Episode 12

[Bynw]

[19:57]<Bynw> *the last jump is made and the Lady Luck appears in space near the Waterloo*
[19:58]* Ken prepares a damage report for the repair staff on the Waterloo
[19:58]<+Raith> ::Opens a comm channel to the Waterloo CAG:: "Lady Luck requesting clearance to land, Waterloo."
[19:58]<Bynw> *Waterloo comms* "Lady Luck. You are clear to land. All personal are to report to debriefing upon landing."
[19:59]<+Ben> ::mumbling:: "great"
[20:00]* Ken begins checking docking systems
[20:00]<+Raith> ::Comm:: "Understood Waterloo."
[20:01]<Bynw> *the lady luck docks and the doors close under her as she touches down. the familiar message comes cross the Waterloo's internal ship broadcast. 60 seconds until next jump.
[20:02]<+Raith> ::Switches to the internal ship's comm:: "We're to report to debrief on landing. I'm ranking officer so I'll take any flak for our little detour."
[20:03]* Ken shuts down the ship for internal docking.
[20:03]<+Raith> ::Powers down the engines and does a short post-flight check before lowering the ramp and debarkling::
[20:03]<+Ben> ::over internal comms:: "Aye Sir"
[20:03]<Bynw> *blass* "ships log will confirm that anyway. stand by for whatever we are going to hear next."
[20:04]<+Raith> ::Still in his civilian garb, and whiskey on his breath, he waits for the others to join him at the bottom of the ramp before heading to the debriefing room::
[20:04]* Ken gathers up the hard print of the sensor logs
[20:05]* Ben locks down his station and heads for the ramp
[20:05]* Ken follows after doing the same.
[20:07]<Bynw> *at the bottom of the ramp is an escort ready to lead the crew to debriefing*
[20:08]<+Raith> "Guess you guys are here to make sure we get straight to the debrief eh? Well lead the way guys, let's get this over with."
[20:09]* Ben looks nervous at the sight of the escort
[20:10]<Bynw> *the guard detail leads Raith, Blass, Ben and Ken to the debriefing room. And they are instructed to "wait here" the room has a table and several comfortable chairs. a few work stations and places for datapads. also some freshments are available to but otherwise the room is empty except for themselves.*
[20:10]* Ken sits down and starts his comaparative frequency ananlysis again
[20:11]* Ben paces nervously
[20:11]<Bynw> *blass takes a seat* "It will be the Commander."
[20:12]<+Ben> "Are we in trouble?"
[20:12]<+Raith> ::Takes a seat at the table, and tries to relax:: "You Ben? Probably not. I was acting Captain and you followed my orders."
[20:13]<Bynw> *blass* "we jumped into unfriendly territory. could have started an interstellar war. and engaged in negotiations totally bypassing protocol and alliance orders on the subject. we will all be promoted ... or spaced."
[20:14]<+Ben> ::gulps nervously::"Preferably the former"
[20:14]<+Raith> ::grins:: "We got the job done. But your right Blass."
[20:15]<Bynw> *Blass* "But those are the extremes. Could be anything inbetween."
[20:15]* Ken seesm to ignore the conversation, absorbed in his analysis
[20:15]<Bynw> *the door opens and it is the commander standing there and his eyes are cold and they sweep the room. he is holding a datapad*
[20:16]<Bynw> *Blass is on his feet the moment the door opens* "commander on deck*
[20:16]<LadyLuck> Bynw: Error: No closing quotation
[20:16]<+Raith> "Actually I never got any orders stating to avoid the...." ::trails off as the door opens. Stands and salutes::
[20:16]<+Ben> ::Stands and salutes::
[20:16]* Ken glances up and then stands and salutes
[20:17]<Bynw> *commander* "at ease and take your seats gentleman" *he says taking a seat*
[20:18]<+Raith> ::Sits slowly trying not to look nervous::
[20:18]* Ken sits down and continues his analysis
[20:18]* LadyLuck (~supybot@DCDEB4.F1C050.357E5D.C15A8B) has left #Teara-Adan ("InaVegt")
[20:18]* Ben sits down, looking nervous
[20:18]<Bynw> *commander* "give me a report on the engines and power systems"
[20:19]<+Raith> ::looks a bit confused by this opening line, but shrugs:: "Ben, this is your deprtment."
[20:21]<Bynw> *commander looks over at Ben* "Do they need any adjustments?"
[20:22]<+Ken> "The engines and power systems performed well within expected parameters. The only adjustment needed would be a means of defeating the Klade dampening field technology. Minor adjustments should be made to inertial damperners for sudden combat manuevers however."
[20:24]* Ben nods at Ben's assessment"
[20:25]* OverWilliam (~IceChat7@OWIRCN-f0e50861.hr.cox.net) has joined #Teara-Adan
[20:26]<Bynw> *commander* "Thank you Ken. Now Ben. I want you to see to those adjustments. And I want you to start on the structural integrity of the ship as well. The report says there are some stress fractures. You are dismissed."
[20:26]<+Ben> ::gets up, salutes and leaves obviusly relieved::"Yes Commander"
[20:27]<+Raith> ::Shoots Blass a dirty look at the mention of stress fractures::
[20:28]<+Raith> ::looking very puzzled now:: "That's it Commander?"
[20:28]<+Ken> ::gathers up is printouts, stands and salutes::"May I be dismissed as well Commander?"
[20:28]<Bynw> *commander* "No Ken. Sit down."
[20:29]* Ken sits down
[20:29]* Ben has quit (Quit: )
[20:29]<Bynw> *once Ben has left and the door closed behind him, the commander turns his attention to Raith* "So what the frak happened out there Captain?
[20:30]<Bynw> "Do you know what I have in this?" *he asks holding up the datapad* "The High Command and even the Senate are screaming for your head."
[20:32]<+Raith> ::Smiles slyly, but sits up straight:: "I took the initiative, sir. I felt that the entourage you where sending to the meet wouldn't go over well with the Klade."
[20:33]<+Raith> "And honestly, your experts didn't know Frak-all to help me or anyone."
[20:36]<Bynw> *the commander looks at Blass* "And you ... why didn't you stop him and take command of the ship when we foolishly jumped into Klade space?"
[20:38]<Bynw> *Blass* "I read up on the Captain when this assignment was first given under your command. He is a remarkable officer. And uses his gut more than anything else. Surprisingly he is one of the few intelligence officers in the ADF that really are ... I trusted him."
[20:39]<Bynw> *commander back to Raith* "So you tell me you were able to have this insight from your chance encounter with the Klade on your last mission. And were able to deduce a favorable outcome if you jumped into their space?"
[20:44]<+Raith> "No sir. I got the idea from your Klade experts. They said the last species the Klade committed genocide on entered Klade space, but the Klade didn't start fighting until they fired on the Klade. My gut.." ::looks to Blass for moment then back to the commander:: "...told me they would welcome a chance to talk to a 'warrior' as they put it and would be put off by diplomats spewing bullshit like it was candy....sir."
[20:45]* Ken eyes widen slightly.
[20:46]<Bynw> *he taps up a holographic image from his databpad showing the Klade disappear off the Lady Luck, and loops it* "What do you think of that ... Ken?"
[20:46]<+Raith> ::Remains bolt upright and keeps his voice neutral and non-threatening::
[20:48]<+Ken> "Intresting piece of technology Sir, I do have some readings on that and would welcome a chance to study it in some detail. The dampening field and that technology would be very useful to have."
[20:48]<+Ken> "I have been studying the readings I got since the encounter"
[20:50]<+Ken> "I have a few thoughts on the dampening foeld but nothing on the transporter."
[20:52]<+Ken> ::suddenly scribbles something down on the datapad::"Although I think I may have an idea how they lock onto the transport position."
[20:54]<+Ken> "Need time to study the readings a little more, Sir"
[20:55]<Bynw> *commander* "You will get a lot of opportunity. I'm assigning you to the Lady Luck"
[20:55]<+Ken> "Yes Sir"
[20:58]<Bynw> *Commander* "Captain Raith. I'm not giving your head to the high command. I want it still attached to your body."
[20:59]<+Raith> "Yes, sir. Thank you sir. Since my but belongs to the ISD, I'll try to keep my head with it."
[20:59]<+Raith> ((er but=butt))
[20:59]<Bynw> "However I am going to assign you a crew. Your ship is too big to go into Klade space just with one man on board her. Ken will be your engineer."
[21:00]<Bynw> *the commander presses the comm panel on the table* "send him in now"
[21:00]<+Raith> ::Frowns at the mention of a permanent crew, but says nothing::
[21:01]<%Cross> ::the door opens, and a small, thin man enters
[21:02]<%Cross> :: .... with close-cropped red hair and dull blue eyes
[21:02]<+Raith> ::Looks up at the new arrival, and sizes him up head to toe::
[21:02]* Ken looks up at the newcomer and back down at his datapad making more notes
[21:02]<Bynw> *commander* "This is Dr Cross. He will be checking out the ship and yourselves to make sure the Klade didnt bring anything on board that was dangerous. He will also be going over the medical scan of the Klade. Since that is the first body we've had the chance to see. And additionally, I'm assigning him to your ship."
[21:03]* Cross faces the commander and salutes
[21:05]<+Raith> ::throws a sloppy salute at the Dr, and turns to the commander, he opens his mouth to protest, but quickly snaps it shut in light of the recent events. He sits back and folds his arms across his chest, pouting::
[21:05]* Cross turns to Raith "Captain Raith" salutes then extends hand
[21:05]<Bynw> *the commander ignores the salute* "I have one more addition for you right now."
[21:06]* InaVegt is now known as Dyunt
[21:06]* Bynw gives voice to Dyunt
[21:06]<+Raith> ::ignores the hand for a moment then hastily shakes his hand:: "Sit down Doc, your making me nervous."
[21:07]* Cross smiles a bit and takes a seat
[21:08]* Dyunt enters the room at a leasurely pace, saluting to all the superior officers. She has short-cropped brown hair, with matching eyes, and seems to be about five and a half feet tall. "Lieutenant Dyunt, at your service, cap'." And with that, she salutes.
[21:10]<+Raith> ::Grins and salutes the Lieutenant:: "What's your skill set Lieutenant?"
[21:10]<Bynw> *commander* "Lt Dyunt is one of the best pilots in the ADF. And since I need Blass here for the time being. She's take over the 2nd chair."
[21:12]<+Dyunt> "As the commander said, I'm none too shabby a pilot. My skill set is rather varied, however. Nice to meet you, cap'."
[21:12]<Bynw> *commander* "The Klade contacted the high command shortly after your meeting with them. They changed the nature of our next meeting."
[21:12]<Bynw> "Which is why they want your head captain."
[21:13]<+Raith> ::waves Dyunt off and motions to one of the chairs, giving the Commander his attention::
[21:14]* Dyunt takes the seat, crosses her legs, and sits down. She listens to the conversation.
[21:14]<Bynw> "However, they aren't going to get it." *he says* "When we next meet the Klade. They will be providing us with data on other interstellar or near-interstellar civilizations. All will be first contact. Our goal of course it to bring them into the Alliance. And you are and your team are going to be our first contact specialists."
[21:15]* Ken glances up
[21:15]<+Raith> ::Relaxes a bit, his ams still folded across his chest:: "Holy Frak."
[21:17]<+Raith> "We getting some of this wiz-bang Klade tech before we head out to do the first meet n' greet?"
[21:18]* OverWilliam has quit (Quit: Et resurréxit tértia die, secúndum Scriptúras.)
[21:19]* Ken shows some excitement
[21:19]<Bynw> *commander* "You already have the jump drives. And I'm sure the Klade would be happy to give you something else. They seem to like you."
[21:19]* Cross speaks side-wise to Dyunt "I certainly hope so"
[21:20]* Dyunt shoots Cross a glance, and shhhs him.
[21:21]<Bynw> *commander* "We have a little less than two weeks time. Blass, oversee the Lady Luck's rebuild from your little stress test. Ken get real familiar with that ship."
[21:21]<+Ken> "Yes Commander"
[21:21]<Bynw> *commander* "Questions, comments and concerns need to be addressed now "
[21:22]<+Dyunt> "I would like all available data I'll need to copilot the Lady Luck, commander."
[21:23]<Bynw> *commander* "Blass and Raith can take care of that for you Lt. Blass has a few subroutines he's already written for the Lady Luck and I'm sure a few ideas more on it."
[21:23]<+Raith> ::Looks about the room at his new crew:: "I have the cabin closest to the entrance ramp, your free to choose any of the other three for yourselves. Am I the only Psi on the ship?" ::looks at the others individually::
[21:24]<%Cross> "I am PSI, Captain"
[21:24]<+Ken> ::looks uncomfortable::"Depends on what you mean by Psi"
[21:26]<Bynw> *commander* "He means exactly that Ken. Your ability qualifies"
[21:26]<+Dyunt> "I don't have any psionic abilities, cap'." *looks Raith in the eye* I've got plenty of other skills, however, and after familiarizing myself with the Lady Luck, I should be able to fly it like I was mentally controlling it."
[21:28]* Cross raises an eyebrow
[21:28]<Bynw> *commander* "as soon as the ship is cleared from its repairs. you can take it out, just be at the meeting on time. you are dismissed if there is nothing else."
[21:29]* Cross stands and salutes at the commander
[21:29]<+Ken> ::gathers his papers and pad, stands and salutes:: "Thank you sir, I best be off to the LadyLuck then"
[21:29]<+Raith> ::Nods to Dyunt:: "Not a problem lieutenant." ::stands and salutes the commander::
[21:30]<Bynw> *commander* "Doctor. I know you are new to my ship. But if you salute me one more time. You're gonna need a clone."
[21:30]<+Raith> "Not an option Ken."
[21:31]<%Cross> "Captain, I can do that... I am a doctor, you know"
[21:31]<+Raith> "If your going to serve with me, then your going to drink with me. Lounge, asap."
[21:31]* Dyunt gets up, gives a nod to the commander, and looks at Raith, when the drinks are mentioned, she grins. "Yes, cap'."
[21:31]<+Ken> ::sighs::"Yes sir"
[21:32]<%Cross> "Ah, alcohol!"
[21:33]<+Raith> ::Nods to the Commander:: "And....thank you Commander." ::turns and heads out::
[21:33]* Dyunt follows Raith out.
[21:33]* Ken follows Dyunt
[21:33]* Cross also
[21:36]<Bynw> *everyone gets a copy of their orders assigning them to the Lady Luck. their primary mission is exploration and first contact from the information provided by the Klade. it is to start 1 month after the meeting with the Klade. what the crew does on their downtime is up to them ... if they want to make a profit doing something they have free liberty to do so*
[21:38]* InaVegt (~InaVegt@OWIRCN-661d2d7c.solcon.nl) has joined #Teara-Adan
[21:38]<%Cross> "Captain, we seem to be missing a sick bay"
[21:38]<+Raith> ::Takes a seat at one of the tables in the Waterloo's lounge and waves the others to do the same::
[21:38]* Dyunt has quit (Client closed the connection)
[21:39]* InaVegt is now known as Dyunt
[21:39]* Ken sits down after placing the printouts in a case
[21:40]* Bynw gives voice to Dyunt
[21:40]<+Raith> ::Waves the bartender to bring a round of tequila over to the table::
[21:42]* Dyunt takes a seat and leans back, "So, cap'. How ya feel about this mission of ours?"
[21:42]<+Raith> "Your right Doc. The lady luck's just a scout ship. I'll see if some of the boys can convert one of the forward cargo bays into something respectable. Lock up the platform and throw in a bulkhead."
[21:43]<%Cross> "Thank you, Captain. I shall have my equipment delivered there"
[21:44]<+Raith> ::To Dyunt:: "I'm having a hard time finding a way it could get better."
[21:47]<+Raith> "First I should let everyone here know up front, your not to wear uniforms unless we dock with an Alliance vessel. I don't like'em, and the people we deal with usually don't either."
[21:47]* Dyunt takes down a tequila, "Understood, cap'."
[21:48]<+Ken> "I wold like the port aft cabin. and I usually wear a jumpsuit and tool belt."
[21:48]<%Cross> "Ack! then i am down to my lab coats then."
[21:48]* Ken sips his tequila
[21:48]<+Raith> "Second, Who here can handle a firearm and or a turrent weapon?"
[21:49]<+Dyunt> "I've used beam weaponry more than a few times."
[21:49]<+Raith> ::Downs his tequila in a sudden flick and makes a bit of a face:: "Whoo, first one's always the toughest."
[21:49]<+Ken> "I have been trained on sidearms just not very good with them."
[21:49]<+Raith> ::Looks to Cross, your serious aren't you?"
[21:50]<+Raith> ::Waves Cross off::
[21:50]<%Cross> "Yes, sir... all i got are military issue uniforms and my coats"
[21:51]<+Raith> ::Points to Dyunt:: "Excellent. Lady Luck has a turrent, I've no idea how to use. Course you being the pilot this could be a spot of trouble. We'll just have to work it out as we go. I can take the reins if need be."
[21:52]<+Raith> "Doc, your going to need some new clothes."
[21:52]* Cross downs his tequila
[21:53]<%Cross> "I'll get some at the Waterloo somehow, captain"
[21:53]<+Raith> "Not everything we do is....by the book. Many are the times when we might not want to announce we're military. I deal with a seedy element on occasion."
[21:54]<+Dyunt> "I know a few ways of using money to get where we need to be, cap'."
[21:56]<%Cross> "Captain Raith, I need to make something clear..."
[21:56]<+Ken> "I am not much use except with machines and electronics"
[21:56]<%Cross> "I am a healer, not just by profession, but also in principles... "
[21:57]<%Cross> "I will try to help the crew with all my medical talents..."
[21:58]<%Cross> "but I will not harm *anyone* human or otherwise"
[22:00]<+Raith> ::To Ken:: "Not a problem Ken, you mentioned some Psi though?"
[22:01]* WarLord is now known as WarLord-AFK
[22:01]<+Ken> "I inheritated some talents but the only one that I have any strength in is telemechanics"
[22:02]<+Raith> ::To Cross, he thinks for a bit before addressing him:: "That's alright Doc, so long as you don't have a problem with one of us doing the 'harming' should it come to that."
[22:03]<%Cross> "Err, understood, captain"
[22:04]<+Raith> "Doc you also mentioned some ability for Psi?"
[22:05]* WarLord-AFK has quit (Connection closed)
[22:05]* Dyunt listens quietly to the conversation, downing her second tequila.
[22:06]* Ken finishes his tequila and then orders a water
[22:06]<%Cross> "Yes, captain, I have some 'healing arts' that can help in a dangerous situation"
[22:07]<+Raith> "Outstanding."
[22:07]<+Raith> "Dyunt, your up. Besides piloting and gunnery whatcha do?"
[22:10]<+Dyunt> "I'm a good liar, know where to spend money to get the most effect, know a thang or two about patching up folks in an emergency--nothing like a real doc though--, I can serve as a backup mechanic, if needed, and a few things more."
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[22:10]* ChanServ gives channel half-operator status to fudgebob
[22:11]* Cross has quit (Ping timeout: 121 seconds)
[22:11]* fudgebob is now known as Cross
[22:11]<+Raith> ::chuckles:: "You sound like an intelligence officer."
[22:12]<Bynw> *over the ship's speakers comes the warning message that the Waterloo is 60 seconds away from its next jump*
[22:12]<+Raith> "I think this i going to work out fine."
[22:12]<+Raith> (i=is)
[22:12]<+Raith> ::throws back another tequila::
[22:14]* Ken sips his water
[22:14]<+Raith> "We have a month or so of off time. I'm just about set with sitting around here and listening to jump warnings. Commander says we have the option to take off. Anybody up for finding some work?"
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[22:15]<+Dyunt> "Some mercenary job you mean, cap'?"
[22:15]<%Cross> "Lets find me some clothes!"
[22:16]* Ken shrugs
[22:17]<+Raith> ::leans in, lowers his voice:: "Well I'm sure we can drum something up. Cut our teeth on something before we drop into alien territory. Lieutenant, you have any contacts? I'm sure we can find something if you don't."
[22:17]<+Dyunt> "Not in this part of space, 'cap. Sorry."
[22:20]<+Raith> ::Nods, leans back and shoots another tequila:: "Alright then. Grab your gear and load it up. Landing skids go up in two hours. I don't know when we'll be back to the Waterloo, so grab everything you want."
[22:21]* Dyunt pats a rather large travelling back, military style. "This has all I need, cap'. I'm not a woman of many needs."
[22:22]* Cross takes one last drink "Ahhh! I'm ready, Captain!"
[22:22]<+Raith> "Doc I know your not a fan of violence, but I assume you are a fan of self-defense, so at least bring a piece."
[22:22]<+Ken> ::stands up, grabs his cae::"Captain, you think they will give us access to what we have on Klade tech?"
[22:23]<+Raith> "I do Ken. If they don't I'll bet the Klade will."
[22:24]<+Ken> "Then I will see you on the Lady then, I'll go get my gear stowed aboard."
[22:24]<%Cross> "'My phaser is always set on stun, sir' - but, yes, i will fight in self-defense"
[22:26]<+Raith> "Gotcha Doc, your going to have to stop that sir garbage though. Have a drink." ::chuckles and slaps Cross on the shoulder::
[22:27]* Cross spills his drink "Aye, sir err 'Cap'"
[22:29]<+Raith> ::Stands:: "See you back at the Lady. Skids are up as soon as everyone is aboard. Gentlemen, Lieutenant." ::Nods to crew and walks off to the Lady Luck::
[22:29]<+Ken> ::Hurries out::"I'll be aboard shortly Cap"
[22:30]<%Cross> "Wait, Ken! Where can I get some coveralls like your?"
[22:30]* Cross follows Ken
[22:30]<+Ken> "ADF engineers"