The Real State Of Play

Posted on Thu Nov 4th, 2021 @ 8:05pm by Commander Lillian Carter & Lieutenant Commander Hiro Sommers-Yoshida & Lieutenant Commander Melanie D’BrooNi- Haistro & Lieutenant JG Sher'ra Verona & Commodore Keiben Haistro & Commander Peter Horn & Lieutenant Commander Junjie Han & Senior Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Stoun & Lieutenant Commander Liam Reynolds

3,860 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: Episode 4 - The Fires Of Hades
Location: Central Core - Ward Room
Timeline: Mission Day 3 @ 0700

ON

The Captain had arrived early to the Ward Room, having planned on a breakfast meeting but actually providing breakfast for his staff. The last week had been more than a little crazy for everyone and it was still boggling to him just how much had happened in such a short space of time. That said, a meeting was needed to touch base with all sections, see where we stand with restoring the station to more than its former glory, see if anyone had figured out even why a Cardassian Space Station had been put so far from Cardassian Space, what other scientific discoveries had been found on the station, how was medical standing up with all the injuries, how soon would the first major crew infusion arrive... the list was endless.

He had laid out a full array from continental to warm earth breakfast foods, Klingon, Vulcan and Bajoran as well hoping to cater to most tastes. He also knew if the Bajoran Mopa fruit was not on offer then Mel would have been disagreeable and he had something Starfleet Medical had asked him to again broach with her but that could happen in private, but it didn't stop him buttering her up with her favorite fruit early on in the day.

He was just putting the last touches to the buffet when the distinctly Cardassian hiss of the doors and the whine of the mechanisms moving the doors apart caught his attention.
"Good morning, help yourself!"

Jon looked at the large spread before him, cheese danish's, coffee, muffins. He nodded to the captain before he grabbed the largest danish he could find and a cup of black coffee. "You better not tell the Doctor I'm eating this, she's already on my back." The engineer moved to the side of the room and started to chow down on the pastry before the Mel arrived.

"In that case Chief, you're on your own! I'm not silly enough to throw myself between you and a savage Doctor... Also she'll be here shortly so eat up fast!" Keiben couldn't help but feel the mirth of the situation. He grabbed himself a plate with a Bajoran dish, something he had found out was it had two varieties. One as a main dish which was renowned as a violently spicy dish. The other was far tamer. Hasprat. This one filled with local Bajoran salad and fruits.

"Something something order to leave the Chief alone with his sweets something something." Jon pushed the last bite down and took a swig of the coffee. "I mean, not telling you what to do and all as your the Captain, but I think it would go a long way towards the morale of your Chief Engineer."

"I'm brave, intelligent, handsome and all those other good words Chief... I'm not suicidal though" Keiben could help but let a mirthful chuckle escape as he took his seat at the head of the table, returning to his Raktajino as the doors parted allowing more arrivals.

"Aye." The engineer went back to the table and grabbed a pear before sitting back down at the seat in the back.

“Brave, intelligent, handsome? I’d say I’m more pretty then handsome, but I appreciate the complement” Sher’ra said as she walked in and made her way to one of the empty seats with a mug of Raktajino in her hands.

Junjie walked in and looked around and spotted the buffet set up and went over to check out what was being offered. He got a plate and served himself some Gagh, ham and eggs with a mug of Raktajino and found a seat at the table. " Well they say if you eat worms at the start of the day, nothing else bad will happen to you the rest of the day. Let's see if that theory holds true. " With that said he dug in to his breakfast.

Peter shuddered at the sight of the live Klingon food, helping himself to some simple sandwiches and some coffee instead. "Is this becoming a theme?" he queried, "breakfast meetings?"

"With the work we all have to do I would imagine we are all going to be skipping meals in the coming days. If holding a breakfast meeting means you all have at least one square meal a day then that is what I intend to do!"

Keiben offered the Counsellor who seemed in higher spirits today.

The door to the wardroom opened once more and in came Hiro. He stifled a yawn. "Good morning." He noticed the large buffet, providing everything one needed for a good breakfast. "Someone must've been reading my mind."

"If that's Mopa fruit Captain," Mel said walking in casting a quick glance at the chief with his pastry. She said nothing. Hell if he carried on he was only punishing himself and would be back in front of her in the infirmary here ..... "You have a very happy CMO."

She took a seat and reached for the exotic fruit she loved so much, knowing Keiben had thought of her. Smiling she peeled it and sank her teeth into a segment.

The door opened and Lillian, once again whistling some Bach, entered. She smiled cheerily "Good Morning all.... Ohhh Breakfast. " She added as she spotted the spread. She had slept very well the previous night and woken up... in the same new form. She poured herself a coffee and picked up a cinnamon swirl. She sat down at the table "So any more surprises today?"

Hiro was still standing before the large table, plate in hand and picking what he wanted to eat and drink. "Good morning,...Captain." He said when he noticed Lieutenant Commander Carter and grinned briefly. He'd met her on the Cerberus not too long ago.

Tam arrived stifling a yawn, she then spied the repast there and gave a chuckle. "I see making sure we have breakfast. Reminds me of the times back on the Copernicus making sure we all had some. This is good to see." going to dish up her own food. Including some of the Klingon Gagh.

She looked over towards Keiben, remembering when this all started, and the fact he had eaten next to nothing to keep them all alive. He looked better than what he had back then. Just so much had changed. Tamaska figured Keiben would catch her thoughts about when they had been rescued, her feelings still strong where that was concerned. She took a seat next to Junjie giving him a smile.

Junjie returned the smile with one of his own. " Good morning, it's been the start of a beautiful day. "

Peter had taken one of the vacant seats and studied his selection for a moment. "How does one know if a day is beautiful, when one has no accompanying weather to go on?" he queried curiously.

Junjie seemed surprised and taken aback by the question briefly, but the he smiled in response. " Since when does one need the weather to have a beautiful day? With all that this crew has been through over the past several months, and the discoveries and horrors that we have seen in that time together, and yet here we all stand living and breathing. A beautiful morning doesn't have to be weather related, it is also a state of mind. "

He paused briefly, and smiled at the counselor. " I am happy to be here and happier yet to still be alive. So I'll say it once more with conviction, It is a beautiful morning and I hope your day will be as well. " As he continued to eat his meal.

"OK folks!" Keiben started rather informally. "I have a batch of orders from Starfleet. The Admiral dispatched the Missouri to stay on station just outside of the Briar Patch to relay communications but before we get to those lets have a department breakdown... Chief shall we start with Station Operations... Lay it on us!"

Jon pulled out the PADD that had been under his arm, "Sir's, Ma'ams, my pleasure to report that at the moment, the list of things that don't need some kind of attention is slowly coming down. We've had crews start top down inspection of everything, making note of things that are not up to spec, even for Cardassian standards, I've submitted a report to all of you detailing it all, but here is the short version."

"Structural systems are at eighty-five percent, normal wear and tear if had to summarize. Power, auxiliary and computer systems are functional, at near sixty to seventy percent capacity, the challenge as always is that Cardassian and Federation tech don't like each other. We have to, in a lot of cases use transformers to convert the power into something that our systems will like so you lose efficiency, not that their stuff is great to begin with. Weapons, Shields, and defensive capability I'd be generous at forty to fifty percent capability by my guess." Jon scrolled through a few pages.

"Most of the station is livable, atmospheric and environmental controls operational, but some of the areas are hard coded to class L planet standards. I'm sure that was some sick joke. One cabin is literally a swamp, another frosted over. Replicators function, though I wouldn't eat much out of them for now." He pointed at the spread on the table. "No one has gotten sick yet that I've heard. Civilian areas are available for use but have taken less priority."

The engineer rubbed his head as he scrolled through more pages of damage reports and things not working. "Couple of the repair crews reported rats the size of Targs, had to fight them off with a phaser in one of the lower areas. Couple reports of haunted sights, mugwamps, gremlins and other things. Few desiccated bodies had to be removed from some odd places."

Jon scrolled through the last remaining reports. "One thing of note, when going through the mess of things that was left by the previous owners, we found some equipment in the docking pylons that was kind of out of place, but this flea market of a station who knows. Nor class stations were normally used for ore refining and processing of minerals. We found some odd tech that we haven't been able to figure out what they were doing or what it was used for. I'm going to tear one apart and analyze it, see if I can figure out what it is. Anyone who is interested, I'll be operating in cargo bay three, I'll set up bit of a theater."

He put the PADD down on the table. "What questions y'all got."

"What does work?" Keiben asked somewhat curious but mostly just sarcastically.

"Sonic shower on deck three section four of the inner ring is operating at one hundred percent." Jon scrolled through the list. "Yup everything else.. well.. mileage will vary."

"Thanks Chief... It goes without saying that priority number one is getting all of those systems back online. If the chief tells you to release some of your teams to support with that restoration effort then please do so... What about everyone else?"

It wasn't looking so rosy but Keiben knew this was a work in progress.

"Medical still has lots of new arrivals trickling through, luckily nothing too frightening now you turned off whatever it was causing all the psionic attacks," Mel said. "Its relatively well stocked and with each escape pod that's managed to get here, we were able to grab the supplies off them. Commander Reynolds managed to bring us plenty of supplies too.

Staff wise we have myself, Ensign Lyras, Lieutenant JG T'Sehn, Charlie's helping out and thankfully now Commander Horn's wife has returned I have another very experienced nurse on hand.

I took a look at some of the bodies sir," Mel said. Autopsies were never a nice thing to talk about but it was part of her role. "Two had self inflicted wounds. Suicide. Two had elevated stress hormones. Way above the norm for Cardassian's. Clearly they succumbed to what you all faced. There was a few aliens I'm not familiar with. We theorised they must have been open for visitors when they were here.

So far there's very little in terms of prior medical files we have been able to access but I know Chief Stoun's team are working on that when they get a chance. I know there's a lot of priorities. All I can tell you is one of them had the uniform of a Legat. So I know the Cardassian government are denying this place exists but it existed. They don't send Legats out for no reason," Mel finished.

Junjie spoke up. "Well for the science department we've been busy checking out the equipment that had been left behind, And I'm sorry to report most of it is in a pitiful state. I don't know if it was just a lack of care or they were trying to hide something, But I'm leaning towards the trying to hide something myself. "

Junjie paused a moment. " My team and I have found in the plans of a concealed scientific vault and we believe we have located the entrance which had been concealed very well. I know Cardassians love throwing out red herrings and that maybe what this is, But we won't know until we get inside, I'll keep you informed of our progress Sir. "

"There's also been some unusual trading of old T'kon relics over the last couple of months. Somebody has been trying to acquire some old T'kon technology, according to rumours," Lillian reported, referring to her PADD, then let out a small laugh "If the rumours are to be believed, it's something to do with time travel. A bit far fetched if you ask me."

"Given what we have seen of T'Kon technology thus far it wouldn't surprise me" Keiben rubbed the bridge of his nose, the implications giving him a headache. "What about the rest of the intel Commander?"

"Well," Lillian continued "The Son'a and the Syndicate have been relatively quiet, with the expectation of the Cetea incident. Until we get the communication relays established, we're cut off from Starfleet. We don't even have communications with Starbase 308.

"We will be fixing that shortly!" Keiben said in a pointed way knowing his hand out of orders that was on the way would be what she was hoping for. He then turned his attention to Sher'ra.

"Security and tactical are a mess, whoever left this station here didn't leave it with much" Sher'ra reported, using her PADD to bring up a holographic image of the station, "right now we have 1 photon launcher and 3 phaser emitters. a station like this should have a hell of a lot more. We barely have 200 torpedoes to throw at anything and we'd have to fire them blindly as our tactical sensors are also non-operational. The good news is we do have partial shields as 2 of the 3 primary emitters are intact and working. Other than that, non of the onboard security systems are currently functional"

"We will get to those systems soon. I believe Starfleet is sending through components to upgrade them and once Lieutenant Tua is back on his feet he will be overseeing the tactical systems!" this was becoming a much larger laundry list than he had hoped.

When he noticed the Captain was looking at him, Hiro sat straight while at the same time picking up his own PADD from the table. He cleared his throat before giving his update. "I think it's best when I start with the Copernicus and Yosemite. The Copernicus can be salvaged and repaired, but it will take a lot of work before she'll space worthy again. For the Yosemite, she'll need a complete refit. Orders from Starfleet. She'll be upgraded to the latest version of the Oberth class. And that, of course, will also take time." He looked at Keiben and Tamaska. "I've been told the drydock will arrive in a week, give or take a day. And perhaps another two, three of four days to get it operational. Until then we'll have to be creative."

Tamaska sat quietly as everyone was giving their reports. It was all she could do whilst eating her breakfast. Right now, food was important.

"Lieutenant Yoshida, would I be correct in assuming that those repairs for Copernicus and Yosemite will go hand in hand with the arrival of the Drydock Scaffold?" Keiben interjected hoping that he could keep his ship nearby. You could take the Captain from his Starship, but not the Starship from its Captain.

"Yes, Captain. When the drydock arrives when can do all the work in the vicinity of the station." Hiro laid down his PADD on the table again. "But we can already start with getting the ships ready before we start the real work. Of course, this is all assuming we're supplied on time with the requested parts that we need."

Peter glanced around the table for a moment. "Counseling is ready," he announced, "the diplomatic offices are being prepared to receive envoys as needed. I am still hoping to receive additional counselors, but for now, I believe I am able to manage on my own, provided not everyone tries to make an appointment at the same time."

"I am under the understanding that Command are currently sorting out some candidates for Diplomatic and Counseling aides for you Commander. As soon as the dossiers land I will have Commander Carter forward them down to you!" the Captain offered looking over to his de facto go to woman for assuming command while he focused on getting the station back to spec.

"As for orders. Chief Stoun, keep up the good work. Standing orders for everyone else... Commander Carter, once we have a moment we need you to take the Cerberus out and position a number of communications relays to permit subspace comms within this section of the briar patch... We can send you out once we have the stations communications array functioning at one hundred percent."
Still looking at his very own prodigal officer.

Lillian smiled. "Aye Sir, sounds like an easy mission to get the new ship run in."

"Commander Horn, we need you to take the Runabout through the patch and set up ties with the Ba'ku. Let them know we are here and see if you can develop some form of trade and supply chain for us, once that is done we need you to start tackling the crew... We've all been through hell the last few weeks so I want every senior officer to schedule a meeting with Commander Horn to make Starfleet Medical happy. This is not a request from them either people!"
He cast an eye around the room making sure to allow his eyes to linger on those that may not willingly go through with the order.

The order caused Hiro to raise both his brows slightly. "Every senior officer, Captain? I have nothing against counseling, sir, but I and the people who arrived with the Zambezi didn't go through the rough time that the rest of the crew did. I don't want to burden Commander Horn unnecessarily."

"That Lieutenant is very true... and if you hadn't said anything I could have spoken to you later on to say you were exempt but now the kids will not be happy!" his smile was genuine as he waved his hands at the rest of the room, all eyes now focused on the new arrival.
"How about we pretend you didn't say anything!"

Hiro looked at several faces sitting at the table. "Yes, I see, sir. Please, ignore what I said."

"Junjie, on top of your exploration of the station's scientific area's could I ask you to just oversee the arrival and set up of the civilian population. I would have asked Commander Horn but he has enough to do for the time being" the Captain fixing his attention on his science officer.

Junjie nodded. "But of course Captain. I'm willing to pitch in where I am needed" He steepled his fingers and then looked up at Keiben. " I understand that you'd like me to get the civilians checked in and into housing, And I can assume that they have been vetted by Security or they wouldn't be here. But my questions are, How many civilians are we expecting? Are they arriving in bulk or stages? Other then that I'm good. "

"We don't know I'm afraid Lieutenant." the Captain said. "I am aware that some are coming from outside of the Federation so we have no grounds to run the usual checks... Use your judgment and coordinate with Lieutenant Verona is about all I can suggest you do!"

" Aye Sir! " Replied Junjie. " My team and I will do what we can to get the civilians settled in and work with security to make sure we screen everyone to the best of our ability.

The Captain's attention then moved to the next person on his list.
"Lieutenant Verona, could you work with the Civilian population in getting the promenade into a position that it is ready to receive them... Have I missed anyone?"

Sher'ra nodded, "I'll do what I can but it's not going to be easy. I would like to request that any available staff be assigned to clean up on the promenade and habitat rings"

Tamaska spoke up, "You will be getting help on your clean up, there are those who will be willing to do so. Among them are some of the newly arrived." giving a nod.

Looking back at his PADD for a moment. "Mel, you have enough to do but if I could ask you to take a few shifts in Operations to allow Carter, Myself and Tam some down time it would be appreciated."

Mel nodded. "Of course sir."

While she was excited to get out here, part of Lillian would welcome a chance for a rest. With everything that had happened, things had been rather hectic.

"Am I to go alone, or do I get to pick a small team to accompany me?" Peter queried, dearly hoping he wasn't going to be thrown to the wolves on this.

"Your mission, your decision Commander... I trust your judgment but I would ask if you could take only a couple of people with you if you so choose!"

Glad to see his friend looked to be in a much better place since they had found and reunited Peter with his wife.

"Obviously," Peter deadpanned, "a Runabout can carry only so many sir, and since we do not wish to scare them a small team is only prudent."

"Yes Commander but by a few I mean no more than two or three and not the forty a runabout can carry!"

Keiben retorted not appreciating the Counsellors tone. Maybe the Counsellor wasn't quiet back to his usual self yet then given the rather pointed comment.
"If there is nothing else then you are all dismissed!"

Tamaska smiled and was vastly relieved to hopefully relax, If that does happen.

END

 

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