S1 - Mission 4 - Biohazard

[Hust Kinun]

[Sickbay]

"Ok" Zex replied non-committedly.  "What about your pain level.  On a scale of 1 -10, 10 being the worst ever.  Where do you fall today?" she asked.

While he contemplated his answer, the Deltan ran a few extra tests.  She tapped his knee with a small hammer and checked his hearing with a snap of her finders among other things.  Tri-coders were good, but some to the tried and true methods still worked better.

[Sickbay]

"Well doc," he said, recovering up to a bored and rather irked tone. Not irked at her, more irked at the questioning and confinement to here. Even her Deltan attributes and personality was having little effect, due to Hust's mental guards all the way up, not allowing his judgement to be cleared.

"Which do you mean, mental, physical, or emotional? As far as my physical health, I'm good to go. Psychologically I'm stable." he said. "The only question is when can I get back to my work."

He watched as she swarmed over him, poking and prodding and testing him like a lab rat.

[Kirok]

[Sickbay]

"Well doc," he said, recovering up to a bored and rather irked tone. Not irked at her, more irked at the questioning and confinement to here. Even her Deltan attributes and personality was having little effect, due to Hust's mental guards all the way up, not allowing his judgement to be cleared.

"Which do you mean, mental, physical, or emotional? As far as my physical health, I'm good to go. Psychologically I'm stable." he said. "The only question is when can I get back to my work."

He watched as she swarmed over him, poking and prodding and testing him like a lab rat.

[Sickbay]

Zex pulled away from the man slightly.  The aggravation in his voice made her uneasy.  Especially since she was simply doing her job.

The Deltan folder her arms and stood firmly in his way.  "Well, Ensign.  I will be happy to answer your question.  But only after you have answered mine and I have been able to complete my assessment" she said in her practiced professional voice.  "Now does that sound fair?" she asked.

[Daniel Howell]

CO's Office

"Indeed." Stafford almost blinked. He was quoting Constance Lafayette, in tone and word.

"Well, Mr. Howell. Due to your quick thinking and steadfast service over the past few months I have put in a request with Starfleet Command." From the drawer of his desk, ratting through some old antique forceps and a half eaten chocolate ration bar, was an elegant, shiny black box. He handed it to Howell. "They've agreed."

"Daniel Howell. I hereby promote you to the rank of lieutenant commander, command division, and to the billet of Executive Officer, with all the privileges therein." He stood, and not even the pain in his hip could dim his smile as he extended his hand.

"Congratulations, Dan. Or do you prefer 'commander' now?"

CO's Office
Dan sat in the chair and was confused when the Commander mentioned something about a request to Starfleet Command and the fact it had been accepted. When the box was handed to him he gave a curious look before opening it to see a shiny black pip. He looked up at Commander Stafford and more a moment was speechless. His career in Starfleet wasn't exactly exemplary and he never thought he would make it to command.

Dan Smiled as Commander Stafford formally promoted him and gave him the position of Executive Officer. Dan also extended his hand as they shook. Still smiling, Dan replied "Thank you Sir, never thought I'd make it this far up the chain, feel free to still call me Dan."

[Michael J. Tritter]

Ops

Jane saw the message come through about the Pathogens and immediately tapped her com-badge.

=/\=D'Angelo to Tritter. We have received conformation from Dr McConnell that the Pathogens are ready to transport. They have requested that we keep our distance while the Hazmat teams do their work. I'll forward you the full report.

Jane activated the appropriate command and forwarded the report to Tritters' PADD.

Tritter had been getting his department up to snuff for the upcoming events. He than heard his comm badge go off, he listened intently before the man would tap his comm badge and reply with "Acknowledged, thank you Ensign". His tone even keeled, calm and focused. He knew who she was, he made sure he knew all new arrivals to the Starbase, like any good Security Chief would. He would than hear a ding made from his padd and he would proceed to flip through the report, he read through it intently for several moments, he knew they may have a challenge if someone really wanted to get at these pathogens, he had already prepared his team for the worst, so he knew that they would be ready for whatever would be tossed at them.

[Ashley Weir]

[Quarters]

The new uniforms all felt weird to her. Blue was never Ashley's color, quite the opposite actually. She hated it, it was suppose to be calming but it was usually pretty much the exact opposite. Plus these new ones were all just a little bit too tight something she knew was an easy fix but just never seemed to find the time to go get done. Never the less it was her first shift on the station and she knew that if she hurried along she could check in with the stations CO before the shift actually started.

[Outside CO's Office]

Ashley's mind ran over every possible situation as she came to stand just outside the CO's office. What if she made a terrible first impression? What if he already didn't like her because of the grounds that she was transferred here on? It didn't really matter either way honestly. Whatever happened would happen, she was only here until she was better medically and then she was going back to a ship. As her nerves subsided slightly she reached out and pressed the door chime to let Luke know she was there.

[Hust Kinun]

[Sickbay]

Zex pulled away from the man slightly.  The aggravation in his voice made her uneasy.  Especially since she was simply doing her job.

The Deltan folder her arms and stood firmly in his way.  "Well, Ensign.  I will be happy to answer your question.  But only after you have answered mine and I have been able to complete my assessment" she said in her practiced professional voice.  "Now does that sound fair?" she asked.

[Sickbay]

"Fine, doc." he said, allowing the doctor to continue uninterrupted by him. He knew she was just doing her job... but she was here and he needed to vent. Occupational hazard, being a medic. Well, maybe not.

If he recalled correctly she spent quite a good amount of time with the morgue and patients who, if one was honest, weren't too talkative. They couldn't be. They were dead. If they were on that slab and alive... well there was more than one problem that way.

[Aislin Kane]

[Aislin's Quarters]

"The Balrog reached the bridge. Gandalf stood in the middle of the span, leaning on the staff in his left hand, but in his other hand Glamdring gleamed, cold and white. His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings. It raised the whip, and the thongs whined and cracked. Fire came from its nostrils. But Gandalf stood firm.

'You cannot pass,' he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. 'I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of UdÁƒ»n. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass.'
The Balrog made no answer. The fire in it seemed to die, but the darkness grew. It stepped forward slowly onto the bridge, and suddenly it drew itself up to a great height, and its wings were spread from wall to wall; but still Gandalf could be seen, glimmering in the gloom; he seemed small, and altogether alone: grey and bent, like a wizened tree before the onset of a storm.
From out of the shadow a red sword leaped flaming.
Glamdring glittered white in answer.
There was a ringing clash and a stab of white fire. The Balrog fell back and its sword flew up in molten fragments. The wizard swayed on the bridge, stepped back a pace, and then again stood still.
'You cannot pass!' he said.
With a bound the Balrog leaped full upon the bridge. Its whip whirled and hissed.
'He cannot stand alone!' cried Aragorn suddenly and ran back along the bridge. 'Elendil!' he shouted. 'I am with you, Gandalf!'
'Gondor!' cried Boromir and leaped after him.
At that moment Gandalf lifted his staff, and crying aloud he smote the bridge before him. The staff broke asunder and fell from his hand. A blinding sheet of white flame sprang up. The bridge cracked. Right at the Balrog's feet it broke, and the stone upon which it stood crashed into the gulf, while the rest remained, poised, quivering like a tongue of rock thrust out into emptiness.
With a terrible cry the Balrog fell forward, and its shadow plunged down and vanished. But even as it fell it swung its whip, and the thongs lashed and curled about the wizard's knees, dragging him to the brink. He staggered and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss. 'Fly, you fools!' he cried, and was gone."

Aislin slowly put the book down.  What a climax in the story.  She felt such a loss for this fictional group.  Still, the story was slowly growing on her.  She was starting to see what Mercedes saw in these books.  And now Aislin was beginning to enjoy this adventure away from her real life.

Aislin sat up from her bed, she was to report for duty for the day shift.  Her time on Columbus thus far was a bit interesting, a slower pace, mundane one might say.  She didn't mind it though, she was beginning to get a routine for herself.  Still, she felt alone.  She didn't socialize much, never did.  It wasn't that she felt like an outsider, she was friendly to those she conversed with.  But so far she hadn't made any connections that grew from just regular conversation while on duty.

She styled her hair, straightened her uniform, and now it was time for duty.

[Flight Deck]

"Good morning" Aislin said to the crewman who was coming off duty from the night shift.  They had conversed about the night happenings, although honestly it sounded like a very slow night.  There were a few scheduled ships to arrive today, a couple cargo ships, some smaller vessels, the USS Curie, LeBlanc, and Eisenhower.  All Aislin had to do was make sure all the ports were cleared and ready for the arrivals of the day.

It was just going to be another day at the office.

[Alex Harmon]

[Deck 4]

Ensign Alex Harmon had only just arrived on Starbase Columbus. With the increasing Strategic Importance of this sector and the events of the recent diplomatic conference, Starfleet Intelligence had decided that they needed a stronger presence in this region of space. So they sent Alex to work as an operative disguised as an Operations Officer. They had been incredibly vague, even for spies about what his duties were and they hadn't even told him who knew he was with Intelligence.

Alex approached Commander Stafford's office as he had been told to report to him immediately however, he noticed that there was already someone there, a woman in wearing Science Teal. He didn't say anything, preferring to keep his head down and attract as little attention as possible while he was assigned here. He simply stood there patiently waiting for his turn to see the CO.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

CO's Office
Dan sat in the chair and was confused when the Commander mentioned something about a request to Starfleet Command and the fact it had been accepted. When the box was handed to him he gave a curious look before opening it to see a shiny black pip. He looked up at Commander Stafford and more a moment was speechless. His career in Starfleet wasn't exactly exemplary and he never thought he would make it to command.

Dan Smiled as Commander Stafford formally promoted him and gave him the position of Executive Officer. Dan also extended his hand as they shook. Still smiling, Dan replied "Thank you Sir, never thought I'd make it this far up the chain, feel free to still call me Dan."

CO's Office

"You're welcome, Dan. Congratulations." Handshake dispensed with, Stafford sat back down. "I wish we had more time to celebrate, but the show must go on. I'm sure you're aware that we've got shipments of biological pathogens on its way to the station. Until we get a new chief engineer, I am afraid you're going to have to wear two hats, so to speak. I want you to direct the engineering team and ensure that all proper protocol is followed."

=/\=Sevoc to Commander Stafford. Sir, I have the results from the analysis of the energy readings. They are as peculiar as the initial readings.

CO's Office

"=/\=Understood, ensign. Transmit the report to the chief science officer. For now, get yourself to the docking ring. The Curie is going to dock in a moment. We've got dangerous pathogens we need to neutralize on board that ship."

"Sorry, Dan, duty calls." Stafford said with a smile. "Dismissed, commander."

[Outside CO's Office]

Ashley's mind ran over every possible situation as she came to stand just outside the CO's office. What if she made a terrible first impression? What if he already didn't like her because of the grounds that she was transferred here on? It didn't really matter either way honestly. Whatever happened would happen, she was only here until she was better medically and then she was going back to a ship. As her nerves subsided slightly she reached out and pressed the door chime to let Luke know she was there.

[Deck 4]

Ensign Alex Harmon had only just arrived on Starbase Columbus. With the increasing Strategic Importance of this sector and the events of the recent diplomatic conference, Starfleet Intelligence had decided that they needed a stronger presence in this region of space. So they sent Alex to work as an operative disguised as an Operations Officer. They had been incredibly vague, even for spies about what his duties were and they hadn't even told him who knew he was with Intelligence.

Alex approached Commander Stafford's office as he had been told to report to him immediately however, he noticed that there was already someone there, a woman in wearing Science Teal. He didn't say anything, preferring to keep his head down and attract as little attention as possible while he was assigned here. He simply stood there patiently waiting for his turn to see the CO.

CO's Office

Stafford had already stood when he'd bid the XO farewell, and so made his slow way over to the door when the chime notified him of a visitor. It turned out to be two, the new science and operations officers.

"Lieutenant, ensign, enter." He realized the new officers were reporting in. So he made his slow way back to his desk, and remained standing. Stafford was here in his office, he might as well be formal.

[Jamie McConnell]

Clearance came moments after Jamie had revealed that her teams were ready to move.  Dr. Dano frowned slightly as his pitch black eyes flickered side to side.  Jamie had seen that look before and knew that the man was gauging the emotional excitement around him.  It couldn't be easy for a telepath as strong as he was.   This was the reason why he preferred to work with viruses instead of sentient patients.  She placed a hand on his shoulder and patted it gently.  "I'm on it, doctor."  He seemed to shake off whatever spell he was in, smiled up at her and gave her a nod of affirmation.

Jamie made her way towards the transportation room as she felt the Curie slowly make her dock.  Space was noiseless yet even on a modern ship like the Curie the vibration of metal against metal could be felt slightly.  Or perhaps it was her mind adding a feeling to something that should be motionless.  Either way she nervously stepped on the transporter, along with two technicians and was transported directly to the medical bay where the CMO would meet her.
As the lights and the brilliance of the transporter surrounded her and began to fade, Jamie smiled at the doctor standing before her.  Dr. Uzma Hasheem was a petite human with olive skin and a set of bright teeth.  She seemed taken aback slightly at Jamie's appearance as if wondering how to greet this smiling clearly Vulcan looking woman.  Of course, Jamie knew this look and quickly offered her hand in a very human form of greeting.  "Dr. Hasheem."  Jamie greeted the other woman, "I'm Dr. McConnell, we've been in communication and it's good to meet you at last."
"Yes, of course."  Uzma seemed to regain herself and return the greeting with a nod and then steered the talk back to business.  "Please, let's review the area that has been set aside for the pathogen processing."  With that she lead Jamie down a medical bay that Jamie had visited before.  Again, a sense of nostalgia filled her and thoughts of her husband washed over her.  She took a deep breath and worked hard to tear her mind away from Cayden and concentrate on what the tiny human woman was saying to her.  It was difficult because she missed him and her Vulcan emotions were a bit stronger than her human ones.  She had started taking Vulcan meditation classes but there were times that they threatened to overwhelm her.
Jamie used one of those techniques and steadied her breath as her green eyes moved around the area.  "Will the Security Chief meet us here?"  She asked as she studied the gathered blue uniformed crew for the tell tale signs of a security uniform.  "I believe he should hear the procedure as well...should we call for him?"
"Of course.." Uzma pursed her lips as her dark skin flushed slightly.  Jamie did not need to be telepathic to realize the frustration on the CMOs face.  Dr. Hasheem lifted a hand and called for the security chief...
=^= Dr. Hasheem to Lt. Tritter, please report to Medical Bay section Beta.  =^=
With that the two women and the rest of their medical team waited patiently.  There was no need to rush and it was best to take their time than to rush and disaster happen.  Jamie placed her hands behind her back and smiled as she continued to study the area with her eyes.  She nodded to her technicians who began to review the technical status of the Columbus' sectioned off area.  They would make sure things were in order or fix it, either way, things were going as predicted and that was a good thing ....

[Kirok]

[Sickbay]

"Fine, doc." he said, allowing the doctor to continue uninterrupted by him. He knew she was just doing her job... but she was here and he needed to vent. Occupational hazard, being a medic. Well, maybe not.

If he recalled correctly she spent quite a good amount of time with the morgue and patients who, if one was honest, weren't too talkative. They couldn't be. They were dead. If they were on that slab and alive... well there was more than one problem that way.

[Sickbay]

"Ok then" Zex replied.  She unfolder her arms and approached him again.  As she was finishing up with her exam, she asked just a few more questions.  "Have you noticed any personality changes since the incident?" she asked gingerly.

Hurt had been a bit agitated, so it was a fair question.  And, of course, it allowed her to make a point if only indirectly - the Deltan way.  "And how does you leg feel?" she asked indicating his pervious injury.

[Hust Kinun]

[Sickbay]

"Ok then" Zex replied.  She unfolder her arms and approached him again.  As she was finishing up with her exam, she asked just a few more questions.  "Have you noticed any personality changes since the incident?" she asked gingerly.

Hurt had been a bit agitated, so it was a fair question.  And, of course, it allowed her to make a point if only indirectly - the Deltan way.  "And how does you leg feel?" she asked indicating his pervious injury.

[Sickbay]

He sighed as she approached him again. She finished her job, thankfully, and stopped doing her tests on him like one would a slab of meat before it's cut up and distributed for consumption. "Let's see, I have had an alien digging around in my head- and the mind is a very precise and delicate thing. I'd say odds are that yes, I have likely had something changed. As to if it will change my ability to do my job, that's not happened."

"My leg is fine, thanks." he said. In reality it still ached a bit but it wasn't worth medication or exploratory surgery or whatever other butcher-shop tools and tests the medics wanted to run on him. He was glad the medic wasn't telepathic, as that would have been a whole new problem to deal with.

[Kirok]

[Sickbay]

He sighed as she approached him again. She finished her job, thankfully, and stopped doing her tests on him like one would a slab of meat before it's cut up and distributed for consumption. "Let's see, I have had an alien digging around in my head- and the mind is a very precise and delicate thing. I'd say odds are that yes, I have likely had something changed. As to if it will change my ability to do my job, that's not happened."

"My leg is fine, thanks." he said. In reality it still ached a bit but it wasn't worth medication or exploratory surgery or whatever other butcher-shop tools and tests the medics wanted to run on him. He was glad the medic wasn't telepathic, as that would have been a whole new problem to deal with.

[Sickbay]

"That's a bit troubling" Zex admitted as she started putting her tools away.  "But I am willing to release you from Sickbay.  I would, however, like to see you back for a follow up in 3 days" she said.

"If the personality change is an issue, I would suggest you sit threw the personality screening.  We can match up your previous screening the new results we get.  I can even administer them myself" the Deltan suggested after she turned back to Hust.

[Michael J. Tritter]

Clearance came moments after Jamie had revealed that her teams were ready to move.  Dr. Dano frowned slightly as his pitch black eyes flickered side to side.  Jamie had seen that look before and knew that the man was gauging the emotional excitement around him.  It couldn't be easy for a telepath as strong as he was.   This was the reason why he preferred to work with viruses instead of sentient patients.  She placed a hand on his shoulder and patted it gently.  "I'm on it, doctor."  He seemed to shake off whatever spell he was in, smiled up at her and gave her a nod of affirmation.

Jamie made her way towards the transportation room as she felt the Curie slowly make her dock.  Space was noiseless yet even on a modern ship like the Curie the vibration of metal against metal could be felt slightly.  Or perhaps it was her mind adding a feeling to something that should be motionless.  Either way she nervously stepped on the transporter, along with two technicians and was transported directly to the medical bay where the CMO would meet her.
As the lights and the brilliance of the transporter surrounded her and began to fade, Jamie smiled at the doctor standing before her.  Dr. Uzma Hasheem was a petite human with olive skin and a set of bright teeth.  She seemed taken aback slightly at Jamie's appearance as if wondering how to greet this smiling clearly Vulcan looking woman.  Of course, Jamie knew this look and quickly offered her hand in a very human form of greeting.  "Dr. Hasheem."  Jamie greeted the other woman, "I'm Dr. McConnell, we've been in communication and it's good to meet you at last."
"Yes, of course."  Uzma seemed to regain herself and return the greeting with a nod and then steered the talk back to business.  "Please, let's review the area that has been set aside for the pathogen processing."  With that she lead Jamie down a medical bay that Jamie had visited before.  Again, a sense of nostalgia filled her and thoughts of her husband washed over her.  She took a deep breath and worked hard to tear her mind away from Cayden and concentrate on what the tiny human woman was saying to her.  It was difficult because she missed him and her Vulcan emotions were a bit stronger than her human ones.  She had started taking Vulcan meditation classes but there were times that they threatened to overwhelm her.
Jamie used one of those techniques and steadied her breath as her green eyes moved around the area.  "Will the Security Chief meet us here?"  She asked as she studied the gathered blue uniformed crew for the tell tale signs of a security uniform.  "I believe he should hear the procedure as well...should we call for him?"
"Of course.." Uzma pursed her lips as her dark skin flushed slightly.  Jamie did not need to be telepathic to realize the frustration on the CMOs face.  Dr. Hasheem lifted a hand and called for the security chief...
=^= Dr. Hasheem to Lt. Tritter, please report to Medical Bay section Beta.  =^=
With that the two women and the rest of their medical team waited patiently.  There was no need to rush and it was best to take their time than to rush and disaster happen.  Jamie placed her hands behind her back and smiled as she continued to study the area with her eyes.  She nodded to her technicians who began to review the technical status of the Columbus' sectioned off area.  They would make sure things were in order or fix it, either way, things were going as predicted and that was a good thing ....

[Main Promenade]

Tritter had been making his patrols through the Starbase, as he did so personally on a regular basis as he had a certain eye for weaknesses in ones armor if you will. He was in the middle of a discussion with an... upset business owner due to the lock down. The Lieutenant, although he often had the attitude of not giving a dang what others thought of him, he had a certain knack for calming upset people down and he applied those skills in this situation. A few moments later he would be interrupted by one of the base's Doctors. He listened intently to her and than he tapped his comm badge, replying with "Yes Lieutenant, on my way" His heart rate increased slightly, he hoped that she didn't want to play the Poke and Prod on him, as that was not something he enjoyed. But he also figured since they had some biological items headed their way, he figured that is what it is about.

He would exit the Promenade area and made his way to a turbo lift, the man keyed in for the Medical Bay as the doors slid shut. The man tapped his foot, as he got a bit... bored waiting for it. Once the turbo lift slid to a halt, the man stepped out of the turbo lift, ducking slightly as he wasn't necessarily a fan of hitting his head on the bulk heads. He would than make his way to the Medical Bay and walked inside, he would than greet a nearby Medical Crewmember he saw and said, "Ensign, can you direct me to Dr. Hasheem?" The man would reply to him, "Yes Lieutenant, follow me please" The man than turned his back to the Lieutenant and made his way to the back, and pointed out Dr. Hasheem to him, the Lieutenant would than walk up to her. He would than look over the female intently and than greet her with the following, "Hello Doctor, Lieutenant Tritter reporting as requested" His heavily accented voice was calm and assertive.

[Daniel Howell]

CO's Office

"You're welcome, Dan. Congratulations." Handshake dispensed with, Stafford sat back down. "I wish we had more time to celebrate, but the show must go on. I'm sure you're aware that we've got shipments of biological pathogens on its way to the station. Until we get a new chief engineer, I am afraid you're going to have to wear two hats, so to speak. I want you to direct the engineering team and ensure that all proper protocol is followed."

CO's Office

"=/\=Understood, ensign. Transmit the report to the chief science officer. For now, get yourself to the docking ring. The Curie is going to dock in a moment. We've got dangerous pathogens we need to neutralize on board that ship."

"Sorry, Dan, duty calls." Stafford said with a smile. "Dismissed, commander."

CO's Office

Stafford had already stood when he'd bid the XO farewell, and so made his slow way over to the door when the chime notified him of a visitor. It turned out to be two, the new science and operations officers.

"Lieutenant, ensign, enter." He realized the new officers were reporting in. So he made his slow way back to his desk, and remained standing. Stafford was here in his office, he might as well be formal.

CO's Office
"Thank You Sir, the show never stops!" Howell nodded as Commander Stafford explained about Howell looking after engineering, which he was more than happy to do. As he stood, he allowed Stafford to answer the hail before replying once more "Understood Sir, I'll have engineering running like clockwork, need to with something like this." and with that he left.

Howells Quarters
Now that Howell had been promoted to Command Division and with guest officers coming aboard which he had seen as he left Commander Stafford's Office, he decided it would be a good idea to change into a red colour uniform, so returning to his quarters, he quickly replicated and changed into a red shirt and placed his 2 gold pips and one shiny new black pip on his collar. With that he headed to engineering to ensure everything was ready as this was quite a dangerous mission.

Engineering
A few minutes later, Dan arrived in engineering, which was quite considerably busy, no doubt due to the requirements that this mission would bring. Certain officers in closer proximity noticed the now red shirt and black pip Dan was now wearing and nodded respectfully. Walking over to the center, Dan announced "Ok, listen up, as you know I have been acting First Officer for a couple of months now, and I have been lucky enough to get promoted to Executive Officer in full, but for now I am still acting as the department head for Engineering so you still report to me. Now, our latest mission given by Starfleet Command doesn't directly affect engineering, however Starfleet Medical are bringing dangerous pathogens on board to be disposed of, so I want to make sure that all biological and containment systems are working, so lets get to it and run some diagnostics on those systems, any problems throughout this mission with anything, even in the most minor detail is to be reported to be ASAP. Carry on." And as he finished, he walked over to a nearby terminal to conduct some diagnostics of his own.