STAR TREK: A CALL TO DUTY
USS EUROPA NCC 65040, patrolling the Black Cluster
Stardate 10204.07

Previously on the Starship Europa

The Europa has rendezvoused with the Excelsior-class USS Hydra near the edge of the Black Cluster. After transfer of strategic data from the Hydra, she was relieved by the Europa from patrol duties.

A senior staff meeting is about to take place on the Observation Lounge.

Host MikeyS says:
<<< Resume Europa Mission, Stardate 10204.07, 20:04 Eastern >>>

Host CO_Rya says:
::Sitting in the Observation Lounge reviewing Riella's report.::

FCO_B`lee says:
::steps into the briefing room, PADD in hand:: CO: Good afternoon, Captain...

XO_Vekh says:
::on the bridge, going over last minute reports::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Looks at up the pilot:: FCO: Good afternoon Lt. B'lee.

FCO_B`lee says:
::takes one of the seats down the table from the CO and sets out a few PADD's in front of himself::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::walks into the briefing room, absentmindedly going over the notes on his PADD::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::looks up to see people are in the room:: CO: Afterrrrnoon sirrr. ::takes a seat next to B'lee::

TO_KTracht says:
::standing at Tac 2::

XO_Vekh says:
TO: How are the scans going, Mr KTracht?

FCO_B`lee says:
::feels his sinuses acting up, glances at P'Rraos:: Self: Hmm...

Host CO_Rya says:
::Looks up again and smiles at P'Rraos:: CSO: Good afternoon Lt. P'Rraos. Are you ready to give your report?

CTO_Nimitz says:
::whistling in the TL in his way to the bridge::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
CO: Aye sirrrr. Just going overrr some last minute notes, but everrrything is in orrrderrrr.

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::turns to B'lee:: FCO: Afterrrnoon Lt.

CTO_Nimitz says:
TO: Any news?

Host CO_Rya says:
::Gets to the bottom of the report and frowns::

TO_KTracht says:
::snaps out of his awake dream:: CTO : Uhh.. Sir?

XO_Vekh says:
::sees Nimitz stepping out of the TL and nods to him::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Stands up.:: All: Excuse me gentlemen.

FCO_B`lee says:
::nods at the Science Officer:: CSO: How ar eyou enjoying th enew position?

CTO_Nimitz says:
::decides to check the bridge log instead:: TO: Nothing. ::turns to Vekh:: XO: Good morning

Host CO_Rya says:
::Exits and makes a beeline for K'Tracht.::

FCO_B`lee says:
::stands as the Captain rises, waits for her to depart, then retakes his seat::

XO_Vekh says:
CTO: Mr. Nimitz, good to see you. We might get to the Observation Lounge for the meeting then.

TO_KTracht says:
::looks up to the Captain::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Nods and smiles briefly at Nimitz.:: CTO: Good afternoon Lt. Nimitz.

CSO_P’Rraos says:
FCO: It's been a lot of worrrrk trrrying to catch up on the duties, but I think I have everrrything underrr contrrrol now. Sorrrry to have missed that drrrink with you on the station though. I was looking forrrwarrrd to it.

XO_Vekh says:
::raises from the chair and moves to the Observation Lounge::

FCO_B`lee says:
::shrugs:: CSO: Not a problem...

CTO_Nimitz says:
::follows Vekh to the Observation Lounge::

Host CO_Rya says:
XO: Commander...::sighs as she sees his back:: Never mind.

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::shakes his head, mane flowing:: FCO: Well it was to me. Next chance we get, let me make it up to you.

Host CO_Rya says:
TO: Mr. K'Tracht I need you to do some investigating for me. ::hands him the padd with Yeoman Freya's data::

FCO_B`lee says:
::nods:: CSO: Sure ... that'd be great, Lieutenant.

XO_Vekh says:
::enters the Observation Lounge and greets the senior officers already there::

FCO_B`lee says:
::picks up one of his PADD's and taps the edge of it on the table quietly::

TO_KTracht says:
::takes the PADD:: CO : Yes ma'am...

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::nods to the XO:: XO: Afterrrrnoon sirrr.

Host CO_Rya says:
::Speaks quietly:: TO: Commander Azhure is missing and as far as we've been able to determine the information about her whereabouts has been faked.

TO_KTracht says:
CO : She’s.... missing?

XO_Vekh says:
::nods:: CSO: Good afternoon, Lieutenant. How you getting used to the Blue? ::means the uniform color::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Nods at the Klingon's question.:: TO: Please inform Admiral Edwards of our concerns and do what you can to further the investigation.

TO_KTracht says:
::nods:: CO : Yes ma'am... ::starts reading the PADD::

FCO_B`lee says:
::glances duly at the XO::

Host CO_Rya says:
TO: According to the information we were given before leaving base, she was attending a conference. Riella has discovered that is not the case.

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::grins at the XO's comment:: XO: Well sirrr, it's taken awhile. The firrrst few days I was wonderrring why none of them werrre at phaserrr prrractice, but I've gotten my bearrrings now.

Host CO_Rya says:
TO: I am concerned about her. Feel free to interupt the meeting if you have something to report.

FCO_B`lee says:
::feels the uncontrollable urge to...:: All: Ahhhchoo...

XO_Vekh says:
FCO: God bless you...or should I say the Prophets?

TO_KTracht says:
::nods::

FCO_B`lee says:
::grumbles slightly:: XO: Please don't.

Host CO_Rya says:
TO: Thank you. ::Heads back to the OL::

XO_Vekh says:
CSO: The first few days are really hectic. I've changed several times of assignment but you get used to it with time

Host CO_Rya says:
::Steps into the room and tries to put the missing counselor further back in her mind.::

TO_KTracht says:
::takes a deep breath, and starts the task of re-tracing Commander Azhure's steps before she disappeared::

FCO_B`lee says:
::sees the Captain reenter the room and stands, retaking his seat when she sits::

XO_Vekh says:
::notices the Captain's return, assuming his usual businesslike demeanor::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::stands as the CO enters the room and takes his seat::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Wonders if B'lee is ill. He really is behaving far more formal than usual. Smiles briefly and nods at him and then at P'Rraos::

Host CO_Rya says:
All: Good afternoon. ::feels like a broken record:: We'll begin with science unless anyone has anything urgent to say.

FCO_B`lee says:
::turns towards P'Rraos, curious about what the Caitian has to say::

XO_Vekh says:
::takes his seat by the Captain's side and waits for the introductions::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::stand and walks to the view screen::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Taps a note to Drayan on a padd asking him to stay after the meeting.::

XO_Vekh says:
::memories of a very similar briefing comes to his mind, back when he was counselor on the Apache and they meet the annoying Risealans and their Judges::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::brings up an image of the Black Cluster on the view Screen:: All: What we see here is the famed Black Cluster.

FCO_B`lee says:
::swivels his chair around to the left, to face P'Rraos at the viewscreen::

Host MikeyS says:
ACTION: The note gets routed to P'Rraos by accident.

CSO_P’Rraos says:
All: it is a spatial anomaly formed from the collapse of nearby-proto stars. This causes massive gravitational fluctuations that are violent, unpredictable and distort sensor readings.

XO_Vekh says:
::paying attention to the Caitian's briefing::

XO_Vekh says:
Self: distorts sensor readings? Great. Just what the Breen asked for.

FCO_B`lee says:
::makes a note that they will have to watch out for those gravitational fluctuations at helm::
Host CO_Rya says:
::Studies the image the CSO called up::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
All: Therrre have been little actual researrrch into the phenomena due to these prrroblems. Therrre werrre a few otherrr ships sent to patrrrol this rrregion and do researrrch, most notably the Paula Grrreene, Geneva and the Pharaoh, but none actually got to do any researrrch for varrrious reasons.

Host CO_Rya says:
CSO: Reasons relating to the phenomena Lt.?

CSO_P’Rraos says:
CO: No sirrr. One was stopped due to the rrrecent Borrrg incurrrsion, and the others due to a race called the Chodan'Rrrri.

TO_KTracht says:
::takes the PADD with him, and leaves for Sickbay::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Nods:: CSO: Thank you, please continue.

TO_KTracht says:
::enters the TL:: TL : Sickbay

XO_Vekh says:
::makes a mental note to ask on this new species after the CSO is done with his presentation::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
All: Frrrom the inforrrmation sent to us frrrom the Hydrrra, the Clusterrr absorrrbs enerrrgy and will be verrrry detrrrimental to ourrr ship systems.

FCO_B`lee says:
::adds:: All: Only if we enter it ... which is not included in our current flight plan.

Host CO_Rya says:
CTO: Our shield modifications seem to be working to protect us at this distance, correct Lt. Nimitz?

TO_KTracht says:
::reaches Sickbay::

CTO_Nimitz says:
CO: With the data shared by the Hydra and some personal adding, shields are holding

Host CO_Rya says:
::Nods again.:: CTO: Excellent. ::turns to the Caitian again:: CSO: Have you discovered anything else Lt. P’Rraos?

TO_KTracht says:
::moves to Alexei:: MO : Doctor?

XO_Vekh says:
CTO/CSO: Is there any way to modify our sensor probes to withstand the gravimetric disturbances?

XO_Vekh says:
CTO/CSO:...in a way to allow us to get readings from inside the cluster?

Host Dr_Alexei says:
K'Tracht: Yes Lieutenant?

TO_KTracht says:
Alexei : Can you tell me who was on duty when Lt. B'lee was here? Specifically someone who may have seen Commander Azhure here?

CSO_P’Rraos says:
CO: No sirrr, but I currrently have a science team going thrrrough the data the Hydrrra sent morrre thorroughly. I have a second team making surrre the ship's sensorrrs stay at peak perrrforrrmance.

CTO_Nimitz says:
::looks at P'rraos while thinking:: XO: Not sure, sir.

CSO_P’Rraos says:
XO: I'm not surrre at this time sirrr, but I can have some of my people look into it along with some enginerrrs.

XO_Vekh says:
CSO/CTO: Very good. Please work on it as a underlying contingency plan. In case we might need it in the future

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::takes his seat at the table, finished with his part of the presentation::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Looks at the officers:: FCO: Lt. B'lee you're up.

CSO_P’Rraos says:
XO: Aye sirrr. ::makes a note to do so on his padd::

FCO_B`lee says:
::nods at the Captain and stands, as P'Rraos sits down::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::turns in his seat to observe the FCO::

CTO_Nimitz says:
XO: Very well sir

FCO_B`lee says:
::goes to the display at the end of the table, using P'Rraos' schematic of area:: All: The Chodan'Ri are an ancient warrior culture which once thrived in this area. In actuality, the space they occupied encompassed nearly all of the existing Federation and beyond.

Host Dr_Alexei says:
K'Tracht: Sure, let me check the computer logs. ::goes to a nearby terminal, inputs several filter parameters, and reads the results:: TO: The Supervising Nurse on duty at that time was.. Catherine Salter. She's currently off-duty at the moment.

Host CO_Rya says:
::Raises an eyebrow at that::

XO_Vekh says:
::half raises an eyebrow at the FCO's statement:: Self: intriguing.

FCO_B`lee says:
All: Their civilization was based here... ::keys the display to zoom in on an asteroid belt:: ...in what we now know as the Gareth Asteroid Belt. The belt is the remains of the Chodan'Ri homeworld. Records are unclear, but at some point the Chodan'Ri were nearly wiped out by a planet-killing device. Apparently, a device of their own creation.

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::sees the note from the CO and glances at her quickly, puzzled then returns his attention to the FCO's presentation::

TO_KTracht says:
Alexei : Can you tell me what's the number of her quarters?

FCO_B`lee says:
All: A few years ago, the surviving descendants of the ancient Chodan'Ri attempted to reclaim their civilizations former glory. But their technical knowledge is simply too far behind the times. Although they may be a threat to the Federation in future, but they pose no serious threat to the Europa right now.

FCO_B`lee says:
All: Although extremely feral and cruel ... much like the Klingons... ::glances at Nimitz:: CTO: No offense, sir. ::turns back to the group:: All: They are more of an annoyance to passing vessels than anything else.

Host CO_Rya says:
FCO: Have they made any alliances that we should be concerned with?

Host Dr_Alexei says:
::raises an eye brow at that:: K'Tracht: May I ask what this is regarding Lieutenant?

TO_KTracht says:
Alexei: Official business... But if you must know, Commander Azhure is missing... And I’m going to find her..

FCO_B`lee says:
::shakes his head and zooms the display out:: CO: As you can see, the area they are calling home is relatively near both the Breen and Klingon borders. However, at this time, we are not aware of any alliances they may have formed, or attempted to form. It seems unlikely, given their technical level, that either the Breen or Klingons would want them

Host CO_Rya says:
::Nods and types a few notes into her padd.:: FCO: Thank you Lt. B'lee. Excellent job with the research.

FCO_B`lee says:
CO: Thank you, sir. ::goes to retake his seat::

XO_Vekh says:
FCO: Mr. B'lee, does this species display any characteristic modus operandi that we should be concerned about?

FCO_B`lee says:
::considers it as he sits:: XO: The Geneva reported that the Chodan'Ri generally used the tactics of Pirates when attacking vessels. They would hide in the cluster, and strike at the last possible moment. If they catch you off guard, they take advantage of the confusion and strike. But if you are prepared, they usually leave the vessel alone.

Host CO_Rya says:
::Nods and then, appropriately, her eyes land on Nimitz next and Alara smiles at the CTO: CTO: Lt. Nimitz, is your report ready?

FCO_B`lee says:
All: I would suggest running at yellow alert when near the cluster.

CSO_P’Rraos says:
FCO: Is therrre any chance that they might have adapted theirrr ships to be able to operrrate within orrr rrrelatively close to the Black Clusterrr?

Host Dr_Alexei says:
::seems a bit startled by that:: TO K'Tracht: Oh! Well.. ::taps a few commands::  Her quarters are on.. Deck 20, Section 5.. Apartment Number 8

CTO_Nimitz says:
::whispering:: Self: kinda CO: Yes, ma'am

TO_KTracht says:
Alexei: Thank you doctor.. ::turns to leave::

XO_Vekh says:
FCO/CO: Mr. B'lee has a point here, sir. It would do no harm to be prepared.

Host CO_Rya says:
XO: Agreed.

FCO_B`lee says:
::slides a PADD across the table to P'Rraos:: CSO: The Chodan'Ri continuously attempt to reclaim the technology that once ruled this area of space. But through the ages, things have fallen out of disrepair and those that understood their ancient abilities have died off. I would suggest that any advancement they make will be minor.

CTO_Nimitz says:
::makes his way to the front::

TO_KTracht says:
:.moves to the nearest TL:: TL : Deck 20, Section 5

FCO_B`lee says:
::turns to give his attention to Command Nimitz::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Nods at Nimitz::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::nods:: CO/XO: If they have any technology that allows them to do such a thing though, we will be almost blind even with the sensorrrs at peak perrforrrmance.

XO_Vekh says:
::nods a 'well-done' to the FCO and turns his attention to the CTO::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::turns to face the CTO::

TO_KTracht says:
::taps a few commands on his badge, requesting the Station's log regarding the Commander's commbadge location for the last couple of days..::

CTO_Nimitz says:
All: First, as I said shields are holding, thanks to the info given by the Hydra, second we are modifying torpedoes guiding system to better track targets under these conditions (...)

TO_KTracht says:
::reading the reports, notices that she spent two nights on one of the local bars::

TO_KTracht says:
::taps a few notes on his PADD, and exits the TL, headed for Apartment 8...::

TO_KTracht says:
::chimes the door, as he reaches it::

CTO_Nimitz says:
All: What is worrying me is the lack of sensors so to speak. It's not that we don’t have but they're limited, it may be possible to sneak a ship or two without being noticed, I'll be working on these, I hope that we'll be able to launch probes to improve our detecting capabilities.

Host CO_Rya says:
::Nods:: CTO/CSO: Work with science as much as you need to to decrease the chances of a surprise attack.

Host Dr_Alexei says:
ACTION: No answer.

CTO_Nimitz says:
All: Last but not least, these Chodan-something...I'll check the data to be prepared just in case.

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> ::a voice is heard from within:: TO: Yes? Who is it?

FCO_B`lee says:
::speaks up:: CTO: Chodan'Ri, Lieutenant...

TO_KTracht says:
Salter: This is Lieutenant K'Tracht, Europa Security.. I need to talk to you, ma'am..

CTO_Nimitz says:
::smiles:: FCO: Thank you, for the word.

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> TO: Who?

Host CO_Rya says:
CTO: Have you studied the maneuvers used by the vessels who've previously worked in and around the Black Cluster? Is there anything specific we need to be aware of?

TO_KTracht says:
Salter : Security Ma'am.. I’m investigating a disappearance.. I need to talk to you..

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> TO : Oh.. just a minute Lt..

TO_KTracht says:
::waits::

CTO_Nimitz says:
CO: There are some points of relative tactical importance, but I don’t want to bore anyone, it's too technical

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> ::Exits the sonic shower, and wraps a towel around her, and rushes to the door::

Host CO_Rya says:
CTO: Make sure you and Lt. B'lee have worked out battle plans keeping those in mind.

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> ::opens the door:: Lt.: Please, come in...

FCO_B`lee says:
CO: Aye sir.

TO_KTracht says:
::stands there for a few seconds, admiring the figure in front of him... and gawking::

Host CO_Rya says:
::Smiles at him:: CTO: Is there anything else you have to add Lt. Nimitz?

CTO_Nimitz says:
CO: Not for the moment sir

Host CO_Rya says:
CTO: Thank you for your report Lt. Nimitz.

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> TO: Lt., ... You sounded like you where in a hurry.. :smiles as she realizes what he's doing::

Host CO_Rya says:
XO: Commander Vekh, do you have anything to report?

Host CO_Rya says:
::Smiles at him::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::turns so he can see everyone at the table::

XO_Vekh says:
::lands his elbows on the table as he leans forward:: CO: Just a few reminders, Captain

TO_KTracht says:
::snaps out of it:: Salter: Yes... ::steps inside, and sits down where Salter directs him to:: Salter: I'll go right to the matter... Two nights ago, you where treating Lt. B'Lee in sickbay... Commander Azhure went there to visit him, correct?

Host CO_Rya says:
::Nods::

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> TO: Yes... She never left her bedside.. Until he recovered.. Then, she was gone..

TO_KTracht says:
Salter: Did you have a chance to talk to her while she was there?

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> ::nods:: TO: Just a few words, whenever I went to check on B'lee...

XO_Vekh says:
All: I'd suggest everyone get a copy of each of the ... excellent ... reports we just heard. And study them. There's no way to predict what we'll need. So the better is to get prepared.

TO_KTracht says:
::sighs:: Salter: So, I guess she didn't mention where she was going when she left?

XO_Vekh says:
CO/All: I'll second Mr. B'lee's suggestion to run on yellow alert during our patrol duties

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> ::shakes head:: TO: No, I'm sorry... Is she the one that's missing?

TO_KTracht says:
::lowers his head, then gets up:: Salter: Thank you ma'am.. I'm sorry for interrupting your off-duty time..

XO_Vekh says:
All: It is my opinion that the worst enemy we may face around here is not the Chodan'Ri nor the Breen, but ourselves. Long and boring assignments might make people sloppy on their duties. And distraction in a moment of crisis can turn out to be fatal.

FCO_B`lee says:
::sits back in his chair, listening as Vekh lectures them::

XO_Vekh says:
All: Captain Davidson of the Hydra was kind enough to provide us with some distraction in the form of holonovels. I'd suggest everyone considers giving them a chance.

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter> ::smiles:: TO: It's OK... I would love to help... ::thinks for a moment, watching the Klingon in front of her:: Maybe we could meet at dinner some time... See if I remember anything that could help you?

XO_Vekh says:
CO: That'll be all for now, sir.

TO_KTracht says:
::raises an eyebrow:: Salter: That would be... I would appreciate it... But for now, I must go..

TO_KTracht says:
<Salter>  :: smiles:: TO: I will be expecting your call, then...

FCO_B`lee says:
::wonders if Captain Davidson had the one about the naughty Bajoran school girl::

Host CO_Rya says:
XO: Thank you Commander. CTO: Lt. Nimitz change our alert status as soon as we begin our patrol.  All: You know your jobs. Just do them as well as I know you can and I'm sure we'll solve any problems that come our way. Please see Commander Vekh if your department's needs change over the course of the mission.

TO_KTracht says:
::exits the quarters, and smiling wide once the door closes behind him::

XO_Vekh says:
::notices B'lee's reverie with the corner of his eye and can only wonder what's going on the pilot’s mind. Better he never find out::

Host CO_Rya says:
All: If there is nothing else, you're dismissed. ::Sits in her seat, assuming Drayan got her message and will remain.::

CSO_P’Rraos says:
::remains seated waiting for everyone to leave so that he can see the CO about her message::

XO_Vekh says:
::as the Captain finishes the meeting, raises, nods to her and heads for the bridge::

FCO_B`lee says:
::stands and heads out through the door onto the bridge::

Host MikeyS says:
<<< Pause Europa Mission, Stardate 10204.07, 21:09 Eastern >>>

This transcript is © 2002 STAR TREK: A Call To Duty. All Rights reserved.