Charles Lindsey

heh, forgot ya couldn't use angle brackets. *G* {RP} ON Mr. Hansen and Mr. Edwards took post outside the Wraith storeroom. Their grim demeanor made the personnel haunting these halls of Wraith station give wide ground. They didn't know what was going on but they did not want to find out either. Those that had no business near stores gave a wide berth and those that intended to enter suddenly decided they had better palces to be. Inside, Bill White sauntered towards the counter with a grin on his face. The bored, white haired, stores clerk looked up and said, "What do ya want?" While disappointed Mr. White never let his grin falter and said, "I'm here to pick up some AI interfaces." "Friggin' tech's can't keep their systems hooked together," Mr. White hears the clerk mumble. "Who ya with son?" asks the clerk. This time his grin did falter and Mr. White visibly paled. He pulls the only ship he can think of at the moment out of his swirling thoughts. "The Graf Spee, I'm here to pick up AI interfaces for a repair." The clerk looks cross ways at him. "I heard ya the first time son, sumpin' wrong wich you?" Mr. White forces the grin back on his face, "No, I just need those parts. The Commander wants the system fixed real bad. We gotta get 'em and get going." The clerk harumphs. "Sounds about right for a CoarseHair. But I don't see a requisition son." Outside the store room two techs were walking down the hall. They were discussing current events and other general banter when they ran into Hansen and Edwards. One of them looked up in surprise, said "Excuse me," and tried to walk around them. Hansen and Edwards closed together. Hansen looked at Edwards. Edwards shrugged. Hansen looked back at the techs and said, "Well my friends inside gotta issue with Ol' Puddy in there. I don't think you want to see what's gonna happpen." The two techs looked at each other and grinned. "Our parts can wait, I wanna see the bruises on that old cuss." The techs walked away together. Obviously laughing about the next time they would see the stock clerk. Barlow pulled his sidearm on the stroe clerk, "Look buddy; we need those parts and we need them now! Just step back from the counter and go get them." "You ain't gettin' no parts. You're going on report right now mister. What's your name?" said the store clerk. A black mark appeared on the counter. "There's my name dimwit. You want me to give it to ya personally? Now get me those parts." Mr. White spoke up. "The Commander been riding him really hard lately. I suggest you give us those parts. Charge them to the Graf Spee on a temporary ticket. They'll be approved. And my friend may not come come back to haunt you. He'll be in enough trouble as it is." The clerk harumphed again as he punched in commands on the touchpad. A droid appeared immediately and shot off towards the back room. As the droid left he continued tapping. Mr. White walked up to the counter and cancdelled all input. "That's enough, you step back and do the temp later. Barlow pay attention to him. I think we've hurt his feelings a bit. We don't need him doing anything rash." "Aye sir," replied Barlow. Mr. White just rolled his eyes. The next instant the droid was back with the part. It deposited it on the counter and went back into it's cubicle. White grabbed it and thanked the store clerk. "Here is something to remember us by," said Barlow as he launched a smoke grenade. As they came out of the store room White asked, "Did you have to do that?" "Yes sir, rule number one. Confuse the enemy. He would have hit the alarm as soon as we left, this way we have a bit." White looked at Barlow. He still looked pale but there was now a determination in his face White hadn't seen before. They gathered Hansen and Edwards and started running towards the beam out point. He couldn't help but laugh out loud as they ran wawy from the biggest small heist ever committed. A few of the station's personnel grinned with him as they saw the smoke creep out of the closed store room doors. A well played prank deserved a grin. Little did the station personnel know just what a prank it was. Bill White ICV Phoenix (aboard Wraith Station) "Done Shopping, gotta get home" {RP} OFF [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 04-19-99).]

That's it! I love it. Way cool. Anyone else? Rattler? Akira? Stickman? New Insurgents?

*G* there is an entire story behind the dress uniform post. First we meet Commander Echo. The lone female commander (That we know of) out there. She was having problems configuring her machine to play. All the usual hints didn't work. I tried off the board as she has AOL like me. That didn't work. Derek got involved and after several discussions found out she had some weird card Packard Bell (I think) had started putting in their machines. That ended happily with Derek supporting yet another card *G*. Then when Rattler started the roll call thread she graced us with her pic. Well Derek gets caught reading the thread and all of a sudden his girlfriends wants to be an Insurgent. Which produced this quote:Drat, I forgot she was an Insurgent (or did I?) uhm, is kidnapping a crime within the GALCOM ranks? hehe, I'll probably have to come up with an Insurgent uniform since you guys haven't....still. and Rattler's response quote:Hmmm, I thought we had, but Maybe not suitable for dress rehersals. Will get right on it. Stickman, Akira, Chavik!! Muster on station. Find one you like and we can all compare notes. Snap to it gentlemen. So now you find me posting on Insurgent Dress Uniforms. *G* Glad you like the standing collar. Black and red is fine with me. Take a look at this http://www.russianstore.net/Data/service1.html and see if the fourth guy on the left is ok. Service uniform #3. That's what I visualized. The standing collar eliminates the need for a tie. Where would the red be? outlining all the hems? Wraps around the collar, travels down the front and then wraps around the bottom? Just a suggestion. I realize we would be fighting all the time and the dress uniform would be for rare occasions but I also think we have enough of a population to support it. We are not a rag-tag bunch of freedom fighters. We are organized( according to the manual) which supports the supposition that we have a large enough population to have a rare ceremony or two. Thank goodness orange is not an option. Inmates wear orange around where I work. I'd feel like a criminal. Black and red are fine with me as are the forearm rank markings. Charles "Just roleplaying away" *G*

quote:the current design for the Insurgent uniform is a dark creamy/light brown jumpsuit From what I understood in the Commander's Roll Call thread that uniform was to be the standard work uniform. The one Rattler has his pic plugged onto right? I was thinking of a "Dress" uniform. The one for award ceremonies and other high functions. Not that we would have any but it would be there if the need arose. I was thinking they would both exist. I'd hate to be running around my battlecruiser in a full jacket, dress pants, and dress shoes. *G* Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix

I do like Rattler's Den. Rattler's Den at least has a main body with which to recieve incoming ships. Plus supply repair parts etc. Nuclear reactor etc. Wraith HQ is modeled after Procin. Which to the eye has no discernable placement of the reactor. Which may also be smaller than we thought *G* But at the time I was thinking of a sys. engineer's point of view. It would be a night mare to repair system on "upper arm 1" of the Procin model and then travel to lower arm seven. (Don't ask which one's are which *G* I don't have that much brass) At the same time it would be a nightmare to repair something in the "Lower" "Fang1" then have to travel to "Lower" "Fang4" of Rattler's Den. That was what I meant and not that Ratttler's Den had a bad model. Simply a system's engineer's nightmare. I do like Rattler's Den in the fact that it looks totally Evil. *G*. Plus the shield and armor are way up there. And the fact that it is unique other than Gammula station. Now where did the Insurgents get the model? (RP post maybe?) It's just a sytem engineer's nightmare. *G* That's all and that's all I meant to say. {RP} ON White, Barlow, Hansen, and Edwards beamed into the service tube. Barlow, still unsure of himself, looked to White. Mr. White just rolled his eyes. "Ok guys, just follow ne to the storeroom. And get that "Ready to Kill" off your faces. That's bound to raise eyebrows. But I was serious about only two techs going into the storeroom. No one wants to talk to a store clerk." Barlow spoke up. "OK, Hansen and Edwards, you two stand guard once we get inside." The four of them exited the service tube. They got a few odd stares from the small amount of personnel travelling in that area but the Insurgent group just ignored them and the station personnel seemed to do the same. They headed towards the store room trying to look non-chalant. Just outside the store room they paused. Mr.White said,"I'm telling ya no more that two techs ever go into stores." Barlow looked like he was about to vomit but he told Hansen and Edwards to secure the area while they conducted the proceedings inside. Bill White assigned to the ICV Mark2 Aboard Wraith station Ted Barlow assigned to the ICV Mark2 Aboard Wraith staion "Shopping is hell" {RP} OFF P.S. Ron I've missed you on Icq lately. I (my character) should be back about the time you are "healed". We could have another adventure or whatever. *G* would love to shake up the universe some more. Charles [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 04-05-99).]

Tac, hey Tac. I'm about to run Rampant. *EG* I'll play nice but I'm almost there. {RP} Commander Woods thought for a moment and added, "Mr. Black, please send some system engineers to the Transporter room also. About twenty ought to do it." "Aye sir," replied Mr. Black. "Mr. Myers, you have the bridge. Steer clear of anything that would disrupt the cloaking field and keep those drones going. If the gains out-way the loss of time continue. If not, please inform me." "Aye, sir," replied Mr Myers, "Flight officer has the bridge." "Good, everyone keep alert," Commander Woods said as he left the bridge. He left with full knowledge that the bridge crew would carry out his orders. They had all graduated within a few years of each other and Woods had chosen out of the top of each class. Jhoanna was a pain sometimes but that was to be expected given her profile. Brash, to the point, and even prone to the ocasional dig but she was good. Mr. Myers was extremely stable and by the book. He had not questioned one single order given by Chavik. Good man that one. Mr. Black scored high on his exit exam but did not seem the imaginative type. His repairs times were up there with the best of them but Chavik had thrown him a curve by suggesting using another system's part. Woods arrived in the transporter room to find eight marines standing there and some of the system engineers filtering in. More system engineers were coming in and Woods started pairing them off by size. When he had paired them all off he sent the remaining sys. engineers back on duty to repair the damaged Mark2. Of those that were left he sent to get a spare uniform. "Any of you had any engineering experience?" he asked of the remaining marines when the system engineers had left. Silence reigned. A few of the system ingineers began coming back into the transporter room with bundles in their hands. They were bundles of clothing. Commander Woods waited a full minute before asking, "None of you have had any engineering experience whatsoever?" Silence was supreme once more. "No one has had any system engineering experience whatsoever?" One marine started shuffling along the back. "Yes?" Commander Woods asked, staring that marine down. "Well sir, I helped my daddy on a Jenstar a little. Just a little. It was mostly stick and go," said the marine. Woods checked the Perscan. It was marine #34. Woods cringed internally at the most familiar name one could give a father but didn't let on. "So you are familiar with the requisition process?" "A little sir. I bought a couple parts at Centauri station, Wraith seems to be modeled after that staion," marine #34 said. "That it is. You paid more attention than you thought," Woods said while smiling. "Wraith is a type 4 station. It is modeled along the lines of Centauri, Ramix, Procin, and a couple others. Do you remember where the stores are since you bought parts?" "Umm, the upper levels?" asked marine #34. System engineer #15 had just brought one of his spare uniforms into the transporter room for use on the mission when he heard marine #34 give that explanation. "Begging your pardon sir, but type 4 stations have the tech on the lower levels, the rec and crew quarters are on the upper levels," said Sytem engineer #15. "Are you sure of that?" asked Timothy Woods, orienting his gaze on Sys. Eng. #15. "Is he right?" he asked of marine #34. Marine #34 answered, "Yes sir, I do think he is right now that I think about it. Tech is definitely on the lower levels. It's been a while. Sorry sir. " Commander Woods looked at them both. System engineer #15 looked more confident than marine #34. "Do either of you have names?" asked Commander Woods. "Aye sir," System engineer #15 replied. "It's Bill White." Marine #34 replied, "Ted Barlow." "Good, you two are in charge of this mission. I want that part secured by any means necessary. Pick any other two marines and be prepared for this mission." "Which is what sir? Begging your pardon again," asked Bill White. "Four of you are to be beamed aboard Wraith station and procure an AI Interface. We need that part to fix the Navitron computer." "That won't wash sir," said Mr. White. "Four techs would never go after one part. Those parts room jockeys are sticklers. It's the only power they have and they lord it over you. Hardly anyone goes to the parts room if they can avoid it. Even on an emergency call. Getting one of them to pull a part without a requisition is like pulling teeth." "You seem to know what you are talking about," said Commander Woods. "You are in charge of procurement and Barlow and you and you are in charge of security," he said, pointing to two other marines. "Names?" "Joe Hansen, sir," replied marine #16. "Danny Edwards," said marine #7. "Good, now get changed into those tech uniforms and get started." Woods watched them change and noticed the fit bodies. Even through under clothes the muscles stood out. Remebering his run with Chavik he made a mental note to go into strength training as well. When they had all changed Woods sent the others back to duty. "Are you ready? Do you have any recommended beam in points?" Ayes came fom the three marines and Mr. White said, "There is a little used service tube near the parts room. If I could see a diagram of the station I could show you." Woods motioned to the transporter operator and a diagram of the Procin station appeared. Mr. White walked over to the hologram, pointed, and said "Here, in arm six, just before the nexus of the lower arms." Mr. White walked back to the tranporter and waited while Commander Woods asked the system engineer, "Do you have a lock on that?" "Aye sir," said the system engineer who had remained behind to operate the transporter. "Get ready to beam out then." Mr. White and the other three marines climbed onto the transporter pad. At Commander Woods signal the system engineer operated the transporter. Mr. White's whole body started to tingle like a foot that had gone to sleep. Then it was over and they were standing inside Wraith station. Commander Woods watched them disappear and went back to the bridge. He would be tense until everyone returned. He hoped Chavik planned on getting plenty of rest. Timothy Woods ICV Mark2 {RP} OFF. Hope I defined the station as you imagined it. If not editing is easily done. But why in the world you would pick that station I'll never know. The arms don't connect any where but the outer ring. Of course Spectre is just as bad with those fang things pointing down. (Sorry Rattler ) I went through the manual to find that Wraith (and Procin which it is modeled after) is a type 4 station. Galcom is #1 (and unique), Starpath is #2, Gazer1 is #3, Genesis (at the Moon) is also a #2 (fits since it was the second station built), and Centauri, Ramix, Procin, and a few others are a #4. Each new type got the next number. I did this for all of them. Gammula is #10. IOD's and armor appear to be the same but ship and missile compliments vary widely. Even Shield values differ slightly. This is probably the only time this info will be used but I have it nonetheless. I have a few posts left to finsh my little adventure out. It's gotten away from the original plot but please leave it open and I'll finish here. It would be silly of me to start a new thread to finish this up and I about imagine Gallion will start one when his ship gets re-fitted. {G} Tac, I won't be too hard on your station.

Seems the best palce for this. I like a standing collar. Why, I don't know. I just do. Perhaps due to the recent spate of USMC commarcials on TV? I also think it should be navy blue. The entire uniform should be. Reasons? Navy blue to honor our Naval affiliated commanders. Namely Rattler. Plus Galcom is blue so Dark Navy Blue would also show the our heritage but the darker side of it. Or at least what others think of it. We chose Navy blue because they think we think we are the dark side. This was not to be a roleplay discussion. *G* . Just that at one point it could play into it. So a Dark Navy Blue uniform with a standing "choker" collar on the jacket and standard Dark Navy Blue for the pants also. Black shoes of course. That would be sharp. Snappy white hat? dunno. But that's a beginning recommendation. Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix

"So what do you think of him now?" asked Jhoanna Hayes. "I'm not sure," said commadner Timothy Woods, "I know he can run like the devil." "What's the matter? A little out of shape after graduation?" "I'm in great shape! It's just that I never expected him to be able to do that," said Commander Woods. "And the other things? He sure botched my Navitron computer up." "At least we're cloaked." retorted Commander Woods. A sly smile played over Jhoanna's face. I really shouldn't dig so much, she thought, but darn it he can be so stubborn. "Well that's true, but how are we going to get home without that? We can only stay cloaked for so long." "Thanks for reminding me Ms. Hayes. Mr. Hill, how are the mining drones coming along?" "Drones 2 and 4 are 30% full and drones 1 and 3 are 26% full," said Mr. Hill. "Bring 2 and 4 back on board and let's see how they are doing." "Aye sir," said Mr. Hill as he operated the transporter controls. "Moving drones back into shuttles now," he said. "Shuttles extracting minerals," he continued after a moment. "Checking cargo. We now have enough iridium for two more hours of cloaking." "Good, transfer to the storage tanks and continue operations. I want enough for a good long while. " "Not trying to set up a store are you Tim?" asked Jhoanna. Timothy Woods just ignored her and continued directing the placement of the drones. He orderd all drones to converge on the area that 2 and 4 had been in. It was on obviously rich source of Iridium. At least rich enough for their purposes. _____________________________ Commander Chavik sat in his quarters reviewing personnel records. The whole crew had good ones. Jeff Myers Flight Officer; third in his class. Jhoanna Hayes; Navigation officer, fifth in her class and co-graduate of Timothy Woods. All of them had graduated in the top 4% of their class. Good crew, damn good crew. Woods was a wildcard though. He'd have to watch him as he had already found out. He still had the datapad in his hands when he drifted off to sleep. _________________________________ "I can get you your Navitron Part Jhoanna," said Commander Woods. "What?" she asked. "How?" "We'll send some marines over to Wraith and get them for you," he said. "I'll inform Commander Chavik," said Comma officer Tidwell. "Oh no you won't," said Caommander Woods. "He put himself off duty and I'm in charge now." "But sir," began Mr. Tidwell. "No buts about it. I'm in charge. Ms. Chandler, please send a contingent of marines to the transporter room." "Aye sir." __________________________________________ Chavik had nodded off. The datapad lay on the floor slightly illuminating everything above it. had Chavik been able to look down he would have seen the last sentence of Timothy Woods Profile. The last click had been made as it slipped out of his fingers. It read: [heading] Timothy Woods [heading], [last line of text] Prone to making brash decisions.[last line of text] [RP] Off Commander Chavik ICV Mark2 Commander Timothy Woods ICV Mark2 "Going Shopping" Yeah if a region is generally hostile to you the four fighter patrol is going to go after the only threat in the region. Namely your probe. But depending on the jumppoints it must visit I find they last a fairly long time. A probe in a hostile region will get destroyed eventually but a probe in a neutral region with bad guys chasing it may last quite a long time. Thus appears my 38% probe. The bad guys got tired of chasing it or got destroyed themselves. No ship can catch a probe until it hesitates at a jump point. Should I re-program my probe to PATROL or leet it die off? *BEG* [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 03-20-99).]

The Mark2 had reached its destination. "We are running low on Iridium," reported Mr. Black. "I thought this bird had the usual triple stores. What happened?" asked Chavik. "The damage to the cloaking system caused it to use much more fuel than normal when it was trying to re-establish the fiel," replied Mr. Black. "Did we emit any tachyons?" "No sir, none detected. Simply high fuel usage." "How much time have we got left?" asked Chavik. "About 50 minutes sir." "Good thing we are here. Mr. Chandler, have some of your marines unload the drones. Mr. Black, transport them to the surface. I don't want any launches breaking our cloak field Make sure the engineers have their assgnments then go to medibay and see aobut that cut. It doesn't look very nice." Mr. Black started and wiped his face. Several flakes of dried blood fell off. "Aye sir," came the reply as he turned off the commlink. "Watch those drones. It will be dicey for awhile till we can get some more iridium stored up. I'll be in my quarters, Inform me if anything happens." [RP] Off. Does a probe fly at AI speed thru a jumpgate or does it slow down like when it's on patrol? I've never paid attention. *Sigh* more research. *G*. But I do know they are tough little suckers. Plus small and hard to hit. I currently have a probe flying around at 38% integrity. Guess the bad guys gave up. Now hte one is Arima was another story. It didn't last very long. Probably only two circuits around the system . Oh well.

"Mother, give me an ETA to our destination," said Commander Chavik. "Twenty two minutes," came the reply from the ship's main computer. "Good. Mr. Black, get those engineers on the shields now, and the hull too. Time to get this ship back in shape now that we are safe for the moment." Chavik brought up tacops to see how his package was doing. The two mines were flying straight and true to Wraith. Chavik grinned. He knew they would do little damage even if they were dead on. But the massive scrambling of fighters needed something to play with. Chavik didn't fault them. If one ship could cloak thirty could. And if Mr. Hill had been paying attention they might have caught that trader coming upon them and avoided it. They would be safe soon enough. Even after changing directions they were still travelling faster than any ship could. It was now time to dig in for repairs. One ship in a system would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Especially when that needle was out in the middle of space. He turned his attention to their destination. Nice little place he thought. [RP] Off LOL, yeah TAC I launched mines but see the body of the text. I corrected for orbit in the other post but forgot about the orbit of the planet itself. It was more of thumbing my nose gesture. or another gesture we won't mention. Two mines aren't gonna do anything to the station except pop like bubbles against the stations shield. Do what ya want to wiht them. Destroy them , let them pop, have them miss entirely, or even let them fly by and get a few shots in. Now, I'm going faster than any ship is capable of doing. That is if we stick with the games top speed of 2250 (?). Not the AI speed. Which is what I'm doing now thanks to that explosion. I took all this into account before posting. Ever watched enemy fighters try to chase down one of your probes? {G} Even if you could get a lock on me you couldn't catch me. I suppose the station's computer could extrapolate the three launches and figure out a course and use the mines speed after launch to calculate my speed. I took that into account too. But I have vectored off from that course and am long gone by now. Lasers and IOD's dissipate with distance so no lucky shots. FYI: I started a new game and came out of the Hadar-9 jumpgate. I targeted Wraith and let the ship reach an AI speed of 27,000. Had to stop there because the hyperdrive was aobut to kick in. I then cut AI and flew at that speed to Wraith. took me 00:14:30 minutes. So just for fun figure I was going the original 50,000 Gallion posted I was over halway to Wraith when I launched using the time I posted to repair the cloak and get attitude control. Now I have vectored of. I'm long gone with nothing fo r you to lock onto. As I said i'm just goofing off. I'll be gone shortly. But your character doesn't know that does he? I could be thirty ships cloaked.

Chavik had finally gotten his breath back as the ship was cloaking. He was still panting but coherent. "Are we cloaked yet?" he said. "Yes sir," replied Chief Engineer Black. "Fully Cloaked?" "Yes sir, definitely sir," replied Mr. Black. "Good; Mr. Myers have you gotten attitude control back yet?" "Yes sir," replied Mr. Myers. "Speed?" "45,000 KPS and holding sir." "Very good, launch a probe." "A probe sir?" replied Mr. Hill. "Yes a probe," said Chavik. "It will give them something to play with." Just as Chavik ordered the probe launched Wraith began launching ships. They went to the two jump points in the region but the Mark2's speed had already carried them far away. "Mr. Myers, what is our current vector?" "Straight towards Wraith sir." "Mr. Hill; in addition to the probe launch a few crabs. Correct for orbit then vector off Mr. Myers. Once the probe is off Mr. Hill set the probe to reach the Den. Encode message, "looking around need more eyes". "Aye sir," was the reply from two officers. Timothy Woods simply stared at Chavik. Chavik looked at him and grinned. "Run while you can," he said, "fight when you must." They headed back to the bridge. It took several minutes of general walking but when the made it Chavik said, "Mr. Myers, if you would correct course to this point i think we will be ok for awhile." Mr. Myers grinned. It bled of a lot of speed but they were already far past any point a ship could reasonbly make. No one would notice a cloaked MK2 making this maneuver. [rp] OFF Commander Chavik ICV Mark2 (High Muckety Muck in charge) Timothy Woods ICV Mark2 "I'm learning to shop"

[RP] ON Chavik had rested from his most recent adventure. He had had no idea keeping store would be such a demanding job. He was reading inventory documents in his office at SSF when an urgent Message from Rattler came thru the comms. quote:Sighted, One Dove, in distress and heading to the heavens. Echo, show it the light of a new day. Locke and Stickman, Clear the path of branches and briars. Chavik and Akira, sweep the path clean as you pass. "Chavik to Phoenix. Mr King, Emergency transport to the bridge." Chavik went to the ready spot in his office and felt the transporter grab hold. He was almost immediately transporte dto the ready spot on the bridge. A spot no one ever stepped in for fear of being materialized with something else. Following his exit Chavik got a message from Miss Siamet. "Incoming Transmission from Stickman Comamnder." "Play it," ordered Chavik. quote:Cmdr. Stickman with weapons on ready to clear the road sir. This dove should have no fear as these Insurgents will surely make her maiden voyage into our space one of wonder and amazement. Our ships await this Golden One. "Home in on that signal and proceed to lay in a course Mr. Harrison." "Aye Sir." Transmit : "Phoenix is rising to sweep the trail behind you Stickman. We are on our way. Chavik out." Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix [RP] OFF All in fun. oops had to change the tag parameters [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 03-15-99).]

The Graf Spee slowly faded from the Tacsan. But not before Don hill had gotten a lock on her. "They're headed towards the Khan jumpgate sir," he reported. "Headed home then, good. Easier to track. Lay in a course for Rinaal but keep your distance. Let them have time to maneuver. Wouldn't want to go knocking on their door." They slowly powered up the engines before the jump to the Khan jumpgate. When the flashes signifying use of the jumpgates began they jumped. Several seconds passed while they were transported thru the hole in hyperspace. The last of the flashes subsided and Chavik ordered them to pass thru the jumpgate. They burned thru the jumpgate and then came to a halt. Everything was quiet then suddenly several jump anomalies formed at the extreme edge of vision. Though tiny that particular halo pattern was unmistakable. Chavik smiled as the Mark2 followed suit. Five times they did this on the route to Rinaal. It was becoming a dance. A deadly dance but a dance nonetheless. One misstep and they would be waltzing with the Grim Reaper. Once in Rinaal the MArk2 came to a halt and Mr. Hill began taking note of the ships and the station. Suddenly there came a dull thud and the Mark2 began spinning crazily. It was almost to much for the Guardian shield to compensate for. "Get us out!" screamed Commander Woods. "I'm trying sir, she not responding fast enough," reported Jeff Myers the Flight offficer quickly followed by another thud. Another thud and Chavik spoke loudly, "Retros now or we'll all be toast!" Mr. Myers punched in the retro rockets and slowly the Mark2 began pulling away. Things looked fine until the MRT-15 went up in a blaze of glory. While saved from the inital blast the shockwave caught them and sent them spinning again. This time through the system at over 50,000 KMS. Again the Guardian shield had trouble and they all went flying as it was knocked out momentarily. It quickly re-established itself and everyone landed at about .75g. Thank goodness for small favors Chavik thought. Chief Engineer Larry Black came onto the commlink with blood running down his face. "Sirs, we have trouble; the shields are damaged, the cloaking system is damaged, the engines are damaged, Cargo bay 1 is damaged..." "What about the Hull?" interrupted Chavik. "It's heavy but localized to the blast area sir, she'll hold together with some luck," said Mr Black. "Get those shields back online, Mr. Black," said Commander Woods. "Belay that order, Mr Black. At least until Mr.Woods explains to me what he is thinking?" Commander Woods paled visibly. Damn hard for a shopkeep he thought. "Um Sh, uh, sir, wouldn't it be advisable to get shields online and the engines too for that matter? We must defend ourselves and get back to Spectre with the info we have. " "And in any other circumstance I would agree with you. But with all this firepower around we would need the shields that station out there has to even get a fighting chance. Which we don't and won't. Why run when we can hide? Mr Black, how bad is the cloaking system?" "Pretty bad sir, 80% integrity but a key system is toast. We're goners," he moaned. "Get a crew on it immediately, we'll be down shortly," said Chavik. A mere minute had passed since the explosion to Chavik's closing of the comms channel. They were flying across the system at a good clip and with a little luck might even reach nullspace. But best not to count on that. "Follow me Commander Woods," Chavik said as he headed towards the cloaking system. "You have the bridge Mr. Myers, try to get attitude control back but don't bleed off too much speed. Right now we are faster than probes even. I want that advantage," Commander Woods said as he left the bridge with Chavik. Chavik patted him on the back and Commander Woods grinned, "Run while we can sir." "That was a good call Woods," said Chavik as they sprinted towards the cloaking system. He left off as the burst of energy began to consume him. Damn young ones he thought. "Thank you sir," said Woods as they ran alongside each other. Old guy isn't too bad a runner. Sheesh, I'll be his age in ten years. Mental note; Continue endurance training. They slid into the cloaking room together. Woods was breathing hard but Chavik had an obvious stich in his side. Mr. Black looked back and forth between them when Chavik waved him on. "Well sirs, she's toast. Most parts are operational but the AI Interface is shot. this baby ian't gonna do anything for awhile." "Navitron," gasped Chavik. "Sir?" asked Mr. Black. "The Navitrons, get it now!" Chavik shouted as he fell to his knees. Commander Woods pointed to a systems engineer and with a nod of his sent him to get the Navitron compuuter's AI interface. Another minute had passed on their way to the cloaking room. Woods helped Chavik to his feet. Another minute and the Systems engineer was back with the part. Chavik was visibly better. "Install it," said Chavik. Mr Black looked at him blankly. Chavik straightened with an effort and betwwen gasped said, "Mr. Black, In case you are not aware I was chief engineer on the Lanyard. We need a cloaking system and now we shall have one if you will hurry up and install the bloody part!" Mr. Black handed the part to his system engineers and within seconds they had it installed. When they turned it back on it gave an unsatisfied groan and a few clicks from internal breakers tripping and resetting while it rerouted power but quickly settled into something close to it's operational status. "Are we cloaked yet?" asked Chavik. "Not yet sir, the ai interface is still geting info and interlacing it with the cloak field. It should happen in 4, 3, 2, 1 we are now cloaked," said Mr. Black. "Good, Chavik to bridge, Mr Myers, regain control of hte craft if you will and Mr. Hill try to scope us out a spot to lick our wounds a bit." Ayes came thru the commlink and Chavik could feel the ship righting itself. Somehow he knew they were fully cloaked. So the dance isn't over after all, he thought. Commander Chavik ICV Mark2 (High Muckety muck in charge) Timothy Woods ICV Marks2 "I think I spilled my groceries"

As they exited the jump Chavik ordered the MK2 brought around. "Commander, Does this ship have a name?" asked Chavik. "No, sir. I haven't decided yet," replied the commander. "Ah, a top grad. It's a rare honor to get to name your own ship. Be proud of that." "I am sir, thank you sir,"said the commander. "And do you have a name as well?" asked Chavik. Yes sir, Woods sirs. Commander Timothy Woods." "Well Commander Woods, you may or may not have heard much before launch but we just had a large contingent of Wraith Fleet come knocking on our door. Something is definitely up for that to happen. I thought everyone was still mopping up from the recent Gammulan attack but apparently not. Akira is out and Rattler is busy playing host to the enemy. That leaves us to see if there is anything to see. We shall remain cloaked and watch. Understood?" "Yes sir, perfectly sir." "Thank you," said Chavik. "Now I need some rest while they have their little tea party. I'll be in my quarters. Which are where Commander Woods?" "Personnel Quarters one sir, Room one," said Commander Woods. "Thank you," said Chavik, "contact me there should anything interesting happen." Chavik made his way to his quarters without to much trouble. The MK2's were laid out differently than the BC's but the wall markers pointed the way. He followed them subconsciously while he thought about the Wraith outside of Spectre. What an image that conjured up. He found his quarters and lay down wishing he were a fly on the wall inside Spectre. Commanders Woods watched Chavik leave before commenting. "Great, just great. Our first mission and we get to baysit some high Muckety-muck on a milk run." "Now, Tim," said Jhoanna Hayes, the ships Comms officer and co-graduate with Timothy Woods, "we can't reclaim Earth in a day, nor can we take out the Gammulans. I think we'll learn alot. I was monitoring comms while the ship was getting ready and intercepted a few things. Tight beam Transmissions intended for Spectre only but I had some frequency bleed checking a system and caught it. Chavik is the one who brought Akira back. He and Locke did. They found him in nullspace using some new tech we are not supposed to know about. I tried looking into the files but they were locked. Command staff only." "Maybe so," said Commander Woods, "but I still don't like babysitting a shopkeeper." Don Hill, the ship's Tactical officer spoke up, "If it weren't for Chavik we wouldn't be in this ship now would we? Stores are running great. Money doesn't grow on trees and we are actually turning a profit. Too bad trading runs are seen as punishment by those commanders assigned to them." "What, you wanna be a shopkeep?" "Dunno yet," said Hill, "but tactics are hard to perform without logistics. Ya gots to have the tools before you can do the job is all I'm saying." "Well we'll see," said Woods, "I still think this is gonna be a grocery run. But, stations guys, might as well do the best job we can. I did catch a glimpse of Chavik after that cloaking maneuver. He wasn't happy." Forty-five minutes later ships began emerging from Spectre again. "Wraith ships in sight," reported Mr. Hill. "Better inform the shopkeep," said Commander Woods. "You're gonna slip up one of these days Commander Woods. Patching thru to Chavik's quarters now," said Isaac Tidwell, the comms officer. Chavik started at the comms beep. He had been dozing in that state where thoughts turned to dreams but thought you were awake. Miniature Wraith's were fighting the grand Spectre. Flitting here and there but never quite connecting. Saying things. Comms perhaps? He looked at the clock. Fifty minutes. Just long enough to be really groggy. Chavik made his way to the bridge. As soon as Chavik arrived on the bridge Mr. Hill reported the tactical situation. "Grab a lock on the Graf Spee and pursue. Maintain cloak and keep the Mark2 a distance of 200 clicks. I'm not very imaginative I'm afraid. For this sub rosa mission I shall refer to this ship as the Mark2 in deference to her designation. Any objections Commander Woods?" "None for now sir, Mark2 is fine. Better than some I've thought of," Said Commander Woods. "Good," said Chavik, "Let's see what happens now." "Mr. Hill, follow that ship," said Commander Woods. "Aye sir." Commander Chavik ICV Mark2(High muckety muck in charge) Timothy Woods ICV Mark2 "On a grocery run" Just goofing off with this one. Got to close things out. I know there has to be a military term for high muckety muck visiting a ship and being in charge of a mission just couldn't think of it. Rattler? And it does sound like I am tooting my own horn for a bit but that's the only thing I am familiar with. The commander is unhappy but the others come to his defense in a way. I think this kind of conflict is universal. No one knows how to a job better than the man doing it. Same is true for me. My boss doesn't know half (probably more) of what I actually do. Anyway just goofing off. Hope you enjoy. have a good one all. Maybe we won't get into too much trouble with this thread. Hint, hint? Forshadowing? [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 03-14-99).]

.-. .- - - .-.. . .-. - .... .. -. -.- .. -. --. / -. . . -.. / .-. . ... - .-- .. .-.. .-.. / .--. --- ... - .-.. .. -- -... / .. ... / ... .- ..-. . .--. .... --- . -. .. -..- / .-. .. ... .. -. --.

System Engineer Avery returned to the bridge to get confirmation his info had been received. Commander Chavik hadn't spoken to him very often but he liked him. He was very inflexible when it came to inventory but his management style was free form at best. Avery rather liked it. He knew he had a commander who expected things done but he also knew Chavik wouldn't be breathing down his neck. As he neared the chair the bridge seemed to quiet. Chavik was too still. Avery rounded the chair and saw a sight he did not kow how to deal with. His Commander was asleep! Avery had no recourse. He had nothing to drop but his tools and tripping was out of the question. He couldn't think of any way to respectfully wake his commander so he went to work on the command chair. Avery had followed the commlinks and knew the situation. His commander had every right to be tired. He hunkered down behind the command chair Chavik had thankfully left at bridge level. He slowly snipped wires and burned relays. He worked slowly and methodically; testing all the while. Chaviik's eyes popped open, "Ensign Avery, would you please explain to me exactly what you are doing?" Avery dropped his tools for sure this time. He had been positive Chavik had been asleep! "Umm, sir, just repairing the command chair sir." "I see," said Chavik, searching the functions of the VR link, "put that last link back if you would and then continue. This chair will be OEM when you finish will it not?" "Yes Sir, most certainly sir," Avery responded nervously. "Good. Akira may be slightly upset but I would rather have OEM equipment than modified. Continue please," Chavik said as he closed his eyes once more. Avery said nothing yet bent to work. So many links had to be cut he wasn't sure he could get them all. He worked slowly and methodically checking each cut to be sure the original command links remained. He didn't even notice when Mother reported their location as the Den. He jumped again as Chavik stirred and rose. "As you were Ensign Avery, you've done well. It's time we delivered our other package to Rattler." Locke's Medical officer had stayed on staton and the both officers had been able to stabilize Akira. The transfer was touchy but went well. It always amazed Chavik that things done in emergencies were suddenly taboo oonce "standard" care had been initiated. Rattler listened with rapt attention as Chavik debriefed him on the procedures used to secure Akira. He was amazed the interview went so well. He had fully expected a small dressing down if not a large one but Rattler was so happy to have Akira back he glossed over Chavik's insubordination. It was definitely founded but some people did not like bucking the chain of command no matter what. Chavik was relieved. Rattler stood. "Chavik, I think it's time you got some rest. You and Locke have been at this longer than anyone save Akira. I'm giving both of you a seven day pass." "Well thank you sir, perhaps a working vacation? I noticed that new MK2 is ready in the shipyard. I'd like to take her on a shakedown cruise. I hear Polaris1 is really nice about this time," said Chavik. Rattler laughed, "Sure Chavik, go ahead but you be sure and rest. She has a commander but is unnamed as of yet. You can go as technical advisor and general inspector." Rattler responded to a beep on his comms unit and his brow furrowed as he read the message. Immediately he began tapping on the console. "Dismissed Chavik, full speed to Polaris1 and don't let anything stop you" said Rattler. Chavik turned and left with those taps echoing in his head. Chavik boarded the MK2 cruiser and greeted the crew and Commander. He explained his presence and gave the general directives of the mission. Everyone nodded sullenly. They knew as well as anyone else a shakedown cruise was a "milkrun" meant to pin down any faults in the system. Chavik paid them no mind and ordered the launch. The crew of the MK2 got them out of the Den somewhat shakily. Chavik almost grinned. All sims aside piloting a real Battle Cruiser was a whole different story. Immediately the crew noticed the tacscan menu. They had all been informed of current events and were wondering what TDF codes were doing in the tacscan. Chavik also noticed a strange flickering of those codes. Seems familiar, he thought. Not wanting to try out the defensive systems just yet Chavik suggested the backdoor to Polaris1. The new commander agreed. As they targeted the flux field Chavik suddenly remembered where he had seen those tappings before. "Halt," Chavik ordered. "Jump sequence already initiated Commander Chavik," the Flight Officer reported. Damn, thought Chavik. "Ok this will work. As soon as we are near the jump gate I want us to cloak. We will simulate a jump but stay right here." I want to see what is going on with this. The normal engines slowed to zero to allow the hyperdrive engines to engage. As soon as the jump started they cloaked. Chavik grimaced. Green crew, it will have to do, he thought, hoping no one had noticed. Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix .--. .... --- . -. .. -..- / .-. .. ... .. -. --. / ..-. .-. --- -- / .- ... .... . ... -. . -..- - /

"Good," said Chavik, "we finally got her. Retransmit ICV codes. Let calm her down a bit." While stopped, the Nevermore's turrets were still firing at the IC's. The shuttles were spared due to the TDV codes. Chavik hoped they hadn't damaged the Nevermore too badly. They needed to get her home too. It would be tricky if she couldn't make it under her own power. Even with both ships cloaked a tractor beam would be like a beacon to anyone watching. That thought triggered another. "Mr. Cooper, I want all systems and flight engineers to beam over to the Nevermore and start repairing critcal systems. Miss Brasfield, send over a compliment of marines also. Anyone who can tote parts, though it wouldn't hurt if they could use tools also. Cloaking and propulsion are to be the top priorities and look at the weapons too. I don't plan on getting in any fights on the way home but best to be prepared." Chaik looked at Mr. Pierce and said, "Are you ready Mr. Pierce?" Pierce nodded assent and Chavik continued, "Good then; Mother, emergency site to site transport for three people, myself, Mr. Pierce, and At All Costs medical officer. Initiate." As the bridge of the Phoenix slowly faded out it was replaced with an identical image. Almost identical. This bridge was empty save one. One who had extended his command chair as far up and forward as it would go. One who looked so tiny up there yet was holding the stars. Chavik swayed again. Pierce steadied him and looked questiongly. Chavik straightened and nodded. This close to an active SVR had his link buzzing. Faded as it was it was still powerful. "Mother, recognize Commander Chavik, Command staff." Chavik had to almost shout to be overheard by the klaxons. "Recognized," Nevermore's computer replied. "Turn off klaxons." The klaxons stopped. The silence was deafening. Slowly small beeps were heard from around the bridge's various systems. A quick galnce at another officers SSR display did not show anything very heartening. Every system showed yellow damage status. Chavik did not have time to check though, he knew the engineers would be over shortly and begin repairs. "Mother, lower the command chair," siad Chavik. They waited another agonizing minute as the command chair slowly sank to the floor of the bridge. Then when it finally hit the floor the three oficers moved around to the front and finally saw their objective. He was a mess. His hair was dishevelled and he was shaking, no doubt from the recent strain of avoiding capture. Tears were streaming down his face even thru the shut eyelids. "Mother, reconginze Medical officer Pierce, emergency medical override Alpha theta omega. Release SVR console." said Pierce. "Recognized; complying." The SVR modules slowly snaked back into the chair and akira immediately slumped over. Chavik grabbed him,"Akira, this is Chavik, can you hear me? Akira. Wake up. Wake up you old crow." Chavik was on the verge of shaking him when Pierce laid a hand on his arm. He looked at Pierce and back at Akira. He stirred and his eyes fluttered slightly. He spoke a single word."Rosebud," he said before totally collapsing. At this point Pierce spoke up," We need to get him back to the Phoenix as soon as possible. You stabilzed fairly quickly but he's been under this thing far longer. Mother, emergency site to site transport. Are you staying Chavik?" Chavik nodded. "Three to beam directly to Phoenix's Medibay." Chavik watched as they faded out. He began checking systems and assigning repairs crew. The engineers already had a good start and all he had to to was shuffle some of them around to the more important systems. They had a good start on the cloaking system and the shields had regenerated after the final blast from the Phoenix's IOD. With everyone who could helping, the repairs went quickly. The cloaking system came back on line and the engines soon followed. Weapons were next. Chavik contacted the Phoenix, "Locke, repairs are near completion. I'll fly her out myself Follow if you will and cover my tail. We'll go out cloaked and full burn all the way home. Direct route to the Den. We've got the crow but I think we may have to eat some too. Chavik out." Chavik looked at Akira's personal belongings that were attatched above his console. He plucked a black feather from a set that was hanging there. "Engineer Avery to the bridge," said Chavik. It was several minute before Systems engineer Avery made it to the bridge. When he arrived Chavik handed him the feather and spoke, "Mr. Avery, as soon as we jump out of nullspace transport this to the First Light's transporter pad." Avery took on a quizzical look but then nodded, understanding. A small smile played on his face. He turned around and left the bridge. "Locke I am ready to proceed. beginning cloak now. I trust you to let your boys know we are on our way home," Chavik spoke into the VR console. Normal mode this time but the link had taken on new meaning. With a thought he powered up the engines and waited on the hperdrive engines to recharge. He targeted the flux field that would take them back to real space. As they jumped in to real space a voice came over the comms. It was Avery. "Package away sir," he reported. Chavik allowed himself a grin. He hoped DeSylva would understand. He listened to the tight beam transmission letting At All costs they were headed home. Back to Kansas. Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix <RP> OFF Well Akira you're out. I had fun with this one. Makes me want to finish another one I got going. Someone would probably be happy to get that one. I could do one more and actually arrive at the Den but I don't think that's necessary. There is enough there for you to begin again.

As the Battle Cruiser swung around to the coordinates Chavik had pointed out he spoke again. "Locke, did you remember to bring the muchkins along?" Locke nodded assent."Good, we'll need them for sure. Miss Siamet, copy and send out to all pilots. The Nevermore is thirty clicks off our bow, straight ahead relative to the Phoenix. The shuttles will move with in tractor beam range and the Interceptors will begin firing, IOD at 10%. We'll have to get Akira to fight back. Once he fires and reveals his exact position I want all shuttles to get a tractor lock on him. Interceptors will continue firing, concentrating on the turrets first and then target deck two to give just enough damage to disengage the cloaking system. That must be down for us to beam over. Once down cease fire. I'll take both medical officers with me. Shuttle pilots, if you are fired upon raise your shields but regain the lock as soon as it is safe. I want at least two locks on him at all times if humanly possible. I want you people safe but we have to do this. Does everyone have that?" Assents started pouring in over comms. "Good, Miss Siamet, dig out some old GCV codes and overlay our signature and all support ships. That ought to help. Let Operation Scarecrow begin" At Chavik's command four interceptors and four shuttles moved in unison to the point in nullspace that held the Nevermore. The IC's began firing. Long darts of light danced out of their lasers towards a target unseen. The first shots missed. Shooting out into the reaches of nullspace to slowly disintergrate into the smaller spectrums of light they had been concentrated from. Everyone could tell they had missed. The IC pilots tightened their pattern and though several of the next shots missed several simply disappeared. They had found their mark. They tightened the pattern again and almost all shots hit the Nevermore. "I've found the GCV codes and transmitted them to the IC's only Commander," reported Miss Siamet. "Thank you Arhea," said Chavik after thinking a moment. "That will do nicely, Akira will conentrate on the "enemy" IC's leaving the shuttles free to grab him. Remind me to give you a commendation for this." Everyone watched as the Phoenix's Interceptors were suddenly showing red in the HUD. Being the only ones in nullspace in this region helped Chavik remember they were his own ships yet he still felt the urge to target one of them. Calm down, he thought, it's only the stress and the residual link. As soon as the Ic's were given the GCV codes the Nevermore began ghosting. A strange sight to watch. The cloak field could not withstand the distortion of the turret fire but was replaced just as quickly with the false image of that particular section of space. The effect was of a ghost ship coming from beyond to do one last battle. The image appeared and disappeared to quickly to see but it stayed long enough to stay on the retinal persistence. An eerie image. After the first few ghostings the shuttles began moving in. The sightings had given them their lock. Shuttle One established a lock on the stern of the Nevermore. Shuttle Three grabbed a lock on the bow. Shuttles two and four took a lock on the topside and the bottomside respectively. They had left the sides of the ship open for the next part of the attack. The IC's took bearings off the location of the shuttles to coordinate their attack. Chavik staggered and fell to his knees. Immediately Pierce was at his side. "That's it; you are off this mission. The strain is too much. I won't lose a commander or a patient to this suicidal attempt to save someone who is already gone." Chavik straightened a little yet stayed on his knees. "Doctor," he said, anger bubbling beneath his voice, "would you please tell me how to react to a scream augmented by a Nuclear REACTOR? Akira is not happy. Where ever his mind has gone he still knows he has been trapped. He is there. I can feel it. We will continue on this mission until I say stop. Mother?" "Commander Chavik is at 25% fatigue level. Commander Chavik is within parameters of command staff to stay on duty." "Thank you Mother, does my command staff agree?" Slow nods came from around the bridge. "Mother if you have this on visual we will proceed," said Chavik. They looked to the HUD to see an eerie site. The Nevermore was trapped but she was twisting, turning, and giving one hell of a fight. The shuttle locks were migrating like wild birds. The Ic's were giving it the best they could with almost no info. Bless Rattler for giving me these screwballs thought Chavik. "One IOD shot at 100% to the center of the tractor locks. Now!" The results were spectacular. At least to someone who wasn't concerned with the value of the ships, or the people in it. A few last ghosting views of the Nevermore showed her twisting crazily.This was consistent with a large blast. She stopped spinning; dead in space. Uncloaked and ready for boarding. <RP> OFF Ron, One more post please? I almost have you out. . I know you want to be fit and able for DeSylva's RP e-mail campaign but I thinK the times can overlap just a tad. <G> Please? One more post. give me time to think. <G> Thanks Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix

Chavik stirred. He was free yet trapped. He could roam the region but he was alone. And the images. Kings, jesters, blackbirds flying out of pies. One huge bird in particular had his attention. A rather large bird as birds go, staring at him, daring him to speak. To which it would always reply "Nevermore!" That name seemed familiar. Important somehow. As did the image of the bird itself. And particularly where it was sitting. It was sitting on someone's head. No, not a head, a bust, it was sitting on a bust. But it seemed oh so familiar. the red hair, the beard, the eyes. Those eyes, at once bright and menacing, as were the bird's. Two die rolled around in his head and landed on one's. Snake eyes. Black dots, black as the birds eyes. Black on white, white as the stars. White as snow. Chavik stirred, and awoke. Sweating, breathing hard, and thinking of Akira. A buzz filled his head almost like when he was linked to the SVR. It was the same link. It was weaker than originally but stronger than when Locke had had him awkened. He could point to Akira. So it remains for a while longer, thought Chavik. He doubted he could gain control of his ship but it should be enough he thought. The droid trundled over and seemed about to administer another dose of medication. Chavik waved it away and when it appeared to insist he spoke an override command. One of the perks of being a commander he thought smugly. He threw off the covers and arose, stilled clothed from when he had been taken off the bridge. At once Medical officer Anthony Pierce was at his side demanding "Where do you think you are going? I want to observe you another eight hours at least. I saw some things that downright scared me and I don't want you trouncing off getting looped again." "We don't have eight hours Mr. Pierce. We have precious little time indeed. Akira certainly doesn't have eight hours and we don't have that much Iridium. Medical computer, scan Commander Chavik and report on his readiness to return to duty." "Life factor is 98% and fatigue factor is 15%, subject may return to duty under supervision." "Now access Mother, coallate current situation, my link with the SVR console, my current state of readiness, and Commander status and report again." "Subject is needed for information pertaining to mission, Command decision, and is allowed leeway in deciding own duties given command status." Chavik grinned widely at Pierce who did not look at all pleased. "Medical Computer and Mother, I do hereby override Medical Officer Pierce's opinion that I stay in Medibay so long as I stay conscious and lucid. Will you concur?" "Yes sir," both computer chimed in at once. "Thank you," said Chavik and turned to Mr Pierce. He said, "Shall we go?" and immediately headed for the bridge. Mr. Pierce stared after Chavik before giving a start and following. Once on the bridge everyone seemed surprised to see him. "Don't worry," said Chavik, "both Computers have determined me physically fit for duty upon the condition I stay conscious and lucid. I trust you all to help them make this decision. Heads nodded all around. "Now people, we have work to do. Akira needs us. He is out there," Chavik said pointing up, to his left, and behind him, "and he is fading quickly. Mr. Brom, yaw 102 degrees left and pitch 35 degrees up. Some of my link remains and we will take advantage of it while it lasts." Mr. Brom began inputting the coordinates and other officers seem intent on other tasks. The Phoenix slowly spun around and pointed in the direction Chavik had directed. The junior officers in the pit were the only ones to notice as Chavik's finger remained fixed on the place he had spoken of. They started whispering among themselves.

"Miss Siamet, Send to Locke: I'm going to try to follow Scarecrow into the Emerald City. Cover my back from any Flying Monkeys." "Mr. Pierce, if you would stay a while longer I would appreciate it," said Chavik speaking to his Medical Officer. And to his Chief Engineer, "Mr. Cooper, initiate failsafes on this thing," he said indicating his command chair. Chavik slipped his VR console on and pushed the button that would activate the SVR. The command chair wrapped around him. The small lens appeared between his feet and the virtual controls snaked out around him. Chavik gave a small shudder. Nasty things, he thought, no time to pick at straws though. He pushed the final button and waited. At first it was like a small buzz. The kind you get from just the right amount of a good wine. Then he realized it actually was a buzz. He concentrated and could "hear" Mother conduct staus checks on everything from life support to support ships. He concentrated on the Tacscan and brought that into his will. The sheer amount of information was almost staggering having been used to only visual cues. He concentrated again and brought this level of sensory input under control. He was breathing slightly hard he thought. How did he know that? From his own reality or Mother's standard LF scan? He concentrated yet again and brought SH1 into the scope of his will. He brought shuttles two, three, and four online as well. It was like slowly immersing himself into a hot tub. He sent the shuttles out to the reaches of space to the furthermost navigable waypoints. When he brought the ICs online and did the same the effect was cumulative. It was like jumping into twenty feet of water and staying under. The pressure was tremendous. He thought he felt warnings but they felt so insignificant. Like a small itch or something not quite remembered. His thoughts turned to space. There was Gazer1. So small. He knew his shuttles were massively smaller still but he could "feel" them, they were like hands. He was getting giddy now. He knew he had to hurry. He cast his thoughts to space along the links to nine different ships. Out to space. Into space. Farther and farther he threw his thoughts as far as his fingers could reach. He sent his ships past the jumpoints. As quickly as they as they could go but with no navigable jumpoints it was slow going. He strained to hear. Just when he was about to give up he had an image. Faint at best, one of stars, moons, planets, feathers, flying, snow. He strained more and could feel the pulse of the universe pounding in his ears. Just when he thought he had a direction a wave of dizziness hit him and everything washed out. HE was flying now. He looked for the place to go next and... "Turn those bloody things Off!" shouted Mr. Cooper. He had been watching Chavik's vital signs on his monitor. They had been elevated and a few warning signals had gone off but those were only first stage warnings. Designed to let the commander know things were getting touchy. They had steadied so Mr. Cooper had not worried about it. Chavik had been using the ships to his advantage. Spanning the region to most effectively use the scanners. Definetely cognitive thoughts. Then things all of a sudden went haywire. Life signs changed erratically. Brainwave functions going thru the roof. "Mother, Lower the command chair." Mr. Cooper waited impatiently as the command chair slowly lowered to the floor. He tried to remove the SVR but it held fast. "Mother, Remove the SVR from Commander Chavik." "Cannot Comply," she answered in her always too pleasant voice. "Emergency Medical override Alpha theta omega! Release now!" Even with the emergency medical override the chair seemed reluctant to remove itself from Chavik. "Miss Siamet, contact Locke on At All Costs, inform him of the situation. I'm taking Chavik to medibay. Mr. Brom, I suppose you have the bridge in Chavik's absence?" Mr. Brom nodded and watched as Chavik was taken to Medibay. "Miss Siamet, he was right about At all Costs. Please inform me when we get a reply. With that he turned and started towards the command chair. He stared at it a minute or two before deciding he had best keep his feet on the yellow brick road. <RP> OFF Mr. Brom Acting Commander ICV Phoenix

Logged off twice! Now I'm furious! <GRRRRRR> You know I'm in. You want me as Insurgent or as a loyal Galcom commander? That wold be tough. it would only be for purposes of roleplaying. Any other Insurgents in? We could be the counter point or whatever. Locke1; haven 't heard from you in a while. we need to finish Finding Akira thread. I value your input. You been busy? I understand. Let's get together and wrap it up or continue it and keep everyone guessing! Talk to ya'll later Chavik

LOL <RP> ON Err, Desylva? Methinks thou hast given offense. It seemest that in thine enthusiasm to recruit thou hast insulted the main fighting force. To whit, you are only a support fleet for such. Perhaps thou shouldst rephrase thine invitation. Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix "Lapsing into ye olde english for the nonce, good sir" <RP> OFF Commander BadMojo, I'm sure DeSylva meant that towards those that have not registered at all yet. Those people are still considered Prime Fleet for purposes of discussion. Once you specifically register as Prime then you are given all titles and distinction that go with said position. No insult was intended I'm sure. Great Roleplay though. Chavik (Charles) [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 01-18-99).]

"Anything yet?" Chavik almost growled. "No sir, none yet," said Miss Siamet. She was getting worried. She had never seen Chavik quite like this. Even the junior officers in the "Pit" kept their chatter abnormally low. The silence was deafening to someone who had spent the better part of five years listening to multiple messages. "Suggestions?" "Yes sir, I believe concentrating the signal would help. We should gather our forces in and make the beam tighter," replied Miss Siamet. "Good, send this to Locke." ***Begin Transmission*** Lion, this is the Wizard. My Good Witch Glenda has given us a tip. I believe we should go down the yellow brick road a little further and check in that corn field for the Scarecrow. We have caught glimpses of the Wicked Witch but no Flying Monkeys. All Munchkins should gather in the cornfield also. Wizard out. ***End Transmission*** "Get that out to Locke and target Charon. Get all probes there also. Send to all IC/SC teams to regroup at Charon. And get the Medical officer to the bridge" Chavik had been staring at Charon for a few minutes when the Medical Officer walked onto the bridge. "You needed me sir?" "Yes, I need a debriefing on the effects of that thing attached to my chair. Akira has apparently used it to keep control of his strike group when he released all the other personnel on Re'trat's ship. Could he have kept that much power under control and still be around to tell us about it?" "Well sir," started the Medical officer, "we really don't know the specific effects on each individual. The subjects I've seen that haven't made it are not a pretty sight. But it is possible. A few have made it extended periods. If they stay too long they either get delusional or go plain mad. They can't handle the input." "Explain please," said Chavik. "The technology is unknown sir but it's the closet thing to a cybernetic link we have ever found. Only androids can link better with computers. With the possible exception of the Droidans and Syrions. We know so little of them as well..." "The effects, can they be counteracted?" Chavik interrupted impatiently, "we've tried insulting him no end and we haven't seen a thing." "Well sir perhaps something he admires, nostalgia if you will. It may calm him down rather than infuriate him. Get him off the high he is riding." "The high?" "Yes sir, it is very much like it only worse. The cybernetic link I was explaining has it's quirks. The human brain will take the the input from the sensors and translate them into real feelings. A hit on his ship would be like hitting him. If he was controling six ships a loss of any one of them would be like losing a limb. Most men can't take that and wind up mad. If he was concentrating on his task maybe he was able to transcend that. There may be hope." "Thank you, that is all." said Chavik. "I think I'll stick around and watch you sir. You seem a bit tense." Chavik bristled but allowed the man to stay. No sense having to buck the Doctor's one trump card. "Miss Siamet, access the libraries and find any reference to Raven you can find. He must admire the bird to get insulted at Crow. Cross reference to Akira's files. See if you can find a link." Chavik got back in his command chair and put on his VR console. He ran a systems check to calm himself down. Iridium was low nad the system engineers were running their fool heads off trying to bring everything back up 100%. I think I have something sir," reported Miss Siamet. Send it through my console," Chavik replied. He read the title and author and was amazed. He knew Akira had fondness for antiquities but this was incredible. Over 1100 years old and it still had captured his attention. Or perhaps because of it. It's not bad, thought Chavik. "Miss Siamet, cease current transmission and begin sending this instead." If the chatter on the bridge had been low before it stooped as an 1100 year old bird issued his call once more. ***** THE RAVEN Edgar Allan Poe, 1845 Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, **** He should be tired by now, Chavik thought. They listened. The silence becoming eerie as Mother quoted the ancient poem. **** Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before; But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token, **** I wonder how dark it is for him. **** And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming, And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted- **** Locke, get here soon. May this Bird fly you home Akira. **** nevermore! **** <RP> off Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 01-12-99).]

Chavik had left his command chair and was pacing the bridge. "Anything yet?" "No sir, all teams have reported in and they have seen nothing," replied Miss Siamet. Chavik wanted to curse. They had combed the region several times. Plus they had searched all the moon Charron. Akira's Iridium had to run out soon and then they would be able to spot him. He had hoped the transmission would goad him enough but it did not seem to be working. "Ok, we need more power people. Get those solar panels out. I want every spare ounce of power put thru the comms panel. Launch all probes. Make sure they have the TDF signal, hopefully they will see it as a flag of truce. Bounce that signal off everything we have. Use planets, asteroids, meteors, anything at all. It's time to pump up the volume. Punch it through SubSpace, Real space and hyper space." "Miss Siamet, attach that and send to Locke." ***Begin Transmission*** "Wizard to Cowardly Lion. Please find attached plans and implement. We are going to need every bit of power we can muster. We have got to get Akira's attention and we don't have much time left. It's time to run down the yellow brick road a little farther and see where it takes us." "Send now,please," said Chavik. "Sent sir and we have received a message from Rattler," said Miss Siamet. "Speaker please." Chavik listened to the message and breathed a sigh of relief. All seemed forgiven. Now he just had to make good on his promise. <RP> OFF Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 01-04-99).] [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 01-04-99).]

"Mr. Brom please bring the Phoenix to a halt. Mr. Brasfield please bring all Shuttles and IC's online as soon as possible. Mr. King, as soon as they are online make four teams of one IC and one Shuttles each. Send one team each to different corners of the region. Miss Siamet, please contact Commander Pallo of the GCV Cornucopia. See if you can link with Mother Goose and find a nursey ryhyme titled "Sing a Song of Sixpence" first verse only. When it is loaded transmit it to all IC/Shuttle teams. Mr. King; once all teams are in place have then transmit Miss Siamet's file repeatedly. Bounce them through the jumpgates. I want to set up a resonance field Akira cannot fail to notice. Locke's assistance in this would be invaluable. We have to get him furious enough to engage the failsafes. Calling him Crow or Blackbird is the only way I know how." Rattler please forgive me, Chavik thought as he watched the last of Spectre jump out of Pluto. We have to find Akira and discover why he did what he did. Bucking orders was not in Commander Chavik's general line of thought. Helping a friend was. He hoped his mad assumptions would work. Commander Chavik ICV Phoenix [This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 01-04-99).]