to go to hell. They had been dropped into a disaster with little to no information. It was clear that someone knew much more then was being released and with each passing minute Jack fell more and more that HOOD, and most likely the archeological team had been sent out as a lightening rod. An expendable lightening rod.

[Don’t worry captain I fully support your actions and the decisions you made and I have added my endorsement to your report. You and your people did an excellent job under trying circumstances.]

“Thank you sir. I appreciate your support.” Jack replied in a tone that clearly indicated that he didn’t put much weight into Starfleet Command or their thanks.

[I know it’s not something that’s easy to hear right now captain but you and your people faced the challenge head on and made some tough calls, calls that in the end were the best ones, the only ones, you could have made.]

“It doesn’t feel like I did admiral. It certainly won’t feel like it when I contact the families of those I left behind.”

[I understand captain.] The admiral said gently. [It’s a commanding officer’s hardest duty. But captain I need to know if you’ve got your head.]

“You can count on HOOD sir.” Steele replied confidently although both men ignored the fact that he had evaded the direct question with a general answer.

[Good. You are to make for Starbase 10 at best speed, once there you’ll receive your next mission orders.]

“Understood admiral. We’ll depart as soon as our relief arrives on station.”

The admiral nodded. [Your relief is on the way but I’m afraid I have another crisis I need HOOD to handle. You’ll need to depart immediately.]

“I’m not sure I understand sir. Given the danger that his planet possesses I was led to understand my recommendation that a picket ship be assigned to this planet until such time as the threat was neutralized.”

[As I said the ship is enroute and you have your orders. Starfleet Command out.]

Jack wasn’t sure how long he started at the blank screen before he reached across his desh and pushed the small white comm button. “Bridge.”

[Bridge here.]

“Sean break orbit immediately and lay in a course for Starbase 10. As soon as we clear the system increase speed to warp factor 7.”

“We’re not waiting for the picket.”

[Sir?]

“You have your orders commander.” He growled before jabbing the comm button and closing the connection. “Crap!” He swore at himself. It wasn’t fair to take his foul mood out on his first officer and it was damn unprofessional. He’d have to apologize to Sean when he was up on the bridge. For certain everyone up there heard his remarks and right now we’re trading looks.

Leaning forward he thumbed the comm button again. [Engineering.]

Jack raised an eyebrow at Gar’s voice, he hadn’t expected the Andorian to be back on duty so soon. Not after all he had been through. “Commander we need to make a speed run to Starbase 10. Are the engines going to be able to handle warp seven all the way there?”

[Of course sir. My engines will take you any where at any speed.]

Jack smiled. “I should have known better. Thanks Gar, Steele out.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Just a short one to get us out...

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: After the Debrief

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: Captain’s Quarters

Jack got up from his desk and stretched unsure what to do with himself. Leaning against the window he watched as the planet he had come to despise slid away as the impulse engines came to life. The door chime went. “Come.”

The doors slid open. “Figured you might want to beat me in person.” Sean said as he entered the cabin. “Things not go well with the admiral. Did he ask about me?”

Jack grinned. “No surprisingly your name didn’t come up. Although I did mention that you gave of yourself to help out Commander Gar.”

“Funny.” Sean replied as he dropped into a chair. “At the risk of asking, why aren’t we waiting for a relief ship?”

“Apparently we are needed for our next mission immediately and the quarantine buoys we’ve deployed are adequate security.”

“Do you buy that?”

Jack turned away and looked out the window as he felt the ship leap to warp. Finally he turned back to face his first officer. “Its such a load of manure I’m insulted I’m expected to buy it. There’s something going on here, it was going on before we arrived and it is going on as we leave. I don’t know why we got stuck in the middle of it and I don’t know if we were even successful. It frakin doesn’t feel successful.”

“Not much we can do about it.” Sean offered.

“I know.” Jack grated. “And I think its that fact that frustrates me more then anything.”

Several minutes passed by in silence before Sean spoke again. “Jack you look like shit.”

“That’s good cause that’s how I feel. I’ve got a headache that would kill a moose.” He stood up from his chair. “Lets go see what the good doctor has in his black bag.”

“Good doctor?” Sean asked innocently. “Did you replace Stile?”

Jack grinned. “I’m telling him you said that.”

<<<NRPG>>>

Steve/Brian: Tag

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Secret Debrief

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: Undisclosed Location

“You’ve read the report?”

“Three times.” The woman replied disgustedly. “We’re certain that none of the aliens left the planet?”

The Denoblean sighed. “You have the same information I have. But I think it is safe to assume that the answer is no.”

“What kind of maniac drops nuclear weapons on a planet? Does he think he is Colonel Green or Khan Singh?”

“I told you that once you got operations involved we couldn’t control things.”

“I didn’t think they were going to send a starship. There are only 12 of them after all. Aren’t they supposed to be out there defending the border?” She asked in exasperation.

“It was a high priority mission and that means they send the best. And the best are all on one of those 12 ships.”

“Leave it to some damn marionette to stumble into a workable solution with a brute force mentality.”

“It wasn’t a brute force answer. There was solid science behind the action. It was actually a unique answer. I told you they weren’t just a bunch of soldiers just as I told you we should have kept it in house.”

“I suppose.” She allowed. “And all we lost was a few weeks.”

The Denobulan decided it was useless to point out that they had lost an entire archeological team, including two of their own experts, not to mention HOOD’s personnel. “True, but now we have some exposure. Operations is demanding to know what is going on there. They aren’t very happy with the personnel losses.”

“I don’t care what they want. They had their orders and the mission is over for them. Its classified and that is all they need to know.”

“So where do we go from here?” He asked already knowing the answer, and not liking it.

“Send in HORNET. Tell them to beam up some of the bodies. With any luck we’ll snag some of the aliens. Won’t be as good as getting some infected humanoids but it will be a start.”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Final Debrief

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: The Pyramid

The being that had once been Hil Onte floated freely in the maelstrom that was Prison #628. He could feel the rage of his companions all around him and he knew that if they had the ability they would tear him apart in an orgasm of rage. But their bodiless form rendered them useless as their jailers had intended. And this thought more then any was most satisfying.

He had relished the few minutes he had spent in possession of the human body. It had been a long time since he had relished in the sensation of sight and sound or the simple ability to breathe. It had been almost miraculous.

And it had served a purpose. The entity who had once been Hil Onte had dutiful provided all the information it had learned from the being know as Gene Lowl. From this vital information the warden computer had identified a new potential escape route and a new threat to counter. Should anymore humanoids approach the planet they would find themselves unable to materialize on the planet surface. There could be no chance for the inmates to leave. Afterall Hil thought to itself I created this prison to be escape proof.

Respectfully Submitted,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Avoiding Reflections

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: En route to Sickbay, USS HOOD

Never before did Sean feel like he needed a drink so badly. In fact, oh dear heaven did he feel all screwed up inside. He only hoped no one had noticed the twitch developing under his left eyelid.

It wasn't every day one of your true (literally) blue friends tried to EAT you. And oh by the way how many of the security team had bought it thanks to him? How many visits from ghosts of Christmas past had *that* mistake bought him?

The doors to sickbay slid open. "Stile?" Jack called. "You there?"

Mother was no where to be seen but Sean figured she must be in the back office somewhere. Presently, a pretty nurse stepped into the foyer.

"Captain on the deck!" Kiska shouted.

If Sean hadn't already been standing still he would have stopped cold in his tracks. The ghosts were already there. For two full seconds he was absolutely certain that the woman in front of him was his dead ex-wife Jeri.

NRPG: Character Development. Lena, hope you have fun with that one.

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: This Could Be Fun!

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD

<<<old>>>

If Sean hadn't already been standing still he would have stopped cold in his tracks. The ghosts were already there. For two full seconds he was absolutely certain that the woman in front of him was his dead ex-wife Jeri.

<<<new>>>

Jack looked over at his XO who was doing an excellent imitation of a statue. A statue who’s mouth hung open. It was an absolute train wreck and Jack had to fight the desire to reach over and push the man’s chin up. For a second he didn’t know who he felt worse for Sean or the nurse who stood staring in front of them. But then it hit him, he felt bad for Kiska. Afterall this was a whole new level of awkward. On the other hand he felt extremely happy for himself. This obviously was something hitting Sean and he looked forward to twisting his tail about it.

“Everything alright commander?” Jack asked, the model of innocence.

“I think the wound in my leg is playing up.” Sean stammered.

Jack nodded. “I thought it might be. Good thing we made it to sickbay. Perhaps Miss Kiska could take a look at it for you?”

NRPG:

Brian: back at ya!

Respectfully Submitted,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: OK This is Awkward

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD

"Certainly," Kiska replied sunnily. "I'll be happy to get you prepped for the doc. If you'll come right this way we'll get you into an examination gown."

Jack was positive that Sean gulped. He did visibly shiver when Kiska took him by the arm to lead him off to the exam room.

"Um, yeah, um," Sean stammered, "I think I'll just ride it a while. I'm probably just imagining it or something. Ghost pain you know."

Kiska stopped and looked adorably perplexed for a moment. Then she shrugged into a smile and said, "No problem sir, I'll just get the doctor."

Stile came in a half minute later alone. The first words out of Sean's mouth were, "Tequila. Plain. Now. That's a fraking order Stile."

NRPG: As a Christian, allow me to take this moment to say that I in no way endorse the consumption of alcohol to the point of inebriation (but it sure as heck makes for great comedy).

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: It is Always Best to be Sure

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD

<<<old>>>

Stile came in a half minute later alone. The first words out of Seans mouth were, "Tequila. Plain. Now. That's a fraking order Stile."

<<<new>>>

The doctor looked at Jack, turned to Sean and then back to Jack. “Did I miss something important?”

“Oh you missed something.” Jack grinned. “I’m not sure what but I’m dying to find out. It has something to do with your new nurse.”

“Really.” Corbett replied “Do tell.”

“Yes Sean.” Jack added “We’re all ears.”

“Why don’t you two go and…” He paused as Kiska came back in.

“I’m sorry sirs.” She said looking at all three of them. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.

“Not at all nurse. In fact I was just about to call you. I think it best if I give the first officer here a quick once over. Could you take him over to Exam One and get him ready for a quick work up?”

“Of course doctor.’ She smiled. “Right this way commander.”

Respectfully Submitted,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Shut Up and Take Your Medicine

by Steve Apple, Brian V. Mansur, and Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

<<<NRPG: This post meshes Andy's "It is Always Best to be Sure" and Steve Apple's draft>>>

Seconds before, Corbett had stood in his office doorway just out of sight from the main sickbay and watched the interchange between his nurse and his friend.

Smiling a toothy grin Stile entered sickbay and heard Sean say. "Tequila. Plain. Now. That's a fraking order Stile."

The doctor looked at Jack, turned to Sean and then back to Jack. “Did I miss something important?”

“Oh you missed something.” Jack grinned. “I’m not sure what but I’m dying to find out. It has something to do with your new nurse.”

“Really.” Corbett replied “Do tell.”

“Yes Sean.” Jack added “We’re all ears.”

“Why don’t you two go and…” He paused as Kiska came back in.

“I’m sorry sirs.” She said looking at all three of them. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.

“Not at all nurse. In fact I was just about to call you. I think it best if I give the first officer here a quick once over. Could you take him over to Exam One and get him ready for a quick work up?”

“Of course doctor.’ She smiled. “Right this way commander.”

"Hey wait a minute." Merrick complained.

"Sorry Sean," Corbett said with a smirk directed toward Jack, "But I overheard you complain about that leg. No alcohol until it's looked at. Kiska take Commander Merrick and put him in a gown. No skiveys as we need to probe the entire thigh."

"That's an order Sean," Jack said.

Stile quickly added, "Go with the nice nurse and be a good boy. Doctor Kavilin will be with you shortly."

"What you're not going to look..."

"No" Corbett said cutting him off. "I'm off duty and am going to drink with the Captain."

Sean was about to protest again when he saw the look of total conspiratorial glee in both men's eyes.

Terrific, he thought. Why did she have to look so much like Jeri? He decided he had better resign himself. It wasn't as if she'd be doing much more than taking his pulse and history.

"You know what," Stile said turning back at the door of his office, the captain visibly supressing a chuckle. "Kiska, I need you to do a complete workup on Commander Merrick. He's due for a head to toe physical after that ordeal down planet. Take your time because we don't want to miss anything."

Sean impressed Stile and Jack by how quickly his face turned red.

"Nurse please see to it that Commander Merrick undresses completely." Corbett said smiling a toothy grin.

"Hey wait a minute!" Merrick sqeaked.

"Sorry Sean, but down here I give the orders and you sar need to go with my nurse and get naked." Corbett tried to say with a straight face. "Don't worry Kiska will be gentle until Dr. Kavilin sees you." With that, Jack and Stile left for the stash in the doctor's office.

"I'll get you for this." Merrick whispered under his breath.

NRPG: I've got to get some work done now guys ;-) I'll put something up about his time with Kiska a little later. Lena, if you're there, let us know.

Repectfully Submitted Jointly,

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

and

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

and

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Hasty Retreat

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.327

Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD

The doctor and captain managed to make it all the way into Stile’s office and get the door closed before they both collapsed into laughter. The laughter lasted for longer then it should have but it was an excellent release for both of them after such a stressful mission.

“Did you see the look on his face?” Jack asked

“No I was doing busy looking at the look on yours.” Stile replied chuckling.

“I do have to warn you that he has unfettered access to the weapons locker.”

Stile waved away the concern. “I’m not worried. He’d never shoot his pusher.” He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a bottle and two glasses. “So whats it all about? School yard crush.” He poured the drinks and pushed one over to Jack before pushing the bottle into the middle of the desk.

“I honestly don’t know. We were both on our way down to crash your liquor cabinet and we walked straight into her. Sean froze, his chin hit the floor and then you walked in. I don’t know if it’s a crush and ex or something in between.”

“Well I don’t think Kiska knows him from a hole in the ground.”

“She’s about too.” Both men lost themselves in laughter once again.

Brian: I figure this wouldn't impact whatever you have planned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Inebriation is a Hell of an Excuse

by Steve Apple

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: CMO's Office

Corbett was laughing so hard it was almost impossible for him to light his cigar. Passing the cutter and lighter to Steele he let out an appreciative puff of smoke and said, "I'm sorry, but this is too good to miss."

"What, you're not going to spy on him are you?" Steele asked as the tip of his cigar intermittently lit with a cherry glow as he puffed it appreciatively.

"Hell yeah, you think I'm going to miss him stammer his way through her initial exam." Corbett said with glee.

"Damn it Doctor, I'm the commanding officer here and should be included," Steele said as he broke out into another fit of laughter.

"Please, this is too good not to share," Corbett said as he turned his vidscreen so the two could watch Commander Merrick.

"That gown is awfully short," Steele said with a whistle.

"Yeah and its pretty blue color is a great contrast to his red blushing skin, don't ya think." Corbett snorted trying to contain his laughter.

"Shhhh I want to hear what they say," Steele said downing his first glass of Tequila.

"You know he's going to get us back for this at least twice as hard," Corbett said downing his glass as well.

"Can you record this?" Steele asked as he filled his glass again.

"Way ahead of you Boss." Corbett said as he hit the red button to the left of the screen.

NRPG: This is way too fun to let go of.

Respectively Submitted

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Hot Nurses Are Hard to Ignore

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2260.327

Scene: The Bowels of Sickbay, USS HOOD

Kiska, was trying ... rather hard ... not to laugh and at the same time feel embarrassed for both Sean and herself.

She'd received plenty of panting attention from men before. But something about Sean's reaction to her was different and she wasn't sure what yet. Maybe it was simply a senior officer reeling in his unexpected fancy for her. Judging by his flustrated face, he was grabbing it by the throat and ruthlessly wrestling it to the ground. Then again, she mused, with men it could just as easily be gas.

Sean, for his part, was sitting very, very quietly, staring almost catatonically forward while she did a fully sensor survey on him.

He was a nice looking guy. Not necessarily her type, but nice. But no matter what mischief Stile thought he was going to cook up here, she wasn't going to give that jerk the satisfaction. How FIVE women on board had already flocked to him, she couldn't fathom. He was a charming fork tongued snake and after his stunt tonight, she was going to be telling Mother on him.

Maybe she and Mother would get the transporter crew to beam a mass of cold water over his bed in the night. She and a girlfriend had done it to some boy trouble in the Academy. Twice.

Kiska giggled at the memory ... and inadvertantly dropped her sensor probe. Right on Sean's crotch.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"

Before Kiska realized what she'd done, Sean was on his feet hobbling butt naked around the exam room and moaning in excruiating agony.

Elsewhere in sickbay, laughter was leaking past what was supposed to be a sound proofed door.

NRPG: OK Lena, sorry, but I couldn't resist posting this. Please don't kill me. And it is official I think: Sean is the HOOD's Butt Monkey (see tvtropes.org for def). Oh, Steve, I liked your title so much that I used it here in your honor.

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Grapevine

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: Main Shuttlebay

“I know how you got stuck with this crap detail but I don’t know why I’m here!” Crewman Bennis whined for at least the third time in the last fifteen minutes.

Corey Campbell bit his tongue as he had done every other time and continued to wipe down the interior of the shuttle NIMITZ.

“I’m not even in this department!” Bennis complained. “I’m a warp technician. This is not work for a work technician.”

“You’re a warp technician assistant.” Corey was getting to his breaking point. “Third class.” He added as he paused to wipe the sweat from his forehead with the back of his arm. “And as for why you’re here it’s for the same reason I am. You pissed off the wrong people.”

“You heard what happened on this shuttle didn’t you? Something crazy went down on the planet. Something unnatural.”

“Like what?” Campbell asked. He had of course already hacked into the ship’s logs and new exactly what had occurred. But he was curious to see what the grapevine had invented.

“I don’t know exactly.” Bennis leaned forward. “But I do know that some of the officers were possessed and they had an exorcism on this shuttle.” He pointed to one of the benches.

“A what?” Corey laughed. “Buddy you’ve been watching too many vids.”

“Why else do you think they beamed aboard this shuttle first. They had to make sure they drove out the evil spirits. I heard that planet was some sort of alien death camp.”

Corey was laughing so hard he had to sit down. “You’re right that’s what happened. I can see it now. The senior officers all cramped together in this shuttle. They’re all holding hands and chanting while the unlucky possessed one is spewing curses and damnations. All while Dr. Corbett is standing in the back his tricorder held high as he mutters religious incantations and orders out the evil spirits. Ya, that’s exactly what happened.”

“You can laugh all you want but I talked to someone and they always have the scoop. And who knows where those spirits went to? What if they’re still lingering.” He looked around nervously. “Do you want to be possessed?” Bennis demanded.

“If it gets me off this detail, sure why not!”

Respectfully Submitted,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Bennis is an Unlucky Name

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2260.327

Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD

[Bridge to Sickbay. Medical Emergency. Incoming transport from shuttlecraft NIMITZ.]

The laughter in the doctor's office came to almighty sobering halt. "What the frak!" Stile cursed as he slammed the door panel and bounded out to answer the call.

He came up short to a horrific scene. Campbell was in a heap on the ground, blood covering his shoulder. Next to him, a crewman was shaking violently and groaning inchoerently. From behind a nearby exam curtain Sean stumbled out followed by a shocked looking Kiska.

"Campbell!" Jack bellowed. "What the Hell happened!?"

Campbell looked pasty white with terror.

"I ... I ... don't know. We were working and he attacked me!"

"What do you mean Campbell?" a still back bare Sean demaned. "What were you doing and where?"

"The ... the shuttle. The one you beamed up to. I think Bennis is possessed."

"How the hell do you know ..." Stile began then stopped short. "Damn it to hell! Stile! Is he or isn't he? We're fraked if one of those things got aboard!"

At that moment, Bennis shot up screaming in an unworldly voice, and lurched madly at Keska. He grabbed hold of her with both arms and was leaning in close as though trying to bite her face.

Sean body checked Bennis, hoping to throw the crazed man off the nurse. It brought them all in heap onto the floor. Bennis came loose from Kiska and started wrestling with Sean.

"Tranquilizer coming through damn it!" Stile shouted. Despite the rolling that Sean and Bennis were doing around Kiska, the doctor's aim was true. In five long seconds, Bennis fell still.

Jack watched in dread, expecting the mist to leave Bennis at any moment. But it didn't happen. In fact, in a few moments, Bennis actually started snoring.

"Damn it to hell!" Jack cursed. "What just happened here? Stile. I need to know." Stile was already grabbing a tricorder.

That was when Campbell began babbling between wimpers. "I was, I was, I was just telling him about the ghosts you know. And he was working and I sort of dropped a hydrospanner and behind him and there was this flash."

"Jack he's clean," Stile said.

"What?"

"He's clean. I think he got an electrical zap. Check out his hand where it is burned." He turned angrily to Campbell. "I'm guessing between the power surge and our friend's spook tales, he got scared into a frenzy."

"Damn you Campbell," Sean started, "I swear I'm gonna ..." Sean stopped cold. Cold, because he was feeling cold. There was ... a draft.

"Um, Sean," Stile said quietly. "There is a lady in the room."

Stile didn't bother looking down, but he knew his gown was still there clutched weakly in Bennis' hands. And so was Kiska. Who was looking up. Who was probably 2 shades of rouge darker than the red alert lights just about now.

"Aw frak it," Sean spat. "And with all the dignity he could muster, he turned around and went back into his exam room for his clothes.

NRPG: Hope you enjoyed the show. Good night everybody! 14 posts in one night for the HOOD

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: There's A Bad Moon Rising

by Steve Apple

SD: 2260.327

MD: Post Mission

Scene: Officer’s Mess

“Hey Janice I’m glad Stile made it back safely.” Lieutenant Ramirez remarked as she stood next to the Com officer while they waited in line for their turn at the replicators.

“Thanks Maria. Tonight will be the first night I sleep well after the tension of the last few days. That damn Cowboy gets himself into all kinds of trouble, but at least he’s safe now.” Powers answered.

“You two got anything special planned?” She asked.

“Not tonight, he’s debriefing with the Captain and Commander Merrick.” Powers said with a sad smile. “I feel so bad for him, I mean after all he’s been through and now he’s got to go over the mission in detail with the command staff, I hope he at least gets some rest later.”

“That’s too bad hun; you can’t even be with him tonight after all that time.” Ramirez said stepping up to the replicator.

“It’s ok I’m going to surprise him with dinner tomorrow night in my quarters.” Powers said smiling.

“Well you go girl.” Ramirez smirked then saw a couple getting up from one of the tables. “Hey I see a table opening up over there; I’ll go grab it for us.”

Scene: Women’s Crew Shower Room

Regina Boyle tossed her coveralls into the laundry bin and headed for the showers. The fatigue and worry she felt over the last few days seemed to melt away under the steam and heat of the shower.

She was glad Stile made it back and couldn’t wait to show him just how much. She was excited that her friend in the hydroponics lab would let her use it tomorrow night. She was going to surprise him with a pick-nick under the trees.

Scene: Data Storage Room

“Lisa don’t you want to take a peek and see what happened down there to him and the rest of the landing party?” Chloe Kovall asked.

Commander Lisa Thompson who was overseeing the data transfer from the Science department and Shuttle craft into the ships long term data storage modules turned her head so she could see her second on the night shift, Ensign Kovall. “You know darn well that that’s against the regulations Chloe.”

“I know it’s just that you’ve been so worried about him these last few days and I thought this might help ease your mind a bit.” Kovall said.

“It’s okay. He’s back now and safe. I’m planning on surprising him tomorrow night with a candle light dinner in my quarters, so don’t call me with any emergency computer issues you hear me Ensign.”

“Don’t worry Commander.” Kovall said with a wicked grin.

Scene: Bridge Navigation Chair

”God this shift seems like it will never end.” Ensign Flores said to the helmsman sitting next to her.

“What’s the matter Natalie you have big plans, or something?” Lieutenant Harris asked with a smile.

“No not tonight. I was feeling a little guilty earlier that I wasn’t going to be able to be with Stile on his first night back, but you heard the Captain, he and Commander Merrick were going down to sickbay to debrief with him for most of the night. So he’ll be busy.”

“I don’t know what your guy does or the clout he has, but it seems that after every mission the Captain and Mr. Merrick head down to sickbay to consult with him. Never saw Sinclair do that with the last doctor.”

“He’s special I guess.” Flores said. “I’m kicking my roommate out tomorrow night and surprising him with a romantic dinner.”

Scene: Quartermaster’s Storage Closet

“Vail are you listening?” Chief Watson asked.

“What… sorry Mike I guess I’m just a little preoccupied tonight.” Yeoman Melissa Vail answered sheepishly.

“Your thinking about the doctor aren’t you?” Watson asked scowling.

“Shhh I don’t want the whole world to know.” She admonished as she coyly looked around to see who might have overheard.

“I can see I’m not going to get this inventory completed if I don’t get your head straight.” Watson said. “So here’s the deal. You keep it together and get this inventory control report done tonight and I’ll set you up with a dinner for two on that private section of the observation deck tomorrow night.”

“Oh Mike thank you. You have no idea what this will mean.”

NRPG: This one’s for you Brian, enjoy. Also I believe that it makes 15 posts for Hood today (as I am posting this prior to midnight CST). Good night all.

Respectfully Submitted,

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Some After-Thoughts

by David Martens

SD: SD: 2260.320

MD: after mission

Scene: USS HOOD, Science lab :

A whole stack of PADD's was carefully stalled out on ARr'Rhiana's desk. There where the usual and expected reports on the last mission. The away-team had brought in some computers and PADD's they retrieved from the archeological camp. Hemux had insisted for that: she didn't want to see everything being lost by the nuclear blast and EMP-pulse. After all, this was an encounter with an unknown civilization, new species, a whole new technology and a new planet. But for now those PADD's had to wait until later.

She was making a final report for the debriefing and she was not feeling very pleased with the outcome of their actions. Ofcourse, those entities had to be contained in some way, but nuking a planet? Even with the preliminary cleaning of the atmosphere and other precautions there was no way to tell what they had done to the planets ecosystem and environment.

One other report was classified for the Captain and for Security. Hemux had noticed that there had been breaches in security. First there had been the logs in the datafiles from the away-team and the shuttlecraft that showed that someone had entered them before she had. Since that should have been virtually impossible as these datafiles where secured and encrypted it was very likely that someone of the people who had brought her the data where involved.

Second there timestamps showed that the computer core was breached to enter secured data. It had been done by someone who knew what he was doing, but since she always had the science computers linked to the central data core for immediate back-ups she had noticed there where moments when she could not enter her own reports while no one else was logged on to have access to them. So with a little tracing virus scan she was able to track the `readers' back to a datastorage room. And guess what: that was exactly the same dataroom where the data from the away team and shuttlecraft had been stored for her investigations … She was pretty sure the captain and Lt Desimms would be very much interested to hear about that.

She sighed and tossed a final PADD away. There was still a lot of mystery left: what civilization had build the pyramid? Had it origined from the planet or was the pyramid planted there by someone from another system? How old was the whole thing? What technology had they used? How could those beings survive? And how where those beings able to take over their hosts and let them do al things that had happened?

ARr'Rhiana' pressed her fingers to the temple of her head, she had a headache from here to eternity. There had to be something she could do to relax… with a big, big smile she opened up a small hidden drawing her locker and pulled out a small box of dried Denobulan sun-and-cloud mushrooms. Then she pulled out a small pipe, carved with detailed figures of plants and animals and a wide head. With eyes that twinkled in excitement she started to stuff the pipe.

For a few minutes she just enjoyed the ritual of cutting the mushrooms, filling the pipe, smelling the sweet and rich odors of the mushrooms. She took the pipe in her mouth and took a deep breath to test how it would smoke, a small adjustment of pressure and she was ready. She light the pipe and took her first breath… her eyes grew wider and the smoke entered deep in her lungs, the first image of the sun and clouds where coming upon her!

<<<NRPG>>>

Hi All,

Ok something to add to the story, since you guys all ignore the females in your staff, I am making up my own fun… at least, I think so… just check my next post in a while…

(for those who not know: Denobulans think using hallucinogens is not bad when used for relaxation.)

Respectfully,

David Martens

Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux

CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Sun, Smoke and a Nude Guy…

by David Martens

SD: 2260.321

MD: after mission

Scene: Corridors, USS HOOD

ARr'Rhiana was walking through the ships corridors, a pipe in her mouth, sweet clouds of smoke following her trail and a huge smile on her face. She as feeling relaxed, things that troubled her about the mission where pushed to a level deep down her mind where she could ignore them. The effect of the sun-and-cloud mushrooms where tingling in her body. Although she looked a bit scary with an unusual wide smile on her face, she had such a twinkle in her eyes that most of the crewmembers nodded friendly to her as she passed by. She decided to see the captain or First Officer for some things. The computer had announced the captain off duty and the FO in sickbay and since there where also a few small points she wanted to check on a theory she had how the beings where able to take control over the away-team; she had decided to go to sickbay. Just at the moment she was entering she jumped aside as the captain and the doctor rushed in and dove into a room where some shouting and struggling was heard.

Hemux was still a bit dizzy from the mushrooms and al she did was walking in the room and staring at the fight.

>insert the post `Bennis is an Unlucky Name' here<

Just at the moment Sean walked into the Exam room ARr'Rhiana stared to chuckle. The whole situation was hilarious and the face on Sean Merricks face was priceless. "Now that was an interesting sight" she muttered as her eyes where looking to the room where Sean had disappeared in.

"I think there will be a lot of gossip going around" she chuckled. And slapped her thigh and now bursted out in full laughter as she noticed how the captain and doctor and nurses who where all scramble on the floor or crawling up looked to her with strange faces...

<<<NRPG>>>

Hi All,

Sorry, Brian, I could not let this one go by …Old and Denobulan or not, Hemux likes some fun also…

Respectfully,

David Martens

Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux

CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Too far this Time

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.328

Scene: Sickbay

Jack had had enough. He strode over to the desk and opened a comm channel. "Captain to security I need a team down to sickbay immediately."

By the time Sean had returned back in uniform two security crewman and Lieutenant DeSimms had arrived. "Captain?" DeSimms asked.

Jack pointed over at Campbell and Bennis. "These two idiots are under arrest. Once they've been treated you can either confine them to the brig or sickbay. Whichever Dr. Stile thinks is appropriate for their care."

"What are the charges captain?" DeSimms asked clearly relishing the prospects of arresting Corey Campbell.

"For now, this one." He pointed at Bennis. "For simple assault."

"This one for assault with a deadly weapon."

"It was an accident." Corey moaned.

"Then you'll have nothing to worry about."

"There's more sir." Lieutenant Hemux added. "Someone has hacked into several of the encrypted log databases captain." All eyes turned back to Corey.

"Mr DeSimm's I want you to begin an investigation on all these charges. I want no stone left unturned and I want it completely and totally by the book. Should either of these two gentlemen." He looked pointedly at Corey, "Be in fact guilty of any or all charges against them I want the evidence to leave no doubt. It has to be bullet proof and I want it wrapped up before we reach Starbase 10. Clear?"

"Yes sir!"

<<<NRPG>>>

Dave: Great posts and a good start to the day!

Dan: I leave it to you to see if Corey is guilty and if it can be proven Or if he skates by again. Don't let DeSimms give him any chance to appeal any possible convictions on any technicalities :-)

All: I should be available for posting tonight if anyone is around and wants to do some CD.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: What Rattles a First Officer?

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.328

Scene: Sickbay

“So how’d it go?” Jack asked.

Once the commotion of the emergency med beam in and the arrest of Bennis and Campbell had been put to rest Jack, Stile and Sean had returned to the doctor’s office.

“You’re both hilarious.” Sean muttered. “Missed your calling in fact. You two comic geniuses should be on the road together you’d make millions.”

“It would be nice bringing such joy to the masses.” Jack mused.

“I’d insist half our millions go to those less fortunate.” Stile added. “I am after all a humanitarian.” He reached over and poured Sean a drink.

“Ya I just noticed that.” Sean replied dryly. “A regular Albert Switzer.”

“Who?” Jack asked.

“Heathen.” Stile said as he sadly shook his head at the captain.

Jack shrugged. “So Sean what happened. You looked like you’d seen a ghost.”

“I don’t know.” Stile offered. “I’ve seen him see a ghost and that was definitely not the look he had on his face then. I think he’d have rather seen a ghost.”

“That’s true.” Sean agreed.

“So what was it?”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Hard Time

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.328

Scene: Brig

Corey Campbell lay on the hard mattress inside HOOD’s brig and stared at the ceiling. He couldn’t believe that that idiot Bennis bit him but more then that he couldn’t believe that he’d been arrested. Arrested and thrown in the brig like some sort of common criminal! He’d been brought up on charges many times in his checkered career, he’d been reduced in rank more times then he cared to acknowledge and he’d spent more time on restricted duties then not. But he’d never been arrested.

He liked Captain Steele, he even liked Commander Merrick, although he still couldn’t figure out exactly why. But they had gone off the deep end this time. Arrested? He chuckled at the memory of Bennis wailing like some kind of injured cow, the FO standing in an exam gown and in the middle of it all the captain looking like he could chew through duranium. It had been quite a scene, right up until Steele had gotten all stern and started spouting out charges and ordering people into the brig. It just was crazy. Certainly the captain would calm down and come to his senses and let him out of the brig. They’d all had a long and trying day and emotions were obviously running high. Steele would make the order soon. He was sure of it.

Of course Lieutenant Hemux hadn’t helped things. He couldn’t figure out how she’d been able to pin it on him. Of course she hadn’t actually said she knew he had done it he realized. All she had said was that someone had accessed the files. They’d all just assumed he had done. And why wouldn’t they? He was, after all, the smartest one on the ship. By a long shot. But he’d covered his tracks. There was no way they’d be able to pin it on him, not in a million years. Still, Hemux had noticed the breach and, he admitted uncomfortably, he had been sure that no one would be able to see anything untoward had taken place.

But the captain liked him. He’d actually been more lenient then any other commanding officer he’d ever had. And it wasn’t out of fear like some of his other COs. Steele actually recognized the tremendous asset he had aboard his ship. He wasn’t stupid he knew he needed Campbell.

Corey smiled up at the ceiling. It would all be just fine.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: To Answer Your Question

by Brian V. Mansur

SD: 2260.328

Scene: Sickbay

"To answer your question, love a woman, divorce her even though you still love her, and then have her die in a mass murder event of biblical proportions He paused to knock down half a glass of 200 proof.

"And then sign onto a 5 year tour aboard a ship with someone who could be mistaken for her twin sister."

"Who has seen you naked already to boot," Stile cut in with a laugh. "You know what I think sar." He banged his glass down on the table. "You should go to her, ask her out to dinner," he started making cuddly motions with the air in front of him, "romance her, and damn it man, then you should sleep with her. Hell, go marry her you sappy ass."

Both Jack and Sean gave the half-drunk Stile gapping "what the hell" looks.

Stile seemed to take the hint and shut up. "Okay maybe that isn't such a good idea."

Settling back, Sean said, "Seriously Stile, I may be an atheist now but sleeping around is a plain dumb. Tell me about what happens when your ladies start meeting each other."

"I will never tell."

"No matter," Jack said, "I'm guessing you'll get to see it happen tomorrow in person Sean."

"Huh?" Stile said.

"Word has it that there are, let me see, one two three four, FIVE women on this ship trying to get in touch with you tonight?"

Stile looked as if he'd just missed the punchline to a joke.

"You're kidding right?"

NRPG: Over to you Steve. Time to put on the coffee for Stile. I think he'll need it.

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Tender Moment

by Brian V. Mansur

SD 2260.328

Scene: Later that night, Deck 12, USS HOOD

Gar moved purposefully through the halls, senses alert for any threat. He was hungry. Very very hungry.

He turned the corner and there stood ... leftovers.

"Hi Sean," Gar said.

"Hi Gar," Sean replied politely. "Where you headed?"

"Supper. You?"

"Weapons locker."

The friends smiled agreeably at each other then and went on their way.

NRPG: This one is for you Scott. Hope you liked it.

Repectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Not Invited to the Party

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.328

Scene: Workout Room Two, USS HOOD

Mark Compass pounded the heavy bag with a vengeance. He knew it shouldn’t get to him but he couldn’t help himself. He was pissed. The fact that he was angry made it even worse.

It had gone well enough. He’d been given command of the ship while the majority of the senior staff went down to the planet. He himself would admit that it wasn’t like there were any challenges facing HOOD for the majority of time he was in command. But he was in the center seat when it hit the fan down below and he was the one that had the final say when the solutions started to be found *on* the ship. Which he reflected wasn’t actually true he reflected in a moment of honesty. In fact it was Lieutenant Hemux and the combined science and medical teams that found the solution and it was the captain that signed off on it. But he was still the one with the responsibily when they were all saved.

To be fair the captain had commended him on his actions and had even said he was relieved to have a bridge officer he knew he could rely on during a crisis.

So why was he here taking his frustrations out on this bag instead of being down in sickbay with the rest of them? What did he have to do to become a member of the inner sanctum?

He understood that Steele, Merrick and Gar has served together since HOOD was commissioned and before Steele had been made captain. But the doctor was as new as he was. Yet there they all were hanging out in his office like they were back in an Academy dorm room.

It made him sick.

He so wanted to be down there.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Night of Fun

by Daniel Belin

Brig, Interrogation Room Number Four, 0200 hours Skeleton Shift

"Mr. Campbell," said DeSimms, "I have been commissioned to do a preliminary investigation to find whether a General Court Martial is in order. I've been cracking at you for four hours and all I get are wisecracks and not even an account of what happened."

"Nothing will get me off the ship or fleet. The Captain knows I am too valuable."

"You are being uncooperative. So, if I find any wrongdoing, I will recommend at least that your commission be revoked or you be booted from the fleet," He gestured to the security officers, "Take him away."

Suddenly, a harried looking Warrant Officer barged through the door. The first thing DeSimms noticed was the bloody gash in WO1 Garrison's uniform, "Sir! Sir! The whole ships going nuts!"

"Report!"

"We got Hemux stumbling around like a zombie, Gar is tearing up deck 5 with a hand phaser, we got a Bar Fight in the enlisted mess, the Skeleton replacement for the Lt. on Helm never showed up, we got a group of women looking for Corbett and I think some of em' are armed. General Unrest on all decks!"

"Who's the senior officer on duty?"

"You are, Sir. Everyone else is either going nutballs or sleepin'"

DeSimms bulldozed past the Warrant Officer and smashed the button on the comm panel, "Bridge, go to Security Alert, Condition Baker Two. Flash the Captain!"

"I already tried! I think they're asleep!"

"Wake em' up!"

"I tried, they're drunk asleep. Look, I have a feeling mother might let those women in. Orders?"

"Put ship on automatic control," said DeSimms, "I want every guy who can safely carry a hand phaser down in Armory."

<<Understood.>>

DeSimms ran out of the Brig. He almost bulldozed over a group of five women carrying pipes and phasers. The ladies looked him over and asked, "Who are you."

"I am Lieutenant DeSimms, the security chief. The ship is on Baker Two, where you all headed?"

"To...uh...find Corbett," said the taller one in Sciences blue.

"And why would you want Corbett at this hour?"

"Look, we've set up triage in Storage Area 2. Get there on the double!"

"Will Corbett be there?"

"Probably," answered DeSimms. As they turned the corridor, he opened a channel to the armory, "Listen, set up a temporary holding area in Storage Area 2. Put guards on the door and make sure no one gets out without me or the Captain saying so. How many of you are down there."

<<Sir, out of the 75 that are on Skeleton shift, 25 managed to show. Captain is still nowhere to be found.>>

"Understood, I'll see if I can find him."

Two minutes Later- Sickbay Office

DeSimms had rang the bell. Twice. He was tired of this. He had already stunned two crewman, disarmed two Petty Officers running out of his quarters with pistols and knives, and rugby-tackled a freed Campbell. He was getting the Captain back into action, dammit! He backed up a few feet and ran at the door like a Kellatian Rhinoceros. It, like most personal and office doors on the ship, crumpled under the impact of 600+ pounds. Now the Captain stirred. He grumbled, "How long has the light been flashing."

"Fifteen minutes. The whole ship's going bonkers!"

"What," said Steele, now alert.

"It seems everyone awake has just gone a little nuts. We got people running around screaming, and we got a whole party of angry women for Corbett."

"Understood, Lieutenant! Any idea of what it might be."

"Well," DeSimms said, "For some, like Hemux, it seems to be simple inebriation. For Gar, I don't know, but for everyone else, they either seem to be running around or sleeping like babies. I've got 15-25 people running chasing about 150!"

"It seems like you've followed procedure on this one. I'm not sure what more I can do command-wise, but I can sure lend a helping hand!"

<tag>

--

With all due respect,

Daniel F. Belin

John DeSimms

U.S.S Hood

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Not Interested in the Party

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.328

Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD

Under like her bridge partner Lieutenant Kim Steering was exactly where she wanted to be. She didn’t care if the entire ship was celebrating New Years Eve in the doctor’s office. As far as she was concerned they cold stay down as long as they wanted. It was her first time sitting in the center seat and as long as all the senior officers stayed off the bridge, her bridge, she would remain HOOD’s mistress under God.

She knew she wasn’t really doing anything. The ship was on course for Starbase 10 and they were fairly deep within Federation space. It wasn’t likely that something dire would happen but if it did she would be the first one to ascertain the situation and make the decision on what to do.

She stroked the arm rest of the chair reverently as she stared out at the star field. A small smile remained on her face after she had given up trying to remove it.

“Coffee captain?” Yeoman Green asked as she extended the cup with a supportive smile. “Just how you like it.”

Steering accepted the cup and took a small sip her eye brows shot up in surprise. “Its exactly how I like it!”

Green nodded matter-of-factly. “It’s a yeoman’s job to know her captain’s preferences.” She handed over the clipboard she had tucked underneath her arm. “Fuel consumption reports for your signature.”

Kim accepted the board and glanced down at the information. Was she supposed to sign it? It looked like the figures were reasonable but she really didn’t have any idea.

“Don’t worry the numbers are where they are supposed to be.” Greene whispered. “And the captain gets the report on his terminal as well.”

Kim signed the report and handed it back. “Thank you yeoman I really appreciate it.” She said formally but with clear gratitude in her eyes. She waited a few more minutes and then rose from the center seat taking the long way over to the open science station where she accessed the ship’s computers and called up nominal fuel consumption reports for CONSTITUTION class cruisers. She had no doubt that Greene had been honest with her but she knew if she was going to command a ship one day there were a lot of things she needed to know. And this was a good a place to start as any.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: What Party?

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.328

Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD

Lieutenant junior grade Terrence Marconi was blissfully unaware that there was any sort of festivities going on in sickbay or anywhere else aboard ship. Like Lieutenant Steering he was exactly where he wanted to be. So engrossed in his comm board he had barely even realized that his friend Kim had the conn.

Currently HOOD was passing close to Inda IV and he was intently studying the world. The Indans had a tech base that put them approximately 25 to 30 years away from discovering the warp drive. As such Starfleet Command was starting to make a concerted effort to gather information on the civilization in preparation for the covert teams that would study the society up close in preparation of the eventual first contact. Although the Universal Translator had already decoded the Indan language Terry preferred to listen to the transmissions, mostly radio and video signals, emanating from the planet raw. It was a good way to hone his linguistic skills and on the rare occasion he was able to identify a word or phrase the UT had gotten wrong. It was all a matter of nuances.

Currently he was monitoring an entertainment program that was likelky classified as science fiction. It was interesting in a clinical way but he also had to admit he enjoyed the program immensely. So much so that he had instructed the ship’s computers to flag these transmissions specifically so he could watch them at his leisure.

As far as Lieutenant Marconi was concerned, the party was right here.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Runner!

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.329

Scene: Unknown

Fveirrolh Sahen lay in the small bunk and stared at the ceiling that was barely 5 centimetres above his face. He supposed he should be grateful for the cramped uncomfortable coffin he had been hidden in, he was alive after all. But it was beginning to become a little more than just confining. Eight days of little movement and even less light was taking its toll. He was starting to get anxious about his situation and with little to do but think he had spent many hours going over all the 'what if' scenarios. Many of them he had considered before he had convinced himself to run. They hadn't seen real then, but now as he struggled to remain calm inside his coffin where he had been placed by two strangers he had trusted everything to they seemed very real.

Sahen had always been a scientist. Even as a child he was more interested in observing and quantifying his surroundings rather than enjoying them. Looking back he could understand why his strange tendencies had ostracized him from the other children. Even in school, where he had of course excelled in his studies he had been belittle and mocked. His nickname had become Vulcan and he knew that even his instructors referred to him in this insulting manner when they thought he could not hear them. Secretly of course he relished in the insult. He could think of no higher compliment then being labeled a member of such a noble and intelligent race. He had spent many hours fantisizing that he was in fact a true Vulcan who had some home been lost on a Roumlan world. He dreamed of one day being able to return to his true homeland and be accepted by his brothers. As he grew older these childish dreams were replaced by bitterness as he realized his dreams could never be achieved. Vulcan's were the enemy intellectual puppets of their human masters. Their intelligence used to create weapons to destroy the Empire. Charges he must accept and spew out publically but beliefs he would never privately allow. His hatred for the Empire grew.

As he grew into adulthood his intelligence became accepted and then sought after. He was accepted into the most prestigious institute on his home world where he, of course, excelled. When he found he could learn nothing from his simple minded instructors he was sent to Romulus and soon was patiently explaining the nature of the universe to his instructors. Finally he was accepted. He was surrounded by the best and brightest of the Romulan scientific community. His colleagues repsected his intelligence, sought his guidance, and on rare occasions provided him with insights and discoveries he had not considered. It had been a most pleasing time.

Yet still there was the emptiness and frustration. As an able bodied male it was expected that he would join the military and work towards the greater glory of the Empire. That he did not was looked on with suspicion and cowardice. Even when, his studies complete, he joined the military and began to work in its science division he was still viewed with disdain by a society reared on conquest. A true solider of the empire did not run tests and write papers, they conquered worlds and squashed rebellion. So far as his neighbours were concerned he was not a true Romulan.

Eventually his disaffection became known by those who felt as he did. He was approached and accepted and eventually became a leader in this underground and outlawed group. A group who only sought peace and openness with all beings of the galaxy. A group who ranks he of course rose in. A group who, he had almost found too late, was home to many government spies.

And so he had been forced to take the action which he had always dreamed of but never been brave enough to seize. He had been forced to flee.

<<<NRPG>>>

Just some ground work for the next mission.

Resoectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: No Smoke, More Dreams...

by David Martens

SD: 2260.322

MD: after mission

Scene: Corridors, USS HOOD

ARr'Rhiana found herself sitting at a wall in a corridor. She blinked with her eyes as she noticed five young women rushing along, armed, with dangerously looking eyes and bright smiles asking everyone if they had seen Stile. Others where starting small fights amongst each other or just using handphasors to fire at the walls or ceilings. Heck, she even had seen a young couple that was `burning' their names with a large heart drawing around it on every door they came by.

A few minutes later she lurked a last time on her pipe and inhaled the last smoke. She sighed and closed her eyes for a long moment to enjoy the feelings of her hallucinations a last time. She grinned as she thought of her vision of Sean nude in the sickbay, the idea of five woman running around to chase Stile and...

Hemux opened her eyes as she suddenly realised that the noise she heard was real, not a part of a hallucination; She blinked her eyes again as she noticed the chaos around her. This was not a mushroom - dream, this was real!

While she was stumbling back through the corridors, avoiding people, sometimes even using her fists to keep some people from attacking her, she tried to contact the bridge and captain at every Comm she passed by. Mostly she just got static, sometimes people singing or shouting, but no captain, no bridge. What was going on?

She had to get to science or to the bridge, either of those places would be good to start to find out what was happening.

<<<NRPG>>>

Hi All,

Hey, guy, this is not fair, I am living in poor old Europe, please wait with your posts untill I am also here...

On the other hand: keep posting guys, we might beat the Connie!

Respectfully,

David Martens

Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux

CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Measure of Revenge

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2260.330

<<snip- from Brian's post, entitled "A Tender Moment">>

Gar moved purposefully through the halls, senses alert for any threat. He was hungry. Very very hungry.

He turned the corner and there stood ... leftovers.

"Hi Sean," Gar said.

"Hi Gar," Sean replied politely. "Where you headed?"

"Supper. You?"

"Weapons locker."

The friends smiled agreeably at each other then and went on their way.

<<snip- new material>>

As soon as Gar rounded the corner and out of the sight of the First Officer, his grin did a one-eighty and turned to a frown. "They"- most of the senior staff- had been all over him about what he was forced to do to one of the security officers on the planet...

...but Merrick had been, by far, his worst tormentor. It probably had something to do with the fact that Merrick was next on Gar's dining card, but the fact that Gar was NOT in control of his own actions at that time seemed to have been lost on him.

For that matter, Gar's own pain at having been forced to do such a thing didn't seem to matter to Merrick either. He expected to receive a little stick about it, frankly...but Merrick's puns, jabs and jibes were inexhaustible. And though Gar was hardly weeping openly in the hallways as he walked, he still bore the scars of his violation...

...and every time Merrick made a wisecrack, it tore them open just a little bit more.

Suddenly, Gar stopped outside of the officer's mess, antennae twitching, corners of his mouth suddenly turned upwards in a decidedly devilish-looking grin.

"Time for someone to pay," he said and, spinning on his heels, headed in the other direction.

///

Setting: Merrick's Quarters, a few hours later the XO's somewhat embarrassing evening in Sick Bay

Sean Merrick passed through the open doorway and into his room with a somewhat less-than-stable gait. He wasn't exactly "stumbling"- at least not yet- but he was at least as little worse-for-wear from his exploits in Sick Bay.

After a couple of steps, his olfactory senses detected something- something that smelled frakking delicious. Which was convenient, given that he was JUST thinking about sneaking down to the officer's mess and whipping up a nice steak or something...

After a couple of sharp head movements, Merrick's eyes found the source of the aroma: a covered plate at the head of the small table in his quarters, flanked by the ship's formal silverware, a glass of what appeared to be red wine, and a folded napkin.

Sean smiled, though he had no idea who had arranged for such a wonderful treat as he walked over to the chair. He took a seat, and looked at his plate. Closing his eyes, he raised his head, and inhaled the aroma deeply, smiling widely as he did.

After a moment, he could take no more. Merrick tucked the napkin into his neck and, lifting a fork and a knife, cut a healthy morsel from the medium-rare filet mignon on his plate and popped it into his mouth.

The meat melted in his mouth.

From that point, he dug in with gusto, moving from meat to baked potato to salad back to meat in an inexact, random fashion.

When he was nearly done, he noticed the menu which had been slid part-way under his plate.

Merrick sipped the wine as he pulled the menu out and read from the card:

/// "Chez Gar"

Menu for Stardate 2260.330:

1. Filet of Merrick in a light butter-garlic sauce Baked Potato smothered in gravy made from Merrick-fat House Salad Picard Chianti, year 2256 (may substitute Picard Cabernet Sauvignon for wine)

Also available:

2. Merrick-chops Parmasan with Spaghetti Andorian Snow Peas in a butter sauce House Salad Picard Pinot Grigio, year 2258 (may substitute Picard Riesling for wine)

3. Grilled Merrick-tails in a butter-lemon sauce Denobulan White Corn House Salad Picard Rose, year 2259

All meals include a 15% gratuity for the chef.

We proudly serve 100% Merrick meat: "Merrick- the other, other, OTHER white meat."

///

Merrick felt himself flush as he read the hand-written note scribbled at the bottom:

"Sean,

Hope you enjoy your meal- and don't be afraid to try the Merrick-tails; I hear they are in season!"

Hugs and Kisses,

Gar Th'elenth"

Merrick's stomach felt slightly queasy despite his knowing that this meal was NOT really "him."

He started to scoop up the last of the filet on his fork, but, after a moment, froze again.

"Son of a--," he hissed, dropping the fork back onto the plate.

<<NRPG>>

Sean- touché.

Hungrily Submitted,

-- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer

USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Player One

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.331

Scene: Global Exports Office

M'Lara stood in the doorway and looked at her mate in disgust. It was barely two in the afternoon and he leaned on his desk snoring loudly, empty bottles of bloodwine strewn throughout the room. It was bad enough that she had been mated to this petaQ, worse still that her illustrious husband had managed to fail in ever task he had given and thus leading to his current assignment on this hell hole. Worst of all he had been given a chance to redeem himself and she already knew he would fail. Just as he always did.

"Husband wake up." She said in an almost pleasant voice "Husband! Wake Up!" This time he stirred. But then the snoring got louder. With a litany of curses she strode across the room. "Wake up now!" Two fists came slamming down on the desk causing her husband's head to bounce up and then crash back down.

"What time is it?" He asked groggily.

"Time for you to get your filthy carcass up and begin to pretend you are a male."

K'Temec of the house of D'jon jumped up from his desk with a roar. "you forget your place woman!"

"Better." She sneered as she tossed a PADD on to the desk. "It would seem you have work to do."

<<<NRPG>>>

More pre mission groundwork

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Player Two

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260. 331

Scene: Romulan Scout Ship

Centurion llhran Kola cursed the god for at least the fourth time in an hour as he willed his small one man ship to go faster. His assignment had been to monitor Fveirrolh Sahen and he had spent the last year watching the scientist. It was clear Sahen was only playing the part of the loyal Romulan and Kola had watched patiently as the scientist began to exhibit his inner thoughts. First, he began to display his less then enthusiastic sentiments for the Empire to several of his colleagues (one of which was a intelligence operative) at the institute. Next he began a relationship with a member of the anti-government underground. The man was clearly trying to recruit Sahen and Sahen was just as obviously intrigued with the idea.

Eventually, after much ego stroking, Sahen joined the local underground movement. For several weeks he was content to come to meetings and listen to the diatribe the leaders spewed forth. As he became more comfortable he began to join in and then dominate the discussions. Within 6 months he was leading his own cell and was actively, and successful, increasing recruitment.

This was something that could no longer be ignored. Centurion Kola was issued orders to round up the leaders of the local cells as well as any other members he felt posed a danger to the government. The operation went off with only a single failure. Fveirrolh Sahen had not been at the meeting and had evaded arrest. Not only was the failure to capture the most important leaders a stain on his perfect record Kola could not believe that Sahen’s disappearance was a simple coincidence. What had seemed to be nothing more then a nuisance was now potentially much more especially given the programs that Sahen had not only spear-headed but had access to. It had not taken long to discover that the traitor had left the planet and Kola knew that if he did not arrest Sahen and return him to Romulus before his superiors found out he would be branded either complicit with the traitors or simply incompetent. It did not matter which, for and intelligence officer the penalty was the same.

He cursed the gods again.

<<<NRPG>>>

More mission groundwork.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Formulating a Plan

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.331

Scene: Global Export Office

K’Temec stared down at the PADD his wife had thrown in front of him and steered at the Romulan face that stared back at him. Another assassination he assumed as he pulled the red datachip from the PADD and inserted into his computer. As the resident intelligence officer representing the Empire on the planet Arcturus he regularily sent back what information he could glean on this pathetic world. On occasion he would receive and order to quietly kill someone. Generally that was some digusting merchant who’s goods had not been what were promised or a Klingon mercenary who had come to here after annoying the wrong person. He had never been ordered to kill someone from one of the Empire’s deadly enemies. He scratched at his chin thoughtfully as he waited for his computer to power up.

Finally the brief but shocking orders flashed across the screen. Not an assassination but a kidnapping. He leaned back in his chair and considering the implications. This was a real mission, one that was being watching by Council Members no doubt. A mission that, if successful, would save him from this dreary world where he had been banished so many years ago.

So a Romulan traitor was coming here? He looked back at the image of Sahen with a predatory grin. Decided to escape the paranoid and repressive Empire to throw his lot in with the weak willed Federation. He chuckled at the notion knowing what all Klingons did, you could never trust a Romulan.

He would have to think on this. Dozens of ships arrived and departed here every day, how was he determine which ship his quarry was on? Next, how would he capture him? Surely the Federation knew he was coming. They of course would want to welcome this Sahen into their fold. But they would not want to do so openly and possibly escalate the cool relations they had Romulus. No they would send operatives to quietly snatch this traitor. He would have to find the Romulan before they did. But that was a problem he could see know answer. He frowned at the thought knowing he would have to ask his wife. As infuriating as she was he had no illusions as to which of the two was the smarter.

But first he would call his Romulan counterpart.

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Player Three Out

by Andy Catterick

SD:260.331

Scene: The Tavern Laughing Vulcan

K’Temec scowled at his tankard as he waited for Pilo the sole Romulan intelligence officer. Many star nations had sent intelligence operatives here and likehim self none of them had been assigned to this paradise as a reward. No, those who had been unofficially exiled here had been sent due to their incompetence, or in recognition of their failures. Pilo was no difference in this sense and K’Temec was glad for it. Over the years they had all come to know one another. What started off as a mutual mistrust had slowly formed into a group recognition that they were al in the same boat. Overtime they began to keep in regular contact passing on information to each other which could then be sent home as proof that they were all being good little spies. It was easier for all. Nothing of consequence ever happened on this god forsaken rock and all knew that no one would betray their homeworlds. It was a system that served them all.

Tonight it would serve K’Temec just as it would pass judgement on Pilo.

Finally, the Klingon thought, as the Romulan entered the small tavern and headed to meet K’Temec at their customary table in the back corner. Pilo, he was pleased to see, was drunk as he usually was. That would make things so much easier.

“nuqneH.” Jilo said in greeting as he sat down.

“Jolantru.” The Klingon replied. “I have information. I am sure you must know it already but I wanted to make sure.”

“What type of information.” The Romulan answered after the waitress had put his usual drink in front of him.

“Of the traitor.”

“What traitor?” Pilo asked.

K’Temec hid a smile. If Pilo had known he would have of course denied the knowledge. There was only so much information that they shared. “The Romulan traitor who is racing here as we speak.”

Pilo blinked over his glass before he took a sip. He was deep in thought at the Klingon’s story he did not notice the taste was strangely sweet. “I can not speak of such things.” He finally replied.

K’Temec emptied his tankard and laughed. “Good! As I said I had assumed you would have been informed of this by your government. I offer my assistance to you to capture the disgusting filth. Qaplaa!” He said as he rose from the table and stode out of the tavern. Soon the waitress would be found dead and soon after the poison she had slipped into Pilo’s drink would take affect. Then he would be the only one who would know this traitor was coming. What secrets could he provide the Empire? Surely they would be enough to get K’Temec home.

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Out for Good

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.331

Scene: Outside the Laughing Vulcan

Pilo left the Laughing Vulcan in a panic. He had no knowledge of what the stinking Klingon had told him. None. He had received the latest intelligence update from the home world just this afternoon. Even the ‘housekeeping’ reports pertaining to him and Arcturus had not hinted at this.

He stopped and stared as the reason worked its way through the alcohol that was clouding his mind. They hadn’t told him on purpose. A traitor was heading this way and his superiors held him in such disdain that not only did they fail to send orders for him to intercept and arrest this traitor they had not even bothered to tell them that an operation involving his area of responsibility was being conducted

And the Klingon knew! The filthy beast. That was the worst dishonour of them all. He knew and he felt suck pity for his ‘Romulan friend’ he passed on the information. Pilo came to a halt and sat on a bench over looking the river. The alcohol was affecting more then usual and he had to stop and think. Why had the Klingon told him? It was surely not out of any great altruism, professional courtesy even here on this travesty of a world, did not go this far. No! He realized, the Klingon was looking for information. K’Temec wanted to know what information, if any, Pilo had. But if he had been on a, what did the humans call, fishing expedition? Why then did he tell him in the end?

“Oh!” Pilo moaned both in realization of what the Klingon had done and in response to the pain of his stomach dissolving away. His last thought before he fell to his knees and then rolled down the embankment into the river below was that finally he was free.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Orders...of a Kind

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.331

Scene: Captain’s Quarters, USS HOOD

Jack stared at the screen in surprise and read his terse orders through for the third time. He kept telling himself that he must have missed some small fact that would allow him to understand the orders. Something that would make it all seem reasonable. But there wasn’t much to the entire message and there was no way around it. With a shrug he sent his acknowledgement back to Command and then forwarded the orders to the first officer and chief engineer. With in seconds his comm was beeping.

“Yes Mr. Gar?” He said pleasantly, noting the sour look on the Andorian’s face.

[Sir I don’t understand these orders.] Gar began bluntly.

“Well that is disappointing commander because I was hoping you would be able to shed some light on them for me. I take it you haven’t forwarded any reports to Starfleet Engineering outlining deficiencies with the ship?”

[There are no problems with HOOD!] Gar assured him. [All our damage during the fight with the Klingons was made good before we sailed. We are fully loaded with both supplies and parts. There is no reason for this.]

Jack nodded. “Very well Commander you’ve seen the orders. Please compile a list of whatever could be addressed while we are in dry dock. Steele out.” He thought it best to close the channel before the engineer working himself into a froth.

He looked at the orders one last time. HOOD was to report to Starbase 10 and then 24 hours later she was to park in the Starbase’s repair dock where she would remain for a period of 7 days.

He shrugged as he closed down the terminal. Hopefully there would be more answers once they reached the Starbase.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

[ORIGINS] USS Hood: What Security Needs

by Daniel Belin

Ready Room- USS Hood, 0730 shipboard, 5 hours out of Starbase 10.

"Sir, what I really need now is men. Not just men, but well trained men," DeSimms grumbled. He looked to the Captain.

"Go on."

"With all due respect to the Captain, I am freaking tired of chaperoning people just out of PT. I have one specialist, my Second Officer, and the rest are just a bunch of teenagers serving out their first tour of duty!"

"Well, Mr. DeSimms," said Steele, "You'll be pleased to know we are getting the replacements for all the men lost to the Klingons and on Velorum. Not to mention the addition of several security men. They are all specialists and on their second or even third tour."

"Great! We have men, but now we are lacking in materiel."

"Have you got a list? This is important. I know you have not seen our orders, but the gist is to turn this ship into a fortress, a POW transport, a Battleship, a floating hospital, and Starfleet Intelligence Centre."

"Jesus. I better start conferring with the engineer."

"He's waiting for you to come down now."

"Well now you told me this, I have to revise my shopping list. I'll send it to you when I am done with the engineer."

"Got it! I want that list by 0930!"

---

Submitted with Respect

Daniel Belin

Lieutenant John DeSimms

Security, USS Hood

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Accountability

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.332

Scene: Captain’s Quarters

“So what do you think?” Jack asked Sean after the surveillance footage ended.

Merrick chuckled. “The bastards. I can’t believe Campbell got caught on something so stupid. And we’ve got him on the log hacking as well?”

“Got him cold.” Jack shook his head still shocked at the whole sorry mess. He thought he’d gotten through to him, thought Corey was going to be on the team.

“So what are you going to do with him?”

Jack handed over the PADD. “I’m going to get him to sign this.”

Sean whistled as he read it. “That will be quite an accomplishment.”

“I like to give myself goals.” Jack agreed.

“What do you want to do with the other idiot?”

“That’s your call. I’m sure you’ll be fair but stern.”

“It’s a hard line to walk.” Sean agreed with a chuckle. “I’m sure Mr. Bennis will understand the error of his ways when I finish with him.” He rubbed his chin. “I can’t really bust him any lower in rank but there are always options I like to say.”

Jack stood up. “Well I’m going to go tackle mine, you have fun with yours.”

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Part of the Bureaucracy

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2260.333 Setting: Engineer's Office, 0645 shipboard

Lieutenant Commander Gar Th'elenth, by this point in his career, was used to waking up and seeing orders that didn't make sense cross his desk...

...but few had been this bad.

"Well, that's not quite true," Gar muttered to himself. "At least THESE orders weren't likely to get anyone killed."

And that was true enough, he told himself. However, he'd rarely seen any orders that were as inefficient or unnecessary, either.

He decided to see if Captain Steele had any more thoughts on the matter, though he was pretty certain Jack would have said something first if there was anything to say.

He punched a red button on his desk, and the comm channel opened. The none-too-happy face of Jack Steele filled his viewscreen.

<<snip- from Andy's post, entitled "Orders...of a Kind," edited to fit Gar's perspective.>>

[Yes Mr. Gar?] Steele said pleasantly, noting the sour look on the Andorian's face.

"Sir, I don't understand these orders," Gar began bluntly.

[Well that is disappointing commander because I was hoping you would be able to shed some light on them for me. I take it you haven't forwarded any reports to Starfleet Engineering outlining deficiencies with the ship?]

Gar took the bait Steele had left dangling for him. "There are no problems with HOOD!" Calming slightly, he continued, "All our damage during the fight with the Klingons was made good before we sailed. We are fully loaded with both supplies and parts. There is no reason for this."

Jack nodded. [Very well Commander, but you've seen the orders. Please compile a list of whatever could be addressed while we are in dry dock. Steele out.]

The Andorian watched the channel close and shook his head. "Of all the stupid things..."

Gar grabbed the tablet on his desk which began this whole mess- the one with the orders on it, and read through them one last time- this time out loud, so as to make sure he didn't miss any detail that might lend some clarity to them.

"'USS HOOD to report to Starbase 10 and then proceed 24 hours later to slip A-7 in the Starbase's repair dock for repair and refit for a period of 7 days.'"

The Engineer couldn't fathom it: he'd essentially been given carte blanche to do anything he wanted to HOOD- which and of itself was strange, given the stranglehold with which the beancoutners held appropriations. But then they'd gone and given him only a week's time, which was not enough time to do ANYTHING meaningful.

Gar sneered as the realization dawned on him. This smacked of politics: whoever sent these orders wanted to be seen as "doing everything possible" to make sure Starfleet got everything it needed...while ensuring it would never be anything too expensive by giving them no time to do it in.

However, a couple of thoughts were starting to ferment in his brain. He knew at least one other person here who was certain to be bending the Captain's ear with his needs...

Gar's sneer curled at the corners of his mouth, and turned into a fairly evil-looking grin.

If the Captain wants a list of things we need, he'll get a list, all right.

He touched the comm panel again. "Please set up a meeting with Lieutenant DeSimms and Lieutenant Compass after DeSimms gets finished with the meeting I know he'll be having with the Captain," he said to his second-in-command. "We have some brainstorming to do."

<<NRPG>>

Just setting up the JP I am going to write with Daniel.

Daniel- I'll be writing that JP up tonight. Wife is working this evening, so it'll be late.

Respectfully Submitted,

-- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer

USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: He Will Be Missed

by Andy Catterick

SD:2260.332

Scene: Brig, USS HOOD

Jack did not look up from the computer screen as the doors to the briefing room swished open and Corey Campbell was escorted in by two security officers. “You can wait outside gentlemen.” He said, not looking up until the doors swished closed behind them. “Have a seat Mr. Campbell.”

“Yes sir.” Corey mumbled as he sat down. “Thank you sir.” He had screwed up big time he thought to himself as he struggled to look up at the captain. He knew that eventually he would but he just didn’t think it would be this soon. It was too bad, he had really enjoyed his time here. Much more then he had at any of his last few postings. And, he mused, he probably wouldn’t get another starship. His next assignement would probably be a fleet base or on ship stationed near the Core Worlds. He’d have to build up some good will before he’d be able to get reassigned on an exploration vessel. He hoped to get another CONSTITUTION class ship. They were state-of-the-art and he’d been able to do a lot of research here. He only wished he’d researched the security systems better then he had. He never would have believed he could have been caught so easily. It was pretty embarrassing.

“You’re aware of the charges against you?” The captain asked.

“I am sir.”

“And you’ve seen the evidence?”

“I’ve seen what Lieutenant DeSimms showed me sir.” Corey said with meek defiance. He knew he was guilty but he wasn’t going to make it easy for anyone. Not that it would affect the outcome. It never did.

“Any explanation?”

Corey shrugged. “None sir.”

“I see.” Jack finally answered as he watched Corey shift under his glare. “Very well. Read this.”

Corey almost pushed the PADD back without reading it. He knew what it would say, it was always the same. But he liked the captain so he decided to humour him. Let him believe he’s the first one to come up with this. He bolted upright as he realized what the document was. “You can’t do this!”

“Sit down Mr. Campbell!” He waited until Corey was back in his seat. “I realize in the past your commanding officers gave you the choice to face charges or put in for a transfer. I am not going to do that. First I don’t pass my problems on to someone else and second I believe that you will be better served by doing resigning from Starfleet, effective immediately or I hand you over to Starbase 10’s security with my recommendation that all these charges be pursued.

“You can’t.” Corey said hollowly. “I won’t sign it.”

“Mr. Campbell with your intelligence you have a great future ahead of you. But not in Starfleet. You don’t fit here and you never will. I recognize that, surely you must. I don’t know why you haven’t left yet. But I am going to makesure you do. Unless you prefer to spend the bulk of your life in a Starfleet Penal Colony.” He pushed the PADD back across the desk. “Decide. Right now.” He watched with great satisfaction as the document was signed.

<<<nrpg>>>

Poor Corey…I’ll miss him. ;-)

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: No More Questions

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.333

Scene: Docking Tube, Starbase Ten

“Captain! Captain Steele!”

Jack and Sean stepped off the docking tube onto Starbase 10 and did their best to pretend they didn’t notice the half dozen reporters waiting to badger them just a few meters away. Jack turned to grimace at his XO careful to ensure the angle would not allow the vid cameras to see him. Sean smiled in response. “Shall we?” He asked pleasantly knowing full well that any conversation they had would be easily picked up by the news microphones. Which mean they couldn’t comment on what they thought of the scrum they would have to wade through.

“Captain Steele, I’m Guy Smiley GNS news. Welcome to Starbase Ten.”

“Thank you Guy.” Jack replied with a smile as he slowly kept walking across the bay to the lift that would whisk them away to the safety of the command centre. “It’s good to be here.” He lied.

“Two weeks ago your ship, USS HOOD, engaged and destroyed several Klingon warships that had entered Federation space. What can you tell us about this?”

“Well Guy I can’t really add any more to the comments I have already made on this mission.”  Jack replied knowing full well he had not spoken publicly about the operation.  He was just trying to waste as much time as he could as he and Sean continued to make for the turbolift.

“Of course.” The reported answered. “But wasn’t what the Klingons did an act of war?”

“Guy as you are aware the Klingon government has made clear that the actions of those rogue Klingons was not in any way sanctioned.”

“There are some who say that the whole operation was in fact sanctioned by the Klingons and this was a prelude to war.”

Jack kept walking. He hadn’t heard a question so there was no reason to answer.

“Commander Merrick. Is Starfleet ready for war?” Smiley persisted.

“Starfleet is certainly capable of defending the Federation and her allies. Fortunately we are at peace with our neighbours it gives us the opportunity to continue with Starfleet’s main goal. Exploration.”

“That might have been true in the past but you have to admit that the CONSITUTION class program was an obvious decision to begin an arms race with the Klingons and the Romulans. Each one of those ships is a floating fortress capable of destruction the likes of which has never been seen before.”

“Guy the universe is a dangerous place as we have seen time and time again. When we sail out into the unknown we need to be able to defend ourselves and the new colonies and research outposts we help establish. But our defensive systems are only a small part of a CONSTITUTIONS class ship’s makeup. HOOD and her sisters carry the most powerful mobile computers in the quadrant. We have labs and medical facilities that rival the best institutions from around the Federation. We resupply colony worlds, respond and provide relief to natural disasters and more often then not we are the ones charged with the initial diplomatic dialogue with the new races we encounter. We’re all working towards the same goal, peaceful exploration and scientific discovery.” The lift doors swished open and Jack turned back to smile at the reporters. “Now if you’ll excuse us?”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: An Upset Cory is Twice as Dangerous

by Daniel Belin

Continuity: occurs before and parallel to Andy's post.

---

Bridge- USS HOOD, T minus Two minutes before docking.

"Drop to one-half impulse," said Steele, looking at the tactical map. He gestured to Powers to open a channel,and a muscular man with graying hair wearing old fashioned glasses appeared onscreen. Steele looked at the man and said, "Admiral Hayes, how are you?"

Excellent, Captain. Ready to dock at the crossroads of the universe?

Indeed Starbase 10 was at the crossroads of the Galaxy. In one direction laid the Tarsus Expanse, which had several colonies, mines, and dozens of various spacefaring races. In another direction laid the beta quadrant, volatile free space. In yet another, there were the Core Worlds. It was near two of the biggest trading routes of the galaxy; The Orion Belt and Heading 211 mark 15, which connected the Core Worlds and the Colonial regions. Not only was the physical Starbase a large and important one, the civilian towns, docks, warehouses, stopover areas, and the large city Hedron tended to flourish. There were hundreds of Starfleet warehouses and engineering facilities, as well as storage bays the size of Geltian football stadiums filled with all forms of provisons and supplies. For civilians and the off-duty Starfleet officer, there were thousands of shops and recreational facilities that catered both to the commonplace and more exotic tastes.

"Aye sir," said Steele, closing the channel. When they docked, and only about 20 people were needed to run the ship, he would let the other thousand run loose. It was their first opportunity for shore leave ever since he assumed command of the vessel (and for about a year before that!), and he was not going to deny it for them. DeSimms probably knew some more shady individuals on the planet who might replenish his ammo supply, then Doc would probably go Tequila hunting. He also knew that some of the enlisted men, and some of the officers too, would enjoy a very specific form of recreational facility which was plentiful on the planet.

"Dock her well, Mister Compass," said Steele. He looked at Powers and said to her, "Once relief crews arrive, keep a man on Communications and someone in engineering. Send the rest of the crew down. Well, at least try to get most of them to leave."

He now turned to the entire bridge, "I want everyone who is standing on this bridge to take their week of R&R and spend most of it on the planet."

He got a lot of grumbling, but finally he heard the bridge crew chorus, "Aye, sir."

Transporter Room 1- Docked at station.

Two security guys manhandled Cory onto the transporter. Cory mumbled and grumbled, but finally, "Fine. Gar, it was a pleasure."

Gar looked down at the teleport panel and waited for a few seconds. He could have said something meaningful, but instead, Gar raised his unoccupied hand, made a fist, and then lifted a solitary middle finger. DeSimms had trouble containing his laughter, and Cory turned red with anger.

DeSimms handed Cory a card and said, "You have a way with computers, Mr. Campbell. I am not a heartless bastard, so heres a contact card for Federation Intelligence. Maybe you can do something there."

"Thank you, DeSimms. Permission to disemabark?"

"Granted," DeSimms nodded to Gar, and Gar pushed up the three sliders. They thought this was the last they would hear of Campbell.

Public Communications Lines- SB 10, Line with Earth.

The face of Mary Campbell filled the screen. The seventy year old was disappointed in the HOOD, and she made it very clear to Cory that she would try to get him back in the fleet, "Listen, Cory. I will do my best to get you into the fleet, but I don't know how far I will get with that. What I can do is persuade them to assign the HOOD an IA guy, who will probably be civilian to the ship."

"That should get them all in trouble," said Cory, smiling.

"They should get in trouble for what they did to you," said Mary, "And all the other transgressions I have heard about. Bye, Cory."

"Bye, Mom!"

Memo

From: Fleet Admiral JT Comsol, Chief, Starfleet Operations

To: Rear Admiral Makarov, Commandant, Starbase 10 and Operational Fleet 2

Subject: Internal Affairs

Internal Affairs shall be assigned to USS Hood for next operational mission. This will be effective from T-1 hour before leaving drydock and will apply until next post-mission stopover. Alert all applicable parties of the preceding order

Signed,

Fleet Admiral JT Comsol, Chief, Starfleet Operations

Reply to Memo From: Rear Admiral Makarov, Commandant, Starbase 10 and Operational Fleet 2

To: Fleet Admiral JT Comsol, Chief, Starfleet Operations

Subject: RE: Internal Affairs.

Orders understood and relayed. Qualified civilian, Ms. Ida Melbourne, has been assigned. Captain Steele has responded that they will be ready to take her aboard T-1 day before leaving drydock.

Signed,

Rear Admiral Ogily Makarov, Commandant, Starbase 10

-- With all due respect,

Daniel F. Belin

LT JOHN DESIMMS

SEC, USS HOOD

NCC-1703

ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Shore Leave for Most

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.333

Scene: Starbase Ten

“So, what do you think?”

“I think the admiral hates us.” Sean answered as the two HOOD officers stood just outside the admiral’s office.

Jack chuckled and reached for his communicator. “Steele to HOOD.”

[Gar here.]

“Whats your present location Mr. Gar?”

[I’m in my office sir. Mr. Compass is keeping your seat warm.] Jack and Sean traded a look. Although he hadn’t said it you could clearly here ‘that idiot Mr. Compass’ in the Andorian’s tone.

“Good. Commander HOOD is going to be moving over to the dry dock in six hours. Before that happens the entire crew, save for the senior officers, have to be off.”

[Sir?] Gar answered incredulously. [The entire crew?]

“An immediate 10 day shore leave for all crew either on the Starbase or at the facilities. The repair teams will be assisting the officers in the uh, repair work.”

“Smooth.” Sean whispered, rolling his eyes at the captain.

“Get the department heads on it right away and also notify them that we will have a senior officer’s briefing in two hours. Steele out.”

“Well I have to admit to feeling more then a little guilty hiding over here for the next two hours. I’m sure lunch in the O Club will help me get over it. Care to join me?”

“Wait.” Sean said as he cupped a hand to his ear.

“What?”

“I think I can hear Gar’s screams from here.”

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Mission Brief

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2260.333

Scene: Main Conference Room, USS HOOD

As the last officer entered the conference room Jack leaned forward and began the briefing. “As you all know, four hours from now HOOD will transit over to the dry dock for repairs and refit. Obviously this is not necessary and is instead only a ruse to cover for the fact that some of us will not be aboard her.” He turned to face Lieutenant Commander Compass. “Commander in three hours you will take temporary command of the ship. Over the next 7 to 10 days your job, with the assistance of Lieutenants Steering and Marconi, will be to ensure this subterfuge is kept up. As far as anyone is concerned the rest of us are still aboard overseeing various classified upgrades. In actual fact as HOOD heads over to the slip we will beam off and onto a passing cargo shuttle heading for the planet. Clear?”

“Yes sir.” It wasn’t clear by any stretch of the imagination but it wasn’t like he had the option of any other answer. Besides he would be in command. What did he care about the reasons!

“Very well. You three are dismissed.”

Once the three officers had departed Jack inserted a datachip into the computer and a Romulan face appeared on the tri screen monitor. “This is the Romulan Scientist Fveirrolh Sahen. It seems that Mr. Sahen has decided it is time to move on to greener pastures.”

“Federation pastures perhaps?” Stile drawled.

“Exactly that.” Jack confirmed. “Currently he is on his way to the planet Arcturus.” The captain ignored Gar’s groan. “Our mission is to quietly meet him and escort him back to Starbase Ten. Obviously if Romulus finds out they won’t be very happy with the Federation.”

“Which means Starfleet won’t be very happy with us.”

“I think that is a safe bet.” Jack confirmed. “So as you heard we will beaming over to the cargo ship which will take us to the main space port on the planet below. It will be up to us to find transport that will get us to Arcturus within three days.”

“We have to find?” Stile asked. “No free rides on Starfleet transport? Surely someone must be heading that way.”

Jack shook his head. “No, this is covert from start to finish. We make our own plans so no one will have any knowledge to deny at a later date. To that end we’ll be traveling in civilian clothing and will have nothing on us to identify us as Starfleet officers. I do have some credit slips that we can utilize but it is up to us to beg, borrow or steal what ever we need. We’ll go in two teams of three. Sean, Stile and Hemux and myself, DeSimms and Gar. Once we leave here the two teams will act independently although I’m hoping we will be able to support each other once we arrive on Arcturus.”

“Do we know when and where on the planet the defector will be arriving?” DeSimms asked.

“No. Only that he is enroute and he will be arriving in no less then three days.”

“But he knows we are looking for him.”

“No. We don’t think so.”

“The how do we find him?”

“I asked the admiral that very same question.”

“And what was his answer?”

“The same one I can give you. Are there any other questions?”

“That’s just great.” Gar grumbled.

“Alright. We beam out shortly I’ll meet you all in the transporter room once you are suitably garbed.”

Sean waited while the other officer’s left the room. When they were alone he turned to Jack. “You didn’t want to mention the Internal Affairs Officer?”

Jack shook his head. “I want them focused on this mission and not the future. She won’t be here until we leave dry dock which won’t be until after this mission. Admiral Carstairs has assured me that after his discussion with CINC-Starfleet that there won’t be any surprise visits during this sensitive mission so there is no point in getting everyone in a tizzy now. Besides I’m hoping the admiral can put a stop to this before it even happens. He certainly owes us one after the last mission.”

<<<NRPG>>>

And there you have it…

Steve: Don’t know if Stile drawls J

Separate NRPG to follow after I have a late dinner! ;-)

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Let the Races Begin!

by Daniel Belin

Briefing Room Number 2-

Steele turned to DeSimms, "I think Carstairs knows DeSimms is onboard. I'm suprised they didn't send SpecOps, I think their line of thought is DeSimms will be qualified to do the tracking down, protection, and if need be, blasting our way out of there."

He turned to everyone else, "Because competition seems to always speed things up, I am making this into a race. Whoever gets to Arcturus first gets a prize, and no, I do not know what it will be. Get a cover identity and get planet side in no more than an hour! Dismissed."

Hedron, Mezzaine District

"I liked your covers for us," said DeSimms, "They look to shady and malevolent to be standard starfleet, but not unrealistically so. Good job!"

"DeSimms," said Gar, "Assuming you've done this kind of thing in SpecOps, how do we go about this?"

"I have a plan, but you have to promise me something, gentelmen."

"Yes?" inquired Steele.

"When we are done, don't report any of my aquaintances to the police. I promise they are very discerning in their customers, and they have never aided enemies of the Federation."

"Fine. What is your plan?"

"First, we go to a more unsavory part of town," said DeSimms, pointing to a part of the tourist map marked in red, "Then we procure some weapons from a contact of mine, you know, the kind that a shady trafficer might use."

"And transport?" asked Gar.

"I know a place where more, well, unscrupulous crews hang out."

"And if we don't find anything?"

"Then, gentlemen, I teach to you stowaway 101."

--

The Bad Part of Town, 0100 hours.

--

"Gentlemen, right this way" said DeSimms, ushering Steele and Gar into an alley. They walked down the foul smelling alley, and found themselves at what Gar and Steele thought was a side entrance. DeSimms pushed them inside hurriedly, and closed the door behind him.

"Who are ya?!" yelled a voice from the dark. Suddenly, a red dot appeared on Captain Steele's chest, and the tension in the room skyrocketed.

--

"Ah terrific! When I am out impersonating a deadly assassin and you've got Feds crawling out of manholes and dangling from trees." MacGyver to Pete about backup

--

With all due respect,

Daniel F. Belin

John DeSimms

CSO, USS HOOD

NCC-1703

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Mother's Reprimand

by Steve Apple

SD: 2260.333

Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD

Just After Arrival Star base 10

Corbett’s hangover had moved to the base of his skull and decided it wanted to stay for awhile. He shuffled into sickbay looking for the ingredients to his hangover recipe.

“Looking for this Cowboy?” Mother asked holding a hypospray and a cup of coffee.

“I knew there was a reason that I loved ya darling.” Corbett drawled.

“Save it for your fab five.” Mother said as she injected him.

“Thank you Mother, so what’s on the docket for today?”

“First off you will apologize to Miss Saxman, for your frat boy behavior last night.”

“Yes ma’am.” Corbett said wincing then added. “In all fairness you should have seen how uncomfortable Commander Merrick was. It was priceless, so I’d say it was worth it.”

“You want to act like an overgrown child I won’t stop you, but if bring my nurse into it then you got to answer to me, understand.”

“Yes Mother point well taken.”

“Good. Now once you’ve done that then you can sign the stack of waiver forms on your desk so the crew on sick call can take shore leave.

“Is that it?” Corbett asked hoping he could finish the tasks quickly and go back to bed.

“No there are two other issues. First Lt. Hemux hit her head against a bulkhead last night.”

“So, why wasn’t she attended to?” He asked.

“Because she was under the influence of some sort of hallucinogen, that’s why.” Mother shot back.

“She’s a Denobulan they use mushrooms like I use tequila. Scan her head and neck to make sure she doesn’t have a concussion or cervical injury then give her 800mg of Hexaprophen. I’ll stop in to see her in her quarters later to make sure there are no lingering effects.” Corbett said as he turned to leave.

“Not so fast Cowboy there is one last thing.” Mother said with a smirk.

“Why do I get the feeling I don’t want to hear this.” He said looking at the amusement on her face.

“Oh believe me you don’t.” Mother said with a wide grin. “But I’m sure it will give me no end of pleasure to watch you squirm.”

“And what would that be?” He asked.

“Do you know what these are?” She asked in response as she held up her hand.

“They look like several slips of paper” Corbett said.

“Five slips of paper to be exact.” Mother replied.

“Out with it woman.” He yelled tiring of this.

“All right Cowboy.” Mother said giggling. “These are five separate invitations for you to have dinner tonight with your little girl friends.”

“What?”

“You heard me. They are all expecting you for a romantic dinner tonight and I’m looking forward to you trying to be in five places at once.”

“I am sorry to disappoint you madam, but I am a professional scoundrel and this is just an occupational hazard.”

Mother looked him up and down for a moment then finally asked. “You have no idea what you’re going to do, do you?”

“Not a clue.”

Respectfully Submitted,

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Boss is REALLY On Your Side

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2260.333, just before Steele briefed the senior staff in "Mission Brief"

Vice Admiral Joseph Carstairs really hated his job somedays...

...usually that happened when politicians got in the way of operational things.

Such as right now.

"You're assigning an Internal Affairs person to the HOOD? What on Earth for?" he asked.

The Chief of Starfleet Operations didn't look all that pleased with Carstairs' tone. [[[The fact that you asked that questions makes me wonder whether you truly know what is going on with the ships under your command, Admiral.]]]

Carstairs reigned in his anger- somewhat. "That might work on some people, Admiral, but not on me. I've been around this game too long to miss a power play when I see one." He paused, then added, "This is about Campbell, isn't it?"

JT Comsol said nothing.

Joe pursed his lips and held back a curse. "Are you kidding? He's a menace to the fleet; every place he's been assigned, and he's caused trouble and been passed along. Captain Steele does what's right- cashiers his butt for what he did instead of making Campbell someone else's problem- and STEELE gets the IA treatment? What about Campbell? He should be doing hard labor on some penal colony for what he did, not a back way back INTO the fleet. What kind of fleet are we running here--"

[[[That will be quite enough, Admiral,]]] Comsol said. [[[The fact is that Steele and his senior staff bullocksed the entire mission to Velorum, and I've heard about what they do after hours--]]]

"I've endorsed the actions on Velorum completely," he said. "As for the other stuff, you don't think that it's possible it's exaggerated?"

[[[That's what the IA officer will be determining: its affects on the senior staff's performance.]]]

Carstairs shook his head. "And all this from a rumor, a little word in the ear from some disgruntled sailor's mother--"

[[[Tread carefully, Admiral--]]]

"Not a chance, Admiral; I will see this in front of the Commander-in-Chief himself...and if that doesn't work, I will have it in front of the Federation Council in 36 hours. Count on it; this is a gross misappropriation of resources without cause, and I'll see to it that everyone knows why."

The two Starfleet admirals stared at one another, each one's eyes ablaze, each one ready to pounce through the viewscreen on which they were viewing each other.

Comsol blinked first. [[[OK- I can see to it that IA stays away until you are ready to launch in 10 days' time. I can also see to it that Campbell never sees the decks of a starship again. I can't promise he'll stay cashiered; there are too many friends in high places for that. But I can guarantee he'll stay grounded.]]]

Carstairs hesitated; he didn't like the idea of Campbell being anywhere near a Starfleet facility where he could endanger other lives...but IA poking around with them on Arcturus could get very sticky...

"I want it in writing," he finally said. "The IA thing, not about Campbell. I don't want to see hide nor hair of an IA officer until the ship is ready to leave Starbase 10. If I do, I will go to the CINC-ESS-EFF."

The Chief of Starfleet Operations said nothing, save [[[Comsol, clear.]]]

As the screen in front of him turned black again, he let out a heavy sigh. Comsol was his superior officer, and Joe knew he could have gotten into big trouble for pushing like that.

He still could, conceivably...but he didn't think so. Comsol had more to loose than Joe did, in the end: currying favors, especially when the circumstances were so plain for all to see, would not sit well with the straight-arrow CINCSF.

<<NRPG>>

Just a little something to bridge Andy's post and Daniel's.

Respectfully Submitted,

-- Scott Lusby

/\ VADM Joseph Carstairs

COMORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Fuzzy Dealings

by Scott Lusby

SD: 2260.333, during and immediately after Daniel's post, entitled "Let the Races Begin"

Gar was NOT in a good mood. At all.

He was not a soft person; you could not grow up on Andoria and BE a soft person- the environment wouldn't let you. And he understood that sometimes, in order to get things done, you sometimes had to 'bend the rules' somewhat.

But there was a difference between 'bending' and 'breaking' in his book...and, apparently, he and DeSimms were not reading from the same chapters.

Shady people were 'shady' for a reason: they did bad things, dealt with bad people...and as a result, trusted no one. He couldn't help but feel that DeSimms was leading them into an unnecessarily complicated scheme.

Gar had been around the block enough to know one thing: consorting with known criminals was going to draw attention- either from the police (bad), other criminals (worse), or both (worst of all). That's if they even got a proverbial foot through the door with these...'associates' of DeSimms'.

Not to mention the fact that, in dealing with these people, now others were involved; there were others outside of themselves that knew some part of what they were doing. WITNESSES.

The best way, in Gar's mind, would have been to simply book transport on a modest passenger liner bound for Arcturus, or even a freighter with passenger berths; the cover identities they had would cover their arrival just fine as long as they laid low, and the cost of 'modest transport' would be minimal, and offer them the added anonymity of mingling with the poor. And, best of all, no 'shady characters' as witnesses.

As for weapons, DeSimms seemed ready to outfit the three of them as a complete special operations unit. All one really needed was a phaser; anything heavier could always be acquired locally, on Arcturus.

"Captain," he said, quietly, as DeSimms ushered them into The Bad Part of Town. "This is unnecessarily risky- we should just take--"

<<snip- from Daniel's last post, entitled "Let the Races Begin!">>

"Gentlemen, right this way" said DeSimms, ushering Steele and Gar into an alley. They walked down the foul smelling alley, and found themselves at what Gar and Steele thought was a side entrance. DeSimms pushed them inside hurriedly, and closed the door behind him.

"Who are ya?!" yelled a voice from the dark. Suddenly, a red dot appeared on Captain Steele's chest, and the tension in the room skyrocketed.

<<snip- new material>>

Gar spat a curse as he quietly removed the small palm-sized hand phaser from a pocket, and set it on heavy stun.

Without warning, Gar shoved Steele and DeSimms back out through the doorway with a fierce roar, at the same time firing his phaser back in the direction of where the red laser seemed to come from. As they exploded back onto the street, gunfire roared from within, and pitted the pavement around them.

The got up, and as someone emerged from the doorway, DeSimms- already with phaser in hand- blasted the bad guy. Quickly, they ran back out of the alleyway, all three firing intermittently behind them, finally coming back onto the main roadway. They weren't **quite** out of The Bad Part of Town yet...but they were no longer hidden from public view either- something which offered them at least some security at the moment.

Steele put his phaser away, and Gar and DeSimms concealed their in their palms as they walked quickly south, glancing over their shoulders as they did.

"He was an old contact of mine," DeSimms growled. It was not an apology; it was a statement of fact by his tone.

"Well, he didn't like something about us, that was certain," Gar said. The Andorian then turned to the Captain as they walked. "Captain, I suggest we just go to the spaceport, and catch a ride on the cheapest civilian transports we can and...'blend in'- we can worry about the more covert stuff when we get to Arcturus. There, we'll definitely need DeSimms' connections to help finding our Rom and keeping him safe until we can get him back to Starbase 10. Until then, however...we're just traveling. Draws less attention"

No one said anything further as they continued south, towards the spaceport.

<<NRPG>>

Just adding to our team's first attempts to get to Arcturus.

Really, I just wanted to create some comedy out of this. We don't need to go that far over the top- yet. :) I can't wait to see what we do when we get to Arcturus...

Respectfully Submitted,

- Scott Lusby

/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth

Chief Engineer-turned-Intel Operative

USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Out of the Pan and into the Fire

by Steve Apple

SD: 2260.333

Scene: CMO’s Quarters, USS HOOD

“Stile what are we doing here, we have to be in the transporter room in like 5 minutes?” Sean Merrick asked.

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Corbett said sitting down in front of his vidscreen, but I’ve got a personal matter to attend to first. However, I’ll need you to sit down and no matter what you hear please stay quiet.”

“Make it quick.” Merrick said as he flopped into the seat in front of Stile’s desk.

“Corbett to data storage.” Corbett said pushing the comm. button.

Merrick lifted an eyebrow and tried to suppress the smile that was creeping up on his lips.

[[[Thompson here, hey sweetie, I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight.]]]

Merrick watched as Corbett got a sad pained look on his face.

“I was looking forward to it too darling. It’s been a long time since… well you know.” Corbett said wryly.

[[[What do you mean you were looking forward to it?]]]

“I have been incarcerated on the ship by the Captain as have all the senior staff.”

[[[That’s ok; I’ll stay on board with you.]]]

“I wish you could sweetness, but other than the senior staff all personnel are on mandatory shore leave.” Corbett answered.

[[[Well that sucks. I’ll tell you what when I get back from leave I promise I’ll do something special for you. Again I’m really sorry.]]]

“I’ll hold you too it.” Corbett said winking into the screen.

After Corbett had made the last of his 5 calls with the same response from each, Merrick looked at him with disdain.

“I hate you with a burning passion.” Merrick said smiling

“Jealousy does not become you sar.” Corbett said.

“Ok now that you’ve kept your cojones from being ripped off your body we need to get down to the transporter room.”

“Precisely what I wanted to speak privately with you about.” Corbett said.

“Damn it Stile pop a tranquilizer, we’re not taking a shuttle over to the cargo ship.” Merrick said in frustration.

“No not the transporter.’ Corbett yelled back. “And for your information I’ve taken several, but that’s beside the point. I’m talking about transportation to Arcturus.”

“We’ll have to figure something out at the space port. “ Merrick replied.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I have taken the liberty of contacting an acquaintance of mine in the syndicate.” Corbett said pushing his cowboy hat toward the back of his head.

“What… what syndicate?” Merrick sputtered.

“The Orion one.” Corbett answered.

“Why, how… you know what I don’t want to know.” Merrick said.

“Then I take it you don’t want to know about the 50,000 credits that I had set up in a dummy account.”

“Do you know how many regulations you have just trashed to hell?” Merrick asked his face turning an ugly shade of purple.

“17 to be exact now take a breath before you pass out.” Corbett chuckled.

“Orions why did it have to be Orions?” Merrick asked.

“Because I did 3 years Emergency Medicine Residency there and met all the wrong people, which now seem to have come in handy.”

“When this is over you’re going to be the one to explain it to the Captain.” Merrick said as he headed out the door.

“You worry too much sar… what could possibly go wrong.” Corbett said as he followed Merrick out the door.

Respectfully Submitted,

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Coach

by Daniel Belin

Spaceport- Tickets Section

"Look, all we need is a seat on the next flight to Arcturus," pleaded Steele. He hadn't had to deal with civilian spaceliner representatives in years, and this was not a part of civilian life he has relishing.

"OK, sir, we had a flight cancellation on a flight departing in 30 minutes. I can't guarantee you'll make it in time, and of course there are no refunds for this," said the representative, "That will come up to 890 with the surcharges. That's for all three of you."

Steele forked over the credits, and he, DeSimms, and Gar ran for the plane as fast as they could. Security slowed them down considerably, and they made it to the gate with literally seconds to spare. When they found out where they were sitting, they winced.

--Onboard Flight 298 to Arcturus.

After being seated so the Captain was protected by DeSimms and by Gar from the back, DeSimms regretted ensuring the Captain's safety. He was seated in the middle seat, with Steele in the window seat, and a hyperactive boy of 10 in the aisle seat. To complement this four-foot annoyance, a rather obese Metian woman was already leaning back in her seat, completly restricting DeSimms's movement.

The boy looked at DeSimms as the plane took off. The G-forces rippled through the cockpit, because Inertial Dampers weren't engaged in athmosphere. Once they accelerated to warp, the boy squeaked, "That was fun, just like a rollercoaster!"

DeSimms looked at the boy menacingly. The hyperactive boy shut up, for now.

--

Daniel Belin

John DeSimms

A Man Who Hates Flying,

Onboard Flight 298 to Arcturus

ASR: Origins

--

With all due respect,

Daniel F. Belin

"Ah terrific! When I am out impersonating a deadly assassin and you've got Feds crawling out of manholes and dangling from trees." MacGyver to Pete about backup

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Boy vs. DeSimms

by Daniel Belin

Flight 298 to Arcturus, 1 Hour before Landing at Arcturus.

DeSimms was freaking tired of this kid running his little yapper. Steele and Gar were both asleep, but his insomnia was augmented by this transport. The kid continued his verbal barrage with yet another story of his life. Looking at DeSimms, he said, "So yeah, Billy and I climbed this huge tree, and we were able to see my dad walking on the Horseshoe path!"

The morbidly obese woman in front of him was not helping. DeSimms had already kneed her through the seat twice, and there was no indication of her waking anytime soon. He was effectively trapped by the woman, and forced to listen to this verbal torture machine. He tried the menacing look trick, but that lost its effect hours ago. The kid continued about his grandpa, who was a Cargo Ship Captain, and DeSimms just tilted his head up and moaned.

The kid had been yapping for about six hours. DeSimms was tired of this, and he the kid know.

"Look kid, I ain't sensitive and I don't like kids. Shut the hell up or I will knock you cold,"

The words definitely had an impact. The kid shut up, but started crying loudly. Several people gave DeSimms the 'why did you make a kid cry, you son of a bitch' look. He gave them the malevolent look he gave the kid. It had an effect, and no one looked in his direction for the rest of the flight.

He was grateful for the landing on Arcturus an hour later. Stumbling off the ship, he immediately located the nearest bar and proceeded to procure several strong drinks. The Captain smiled, and sat down next to him, "Gentlemen, I suggest we divide and conquer. We have communicators, so we can stay in contact, and we seemed to have arrived two and a half days before the defector arrives. I say we spend the next day and a half preparing."

Both DeSimms and Gar nodded in agreement, so Steele continued, "DeSimms will focus on procuring whatever equipment he might think we need."

"I know people," said DeSimms, "And I should be able to beg and steal from some of the Cargo Ships passing through."

"Alright. Gar, you focus on getting the lay of the land. Get to know places of interest, shady establishments, spaceports, bars, and the general area. Research this whole area well!"

"Understood."

"I will focus on providing a base of operations. Once I locate it, we will stock that as our fortress, our Intel Center, and our shelter. Move out when you are ready, men."

Gar stood up and left for the tourist info center. Steele looked at DeSimms and quipped, "Try not to get shot prematurely, Mister."

On that note, the two men drained their drinks and headed in seperate directions.

--

Submitted by,

Daniel Belin

John DeSimms

Operative

ASR: Origins

-- With all due respect,

Daniel F. Belin

"Ah terrific! When I am out impersonating a deadly assassin and you've got Feds crawling out of manholes and dangling from trees." MacGyver to Pete about backup

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Into the Devil’s Den

by Steve Apple

SD: 2260.333, Time frame during Daniel's post, entitled "Let the Races Begin"

Scene: Hedron, Red Light District aka “The Sea of Nectar”

Corbett, Merrick and Hemux exited the space port from three separate locations so as not to attract attention that they were together. The plan was for them to rendezvous in 1 hour at the club Corbett was to meet his Contact. Corbett watched Hemux from the shadows as she made her way to a taxi station. He knew he needed to wait and make sure the Denobulan wasn’t going to get into trouble. Even though she was three times his age there seemed to be a naiveté about her that could lead to trouble. After the Science officer had disappeared into a cab Corbett made his way to the subway terminal, doubling back several times to make sure he wasn’t being followed as well.

The train to the Sea of Nectar was relatively empty; it never had many passengers as it was headed to the seedy side of the city.

The train glided to a halt and the few passengers aboard shuffled out the door. Their heads were hung low and they made it a point to avoid eye contact with anyone around them. These upstanding citizens didn’t want to be recognized in this pit of an area.

The street above the subway terminal was well lit by the garish neon of the signs that were attached to the buildings on either side. The streets were moderately crowded with people getting food from vendors or checking their PADD to make sure they had the right building number.

Corbett looked around the street for a moment making sure he wasn’t being watched and then headed out. He had committed the back alleyways to memory long ago. Walking for a few more blocks he made a sharp left into a cramped alley off the main drag.

This was dangerous and he knew it. Reaching into his boot he pulled out his pistol and cocked the hammer back. The doorway in front and to his right cast a long shadow into the alleyway. After making a quick check behind him he ran to the doorway and hid. If anyone had been following him he would soon know. After a few minutes he deemed it was safe and continued down the alley to where it intersected another populated street.

Corbett tucked his pistol into his waistband and covered the protruding handle with his shirt. Stepping onto the street he turned right and made his way to a gaudy two story building with Grecian columns and a flashing pink neon sign that read ‘The Olympus Garden’.

“20 credit cover charge.” an overly muscled man wearing a black tunic said as Corbett approached.

Corbett handed over the money and the man stamped his hand.

“First time here?” The man asked.

Corbett kept his head bent low so as not to make eye contact with the man. “Yes, I heard this was the place to be.”

“Don’t worry you’ll have a story to tell the guys back home, I guarantee it.” The man said with a smirk.

Corbett nodded and hurried inside. However, he smiled when he overheard the man say, “Effing Tourists.”

Scene: The Olympus Garden

Corbett made his way through the short hallway and held his hand up for the bouncer who was standing by a thick black velvet curtain and looking to see that he had been stamped.

“Enjoy.” The man grunted and pulled the curtain back for him to enter.

The bar area was just as garish as the outside of the building. The walls were lined with mirrors and red velvet drapes. Corbett looked around for a moment at the rows of tables and booths that lined the 3 stages. The music was loud and pounding and the strobe lights hit the ascending smoke turning it into a thin haze.

Corbett watched the activity for a few minutes. He scanned the dancers and hostesses working the tables then slowly made his way to a back booth where he saw an uncomfortable looking Merrick sitting.

“You picked some place for a meeting.” Merrick said.

“I didn’t pick it. I was told where to meet.” Corbett answered.

“Yeah, but I’m sure you didn’t fight very hard to have the location changed.” Merrick shot back.

“Sean if one is going to have a dangerous clandestine meeting then the scenery at least should be memorable.”

“Ah-huh sure.” Merrick said as he waived off a Deltan table dancer.

“Sean you need to lighten up a bit,” Corbett said in mock anger. “Have a drink, or better yet get a dance. I mean look around you some of the most beautiful girls the quadrant has to offer are right here.”

“Why is it that I think you’ve been here lots of times before?” Merrick asked relaxing a bit.

“Sar I am appalled that you would besmirch my character this way. I’ll have you know that I have never…”

“Hey Stile haven’t seen you here in a long time.” A sweet Risian female hostess said interrupting the doctor. “Can I get you a drink, the usual?”

Corbett pushed his hat to the back of his head and frowned at Merrick. “Not a word sar, do you hear me.” Then turning to the Risian said. “Ah Briana you’re as lovely as ever and still take my breath away.”

The Risian smiled at the Cowboy, “Always the charmer Stile. What’s your friend drinking?”

“Just bring 2 tequila’s darlin.” Corbett said.

“ARr'Rhiana has arrived.” Merrick said gesturing with a nod to the front entrance.

“Then we are all here; however given our current situation I think it better that you and I handle this while ARr'Rhiana stay’s in the main bar area.” Corbett said.

“Shouldn’t I waive her over though?” Merrick asked.

“Look at her Sean, she is mesmerized by that male dancer, let her have her fun.” Corbett replied.

“Here you go hun, 2 tequilas.” The Risian said as she placed the drinks on the table interrupting them.

“Thank you Briana,” Corbett said then motioned toward ARr'Rhiana. “Darlin you see that Denobulan over by the front bar. Well she is a very dear friend of mine and I would appreciate it if she were well looked after by the staff and bouncers, if you know what I mean.”

“Don’t worry Stile we’ll make sure she stays safe.” The Risian said then left to talk to the bouncers.

Corbett up ended his tequila then stood. “I’m going to talk with ARr'Rhiana for a moment. Do you see that alcove in the back just under the balcony of the V.I.P. room?”

Merrick nodded.

“After I get up slowly make your way over there.” Corbett said.

Corbett casually wandered over to ARr'Rhiana and sat in a chair at the table next to her. “Enjoying yourself darlin?” Corbett drawled.

“Immensely Stile; what a wonderful place this is.” She said as a male dancer gyrated in front of her.

“I’m glad you like it.” He said. “Sean and I have to take care of some things and you may not see us for awhile.”

“Oh don’t worry I can wait here very patiently.” She said with that overly large Denobulan smile.

“I can see you’ll at least be entertained.” Corbett said chuckling. “Here are some credits to play with.”

ARr'Rhiana smiled at the number of credits he gave her. It seemed this was going to be a fun evening after all, she thought.

Patting her shoulder Corbett stood and slowly headed to the back alcove where Sean was already making his way. He ignored the different girls who called out after him asking if he wanted a dance and kept walking toward the alcove.

Corbett could feel the barrel of a pistol press against the flesh of his left kidney. “Give me a reason why I shouldn’t leave you on the floor bleeding to death.” A raspy female voice whispered in his ear.

“Because the red color of my blood would undoubtedly clash with your beautiful green skin Alia.” Corbett answered

“I can always wash it off.” She retorted.

“As a doctor I’m pretty sure the green won’t wash off.” He answered.

Laughing she pulled the pistol from his kidney and allowed him to turn toward her.

Corbett hadn’t forgotten how beautiful the Orion was, nor how deadly. Even now the power of her pheromones was casting a spell on him. Abruptly he pulled her to him and kissed her deeply feeling the curves of her body conform to him.

“You left me without a word.” She said as they broke the embrace.

“I was given little choice darlin, but that’s a story for another time.” He said then added. “I’m here to see Fat Mickey.”

“I should have known.” She said with a mirthless laugh. “The great Stile Corbett would never come back after a conquest.”

“First of all Alia, I don’t think any man in history has ever conquered an Orion female and secondly I would have thought that after so much time had passed you would have found yourself a rich man to subjugate.”

Alia’s eyes narrowed and without warning she lifted her hand to slap Corbett across the face. Instinctually he grabbed her hand and pulled her in for another kiss.”

“Alia I need to see the Fat Man now; however, I promise I will come back and finish this with you.”

Breaking from his embrace she looked into his eyes and nodded. “He’s in his usual spot.” She said then turned and made her way from him and toward the center stage.

Corbett watched her walk away and physically shook himself to clear his head from her spell. He walked the last few feet to the alcove and Sean.

“You know I really am starting to hate you.” Merrick said. “Once just once, I’d like to go someplace with you and not have beautiful women who supposedly resent you fall back under whatever Texas voodoo you practice.”

“Trust me Sean it doesn’t happen all that often. Most of the time things end rather badly with either blunt objects or projectiles being aimed in my general direction.”

“That I can believe; now before we head into the lion’s den do mind telling me who these people are and how you know them.”

“Are you sure this is something you really want to know?” Corbett asked.

“Damn it Stile if my ass is on the line then yes.”

Corbett let out a long sigh. “These people are very dangerous Sean. I know them from my time on Orion. Fat Mickey was a patient of mine in the ER several times and took a liking to me. However he ran afoul of his brother who controlled shall we say certain activities on and about the planet. So to make a long story short instead of killing him outright he was exiled here to operate this club, but to our service he still has ties to the main organization. If you want to get anywhere covertly and pick up a package no questions asked then this is the place you must come to”

“Great just frakin great. I had a clean record then I get hooked up with you and now I got gangsters and strippers in my life.”

“Quit complaining at least it’s never dull.” Corbett said as he pushed the door that was housed behind the curtains of the alcove and opened it. Together the 2 descended down the stairs it hid.

TBC…

<<NRPG>>

DeSimms is not the only one who knows and is loved by shady characters. A life as a professional scoundrel brings about the most interesting of relationships, which is why Corbett was so paranoid about being followed.

Respectfully Submitted

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[Category:Bureau of Information]][[Category:Task Forces/Unit Portals]][[Category:ASR: ORIGINS]][[Category:ORIGINS: USS Hood]]
+[[Category:Bureau of Information]][[Category:Task Forces/Unit Portals]][[Category:STAR FLEET: ORIGINS]][[Category:ORIGINS: USS Hood]]
 {{ORIGINS_header}}
@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 <BR><BR>
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Take Us In==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+MD: 2.1000
+Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD
+“Captain we’re entering the system.”
+“Secure from warp and bring us to a full stop.”
+“Aye sir.”  Their was a brief pause as HOOD shed the warp field and bled off her speed.  “Answering all stop.”
+USS HOOD hung at the very edge of the system with her bow pointing inward.  All sensors were at full as they swept inward looking to find any information that might give them an edge or an answer.  Jack rose from his command chair and circled the bridge slowly waiting for the results.  The entire bridge crew were intent on their stations as each sought to discover anything that might be a threat to their ship.  The only noise was the wurring of Lieutenant Hemux’s scanner.  Finally the Denobulan looked up and faced the captain.
+“Report.” Steele ordered needlessly more out of a need to do something then on the chance the science officer would have waited to be asked.
+Hemux had made a complete scan of the system but could tell from the look on the captain’s face that he wasn’t interested in any of the stellar phenomenon or the dozens of other discoveries that had peaked her scientific curiosity.  That would have to wait until the mission was completed she realized with a mental sigh.  “I have located USS RUTLEDGE. She is currently in orbit of the third satellite of the fifth planet.”
+“Any sign of the FESARIUS or any First Federation marker buoys?”
+“None appear to be evident.”
+Jack sat back down in his chair.
+“Hail the RUTLEDGE.”
+After a brief pause Yoshi looked up from his console.  “No reply captain.”
+“Keep trying.”  Jack replied as he turned his attention back to Hemux.  “Lieutenant?”
+The science officer briefly re-consulted her scanner.  “All emissions are within normal parameters.  Lifesigns present and match the posted numbers for that class of vessel.”
+“Could be comm problems.”  Sean said, not really believing it.
+“That would be way too easy.  And they can see us if we can see them.  This long with out voice contact they should be flashing their running lights or using any number of methods to get our attention.”
+“So they don’t know we’re here.”
+“Or they don’t want to be seen.”
+“Or they can’t respond.”
+Finally Jack looked back at Sean.  “Take us in.”
+“Helm all ahead ½ impulse power.”  Sean ordered.  “Yellow alert.”
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+STARFLEET: ORIGINS
 ==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Mutiny Afoot==
@@ Line 111: / Line 169: @@
 ASR ORIGINS
 ==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Waking Up to a Bad Nightmare==
@@ Line 156: / Line 211: @@
 ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: "Mother's Trust"==
+===by Steve Apple===
+SD: 2260.307
+MD 5.1620
+Scene: Sickbay, CMO’s Office
+<<Snip from Lena’s Post: Mother’s Orders>>
+Kiska softly sighed; she hoped the away team was all right. She shook herself realizing she was wasting time just standing there. They would all be told in due time. She decided she better get busy and finish performing her duties. She was just about to head back to the decontamination chambers when suddenly Lt. Dawson called her to the doctor's office.
+Kiska left the med-cart to the side and headed into the office where both Lt. Dawson and Lt. Commander Grey where waiting for her. It appeared she was about to find out what was going on down on the surface with the away team after all.
+<<End Snip>>
+Lt. Commander Grey sat behind the CMO’s desk looking into the vid-screen when she heard her newest nurse enter the office. Looking up she gestured for Kiska to take a seat.
+“Is the decon chamber set up and ready Lieutenant.” Grey asked in a very businesslike manner.”
+“Ye yes ma’am” She stammered. Something was going on and Kiska wanted to know what, but was afraid to ask the head nurse. It wasn’t her place to demand answers.
+“That’s good.” Grey said nodding. “Now I want you to coordinate with both the Science and Engineering departments to set up an EMP field down there that is capable of dampening any electro-magnetic signals the landing party may be giving out.
+“Ma’am? Kiska asked.
+“I don’t believe I stammered Lieutenant.” Grey said her eyes piercing into the young woman.
+“No ma’am.” Kiska said a bit taken aback by Mother’s harsh attitude.  “It’s just that…” She started then paused. “Ma’am a concentrated burst of an EMP at that short distance could affect the electro-magnetic field of the human body. It could result in brain damage and cardiac failure.”
+Mother coolly appraised her nurse and opened her mouth in what seemed like a reprimand “Very good Saxman, I like it when my nurses think and don’t just follow orders blindly.” She said
+Mother paused in thought for a moment; she needed to tell her nurse what was really going on. If the young woman was going to make this work she would need to understand what she was dealing with. She knew she couldn’t leave it up to Lt. Hemux, the Denobulan was closed mouthed and probably wouldn’t tell her nurse much. Saxman was new and untried, but she needed to start building trust with her at some point and now was as good a time as any
+“Lieutenant what I’m about to tell you is privileged information, not for the entire crew, is that clear.”
+“Yes ma’am.” Kiska said crisply her excitement almost overwhelming her.
+“About an hour ago the Captain beamed down to the surface of the planet with a tricorder that was programmed to give a short EMP blast at close range.” Mother said. “It seems the Cowboy and the Cop got themselves taken over by an alien life form and our Chief Science officer deduced that this was the best way to get them back.  The result was that the alien entities fled and our people are back to normal. Well in the case of the Cowboy at least back to himself.”
+Kiska couldn’t help but chuckle, then realizing she had she immediately stopped and stood up straighter.
+Mother ignored the chuckle and continued. “We need to replicate that in the decon chamber; however, you bring up a very valid point about the harmful effects of an EMP blast at that range. We don’t know if those 2 just got lucky and a second blast might injure, or even kill them. Also I’m not sure what it will do to an Andorian.  Why don’t you run a check through the medical database for any information on the subject and then transfer it to Lt. Hemux. The 2 of you will need to create a work around if you find anything deleterious.”
+“Yes ma’am.” Kiska said trying to hide her excitement.
+Mother gave a slight smile and then turned back to the vid-screen. “Dismissed.”
+Kiska turned and left the office smiling from ear to ear.
+<<NRPG>>
+OK Lena, Mother has put her trust in you, she’s tough, but loveable.
+Respectfully Submitted,
+(NPC) Lieutenant Commander Rachael Grey, RN, MSN
+Chief Nurse, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+apb
+Steve Apple
+Stile Corbett, MD
+CMO, USS HOOD NCC-1703
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: We Need a Plan==
+===by Andrew Catterick===
+SD: 2260.311
+MD: 5.1700
+Scene: Pyramid
+Gene lay on the cold stone floor face down and contemplated his imminent death.  He had overcome his fears and even overcome the dreaded Red Shirt Curse, or at least he had thought he had.  But then the mission slid even further into disaster as the First Officer had ordered them to follow the dead archeologists deeper into the pyramid.  Gene had trusted that the FO knew what he was doing.  He had prayed he had known anyways.  He was an officer after all and weren’t they supposed to be smarter then everyone else?  But then they had come to this room and it looked like maybe the FO had made a small mistake.  At least the doctor and DeSimms had obviously thought as they had made a run for it.  Leaving me behind, Gene reminded himself for at least the 100th time.  At that point things became fuzzy.  One moment he had been standing torn between his desire to run for it and his duty to remain and the next he was lying on the floor unable to move any muscle in his body.   It appeared that Merrick was in the same situation as he was and both stared at each other, neither being able to move or even speak.
+He wondered if it would be painful. He hoped it would be quick.  He wished that he could have faced it on his feet, had a chance to fight back.
+Suddenly he saw a reason for hope.  Commander Gar sat up.  He watched as the Andoriann slowly looked around the room as if to take in his surroundings.  Slowly but steadily the engineer rose to his feet and then turned to look down at Merrick and Gene.
+C’mon, Gene thought, C’Mon get us out of here.  He watched as Gar bent down to pick up a knife.  Were they tied up he wondered.  He could see anything on Merrick and he didn’t feel any bindings on himself.  What was Gar doing with the knife.  The answer came quickly as he suddenly plunged it into Merrick’s leg.  He could immediately see the pain in the first officer’s eyes along with the realization that this was how it was going to end.  Killed by the aliens using Gar as their tool.
+"But why?"
+[They are trying to escape.]  A voice suddenly said.  But it wasn’t something he heard Gene quickly realized.
+[I have taken possession of your body.  Just as your companions no longer have control of themselves.]
+"Why are you doing this?"  Gene demanded.
+[They are trying to escape.  They need you to transport them to your craft.  As long as one or two get aboard they will be able to take your ship and free the rest.]
+"Who are you?"
+[We used to be called the Bretlin.  Thousands of years ago our life force was stripped from our bodies and imprisoned here for all eternity.]
+"The you are criminals."
+[This is a prison.] The voice confirmed.  [But not all of us are criminals.  I and a others were wrongly convicted.  It is we few who will try to help you.  You must flee and ensure no one else can ever come to this world.  If the others are allowed to escape they will spread evil throughout the galaxy.]
+Gene took this all in as he saw the being that controlled Gar leave the knife in the first officer’s leg.  "Why didn't he stab the other one?"
+[Your captain is coming he will see the wounded human and transport him to your ship.  He is host to many of us.  Once aboard they will take possession of your crew and the escape will be complete.]
+"How can we stop them?"
+[I have taken possession of you.  The others think I am with them.  I am not.  When the time is right I will release your body and you must act.]
+But will I do?
+<<<NRPG>>
+Just a recap and some momentum (I hope)
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: You Can’t Reason With a Zombie==
+===by Brian V. Mansur and Steve Apple===
+SD: 2260.312
+MD 5.1630
+Scene: Velourum IV, Planet Surface, Outside of the Pyramid
+<<Snip from Andy's Post "Mutiny Afoot"
+"Not to sound like I'm complaining, but having been under the influence as it were why am I not dead like the misfortunate archeologists? And just to press my luck how did you drive out the evil spirits?"
+"You can thank Lieutenant Hemux for the cure."  Jack said as he raised the tricorder. "She created a dampening field.  As for the other answers." He gestured to the pyramid.  "They're in there with our comrades. Let’s go."
+"Sar, if you like I could carry that nifty device for you."  Stile drawled."
+End snip>>
+Corbett had many experiences with blacking out, but unlike the spirits he was used to, these dead ones left him with a hell of a hangover and palpitations. "Captain Jack a word sar."
+"What is it doctor?" Steele said easing up a bit after Stile's uncharacteristic behavior.
+"Pass me the tricorder, I'd like to take some readings of DeSimms and myself." Corbett said trying not to look like a man who was ready to pass out.
+"I'm not sure given your past behavior that would be a wise move. How do I know you're truly you?" Steele asked raising an eyebrow.
+"Unfortunately sar the things I could proffer as convincing evidence, a gentleman would never speak about in public." Corbett said shuffling uneasily from foot to foot.
+"I'm convinced, it's you." Steele said holding up a hand indicating  he didn't want to hear Corbett's evidence. "What's wrong?"
+"I'm not sure yet. How did you create the dampening field?" Corbett asked reaching for the tricorder with a shaky hand.
+"A short range EMP blast." Steele said concern in his voice. "Why?"
+"I'm reading massive Nernst disruptions throughout both mine and DeSimms' bodies." Corbett said adjusting the tricorder and his hand scanner.
+"Okay, now how about you say that in a language I understand," Steele said.
+"Sorry Cap," Corbett said. "The EMP blast has disrupted our natural energy field. All our muscle cells are polarizing and depolarizing in a
+Disjointed way. I. " Corbett tried to finish his sentence  as he fell to his  knees.
+"Stile." Jack yelled as he caught the doctor.
+Corbett just barely managed to whisper ""Green vial.." before he  passed out.
+Steele grabbed the med-kit and pulled out the green vial and injected both Corbett and DeSimms who had also passed out.
+After a minute or two Corbett rolled onto his side and felt as if his grand pappy's old mule Sara had kicked him the chest. "Thanks." He said to
+Steele as he made it to his knees.
+"What was in that vile, or shouldn't I ask." Steele said smiling  down at the doctor.
+"A combination of Adenosine and Metrazine, basically drugs to bring the heart out from a lethal arrhythmia. However, I don't know if we're  out of the woods yet."
+Steele looked concerned as Corbett got unsteadily to his feet. "Stile is this a direct result of the EMP blast."
+"Yeah." Corbett said nodding his head and trying to catch his breath. "It's a catch 22, Cap. The cure works, but unfortunately it could kill the patient."
+"What about reducing the bursts intensity?" DeSimms asked. He was already on his feet, but looked as unsteady as Corbett.
+"I don't know John. Reducing the field's intensity and duration may not drive those things out. Corbett said. "Given those things psionic capabilities we may not get a second chance if the signal is too low."
+"So what do you suggest? Steele asked.
+Corbett was about to say something when Merrick's horrified voice came from inside the pyramid. "Oh dear God."
+As one, they turned and raced into the pyramid toward the sound of Merrick' yell, Steele leading the way.
+~~Inside the Pyramid~~
+The 3 men stopped short at a scene of utter horror. The remaining security personnel were fighting each other like animals over the dead flesh of
+The archeologists or their fallen crewmates.
+Commander Merrick had managed to half run to a dimly lit alcove farther into the pyramids base. Corbett saw a Star Fleet issue K-bar protruding from
+His left thigh.
+DeSimms picked up a phaser from the floor of the pyramid and had no problem pressing the firing stud this time, but nothing happened. Snarling, he
+threw the weapon away and leapt to defend one of the of the still twitching crewmen on the ground with his own knife.
+Corbett tried to make his way over to Merrick when Gar jumped in front of him. The Andorian had a crazed look and was ripping flesh from what  had
+been a security mans arm that he now held like a prized meal. "MMMMM Redshirt, tastes like chicken." Gar yelled as he pushed it over to Stile.
+"No thank you sar." Corbett said slowly backing away. "Pair it with a good wine and maybe then."
+A look of evil comprehension dawned on Gar's face. The Andorian dropped the meat to the ground and started marching slowly toward Corbett. The
+doctor rapidly fell back to the Captain who was punching furiously at the tricorder.
+"Um, Captain, I think perhaps we should use that EMP and sort the mess out later sar."
+"Doctor." the Captain said.
+"Yes sar,"
+"It isn't working."
+And then Gar was upon them and trying his hardest to ‘eat’ Corbett. The doctor punched the Andorian repeatedly as he tried to knock him off.  The pair tumbled and rolled a few times over.  More than once,  Corbett felt a sharp nip at his arm or fist.
+"Get the hell off of him Gar!" the Captain yelled as he bodily pulled the straining eating machine that Gar had become off of Corbett.
+DeSimms was there suddenly too, delivering a precision  blow to the back of the engineers skull.  The first one didn't do more than stun the man, but the second put him down.
+Corbett, now reeling from both the earlier EMP hit and his romp with Gar, stumbled to his feet in time to see the Captain already  dragging
+His First Officer out of the room.  DeSimms followed close  behind with Gar in tow.
+"You looking to be an hors d'oeuvre doctor?" DeSimms said. "I’d get moving if I were you!"
+Corbett winced and turned toward the entrance. His heart was racing and his body felt like warm crap.  That feeling; however, turned icy as soon as he realized that the rest of the ghouls seems to be taking note of him. One of the redshirts made a lunge for him. Corbett recognized him as Crewman Lowl.
+"I'm not possessed sir, please help me." the man pleaded.
+Corbett didn't answer, he just grabbed a handful of the man's thermal suit and hastily made for the door, dragging the crewman behind him.
+<<NRPG>>
+Well Scott, now that Brian and I are no longer Andorian jerky it looks like space rations for you. Hope this sheers up some of the past posts and keeps us moving forward.
+Respectfully Submitted Jointly,
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+And
+Steve Apple
+Stile Corbett, MD
+CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Now is the Time==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.314
+MD 5.1630
+Scene: Outside Pyramid Object, Planet Velorum IV
+Jack looked around at the motley group in dismay.  All that had made it outside were himself , Merrick, Gar, DeSimms and Crewman Lowl.  Engineer Gar lay unconscious before them where he had dropped from DeSimms right cross. The rest remained inside and Jack was trying with all his might not to picture what must be currently happening to his people.  The crew he left behind.  It seemed that the aliens might be able to control humanoid form but apparently they could not control themselves.  Eventually they would come for the rest of the Landing Party.
+“Steele to HOOD.”  He said as he flipped open his communicator.
+[HOOD here.] Came the worried voice of Lieutenant Commander Compass HOOD’s navigator.
+“Commander, no one is to beam down to the surface and no one is to be beamed up unless you have an order confirmed by myself and Dr. Corbett.  Is that clear?”
+[Yes sir.]
+“Good.  Steele out.”
+Steele turned back to the officers.  He was the captain.  He was supposed to know what to do but the truth was he couldn’t even begin to come up with a plan that would work.  “As of now we can’t take the chance of beaming back to the ship.  Gar is already under control and anyone of us could be hosting an alien.  If we let those creatures aboard there will be no stopping them from taking the ship.  My instinct is to order HOOD to drop some emergency buoys quarantining this system and then warp out of here.”
+“I really can’t say I like that plan.”  Stile quipped.  “Especially the ending.”
+“Nor do I.”  Jack replied.  “Gentleman, if any of you have suggestions or any miracles you want to pull out of your hat.  Now is the time.”
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Both Jack and I have no idea how to get our intrepid crew out of this one.  Good thing you guys are smarter then me!
+Scott:  I believe you pledged one post a week….  ;-)
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Impossible Decisions==
+===by Dan Belin and Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.317
+MD: 5. 1640
+Scene: Outside of Pyramid Object, Planet Velorum IV
+“Captain there’s something I need to tell you.”  Crewman Lowl stammered nervously.
+“What is it crewman.”  Steele asked.
+“Sir I have one of the entities with in me right now.  It says it is part of the minority that is not bent on our destruction.  It also agrees with you that you can not risk letting any of the entities off this planet.”
+“It does, does it?”  Steele replied warily.  “Just what else does your visitor have to say.”
+Lowl quickly ran down the information that the alien had relayed to him.
+“So this is a prison?”  Merrick asked when the security crewman had finished his tale.
+“Yes sir, that’s what it says sir.  The pyramid acts as a both as a food source and a kind of magnet that will not let them escape.  However they have found that if they inhabit a humanoid form they can break out.”
+“How long have they been imprisoned here?”  Stile asked.
+Gene shook his head.  “It isn’t sure, definitely hundreds of years possibly thousands.”
+“That’s quiet a sentence.”  Jack added.
+“These were extremely evil criminals.  Their world did not believe in the death penalty but they were very creative in their punishments.”
+"Captain," said DeSimms, looking back at the sealed entrance, "We in security have a term for the situation we are in now.  We call it deep in the crapper. The only thing that is clear right now is that there is a imminent threat to our ship and possibly the entire sector, " pausing for a moment, "Who knows what abilities these things have. Starfleet doctrine says I have a duty to recommend something to you."
+"What," asked the Captain. He was trying to remember the doctrine that DeSimms was quoting, but it flew his mind.
+DeSimms looked at the ground, "It has only been done twice in the history of Starfleet. It is a highly controversial and often argued tactic."
+"Get to the point!"
+"Sir, I recommend as the Security Chief that this planet is an imminent threat to the surrounding sector and passing vessels. It would be near impossible to quarantine the planet because of the advanced psychological and physical control demonstrated by these parasitic organisms," DeSimms looked around at the group. He had a feeling this would not go down well, "Sir, I am recommending implementation of General Order 24."
+“You mean-“ Said Corbett, surprised.
+“Yes, that one.” DeSimms looked at Steele and Corbett, “The one that orders the destruction of the entire inhabitable region of a planet.”
+Lowl grumbled. “Do it!”
+“Was that your recommendation or your visitor’s?”  Jack smiled coldly.
+“Both of our’s.”  Gene confirmed.  “It’s the only way to be sure.”
+Jack looked over at Sean and Stile.  Merrick shook his head slowly.  “It would be final.”  He said non-commitally.
+Jack nodded.  “Agreed.  On the other hand we could take out everything within 100 kilometers of the pyramid and that would do the job as well.
+“If they are all here.”  DeSimms countered.
+“We are.”  Gene answered in a voice that definitely wasn’t his own.
+“Says the alien whose buddies decimated an unarmed, peaceful archeological team.”  DeSimms replied.  “And I know you aren’t with them, but how do we know that.”
+Jack nodded.  “He’s right.”  He paused and turned to look out at the wilderness.  Could he really be responsible for its destruction?  General Order 24 had only been invoked once before, so far as he knew.  Captain Garth had used it as a bluff on Antos IV fleet gossip said that the Antosians had some sort of supernatural power that could overwhelm the Federation.  But in the end he had canceled the order and the annihilation of a planet and its beings.  At least here there was no sentient life to worry about.  He knew he would feel little emotion for the alien entities after what they had done to the archeologists.
+“General Order 24 is used to stop a race that was actively hostile to the Federation.”  Stile whispered.
+“These things are.”  DeSimms replied.  “Just think what they will do with control of the ship.
+“The HOOD will do a lot of damage but in the end I can’t say it is a threat to the security of the Federation.  Starfleet will stop her.”
+“And what if these things play it smart and take over a few more ships before they start their killing?”  Jack said.  “Or what if they make for Romulus or the Klingon Empire and start wiping out worlds there?  They could plunge the quadrant into war.”
+“You’re not seriously considering destroying this world when all you have to do is take out that monstrosity.”  Merrick said ash he pointed to the pyramid.
+There was a long pause as Jack looked at each of his people.  “I have to consider all options before I make my decision.  But whether I go with GO 24, or destroy the pyramid or another option we still have another pressing issue.”
+“How do we get back to the ship without bringing the aliens with us.”  Merrick answered.
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Dan I had a lot of this post written when your JP post came in so I added it to the middle and tweaked the end.
+Jack won’t order GO 24…as much as he might like to.  Still need a way out of this mess.  I have one idea but I don’t want to be a hog so I look forward to what you guys come up with.
+And somewhat related.  I read an article saying Star Trek Online will be live Feb 02, 2010.  The article went on to say that it will be set in the ORIGINS universe.  Checked out the website and they are still same PRIME.  Either way, anyone looking to join up?
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+and
+Dan Belin
+LT. John DeSimms
+SEC Officer
+U.S.S HOOD
+NCC-1703
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Lack of Opportunities==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.318
+MD: 5.1640
+Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD
+Lieutenant Commander Compass leaned back in the command chair and fought the urge to drum his fingers along the armrest.  He was trying to project an appearance of calm command.  Unfortunately he knew he was failing and that the bridge crew, while respectful, were seeing him as he actually was, a seat warmer.  Right now almost the entire senior staff was in danger on the planet surface and here he was in command of one of the most powerful vessels in the quadrant and all he was really in charge of was making sure the ship maintained orbit.  He wasn’t even really in charge of that, there was both a navigator and helmsman, not mention the laws of physics, on top of that major accomplishment.
+No one had even brought him coffee.
+He wanted to do *something* not only because, like everyone else aboard, he genuinely feared for the lives of his fellow officers below but because he wanted to prove that he was an officer who could contribute, someone who could save the day, overcome the impossible.  It was those officers who moved up the chain of command.  Those officers who were trusted with ships of their own.  He was desperate to be one of those officers.
+Up til now his few opportunities at command of HOOD had come at unexciting moments.  The Grave Shift when the ship was in transit or even less thrilling, when it was sitting in spacedock.  Compass was an exceptional navigator and a solid officer; he wouldn’t be on a starship if he hadn’t been.  But he needed to prove himself as a command officer and this was the perfect time to do it.  He just had no idea what he could do to show everyone what he was made of.
+At this point his only hope was that the Science Officer could pull some trick out of her hat, something that required him to make a decision.  Of course it would be of tremendous help if that something saved the day.
+On the other hand he thought grimly as his fingers drummed along the armrest.  If the senior staff died on the planet he just might make first officer.
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Some fluff….
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+CO, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Acquiescence==
+===by Scott Lusby===
+NOTE: this post contains some material which might be disturbing for some.
+Fortunately, it'll all be over soon... :)
+SD: 2260.319
+MD: 5.1625
+Setting: Pyramid Thingy, Velorum IV
+Lieutenant Commander Gar Th'elenth couldn't take any more.
+The sensation that had begun as a simple tingling in his antennae had
+gradually become something much worse: he now felt as if every nerve ending
+in his body was on fire, as if someone was touching and every one of them
+with the open end of an EMP tap.
+[Stop fighting, and the pain will leave.]
+He heard the Voice in his head, and knew that somehow the Voice was right:
+all he had to do was relax, to accept the inevitable.
+Another voice, this one from deeper within him, furiously begged him not to
+as it seemed to fade deeper into the background.
+[No! Don't do it!]
+He couldn't take it any longer...
+Suddenly, Gar leaned back, screaming at the top of his lungs, fists clenched
+at his sides as he let go...
+And then, suddenly, nothing. The pain- aside from a gentle throb at the
+base of his antennae- had subsided.
+As, apparently, had his own will, as he soon found himself pulling out his
+knife and plunging it hilt-deep into the inert form of one of HOOD's
+security officers lying next to him.
+[What are you doing??!!]
+He sliced off a piece of flesh roughly the size of hamburger patty.
+[It is pointless to resist us,] the Voice said.
+As if to prove its point, Gar felt the dull throbbing at the base of his
+lobes increase a little, then felt himself bring the raw flesh of what had
+been Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Stewart to his mouth.
+[No!] he wanted to scream. He wanted to make his arm muscles take the
+flesh and throw it down. He wanted to clench his mouth shut to keep from
+what he knew would follow from happening.
+And he could do nothing to stop it.
+His mouth opened, and his hands forced the meat into his mouth.
+Inside, he screamed.
+<<TIMELINE>>
+MD: 5.1625- Gar falls under alien possession.
+<<NRPG>>
+The working title for this was "A Nice Chianti Would Make the Meal". :)
+A short one to get inside Gar's head during his possession. I'll follow up
+with something else later today.
+Respectfully Submitted,
+- Scott Lusby
+/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth
+Chief Engineer
+USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Breaking Free==
+===by Scott Lusby===
+SD: 2260.319
+MD: 5.1630
+Setting: Pyramid, Velorum IV
+Gar glanced up from his unwanted feast, and looked at Dr. Corbett. Somehow,
+he knew Stile was also supposedly possessed; he wasn't sure how he knew, but
+he did.
+<<snip- from Steve's post, entitled "You Can't Reason With a Zombie">>
+Corbett tried to make his way over to Merrick when Gar jumped in front of
+him. The Andorian had a crazed look and was ripping flesh from what had been
+a security mans arm that he now held like a prized meal. "MMMMM Redshirt,
+tastes like chicken." Gar yelled as he pushed it over to Stile.
+"No thank you sar." Corbett said slowly backing away. "Pair it with a good
+wine and maybe then."
+<<end snip- briefly>>
+[Something's wrong,] the Voice murmured in the back of his mind.
+Something had happened that the Voice had not expected...
+<<snip- again from Steve's post>>
+A look of evil comprehension dawned on Gar's face. The Andorian dropped the
+meat to the ground and started marching slowly toward Corbett. The doctor
+rapidly fell back to the Captain who was punching furiously at the
+tricorder.
+"Um, Captain, I think perhaps we should use that EMP and sort the mess out
+later sar."
+"Doctor." the Captain said.
+"Yes sar,"
+"It isn't working."
+And then Gar was upon them and trying his hardest to 'eat' Corbett. The
+doctor punched the Andorian repeatedly as he tried to knock him off. The
+pair tumbled and rolled a few times over. More than once, Corbett felt a
+sharp nip at his arm or fist.
+"Get the hell off of him Gar!" the Captain yelled as he bodily pulled the
+straining eating machine that Gar had become off of Corbett.
+DeSimms was there suddenly too, delivering a precision blow to the back of
+the engineer's skull. The first one didn't do more than stun the man,
+but the second put him down
+<<end snip>>
+/////
+MD: 5.1640
+Setting: Outside the Pyramid, Velorum IV
+Gar felt the darkness begin to give way, and he struggled against the fog
+swirling in his mind.
+He also felt the throbbing in his skull; he couldn't be sure if it was from
+the butt of DeSimm's rifle or from the Voice...
+He tried to separate the two; it was hard in the dull consciousness he had
+barely achieved to this point. However, after a moment or two, he had
+managed to do so. The pain in the base of his skull throbbed wickedly,
+enough to further cloud his mind, to be sure. The rhythmic throbbing he had
+been experiencing at the base of his antennae, however, seemed dull, nearly
+as dull as his own consciousness.
+Somewhere from the depths of Gar's soul, a voice cried out to him.
+[Now- here's your chance. Do it now, or you'll endanger the entire ship!]
+Gar thought back to what he had learned from the Voice, about their criminal
+past...all those people...women...children...all for their selfish desire
+for power...
+And then he thought about what the Voice had made HIM do...to Stewart...what
+he tried to do to Stile, his friend...
+He squeezed his eyes closed, clenched his teeth, and began to fight again.
+The pain was instantaneous, but he felt...something. The Voice was giving
+way; maybe the butt of DeSimm's rifle had weakened it like it had weakened
+him. Unconsciousness might reduce one's electromagnetic energy
+production...he couldn't be sure, and he didn't care.
+All that mattered was that he sensed a chance.
+He gathered himself, slowly, and, all at once, pushed against that which
+controlled him.
+The pain within him was excruciating.
+/////
+MD: 5.1645
+Setting: Same
+<<snip- from Andy's and Dan's JP, entitled "Impossible Decisions">>
+"And what if these things play it smart and take over a few more ships
+before they start their killing?" Jack said. "Or what if they make for
+Romulus or the Klingon Empire and start wiping out worlds there? They could
+plunge the quadrant into war."
+"You're not seriously considering destroying this world when all you have to
+do is take out that monstrosity." Merrick said ash he pointed to the
+pyramid.
+There was a long pause as Jack looked at each of his people. "I have to
+consider all options before I make my decision. But whether I go with GO
+, or destroy the pyramid or another option we still have another pressing
+issue."
+"How do we get back to the ship without bringing the aliens with us."
+Merrick answered.
+<<end snip>>
+At that moment, a blood-curdling cry startled the senior officers.
+"Doctor!" Jack Steele said as he ran over to the source of the screams.
+Gar's mouth was thrown open, his back arched, in obvious pain.
+<<TIMELINE>>
+.1630: Gar attacks Stile upon the realization that Stile is no longer
+possessed.
+.1640: Gar begins to regain consciousness, and senses a chance to regain
+control of himself.
+.1645: The landing party discusses its options, but Gar's struggle
+interrupts them.
+<<NRPG>>
+OK...Gar's trying to fight. I didn't quite know where to go with this at
+this point, so I figured I'd leave it to Steve to see if there was something
+he could do for Gar.
+Once Gar regains consciousness and is back to something resembling himself
+(I expect some vomiting when he fully realizes what he's done), he'll
+definitely advocate GO24 if they don't have any other answers soon. But
+he'll happily accept another option should it become available.
+Maybe Dave can help us there- can the HOOD do something by retuning its
+phasers? Use the navigational deflector? Do something with the
+presser/tractor beams? Anything to disrupt their EM signatures? Maybe that
+would mess them up? Looking for a permanent solution, I imagine.
+Just some thoughts.
+There's two posts, Andy. :)
+Respectfully Submitted,
+- Scott Lusby
+/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth
+Chief Engineer
+USS HODD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: More Pieces==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.319
+MD: 5.1630
+“Hey Mitch!  How ya doin, heard you had a hell of day.”  Lieutenant Steering, HOOD’s chief helmsman said as he clapped the shuttle pilot on the back before dropping into the seat on the otherside of the table.
+“You got that right.”  Mitchell agreed before shoveling a spoon full of chili into his mouth.   “Don’t know what was worse being in a shuttle at 15,000 meters and realizing I didn’t have control or all the poking and prodding the so called scientists having been doing to me.”
+“So what happened down there?  Did you really lose control?”
+Mitchell took a sip of his coffee and shrugged.  “Don’t know really.  One minute we’re flying along and then the next the shuttle isn’t going where we want her to.  No matter what we tried we couldn’t point her toward the pyramid.”
+Steering leaned forward.  “So were you being controlled or was the shuttle?”
+“I don’t know, at the time I thought it was me but now I’m not so sure.  According to the geniuses in blue there was some force that was causing the shuttle to deviate from its flightpath.  That’s what they tell me anyway.”
+“Are they certain?”  Steering asked as he unconsciously pulled away from the pilot.  “You’re not infected or anything like those unlucky bastards down on the planet?”
+“They let me out.”  Mitchell shrugged as he scooped up the last of his chili.
+//////
+Scene: Planet Surface, Velorum IV
+<< snip from Scott’s post>>
+At that moment, a blood-curdling cry startled the senior officers.
+"Doctor!" Jack Steele said as he ran over to the source of the screams.
+Gar's mouth was thrown open, his back arched, in obvious pain.
+<</snip>>
+Stile dropped to a crouch and ran his medical scanner over the Andorian’s body as he consulted the readings on his tricorder.   “He’s in a tremendous amount of pain.  He’s also expending a lot of energy.”
+“Whats it doing to him?”  Sean asked, concerned.
+“I think it’s what he’s doing to the alien.”
+Jack’s communicator beeped.  “He’s fighting it?”
+“I think so.”  Stile answered as he pulled a hypo from his pouch and carefully confirmed the contents.  He hesitated and then jabbed it into the engineer’s arm.  Immediately Gar’s screams and thrashing intensified for a few seconds and then he collapsed and all was silent.
+Jack’s communicator continued to beep insistently.  “Damn!”  He said as he flipped it open and took a few steps back.  “Steele here.”
+[Commander Compass here sir.  The medical and science teams have finished their investigation and they’ve past on some preliminary results.]
+Steele and Merrick traded a look.  “Go on commander.”
+[Based on the incidents that the landing party logged, the failed equipment etc and the readings they were able to take on the shuttlecraft and the two occupants they are certain that what ever effected the equipment was directed from inside the pyramid and they are highly confidant it was not a biological force.]
+“What do you mean not a biological force?”
+[The shuttle’s controls were jammed sir.  There is clear evidence that some kind  of jamming field was directed from the pyramid.  We also went over sensor logs and found that when the landing party’s equipment began to fail there was a corresponding power jump inside the pyramid.  Additionally, while we can’t get a full sensor return off the pyramid its becoming clear, now that we know what we are looking at, that there is a tremendous artifical energy source within the structure.  We’re not 100% certain but there is a strong possibility it is some sort of matter/antimatter device.]
+“A ‘good work’ to everyone up there commander.”  Steele out.  “What do you think?”  He asked Sean as he placed the communicator back on his belt.
+“If what Gene’s alien is telling us is true and that they are prisoners here it could be that someone or something is acting as a jail warden making sure no one escapes.”
+Steele nodded in agreement as he considered the ramifications.  “Most likely a computer of some sort.  And if we can get to it…”
+“We can find away to be sure we purge the aliens and get the hell out of here.”
+“If we can get to it.”  Jack agreed.  “Somehow I don’t think the inmates are going to be too accommodating.
+“Let’s hope Lieutenant Hemux keeps working as diligently as she has been.”
+“Captain!”  Stile called out as he began to wave the med scanner over Gar again.  “Something is happening.”
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Maybe Landru is moonlighting. ;-)
+Dave:  I echo both Scott and Jack…I hope you are smarter then the rest of us!  ;-)
+I know, I know a navigator named Compass and a helmsman named Steering, pure genius!  ;-)
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==USS HOOD: give me an E, give me an M, give me a P...==
+===by David Martens===
+SD: 2260.318
+MD: 5.1630
+Scene: USS HOOD, Science lab
+ARr'Rhiana stood in front of the viewscreen in the lab. On each of them there
+was a orbital view of the planet. She had marked the whereabouts of the Pyramid
+and had done some calculations, and now she had come up with a plan. But as
+usual with these plans, it was rather risky and she needed aproval of the
+current commandng officer.
+So she walked up to the comm and hold the key for the Bridge
+"Hemux to Bridge"
+[Compass here, I am listening.]
+"Commander Compass, I think I have the solution for our problem, it is rather
+risky so I would like you to come over to the lab so I can explain things."
+[On my way.] came the short reply.
+A few minutes later Lieutenant Commander Compass joined up with ARr'Rhiana Hemux
+and nodded to her "So, what do you have for me, Lt?"
+Hemux went to a screen and started her expose: "We know these being seem to
+exist on a energy level and using electrical or Electro-magnetical signals to
+take over their hosts. From what we know from the away - team these beings are
+kept imprisoned within that pyramidal shape down on the surface."
+She looked to Compass to see if he was following her resume of the situation.
+He nodded and said rather harsh "Go on." So Hemux continued, bringing up
+images that showed the effects of her suggetsions.
+"Now what disturbs electrical and magnetical signals? A huge burst of EMP.
+Question is, how do we create that? Simple: we toss in some nuclear bombs and
+fill the entire planets atmosphere with EMP. Two problems: First : we have no
+idea how this will affect the entities. Will they just release their hosts and
+be confined to the Pyramid? Will it kill them ? Second problem: given the
+highly electrical activity of the planet, what will be the exact effect of the
+EMP? It might trigger some natural disasters as volcanic activity, huge
+thunderstorms, maybe a shift in polarity of the planet."
+Compass looked puzzled; his eyes wandering from one screen to the other. "I
+assume you must hve an idea on those questions, Hemux?"
+ARr'Rhiana nodded "I do, sir. I think it will only temporary block these
+entities out, like a electrical pulse can cause a coma or bring a human for
+short time into unconsciousness. There for I would destroy the pyramid at the
+highest level of EMP - activity. That will most likely destroy the entities and
+solve the problem that they might regain their power."
+"What about the away-team?"
+Hemux shrugged her shoulders "We can lock in on them and beam them out when the
+EMP-burst is released. There is a 90 percent chance that they will be free of
+the hostile influence. Offcourse we will immediately stun them when they
+materialise and take them into quarantine until we are fully certain that they
+are free of any influence. Once of the planet we can examine them in sickbay.
+Any hostile entity that would be locked inside someone will cause unnatural
+brainwaves, muscular tension, nerval activity and so on that can be monitored
+with bio-scans."
+Compass tapped his fingers on the chair he was sitting in. "What if we can't get
+a proper lock with all the EMP- activity? Or if they are not free of the
+hostile entities?"
+ARr'Rhiana looked rather worried but her voice was solid "I believe that in such
+case it is either them or a whole lot worse. If these entities break free and
+make their way to the HOOD they will use our ship to spread and find more ships.
+Maybe they will then be able to reproduce and spread over the whole quadrant.
+If these entities where powerfull enough to take over our away team when they
+where weakened then they only will grow stronger since they now have a new
+source of food."
+"So how would we release such a EMP-burst?" Compass asked.
+Hemux sighed, it seemed her plan would be going on "We release six nuclear bombs
+with a yield of 5 megaton spread in an orbit above the equator, at a height of
+kilometres, one above each pole on the same height and four on the 45
+norther and 45 souther circles. All have to detonate simultaneously. We
+monitor the spread of the EMP burst carefully and when it peaks above 20,000
+volts/metre the entities should be knocked out. The power f the EMP pulse will
+then rise more and I think around the range of 25,000 volt/metre we can safely
+beam our people out. Once they are safe on board we can destroy the pyramid."
+"Any risks for our ship or anything else?"
+"Not sure, Sir. We can release the bombs from a safe distance as long as we
+stay within transporter range, although I would recommend not to stretch that to
+much, with all the EMP it will be harder to get a proper lock on the targets to
+beam them out. Also I have no idea what the other effects will be on the
+planet, as I said it can cause several disasters, but they will probably be
+limited to localised and isolated spots on the surface."
+She took a deep breath "I believe it's our only option, Sir." She had done her
+best, now it was up to Compass to take the desision.
+<tag ayone>
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Hi All,
+Here is a possible solution, for more information on the EMP burst effect check
+the `Starfish Prime experiment' and the `K- project'.
+Respectfully,
+David Martens
+Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux
+CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Betting on the Numbers==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.325
+Scene: Planet Surface, Velorum IV
+“Captain’s log supplemental.  All indications are that the final alien has left both Commander Gar and Crewman Lowl and we are ready to leave this planet.  I take full responsibility for the failure of this mission.  Not only were we unsuccessful at rescuing the archeological team I have failed to take the necessary steps to protect the members of the Landing Party.  The fact that all members of the archeological team had been seized and then killed by the aliens inhabiting this pyramid before HOOD arrived in no way diminishes the sense of loss and frustration I feel.  All that remain of the landing party are myself Commanders Merrick and Gar, Lieutenant DeSimms and Crewman Lowl.  At this point the only goal is survival.  The plan is to return to the ship but up until now we could not guarantee that we could do so without transporting the aliens with us.  Fortunately Lieutenant Hemux and her teams have come up with a solution.  I can’t say any of us here on the planet are excited about transporting out a microsecond before we are engulfed by nuclear devastation.  But there is no other way and time is running out. If we do not make it I hope my death will offer some small comfort to the souls that were left behind.  End log.”
+Jack looked around at the team.  “Ready?”  No one answered aloud but Jack looked into each man’s eyes.  “Let’s get the hell out of here.”  He flipped open his communicator and paused to take one last look around.  “Steele to HOOD.”
+[HOOD here.]  Commander Compass’ nervous voice replied.
+“Its all up to you.”
+[We’re ready captain.] Hemux’s calm voice cut in.  [Counting down now.  10, 9, 8…]
+Steele flipped the communicator closed.  “Good luck gentlemen.”
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Just a quick one.  I hope we make it!
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Did We Get Them?==
+===by Brian V. Mansur===
+SD: 2260.325
+MD 6.000
+Scene: Planet Surface
+<START SNIP: From "Betting on the Numbers">
+[We're ready captain.] Hemux's calm voice cut in. [Counting down now. 10,
+, 8.]
+Steele flipped the communicator closed. "Good luck gentlemen."
+<END SNIP>
+Steele looked up, wondering if he would see the ionization trail of the nuke
+spread as it dove in. And then there was light all around him. Steele shut
+his eyes instinctually. Then he felt his knees buckling as a final EMP wash
+hit his nervous system. As consciousness faded, the transporter snatched
+him up and wisked him heavenard on an invisible beam of pure energy.
+/////
+Scene: Shuttlecraft NIMITZ
+He fell dead away to the deck of the Shuttlecraft Nimitz along with the rest
+of the landing party survivors.
+It seemed like hours, but as he roused to the voice of Mother giving orders,
+he saw the chrono showed just a few minutes had gone by. He heard coughing,
+a slapping sound, and someone (Corbett?) groaning.
+"Damn woman, did you have to hit me so hard?" the cowboy complained.
+Steele stiffled a laugh. "Status."
+Beside him Hemux was there from the HOOD. She helped him up to a chair.
+"Did it work?" he asked.
+"I don't think so, captain. If you'll look at this panel."
+The display showed an expanding ball of vapor and dust rapidly lifting from
+... a completely intact pyramid.
+"Son of a bitch," Steele murmurred.
+NRPG: Quick one to bridge Andy's post with the group JP we've begun.
+Repectfully Submitted,
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Wisdom of Cowboys and Heroes==
+===by Dan Belin, Brian V. Mansur, and Steve Apple===
+SD: 2260.326
+MD 6.000
+Scene: Shuttlecraft NIMITZ, In Orbit of Velorum IV
+<<Snip from Brian's Post: "Did We Get Them">>
+"Did it work?" he asked.
+"I don't think so, captain. If you'll look at this panel."
+The display showed an expanding ball of vapor and dust rapidly lifting from ... a completely intact pyramid.
+"Son of a bitch," Steele murmured.
+<<End Snip>>
+Corbett painfully got up from where Mother had hit him and put his hat back on. Carefully he made his way over to where Steele and Hemux were standing. Rubbing his chin he looked at the display, which showed the intact pyramid. "I see that went well."
+"Doctor do you have a point to make?" Steele asked while still frowning at the screen showing the intact pyramid.
+"Yes sar I do." Corbett said as he characteristically pushed his hat further back on his head. "What's running through your mind Jack? I bet you're seriously thinking about GO 24 right now aren't you?"
+Corbett watched as his Captain slowly nodded. Before the man had a chance to verbally answer Corbett continued. "Jack before you let DeSimm's carve up that planet I want you to think about this. That pyramid is a jail and we've seen it has defensive capabilities."
+"Stile get to the point." Steele grumbled cutting the doctor off.
+"The point is if you blow that planet to hell then chances are you'll release those entities."
+"How so?" Merrick asked as he joined them.
+"We've been talking about that pyramid as a jail and with good reason, but Sean you heard them, the ones who possessed the Archeologists, they said it was their ship. What if the radioactivity of that planet is keeping that ship grounded."
+"You just thought of that now." Merrick complained.
+"I think Mother's little love tap knocked some sense into me." Corbett said.
+"So what do you suggest Doctor?" Steele asked not liking the picture Stile was painting.
+"As far as GO 24 is concerned I’d say don’t go medieval on the planet's ass until we know how to really kill these things," Stile said holding up his hands.
+"Any energy pattern can be disrupted or dissipated," DeSimms broke in. "That means they can be killed."
+"You got a plan to do that?" Steele asked.
+"These beings are essentially non-corporeal electromagnetic energy," the security chief continued. "Hemux proved that an EMP blast disrupts their flow, but obviously doesn't kill them.  Think back to academy physics.  EM forces take the form of self-propagating waves. These electric and magnetic field components oscillate in phase perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. What if we change that oscillation?  You can't destroy energy, but you can sure as hell disrupt the cycle or phase it differently."
+"We know the phase signature they have," ARr'Rhiana said jumping in. "If we can strip away the energy modulation they have to exist in, it should kill them."
+"Exactly," DeSimms said. "And there's something else this will accomplish. Even if I am wrong, and there are survivors, a properly phased, highly disruptive attack, we're talking planet-wide ... that will take the radiation that shields the planet making it habitable.  That will let the star system's radiation flood the surface planet and should keep any survivors trapped here on what will soon be a dead world."
+"I see what you are getting at," Steele said. "The Velorum system is still for all intents and purposes a border system, meaning it could shift out of Federation hands. It won't do to advertise that this system might harbor dangerous non-corporeal criminals."
+"What's wrong with that?" Merrick asked, obviously still not working on all thrusters.
+"People are curious and some unscrupulous," DeSimms said. "What if this system reverts to Klingons? What do you think they'd do if they found our little warning buoys?"
+"I see your point." Merrick agreed. "So what your hoping to do is keep those beings locked inside their pyramid and make this system unattractive to visitors."
+"If you don't know something's there you're not going to look for it." DeSimms said.  He turned square to the Captain, waiting for orders.
+"Prepare the HOOD to destroy the planet’s atmosphere. Put all weapons and deflector section on General Quarters."
+DeSimms moved swiftly to open a channel to the Hood, "Security, put Decks 3-12 on Red Alert. Weapons crew man battle stations. Reconfigure deflector to fire a full-magnitude pure energy wave and ready all weapons. Do not fire until Captain Steele gives the order," DeSimms paused, and he looked at the Captain. Steele looked back at him with a raised eyebrow then pointed to Hemux.  DeSimms continued his relay.  "Lieutenant Hemux will feed fire control some tuning numbers for the energy weapons.  Standby for her data package."
+<< NRPG: Brian here: This ties in some material Dan wrote in the JP draft. I'd say our work here is done.  Anyone want to write a final action sequence showing the planet going up?  Dan you want that?
+Respectfully Submitted,
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+and
+Dan Belin
+LT. John DeSimms
+SEC Officer
+U.S.S HOOD
+NCC-1703
+and
+Steve Apple
+Stile Corbett, MD
+CMO, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Too Fast==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD 2260.326
+MD 6.0001
+<<<old>>>
+DeSimms moved swiftly to open a channel to the Hood, "Security, put Decks 3-12 on Red Alert. Weapons crew man battle stations. Reconfigure deflector to fire a full-magnitude pure energy wave and ready all weapons. Do not fire until Captain Steele gives the order," DeSimms paused, and he looked at the Captain. Steele looked back at him with a raised eyebrow then pointed to Hemux.  DeSimms continued his relay.  "Lieutenant Hemux will feed fire control some tuning numbers for the energy weapons.  Standby for her data package."
+<<<new>>>
+All eyes turned to look at Steele.  Some looked expectantly others looked pleadingly but Jack could feel the weight crushing down upon him.  Too fast he kept thinking, this is going too fast.  We’re away, we’re safe they can’t kill anymore crew.  But they did kill.  Those alien monsters killed the archeological team and they killed his men.  Made his officers doing horrific things.  He looked at the wound in Sean’s leg, looked at the blood that stained Gar’s tunic.  He saw the fear in Lowls eyes.  They were monsters that had to be stopped.
+But they had been stopped, for now at least.  DeSimms was right things might change in the future.  But that was the future, a future with many possibilities.  In the here and now things were contained.
+[Captain we’re standing by for your order.]  Hemux’s voice came over the comm.  It was devoid of all emotion.
+Too fast.
+I want those frakin things dead.
+Too fast.
+[Captain!  Readings have changed on the planet.  Energy increase from the pyramid.  Shield strength is increasing.]
+“That won’t affect the outcome on the atmosphere.”  DeSimms confirmed.
+“Steele to HOOD.  Stand down all weapons, I repeat stand down all weapons.  I need immediate confirmation of that order.”
+[All weapons standing down.  Confirmed captain.]
+Steele moved closer to the window and looked down at the planet teeming with life.  “We’re Starfleet and we don’t wipe out worlds, especially out of revenge.”
+<<<NRPG>>>
+I just couldn’t in the end see Steele ordering GO24 when it wasn’t necessary…I’m going to go with the nuc plan as a simple way to distract the ‘warden’ and casue the EMP pulse to get us free of the aliens and back in orbit.
+Nothing like a little tension at the end of the mission….
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Debrief==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: Captain's Quarters
+[That was a gutsy move deciding to deploy nuclear weapons.]  The admiral said.  Jack had spent the last 15 minutes discussing the written mission report he had already sent through.  The fact that the admiral had commed less then 4 hours later wasn’t really a surprise, nor was the fact that it took barely 30 seconds for him to bring up the nucs.
+“We were running out of time and options sir.  I know it was an unorthodox action but it was my judgment that it was the only choice.  Of course my science officer took all available precautions.  The weapons were clean, we seeded the atmosphere before deploying the weapons to keep any radiological contamination at a minimum.  Once the weapons were detonated we took steps to cleanse the atmosphere.  In the end there was very minimal impact to the planetary biosphere.”  Jack get his face impassive but he want to tell the admiral to go to hell.  They had been dropped into a disaster with little to no information.  It was clear that someone knew much more then was being released and with each passing minute Jack fell more and more that HOOD, and most likely the archeological team had been sent out as a lightening rod.  An expendable lightening rod.
+[Don’t worry captain I fully support your actions and the decisions you made and I have added my endorsement to your report.  You and your people did an excellent job under trying circumstances.]
+“Thank you sir.  I appreciate your support.”  Jack replied in a tone that clearly indicated that he didn’t put much weight into Starfleet Command or their thanks.
+[I know it’s not something that’s easy to hear right now captain but you and your people faced the challenge head on and made some tough calls, calls that in the end were the best ones, the only ones, you could have made.]
+“It doesn’t feel like I did admiral.  It certainly won’t feel like it when I contact the families of those I left behind.”
+[I understand captain.]  The admiral said gently.  [It’s a commanding officer’s hardest duty.  But captain I need to know if you’ve got your head.]
+“You can count on HOOD sir.”  Steele replied confidently although both men ignored the fact that he had evaded the direct question with a general answer.
+[Good.  You are to make for Starbase 10 at best speed, once there you’ll receive your next mission orders.]
+“Understood admiral.  We’ll depart as soon as our relief arrives on station.”
+The admiral nodded.  [Your relief is on the way but I’m afraid I have another crisis I need HOOD to handle.  You’ll need to depart immediately.]
+“I’m not sure I understand sir.  Given the danger that his planet possesses I was led to understand my recommendation that a picket ship be assigned to this planet until such time as the threat was neutralized.”
+[As I said the ship is enroute and you have your orders. Starfleet Command out.]
+Jack wasn’t sure how long he started at the blank screen before he reached across his desh and pushed the small white comm button.  “Bridge.”
+[Bridge here.]
+“Sean break orbit immediately and lay in a course for Starbase 10.  As soon as we clear the system increase speed to warp factor 7.”
+“We’re not waiting for the picket.”
+[Sir?]
+“You have your orders commander.”  He growled before jabbing the comm button and closing the connection.  “Crap!”  He swore at himself.  It wasn’t fair to take his foul mood out on his first officer and it was damn unprofessional.  He’d have to apologize to Sean when he was up on the bridge.  For certain everyone up there heard his remarks and right now we’re trading looks.
+Leaning forward he thumbed the comm button again.  [Engineering.]
+Jack raised an eyebrow at Gar’s voice, he hadn’t expected the Andorian to be back on duty so soon.  Not after all he had been through.  “Commander we need to make a speed run to Starbase 10.  Are the engines going to be able to handle warp seven all the way there?”
+[Of course sir.  My engines will take you any where at any speed.]
+Jack smiled.  “I should have known better.  Thanks Gar, Steele out.”
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Just a short one to get us out...
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: After the Debrief==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: Captain’s Quarters
+Jack got up from his desk and stretched unsure what to do with himself.  Leaning against the window he watched as the planet he had come to despise slid away as the impulse engines came to life. The door chime went.  “Come.”
+The doors slid open.  “Figured you might want to beat me in person.”  Sean said as he entered the cabin.  “Things not go well with the admiral.  Did he ask about me?”
+Jack grinned.  “No surprisingly your name didn’t come up.  Although I did mention that you gave of yourself to help out Commander Gar.”
+“Funny.”  Sean replied as he dropped into a chair.  “At the risk of asking, why aren’t we waiting for a relief ship?”
+“Apparently we are needed for our next mission immediately and the quarantine buoys we’ve deployed are adequate security.”
+“Do you buy that?”
+Jack turned away and looked out the window as he felt the ship leap to warp.  Finally he turned back to face his first officer.  “Its such a load of manure I’m insulted I’m expected to buy it.  There’s something going on here, it was going on before we arrived and it is going on as we leave.  I don’t know why we got stuck in the middle of it and I don’t know if we were even successful. It frakin doesn’t feel successful.”
+“Not much we can do about it.”  Sean offered.
+“I know.”  Jack grated.  “And I think its that fact that frustrates me more then anything.”
+Several minutes passed by in silence before Sean spoke again.  “Jack you look like shit.”
+“That’s good cause that’s how I feel.  I’ve got a headache that would kill a moose.”  He stood up from his chair.  “Lets go see what the good doctor has in his black bag.”
+“Good doctor?”  Sean asked innocently.  “Did you replace Stile?”
+Jack grinned.  “I’m telling him you said that.”
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Steve/Brian: Tag
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Secret Debrief==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: Undisclosed Location
+“You’ve read the report?”
+“Three times.”  The woman replied disgustedly.  “We’re certain that none of the aliens left the planet?”
+The Denoblean sighed.  “You have the same information I have.  But I think it is safe to assume that the answer is no.”
+“What kind of maniac drops nuclear weapons on a planet?  Does he think he is Colonel Green or Khan Singh?”
+“I told you that once you got operations involved we couldn’t control things.”
+“I didn’t think they were going to send a starship.  There are only 12 of them after all.  Aren’t they supposed to be out there defending the border?”  She asked in exasperation.
+“It was a high priority mission and that means they send the best.  And the best are all on one of those 12 ships.”
+“Leave it to some damn marionette to stumble into a workable solution with a brute force mentality.”
+“It wasn’t a brute force answer.  There was solid science behind the action.  It was actually a unique answer.  I told you they weren’t just a bunch of soldiers just as I told you we should have kept it in house.”
+“I suppose.”  She allowed.  “And all we lost was a few weeks.”
+The Denobulan decided it was useless to point out that they had lost an entire archeological team, including two of their own experts, not to mention HOOD’s personnel.  “True, but now we have some exposure.  Operations is demanding to know what is going on there.  They aren’t very happy with the personnel losses.”
+“I don’t care what they want.  They had their orders and the mission is over for them.  Its classified and that is all they need to know.”
+“So where do we go from here?”  He asked already knowing the answer, and not liking it.
+“Send in HORNET.  Tell them to beam up some of the bodies.  With any luck we’ll snag some of the aliens.  Won’t be as good as getting some infected humanoids but it will be a start.”
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Final Debrief==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: The Pyramid
+The being that had once been Hil Onte floated freely in the maelstrom that was Prison #628.  He could feel the rage of his companions all around him and he knew that if they had the ability they would tear him apart in an orgasm of rage.  But their bodiless form rendered them useless as their jailers had intended.  And this thought more then any was most satisfying.
+He had relished the few minutes he had spent in possession of the human body.  It had been a long time since he had relished in the sensation of sight and sound or the simple ability to breathe.  It had been almost miraculous.
+And it had served a purpose.  The entity who had once been Hil Onte had dutiful provided all the information it had learned from the being know as Gene Lowl.  From this vital information the warden computer had identified a new potential escape route and a new threat to counter.  Should anymore humanoids approach the planet they would find themselves unable to materialize on the planet surface.  There could be no chance for the inmates to leave.  Afterall Hil thought to itself I created this prison to be escape proof.
+Respectfully Submitted,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Avoiding Reflections==
+===by Brian V. Mansur===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: En route to Sickbay, USS HOOD
+Never before did Sean feel like he needed a drink so badly. In fact, oh
+dear heaven did he feel all screwed up inside. He only hoped no one had
+noticed the twitch developing under his left eyelid.
+It wasn't every day one of your true (literally) blue friends tried to EAT
+you. And oh by the way how many of the security team had bought it thanks
+to him? How many visits from ghosts of Christmas past had *that* mistake
+bought him?
+The doors to sickbay slid open. "Stile?" Jack called. "You there?"
+Mother was no where to be seen but Sean figured she must be in the back
+office somewhere. Presently, a pretty nurse stepped into the foyer.
+"Captain on the deck!" Kiska shouted.
+If Sean hadn't already been standing still he would have stopped cold in his
+tracks. The ghosts were already there. For two full seconds he was
+absolutely certain that the woman in front of him was his dead ex-wife Jeri.
+NRPG: Character Development. Lena, hope you have fun with that one.
+Repectfully Submitted,
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: This Could Be Fun!==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD
+<<<old>>>
+If Sean hadn't already been standing still he would have stopped cold in his
+tracks. The ghosts were already there. For two full seconds he was
+absolutely certain that the woman in front of him was his dead ex-wife Jeri.
+<<<new>>>
+Jack looked over at his XO who was doing an excellent imitation of a statue.  A statue who’s mouth hung open.  It was an absolute train wreck and Jack had to fight the desire to reach over and push the man’s chin up.  For a second he didn’t know who he felt worse for Sean or the nurse who stood staring in front of them.  But then it hit him, he felt bad for Kiska.  Afterall this was a whole new level of awkward.  On the other hand he felt extremely happy for himself.  This obviously was something hitting Sean and he looked forward to twisting his tail about it.
+“Everything alright commander?”  Jack asked, the model of innocence.
+“I think the wound in my leg is playing up.”  Sean stammered.
+Jack nodded.  “I thought it might be.  Good thing we made it to sickbay.  Perhaps Miss Kiska could take a look at it for you?”
+NRPG:
+Brian: back at ya!
+Respectfully Submitted,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: OK This is Awkward==
+===by Brian V. Mansur===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD
+"Certainly," Kiska replied sunnily.  "I'll be happy to get you prepped for the doc.  If you'll come right this way we'll get you into an examination gown."
+Jack was positive that Sean gulped.  He did visibly shiver when Kiska took him by the arm to lead him off to the exam room.
+"Um, yeah, um," Sean stammered, "I think I'll just ride it a while.  I'm probably just imagining it or something.  Ghost pain you know."
+Kiska stopped and looked adorably perplexed for a moment.  Then she shrugged into a smile and said, "No problem sir, I'll just get the doctor."
+Stile came in a half minute later alone.  The first words out of Sean's mouth were, "Tequila.  Plain.  Now.  That's a fraking order Stile."
+NRPG: As a Christian, allow me to take this moment to say that I in no way endorse the consumption of alcohol to the point of inebriation (but it sure as heck makes for great comedy).
+Repectfully Submitted,
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: It is Always Best to be Sure==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD
+<<<old>>>
+Stile came in a half minute later alone.  The first words out of Seans mouth were, "Tequila.  Plain.  Now.  That's a fraking order Stile."
+<<<new>>>
+The doctor looked at Jack, turned to Sean and then back to Jack.  “Did I miss something important?”
+“Oh you missed something.”  Jack grinned.  “I’m not sure what but I’m dying to find out.  It has something to do with your new nurse.”
+“Really.”  Corbett replied “Do tell.”
+“Yes Sean.”  Jack added “We’re all ears.”
+“Why don’t you two go and…”  He paused as Kiska came back in.
+“I’m sorry sirs.”  She said looking at all three of them.  “I didn’t mean to interrupt.
+“Not at all nurse.  In fact I was just about to call you.  I think it best if I give the first officer here a quick once over.  Could you take him over to Exam One and get him ready for a quick work up?”
+“Of course doctor.’  She smiled.  “Right this way commander.”
+Respectfully Submitted,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Shut Up and Take Your Medicine==
+===by Steve Apple, Brian V. Mansur, and Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+<<<NRPG: This post meshes Andy's "It is Always Best to be Sure" and Steve Apple's draft>>>
+Seconds before, Corbett had stood in his office doorway just out of sight from the main sickbay and watched the interchange between his nurse and his friend.
+Smiling a toothy grin Stile entered sickbay and heard Sean say. "Tequila.  Plain.  Now.  That's a fraking order Stile."
+The doctor looked at Jack, turned to Sean and then back to Jack. “Did I miss something important?”
+“Oh you missed something.” Jack grinned. “I’m not sure what but I’m dying to find out. It has something to do with your new nurse.”
+“Really.” Corbett replied “Do tell.”
+“Yes Sean.” Jack added “We’re all ears.”
+“Why don’t you two go and…” He paused as Kiska came back in.
+“I’m sorry sirs.” She said looking at all three of them. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.
+“Not at all nurse. In fact I was just about to call you. I think it best if I give the first officer here a quick once over. Could you take him over to Exam One and get him ready for a quick work up?”
+“Of course doctor.’ She smiled. “Right this way commander.”
+"Hey wait a minute." Merrick complained.
+"Sorry Sean," Corbett said with a smirk directed toward Jack, "But I overheard you complain about that leg.  No alcohol until it's looked at.  Kiska take Commander Merrick and put him in a gown.  No skiveys as we need to probe the entire thigh."
+"That's an order Sean," Jack said.
+Stile quickly added, "Go with the nice nurse and be a good boy.  Doctor Kavilin will be with you shortly."
+"What you're not going to look..."
+"No" Corbett said cutting him off. "I'm off duty and am going to drink with the Captain."
+Sean was about to protest again when he saw the look of total conspiratorial glee in both men's eyes.
+Terrific, he thought.  Why did she have to look so much like Jeri?  He decided he had better resign himself.  It wasn't as if she'd be doing much more than taking his pulse and history.
+"You know what," Stile said turning back at the door of his office, the captain visibly supressing a chuckle.  "Kiska, I need you to do a complete workup on Commander Merrick.  He's due for a head to toe physical after that ordeal down planet.  Take your time because we don't want to miss anything."
+Sean impressed Stile and Jack by how quickly his face turned red.
+"Nurse please see to it that Commander Merrick undresses completely."  Corbett said smiling a toothy grin.
+"Hey wait a minute!" Merrick sqeaked.
+"Sorry Sean, but down here I give the orders and you sar need to go with my nurse and get naked." Corbett tried to say with a straight face. "Don't worry Kiska will be gentle until Dr. Kavilin sees you."  With that, Jack and Stile left for the stash in the doctor's office.
+"I'll get you for this." Merrick whispered under his breath.
+NRPG: I've got to get some work done now guys ;-)  I'll put something up about his time with Kiska a little later.  Lena, if you're there, let us know.
+Repectfully Submitted Jointly,
+Steve Apple
+Stile Corbett, MD
+CMO, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+and
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+and
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Hasty Retreat==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.327
+Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD
+The doctor and captain managed to make it all the way into Stile’s office and get the door closed before they both collapsed into laughter.  The laughter lasted for longer then it should have but it was an excellent release for both of them after such a stressful mission.
+“Did you see the look on his face?”  Jack asked
+“No I was doing busy looking at the look on yours.”  Stile replied chuckling.
+“I do have to warn you that he has unfettered access to the weapons locker.”
+Stile waved away the concern.  “I’m not worried.  He’d never shoot his pusher.”  He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a bottle and two glasses.  “So whats it all about?  School yard crush.”  He poured the drinks and pushed one over to Jack before pushing the bottle into the middle of the desk.
+“I honestly don’t know.  We were both on our way down to crash your liquor cabinet and we walked straight into her.  Sean froze, his chin hit the floor and then you walked in.  I don’t know if it’s a crush and ex or something in between.”
+“Well I don’t think Kiska knows him from a hole in the ground.”
+“She’s about too.”  Both men lost themselves in laughter once again.
+Brian: I figure this wouldn't impact whatever you have planned.
+Respectfully Submitted,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Inebriation is a Hell of an Excuse==
+===by Steve Apple===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: CMO's Office
+Corbett was laughing so hard it was almost impossible for him to light
+his cigar. Passing the cutter and lighter to Steele he let out an
+appreciative puff of smoke and said, "I'm sorry, but this is too
+good to miss."
+"What, you're not going to spy on him are you?" Steele asked as
+the tip of his cigar intermittently lit with a cherry glow as he
+puffed it appreciatively.
+"Hell yeah, you think I'm going to miss him stammer his way through
+her initial exam." Corbett said with glee.
+"Damn it Doctor, I'm the commanding officer here and should be
+included," Steele said as he broke out into another fit of laughter.
+"Please, this is too good not to share," Corbett said as he turned
+his vidscreen so the two could watch Commander Merrick.
+"That gown is awfully short," Steele said with a whistle.
+"Yeah and its pretty blue color is a great contrast to his red
+blushing skin, don't ya think." Corbett snorted trying to contain his
+laughter.
+"Shhhh I want to hear what they say," Steele said downing his first
+glass of Tequila.
+"You know he's going to get us back for this at least twice as
+hard," Corbett said downing his glass as well.
+"Can you record this?" Steele asked as he filled his glass again.
+"Way ahead of you Boss." Corbett said as he hit the red button to
+the left of the screen.
+NRPG: This is way too fun to let go of.
+Respectively Submitted
+Steve Apple
+Stile Corbett, MD
+CMO, USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Hot Nurses Are Hard to Ignore==
+===by Brian V. Mansur===
+SD: 2260.327
+Scene: The Bowels of Sickbay, USS HOOD
+Kiska, was trying ... rather hard ... not to laugh and at the same time feel embarrassed for both Sean and herself.
+She'd received plenty of panting attention from men before.  But something about Sean's reaction to her was different and she wasn't sure what yet.  Maybe it was simply a senior officer reeling in his unexpected fancy for her.  Judging by his flustrated face, he was grabbing it by the throat and ruthlessly wrestling it to the ground.  Then again, she mused, with men it could just as easily be gas.
+Sean, for his part, was sitting very, very quietly, staring almost catatonically forward while she did a fully sensor survey on him.
+He was a nice looking guy.  Not necessarily her type, but nice.  But no matter what mischief Stile thought he was going to cook up here, she wasn't going to give that jerk the satisfaction.  How FIVE women on board had already flocked to him, she couldn't fathom.  He was a charming fork tongued snake and after his stunt tonight, she was going to be telling Mother on him.
+Maybe she and Mother would get the transporter crew to beam a mass of cold water over his bed in the night.  She and a girlfriend had done it to some boy trouble in the Academy.  Twice.
+Kiska giggled at the memory ... and inadvertantly dropped her sensor probe.  Right on Sean's crotch.
+"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"
+Before Kiska realized what she'd done, Sean was on his feet hobbling butt naked around the exam room and moaning in excruiating agony.
+Elsewhere in sickbay, laughter was leaking past what was supposed to be a sound proofed door.
+NRPG: OK Lena, sorry, but I couldn't resist posting this.  Please don't kill me.  And it is official I think: Sean is the HOOD's Butt Monkey (see tvtropes.org for def).  Oh, Steve, I liked your title so much that I used it here in your honor.
+Repectfully Submitted,
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Grapevine==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: Main Shuttlebay
+“I know how you got stuck with this crap detail but I don’t know why I’m here!”  Crewman Bennis whined for at least the third time in the last fifteen minutes.
+Corey Campbell bit his tongue as he had done every other time and continued to wipe down the interior of the shuttle NIMITZ.
+“I’m not even in this department!”  Bennis complained.  “I’m a warp technician.  This is not work for a work technician.”
+“You’re a warp technician assistant.”  Corey was getting to his breaking point.  “Third class.”  He added as he paused to wipe the sweat from his forehead with the back of his arm.  “And as for why you’re here it’s for the same reason I am.  You pissed off the wrong people.”
+“You heard what happened on this shuttle didn’t you?  Something crazy went  down on the planet.  Something unnatural.”
+“Like what?”  Campbell asked.  He had of course already hacked into the ship’s logs and new exactly what had occurred.  But he was curious to see what the grapevine had invented.
+“I don’t know exactly.”  Bennis leaned forward.  “But I do know that some of the officers were possessed and they had an exorcism on this shuttle.”  He pointed to one of the benches.
+“A what?”  Corey laughed.  “Buddy you’ve been watching too many vids.”
+“Why else do you think they beamed aboard this shuttle first.  They had to make sure they drove out the evil spirits.  I heard that planet was some sort of alien death camp.”
+Corey was laughing so hard he had to sit down.  “You’re right that’s what happened.  I can see it now.  The senior officers all cramped together in this shuttle.  They’re all holding hands and chanting while the unlucky possessed one is spewing curses and damnations.  All while Dr. Corbett is standing in the back his tricorder held high as he mutters religious incantations and orders out the evil spirits.  Ya, that’s exactly what happened.”
+“You can laugh all you want but I talked to someone and they always have the scoop.  And who knows where those spirits went to?  What if they’re still lingering.”  He looked around nervously.  “Do you want to be possessed?”   Bennis demanded.
+“If it gets me off this detail, sure why not!”
+Respectfully Submitted,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Bennis is an Unlucky Name==
+===by Brian V. Mansur===
+SD: 2260.327
+Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD
+[Bridge to Sickbay.  Medical Emergency.  Incoming transport from shuttlecraft NIMITZ.]
+The laughter in the doctor's office came to almighty sobering halt.  "What the frak!" Stile cursed as he slammed the door panel and bounded out to answer the call.
+He came up short to a horrific scene.  Campbell was in a heap on the ground, blood covering his shoulder.  Next to him, a crewman was shaking violently and groaning inchoerently.  From behind a nearby exam curtain Sean stumbled out followed by a shocked looking Kiska.
+"Campbell!" Jack bellowed.  "What the Hell happened!?"
+Campbell looked pasty white with terror.
+"I ... I ... don't know.  We were working and he attacked me!"
+"What do you mean Campbell?" a still back bare Sean demaned.  "What were you doing and where?"
+"The ... the shuttle.  The one you beamed up to.  I think Bennis is possessed."
+"How the hell do you know ..." Stile began then stopped short.  "Damn it to hell!  Stile!  Is he or isn't he?  We're fraked if one of those things got aboard!"
+At that moment, Bennis shot up screaming in an unworldly voice, and lurched madly at Keska.  He grabbed hold of her with both arms and was leaning in close as though trying to bite her face.
+Sean body checked Bennis, hoping to throw the crazed man off the nurse.  It brought them all in heap onto the floor.  Bennis came loose from Kiska and started wrestling with Sean.
+"Tranquilizer coming through damn it!" Stile shouted.  Despite the rolling that Sean and Bennis were doing around Kiska, the doctor's aim was true.  In five long seconds, Bennis fell still.
+Jack watched in dread, expecting the mist to leave Bennis at any moment.  But it didn't happen.  In fact, in a few moments, Bennis actually started snoring.
+"Damn it to hell!"  Jack cursed.  "What just happened here?  Stile.  I need to know."  Stile was already grabbing a tricorder.
+That was when Campbell began babbling between wimpers.  "I was, I was, I was just telling him about the ghosts you know.  And he was working and I sort of dropped a hydrospanner and behind him and there was this flash."
+"Jack he's clean," Stile said.
+"What?"
+"He's clean.  I think he got an electrical zap.  Check out his hand where it is burned."  He turned angrily to Campbell.  "I'm guessing between the power surge and our friend's spook tales, he got scared into a frenzy."
+"Damn you Campbell," Sean started, "I swear I'm gonna ..."  Sean stopped cold.  Cold, because he was feeling cold.  There was ... a draft.
+"Um, Sean," Stile said quietly.  "There is a lady in the room."
+Stile didn't bother looking down, but he knew his gown was still there clutched weakly in Bennis' hands.  And so was Kiska.  Who was looking up.  Who was probably 2 shades of rouge darker than the red alert lights just about now.
+"Aw frak it," Sean spat.  "And with all the dignity he could muster, he turned around and went back into his exam room for his clothes.
+NRPG:  Hope you enjoyed the show. Good night everybody!  14 posts in one night for the HOOD
+Repectfully Submitted,
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: There's A Bad Moon Rising==
+===by Steve Apple===
+SD: 2260.327
+MD: Post Mission
+Scene: Officer’s Mess
+“Hey Janice I’m glad Stile made it back safely.” Lieutenant Ramirez remarked as she stood next to the Com officer while they waited in line for their turn at the replicators.
+“Thanks Maria. Tonight will be the first night I sleep well after the tension of the last few days. That damn Cowboy gets himself into all kinds of trouble, but at least he’s safe now.” Powers answered.
+“You two got anything special planned?” She asked.
+“Not tonight, he’s debriefing with the Captain and Commander Merrick.” Powers said with a sad smile. “I feel so bad for him, I mean after all he’s been through and now he’s got to go over the mission in detail with the command staff, I hope he at least gets some rest later.”
+“That’s too bad hun; you can’t even be with him tonight after all that time.” Ramirez said stepping up to the replicator.
+“It’s ok I’m going to surprise him with dinner tomorrow night in my quarters.” Powers said smiling.
+“Well you go girl.” Ramirez smirked then saw a couple getting up from one of the tables. “Hey I see a table opening up over there; I’ll go grab it for us.”
+Scene: Women’s Crew Shower Room
+Regina Boyle tossed her coveralls into the laundry bin and headed for the showers. The fatigue and worry she felt over the last few days seemed to melt away under the steam and heat of the shower.
+She was glad Stile made it back and couldn’t wait to show him just how much. She was excited that her friend in the hydroponics lab would let her use it tomorrow night. She was going to surprise him with a pick-nick under the trees.
+Scene: Data Storage Room
+“Lisa don’t you want to take a peek and see what happened down there to him and the rest of the landing party?” Chloe Kovall asked.
+Commander Lisa Thompson who was overseeing the data transfer from the Science department and Shuttle craft into the ships long term data storage modules turned her head so she could see her second on the night shift, Ensign Kovall. “You know darn well that that’s against the regulations Chloe.”
+“I know it’s just that you’ve been so worried about him these last few days and I thought this might help ease your mind a bit.” Kovall said.
+“It’s okay. He’s back now and safe. I’m planning on surprising him tomorrow night with a candle light dinner in my quarters, so don’t call me with any emergency computer issues you hear me Ensign.”
+“Don’t worry Commander.” Kovall said with a wicked grin.
+Scene: Bridge Navigation Chair
+”God this shift seems like it will never end.” Ensign Flores said to the helmsman sitting next to her.
+“What’s the matter Natalie you have big plans, or something?” Lieutenant Harris asked with a smile.
+“No not tonight. I was feeling a little guilty earlier that I wasn’t going to be able to be with Stile on his first night back, but you heard the Captain, he and Commander Merrick were going down to sickbay to debrief with him for most of the night. So he’ll be busy.”
+“I don’t know what your guy does or the clout he has, but it seems that after every mission the Captain and Mr. Merrick head down to sickbay to consult with him. Never saw Sinclair do that with the last doctor.”
+“He’s special I guess.” Flores said. “I’m kicking my roommate out tomorrow night and surprising him with a romantic dinner.”
+Scene: Quartermaster’s Storage Closet
+“Vail are you listening?” Chief Watson asked.
+“What… sorry Mike I guess I’m just a little preoccupied tonight.” Yeoman Melissa Vail answered sheepishly.
+“Your thinking about the doctor aren’t you?” Watson asked scowling.
+“Shhh I don’t want the whole world to know.” She admonished as she coyly looked around to see who might have overheard.
+“I can see I’m not going to get this inventory completed if I don’t get your head straight.” Watson said. “So here’s the deal. You keep it together and get this inventory control report done tonight and I’ll set you up with a dinner for two on that private section of the observation deck tomorrow night.”
+“Oh Mike thank you. You have no idea what this will mean.”
+NRPG: This one’s for you Brian, enjoy. Also I believe that it makes 15 posts for Hood today (as I am posting this prior to midnight CST). Good night all.
+Respectfully Submitted,
+Steve Apple
+Stile Corbett, MD
+CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Some After-Thoughts==
+===by David Martens===
+SD: SD: 2260.320
+MD: after mission
+Scene: USS HOOD, Science lab :
+A whole stack of PADD's was carefully stalled out on ARr'Rhiana's desk. There
+where the usual and expected reports on the last mission. The away-team had
+brought in some computers and PADD's they retrieved from the archeological camp.
+Hemux had insisted for that: she didn't want to see everything being lost by the
+nuclear blast and EMP-pulse. After all, this was an encounter with an unknown
+civilization, new species, a whole new technology and a new planet. But for
+now those PADD's had to wait until later.
+She was making a final report for the debriefing and she was not feeling very
+pleased with the outcome of their actions. Ofcourse, those entities had to be
+contained in some way, but nuking a planet? Even with the preliminary cleaning
+of the atmosphere and other precautions there was no way to tell what they had
+done to the planets ecosystem and environment.
+One other report was classified for the Captain and for Security. Hemux had
+noticed that there had been breaches in security. First there had been the logs
+in the datafiles from the away-team and the shuttlecraft that showed that
+someone had entered them before she had. Since that should have been virtually
+impossible as these datafiles where secured and encrypted it was very likely
+that someone of the people who had brought her the data where involved.
+Second there timestamps showed that the computer core was breached to enter
+secured data. It had been done by someone who knew what he was doing, but
+since she always had the science computers linked to the central data core for
+immediate back-ups she had noticed there where moments when she could not enter
+her own reports while no one else was logged on to have access to them. So with
+a little tracing virus scan she was able to track the `readers' back to a
+datastorage room. And guess what: that was exactly the same dataroom where the
+data from the away team and shuttlecraft had been stored for her investigations
+…
+She was pretty sure the captain and Lt Desimms would be very much interested to
+hear about that.
+She sighed and tossed a final PADD away. There was still a lot of mystery left:
+what civilization had build the pyramid? Had it origined from the planet or was
+the pyramid planted there by someone from another system? How old was the whole
+thing? What technology had they used? How could those beings survive? And how
+where those beings able to take over their hosts and let them do al things that
+had happened?
+ARr'Rhiana' pressed her fingers to the temple of her head, she had a headache
+from here to eternity. There had to be something she could do to relax… with a
+big, big smile she opened up a small hidden drawing her locker and pulled out a
+small box of dried Denobulan sun-and-cloud mushrooms. Then she pulled out a
+small pipe, carved with detailed figures of plants and animals and a wide head.
+With eyes that twinkled in excitement she started to stuff the pipe.
+For a few minutes she just enjoyed the ritual of cutting the mushrooms, filling
+the pipe, smelling the sweet and rich odors of the mushrooms. She took the
+pipe in her mouth and took a deep breath to test how it would smoke, a small
+adjustment of pressure and she was ready. She light the pipe and took her first
+breath… her eyes grew wider and the smoke entered deep in her lungs, the first
+image of the sun and clouds where coming upon her!
+<tag ayone>
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Hi All,
+Ok something to add to the story, since you guys all ignore the females in your
+staff, I am making up my own fun… at least, I think so… just check my next
+post in a while…
+(for those who not know: Denobulans think using hallucinogens is not bad when
+used for relaxation.)
+Respectfully,
+David Martens
+Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux
+CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Sun, Smoke and a Nude Guy…==
+===by David Martens===
+SD: 2260.321
+MD: after mission
+Scene: Corridors, USS HOOD
+ARr'Rhiana was walking through the ships corridors, a pipe in her mouth, sweet
+clouds of smoke following her trail and a huge smile on her face. She as
+feeling relaxed, things that troubled her about the mission where pushed to a
+level deep down her mind where she could ignore them. The effect of the
+sun-and-cloud mushrooms where tingling in her body. Although she looked a bit
+scary with an unusual wide smile on her face, she had such a twinkle in her eyes
+that most of the crewmembers nodded friendly to her as she passed by.
+She decided to see the captain or First Officer for some things. The computer
+had announced the captain off duty and the FO in sickbay and since there where
+also a few small points she wanted to check on a theory she had how the beings
+where able to take control over the away-team; she had decided to go to sickbay.
+Just at the moment she was entering she jumped aside as the captain and the
+doctor rushed in and dove into a room where some shouting and struggling was
+heard.
+Hemux was still a bit dizzy from the mushrooms and al she did was walking in the
+room and staring at the fight.
+>insert the post `Bennis is an Unlucky Name' here<
+Just at the moment Sean walked into the Exam room ARr'Rhiana stared to chuckle.
+The whole situation was hilarious and the face on Sean Merricks face was
+priceless. "Now that was an interesting sight" she muttered as her eyes where
+looking to the room where Sean had disappeared in.
+"I think there will be a lot of gossip going around" she chuckled. And slapped
+her thigh and now bursted out in full laughter as she noticed how the captain
+and doctor and nurses who where all scramble on the floor or crawling up looked
+to her with strange faces...
+<tag ayone>
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Hi All,
+Sorry, Brian, I could not let this one go by …Old and Denobulan or not, Hemux
+likes some fun also…
+Respectfully,
+David Martens
+Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux
+CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Too far this Time==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.328
+Scene: Sickbay
+Jack had had enough.  He strode over to the desk and opened a comm channel.  "Captain to security I need a team down to sickbay immediately."
+By the time Sean had returned back in uniform two security crewman and Lieutenant DeSimms had arrived.  "Captain?"  DeSimms asked.
+Jack pointed over at Campbell and Bennis.  "These two idiots are under arrest.  Once they've been treated you can either confine them to the brig or sickbay.  Whichever Dr. Stile thinks is appropriate for their care."
+"What are the charges captain?"  DeSimms asked clearly relishing the prospects of arresting Corey Campbell.
+"For now, this one."  He pointed at Bennis.  "For simple assault."
+"This one for assault with a deadly weapon."
+"It was an accident."  Corey moaned.
+"Then you'll have nothing to worry about."
+"There's more sir."  Lieutenant Hemux added.  "Someone has hacked into several of the encrypted log databases captain."  All eyes turned back to Corey.
+"Mr DeSimm's I want you to begin an investigation on all these charges.  I want no stone left unturned and I want it completely and totally by the book.  Should either of these two gentlemen."  He looked pointedly at Corey, "Be in fact guilty of any or all charges against them I want the evidence to leave no doubt.  It has to be bullet proof and I want it wrapped up before we reach Starbase 10.  Clear?"
+"Yes sir!"
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Dave: Great posts and a good start to the day!
+Dan: I leave it to you to see if Corey is guilty and if it can be proven  Or if he skates by again.  Don't let DeSimms give him any chance to appeal any possible convictions on any technicalities :-)
+All: I should be available for posting tonight if anyone is around and wants to do some CD.
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: What Rattles a First Officer?==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.328
+Scene: Sickbay
+“So how’d it go?”  Jack asked.
+Once the commotion of the emergency med beam in and the arrest of Bennis and Campbell had been put to rest Jack, Stile and Sean had returned to the doctor’s office.
+“You’re both hilarious.”  Sean muttered.  “Missed your calling in fact.  You two comic geniuses should be on the road together you’d make millions.”
+“It would be nice bringing such joy to the masses.”  Jack mused.
+“I’d insist half our millions go to those less fortunate.”  Stile added.  “I am after all a humanitarian.”  He reached over and poured Sean a drink.
+“Ya I just noticed that.”  Sean replied dryly.  “A regular Albert Switzer.”
+“Who?” Jack asked.
+“Heathen.”  Stile said as he sadly shook his head at the captain.
+Jack shrugged.  “So Sean what happened.  You looked like you’d seen a ghost.”
+“I don’t know.”  Stile offered.  “I’ve seen him see a ghost and that was definitely not the look he had on his face then.  I think he’d have rather seen a ghost.”
+“That’s true.”  Sean agreed.
+“So what was it?”
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Hard Time==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.328
+Scene: Brig
+Corey Campbell lay on the hard mattress inside HOOD’s brig and stared at the ceiling.  He couldn’t believe that that idiot Bennis bit him but more then that he couldn’t believe that he’d been arrested.  Arrested and thrown in the brig like some sort of common criminal!  He’d been brought up on charges many times in his checkered career, he’d been reduced in rank more times then he cared to acknowledge and he’d spent more time on restricted duties then not. But he’d never been arrested.
+He liked Captain Steele, he even liked Commander Merrick, although he  still couldn’t figure out exactly why.  But they had gone off the deep end this time.  Arrested?  He chuckled at the memory of Bennis wailing like some kind of injured cow, the FO standing in an exam gown and in the middle of it all the captain looking like he could chew through duranium.  It had been quite a scene, right up until Steele had gotten all stern and started spouting out charges and ordering people into the brig.  It just was crazy.  Certainly the captain would calm down and come to his senses and let him out of the brig.  They’d all had a long and trying day and emotions were obviously running high.  Steele would make the order soon.  He was sure of it.
+Of course Lieutenant Hemux hadn’t helped things.  He couldn’t figure out how she’d been able to pin it on him.  Of course she hadn’t actually said she knew he had done it he realized.  All she had said was that someone had accessed the files.  They’d all just assumed he had done.  And why wouldn’t they?  He was, after all, the smartest one on the ship.  By a long shot.  But he’d covered his tracks.  There was no way they’d be able to pin it on him, not in a million years.  Still, Hemux had noticed the breach and, he admitted uncomfortably, he had been sure that no one would be able to see anything untoward had taken place.
+But the captain liked him.  He’d actually been more lenient then any other commanding officer he’d ever had.  And it wasn’t out of fear like some of his other COs.  Steele actually recognized the tremendous asset he had aboard his ship.  He wasn’t stupid he knew he needed Campbell.
+Corey smiled up at the ceiling.  It would all be just fine.
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: To Answer Your Question==
+===by Brian V. Mansur===
+SD: 2260.328
+Scene: Sickbay
+"To answer your question, love a woman, divorce her even though you still love her, and then have her die in a mass murder event of biblical proportions
+He paused to knock down half a glass of 200 proof.
+"And then sign onto a 5 year tour aboard a ship with someone who could be mistaken for her twin sister."
+"Who has seen you naked already to boot," Stile cut in with a laugh.  "You know what I think sar."  He banged his glass down on the table.  "You should go to her, ask her out to dinner," he started making cuddly motions with the air in front of him, "romance her, and damn it man, then you should sleep with her.  Hell, go marry her you sappy ass."
+Both Jack and Sean gave the half-drunk Stile gapping "what the hell" looks.
+Stile seemed to take the hint and shut up.  "Okay maybe that isn't such a good idea."
+Settling back, Sean said, "Seriously Stile, I may be an atheist now but sleeping around is a plain dumb.  Tell me about what happens when your ladies start meeting each other."
+"I will never tell."
+"No matter," Jack said, "I'm guessing you'll get to see it happen tomorrow in person Sean."
+"Huh?" Stile said.
+"Word has it that there are, let me see, one two three four, FIVE women on this ship trying to get in touch with you tonight?"
+Stile looked as if he'd just missed the punchline to a joke.
+"You're kidding right?"
+NRPG: Over to you Steve.  Time to put on the coffee for Stile.  I think he'll need it.
+Repectfully Submitted,
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Tender Moment==
+===by Brian V. Mansur===
+SD 2260.328
+Scene: Later that night, Deck 12, USS HOOD
+Gar moved purposefully through the halls, senses alert for any threat. He
+was hungry. Very very hungry.
+He turned the corner and there stood ... leftovers.
+"Hi Sean," Gar said.
+"Hi Gar," Sean replied politely. "Where you headed?"
+"Supper. You?"
+"Weapons locker."
+The friends smiled agreeably at each other then and went on their way.
+NRPG: This one is for you Scott. Hope you liked it.
+Repectfully Submitted,
+Brian V. Mansur
+LCDR Sean Merrick
+FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Not Invited to the Party==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.328
+Scene: Workout Room Two, USS HOOD
+Mark Compass pounded the heavy bag with a vengeance.  He knew it shouldn’t get to him but he couldn’t help himself.  He was pissed.  The fact that he was angry made it even worse.
+It had gone well enough.  He’d been given command of the ship while the majority of the senior staff went down to the planet.  He himself would admit that it wasn’t like there were any challenges facing HOOD for the majority of time he was in command.  But he was in the center seat when it hit the fan down below and he was the one that had the final say when the solutions started to be found *on* the ship.  Which he reflected wasn’t actually true he reflected in a moment of honesty.  In fact it was Lieutenant Hemux and the combined science and medical teams that found the solution and it was the captain that signed off on it.  But he was still the one with the responsibily when they were all saved.
+To be fair the captain had commended him on his actions and had even said he was relieved to have a bridge officer he knew he could rely on during a crisis.
+So why was he here taking his frustrations out on this bag instead of being down in sickbay with the rest of them?  What did he have to do to become a member of the inner sanctum?
+He understood that Steele, Merrick and Gar has served together since HOOD was commissioned and before Steele had been made captain.  But the doctor was as new as he was.  Yet there they all were hanging out in his office like they were back in an Academy dorm room.
+It made him sick.
+He so wanted to be down there.
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Night of Fun==
+===by Daniel Belin===
+Brig, Interrogation Room Number Four, 0200 hours Skeleton Shift
+"Mr. Campbell," said DeSimms, "I have been commissioned to do a preliminary investigation to find whether a General Court Martial is in order. I've been cracking at you for four hours and all I get are wisecracks and not even an account of what happened."
+"Nothing will get me off the ship or fleet. The Captain knows I am too valuable."
+"You are being uncooperative. So, if I find any wrongdoing, I will recommend at least that your commission be revoked or you be booted from the fleet," He gestured to the security officers, "Take him away."
+Suddenly, a harried looking Warrant Officer barged through the door. The first thing DeSimms noticed was the bloody gash in WO1 Garrison's uniform, "Sir! Sir! The whole ships going nuts!"
+"Report!"
+"We got Hemux stumbling around like a zombie, Gar is tearing up deck 5 with a hand phaser, we got a Bar Fight in the enlisted mess, the Skeleton replacement for the Lt. on Helm never showed up, we got a group of women looking for Corbett and I think some of em' are armed. General Unrest on all decks!"
+"Who's the senior officer on duty?"
+"You are, Sir. Everyone else is either going nutballs or sleepin'"
+DeSimms bulldozed past the Warrant Officer and smashed the button on the comm panel, "Bridge, go to Security Alert, Condition Baker Two. Flash the Captain!"
+"I already tried! I think they're asleep!"
+"Wake em' up!"
+"I tried, they're drunk asleep. Look, I have a feeling mother might let those women in. Orders?"
+"Put ship on automatic control," said DeSimms, "I want every guy who can safely carry a hand phaser down in Armory."
+<<Understood.>>
+DeSimms ran out of the Brig. He almost bulldozed over a group of five women carrying pipes and phasers. The ladies looked him over and asked, "Who are you."
+"I am Lieutenant DeSimms, the security chief. The ship is on Baker Two, where you all headed?"
+"To...uh...find Corbett," said the taller one in Sciences blue.
+"And why would you want Corbett at this hour?"
+"Look, we've set up triage in Storage Area 2. Get there on the double!"
+"Will Corbett be there?"
+"Probably," answered DeSimms. As they turned the corridor, he opened a channel to the armory, "Listen, set up a temporary holding area in Storage Area 2. Put guards on the door and make sure no one gets out without me or the Captain saying so. How many of you are down there."
+<<Sir, out of the 75 that are on Skeleton shift, 25 managed to show. Captain is still nowhere to be found.>>
+"Understood, I'll see if I can find him."
+Two minutes Later- Sickbay Office
+DeSimms had rang the bell. Twice. He was tired of this. He had already stunned two crewman, disarmed two Petty Officers running out of his quarters with pistols and knives, and rugby-tackled a freed Campbell. He was getting the Captain back into action, dammit! He backed up a few feet and ran at the door like a Kellatian Rhinoceros. It, like most personal and office doors on the ship, crumpled under the impact of 600+ pounds. Now the Captain stirred. He grumbled, "How long has the light been flashing."
+"Fifteen minutes. The whole ship's going bonkers!"
+"What," said Steele, now alert.
+"It seems everyone awake has just gone a little nuts. We got people running around screaming, and we got a whole party of angry women for Corbett."
+"Understood, Lieutenant! Any idea of what it might be."
+"Well," DeSimms said, "For some, like Hemux, it seems to be simple inebriation. For Gar, I don't know, but for everyone else, they either seem to be running around or sleeping like babies. I've got 15-25 people running chasing about 150!"
+"It seems like you've followed procedure on this one. I'm not sure what more I can do command-wise, but I can sure lend a helping hand!"
+<tag>
+--
+With all due respect,
+Daniel F. Belin
+John DeSimms
+U.S.S Hood
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Not Interested in the Party==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.328
+Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD
+Under like her bridge partner Lieutenant Kim Steering was exactly where she wanted to be.  She didn’t care if the entire ship was celebrating New Years Eve in the doctor’s office.  As far as she was concerned they cold stay down as long as they wanted.  It was her first time sitting in the center seat and as long as all the senior officers stayed off the bridge, her bridge, she would remain HOOD’s mistress under God.
+She knew she wasn’t really doing anything.  The ship was on course for Starbase 10 and they were fairly deep within Federation space. It wasn’t likely that something dire would happen but if it did she would be the first one to ascertain the situation and make the decision on what to do.
+She stroked the arm rest of the chair reverently as she stared out at the star field.  A small smile remained on her face after she had given up trying to remove it.
+“Coffee captain?”  Yeoman Green asked as she extended the cup with a supportive smile.  “Just how you like it.”
+Steering accepted the cup and took a small sip her eye brows shot up in surprise.  “Its exactly how I like it!”
+Green nodded matter-of-factly.  “It’s a yeoman’s job to know her captain’s preferences.”  She handed over the clipboard she had tucked underneath her arm.  “Fuel consumption reports for your signature.”
+Kim accepted the board and glanced down at the information.  Was she supposed to sign it?  It looked like the figures were reasonable but she really didn’t have any idea.
+“Don’t worry the numbers are where they are supposed to be.”  Greene whispered.  “And the captain gets the report on his terminal as well.”
+Kim signed the report and handed it back.  “Thank you yeoman I really appreciate it.”  She said formally but with clear gratitude in her eyes.  She waited a few more minutes and then rose from the center seat taking the long way over to the open science station where she accessed the ship’s computers and called up nominal fuel consumption reports for CONSTITUTION class cruisers.  She had no doubt that Greene had been honest with her but she knew if she was going to command a ship one day there were a lot of things she needed to know.  And this was a good a place to start as any.
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: What Party?==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.328
+Scene: Bridge, USS HOOD
+Lieutenant junior grade Terrence Marconi was blissfully unaware that there was any sort of festivities going on in sickbay or anywhere else aboard ship.  Like Lieutenant Steering he was exactly where he wanted to be. So engrossed in his comm board he had barely even realized that his friend Kim had the conn.
+Currently HOOD was passing close to Inda IV and he was intently studying the world.  The Indans had a tech base that put them approximately 25 to 30 years away from discovering the warp drive.  As such Starfleet Command was starting to make a concerted effort to gather information on the civilization in preparation for the covert teams that would study the society up close in preparation of the eventual first contact.  Although the Universal Translator had already decoded the Indan language Terry preferred to listen to the transmissions, mostly radio and video signals, emanating from the planet raw.  It was a good way to hone his linguistic skills and on the rare occasion he was able to identify a word or phrase the UT had gotten wrong.  It was all a matter of nuances.
+Currently he was monitoring an entertainment program that was likelky classified as science fiction.  It was interesting in a clinical way but he also had to admit he enjoyed the program immensely. So much so that he had instructed the ship’s computers to flag these transmissions specifically so he could watch them at his leisure.
+As far as Lieutenant Marconi was concerned, the party was right here.
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Runner!==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.329
+Scene: Unknown
+Fveirrolh Sahen lay in the small bunk and stared at the ceiling that was barely 5 centimetres above his face.  He supposed he should be grateful for the cramped uncomfortable coffin he had been hidden in, he was alive after all.  But it was beginning to become a little more than just confining.  Eight days of little movement and even less light was taking its toll.  He was starting to get anxious about his situation and with little to do but think he had spent many hours going over all the 'what if' scenarios.  Many of them he had considered before he had convinced himself to run.  They hadn't seen real then, but now as he struggled to remain calm inside his coffin where he had been placed by two strangers he had trusted everything to they seemed very real.
+Sahen had always been a scientist.  Even as a child he was more interested in observing and quantifying his surroundings rather than enjoying them.  Looking back he could understand why his strange tendencies had ostracized him from  the other children.  Even in school, where he had of course excelled in his studies he had been belittle and mocked.  His nickname had become Vulcan and he knew that even his instructors referred to him in this insulting manner when they thought he could not hear them.  Secretly of course he relished in the insult.  He could think of no higher compliment then being labeled a member of such a noble and intelligent race.  He had spent many hours fantisizing that he was in fact a true Vulcan who had some home been lost on a Roumlan world.  He dreamed of one day being able to return to his true homeland and be accepted by his brothers.  As he grew older these childish dreams were replaced by bitterness as he realized his dreams could never be achieved.  Vulcan's were the enemy intellectual puppets of their human masters.  Their intelligence used to create weapons to destroy the Empire.  Charges he must accept and spew out publically but beliefs he would never privately allow.  His hatred for the Empire grew.
+As he grew into adulthood his intelligence became accepted and then sought after.  He was accepted into the most prestigious institute on his home world where he, of course, excelled.  When he found he could learn nothing from his simple minded instructors he was sent to Romulus and soon was patiently explaining the nature of the universe to his instructors.  Finally he was accepted.  He was surrounded by the best and brightest of the Romulan scientific community.  His colleagues repsected his intelligence, sought his guidance, and on rare occasions provided him with insights and discoveries he had not considered.  It had been a most pleasing time.
+Yet still there was the emptiness and frustration.  As an able bodied male it was expected that he would join the military and work towards the greater glory of the Empire.  That he did not was looked on with suspicion and cowardice.  Even when, his studies complete, he joined the military and began to work in its science division he was still viewed with disdain by a society reared on conquest.  A true solider of the empire did not run tests and write papers, they conquered worlds and squashed rebellion. So far as his neighbours were concerned he was not a true Romulan.
+Eventually his disaffection became known by those who felt as he did.  He was approached and accepted and eventually became a leader in this underground and outlawed group.  A group who only sought peace and openness with all beings of the galaxy.  A group who ranks he of course rose in.  A group who, he had almost found too late, was home to many government spies.
+And so he had been forced to take the action which he had always dreamed of but never been brave enough to seize.  He had been forced to flee.
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Just some ground work for the next mission.
+Resoectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: No Smoke, More Dreams...==
+===by David Martens===
+SD: 2260.322
+MD: after mission
+Scene: Corridors, USS HOOD
+ARr'Rhiana found herself sitting at a wall in a corridor. She blinked with her
+eyes as she noticed five young women rushing along, armed, with dangerously
+looking eyes and bright smiles asking everyone if they had seen Stile. Others
+where starting small fights amongst each other or just using handphasors to fire
+at the walls or ceilings. Heck, she even had seen a young couple that was
+`burning' their names with a large heart drawing around it on every door they
+came by.
+A few minutes later she lurked a last time on her pipe and inhaled the last
+smoke. She sighed and closed her eyes for a long moment to enjoy the feelings
+of her hallucinations a last time. She grinned as she thought of her vision of
+Sean nude in the sickbay, the idea of five woman running around to chase Stile
+and...
+Hemux opened her eyes as she suddenly realised that the noise she heard was
+real, not a part of a hallucination; She blinked her eyes again as she noticed
+the chaos around her. This was not a mushroom - dream, this was real!
+While she was stumbling back through the corridors, avoiding people, sometimes
+even using her fists to keep some people from attacking her, she tried to
+contact the bridge and captain at every Comm she passed by. Mostly she just got
+static, sometimes people singing or shouting, but no captain, no bridge. What
+was going on?
+She had to get to science or to the bridge, either of those places would be good
+to start to find out what was happening.
+<tag anyone>
+<<<NRPG>>>
+Hi All,
+Hey, guy, this is not fair, I am living in poor old Europe, please wait with
+your posts untill I am also here...
+On the other hand: keep posting guys, we might beat the Connie!
+Respectfully,
+David Martens
+Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux
+CSciO , USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Measure of Revenge==
+===by Scott Lusby===
+SD: 2260.330
+<<snip- from Brian's post, entitled "A Tender Moment">>
+Gar moved purposefully through the halls, senses alert for any threat. He
+was hungry. Very very hungry.
+He turned the corner and there stood ... leftovers.
+"Hi Sean," Gar said.
+"Hi Gar," Sean replied politely. "Where you headed?"
+"Supper. You?"
+"Weapons locker."
+The friends smiled agreeably at each other then and went on their way.
+<<snip- new material>>
+As soon as Gar rounded the corner and out of the sight of the First Officer,
+his grin did a one-eighty and turned to a frown. "They"- most of the senior
+staff- had been all over him about what he was forced to do to one of the
+security officers on the planet...
+...but Merrick had been, by far, his worst tormentor. It probably had
+something to do with the fact that Merrick was next on Gar's dining card,
+but the fact that Gar was NOT in control of his own actions at that time
+seemed to have been lost on him.
+For that matter, Gar's own pain at having been forced to do such a thing
+didn't seem to matter to Merrick either. He expected to receive a little
+stick about it, frankly...but Merrick's puns, jabs and jibes were
+inexhaustible. And though Gar was hardly weeping openly in the hallways as
+he walked, he still bore the scars of his violation...
+...and every time Merrick made a wisecrack, it tore them open just a little
+bit more.
+Suddenly, Gar stopped outside of the officer's mess, antennae twitching,
+corners of his mouth suddenly turned upwards in a decidedly devilish-looking
+grin.
+"Time for someone to pay," he said and, spinning on his heels, headed in the
+other direction.
+///
+Setting: Merrick's Quarters, a few hours later the XO's somewhat
+embarrassing evening in Sick Bay
+Sean Merrick passed through the open doorway and into his room with a
+somewhat less-than-stable gait. He wasn't exactly "stumbling"- at least not
+yet- but he was at least as little worse-for-wear from his exploits in Sick
+Bay.
+After a couple of steps, his olfactory senses detected something- something
+that smelled frakking delicious. Which was convenient, given that he was
+JUST thinking about sneaking down to the officer's mess and whipping up a
+nice steak or something...
+After a couple of sharp head movements, Merrick's eyes found the source of
+the aroma: a covered plate at the head of the small table in his quarters,
+flanked by the ship's formal silverware, a glass of what appeared to be red
+wine, and a folded napkin.
+Sean smiled, though he had no idea who had arranged for such a wonderful
+treat as he walked over to the chair. He took a seat, and looked at his
+plate. Closing his eyes, he raised his head, and inhaled the aroma deeply,
+smiling widely as he did.
+After a moment, he could take no more. Merrick tucked the napkin into his
+neck and, lifting a fork and a knife, cut a healthy morsel from the
+medium-rare filet mignon on his plate and popped it into his mouth.
+The meat melted in his mouth.
+From that point, he dug in with gusto, moving from meat to baked potato to
+salad back to meat in an inexact, random fashion.
+When he was nearly done, he noticed the menu which had been slid part-way
+under his plate.
+Merrick sipped the wine as he pulled the menu out and read from the card:
+///
+"Chez Gar"
+Menu for Stardate 2260.330:
+. Filet of Merrick in a light butter-garlic sauce
+Baked Potato smothered in gravy made from Merrick-fat
+House Salad
+Picard Chianti, year 2256
+(may substitute Picard Cabernet Sauvignon for wine)
+Also available:
+. Merrick-chops Parmasan with Spaghetti
+Andorian Snow Peas in a butter sauce
+House Salad
+Picard Pinot Grigio, year 2258
+(may substitute Picard Riesling for wine)
+. Grilled Merrick-tails in a butter-lemon sauce
+Denobulan White Corn
+House Salad
+Picard Rose, year 2259
+All meals include a 15% gratuity for the chef.
+We proudly serve 100% Merrick meat: "Merrick- the other, other, OTHER white
+meat."
+///
+Merrick felt himself flush as he read the hand-written note scribbled at the
+bottom:
+"Sean,
+Hope you enjoy your meal- and don't be afraid to try the Merrick-tails; I
+hear they are in season!"
+Hugs and Kisses,
+Gar Th'elenth"
+Merrick's stomach felt slightly queasy despite his knowing that this meal
+was NOT really "him."
+He started to scoop up the last of the filet on his fork, but, after a
+moment, froze again.
+"Son of a--," he hissed, dropping the fork back onto the plate.
+<<NRPG>>
+Sean- touché.
+Hungrily Submitted,
+-- Scott Lusby
+/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth
+Chief Engineer
+USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Player One==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.331
+Scene: Global Exports Office
+M'Lara stood in the doorway and looked at her mate in disgust.  It was barely two in the afternoon and he leaned on his desk snoring loudly, empty bottles of bloodwine strewn throughout the room.  It was bad enough that she had been mated to this petaQ, worse still that her illustrious husband had managed to fail in ever task he had given and thus leading to his current assignment on this hell hole.  Worst of all he had been given a chance to redeem himself and she already knew he would fail.  Just as he always did.
+"Husband wake up."  She said in an almost pleasant voice  "Husband!  Wake Up!"  This time he stirred.  But then the snoring got louder.  With a litany of curses she strode across the room.  "Wake up now!"  Two fists came slamming down on the desk causing her husband's head to bounce up and then crash back down.
+"What time is it?"  He asked groggily.
+"Time for you to get your filthy carcass up and begin to pretend you are a male."
+K'Temec of the house of D'jon jumped up from his desk with a roar.  "you forget your place woman!"
+"Better."  She sneered as she tossed a PADD on to the desk.  "It would seem you have work to do."
+<<<NRPG>>>
+More pre mission groundwork
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Player Two==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260. 331
+Scene: Romulan Scout Ship
+Centurion llhran Kola cursed the god for at least the fourth time in an hour as he willed his small one man ship to go faster.  His assignment had been to monitor Fveirrolh Sahen and he had spent the last year watching the scientist.  It was clear Sahen was only playing the part of the loyal Romulan and Kola had watched patiently as the scientist began to exhibit his inner thoughts.  First, he began to display his less then enthusiastic sentiments for the Empire to several of his colleagues (one of which was a intelligence operative) at the institute.  Next he began a relationship with a member of the anti-government underground.  The man was clearly trying to recruit Sahen and Sahen was just as obviously intrigued with the idea.
+Eventually, after much ego stroking, Sahen joined the local underground movement.  For several weeks he was content to come to meetings and listen to the diatribe the leaders spewed forth.  As he became more comfortable he began to join in and then dominate the discussions.  Within 6 months he was leading his own cell and was actively, and successful, increasing recruitment.
+This was something that could no longer be ignored.  Centurion Kola was issued orders to round up the leaders of the local cells as well as any other members he felt posed a danger to the government.  The operation went off with only a single failure.  Fveirrolh Sahen had not been at the meeting and had evaded arrest.  Not only was the failure to capture the most important leaders a stain on his perfect record Kola could not believe that Sahen’s disappearance was a simple coincidence.  What had seemed to be nothing more then a nuisance was now potentially much more especially given the programs that Sahen had not only spear-headed but had access to.  It had not taken long to discover that the traitor had left the planet and Kola knew that if he did not arrest Sahen and return him to Romulus before his superiors found out he would be branded either complicit with the traitors or simply incompetent.  It did not matter which, for and intelligence officer the penalty was the same.
+He cursed the gods again.
+<<<NRPG>>>
+More mission groundwork.
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Formulating a Plan==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.331
+Scene: Global Export Office
+K’Temec stared down at the PADD his wife had thrown in front of him and steered at the Romulan face that stared back at him.  Another assassination he assumed as he pulled the red datachip from the PADD and inserted into his computer.  As the resident intelligence officer representing the Empire on the planet Arcturus he regularily sent back what information he could glean on this pathetic world.  On occasion he would receive and order to quietly kill someone.  Generally that was some digusting merchant who’s goods had not been what were promised or a Klingon mercenary who had come to here after annoying the wrong person.  He had never been ordered to kill someone from one of the Empire’s deadly enemies.  He scratched at his chin thoughtfully as he waited for his computer to power up.
+Finally the brief but shocking orders flashed across the screen.  Not an assassination but a kidnapping.  He leaned back in his chair and considering the implications.  This was a real mission, one that was being watching by Council Members no doubt.  A mission that, if successful, would save him from this dreary world where he had been banished so many years ago.
+So a Romulan traitor was coming here?   He looked back at the image of Sahen with a predatory grin.  Decided to escape the paranoid and repressive Empire to throw his lot in with the weak willed Federation.  He chuckled at the notion knowing what all Klingons did, you could never trust a Romulan.
+He would have to think on this.  Dozens of ships arrived and departed here every day, how was he determine which ship his quarry was on?  Next, how would he capture him?  Surely the Federation knew he was coming.  They of course would want to welcome this Sahen into their fold.  But they would not want to do so openly and possibly escalate the cool relations they had Romulus.  No they would send operatives to quietly snatch this traitor.  He would have to find the Romulan before they did.  But that was a problem he could see know answer.  He frowned at the thought knowing he would have to ask his wife.  As infuriating as she was he had no illusions as to which of the two was the smarter.
+But first he would call his Romulan counterpart.
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Player Three Out==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD:260.331
+Scene: The Tavern Laughing Vulcan
+K’Temec scowled at his tankard as he waited for Pilo the sole Romulan intelligence officer.  Many star nations had sent intelligence operatives here and likehim self none of them had been assigned to this paradise as a reward.  No, those who had been unofficially exiled here had been sent due to their incompetence, or in recognition of their failures.  Pilo was no difference in this sense and K’Temec was glad for it.  Over the years they had all come to know one another.  What started off as a mutual mistrust had slowly formed into a group recognition that they were al in the same boat.  Overtime they began to keep in regular contact passing on information to each other which could then be sent home as proof that they were all being good little spies.  It was easier for all.  Nothing of consequence ever happened on this god forsaken rock and all knew that no one would betray their homeworlds.  It was a system that served them all.
+Tonight it would serve K’Temec just as it would pass judgement on Pilo.
+Finally, the Klingon thought, as the Romulan entered the small tavern and headed to meet K’Temec at their customary table in the back corner.  Pilo, he was pleased to see, was drunk as he usually was.  That would make things so much easier.
+“nuqneH.”   Jilo said in greeting as he sat down.
+“Jolantru.”  The Klingon replied.  “I have information.  I am sure you must know it already but I wanted to make sure.”
+“What type of information.”  The Romulan answered after the waitress had put his usual drink in front of him.
+“Of the traitor.”
+“What traitor?”  Pilo asked.
+K’Temec hid a smile.  If Pilo had known he would have of course denied the knowledge.  There was only so much information that they shared.  “The Romulan traitor who is racing here as we speak.”
+Pilo blinked over his glass before he took a sip. He was deep in thought at the Klingon’s story he did not notice the taste was strangely sweet.  “I can not speak of such things.”  He finally replied.
+K’Temec emptied his tankard and laughed.  “Good!  As I said I had assumed you would have been informed of this by your government.  I offer my assistance to you to capture the disgusting filth.  Qaplaa!”  He said as he rose from the table and stode out of the tavern. Soon the waitress would be found dead and soon after the poison she had slipped into Pilo’s drink would take affect.  Then he would be the only one who would know this traitor was coming.  What secrets could he provide the Empire?  Surely they would be enough to get K’Temec home.
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Out for Good==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.331
+Scene: Outside the Laughing Vulcan
+Pilo left the Laughing Vulcan in a panic.  He had no knowledge of what the stinking Klingon had told him.  None.  He had received the latest intelligence update from the home world just this afternoon.  Even the ‘housekeeping’ reports pertaining to him and Arcturus had not hinted at this.
+He stopped and stared as the reason worked its way through the alcohol that was clouding his mind.  They hadn’t told him on purpose.  A traitor was heading this way and his superiors held him in such disdain that not only did they fail to send orders for him to intercept and arrest this traitor they had not even bothered to tell them that an operation involving his area of responsibility was being conducted
+And the Klingon knew!  The filthy beast.  That was the worst dishonour of them all.  He knew and he felt suck pity for his ‘Romulan friend’ he passed on the information.  Pilo came to a halt and sat on a bench over looking the river.  The alcohol was affecting more then usual and he had to stop and think.  Why had the Klingon told him?  It was surely not out of any great altruism, professional courtesy even here on this travesty of a world, did not go this far.  No!  He realized, the Klingon was looking for information.  K’Temec wanted to know what information, if any, Pilo had.  But if he had been on a, what did the humans call, fishing expedition?  Why then did he tell him in the end?
+“Oh!” Pilo moaned both in realization of what the Klingon had done and in response to the pain of his stomach dissolving away.  His last thought before he fell to his knees and then rolled down the embankment into the river below was that finally he was free.
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Orders...of a Kind==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.331
+Scene: Captain’s Quarters, USS HOOD
+Jack stared at the screen in surprise and read his terse orders through for the third time.  He kept telling himself that he must have missed some small fact that would allow him to understand the orders.  Something that would make it all seem reasonable.  But there wasn’t much to the entire message and there was no way around it.  With a shrug he sent his acknowledgement back to Command and then forwarded the orders to the first officer and chief engineer.  With in seconds his comm was beeping.
+“Yes Mr. Gar?”  He said pleasantly, noting the sour look on the Andorian’s face.
+[Sir I don’t understand these orders.]  Gar began bluntly.
+“Well that is disappointing commander because I was hoping you would be able to shed some light on them for me.  I take it you haven’t forwarded any reports to Starfleet Engineering outlining deficiencies with the ship?”
+[There are no problems with HOOD!]  Gar assured him.  [All our damage during the fight with the Klingons was made good before we sailed.  We are fully loaded with both supplies and parts.  There is no reason for this.]
+Jack nodded.  “Very well Commander you’ve seen the orders.  Please compile a list of whatever could be addressed while we are in dry dock.  Steele out.”  He thought it best to close the channel before the engineer working himself into a froth.
+He looked at the orders one last time.  HOOD was to report to Starbase 10 and then 24 hours later she was to park in the Starbase’s repair dock where she would remain for a period of 7 days.
+He shrugged as he closed down the terminal.  Hopefully there would be more answers once they reached the Starbase.
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+==[ORIGINS] USS Hood: What Security Needs==
+===by Daniel Belin===
+Ready Room- USS Hood, 0730 shipboard, 5 hours out of Starbase 10.
+"Sir, what I really need now is men. Not just men, but well trained
+men," DeSimms grumbled. He looked to the Captain.
+"Go on."
+"With all due respect to the Captain, I am freaking tired of
+chaperoning people just out of PT. I have one specialist, my Second
+Officer, and the rest are just a bunch of teenagers serving out their
+first tour of duty!"
+"Well, Mr. DeSimms," said Steele, "You'll be pleased to know we are
+getting the replacements for all the men lost to the Klingons and on
+Velorum. Not to mention the addition of several security men. They are
+all specialists and on their second or even third tour."
+"Great! We have men, but now we are lacking in materiel."
+"Have you got a list? This is important. I know you have not seen our
+orders, but the gist is to turn this ship into a fortress, a POW
+transport, a Battleship, a floating hospital, and Starfleet
+Intelligence Centre."
+"Jesus. I better start conferring with the engineer."
+"He's waiting for you to come down now."
+"Well now you told me this, I have to revise my shopping list. I'll
+send it to you when I am done with the engineer."
+"Got it! I want that list by 0930!"
+<tag Scott>
+---
+Submitted with Respect
+Daniel Belin
+Lieutenant John DeSimms
+Security, USS Hood
+ASR ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Accountability==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.332
+Scene: Captain’s Quarters
+“So what do you think?”  Jack asked Sean after the surveillance footage ended.
+Merrick chuckled.  “The bastards.  I can’t believe Campbell got caught on something so stupid.  And we’ve got him on the log hacking as well?”
+“Got him cold.”  Jack shook his head still shocked at the whole sorry mess.  He thought he’d gotten through to him, thought Corey was going to be on the team.
+“So what are you going to do with him?”
+Jack handed over the PADD.  “I’m going to get him to sign this.”
+Sean whistled as he read it.  “That will be quite an accomplishment.”
+“I like to give myself goals.”  Jack agreed.
+“What do you want to do with the other idiot?”
+“That’s your call.  I’m sure you’ll be fair but stern.”
+“It’s a hard line to walk.”  Sean agreed with a chuckle.  “I’m sure Mr. Bennis will understand the error of his ways when I finish with him.”  He rubbed his chin.  “I can’t really bust him any lower in rank but there are always options I like to say.”
+Jack stood up.  “Well I’m going to go tackle mine, you have fun with yours.”
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Part of the Bureaucracy==
+===by Scott Lusby===
+SD: 2260.333
+Setting: Engineer's Office, 0645 shipboard
+Lieutenant Commander Gar Th'elenth, by this point in his career, was used to
+waking up and seeing orders that didn't make sense cross his desk...
+...but few had been this bad.
+"Well, that's not quite true," Gar muttered to himself. "At least THESE
+orders weren't likely to get anyone killed."
+And that was true enough, he told himself. However, he'd rarely seen any
+orders that were as inefficient or unnecessary, either.
+He decided to see if Captain Steele had any more thoughts on the matter,
+though he was pretty certain Jack would have said something first if there
+was anything to say.
+He punched a red button on his desk, and the comm channel opened. The
+none-too-happy face of Jack Steele filled his viewscreen.
+<<snip- from Andy's post, entitled "Orders...of a Kind," edited to fit Gar's
+perspective.>>
+[Yes Mr. Gar?] Steele said pleasantly, noting the sour look on the
+Andorian's face.
+"Sir, I don't understand these orders," Gar began bluntly.
+[Well that is disappointing commander because I was hoping you would be
+able to shed some light on them for me. I take it you haven't forwarded any
+reports to Starfleet Engineering outlining deficiencies with the ship?]
+Gar took the bait Steele had left dangling for him. "There are no problems
+with HOOD!" Calming slightly, he continued, "All our damage during the
+fight with the Klingons was made good before we sailed. We are fully loaded
+with both supplies and parts. There is no reason for this."
+Jack nodded. [Very well Commander, but you've seen the orders. Please
+compile a list of whatever could be addressed while we are in dry dock.
+Steele out.]
+The Andorian watched the channel close and shook his head. "Of all the
+stupid things..."
+Gar grabbed the tablet on his desk which began this whole mess- the one with
+the orders on it, and read through them one last time- this time out loud,
+so as to make sure he didn't miss any detail that might lend some clarity to
+them.
+"'USS HOOD to report to Starbase 10 and then proceed 24 hours later to slip
+A-7 in the Starbase's repair dock for repair and refit for a period of 7
+days.'"
+The Engineer couldn't fathom it: he'd essentially been given carte blanche
+to do anything he wanted to HOOD- which and of itself was strange, given the
+stranglehold with which the beancoutners held appropriations. But then
+they'd gone and given him only a week's time, which was not enough time to
+do ANYTHING meaningful.
+Gar sneered as the realization dawned on him. This smacked of politics:
+whoever sent these orders wanted to be seen as "doing everything possible"
+to make sure Starfleet got everything it needed...while ensuring it would
+never be anything too expensive by giving them no time to do it in.
+However, a couple of thoughts were starting to ferment in his brain. He
+knew at least one other person here who was certain to be bending the
+Captain's ear with his needs...
+Gar's sneer curled at the corners of his mouth, and turned into a fairly
+evil-looking grin.
+If the Captain wants a list of things we need, he'll get a list, all
+right.
+He touched the comm panel again. "Please set up a meeting with Lieutenant
+DeSimms and Lieutenant Compass after DeSimms gets finished with the meeting
+I know he'll be having with the Captain," he said to his second-in-command.
+"We have some brainstorming to do."
+<<NRPG>>
+Just setting up the JP I am going to write with Daniel.
+Daniel- I'll be writing that JP up tonight. Wife is working this evening,
+so it'll be late.
+Respectfully Submitted,
+-- Scott Lusby
+/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth
+Chief Engineer
+USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: He Will Be Missed==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD:2260.332
+Scene: Brig, USS HOOD
+Jack did not look up from the computer screen as the doors to the briefing room swished open and Corey Campbell was escorted in by two security officers.  “You can wait outside gentlemen.”  He said, not looking up until the doors swished closed behind them.  “Have a seat Mr. Campbell.”
+“Yes sir.” Corey mumbled as he sat down.  “Thank you sir.”  He had screwed up big time he thought to himself as he struggled to look up at the captain.  He knew that eventually he would but he just didn’t think it would be this soon.  It was too bad, he had really enjoyed his time here.  Much more then he had at any of his last few postings.  And, he mused, he probably wouldn’t get another starship.  His next assignement would probably be a fleet base or on ship stationed near the Core Worlds.  He’d have to build up some good will before he’d be able to get reassigned on an exploration vessel.  He hoped to get another CONSTITUTION class ship.  They were state-of-the-art and he’d been able to do a lot of research here.  He only wished he’d researched the security systems better then he had.  He never would have believed he could have been caught so easily.  It was pretty embarrassing.
+“You’re aware of the charges against you?”  The captain asked.
+“I am sir.”
+“And you’ve seen the evidence?”
+“I’ve seen what Lieutenant DeSimms showed me sir.”  Corey said with meek defiance.  He knew he was guilty but he wasn’t going to make it easy for anyone.  Not that it would affect the outcome.  It never did.
+“Any explanation?”
+Corey shrugged.  “None sir.”
+“I see.”  Jack finally answered as he watched Corey shift under his glare.  “Very well.  Read this.”
+Corey almost pushed the PADD back without reading it.  He knew what it would say,  it was always the same.  But he liked the captain so he decided to humour him.  Let him believe he’s the first one to come up with this.  He bolted upright as he realized what the document was.  “You can’t do this!”
+“Sit down Mr. Campbell!”  He waited until Corey was back in his seat.  “I realize in the past your commanding officers gave you the choice to face charges or put in for a transfer.  I am not going to do that.  First I don’t pass my problems on to  someone else and second I believe that you will be better served by doing resigning from Starfleet, effective immediately or I hand you over to Starbase 10’s security with my recommendation that all these charges be pursued.
+“You can’t.”  Corey said hollowly.  “I won’t sign it.”
+“Mr. Campbell with your intelligence you have a great future ahead of you.  But not in Starfleet.  You don’t fit here and you never will.  I recognize that, surely you must.  I don’t know why you haven’t left yet.  But I am going to makesure you do.  Unless you prefer to spend the bulk of your life in a Starfleet Penal Colony.”  He pushed the PADD back across the desk.  “Decide.  Right now.”  He watched with great satisfaction as the document was signed.
+<<<nrpg>>>
+Poor Corey…I’ll miss him.  ;-)
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: No More Questions==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.333
+Scene: Docking Tube, Starbase Ten
+“Captain!  Captain Steele!”
+Jack and Sean stepped off the docking tube onto Starbase 10 and did their best to pretend they didn’t notice the half dozen reporters waiting to badger them just a few meters away.  Jack turned to grimace at his XO careful to ensure the angle would not allow the vid cameras to see him.  Sean smiled in response.  “Shall we?”  He asked pleasantly knowing full well that any conversation they had would be easily picked up by the news microphones.  Which mean they couldn’t comment on what they thought of the scrum they would have to wade through.
+“Captain Steele, I’m Guy Smiley GNS news.  Welcome to Starbase Ten.”
+“Thank you Guy.”  Jack replied with a smile as he slowly kept walking across the bay to the lift that would whisk them away to the safety of the command centre.  “It’s good to be here.”  He lied.
+“Two weeks ago your ship, USS HOOD, engaged and destroyed several Klingon warships that had entered Federation space.  What can you tell us about this?”
+ “Well Guy I can’t really add any more to the comments I have already made on this mission.”  Jack replied knowing full well he had not spoken publicly about the operation.  He was just trying to waste as much time as he could as he and Sean continued to make for the turbolift.
+“Of course.”  The reported answered.  “But wasn’t what the Klingons did an act of war?”
+“Guy as you are aware the Klingon government has made clear that the actions of those rogue Klingons was not in any way sanctioned.”
+“There are some who say that the whole operation was in fact sanctioned by the Klingons and this was a prelude to war.”
+Jack kept walking.  He hadn’t heard a question so there was no reason to answer.
+“Commander Merrick.  Is Starfleet ready for war?”  Smiley persisted.
+“Starfleet is certainly capable of defending the Federation and her allies.  Fortunately  we are at peace with our neighbours it gives us the opportunity to continue with Starfleet’s main goal.  Exploration.”
+“That might have been true in the past but you have to admit that the CONSITUTION class program was an obvious decision to begin an arms race with the Klingons and the Romulans.  Each one of those ships is a floating fortress capable of destruction the likes of which has never been seen before.”
+“Guy the universe is a dangerous place as we have seen time and time again.  When we sail out into the unknown we need to be able to defend ourselves and the new colonies and research outposts we help establish.  But our defensive systems are only a small part of a CONSTITUTIONS class ship’s makeup.  HOOD and her sisters carry the most powerful mobile computers in the quadrant.  We have labs and medical facilities that rival the best institutions from around the Federation.  We resupply colony worlds, respond and provide relief to natural disasters and more often then not we are the ones charged with the initial diplomatic dialogue with the new races we encounter.  We’re all working towards the same goal, peaceful exploration and scientific discovery.”  The lift doors swished open and Jack turned back to smile at the reporters.  “Now if you’ll excuse us?”
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: An Upset Cory is Twice as Dangerous==
+===by Daniel Belin===
+Continuity: occurs before and parallel to Andy's post.
+---
+Bridge- USS HOOD, T minus Two minutes before docking.
+"Drop to one-half impulse," said Steele, looking at the tactical map. He gestured to Powers to open a channel,and a muscular man with graying hair wearing old fashioned glasses appeared onscreen. Steele looked at the man and said, "Admiral Hayes, how are you?"
+[[Excellent, Captain. Ready to dock at the crossroads of the universe?]]
+Indeed Starbase 10 was at the crossroads of the Galaxy. In one direction laid the Tarsus Expanse, which had several colonies, mines, and dozens of various spacefaring races. In another direction laid the beta quadrant, volatile free space. In yet another, there were the Core Worlds. It was near two of the biggest trading routes of the galaxy; The Orion Belt and Heading 211 mark 15, which connected the Core Worlds and the Colonial regions. Not only was the physical Starbase a large and important one, the civilian towns, docks, warehouses, stopover areas, and the large city Hedron tended to flourish. There were hundreds of Starfleet warehouses and engineering facilities, as well as storage bays the size of Geltian football stadiums filled with all forms of provisons and supplies. For civilians and the off-duty Starfleet officer, there were thousands of shops and recreational facilities that catered both to the commonplace and more exotic tastes.
+"Aye sir," said Steele, closing the channel. When they docked, and only about 20 people were needed to run the ship, he would let the other thousand run loose. It was their first opportunity for shore leave ever since he assumed command of the vessel (and for about a year before that!), and he was not going to deny it for them. DeSimms probably knew some more shady individuals on the planet who might replenish his ammo supply, then Doc would probably go Tequila hunting. He also knew that some of the enlisted men, and some of the officers too, would enjoy a very specific form of recreational facility which was plentiful on the planet.
+"Dock her well, Mister Compass," said Steele. He looked at Powers and said to her, "Once relief crews arrive, keep a man on Communications and someone in engineering. Send the rest of the crew down. Well, at least try to get most of them to leave."
+He now turned to the entire bridge, "I want everyone who is standing on this bridge to take their week of R&R and spend most of it on the planet."
+He got a lot of grumbling, but finally he heard the bridge crew chorus, "Aye, sir."
+Transporter Room 1- Docked at station.
+Two security guys manhandled Cory onto the transporter. Cory mumbled and grumbled, but finally, "Fine. Gar, it was a pleasure."
+Gar looked down at the teleport panel and waited for a few seconds. He could have said something meaningful, but instead, Gar raised his unoccupied hand, made a fist, and then lifted a solitary middle finger. DeSimms had trouble containing his laughter, and Cory turned red with anger.
+DeSimms handed Cory a card and said, "You have a way with computers, Mr. Campbell. I am not a heartless bastard, so heres a contact card for Federation Intelligence. Maybe you can do something there."
+"Thank you, DeSimms. Permission to disemabark?"
+"Granted," DeSimms nodded to Gar, and Gar pushed up the three sliders. They thought this was the last they would hear of Campbell.
+Public Communications Lines- SB 10, Line with Earth.
+The face of Mary Campbell filled the screen. The seventy year old was disappointed in the HOOD, and she made it very clear to Cory that she would try to get him back in the fleet, "Listen, Cory. I will do my best to get you into the fleet, but I don't know how far I will get with that. What I can do is persuade them to assign the HOOD an IA guy, who will probably be civilian to the ship."
+"That should get them all in trouble," said Cory, smiling.
+"They should get in trouble for what they did to you," said Mary, "And all the other transgressions I have heard about. Bye, Cory."
+"Bye, Mom!"
+[[Memo]]
+From: Fleet Admiral JT Comsol, Chief, Starfleet Operations
+To: Rear Admiral Makarov, Commandant, Starbase 10 and Operational Fleet 2
+Subject: Internal Affairs
+Internal Affairs shall be assigned to USS Hood for next operational mission. This will be effective from T-1 hour before leaving drydock and will apply until next post-mission stopover. Alert all applicable parties of the preceding order
+Signed,
+Fleet Admiral JT Comsol, Chief, Starfleet Operations
+[[Reply to Memo]]
+From: Rear Admiral Makarov, Commandant, Starbase 10 and Operational Fleet 2
+To: Fleet Admiral JT Comsol, Chief, Starfleet Operations
+Subject: RE: Internal Affairs.
+Orders understood and relayed. Qualified civilian, Ms. Ida Melbourne, has been assigned. Captain Steele has responded that they will be ready to take her aboard T-1 day before leaving drydock.
+Signed,
+Rear Admiral Ogily Makarov, Commandant, Starbase 10
+--
+With all due respect,
+Daniel F. Belin
+LT JOHN DESIMMS
+SEC, USS HOOD
+NCC-1703
+ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Shore Leave for Most==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.333
+Scene: Starbase Ten
+“So, what do you think?”
+“I think the admiral hates us.”  Sean answered as the two HOOD officers stood just outside the admiral’s office.
+Jack chuckled and reached for his communicator.  “Steele to HOOD.”
+[Gar here.]
+“Whats your present location Mr. Gar?”
+[I’m in my office sir.  Mr. Compass is keeping your seat warm.]  Jack and Sean traded a look.  Although he hadn’t said it you could clearly here ‘that idiot Mr. Compass’ in the Andorian’s tone.
+“Good.   Commander HOOD is going to be moving over to the dry dock in six hours.  Before that happens the entire crew, save for the senior officers, have to be off.”
+[Sir?]  Gar answered incredulously.  [The entire crew?]
+“An immediate 10 day shore leave for all crew either on the Starbase or at the facilities.  The repair teams will be assisting the officers in the uh, repair work.”
+“Smooth.”  Sean whispered, rolling his eyes at the captain.
+“Get the department heads on it right away and also notify them that we will have a senior officer’s briefing in two hours.  Steele out.”
+“Well I have to admit to feeling more then a little guilty hiding over here for the next two hours.  I’m sure lunch in the O Club will help me get over it.  Care to join me?”
+“Wait.”  Sean said as he cupped a hand to his ear.
+“What?”
+“I think I can hear Gar’s screams from here.”
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Mission Brief==
+===by Andy Catterick===
+SD: 2260.333
+Scene: Main Conference Room, USS HOOD
+As the last officer entered the conference room Jack leaned forward and began the briefing.  “As you all know, four hours from now HOOD will transit over to the dry dock for repairs and refit.  Obviously this is not necessary and is instead only a ruse to cover for the fact that some of us will not be aboard her.”  He turned to face Lieutenant Commander Compass.  “Commander in three hours you will take temporary command of the ship.  Over the next 7 to 10 days your job, with the assistance of Lieutenants Steering and Marconi, will be to ensure this subterfuge is kept up.  As far as anyone is concerned the rest of us are still aboard overseeing various classified upgrades.  In actual fact as HOOD heads over to the slip we will beam off and onto a passing cargo shuttle heading for the planet.  Clear?”
+“Yes sir.”  It wasn’t clear by any stretch of the imagination but it wasn’t like he had the option of any other answer.  Besides he would be in command.  What did he care about the reasons!
+“Very well.  You three are dismissed.”
+Once the three officers had departed Jack inserted a datachip into the computer and a Romulan face appeared on the tri screen monitor.  “This is the Romulan Scientist Fveirrolh Sahen.  It seems that Mr. Sahen has decided it is time to move on to greener pastures.”
+“Federation pastures perhaps?”  Stile drawled.
+“Exactly that.”  Jack confirmed.  “Currently he is on his way to the planet Arcturus.”  The captain ignored Gar’s groan.  “Our mission is to quietly meet him and escort him back to Starbase Ten.  Obviously if Romulus finds out they won’t be very happy with the Federation.”
+“Which means Starfleet won’t be very happy with us.”
+“I think that is a safe bet.”  Jack confirmed.  “So as you heard  we will beaming over to the cargo ship which will take us to the main space port on the planet below.  It will be up to us to find transport that will get us to Arcturus within three days.”
+“We have to find?”  Stile asked.  “No free rides on Starfleet transport?  Surely someone must be heading that way.”
+Jack shook his head.  “No, this is covert from start to finish.  We make our own plans so no one will have any knowledge to deny at a later date.  To that end we’ll be traveling in civilian clothing and will have nothing on us to identify us as Starfleet officers.  I do have some credit slips that we can utilize but it is up to us to beg, borrow or steal what ever we need.  We’ll go in two teams of three.  Sean, Stile and Hemux and myself, DeSimms and Gar.  Once we leave here the two teams will act independently although I’m hoping we will be able to support each other once we arrive on Arcturus.”
+“Do we know when and where on the planet the defector will be arriving?”  DeSimms asked.
+“No.  Only that he is enroute and he will be arriving in no less then three days.”
+“But he knows we are looking for him.”
+“No.  We don’t think so.”
+“The how do we find him?”
+“I asked the admiral that very same question.”
+“And what was his answer?”
+“The same one I can give you.  Are there any other questions?”
+“That’s just great.”  Gar grumbled.
+“Alright.  We beam out shortly I’ll meet you all in the transporter room once you are suitably garbed.”
+Sean waited while the other officer’s left the room.  When they were alone he turned to Jack.  “You didn’t want to mention the Internal Affairs Officer?”
+Jack shook his head.  “I want them focused on this mission and not the future.  She won’t be here until we leave dry dock which won’t be until after this mission.  Admiral Carstairs has assured me that after his discussion with CINC-Starfleet that there won’t be any surprise visits during this sensitive mission so there is no point in getting everyone in a tizzy now.  Besides I’m hoping the admiral can put a stop to this before it even happens.  He certainly owes us one after the last mission.”
+<<<NRPG>>>
+And there you have it…
+Steve: Don’t know if Stile drawls J
+Separate NRPG to follow after I have a late dinner! ;-)
+Respectfully,
+Andy
+CAPT Jack Steele
+Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Let the Races Begin!==
+===by Daniel Belin===
+Briefing Room Number 2-
+Steele turned to DeSimms, "I think Carstairs knows DeSimms is onboard.
+I'm suprised they didn't send SpecOps, I think their line of thought
+is DeSimms will be qualified to do the tracking down, protection, and
+if need be, blasting our way out of there."
+He turned to everyone else, "Because competition seems to always speed
+things up, I am making this into a race. Whoever gets to Arcturus
+first gets a prize, and no, I do not know what it will be. Get a cover
+identity and get planet side in no more than an hour! Dismissed."
+Hedron, Mezzaine District
+"I liked your covers for us," said DeSimms, "They look to shady and
+malevolent to be standard starfleet, but not unrealistically so. Good
+job!"
+"DeSimms," said Gar, "Assuming you've done this kind of thing in
+SpecOps, how do we go about this?"
+"I have a plan, but you have to promise me something, gentelmen."
+"Yes?" inquired Steele.
+"When we are done, don't report any of my aquaintances to the police.
+I promise they are very discerning in their customers, and they have
+never aided enemies of the Federation."
+"Fine. What is your plan?"
+"First, we go to a more unsavory part of town," said DeSimms, pointing
+to a part of the tourist map marked in red, "Then we procure some
+weapons from a contact of mine, you know, the kind that a shady
+trafficer might use."
+"And transport?" asked Gar.
+"I know a place where more, well, unscrupulous crews hang out."
+"And if we don't find anything?"
+"Then, gentlemen, I teach to you stowaway 101."
+--
+The Bad Part of Town, 0100 hours.
+--
+"Gentlemen, right this way" said DeSimms, ushering Steele and Gar into
+an alley. They walked down the foul smelling alley, and found
+themselves at what Gar and Steele thought was a side entrance. DeSimms
+pushed them inside hurriedly, and closed the door behind him.
+"Who are ya?!" yelled a voice from the dark. Suddenly, a red dot
+appeared on Captain Steele's chest, and the tension in the room
+skyrocketed.
+--
+"Ah terrific! When I am out impersonating a deadly assassin and you've
+got Feds crawling out of manholes and dangling from trees."
+MacGyver to Pete about backup
+--
+With all due respect,
+Daniel F. Belin
+John DeSimms
+CSO, USS HOOD
+NCC-1703
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Mother's Reprimand==
+===by Steve Apple===
+SD: 2260.333
+Scene: Sickbay, USS HOOD
+Just After Arrival Star base 10
+Corbett’s hangover had moved to the base of his skull and decided it wanted to stay for awhile. He shuffled into sickbay looking for the ingredients to his hangover recipe.
+“Looking for this Cowboy?” Mother asked holding a hypospray and a cup of coffee.
+“I knew there was a reason that I loved ya darling.” Corbett drawled.
+“Save it for your fab five.” Mother said as she injected him.
+“Thank you Mother, so what’s on the docket for today?”
+“First off you will apologize to Miss Saxman, for your frat boy behavior last night.”
+“Yes ma’am.” Corbett said wincing then added. “In all fairness you should have seen how uncomfortable Commander Merrick was. It was priceless, so I’d say it was worth it.”
+“You want to act like an overgrown child I won’t stop you, but if bring my nurse into it then you got to answer to me, understand.”
+“Yes Mother point well taken.”
+“Good. Now once you’ve done that then you can sign the stack of waiver forms on your desk so the crew on sick call can take shore leave.
+“Is that it?” Corbett asked hoping he could finish the tasks quickly and go back to bed.
+“No there are two other issues. First Lt. Hemux hit her head against a bulkhead last night.”
+“So, why wasn’t she attended to?” He asked.
+“Because she was under the influence of some sort of hallucinogen, that’s why.” Mother shot back.
+“She’s a Denobulan they use mushrooms like I use tequila. Scan her head and neck to make sure she doesn’t have a concussion or cervical injury then give her 800mg of Hexaprophen. I’ll stop in to see her in her quarters later to make sure there are no lingering effects.” Corbett said as he turned to leave.
+“Not so fast Cowboy there is one last thing.” Mother said with a smirk.
+“Why do I get the feeling I don’t want to hear this.” He said looking at the amusement on her face.
+“Oh believe me you don’t.” Mother said with a wide grin. “But I’m sure it will give me no end of pleasure to watch you squirm.”
+“And what would that be?” He asked.
+“Do you know what these are?” She asked in response as she held up her hand.
+“They look like several slips of paper” Corbett said.
+“Five slips of paper to be exact.” Mother replied.
+“Out with it woman.” He yelled tiring of this.
+“All right Cowboy.” Mother said giggling. “These are five separate invitations for you to have dinner tonight with your little girl friends.”
+“What?”
+“You heard me. They are all expecting you for a romantic dinner tonight and I’m looking forward to you trying to be in five places at once.”
+“I am sorry to disappoint you madam, but I am a professional scoundrel and this is just an occupational hazard.”
+Mother looked him up and down for a moment then finally asked. “You have no idea what you’re going to do, do you?”
+“Not a clue.”
+Respectfully Submitted,
+Steve Apple
+Stile Corbett, MD
+CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Boss is REALLY On Your Side==
+===by Scott Lusby===
+SD: 2260.333, just before Steele briefed the senior staff in "Mission Brief"
+Vice Admiral Joseph Carstairs really hated his job somedays...
+...usually that happened when politicians got in the way of operational
+things.
+Such as right now.
+"You're assigning an Internal Affairs person to the HOOD? What on Earth
+for?" he asked.
+The Chief of Starfleet Operations didn't look all that pleased with
+Carstairs' tone. [[[The fact that you asked that questions makes me wonder
+whether you truly know what is going on with the ships under your command,
+Admiral.]]]
+Carstairs reigned in his anger- somewhat. "That might work on some people,
+Admiral, but not on me. I've been around this game too long to miss a power
+play when I see one." He paused, then added, "This is about Campbell, isn't
+it?"
+JT Comsol said nothing.
+Joe pursed his lips and held back a curse. "Are you kidding? He's a menace
+to the fleet; every place he's been assigned, and he's caused trouble and
+been passed along. Captain Steele does what's right- cashiers his butt for
+what he did instead of making Campbell someone else's problem- and STEELE
+gets the IA treatment? What about Campbell? He should be doing hard labor
+on some penal colony for what he did, not a back way back INTO the fleet.
+What kind of fleet are we running here--"
+[[[That will be quite enough, Admiral,]]] Comsol said. [[[The fact is that
+Steele and his senior staff bullocksed the entire mission to Velorum, and
+I've heard about what they do after hours--]]]
+"I've endorsed the actions on Velorum completely," he said. "As for the
+other stuff, you don't think that it's possible it's exaggerated?"
+[[[That's what the IA officer will be determining: its affects on the senior
+staff's performance.]]]
+Carstairs shook his head. "And all this from a rumor, a little word in the
+ear from some disgruntled sailor's mother--"
+[[[Tread carefully, Admiral--]]]
+"Not a chance, Admiral; I will see this in front of the Commander-in-Chief
+himself...and if that doesn't work, I will have it in front of the
+Federation Council in 36 hours. Count on it; this is a gross
+misappropriation of resources without cause, and I'll see to it that
+everyone knows why."
+The two Starfleet admirals stared at one another, each one's eyes ablaze,
+each one ready to pounce through the viewscreen on which they were viewing
+each other.
+Comsol blinked first. [[[OK- I can see to it that IA stays away until you
+are ready to launch in 10 days' time. I can also see to it that Campbell
+never sees the decks of a starship again. I can't promise he'll stay
+cashiered; there are too many friends in high places for that. But I can
+guarantee he'll stay grounded.]]]
+Carstairs hesitated; he didn't like the idea of Campbell being anywhere near
+a Starfleet facility where he could endanger other lives...but IA poking
+around with them on Arcturus could get very sticky...
+"I want it in writing," he finally said. "The IA thing, not about Campbell.
+I don't want to see hide nor hair of an IA officer until the ship is ready
+to leave Starbase 10. If I do, I will go to the CINC-ESS-EFF."
+The Chief of Starfleet Operations said nothing, save [[[Comsol, clear.]]]
+As the screen in front of him turned black again, he let out a heavy sigh.
+Comsol was his superior officer, and Joe knew he could have gotten into big
+trouble for pushing like that.
+He still could, conceivably...but he didn't think so. Comsol had more to
+loose than Joe did, in the end: currying favors, especially when the
+circumstances were so plain for all to see, would not sit well with the
+straight-arrow CINCSF.
+<<NRPG>>
+Just a little something to bridge Andy's post and Daniel's.
+Respectfully Submitted,
+-- Scott Lusby
+/\ VADM Joseph Carstairs
+COMORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Fuzzy Dealings==
+===by Scott Lusby===
+SD: 2260.333, during and immediately after Daniel's post, entitled "Let the
+Races Begin"
+Gar was NOT in a good mood. At all.
+He was not a soft person; you could not grow up on Andoria and BE a soft
+person- the environment wouldn't let you. And he understood that sometimes,
+in order to get things done, you sometimes had to 'bend the rules' somewhat.
+But there was a difference between 'bending' and 'breaking' in his
+book...and, apparently, he and DeSimms were not reading from the same
+chapters.
+Shady people were 'shady' for a reason: they did bad things, dealt with bad
+people...and as a result, trusted no one. He couldn't help but feel that
+DeSimms was leading them into an unnecessarily complicated scheme.
+Gar had been around the block enough to know one thing: consorting with
+known criminals was going to draw attention- either from the police (bad),
+other criminals (worse), or both (worst of all). That's if they even got a
+proverbial foot through the door with these...'associates' of DeSimms'.
+Not to mention the fact that, in dealing with these people, now others were
+involved; there were others outside of themselves that knew some part of
+what they were doing. WITNESSES.
+The best way, in Gar's mind, would have been to simply book transport on a
+modest passenger liner bound for Arcturus, or even a freighter with
+passenger berths; the cover identities they had would cover their arrival
+just fine as long as they laid low, and the cost of 'modest transport' would
+be minimal, and offer them the added anonymity of mingling with the poor.
+And, best of all, no 'shady characters' as witnesses.
+As for weapons, DeSimms seemed ready to outfit the three of them as a
+complete special operations unit. All one really needed was a phaser;
+anything heavier could always be acquired locally, on Arcturus.
+"Captain," he said, quietly, as DeSimms ushered them into The Bad Part of
+Town. "This is unnecessarily risky- we should just take--"
+<<snip- from Daniel's last post, entitled "Let the Races Begin!">>
+"Gentlemen, right this way" said DeSimms, ushering Steele and Gar into an
+alley. They walked down the foul smelling alley, and found themselves at
+what Gar and Steele thought was a side entrance. DeSimms pushed them inside
+hurriedly, and closed the door behind him.
+"Who are ya?!" yelled a voice from the dark. Suddenly, a red dot appeared on
+Captain Steele's chest, and the tension in the room skyrocketed.
+<<snip- new material>>
+Gar spat a curse as he quietly removed the small palm-sized hand phaser from
+a pocket, and set it on heavy stun.
+Without warning, Gar shoved Steele and DeSimms back out through the doorway
+with a fierce roar, at the same time firing his phaser back in the direction
+of where the red laser seemed to come from. As they exploded back onto the
+street, gunfire roared from within, and pitted the pavement around them.
+The got up, and as someone emerged from the doorway, DeSimms- already with
+phaser in hand- blasted the bad guy. Quickly, they ran back out of the
+alleyway, all three firing intermittently behind them, finally coming back
+onto the main roadway. They weren't **quite** out of The Bad Part of Town
+yet...but they were no longer hidden from public view either- something
+which offered them at least some security at the moment.
+Steele put his phaser away, and Gar and DeSimms concealed their in their
+palms as they walked quickly south, glancing over their shoulders as they
+did.
+"He was an old contact of mine," DeSimms growled. It was not an apology; it
+was a statement of fact by his tone.
+"Well, he didn't like something about us, that was certain," Gar said. The
+Andorian then turned to the Captain as they walked. "Captain, I suggest we
+just go to the spaceport, and catch a ride on the cheapest civilian
+transports we can and...'blend in'- we can worry about the more covert stuff
+when we get to Arcturus. There, we'll definitely need DeSimms' connections
+to help finding our Rom and keeping him safe until we can get him back to
+Starbase 10. Until then, however...we're just traveling. Draws less
+attention"
+No one said anything further as they continued south, towards the spaceport.
+<<NRPG>>
+Just adding to our team's first attempts to get to Arcturus.
+Really, I just wanted to create some comedy out of this. We don't need to
+go that far over the top- yet. :) I can't wait to see what we do when we
+get to Arcturus...
+Respectfully Submitted,
+- Scott Lusby
+/\ LCDR Gar Th'elenth
+Chief Engineer-turned-Intel Operative
+USS HOOD NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Out of the Pan and into the Fire==
+===by Steve Apple===
+SD: 2260.333
+Scene: CMO’s Quarters, USS HOOD
+“Stile what are we doing here, we have to be in the transporter room in like 5 minutes?” Sean Merrick asked.
+“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Corbett said sitting down in front of his vidscreen, but I’ve got a personal matter to attend to first. However, I’ll need you to sit down and no matter what you hear please stay quiet.”
+“Make it quick.” Merrick said as he flopped into the seat in front of Stile’s desk.
+“Corbett to data storage.” Corbett said pushing the comm. button.
+Merrick lifted an eyebrow and tried to suppress the smile that was creeping up on his lips.
+[[[Thompson here, hey sweetie, I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight.]]]
+Merrick watched as Corbett got a sad pained look on his face.
+“I was looking forward to it too darling. It’s been a long time since… well you know.” Corbett said wryly.
+[[[What do you mean you were looking forward to it?]]]
+“I have been incarcerated on the ship by the Captain as have all the senior staff.”
+[[[That’s ok; I’ll stay on board with you.]]]
+“I wish you could sweetness, but other than the senior staff all personnel are on mandatory shore leave.” Corbett answered.
+[[[Well that sucks. I’ll tell you what when I get back from leave I promise I’ll do something special for you. Again I’m really sorry.]]]
+“I’ll hold you too it.” Corbett said winking into the screen.
+After Corbett had made the last of his 5 calls with the same response from each, Merrick looked at him with disdain.
+ “I hate you with a burning passion.” Merrick said smiling
+“Jealousy does not become you sar.” Corbett said.
+“Ok now that you’ve kept your cojones from being ripped off your body we need to get down to the transporter room.”
+“Precisely what I wanted to speak privately with you about.” Corbett said.
+“Damn it Stile pop a tranquilizer, we’re not taking a shuttle over to the cargo ship.” Merrick said in frustration.
+“No not the transporter.’ Corbett yelled back. “And for your information I’ve taken several, but that’s beside the point. I’m talking about transportation to Arcturus.”
+“We’ll have to figure something out at the space port. “ Merrick replied.
+“I hope you don’t mind, but I have taken the liberty of contacting an acquaintance of mine in the syndicate.” Corbett said pushing his cowboy hat toward the back of his head.
+“What… what syndicate?” Merrick sputtered.
+“The Orion one.” Corbett answered.
+“Why, how… you know what I don’t want to know.” Merrick said.
+“Then I take it you don’t want to know about the 50,000 credits that I had set up in a dummy account.”
+“Do you know how many regulations you have just trashed to hell?” Merrick asked his face turning an ugly shade of purple.
+“17 to be exact now take a breath before you pass out.” Corbett chuckled.
+“Orions why did it have to be Orions?” Merrick asked.
+“Because I did 3 years Emergency Medicine Residency there and met all the wrong people, which now seem to have come in handy.”
+“When this is over you’re going to be the one to explain it to the Captain.” Merrick said as he headed out the door.
+“You worry too much sar… what could possibly go wrong.” Corbett said as he followed Merrick out the door.
+Respectfully Submitted,
+Steve Apple
+Stile Corbett, MD
+CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Coach==
+===by Daniel Belin===
+Spaceport- Tickets Section
+"Look, all we need is a seat on the next flight to Arcturus," pleaded
+Steele. He hadn't had to deal with civilian spaceliner representatives
+in years, and this was not a part of civilian life he has relishing.
+"OK, sir, we had a flight cancellation on a flight departing in 30
+minutes. I can't guarantee you'll make it in time, and of course there
+are no refunds for this," said the representative, "That will come up
+to 890 with the surcharges. That's for all three of you."
+Steele forked over the credits, and he, DeSimms, and Gar ran for the
+plane as fast as they could. Security slowed them down considerably,
+and they made it to the gate with literally seconds to spare. When
+they found out where they were sitting, they winced.
+--Onboard Flight 298 to Arcturus.
+After being seated so the Captain was protected by DeSimms and by Gar
+from the back, DeSimms regretted ensuring the Captain's safety. He was
+seated in the middle seat, with Steele in the window seat, and a
+hyperactive boy of 10 in the aisle seat. To complement this four-foot
+annoyance, a rather obese Metian woman was already leaning back in her
+seat, completly restricting DeSimms's movement.
+The boy looked at DeSimms as the plane took off. The G-forces rippled
+through the cockpit, because Inertial Dampers weren't engaged in
+athmosphere. Once they accelerated to warp, the boy squeaked, "That
+was fun, just like a rollercoaster!"
+DeSimms looked at the boy menacingly. The hyperactive boy shut up, for now.
+--
+Daniel Belin
+John DeSimms
+A Man Who Hates Flying,
+Onboard Flight 298 to Arcturus
+ASR: Origins
+--
+With all due respect,
+Daniel F. Belin
+"Ah terrific! When I am out impersonating a deadly assassin and you've
+got Feds crawling out of manholes and dangling from trees."
+MacGyver to Pete about backup
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Boy vs. DeSimms==
+===by Daniel Belin===
+Flight 298 to Arcturus, 1 Hour before Landing at Arcturus.
+DeSimms was freaking tired of this kid running his little yapper.
+Steele and Gar were both asleep, but his insomnia was augmented by
+this transport. The kid continued his verbal barrage with yet another
+story of his life. Looking at DeSimms, he said, "So yeah, Billy and I
+climbed this huge tree, and we were able to see my dad walking on the
+Horseshoe path!"
+The morbidly obese woman in front of him was not helping. DeSimms had
+already kneed her through the seat twice, and there was no indication
+of her waking anytime soon. He was effectively trapped by the woman,
+and forced to listen to this verbal torture machine. He tried the
+menacing look trick, but that lost its effect hours ago. The kid
+continued about his grandpa, who was a Cargo Ship Captain, and DeSimms
+just tilted his head up and moaned.
+The kid had been yapping for about six hours. DeSimms was tired of
+this, and he the kid know.
+"Look kid, I ain't sensitive and I don't like kids. Shut the hell up
+or I will knock you cold,"
+The words definitely had an impact. The kid shut up, but started
+crying loudly. Several people gave DeSimms the 'why did you make a kid
+cry, you son of a bitch' look. He gave them the malevolent look he
+gave the kid. It had an effect, and no one looked in his direction for
+the rest of the flight.
+He was grateful for the landing on Arcturus an hour later. Stumbling
+off the ship, he immediately located the nearest bar and proceeded to
+procure several strong drinks. The Captain smiled, and sat down next
+to him, "Gentlemen, I suggest we divide and conquer. We have
+communicators, so we can stay in contact, and we seemed to have
+arrived two and a half days before the defector arrives. I say we
+spend the next day and a half preparing."
+Both DeSimms and Gar nodded in agreement, so Steele continued,
+"DeSimms will focus on procuring whatever equipment he might think we
+need."
+"I know people," said DeSimms, "And I should be able to beg and steal
+from some of the Cargo Ships passing through."
+"Alright. Gar, you focus on getting the lay of the land. Get to know
+places of interest, shady establishments, spaceports, bars, and the
+general area. Research this whole area well!"
+"Understood."
+"I will focus on providing a base of operations. Once I locate it, we
+will stock that as our fortress, our Intel Center, and our shelter.
+Move out when you are ready, men."
+Gar stood up and left for the tourist info center. Steele looked at
+DeSimms and quipped, "Try not to get shot prematurely, Mister."
+On that note, the two men drained their drinks and headed in seperate
+directions.
+--
+Submitted by,
+Daniel Belin
+John DeSimms
+Operative
+ASR: Origins
+--
+With all due respect,
+Daniel F. Belin
+"Ah terrific! When I am out impersonating a deadly assassin and you've
+got Feds crawling out of manholes and dangling from trees."
+MacGyver to Pete about backup
+==[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Into the Devil’s Den==
+===by Steve Apple===
+SD: 2260.333, Time frame during Daniel's post, entitled "Let the Races Begin"
+Scene: Hedron, Red Light District aka “The Sea of Nectar”
+Corbett, Merrick and Hemux exited the space port from three separate locations so as not to attract attention that they were together. The plan was for them to rendezvous in 1 hour at the club Corbett was to meet his Contact. Corbett watched Hemux from the shadows as she made her way to a taxi station. He knew he needed to wait and make sure the Denobulan wasn’t going to get into trouble. Even though she was three times his age there seemed to be a naiveté about her that could lead to trouble. After the Science officer had disappeared into a cab Corbett made his way to the subway terminal, doubling back several times to make sure he wasn’t being followed as well.
+The train to the Sea of Nectar was relatively empty; it never had many passengers as it was headed to the seedy side of the city.
+The train glided to a halt and the few passengers aboard shuffled out the door. Their heads were hung low and they made it a point to avoid eye contact with anyone around them. These upstanding citizens didn’t want to be recognized in this pit of an area.
+The street above the subway terminal was well lit by the garish neon of the signs that were attached to the buildings on either side. The streets were moderately crowded with people getting food from vendors or checking their PADD to make sure they had the right building number.
+Corbett looked around the street for a moment making sure he wasn’t being watched and then headed out. He had committed the back alleyways to memory long ago. Walking for a few more blocks he made a sharp left into a cramped alley off the main drag.
+This was dangerous and he knew it. Reaching into his boot he pulled out his pistol and cocked the hammer back. The doorway in front and to his right cast a long shadow into the alleyway. After making a quick check behind him he ran to the doorway and hid. If anyone had been following him he would soon know. After a few minutes he deemed it was safe and continued down the alley to where it intersected another populated street.
+Corbett tucked his pistol into his waistband and covered the protruding handle with his shirt. Stepping onto the street he turned right and made his way to a gaudy two story building with Grecian columns and a flashing pink neon sign that read ‘The Olympus Garden’.
+“20 credit cover charge.” an overly muscled man wearing a black tunic said as Corbett approached.
+Corbett handed over the money and the man stamped his hand.
+“First time here?” The man asked.
+Corbett kept his head bent low so as not to make eye contact with the man. “Yes, I heard this was the place to be.”
+“Don’t worry you’ll have a story to tell the guys back home, I guarantee it.” The man said with a smirk.
+Corbett nodded and hurried inside. However, he smiled when he overheard the man say, “Effing Tourists.”
+Scene: The Olympus Garden
+Corbett made his way through the short hallway and held his hand up for the bouncer who was standing by a thick black velvet curtain and looking to see that he had been stamped.
+“Enjoy.” The man grunted and pulled the curtain back for him to enter.
+The bar area was just as garish as the outside of the building. The walls were lined with mirrors and red velvet drapes. Corbett looked around for a moment at the rows of tables and booths that lined the 3 stages. The music was loud and pounding and the strobe lights hit the ascending smoke turning it into a thin haze.
+Corbett watched the activity for a few minutes. He scanned the dancers and hostesses working the tables then slowly made his way to a back booth where he saw an uncomfortable looking Merrick sitting.
+“You picked some place for a meeting.” Merrick said.
+“I didn’t pick it. I was told where to meet.” Corbett answered.
+“Yeah, but I’m sure you didn’t fight very hard to have the location changed.” Merrick shot back.
+“Sean if one is going to have a dangerous clandestine meeting then the scenery at least should be memorable.”
+“Ah-huh sure.” Merrick said as he waived off a Deltan table dancer.
+“Sean you need to lighten up a bit,” Corbett said in mock anger. “Have a drink, or better yet get a dance. I mean look around you some of the most beautiful girls the quadrant has to offer are right here.”
+“Why is it that I think you’ve been here lots of times before?” Merrick asked relaxing a bit.
+“Sar I am appalled that you would besmirch my character this way. I’ll have you know that I have never…”
+“Hey Stile haven’t seen you here in a long time.” A sweet Risian female hostess said interrupting the doctor. “Can I get you a drink, the usual?”
+Corbett pushed his hat to the back of his head and frowned at Merrick. “Not a word sar, do you hear me.” Then turning to the Risian said. “Ah Briana you’re as lovely as ever and still take my breath away.”
+The Risian smiled at the Cowboy, “Always the charmer Stile. What’s your friend drinking?”
+“Just bring 2 tequila’s darlin.” Corbett said.
+“ARr'Rhiana has arrived.” Merrick said gesturing with a nod to the front entrance.
+“Then we are all here; however given our current situation I think it better that you and I handle this while ARr'Rhiana stay’s in the main bar area.” Corbett said.
+“Shouldn’t I waive her over though?” Merrick asked.
+“Look at her Sean, she is mesmerized by that male dancer, let her have her fun.” Corbett replied.
+“Here you go hun, 2 tequilas.” The Risian said as she placed the drinks on the table interrupting them.
+“Thank you Briana,” Corbett said then motioned toward ARr'Rhiana. “Darlin you see that Denobulan over by the front bar. Well she is a very dear friend of mine and I would appreciate it if she were well looked after by the staff and bouncers, if you know what I mean.”
+“Don’t worry Stile we’ll make sure she stays safe.” The Risian said then left to talk to the bouncers.
+Corbett up ended his tequila then stood. “I’m going to talk with ARr'Rhiana for a moment. Do you see that alcove in the back just under the balcony of the V.I.P. room?”
+Merrick nodded.
+“After I get up slowly make your way over there.” Corbett said.
+Corbett casually wandered over to ARr'Rhiana and sat in a chair at the table next to her. “Enjoying yourself darlin?” Corbett drawled.
+“Immensely Stile; what a wonderful place this is.” She said as a male dancer gyrated in front of her.
+“I’m glad you like it.” He said. “Sean and I have to take care of some things and you may not see us for awhile.”
+“Oh don’t worry I can wait here very patiently.” She said with that overly large Denobulan smile.
+“I can see you’ll at least be entertained.” Corbett said chuckling. “Here are some credits to play with.”
+ARr'Rhiana smiled at the number of credits he gave her. It seemed this was going to be a fun evening after all, she thought.
+Patting her shoulder Corbett stood and slowly headed to the back alcove where Sean was already making his way. He ignored the different girls who called out after him asking if he wanted a dance and kept walking toward the alcove.
+Corbett could feel the barrel of a pistol press against the flesh of his left kidney. “Give me a reason why I shouldn’t leave you on the floor bleeding to death.” A raspy female voice whispered in his ear.
+“Because the red color of my blood would undoubtedly clash with your beautiful green skin Alia.” Corbett answered
+“I can always wash it off.” She retorted.
+“As a doctor I’m pretty sure the green won’t wash off.” He answered.
+Laughing she pulled the pistol from his kidney and allowed him to turn toward her.
+Corbett hadn’t forgotten how beautiful the Orion was, nor how deadly. Even now the power of her pheromones was casting a spell on him. Abruptly he pulled her to him and kissed her deeply feeling the curves of her body conform to him.
+“You left me without a word.” She said as they broke the embrace.
+“I was given little choice darlin, but that’s a story for another time.” He said then added. “I’m here to see Fat Mickey.”
+“I should have known.” She said with a mirthless laugh. “The great Stile Corbett would never come back after a conquest.”
+“First of all Alia, I don’t think any man in history has ever conquered an Orion female and secondly I would have thought that after so much time had passed you would have found yourself a rich man to subjugate.”
+Alia’s eyes narrowed and without warning she lifted her hand to slap Corbett across the face. Instinctually he grabbed her hand and pulled her in for another kiss.”
+“Alia I need to see the Fat Man now; however, I promise I will come back and finish this with you.”
+Breaking from his embrace she looked into his eyes and nodded. “He’s in his usual spot.” She said then turned and made her way from him and toward the center stage.
+Corbett watched her walk away and physically shook himself to clear his head from her spell.  He walked the last few feet to the alcove and Sean.
+“You know I really am starting to hate you.” Merrick said. “Once just once, I’d like to go someplace with you and not have beautiful women who supposedly resent you fall back under whatever Texas voodoo you practice.”
+“Trust me Sean it doesn’t happen all that often. Most of the time things end rather badly with either blunt objects or projectiles being aimed in my general direction.”
+“That I can believe; now before we head into the lion’s den do mind telling me who these people are and how you know them.”
+“Are you sure this is something you really want to know?” Corbett asked.
+“Damn it Stile if my ass is on the line then yes.”
+Corbett let out a long sigh. “These people are very dangerous Sean. I know them from my time on Orion. Fat Mickey was a patient of mine in the ER several times and took a liking to me. However he ran afoul of his brother who controlled shall we say certain activities on and about the planet. So to make a long story short instead of killing him outright he was exiled here to operate this club, but to our service he still has ties to the main organization. If you want to get anywhere covertly and pick up a package no questions asked then this is the place you must come to”
+“Great just frakin great. I had a clean record then I get hooked up with you and now I got gangsters and strippers in my life.”
+“Quit complaining at least it’s never dull.” Corbett said as he pushed the door that was housed behind the curtains of the alcove and opened it. Together the 2 descended down the stairs it hid.
+TBC…
+<<NRPG>>
+DeSimms is not the only one who knows and is loved by shady characters. A life as a professional scoundrel brings about the most interesting of relationships, which is why Corbett was so paranoid about being followed.
+Respectfully Submitted
+Steve Apple
+Stile Corbett, MD
+CMO, USS HOOD, NCC-1703
+ASR: ORIGINS

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ORIGINS: USS Hood November 2009: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 17:27, 22 June 2010

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Take Us In

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Mutiny Afoot

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Waking Up to a Bad Nightmare

by Brian V. Mansur

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: "Mother's Trust"

by Steve Apple

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: We Need a Plan

by Andrew Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: You Can’t Reason With a Zombie

by Brian V. Mansur and Steve Apple

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Now is the Time

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Impossible Decisions

by Dan Belin and Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Lack of Opportunities

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Acquiescence

by Scott Lusby

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Breaking Free

by Scott Lusby

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: More Pieces

by Andy Catterick

USS HOOD: give me an E, give me an M, give me a P...

by David Martens

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Betting on the Numbers

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Did We Get Them?

by Brian V. Mansur

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Wisdom of Cowboys and Heroes

by Dan Belin, Brian V. Mansur, and Steve Apple

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Too Fast

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Debrief

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: After the Debrief

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Secret Debrief

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Final Debrief

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Avoiding Reflections

by Brian V. Mansur

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: This Could Be Fun!

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: OK This is Awkward

by Brian V. Mansur

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: It is Always Best to be Sure

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Shut Up and Take Your Medicine

by Steve Apple, Brian V. Mansur, and Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Hasty Retreat

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Inebriation is a Hell of an Excuse

by Steve Apple

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Hot Nurses Are Hard to Ignore

by Brian V. Mansur

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: The Grapevine

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Bennis is an Unlucky Name

by Brian V. Mansur

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: There's A Bad Moon Rising

by Steve Apple

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Some After-Thoughts

by David Martens

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Sun, Smoke and a Nude Guy…

by David Martens

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Too far this Time

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: What Rattles a First Officer?

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Hard Time

by Andy Catterick

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: To Answer Your Question

by Brian V. Mansur