((Bridge, Ursa Major))
:: The Big Bear was on an intercept course.  She was to rendezvous with the
Independence-
A, whereby some of the Ursa Major crew was to be transfered to Ad. Anassasi's
ship.  For
some, like Chen, the Promethus class ship will their end of the line. For
others, it was a
stop-over before they reach the Tiger.  Chen had forgotten when he had heard
about the
reassignment orders- Ursa Major's recall to SB118 was all that he could think
of.  Captain
Lancaster was to take her there while along the way, various crews were to
disembark for
other assignments, and by the time the Big Bear reached SB118, only a skeleton
crew
would be left.  As the first officer, Chen felt that it was his duty to
accompany Lancaster to
SB118.  He felt that he should be present when she under went decommission.  He
felt
that it was only right that Lancaster and him were the last ones to leave.  But
orders were
orders.  Lancaster had argued that it would be a waste of time with the travel,
and
Starfleet could not afford to have Chen go on extended leave, while making the
long
journey to and from SB118.  And even more, although Chen did not tell Lancaster,
he also
wanted to see Admiral Hollis, to seek his advise and consul and to drop in on
Susan Banks.

:: Debating was not one of Chen's strong point, and against Lancaster, it was an
upstream
battle for him, sans paddle or outboard motor.  The frustrated Lancaster ended
the
discussion with issuing a direct order to report to the Independence-A without
delay as a
LtCmdr or remain on board as an enlisted crewman in the ops detail.  Chen,
smarting from
that interaction left the ready room and went on a hike in the holodeck. ::

((Flashback))

((OOC I am changing the timing of this to match Thomas's sim ))

:: The orders were out, but not one bit has sunk in just yet.  Chen went on with
his duties
as if nothing had happened.  Happily surprised to see Thomas back, he was
catching up
with the former CEO. ::

Thomas: Thats good to see. ::Turning to more serious matters:: I'm
not privy to the crew reassignments, but out of curiosity; where are
you headed?

Chen: The Independence.

Thomas: Really? Congratulations. Its a fine ship, especially given
how advanced she is.

I'd love to get dirty amongst her warp core.
:Chen snored a chuckle. He knew where Thomas was coming from, being in
engineering
previously. ::

Chen: Me, too.  But I doubt that the CEO is going to let me near it.  yea, the
new Indy...
::He thought back of the one that was lost in the Gorn conflict.::  And 
yourself?  You have
yours already?

Thomas: I received my reassignment already. I'm heading to the USS
TIGER. The duty roster, i guess we'll find out, once we arrive

Chen: I hear that Commander Riley will be her skipper.  It looks like we are all
going to be
pretty occupied for the next few months.  I wish that I could do something to
keep us
together, but as it is, I am not going to be able to see the Big Bear to SB118. 
Let's keep in
touch regardless.

Thomas: Of course, i'm quite busy myself. Don't be a stranger either

Chen: You bet.

((Present))

::He felt a little better after the holodeck visit.  Chen showered and dressed. 
The few items
of his will need to be packed.  He opted to have that done the next day. 
Meanwhile, he
returned to the bridge and oversaw the details to the upcoming transfer. ::

((Sometime later, when the Ursa Major met up with the Independence-A))

::After the crew transfer was completed, after Chen had taken leave of
Lancaster.  It was
time for him to complete the command transfer.  Lt. Julius Carl was detailed to
be the
acting FO for the Ursa Major's final journey.  ::

Chen: Take care of her, Julius.  And take care of yourself.

Carl: Thank you sir.  And you too.

Chen: Please convey my regards to Ad. Hollis. And have a drink for me at The
Twilight's
Edge.

Carl: I will sir.

Chen: Alright, I am off.   ::Noticing an odd look on Carl's face. ::  What's the
matter?
Carl: I thought that I would be more excited at the prospect of being the first
officer, but I
am not.  Not for a trip to decomm anyway.

Chen: No, not the best assignment, but you get to learn what the post requires
of you,
how to deal with different departments, how to coordinate the different
departments, and
not to forget with SB118 ops, when you get there.

Carl: Administration tasks, is that all I have to look forward to, sir?

Chen: That and to pilot the Ursa Major to a Trojan-class II Spacedock-that's
something I
have yet to do.

Carl: I am not convinced.

Chen: You get to learn about command first hand, and what better way to do that
then this
journey.  It is better than learning all of that during battle or on a Klingon
battlecruiser.

::Chen smiled that the officer. ::

Look, you will do fine, and you can always get in touch with me.  And you know
where I
will be.

Carl: And what about the Captain.

Chen: Just don't ask him to carry your bags and you will do fine.

::Carl had a puzzle look. Chen was not going to explain, and he has kept Cody
waiting
long enough.  He shook Carl's hand, offered some more encouraging words and made
his
way to the Independence.


((OOC- I'm in for a few more final posts, as a NPC for the Big Bear's send
off.))

LtCmdr. Takashi Chen
Outgoing FO
USS Ursa Major

OOC:  I assume you don't mind this taking place after we've heard news
of our re-assignments? Give us a chance to begin tying up things, and
allow me a starting point for my lead in post on USS TIGER.

((Bridge))

::Kael always managed to find himself occupied on the bridge.  Even if
his own station wasn't terribly exciting, he always found something
that needed to do.  Right now, he was assisting with co-ordinating the
systemic review of the primary systems.  The crew wanted it to be in
good repair before she arrived at DS17::

::Oblivious to most other things, kael was startled by Commander chen
approaching him::

Chen: Welcome back!

Thomas: Commander chen.  Good to see you.

::It had been quite some time since the two had managed to catch up.
Neither had yet done so since coming aboard::

Chen: When did you get back, I cannot believe that I missed you coming
on board, is  everything ok? Did you get settled? HAve you seen the
CO? I am very glad to see you.

::It came out all in one sentence. ::

Thomas: We're settled in.  I've taken up the position at Helm for a
while.  A change is always good.

Chen: I am so very sorry that I was not there to welcome you back.

Thomas: Nonsense, everyone has been busy down at the surface.  I
expected nothing more.

Chen: No, that is no excuse. You, Doc Calhan, Ensign Block and me are
all that there is left on board from the Aurora.

::Drifting back to the days of the nova class starship, Kael often
considered them some of the best days of his career thus far::

Thomas: Where is the doc, he's normally got me in sickbay by now.

Chen: Doc's probably very busy down on the surface, you know how hard
he works, and I am pretty sure that he still hardly ever sleeps.

Thomas: ::Smiling:: He wouldn't be our doc if he wasn't.

Chen: I left your office pretty much the same way...and...err...I
still have the kayaking  program, you left me.

::In the middle of the sentence, Chen suddenly felt very
self-conscious. ::

::Chen, judging by the look on his face....had managed to avoid using it::

Thomas: Mastered it yet?

Chen: Truth is, I haven't use it much.

Thomas: ::Laughing:: don't feel bad, kayaking really isn't everyone's
thing.

Chen: Hey, have you seen Block since you've returned?

Thomas: I caught up with him in engineering briefly earier.  Hows' he
going?

Chen: Yeah, he's been great- I would go crazy without his help.

::Kael always had the good ensign under his wing, it was good to see
that he actually learnt something::

Thomas: Thats good to see. ::Turning to more serious matters::  I'm
not privy to the crew reassignments, but out of curiosity; where are
you headed?

Chen: Response

Thomas: Really?  Congratulations.  Its a fine shit, especially given
how advanced she is.
::Pondering his engineering days::
I'd love to get dirty amongst her warp core.
::kael, almost unusally exicted about it::

Chen: Response

Thomas: I received my reassignment already.  I'm heading to the USS
TIGER.  The duty roster, i guess we'll find out, once we arrive

Chen: Response

Thomas: Of course, i'm quite busy myself.  Don't be a stranger either

::Kael turned and resumed his work at the operations station.  It
would be sad to watch him be further separated from the guys, he
professionally grew up with, but such is the life of an officer::


OOC: I'd also love to simm the arrival of the big bear to DS17, as our
final Farewell.  If anyone is keen

Lt cmdr Kael Thomas
HCO
USS URSA MAJOR

((OOC-This should make Kevin Hahn very happy. The holographic Clack
I added just for fun mainly just to give Kevin someone to talk to and help
when items need repairing. I hope he doesn't cause havoc for the people
of Wheeler centuries from now. Make a nice sim set something in the
future though.))


((Central Control One, Wheeler))
((set forward several days from present time))

::Darius rose to his feet from underneath the control console. In theory
everything was perfect. The only remaining item on the agenda was to
start up the system or as engineers would say, 'perform a smoke test.'
Clack was glad to see this mission end. Though not evident to the others
around him, it had taken a terrible toll on the Chief Engineer.::

Clack: Mr Hahn. ::addressing the fixit man who stood behind him with
a group of his coworkers.:: I think the honor belongs to you.

Hahn: response

Clack: Just activate it by pressing these keys in sequence: one zero
two three zero four four.

::Darius watched as Kevin performed the operation. The sound of the
new generators sprang to life as power began flowing freely through
the system.::

Computer: Systems activated… Systems Online… Beginning initial
sequence… ::the computer spoke in Clack's own voice.::

::Walking over to the console, Darius observed everything was working
as planned. Gently, he rubbed the console as it was operating as a
show of pride. It was functioning just as he had planned. The new design
that he had worked months on had all paid off.::

Clack: It should be two days before the reactor starts functioning at one
hundred percent efficiency, just in time for your winter season. It will tell

you when to turn off the portable generators. Fully automated Mr Hahn.
I think you and your wife can now retire. ::smiling:: Well, I must be off.
::extending a hand to Kevin.:: I am sorry to have caused any grief with
your people but you must realize that I was only doing what I thought was
right.

Hahn: response

Clack: Now, in eight hours you will need to be here to begin the start up
of the relay stations but they are okay. I did a thorough check last night of

all stations. The computer will inform you of any external problems that may
require your assistance.

Hahn: response

Clack: You don't need me. Don't worry, ::putting his jacket on as he
prepared to leave.:: I have left you a friend that will help you. He will
answer any questions you may have. Ask him anything and he will
respond.

Hahn: response

Clack: You will see. I impressed my own engrams onto the main
computer.

::Darius turned and left before Kevin could respond. As he made his way
out of the building he could hear the 3D holographic image initiate. He
could only wonder what Mr Hahn thought of his new holographic
assistance.::

Clack(Hologram): This is protocol one online. ::The shimmering 3D image
of Clack spoke through a crackling voice as it stabilized.:: Shall we get
started Mr Hahn. ::turning and looking directly at Kevin Hahn. It's voice
now much clearer.::

Hahn: response

((Outside of the Power Plant, Wheeler))

::Darius stepped out of the dark damp complex into the fresh clean air
of a Wheeler sunrise.  The fiery giant ball was just peaking over the
horizon as Darius reached for a cigar. In more ways than one for those
on Wheeler, it was a new beginning. As he inhaled deeply, his lungs
rattled with a deep disturbing cough. Leaning against the door of the
complex, he closed his blood shot eyes. The face of Jack Ross appeared
to him out of the darkness. Sighing, there was one more important item
left to attend to before the Ursa Major left Wheeler. It was one that he
looked forward to accomplishing.::

Clack: =/\=Clack to Chen=/\=

Chen: response

Clack: =/\=The power station is operating and will be operating at one
hundred percent in two days. All in all, everything here is complete. =/\=

Chen: response

Clack: =/\=Unless you require them back immediately, I will be sending
my remaining engineering staff to assist with the new hospital.=/\=

Chen: response

Clack: =/\= Something here requires my immediate attention before I leave.
There was a wildcard in the deck that no one knew anything about. I'll
explain later. Clack out.=/\=

Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((The Singing Swan, Public House))

Nadina: "There you go again. You have a very low opinion of folks
round here." :: She stood up and started to clear away the dishes.
:: "Just cause we need a bit of help, don't mean we are stupid
or are not thinking for ourselves. YOU never gave anyone a chance to
think.. you barged in here and started bossing everyone around without
even trying to talk to them and see if they had any thoughts or ideas.
It is a good thing you wish to do, to help your daughter, but you are
lousy with people. You came here with some preconceived notion that we
are all stupid. Start showing some respect to people. You will get
better results. But I'd not go shouting out that she's yours,
if I were you. Especially if you plan to leave her here."

Clack: Are you saying that she will come to harm?

Nadina: "No, I am not saying anyone would harm her. I think the
most harm to her is you. Does she know who you are? Has she any idea?
Who is the man she is living with and why is she living with him? How
old is she? Would it do more harm than good to upset her world, her
sense of security? Have you even though about all this? Do you ever
think of how anyone feels except yourself?" :: She shook her head.
:: "I feel sorta sorry for you, mister. And I know you don't
think highly of folks around here, but please, for the sake of your
daughter, take my advice, talk to someone you do trust, or who you at
least feel has more knowing about these kinds of things before you go
marching off to claim what's yours."

Clack: If you could see it from my viewpoint.

Nadina: "Yeah, well, I doubt you'd listen to one of us Wheeler
folks anyway. Talk to a professional before you ruin this kids life,
that's all I ask. Cause I can see it now, you go shatter her world
and then fly off and are never heard from again. Sometimes the best way
to help a person, is to leave them be."

Clack: You are right.

::As Nadina spoke with her back to him, Clack rose from the table
and walked up behind her. Turning around, she found him just inches
from her. His steel cold blue eyes seemed to change directly in front
of her to that of soft brown.::

Nadina: response

Clack: I respect your colony, you say that I speak as though your stupid.
You can't be farther from the truth. What would you do in my position?
Would you not try to persuade a group of people who would influence
your child's future to live better lives? Please. Please, ::softly his
voice dropped.:: I didn't intend to provoke you.

Nadina: response

::Darius reached with his left hand and touched her long hair. Quickly, he
jerked it away as the soft texture of her hair sent a shudder through
his nervous system. It couldn't remember the last time he had experienced
the touch of a woman's hair. He stepped back toward the table as the
feeling brought back unpleasant memories, long forgotten sins.::

Clack: Kesi is mine. She is only four months old. DNA test will prove it.
You asked if she knows me. We've never met nor does she know my name,
but she will know me instantly when she sees me. In time, she will see me
out... it has been ingrained within her. The day will come when she will ask
you about me. ::pausing:: I am not a nice man? You say that I pass
judgment on the colony but you pass judgment on me when you have
no knowledge of Darius Clack to support such a statement. Thank you for
the meal… Miss Hall.

Nadina: response

::Darius reached out and kissed her hand. Making his way out the door,
he stopped and looked back at Nadina still standing by the kitchen counter.::

Clack: We will meet again. I will return for her when the time is right...
and I
will rejoice in my heart at the prosperity of Wheeler set into motion this
day.

Nadina: response

::Darius began the long walk back to wait for transport with the two security

guards behind him. Turning around as he walked, he saw Nadina standing
in the doorway looking at him. The cold night wind blew her hair gently
as he dangled from her face. As the images of Miss Hall disappeared
into the night, a pair of soft hands came to rest on Clack's shoulders
as the three men came to a stop and waited for public transport.::

Sheba: What is wrong?

::Behind him, draped in a brilliant white dress that shimmered rays of
blinding light was Sheba. The rays of light illuminating off her felt warm
and comforting to him against the cold night air.::

Clack: I don't know, I just feel like something inside me has crossed
over and there is no going back. I hate this...

::Darius caught the puzzled facial expressions of his two guards out of
the corner of his eye as they stood behind him baffled by his remarks.::

Never mind. ::addressing the two men without turning around.:: Just
talking to myself.


Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR

and

special appearance by

Sheba Kinsel
House of Kinsel
Kingdom of Arakin




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((The Singing Swan, Public House))



Nadina:  "Then how can you be sure she's yours?  And why
didn't you know?  Did her mother run off on you?  You bully her
too?"

Clack:  I am really not a cruel man... just one that is determined to
make things right. I can't provide for her... not now… I can't take
her back to the ship…

Nadina:  "You'd probably scare the girl if you did take her.
You're not a very nice person."

Clack:  I was harsh on your colony... you hold my daughters future in
your hands. You must start to think for yourselves before you fall back
into the hands of the cartel. ::pausing:: She will stand out among you
as she grows. Everyone in the colony WILL KNOW HER I guarantee it.

Nadina:  "There you go again.  You have a very low opinion of folks
round here."  :: She stood up and started to clear away the dishes.
::   "Just cause we need a bit of help, don't mean we are stupid
or are not thinking for ourselves.  YOU never gave anyone a chance to
think.. you barged in here and started bossing everyone around without
even trying to talk to them and see if they had any thoughts or ideas.
It is a good thing you wish to do, to help your daughter, but you are
lousy with people.  You came here with some preconceived notion that we
are all stupid.  Start showing some respect to people.  You will get
better results.  But I'd not go shouting out that she's yours,
if I were you.  Especially if you plan to leave her here."

Clack:  ?

Nadina:  "No, I am not saying anyone would harm her.  I think the
most harm to her is you.  Does she know who you are?  Has she any idea?
Who is the man she is living with and why is she living with him?  How
old is she?  Would it do more harm than good to upset her world, her
sense of security?  Have you even though about all this?  Do you ever
think of how anyone feels except yourself?"  :: She shook her head.
::  "I feel sorta sorry for you, mister.  And I know you don't
think highly of folks around here, but please, for the sake of your
daughter, take my advice, talk to someone you do trust, or who you at
least feel has more knowing about these kinds of things before you go
marching off to claim what's yours."

Clack: ?

Nadina:  "Yeah, well, I doubt you'd listen to one of us Wheeler
folks anyway.  Talk to a professional before you ruin this kids life,
that's all I ask.  Cause I can see it now, you go shatter her world
and then fly off and are never heard from again.  Sometimes the best way
to help a person, is to leave them be."



Clack: ?





Nadina Hall

Proprietress of the Singing Swan

Wheeler Colony



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((Corridor near the Kodiak Lounge, Ursa Major))

:: Chen was off duty.  But he had decided to go over the roster while at the
Lounge.
Looking through the PADD, his eyes stopped at a very, very familiar name.  He
thought of
the officer and his kayaking program on the holodeck, he thought of the office
that was
this person's when Chen had occupied when he was the Big Bear's CEO and he
wondered
why no one had informed him that his former shipmate had returned.   He ran back
up to
the bridge.  He hoped that he could still catch Thomas while wondering if he had
missed
seeing the name in previous rosters. ::

((Bridge))

((OOC- not sure about where this fits in the sequence of events, but wanted get
a sim out
to you))

::He saw his former shipmate on the bridge. ::

Chen: Welcome back!

Thomas: response

Chen: When did you get back, I cannot believe that I missed you coming on board,
is
everything ok?  Did you get settled? HAve you seen the CO? I am very glad to see
you.

::It came out all in one sentence. ::

Thomas: response

Chen: I am so very sorry that I was not there to welcome you back.

Thomas: response

Chen: No, that is no excuse.  You, Doc Calhan, Ensign Block and me are all that
there is
left on board from the Aurora.

Thomas: response

Chen: Doc's probably very busy down on the surface, you know how hard he works,
and I
am pretty sure that he still hardly ever sleeps.

Thomas: response

Chen: I left your office pretty much the same way...and...err...I still have the
kayaking
program, you left me.

::In the middle of the sentence, Chen suddenly felt very self-conscious. ::

Thomas: response

Chen: Truth is, I haven't use it much.

Thomas: response

Chen: Hey, have you seen Block since you've returned?

Thomas: response

Chen: Yeah, he's been great- I would go crazy without his help.

Thomas: response

tag/tbc

LtCmdr. Takashi Chen
FO
USS Ursa Major

((Science, Ursa Major))

::Aeric switched off his comm badge and stepped away from his station to
prepare for the away mission. If there was truly a radiation problem on the
planet, the sooner it could be dealt with, the better. Radiation had never
been his specialty, but when examining the ship's roster during the long
months it took to arrive, Aeric had noted that there was an expert on
radiation in the ship, a Doctor Iago who had been studying the radiation
emissions of the various ship functions. Aeric quickly found an empty
conference room and called him from an available terminal::

Dr. Iago: "Yes, what? What is it?"

Tiernan: "Doctor Iago, I'm sorry if I've interrupted an experiment, but
there appears t' be a radiation leak on the planet. You are the ship expert
on radiation, I was hoping you could come with us."

Dr. Iago: ::frowning at the communications panel:: "I've never been asked on
an away mission before." ::He tugged at his lab coat::

Tiernan: "Aye, sir. I've checked the ship's records, it's almost as if you
never existed on the ship before right now, when I arrived and needed
someone to come along t' cover for th' fact that I'm a botanist, not a
radiologist. If this were a play, you'd be considered a plot device, nothing
more."

Dr. Iago: "A poorly written play, no doubt."

Tiernan: "Aye, 'tis."

Dr. Iago: "I've been in better."

Tiernan: "I'm sure of it."

::Dr. Iago simply glowered at the screen for a while:: "Alright. I'll meet
you in the transporter bay. The second one. It'll do me good to get off this
death trap for a while."

Tiernan: "Th' Ursa Major is a death trap?"

Dr Iago: "Of course, boy." ::he snapped.:: "It flies through space. Everyone
knows that's impossible."

::There was a lengthy pause as Aeric struggled to find words to reply to
that.::

Dr. Iago: "Gullible, aren't you?" ::The comm line went dead.::

::Aeric sighed slightly; he could tell he was getting in slightly over his
head; but no time to waste musing about it. He had the rest of a team to
pull together.::

((Wheeler Colony: Power Station))

::They were a team of true scientists, which is to say that the moment the
transporter dissipated they all had their tricorders out and were scanning
the area. Aeric had distributed radiation medication in hyposprays before
they arrived; all except to the doctor, who not only had his own but was
wearing a full radiation suit and carrying a rack of test tubes in one hand,
and an old-fashioned geiger counter in the other, both of which he insisted
on carrying himself. It let out a quiet mumble of clicks as they stepped
away from the landing site.::

::Ensign Janice Lutz, a short-haired brunette, looked up from her tricorder
to the walls of the power station.::

Lutz: "I'm showing definite background radiation here. Elevated from
standard levels, but well within expectations for a power station of this
quality."

Tiernan: "Any danger t' th' workers?"

Lutz: "Not if they take basic precautions. A simple anti-rad pill once a
month and nothing to worry about."

::The doctor snorted. Aeric looked over at him questioningly:: "Doctor?"
::The doctor waved his hand dismissively, setting the test tubes rattling in
their containers for a moment.::

::Ensign Byron Koshto spoke up:: "There aren't any residences close enough
to reach with this level of radiation. They'd need to be practically living
inside the power station for a month or two. The radiation shielding is
hardly Star Fleet standard, but it seems to be sufficient."

::Aeric nodded.:: "That's what earlier reports confirmed, that it shouldn't
be a danger... which means there might be a leak somewhere that we haven't
picked up."

::Doctor Iago snorted without looking up.::

Koshto: "Or a different source of radiation.::

::Doctor Iago snorted again.::

Tiernan: "Exactly. Ensign Koshto. Ensign Lutz, take a walk around the
outside of the power plant, see if there's any significant change in
radiation. Let me know immediately if you find anything."

::Aeric glanced over to the doctor::

Tiernan: "Doctor, have you found anything of interest?"

Dr. Iago: "Oh, no. Why would I have found anything? I'm just a scientist. I
won't notice anything."

Tiernan: "I just wanted t' know..."

Dr. Iago: "Oh, well, don't let me stand in your way. Go on, talk to the
family. I'm sure you've already thought to ask where they've been swimming
lately, and where they live. I'll just rattle my test tubes some more."

Tiernan: "... right... " ::He tapped his commbadge:: =/\= "Tiernan to Doctor
Prox. We're investigating the radiation leak you indicated. I was wondering
if you could ask your patients a few questions for us." =/\=

-- Response?

Tiernan: =/\= "Where they live, where they've been swimming, anywhere
they've been spending a lot of time lately." =/\=

-- Response?

Dr. Iago: "Are their toenails bleeding?"

Tiernan: "What?"

::Dr. Iago waved his hand:: "Ask him if their toenails are bleeding."

Tiernan: =/\= "And we're wondering if their toenails are bleeding at all."
=/\= "Is that a symptom of radiation poisoning?"

Dr. Iago: "'Is that a symptom of radiation poisoning'?" ::He muttered to
himself.::

-- Response?


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((The Singing Swan, Public House))


Clack : No one knows, not even the ones that I serve with, but my
descendent walks among you. This is beyond Starfleet or the government
of Wheeler and it is certainly not about you or me. This is about my
own child having a future. A child that I have killed for and I will
again to protect it.

Nadina: "Your…you have a child..here on Wheeler? How'd
that come to pass?"

::Darius almost immediately felt a cold shiver jolt through him. The
painful sensation caused the joints in his left hand to stiffen. Slowly
he removed his hand from the table top and placed it in his lap. It was
the first time that he had verbally spoken about the subject to anyone
since it had been revealed to him.::

Clack: I don't know why I am telling you this… ::Darius couldn't believe
the words that were coming out of his mouth.:: I guess I feel that I can
trust you. Perhaps I can't keep silent any longer. Her name is Kesi. She
is just like or will be just like her mother. She was so beautiful.

::Darius took a drink from his glass. Looking at the glass, he realized that
it was the first time in months he was drinking something nonalcoholic.::

She is with a man named Jack Ross. They live north of here just below the
mountains. You wouldn't believe me if I told you how… I came to have her.
::searching for the right words.:: I didn't know about Kesi until we came
here.

Nadina: response

Clack: I am really not a cruel man... just one that is determined to
make things right. I can't provide for her... not now… I can't take her back
to the ship…

Nadian: response

Clack: I was harsh on your colony... you hold my daughters future in your
hands. You must start to think for yourselves before you fall back into
the hands of the cartel. ::pausing:: She will stand out among you as she
grows. Everyone in the colony WILL KNOW HER I guarantee it.

Tbc

Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((Bridge, Ursa Major))

::Chen looked over the roster to find an officer to lead the science team to the
surface.  He
thought of Spencer of course, and for a lot of reasons decided against it and
decided on
Ensign  Aeric Tiernan. ::

Chen: =/\= Chen to Ensign Tiernan. =/\=

Tiernan: response

Chen: =/\= Ensign, I would like you to lead a small group of scientist down to
the Wheeler
Colony. =/\=

Tiernan: response

Chen: =/\= According to Dr. Prox, there is some evidence of radiation poisoning
in some
of the individuals on the surface.  It is hypothesized to be from the power
station- Dr.
Prox can elaborate when you get down there.  Furthermore, Lt. Clack is of the
opinion that
radiation levels for the reactor that he had been working at has reached a level
low
enough that they can start to dismantle it.  I need someone down there to verify
and
confirm if these claims are true and suggest the best course to follow.  =/\=

Tiernan: response

Chen: =/\= Exactly, we can always help entomb the hot site if we need to. =/\=
Tiernan: response

Chen: =/\= Please take precaution when you are there, and have anti-radiation
medication with you before you beam down. =/\=

Tiernan: response

Chen: =/\= The scan have determind that there are some level of radiation...they
are
coming from the station that Lt. Clack was working on.  The emission may be the
same
coming from Dr. Prox's patients, but it is difficult to resolve the spectrogram
as to the
isotope that we are dealing with- it seems that the Cartel had also used the
Colony as a
dump for some of their wastes and their emissions are interfering with the
sensors. =/\=

Tiernan: response

Chen: =/\= Good luck, Ensign and please keep me posted. Chen out. =/\=

((OOC-I can back sim. ))

LtCmdr. Takashi Chen
FO
USS Ursa Major

((OOC-Don't mind at all  J ))





   ((The Singing Swan, Public House))



:: The knock resounding in the quiet, empty house.  Well, there was her
company.  She wondered who it might be, though she suspected it might be
Taylor.  He was a stubborn one, that man.  However, upon opening the
door, she was surprised to see Clack.  Her irritation at his presence
showed through before she could stop it. ::



Clack:  May I come in Miss Hall. I see that you are expecting someone.

I won't be long.



:: She rallied and politely invited him inside.  Although she wasn't
sure why.  Maybe she was just tired. ::



Nadina:  "Of course, come on in."



:: Stepping back to allow him to enter she saw his uniform was as caked
in mud as her own clothes had been earlier.  She had to admit she was
pleased he had wiped his feet before entering.  She shut the door and
led him into the kitchen. ::



Nadina:  "Have a seat.  Are you hungry?"   :: Pointing to the
table and the plate with two sandwiches. ::  "Help yourself."
::He took a seat at the table directly opposite her. Reaching out, he
took one of her sandwiches.::



Clack:  Nice sandwich. Good to be eating real food again... not that
replicated stuff. :: smiling ::



Nadina:  "There are advantages to keeping ones feet on the ground.
What brings you here?  I am sure it was not for the small talk.  You do
not strike me as a small talk kinda man." :: Taking a bite of her
own sandwich she chewed slowly while waiting for his answer. ::



Clack:  You and I are of a kind, but in a different reality.  Your
colony is extremely important to me.  It must succeed no matter the
costs.



Nadina:  "That so?  Always seems to me you Fleeters just use places
like this to show off and prove your ability to get promoted and such.
We colonies are just stepping stones in your careers.  I am sure you
understand my meaning."



Clack: I understand, but...



:: She raised a brow, watching him carefully.  He paused, searched her
face, she almost blushed.  Almost. ::



Clack :  No one knows, not even the ones that I serve with, but my
descendent walks among you. This is beyond Starfleet or the government
of Wheeler and it is certainly not about you or me. This is about my

own child having a future. A child that I have killed for and I will
again to protect it.



Nadina:  "Your…you have a child..here on Wheeler?  How'd
that come to pass?"  :: She was interested in hearing this story,
because she just could not see this man as the parent type. ::





Nadina Hall

Proprietress of the Singing Swan

Wheeler Colony



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((2100 hrs, Relay Station #3))

:: It was a busy for Hahn.  Not the usual manic panic of a downed line or a
blown transfer
station transformer, this time was a regulated working schedule of Starfleet. 
Not that he
minded some structure, mind you, there was always a way to work around one's
drinking
hours.  Kevin Hahn was a veteran of hung-over repair works and half-drunk
fixer-uppers.
So far, after all these years, under so many different bosses, he has yet to
repair
something twice.  Well, unless he already knew that something was about to give.
::

::He walked up to the resting Ursa Major officer.   ::

Hahn: Seeking inspiration, Lieutenant Clack?

Clack: Yes?

Hahn: Hello again, sorry to wake you.

Clack: Glad to see you back Mr Hahn. You can start by assisting Edwards
with the new generator.

Hahn: Which one is that?

Clack: response

Hahn: Ha! Good.  ::He cracked his knuckles and set off of the officer. ::

::He wiped his right palm against his dirty coveralls and aproached Edwards. ::

Hahn: Hey there, I am Kevin Hahn, Wheeler Colony's repairman.

Edwards: response

Hahn: Yes, I can.

Edwards: response

Hahn: Sounds good, where do we start?

Edwards: response

Hahn: And the support structure?

Edwards: response

Hahn: Hey, you're the boss.  And I pretty good with instructions.

Edwards: response

::Hahn whistled when he saw the new generator.  It was new.  So new that it took
him
awhile to identify the new smell.  There may be some trace of toxic off gassing
but he was
inhaling the newness, delighting in its aroma, and possibly killing more brain
cells in the
process. ::

Hahn: I love scent of new fabrication so early in the evening.

Edwards: response

Hahn: Oh no, this is a treat.  Its not everyday we get something this new.  How
much
power can it spit out?

Edwards: response

Hahn: No kidding?  That's, what, 12 grids at capacity? Maybe more.

Edwards: response

Hahn: Wow.  The conduits are going to be in for a shock at that much flow.  Sure
if the
older relays will hold?

Edwards: response

Hahn: No matter.  I am thrilled with this much power, if there are other
ruptures down the
line, I am happy to patch them up.

Edwards: response

Hahn: No patching? What you going to replace the rest too?

Edwards: response

::His mouth dropped.  He pulled out his very patched up PADD. ::

Hahn: Ok Sparky, let's get to it.

Edwards: response
Kevin Hahn
Giddy Greasemonkey

((OOC-Hope you don't mind if I stop by.))


((2100 hrs, Relay Station #3))

::Walking back to the relay site, Darius noticed a woman who he had not
seen at the construction site before his risky speech. The young woman
didn't appear to have any engineering skills, still she managed to help
Clack's crew efficiently. When he asked, Kevin had said her name to be
Nadina Hall.::

Clack: "Thank you for coming Mrs. Hall."

Nadina: "It's Miss Hall. And don't dare to thank me.
This has nothing what so ever to do with you. You could've saved us
all a lot of time and trouble if you'd just been civil to begin with
and treated folks with some respect. The mind games were unnecessary.
We are here for Wheeler. Not Star Fleet, not the Federation and most
certainly not for you. I, think you should work on your people skills,
mister. Now if you'll excuse me I've work to do."

Clack: A happy worker is a productive worker.

:: Darius watched the bitter woman walk away from him. Despite the
obvious physical hardships that she had endured, Nadina Hall was a
still a very attractive woman.::

((The Singing Swan, Public House))

::Darius approached the establishment carefully. Behind him, walked
the two security guards assigned by Commander Reed. As he approached
the front door, he turned to address the two officers.::

Clack: If you gentlemen will care to wait out here. Don't worry, I am not
going to die... not yet.

::Confidently, he knocked on the door. Upon entering, he saw her
facial expression change to one of hate and agitation.::

Clack: May I come in Miss Hall. I see that you are expecting someone.
I won't be long.

Nadina: response

::Clack's uniform was caked in mud. Carefully, he wiped off his
shoes before entering. He took a seat at the table directly opposite
her. Reaching out, he took one of her sandwiches.::

Clack: Nice sandwich. Good to be eating real food again... not
that replicated stuff. ::smiling::

Nadina: response

Clack: You and I are of a kind, but in a different reality. Your colony
is extremely important to me. It must succeed no matter the costs.

Nadina: response

Clack: I understand, but...

::Darius paused before continuing. He searched her face for any sign
of deception. Once he was satisfied, he continued speaking.::

No one knows, not even the ones that I serve with, but my descendent
walks among you. This is beyond Starfleet or the government of
Wheeler and it is certainly not about you or me. This is about my
own child having a future. A child that I have killed for and I will again
to protect it.

tbc

Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((OOC- this takes place before Clack's speech before the workers.))

((Relay Construction site # 1, Wheeler))

Long: =/\= Lt Long to Lt Clack. =/\=

Clack: =/\= Clack here. How are you?=/\=

Long: =/\= I'm fine, happy to work on a space ship now, though.
How are you doing with the powerplant? =/\=

Clack: =/\= Once I get these people whipped into shape we will be
home free. We have extra material here if you need to construct more
shelters =/\=

Long: =/\= I was wondering. Any chance of using these lightning storms
to our advantage? Turn a disadvantage into an advantage? turn the
lightning into electricity? =/\=

Clack: =/\= The average bolt of lightning is around 1.21 gigawatts. I
suppose it is possible to rig a collector but the possibility of it not
blowing every circuit is highly unlikely. =/\=

((OOC-Perhaps I am showing my age but 1.21 gigawatts should ring
a bell with you movie buffs. It will make a Delorean travel really fast.
Hint Hint))

We could build solar panels but with all these storms, it probably
wouldn't be worth while. Besides, we would need to ration the power
usage. If you need extra generators, Ensign Sharkey will be able to
help you. She is at the old hospital site near you.=/\=

Long: =/\= Just as I thought. Good luck getting main power back online!
=/\=

Clack:=/\=Thank you. May all our endeavors be successful. Clack out.
=/\=

::Suddenly the idea hit, Darius noticed that the former Chief Engineer of
the Ursa Major had recently been reassigned to the ship. Perhaps his
expertise could be used in helping Ensign Sharkey at the site.::

Clack:=/\= Lt Clack to Lt Thomas=/\=

Thomas: response

Clack:=/\=From one Chief Engineer to another, would you be interested
in getting your hands dirty again between your shifts? That is, if the
Captain hasn't already got you busy.=/\=

Thomas: response

Clack: =/\=Think it over. Your help would be appreciated at the hospital
site working with Ensign Sharkey.=/\=

((OOC- I'll backpost here if needed.))

Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((2100 hrs, Relay Station #3))



::Walking back to the relay site, Darius noticed a woman who he had not

seen at the construction site before his risky speech. The young woman

didn't appear to have any engineering skills, still she managed to help

Clack's crew efficiently. When he asked, Kevin had said her name to be

Nadina Hall.::



Clack:  "Thank you for coming Mrs. Hall."



Nadina:  "It's Miss Hall.   And don't dare to thank me.
This has nothing what so ever to do with you.  You could've saved us
all a lot of time and trouble if you'd just been civil to begin with
and treated folks with some respect.  The mind games were unnecessary.
We are here for Wheeler.  Not Star Fleet, not the Federation and most
certainly not for you.  I, think you should work on your people skills,
mister.  Now if you'll excuse me I've work to do."



Clack:  ??



:: She walked away, her skirt hem and boots caked in mud as she called
out to her fellow colonists encouraging them in their work and helping
out where she could.  Even with mud on her cheeks and in her hair, she
was an attractive woman.  She stayed all that shift, and the next, even
though the workers had changed.  The new schedule, which she helped put
together, called for two fully manned shifts a day, each shift being six
hours long with a half hour break at the mid mark for food.  This did
not over work the laborers, though it was a longer shift than they had
been working.  They had gone from the extreme of being over-worked by
the Cartel, to the opposite extreme of working too little for
themselves.  That had been changed.  And she had stayed to make sure
that folks remembered why they had changed it, kept their spirits up and
made sure they would walk away feeling proud.  It might take them a day
or two longer to complete what Clack wanted but it would be completed in
plenty of time to keep them from going without power at all.::



:: Rubbing the back of her neck, she felt the dried mud crack and cake
off of not only her neck but her hands as well.  Her skirt was long
since gone useless as a place to wipe her hands clean.  She tried to
stretch the ache out of her muscles before moving on.  The last shift of
the day was almost over.  If she were lucky, she'd get home with
enough time to clean up, maybe get a bit of dinner and then sleep a few
hours before being back out here the next day.  But it was worth it to
make Wheeler better. ::



((The Singing Swan, Public House))



:: She felt refreshed and happily clean, though her muscles still ached
a bit.  Her hair hung in loose damp curls as she puttered about the
kitchen making two sandwiches.  No, she wasn't that hungry, but she
knew someone was coming to see her.  Who, exactly, she wasn't sure
but she knew she'd not be eating alone.  So she made the sandwiches,
set them at the table and was getting something to drink when she heard
the knock on the door. ::



Anyone:  ??





Nadina Hall

Proprietress of the Singing Swan

Wheeler Colony



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((Ursa Major, Personal Quarters))

::Sakorra paced back and forth in her quarters at 1850
hours. She knew he would not arrive before 1900, and
her stomach was in knots. She had changed into a
loose pair of cream-colored silk drawstring pants and
matching sleeveless tunic. Her hair was pulled off of
her face but left to hang loosely down her back and
her feet were bare. Sabek was on the floor,
diligently rocking back and forth on his hands and
knees in an attempt to crawl. He looked at her and
smiled and she could see just the barest hint of an
arching eyebrow.::

Reed: You look more and more like your father every
day.

::The chime sounded at precisely 1900 hours. Sabek
looked up from the floor and started crying. He hated
the chime. His mother usually ended up leaving not
long after a bleep, a chime, or a siren.::

Reed: Enter.

::She rushed over to pick up her son and comfort
him.::

Reed: It's ok, Sabek. It's just your daddy, not
someone calling me away.

::She turned around to face Solok, and upon seeing
him, Sabek quieted and reached out his arms. Sakorra
handed him to his father and then crossed over to her
couch, taking a seat to watch her husband and son
together. It seemed like a lifetime ago that she'd
seen him.::

Reed: He has your eyes.

::Solok looked curiously at Sabek, and then turned to
face Sakorra -- an eyebrow raised. Sabek also turned
to face his mother, that eyebrow inching upward, a
miniature mirror of his father.::

Solok: Sabek's eyes are his own, Sakorra. ::He paused,
looking again at Sabek, this time his brows
furrowing.:: Has Doctor Calhan expressed any concern
over the relatively slow development of Sabek's aural
apparatus?

Reed: ::smiling.:: Ok, so perhaps his ears aren't
quite as big as yours, but they are quite large for a
baby.

Solok: Indeed. His corporeal mass has increased since
last I reviewed his medical file.

Reed: That does tend to happen. He's a growing baby.

::Solok lifted Sabek briefly, then returned his son to
his lap.::

Solok: I estimate a gain of 5.3347 pounds. Is that
in accord with Doctor Calhan's measurements?

Reed: That sounds about right...a little more precise,
perhaps.

::Solok's brows narrowed.::

Solok: Does Dr. Calhan not see the value of precise
measurement in the practice of medicine? It would
appear that --

Reed: Dr. Calhan simply does not feel the need to
break the number down so completely. A tenth of a
decimal will do for him. I believe 5.3 pounds is what
he told me when last we saw him.

::Reed turned away for a moment, refusing to
acknowledge the little habit she'd picked up of
breaking down numbers in the very same way as him.::

Solok: I see. Perhaps there is another physician
capable of overseeing Sabek's care during my continued
absence.

::That resentment was beginning to bubble up again.
Why did he have to be so inferiorating? What was so
bad about relaxing, showing even the barest hint of
emotion or caring or...something. She felt like
ripping her hair out...or his, and yet, wasn`t this concern over
Sabek`s care something like caring?  It was something, at least.::

Reed: Is there ever a moment...ever...even the
smallest hint, where you ::she searched for the right
word, and finding none come to mind, went with
something not quite as precise as she wanted:: thought
that perhaps you should not have taken it so far,
taken the route that you did?

::Did he ever regret it?::

Solok: I do not understand the question.

::Reed fought hard not to roll her eyes.  Well, so much for trying to
not insert feelings into it.::

Reed: Do you ever regret your decision?

::Solok was silent a moment.::

Solok: I am a Vulcan, and a Kolinahru. I do not
experience internal states of affairs corresponding in
any way to what are called "human feelings."

Reed: Oh, believe me.  I am more aware of that than anyone.  I am
reminded of it every day.

Solok: Naturally.

::She didn't like his tone.::

Reed: What is THAT supposed to mean?

Solok: My meaning was simple and, I thought, clear.
Your upbringing left you in a difficult position from
which to accept the truths of the teachings of Surak,
the Way of Logic, of Vulcan. I did not suffer such a
childhood.

Reed: Suffer?  How fortunate for you.  Woe is me for having endured
such horrors.

::Sabek, confused by his parents' bickering, began to
cry. Solok looked from his son to his wife. His eyes
locked on hers.::

Solok: There is, it seems, at least one way in which
young Sabek takes after his mother. ::He paused.:: He
is yet young enough, however. It remains possible
that this can be undone.

Reed: He is a baby, Solok.  Crying is natural and instinctive for
him.  For all babies.  It is only later that you smother it out of
them.  ::Reed took Sabek from his father and left the room, taking
Sabek into the separate bedroom.::  Shhh, my love.  I'm sorry.

::Sabek quieted and was soon calm enough for Sakorra to lay him down
in his hammock.  When he began to drift off, Sakorra returned to the
common room.::

Reed: I don't know how to make this work, Solok.  You aren't the
Vulcan I married.  We've both changed so much.  I don't know how to
connect with you.  I'm not even sure if it is possible.  Your heart
has gone cold.  And I love my son too much for him to be raised with
two parents who can't respect each other.  I was so blind before,
Solok, but I see it all very clearly now.  The Kolinahru have taken
Surak's teachings too far.::

tbc

Lcmd Reed
COS
USS Ursa Major

with special appearance by

Lcmd Solok
Medical Officer
Currently on Leave

((OOC- Ooops sent off the wrong one))

((Ursa Major, Bridge))

Clack: =/\=Clack to Commander Chen=/\=

Chen: =/\= Chen here. =/\=

Clack: =/\=The workers are officially on strike. Our completion of the
station will be delayed for a short time.=/\=

::It was unexpected news from the surface.  ::

Chen: =/\= Strike?  What course did you take with them then? =/\=

Clack:=/\=I spoke with the workers. I will give about two days to return.
I'm sure they will be busy ironing out new policies in their union during
that time. In their mind, they are no longer being forced to work, it is
now all their idea to work our schedule.=/\=

::He ran his hand over his bald head. ::

Chen: =/\= You may not have an recourse with the workers...it will still up to
the union
when they return and for how long they will work.  We will have to wait and see
with them.
Is everything else going well?

Clack: =/\= Everything is fine Takashi. The radiation from the old reactor
should have diminished below danger levels in two days. We can
begin dismantling it at that point.=/\=

Chen: =/\= Proceed once the level is safe.  I will send a science team down to
do the final
survey.  Chen out. =/\=

::The labour unrest was the first negative reaction that Chen was aware of.  It
raised a red
flag. ::

Prox: =/\= Prox to Ursa Major =/\=

Chen: =/\= Go ahead Dr. Prox. =/\=

Prox: =/\= I suspect that the power station is now leaking radiation into the
environment.
=/\=

Chen: =/\= Any signs of contamination so far? =/\=

Prox: =/\= I have two patients here who have an obvious case of radiation
poisoning
=/\=

Chen: =/\= Can you trace to where the source is? =/\=

Prox: response

Chen: =/\= And the severity of the poisoning? =/\=

Prox: response

Chen: =/\= Do you think that it is a wide spread contamination? =/\=

Prox: response

Chen: =/\= I am dispatching a science team down now.  They will help track down,
isolate
and confirm the source.  =/\=

Prox: response

Chen: =/\=  I will let them know that. Thanks.  Chen out. =/\=

::Chen then tapped on the console and requested a science team for the surface. 
He
turned to the science officer on the bridge and asked for a detail radioactive
scan of the
Wheeler Colony to be conducted, starting at the power station.  He needed to
know if the
radiation levels at the power station was dropping, as Clack had claimed or if
the
poisoning source was from somewhere else. ::

LtCmdr. Takashi Chen
FO
USS Ursa Major

((Bridge, Ursa Major))

::Lancaster had warned him.  Chen had not followed up with Lancaster's comment
about
Clack.   Besides, he had other problems.  Staffing the vacuum left by Susan
Banks took up
much of his time.   He took on much of the coordination efforts on the Wheeler
repair
mission.  He oversaw the logistics for medical and engineering as they headed
towards the
mission peak.  He had given the teams a lot of independence, and had found
himself
scrambling at times to get up to date reports to the increasingly impatient (he
thought,
perhaps erroneously) Lancaster.  And then LtCmdr. Solok dropped in.  Chen sent
him
towards Reed's location on the surface. ::

::The surface, oh yes...and then there was the problem on the surface.  "The
people of
Wheeler will not be treated like garbage. We are not vermin...".  He must have
read the
report a thousand times, as if with each reading he could gain some insight into
the
matter.  Something had gone wrong.  He was thinking that Lancaster must have
been
pretty smug- he had been right to think something was going like this was going
to
happen, and it did.  Tail between his leg, he pressed the chime to the Ready
Room::

Lancaster: response

Chen: Sir, you were right, it seems that the situation on the surface has gotten
a little
volatile.

Lancaster: response

Chen: I cannot imagine Clack could bring it out in these people. ::First, he was
understating things, now his tone was on the sarcastic side.

Lancaster: response

Chen: The person, according to the reports is one Nadina Hall.  Taylor is the
union head,
but it seemed it was Hall that rallied up the workers.

Lancaster: response

Chen: What should I do?

Lancaster: response

Chen: On the medical front, I think that that there is much progress, however, I
am still to
hear the final reports from the MOs.

Lancaster: response

Chen: And about the engineering efforts, sir?

Lancaster: response

Chen: That is a bit of a rush, sir, if you don't mind my saying so.

Lancaster: response

Chen: ::Chen felt like he needed to sit down. ::  Reassignment? What do
you...what do they
mean? ::He was taking it well at all. ::

Lancaster: response

Chen: But I mean, we have not even started.. Starfleet can't be serious, the
adventure is
just beginning for us.

Lancaster: response


LtCmdr. Takashi Chen
FO
USS Ursa Major

((Dig site))

:: Russo and T'Lem had managed to create a good makeshift shelter. It was
certainly better than the one the Wheeler security had. There was water
rushing all over the digsite. Theirs was halfway on a canal dug out by the
water. T'Lems foresight allowed for a higher ground.
:: Robert had gone even further up. Some of the rocks were loose, but enough
of them weren't for him to make his way up to set up the lightning rod. He
made sure it was a solid rock, and then pressed the button to sick the
hammer down into it. He did not waste his time getting away from it. He
could have sent Russo, but it wouldn't have been good for him to die on his
first mission. Too, it wouldn't be bad to show he was willing to take risks,
before asking another to take a risk he would not. But then, even being here
was a risk.
:: The rain had lulled, but now, it had started up again. The thunderstorms
back home on Yadalla were nothing compared to this. The lightning rod had
already taken a hit. It would use some of that energy to boost it's own
structural integrity, and anker itself even more into the bedrock.
:: The shelter was still holding, for now. The wind wouldn't be a deciding
factor, mudslides were something to keep an eye on. LtCmd Reed was right,
coming here may have been a miscalculation.
:: There was a bleep, it came from his tricorder. A message from Clack
appeared. One of his security officers must have sent it through. "We have
some extra material in case he needs to build more makeshift shelters at the
dig site. I believe another storm is on tap for tonight.
  ::looking up at the sky, Long had to agree. To ask the bear in the sky for
another emergency beam out wouldn't look good on his record, but if he had
to, he had to.
:: When was the last time he looked at the sky? since meeting the crazy
lady? Funny, working on a space ship, and never looking at the stars. He
rechecked the message, and checked the other message, still pending. From
his father. oO When was the last time you talked to him? More than a good
morning, how are you? Oo
:: they never wanted him to join the police force. Too dangerous. They
threatened to disown him. oO But then you joined Starfleet, and suddenly
they liked you again. Oo
:: Robert looked at the sky again. the purple lightning flashed heavily
through the sky. Long wondered how much energy this sky was producing.  He
smiled. More than 1000 lightyears away from his parents and no way they can
harass their son.


Long: =/\= Lt Long to Lt Clack. =/\=
Clack: =/\= Responce =/\=
Long: =/\= ((spitting rainwater out of his mouth)) I'm fine, happy to work
on a space ship now, though. How are you doing with the powerplant? =/\=
Clack: =/\= Responce? =/\=
Long: =/\= I was wondering. Any chance of using these lightning storms to
our advantage? Turn a disadvantage into an advantage? turn the lightning
into electricity? =/\=
Clack: =/\= Responce? =/\=
Long: =/\= Just as I thought. Good luck getting main power back online! =/\=

(TBC?)

Lt Long
Security Officer
dig site, Wheeler colony

((Wheeler Colony, Old Hospital))

::Solok exchanged greetings with Kiera, and quite nicely, Reed got an
update message from Long at the same time.  It allowed her the excuse
of ignoring Solok for a short time.  By the time it was through,Solok
had turned back to her and Kiera was wheeling herself around the
corner and out of sight.::

Reed: Did you scare her away?

Solok: Fear is an irrational response to the presence of an
apparently nonhostile member of a Federation-allied race. ::He
paused.:: Non-Vulcans do seem to possess an inclination toward the
irrational,however.

Reed: What are you doing here, Solok?

::The Vulcan physician raised a single eyebrow -- in puzzlement, not
surprise.::

Solok: As I attempted to communicate to you prior to this moment, my
professional assistance has been solicited with regard to the present
situation here. It is possible that my attempts to notify you were
unsuccessful.

::Reed felt a prickling of guilt…and anger.  So that was why he'd
been messaging her.  To tell her he'd be arriving at Wheeler and
assisting for the remainder of the mission.  Not to say "hi, how are
you" or ask how their son was.  Not that she'd been particulary
encouraging to him.::

Reed: I haven't been able to check my messages very often, Solok.
I've been too busy.

Solok: I do understand your duties here are quite taxing.  Although
even the most difficult Starfleet assignment, if efficiently
organized, permits officers and crewmen alike brief periods of
personal leave, to pursue sleep ... and other such matters.

::Nothing in his face -- nothing in his entire body --moved.  No
indication of what he was thinking.  No indication of emotion, even
to his wife and bondmate of many years.  He was the perfect
Kolinahru.::

::She, on the other hand ...::

Reed: I've been working overtime and taking care of Sabek.  You may
not know this, but babies don't just sleep all the time and feed and
change themselves. And you may have heard that I lost several of my
security officers a short time ago.

::She struggled to get those last words out.  It was so hard, facing
that fact.  Five of her officers and four marines, dead because of
the Cartel and the Ilbera.  She felt the burning hatred rise up in
her and tried her best to tamp it down.  At least it was successful
in extinguishing her anger at her husband.::

::Solok, sensing Sakorra's emotional difficulties and refusing to
acknowledge them, changed the subject.::

Solok: Our son?

Reed: Sabek is very well.  ::She felt the excitement rise in her as
she spoke of their son, and she was suddenly very anxious for Solok
to see him.::  He's getting so big, Solok, and he's getting ready to
crawl.

Solok: That is to be expected.  Autolocomotion is well within the
normal range of behaviors developed in a Vulcan of Sabek's age.

::Reed sighed, disappointed that she would never see Solok excited or
happy over something so wonderful as their son.  All of the good
things he would miss because he had to take the control of emotion
even farther and obliterate it.  And yet, it was not so easy to
resent him when he was in front of her.  When she saw him, the good
memories always came rushing back.::

Reed: Yes, I suppose so.

::She studied him as he stood there, inflexible as always.  He looked
not a day older.  She saw no obvious signs of stress or illness.  Not
that she'd see illness.  That was rare for Vulcans.  He did not move
to say anything else to her.::

Reed: Well, I suppose you'll be needing to speak with Dr. Calhan.
He's taken an office just around the corner, first door on your
left. ::He started to leave.::  Solok!  ::He turned around and raised
an eyebrow.  Though many times exasperating in the past, this time,
she found it endearing.::  I'll be in my quarters with Sabek at 1900
hours.  I know that he'd love to see his father. :

:Solok paused a moment, as if he did not know what to say.  Of
course, Vulcans always know what to say.::

Solok: Sabek's subjective experience of emotion is not a matter to be
discussed, even by his parents, Sakorra.  Emotion is a private
matter, with which Sabek will no doubt come to terms in time.  What
he "would love" is thus irrelevant. ::He turned as if to leave, but
then spoke -- his back to his wife.:: I will make every effort to
attend you in your quarters at the hour specified, however.

::He walked off. Reed stared at his back, a familiar taste of
bitterness in her mouth.  Perhaps the quirk of his eyebrow was not so
endearing after all.::

tbc

Lcmd Reed
COS
USS Ursa Major

and a special appearance by

Lcmd Solok
Currently On Leave

((Hospital - Wheeler Colony))

::Galvin had finally found some time to make it down to the Colony to help out
more with
the training of Wheeler physicians, and construction of the new hospital. Galvin
began to
see patient after patient after patient. There was one patient that particularly
stuck out to
him. It was a young girl, about 13 or 14 years old. She long ebony hair, tied
into two
braided pigtails. Although very thin, her black hair looked radiant and shiny. 
Her straw hat
with a small flower emblem on the front sat on top of her head with a gentle
grace.

Galvin directed the young girl to sit down on the bed, and to have him examine
her. He
pulled out his tricorder and began to take scans. He, sensing that she was
nervous, began
to talk to her to ease her discomfort.::

Prox: My name is Dr. Prox, what is yours?

Girl: Nadia.

Prox: Oh how interesting, that is my mother's name. ::continuing to scan the
young child::
In fact, you look just like my mother did when she was a child.

::The young girl blushed, and writhed in embarrassment. She liked the
compliment, but
she had always had a rather large dislike for her name.::

Prox: Well, Nadia. How have you been feeling lately?

::As soon as Galvin had asked his question, a large, burly looking man, also
with thin black
hair stepped forward. ::

Man: She has has nausea and fatigue.

Prox: ::startled by this mystery person:: May I ask who you are?

Man: I am her father, name's Wesley Richter.

Prox: Well, Mr. Richter. What other symptoms has she been having?

Wesley: Well ::thinking:: she has been vomiting a lot recently, too.

::Galvin had some thoughts in mind, and after looking at his tricorder scan of
Nadia he was
rather perplexed. Galvin asked Nadia to take off her hat. The young girl
followed Galvin's
instructions, taking off the cap. Galvin looked at her head and saw most of her
hair was
missing. Her white scalp was showing through her thin hair. The Galvin to notice
of Mr.
Richter's thin hair as well. Galvin did not think that this was a genetic trait
the Wesley
Richter had passed on to his child. He suspected something different.

Mr. Richter began to sweat. It was hot in the room, but not too incredibly
uncomfortable.
The man combed his fingers through his thin hair. He had a look on his face that
indicated
his about to be sick. Galvin quickly grabbed a garbage receptacle and put it
below the
crouching man.

As Nadia uncomfortably watched her vomit into the receptacle, Galvin could only
think of
one word: radiation poisoning.  Galvin turned to Nadia, and asked some
questions.::

Prox: Nadia, can you tell me where you live.

Nadia: Out near the power station. Why? What's wrong?

Prox: You and your father are both very sick, I need to you to stay right here.
::looking at a
nurse:: Prepare 10 cc of hydronalin for these two.

Prox: =/\= Prox to Ursa Major =/\=

Chen/Lancaster: response?

Prox: =/\= I suspect that the power station is now leaking radiation into the
environment.
=/\=

Chen/Lancaster: response?

Prox: =/\= I have two patients here who have an obvious case of radiation
poisoning
=/\=

TAG-TBC

-Lieutenant Jg. Galvin Prox
ACMO
Ursa MAjor

((Public Townhouse, Capital City))

::As Darius stood on the corner of the sidewalk, he could hear cheers
as the workers quickly came to their decision. He knew what decision
they had decided upon. Ensign Sharkey soon joined him outside as he
waited for public transport.::

Sharkey: Sir, I…

Clack: The workers will return in two days, I'll guarantee it. Once they
discuss the situation rationally, they will change their mind.::calmly
lighting a cigar.::

Sharkey: What shall we do as far the work….

::The two along with the security guards entered the transport and began
their trip back to the site.::

Clack: Go to plan B of course. I planned ahead for this sort of thing.

Sharkey: Okay sir.

::Katherine felt a bit nauseated by the whole event. How she would have
loved to have had some of Clack's whiskey to settle her stomach.::

Clack: =/\=Clack to Commander Chen=/\=

Chen: Response

Clack: =/\=The workers are officially on strike. Our completion of the
station will be delayed for a short time.=/\=

Chen: Response

Clack:=/\=I spoke with the workers. I will give about two days to return.
I'm sure they will be busy ironing out new policies in their union during
that time. In their mind, they are no longer being forced to work, it is
now all their idea to work our schedule.=/\=

Chen: Response

Clack: =/\= Everything is fine Takashi. The radiation from the old reactor
should have diminished below danger levels in two days. We can
begin dismantling it at that point.=/\=

Chen: Response

((OOC-I will backpost if needed.))


((2100 hrs, Relay Station #3))

::Darius worked alongside Edwards as the two men completed the
structure for the relay station on the east side of the valley. Hugh
floodlights suspended over the site provided amble lighting in which to work.

A cold light intermittent rain began to fall, as his engineers uncovered
the new power generation that had recently been sent down from the
ship. He used his tricorder to run preliminary test to see if the device
was operating within tolerance.::

Sharkey: =/\= Sharkey to Clack=/\=

Clack:=/\=Clack here.=/\=

Sharkey:=/\= The workers sir… are coming back in small groups.=/\=

Clack: =/\=Understood.=/\=

Sharkey: =/\=We are already nearly back to full status here at station
one.=/\=

Clack: =/\=I guess I was wrong. It didn't take two days. Clack out.=/\=

::Darius took a breather as he rested against a tall tree. Leaning against
it,
he closed his eyes. The sound of the rain hitting the leaves of the tree
was soothing to his ears. He must have dozed off for a few seconds as he
didn't hear the individual approach him until they were standing right in
front
of him. The individual's voice speaking to him startled him out of his
stupor.::

Clack: Yes?

Hahn: response

Clack: Glad to see you back Mr Hahn. You can start by assisting Edwards
with the new generator.

((OOC-I will backpost any additional conversation.))

::Walking back to the relay site, Darius noticed a woman who he had not
seen at the construction site before his risky speech. The young woman
didn't appear to have any engineering skills, still she managed to help
Clack's crew efficiently. When he asked, Kevin had said her name to be
Nadina Hall.::

Clack: Thank you for coming Mrs Hall.

Nadian: response


Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR

And

NPC

Ensign Kathering Sharkey
Engineer
USS URSA MAJOR




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

(( OOC- Well I have nothing better to do at the moment and could go for
a bit of confrontation.  So, hope you don't mind me jumping in with
one angry, and decisive, colonist.  ;) ))





((Public Townhouse, Capital City))



:: Nadina was in the kitchen cooking when she heard the music stop
usually short…and the silence that fell afterward was not normal.
Stepping out to see what the problem was, she stopped just inside the
kitchen door, leaning against the door jam, quietly watching the three
Star Fleet officers. ::

Clack:  I understand you have made a decision regarding your
participation in the reconstruction projects. I must say, I do love
decisive people. I do want to talk with you. So if we could leave our
respected government affiliations outside and talk as rational people,
it will be most appreciated.

:: He began to move about the room.  Many of her townfolk made rude
comments towards the officer.  Her guess, he was the one who had ordered
the round the clock shifts.  Old lady Kerns even spat at him.  She
titled her head, my, my, that old lady had pretty good aim. ::

Clack:  You know I have only been here to your charming planet for a
little time and already ::smiling with a slight chuckle:: I feel as if I
know you already.

:: He talked as if heard no comments and had not just been pegged with
saliva.  And what happened next was enough to confirm what she had been
told about him, as well set her back up even more. The man began to pick
people out, as if he knew them, and then throw out accusatory
allegations.  A fourth officer entered the room.  And the man continued
to berate and belittle the people of Wheeler.  Nadina calmly took off
her apron and hung it up, after washing her hands.  The man had left the
house, and the followed him.  Her footsteps accompanied by the outrage
and complaints of the people inside.  Some of them began to follow her.
Outside she found the Star fleet officers, waiting transport it looked
like.  She stopped and stood staring at his back.  Her anger controlled,
but very much there.  One of the other officers leaned in and whispered,
pointing out the woman with the crowd behind her.  She was a tall woman,
standing about five feet nine.  Her hair, a wavy mass of pale blonde
silk, tied back in a side pony-tail.  Her skin was lightly sun-kissed,
showing she was no stranger to working out of doors.  And her figure
bore witness to being a woman who was not just a pretty young thing.
Farming had kept her in very good shape.  Though she stood calmly, the
anger flashed in hazel eyes.  It was then that she began to speak. ::

Nadina Hall:  "You know, I'd always been taught that an officer
was also a gentleman.  But I guess that ain't rightly so judging
from you.  No, from what I hear tell, and what I just saw - thank you
for the fine example, by the by - it seems to me you ain't much
different from the Cartel.  Only they, at least, were honest.  You knew
you were dealing with a den a snakes.  Star Fleet however comes here
touting about `helping' the people of Wheeler.  Showing up in
the guise of some kinda saviors we should all be praising.  Let me ask
you this, what exactly are they helping us to do, might I ask?"  ::
She paused only a moment before going on, she really did not want to
hear what they had to say. ::  "Trade one form of oppression and
slave driving for another?  You march in here all high and mighty and
start treating folks as if they've no brain in their heads, ordering
`em about like servants, insulting `em and then you expect
`em to applaud you?  Want to work with you?  Be inclined to
cooperate?  Cooperation goes both ways, mister.  I know you may be used
to barking out orders and having `em obeyed blindly in your world,
but this ain't your world, it's ours.  You have no right to
treat us like you are.  And from what Taylor says, your work schedules
are unnecessary for anything `cept making you feel powerful.  Why
make these folks work round the clock like slaves to finish a job in two
- three days time?  When you could have them work decent shifts and
finish in a weeks time, leaving us a week before the all dreadful power
outage you keep yelling about?  We have lived here all our lives.. and
under the worst conditions.. we know what the hell it's like a damn
sight better than you do.  And if time is of the essence as much as you
say, why is it you had time to go poking through folks dirty laundry?
There's no need to wait an hour.  You have our decision now.  We
refuse to work with you.  We refuse to talk to you.  We refuse to even
acknowledge your existence."

::She turned to the female officer.::

"You, since you are so good at following orders, here's one for
you.  Take this message back to your `superiors'."  :: The
word was said with all the feeling if disgust she could muster.::
"The people of Wheeler will not be treated like garbage.  We are not
vermin to be trampled under your feet.  You want cooperation and
respect, you best start showing some.  And send someone down here who
can actually have a rational conversation and we will discuss our
terms."

:: With that she turned on her heel, to the accompaniment of applause
and whoots and whistles from her friends, neighbors and fellow
colonists.  She never looked back to see what the Star Fleet officers
did, or were doing.  She went straight back into the house, walked to
the kitchen and and put on her apron while the Wheeler folks shuffled
back in congratulating themselves as if they had just won a war. Well,
now it was their turn for a little truth telling.  She rang the dinner
bell and everyone hushed up. ::

Nadina:  "Glad you enjoyed that now it's your turn."  ::
They were a bit confused and gazed at her curiously. ::  "This is
our world now.  The Cartel, thanks to the people of Star Fleet, have
been driven out.  But we were left in a bad way.  And we have not done a
lot to improve our situation.  We need their help, unless, of course,
you want to continue to live like this.  Taylor, workup a schedule that
does not go against the union, but gets the work we need done, done.
Why is that so hard?  Why is the union even an issue here?  I mean, if
he is right, and we lose all power in two weeks time..when we're all
dead what good will the bloody union do us then?  If ever there was a
time for us to stand up, and take back it is now.  Every able bodied
man, woman and child, if they are of an age to be helpful, should be
doing that they can to help.  Not for Star Fleet, for US!"

Taylor:  "But union rules.."

Nadina:  "To hell with the union rules!  Who is the union?  It is an
entity unto itself?  Can it kill you if you don't obey it?  NO, you
make up the union, the people make up the union, so vote for a change.
Or add a bylaw that states in cases of emergency the union leaders can
vote for a work load change to meet the needs of the colony, or bring on
extra workers to meet necessary deadlines to save lives.  People created
the unions, people can change how the union functions.  No wonder he
thinks we're all dumb as fence posts, you are acting like it,
that's certain."

Taylor:  "I don't need to be insulted any more, thank you.  He
was out of line.  And I have meetings to attend."

Nadina:  "And this is why I refused to marry you, Taylor.  You just
can't seem to see the big picture, more interested in looking
important than being important.  What good are meetings when everyone
will be dead or dying in a few weeks?  The only meeting you should be
having is a union meeting.  One that puts together a schedule to get the
work done that needs to be, regardless of current, and stupid, union
rules.  Are you content to sit on your backside and let others rule
Wheeler?  Cause that's where this is heading.  If we can't show
we have the gumption, the intelligence and the drive to succeed, they
will either shut it down, leave us to our own devices, which are not all
that good right now, or send in troops permanently.  So you all make
your decision on how you want to live the rest of your lives.  You wanna
be free men and women or trade one master for another?"

Old Lady Kerns:  "Eh, I ain't got much time, makes no difference
to me anyhow."

Nadina:  "Oh, that right?  Should I kill you now and save you some
trouble then?  I mean, hate for you to be making any effort since, you
know, you just gonna die anyway.  I can speed up the process.. hell..
why not just go kill everyone..the children who have no say in
this…who are looking up to the adults, to their parents, looking to
them to make everything alright.  I'd like to see you kiss and make
it better when they're freezing to death.  You think you can tell
your grand-daughter, Peggy, that you love her, all the while knowing you
couldn't be bothered cause it made no difference to you?  Do you all
want to be `that' beholden to the Federation?  To Star Fleet?
You want to assert your independence, than get off your butt's and
get to work!  Who needs them or their schedules…. Instead of whining
like babies you should have just countered the work load.  Shown `em
you DO have brains.  Step up and be men, be women, be a people of
consequence.  We need to stop blaming the past and work for the future.
And that's all I am gonna say.  If the union don't care, if it
makes no difference to some people, maybe they should leave Wheeler
altogether.  Those of you who do care, be here in two hours, those that
don't..there's the door don't let it hit you in the backside
on the way out."

:: It was not going to end the problems, she knew, but it was about time
they at least started acting like they cared about their own well being.
And while the government was trying, the shadow of the Cartel still
loomed, even if it was gone.  People got conditioned to staying out of
the way, to minding their own, to doing what ever was necessary to
survive.  That might not have always been the most ethical manner, or
even honorable, but desperate times called for desperate measures.  And
once the Cartel was gone, some people went to opposite extremes, which
were just as harmful to the community as a whole.  Even she was to
blame, to a degree.  She'd sat back and minded her own.  And even
then it still had not saved her grief.  All she had left of her family
was this public house.  She kept it good and clean, and now that the
Cartel was gone, she kept it decent. ::

:: She checked the food she had been cooking, in all her irritation
she'd gone and walked off leaving the stew on the stove.   Luckily
it was still alright.  She stirred it and thought about her life.  She
had taken a stand, maybe taken a bit much more on her shoulders than she
had intended, but by all that was holy, this man had walked into her
house and insulted and cast aspersions at folks under the moniker of
rational conversation?  Oh, no, she'd had enough and she wasn't
taking no more.  All she had left was this house, this colony and
she'd not sit back any longer and just let it be destroyed by a
bunch of overly proud, power gone to their heads men.  And if Taylor and
others wanted to be difficult, that was just fine.  She'd work
around them. ::



~Nadina Hall~

Proprietress of the Singing Swan

Wheeler Colony



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((OOC-Anyone care to SIM a NPC with Clack's team or one
of the Wheeler colony workers? You are going to let me have
all of the fun down here?))

((Public Townhouse, Capital City))

::Traveling by public transport, Clack arrived in front of the townhouse.
Darius was annoyed to find Ensign Sharkey seated on a bench near the
entrance to the townhouse as he arrived.::

Clack: Ensign, what are you doing here?

Sharkey: Sir, you can't be serious about going in there. Some of them
look really mad about the whole situation. Contact Commander Chen,
surely something can be done…

Clack: Commander Chen, ordered me to work with these people. That is
precisely what I am trying to do. He will be informed about the situation
and hopefully, I can report good news back to him. I am just trying to
communicate with them. Mr Hahn suggested that I try persuading them
to see it our way.

::Darius noted a look of concern in Kat's eyes. He didn't have time to
analysis her strange behavior. Things were happening fast and furious.::

::Reed's guards walked behind Darius up the stairs as he approached
the entrance to the huge building. The sound of music could be heard
from within. Entering the establishment, he found the place to be occupied
with most of Wheeler's blue collar workers. Represented here were the
true backbone of the economy. The true power of the colony didn't reside
with the government but with the farmers, miners, and engineers who
worked long hours for very little reward. Softly he closed the door behind
him as he entered along with Garwood and Taff.::

::Walking over to the jukebox, he reached behind it and ripped out its power
circuit. As the music came to a grinding halt, the room became deafly
silent at the sight of Darius' face. As he moved toward a long table covered
with food near the front of the room, Darius caught sight of Representative
Taylor seated near the back of the room.::

Clack: I understand you have make a decision regarding your participation
in the reconstruction projects. I must say, I do love decisive people. I do
want to talk with you. So if we could leave our respected government
affiliations outside and talk as rational people, it will be most
appreciated.

::Moving away from the table toward the center of the room, he could hear
derogative comments being directed at him. Half-breed was their preferred
choice of words for him among others. As he walked past a table, an elderly
woman spit in his face. Without any emotional response, Darius calmly wiped
the substance from his face.::

You know I have only been here to your charming planet for a little time
and already ::smiling with a slight chuckle:: I feel as if I know you
already.

::Looking around the room he approached a small middle aged man seated
at a table with two other men.::

Your name is Darren Hinnsel, is it not?

Hinnsel: Yea, ::looking shocked at Clack's apparent knowledge:: how did
you know that?

Clack: Oh, I know a lot of things. First off, you acquired favorable zoning
rights for your land adjacent to the mine... how?. You sent your teenage
niece to woo the local politicians to rule in your favorite in return for
sexual
favors. Yet, you constantly tell your neighbors how you love your family...

Hinnsel: How dare you!

Clack: And you sir.

  ::Directing his attention to a man seated in the back of the room::

Is your wife really coming back from her visit to see her family? How will
you care for your three small children while you are away at work? You
won't take time to see that they receive the proper medical care or a good
education. You spend nights wishing someone would do it for you.

::Reed's men were helpless to help Clack, as he walked through the
middle of the room closely surrounded by the workers. Instead, they were
reduced to watching the reactions of the crowd as Darius spoke.::

You lost your husband to a simple disease that could have been cured
with one dose of the proper medicine. ::turning his attention to a woman
serving food to the workers.:: If only the medical facilities here had been
up to date, he would still be with you today. Instead of trying to change
things for families in the future who may suffer a similar fate, you simply
waited for someone else to take up the task. Sadly, no one did.

::Katherine Sharkey quietly entered unnoticed through the main entrance.
She stood behind Reed's men as they watched Darius.::

You,

::pointing to another man seated by the door.::

your daughter contracted a deadly debilitating disease due to unsanitary
conditions at the hospital… Day after day, you wished the medical
conditions would change... that someone would do something about it.
In the mean time, you physically abused your own daughter out of your
frustration.  And finally you.

::pointing in the direction of Rep Taylor.::

You had a uncle, he was like a father to you. What did he do? He
crossed the cartel. They drugged and tortured him for several weeks.
Lets just say, they enjoyed what they were doing. And you felt powerless
to help him. It was then you decided that you wanted to be an elected
official. Someone who could change the world and make a difference for
the people of Wheeler…

::Walking back to the front of the room.::

ALL OF YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING YOU WANT IF! IF! You take
responsibility for your own lives. We are here to help you but the choice
is yours if you are to survive. We come here to give you a new state of
the art power station and hospital. You have two choices, you can either
use these as examples of change for a better life for yourself and your
family… Or you can use them as a colony whose culture is caught in a
state of decay. A colony whose daily lives are just merely going to a job
nothing else. People waiting to fall back into the hands of unscrupulous
people. I ask you for three days to following our schedule. Then see how
you feel about yourselves. In less than a week, the entire colony
will be powerless... the nights are getting cold and there are not enough
generators to go around ... half of your family and livestock will freeze to
death ...  evacuating your family up to the Ursa Major shouldn't be an option
... don't subject your family to any more unnecessary inconveniences
::pausing.:: I expect to hear about your decision in an hour.

::Darius walked out of the room and passed Katherine who still stood at
the front door. Walking to the edge of the curb, he waited for the next
available public transport.::

Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR

and

NPC

Ensign Katherine Sharkey
Engineer
USS URSA MAJOR


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((1154hrs, Relay Station Construction Site #1))

Maxwell: The foundation is sturdy despite all the excess water along
the surface.

::The excessive rain from the previous days storm had collected in huge
lakes of mud and water throughout much of the valley. Improving the
drainage in this part of the valley would be something that Darius would
try to do once the station was up and fully functioning. He immediately
thought of Lt Long. He knew that he situated near the dig site during
the heaviest part of the storm.::

Clack: The drainage here is real bad. Perhaps we can do something to
help these people out. Send a message to Lt Long, ::addressing one
of the security guards assigned to the engineering team.:: we have some
extra material in case he needs to build more makeshift shelters at the
dig site. I believe another storm is on tap for tonight. ::looking up at the
sky.::

::The two men along with Garwood and Taff,  stood on a hovercraft
as they surveyed the near completion of the new relay station. The hot
morning sun began to burn through the low level clouds as the work
progressed. Starfleet and Wheeler Colony engineers worked side by
side like a perfectly well oiled machine. Clack's plan was working, at least
so far.::

The main generator will be a major concern situated in the center here.

::Taking the others by surprise, Darius leaped off the craft to the ground
below. His boots mired deep into the soft mud upon impact. He causally
walked through knee deep muddy water as he approach the edge of the
concrete platform::

Be sure to line this section with extra concrete. From there… ::stopping
as he realized that Maxwell had remained behind on the hovercraft.::
the weight of the generator will need extra support as well. Make sure
that this section contains an extra layer of titanium. ::appearing irritated
that Maxwell didn't follow him down to the site.::

Maxwell: Yes, sir.

Clack: What is the situation at the other relay sites?

Maxwell: Outstanding. We are making fantastic progress.

Clack: Just make sure ::wading his way back through the muddy
water.:: quality over quantity. This has to be made to last.

Sharkey: =/\= Sharkey to Clack=/\=

Clack:=/\=Go ahead=/\=

Sharkey:=/\=The extra workers have officially gone on strike.=/\=

::Closing his eyes, Darius had hoped it wouldn't have come to this.::

Clack: =/\=I take it their union has shut them down.=/\=

Sharkey:=/\= As of 1300hrs today, Rep Taylor has announced they will
no longer participate. They have gathered everyone together in a public
townhouse somewhere in town.=/\=

Clack: =/\=Thank you. Please proceed as planned.=/\=

::Climbing back on top of the craft, he calmly brushed the layers of
mud that had accumulated on his uniform back into the water.::

Ensign Maxwell, take us back to the camp. I have a meeting to attend.

Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((Sickbay - Ursa Major))

::As soon as ensign Scott had left sickbay, Galvin began his examination on the
other new
ensign - Ensign Tiernan.::


Tiernan: "You'll note that my official medical records have been declared
classified. If you don't have th' access, it should only take a few days to
clear it. They shouldn't contain anything you couldn't discover with a
medscan, anyways."

Prox: oOClassified?Oo Oh that is perfectly alright. I do have access, though. As
a Starfleet
physician I am required to know everything about the crew. What is so
classified.

Tiernan: "The ... doctor... that performed my last operation considered the
process to be a medical secret, and his opinion was upheld by planetary law.
StarFleet got them to agree with releasing me, on the condition that my
records remain private -- only those who need to know can see them.
Basically, you can treat me, but don't try t' write a paper on my
condition."

::He held up the wooden left hand, and wiggled his fingers to show the range
of motion.:

Prox: That is interesting.

Tiernan: "I'm told the operations saved my life. I don't really remember
much about them, though. I was unconscious for the most of it." ::What
memories he did have weren't exactly pleasant ones, either.::

Prox: How unusual. How has your health been since then?

Tiernan: "Yes, I've been keeping better track of my health since the
incident. Don't want any surprises... I know I'm fit for duty, but it's nice
t' have you confirm it."

Prox: Good then.

-TBC

-Lieutenant Jg. Galvin Prox
ACMO
Ursa Major

((Clack's Villa))

::Darius sat in his chair with both hands propped up on his sword
as he looked out at the morning sun through the window. As the
Talwar's polished blade caught the sun's light, it sparkled with a
magnificent array of blinding white light that radiated through the
room. Darius rested his forehead on his hands and closed his
eyes as he tried to rest for a few minutes. Nine days without sleep
was definitely starting to catch up with him. What was wrong with
him? He had never gone this long before without sleep. Something
was wrong but he just couldn't put his finger on it. His mind kept
racing back to Jack Ross and the incident that had occurred earlier.
His left hand started to throb with pain again, this time extending
up to his elbow. As he rested, he heard Kevin Hahn call to him as
he entered the upstairs area.::

Clack: oOSo the complaints begin.Oo

Hahn: Hello Lieutenant.

::He presented a bottle::

Bad manners to show up empty handed. Distilled Swill -irrelevant but
these Rogue Distillers- they make a fine whiskey.

Clack: Excellent timing Mr Hahn. I was on my way out to the construction
site for the first relay station. Thank you. Saves me the trip from having
it shipped over from your cantina.

Hahn: You are most welcome. But beware of engineers bearing
gifts...you and Taylor, I talked to him and both of you have very
different views on this project.

Clack: ::pouring himself and Hahn a drink.:: Has he officially nominated
me for public enemy number one?

::He caught sight of Hahn's cautious observation of Garwood and
Taff.::

Don't mind them. Our Chief of Security feels that I need them for my
safety. Now back to the subject at hand. Different views on how to
approach a problem will only make the situation worse in the end.
You work the problem not the situation.

Hahn: I know, I know. Why do you think I am doing this by myself
some of the time? Look, these guys, they are just regular people. And
to them this is a job, that is all, nothing more, nothing less. So they
will work all that is required of them.

Clack: Yes, and nothing more will be asked of them. Except that they
follow our schedule. The people are working for themselves whether they
realize it or not.

Hahn: Yes, but people don't join Starfleet if they have that sort of mindset
now, will they? All I am trying to say Lieutenant is that these are a
different group-ordering them around like what you did isn't going to
make Taylor your friend, or any of the worker for that matter. What
you need to do is to make it seem like it is their idea.

::Darius listened intently to the man as he lit another cigar.::

Hahn: You are not likely to get a round the clock project. But you
might be able to get at least them to work a full Starfleet workday. And
you should extend the timetable to 24 days.

Clack: We don't have twenty fours. ::blowing out his spent match::

Hahn: Yes, I know, Lt. Clack, I was there. And you are right, in two
weeks the entire colony will be in the dark. But if you were to aim to
lay the foundations for the work to be done in the next two weeks, and
not antagonize Taylor, you will get your wish, maybe 7 to 10 days later,
but you will.

Clack: Representative Taylor is a politician. Once he was an engineer
in the mines. He simply resents being reduced to manual labor again.

Hahn: Wheeler goes dark in two weeks, you said so right? Have the
teams already tasked and begin to work on the projects in the two
weeks. That is when you will need more of those cigars-at the end of
the two weeks, nothing is completed, you cannot do the switch
over, nothing is automated, and pop, the light goes out on Wheeler.

Clack: Construction on the new relay stations has already begun along
with the work at the hospital. Depending whether or not we finish before
the colony goes into the dark and half your people freeze to death is
up to them.

Hahn: Well, then no one has power, including Taylor. The other bosses
will blame him, and rightly so, he wises up and orders a round the clock
mandate. But by then, the workers will know one end of their
plasmawelders from another, driven by Taylor or by their own comfort,
drop into overdrive and FTLs the repairs and reconstruction.

Clack: But what will the people have learned?

Hahn: Have it your way and risk an embolism or play the system, and
they might just let you open a tab at the Cantina.

::Clack reclined back in his seat as he continued to listen. Carefully,
he began to peel a piece of fruit native to Wheeler. He couldn't remember
the official name except that it resembled a tangerine back on Earth.::

Hahn: I know that you might not like it, but this is not Starfleet. I am
grateful...we are grateful for your help here, but you need to learn how
to make it work for you. You know?

Clack: Mr Hahn, what will your colony do once we are gone? Huh? For
the first time in a long while, you are responsible for yourselves. We
give you protection yes but what happens if we can't respond immediately
to your request. ::taking a bite out of the fruit.:: No, this isn't
Starfleet.
To be honest, I expect to hear from my ship at any time concerning
complaints from my own people concerning the work schedule. In all
due respect, it is time for the colony to think and provide for themselves.
The standard or bar of expectations for your future must be set now. How
high you set it will determine your survival.


Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

((Old Hospital))

Clack: ::rising to his feet.:: Our best engineering officer? I
appreciate
the kind assessment. ::smiling.:: We have set a very rigorous schedule
at the power station. Can your people keep up?

::Reed quirked an eyebrow as he walked around the extremely cramped
space.  Given recent events, she couldn't help bristling at his
comment.::

Reed: You know how highly trained and capable any Starfleet security
officer is, Lt. Clack and have seen first hand what lengths they will
go to.

Clack: I have no doubt that they are highly trained and are capable of
handling any situation. I will be traveling between the station and
several
construction sites throughout the valley. At several locations, I am
concerned that armed guards will be viewed as a hostile threat.

Reed: Your concerns are noted, Lieutenant.  My decision will not
change.

Clack: Of course, I respect your authority. As I have already
shared my concern with Commander Chen, I believe it is important
to be viewed by the locals as allies not as armed conquerors. I
understand your staff caught a young girl trying to steal drugs last
night. She managed to bypass the security lock and everything. I
have similar people working for me at the station. Do we greet them
with force? Or with loving kindness that says we understand you. Let
us help you.

Reed: Lieutenant, I understand your concerns and have the same
myself.  However, all of our actions thus far have been peaceful
towards Wheeler citizens, and most of them understand that.  The
young girl recently caught was not treated with force.  She was
treated with the same dignity that Starfleet does its best to bestow,
as well you know.  I might remind you, Lieutenant, that Starfleet
security is not armed for the purpose of conquering.  We are armed
for protecting...ourselves and those we are assisting.  The people
here have been treated with respect and have been allowed to remain
in control of their own government, and I would think that most of
these citizens would breathe a little easier that we are armed.
After all, without our defenses, the Cartel would have the upper
hand, and these people would still be under their tyranny...or in
danger of falling under it again. Even those on the outskirts would
know what happened, especially given that the...incidents happened
closer to their neck of the woods.

Clack: Yes, you are quite right.

Reed: Garwood and Taff will rotate with Lake and Rotiz.  And please
remember that they are there to help you, Lieutenant, not to
antagonize or scrutinize you.

Clack: As you wish. Oh, I do like what you have done to the room
here. Very nice. I will be expecting your guards.

::Reed watched as he left, seeing him stop and speak with Dr. Kale.
The young woman looked up in alarm from a chart she was reviewing.::

Clack: Excuse me doctor what is that ::squinting to see:: on your
shoulder?

::Netial blinked, taking a moment to register what he was saying.
For some reason, Clack gave her the willies.::

Kale: It's an...um...it's a...a marmek.

Clack: Ahhhh, a marmek! Kevin Hahn told me about them. He says
they are suppose to be extremely clean.

Kale: Y...y...yes.  They clean themselves more than any animal on the
planet...more than any animal on many planets, actually.

Clack: And he just sits there on your shoulder all day?

Kale: Yes.  ::Swallowing nervously.:: Unfortunately.  Hirby seems to
have taken a liking to my shoulder.

Clack: Hirby huh. ::smiling:: Adorable. Absolutely adorable.

::Netial started as Clack reached out his hand towards Hirby.  The
high-pitched shriek that followed turned her blood cold as the marmek
fled from Clack's reach, tearing the arm of her uniform and drawing a
little blood in the process.  Hirby scampered out of sight, hiding
behind a set of cabinets that held blankets and hospital gowns.
Netial looked at Clack, stunned.::

Clack: That's not funny. ::looking at Kale rather disgusted:: That's
not funny at all. Tribbles and now a marmek.

::Kale watched as he left.  No one had suggested that it was funny.
In fact, Netial was horrified.  What was it about him that has so
frightened Hirby?  Hirby wasn't an easily frightened creature.  He
was rather assertive and strong-willed.  He hadn't been frightened by
all of her carrying on at first, by any of her shrieking when she'd
first seen him.  He hadn't been frightened by anything he'd seen in
the hospital.  But something about Clack had scared Hirby.  Perhaps
her own nervousness had helped it along.  Either way, Netial wasn't
sad to see him go.::

::From her small room, Reed watched the entire exchange.  Perhaps it
was just one of those Klington things, but through half-veiled eyes,
she determined to take the next step foward.  She had watched Clack
over the last months, after many of the strange occurrences that
seemed to be connected to him.  How far had Starfleet really looked
into his past?  And had no one ever questioned the strange things
that seemed to happen around him before he arrived on the Ursa?  She
would have to bring it up in her meeting with Lancaster and Chen.
Reed knew one thing for sure.  Out of anyone on the Ursa, Clack
seemed the most likely to get himself killed.::

tbc

Lcmd Reed
COS
USS Ursa Major

((Wheeler, Relay Station 67f))

::Hahn spent a good part of the day trying to calm Taylor down.  The prescribed
Starfleet
work schedule has gotten Taylor worked up beyond what Hahn had thought possible
for
the union boss.  He saw Clack's point but he also understood that they were only
going to
work as much as it was written on their contracts, and not a nanosecond more. 
Starfleet
was here to help, sure, Hahn was grateful for the additional hands and
expertise.  But why
have the locals work Starfleet shifts?  Hahn was convinced that there was a
middle ground
that both were happy with.  He'll even take one that both were not happy about. 
He
yawned.  The distributor circuits were fried.  After trying to placate Taylor,
he had spent
about the same amount of time salvaging the fried boards and piezosoldering the
saved
parts onto salvaged board.  He took off his magnifier and rubbed his eyes.  He
reinserted
the boards and made a wish before diverting power back through those circuits. 
A heavy
sigh of relief came out of him when nothing shorted and no sparks flew.::

::He looked at the time.  Grumpy that he was going to have to miss his usual
time at the
Cantina, he made off to go talk to Clack. ::

((Clack's Villa))
:: He entered, calling out Clack's name. ::

Hahn: Hello Lieutenant.

::He presented a bottle. ::

Bad manners to show up empty handed.  Distilled Swill -irrelevant but these
Rogue
Distillers- they make a fine whiskey.

Clack: response

Hahn: You are most welcome.   But beware of engineers bearing gifts...you and
Taylor, I
talked to him and both of you have very different views on this project.

Clack: response

Hahn: I know, I know.  Why do you think I am doing this by myself some of the
time?
Look, these guys, they are just regular people.  And to them this is a job, that
is all,
nothing more, nothing less.  So they will work all that is required of them.

Clack: response
Hahn: Yes, but people don't join Starfleet if they have that sort of mindset
now, will they?
All I am trying to say Lieutenant is that these are a different group-ordering
them around
like what you did isn't going to make Taylor your friend, or any of the worker
for that
matter.  What you need to do is to make it seem like it is their idea.

Clack: response

Hahn: You are not likely to get a round the clock project.  But you might be
able to get at
least them to work a full Starfleet workday.  And you should extend the
timetable to 24
days.

Clack: response

Hahn: Yes, I know, Lt. Clack, I was there.  And you are right, in two weeks the
entire
colony will be in the dark.   But if you were to aim to lay the foundations for
the work to
be done in the next two weeks, and not antagonise Taylor, you will get your
wish, maybe
7 to 10 days later, but you will.

Clack: response

Hahn: Wheeler goes dark in two weeks, you said so right?  Have the teams already
tasked
and begin to work on the projects in the two weeks.  That is when you will need
more of
those cigars-at the end of the two weeks, nothing is completed, you cannot do
the switch
over, nothing is automated, and pop, the light goes out on Wheeler.

Clack: response

Hahn: Well, then no one has power, including Taylor.  The other bosses will
blame him,
and rightly so, he wises up and orders a round the clock mandate.  But by then,
the
workers will know one end of their plasmawelders from another, driven by Taylor
or by
their own comfort, drop into overdrive and FTLs the repairs and reconstruction.

Clack: response

Hahn: Have it your way and risk an embolism or play the system, and they might
just let
you open a tab at the Cantina.

Clack: response

Hahn: I know that you might not like it, but this is not Starfleet.  I am
grateful...we are
grateful for your help here, but you need to learn how to make it work for you.
You know?

Clack: response

Tag

Kevin Hahn
Electrical Repairs
Wheeler Colony

(OOC: This sim takes place before the last one posted)

IC:

((Dig site))

::Reed had just left the three newest members of the Ursa Major to
the care of the medical staff when she received a communication from
Long.::

Long: =/\= Long to Lcmd Reed. =/\=

Reed: =/\= Reed here.  Go ahead, Long.=/\=

Long: =/\= We arrived at the digsite, all seems secure. We'll start a
security sweep now, sir. =/\=

::Reed frowned, sure that she must have just heard wrong, but then,
her hearing was excellent.::

Reed: =/\= I don't recall giving you clearance to leave the hospital,
Lieutenant.  =/\= ::Reed paused for a moment.  It wasn't like she'd
never pulled a stunt before.  Ok.  One stunt.  Ever.  And she was
sure that whomever "we" included, they were close by, listening to
the exchange.  Perhaps she should relax her voice a bit. =/\= The
storm must be causing some difficulties. =/\=

Long: =/\= No, sir, the rain isn't bothering me a bit. =/\=

Reed: =/\= Perhaps not, Lieutenant, but the extremely dangerous and
deadly lighting may have other ideas.  I did not beam four Wheeler
citizens to the hospital so that a few Starfleet security officers
could risk their lives instead. That site has gone without security
for longer periods than the length of this storm, and security
measures have been put in place for just such an event.=/\=

Long: =/\= :: Walking away from the other two.:: I was under the impression
it was imperative to keep this dig site secure. When you beamed them out, I
stepped in. I was also unaware of security measures in place. I apologise.
=/\=

::Reed sighed.  Leave it to Long to consider a potentially deadly
storm a mere trifle.::

Reed: =/\= Who is with you, Lieutenant? =/\=

Long: =/\= Russo and T'Lem, the two ensigns you assigned to me. =/\=

::Reed groaned.  She could see the Federation News Network headlines
now: Two Recent Starfleet Academy Graduates Killed on First Day of
New Assignment.::

Reed: =/\= I expect a full report, Lieutenant, and we will speak of
this later.  Get that shelter up and stay put until the worst passes.
Reed out. =/\=

Long: =/\= I understand, sir. Long out. =/\=

Long: Russo, T'Lem, how are you getting on with that shelther?

Lt Robert Long
security officer
Ursa Major

((Ursa Major))

::Kael had spend the better part of 11 months, making his way to Ursa
major, after his decision to return to the fleet.
It has been a long trip, allowing him to freshen up on his duties on
the way.  After his brief stop over in DS17, he headed
out to the Wheerl Colony.  A colony not to well known to many in
Starfleet, but one they had apparently taken a keener
interest in.::

::As Kael beamed aboard the Ursa Major, he reviewed in his head, the
crew manifest changes since he had since been here.
There were a couple of familiar faces however, Chen was still aboard,
and so was Calhan at least.  No doubt he'd forgotten someone,
but it appeared Admiral Hollis had been recalled since he left.  Kael
was keen to meet his new CO::

::Kael was greeted by the ensign, in the transporter room.  Kael knew
he was to meet with Captain Lancaster now::

THOMAS: Ensign, inform the bridge of my arrival.  I"m on my way to the
meet the captain now

ENSIGN: Ay lieutenant.  I believe he is expecting you.

::Kael left the transporter room, and entered what was a familiar part
of the ship.  Deck 17, main engineering.  Kael was
assigned as CEO when the Ursa Major was launched.  It surely kept him
busy, and was a position he loved.  Kael was
aware they were building a power grid on the colony.  He would use
that chance to get his hands dirty once again.::

::Entering the Turbolift, Kael noticed how unusually quiet it was.
For the engineering deck, it was strange.  He assumed
that most of the crew would be down, assisting the colony::

THOMAS: Deck 1

::Kael did miss the Ursa Major.  A ship, that stood out in the fleet,
one of power, and might.  He was proud to be serving
on such a ship.  The familiar hum of the turbolift, was interrupted by
the doors opening.  Before him stood the bridge.
This was one place that would never be quiet.  It was as usual buzzing
with activity.  Kael never spent a lot of his time here,
he rather preferred to be in the bowls of the ship.  However, his new
assignment would be HCO.  A position, directly putting him in
a degree of control of the ship.  He did rather like that idea.::

::Kael buzzed the door, hoping in fact the captain was in his ready
room.  Straightening his uniform, Kael prepared to enter::

Lt Kael Thomas
HCO
USS URSA MAJOR