Ben Zwycky

[rp]1900 March 15th 3008 Commander Ryker pressed a switch on his wristpad. Down in the maintenance section a quiet beep was barely audible in the earpiece of one of the techs. He nodded to the group of nine others around him, they picked up their toolkits and left engineering. Having ensured that RenegadeÔÇÖs chief engineering officer RÔÇÖor Jaal was otherwise engaged in a dinner appointment with a female empirian visitor to the station, two of them obtained entry to his quarters to perform repairs on his communications console. They worked quickly, and within 10 minutes the console was fully repaired and ÔÇÿupgradedÔÇÖ. Similar important maintenance and repair work was done in various sections of the station, performed first of all on the terminals and consoles of the top-level staff affected, before moving on to the lower level staff. Within an hour, all the surveillance devices were in place, and within two all the faulty systems were back on-line. 2035 March 15th 3008 Ron activated his office terminal, inserted his security key, activated the retinal scanner and entered his top clearance password. Up came a view of Cmdr. TisbornÔÇÖs quarters, empty and silent at the moment. A couple of keypresses later and he was looking at a view of Cmdr. TisbornÔÇÖs office, and his secretary closing it down for the evening. He both saw and heard her walking over to the door, it opening , closing and her footsteps being drowned out in the evening station noise. He switched through the views of the other offices and quarters, some empty, some occupied. Satisfied with the performance of the devices, he shut down the terminal. ÔÇÿThat should give us some interesting viewing ,ÔÇÖ he thought.[/rp] Sorry Daniel. My characterÔÇÖs still out for the count during this post. IÔÇÖll get you in next post. TTFN, ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins) ICQ:72897748

Hugo, it's best to put that sort of stuff in rp tags. It avoids confusion. ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins) ICQ:72897748

*whispers* I didn't know how to do most of the things I've done here until I started messing around. I basically just tried everything to see what did what and tried to use the ones that seemed appropriate. Don't tell anyone This probably means I'll have to change the ISS logo on the CIOPS and Defence Wing logos, doesn't it? Before I do, are you absolutely sure you don't want anything else changed? ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Adobe Photoshop 4. I had to do all the frames one at a time, using a text mask and shifting a gradient background along to try and match where I wanted the lens flare. (If that makes sense to you ) I could make another frame if you want, (put a lens flare on the left hand side of the D) but it's a bit of an awkward process. ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

OK, I'll talk to Pablo Luna about changing the colour of ISS logo version 1. He was the one who did them, so he can do the best job of changing them. My attempt loses some of the star flare effect. OK, Josh, here you go: Animated Defence Logo version 4 Animated Defence Logo version 5 I put in version 5 because I thought it was a pretty big file to download for only just over half a second of animation, but when I give you the files you can configure it how you want. Being a Java program it doesn't matter how you use the frames- it only matters how many of them there are and how big they are as to how long it takes to download. Later, Ben ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

One problem so far. I can't view all the smilies from posts made before the move, since they're linked to bc3000ad.com instead of 3000ad.com, which I can't access. Other than that, pretty smooth (if a little slow) Let the posting floodgates reopen! ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Thanks, chav, but I've never used a newsgroup, so I'm not sure how to access it. I tried using outlook express, but it said it couldn't find the server. OK, Josh, how's this? Animated Defence logo 1 Animated Defence logo 2 Animated Defence logo 3 This is a java program that you can stick into a webpage, but you have to include all the jpegs (there are 6) and a java .class file in the same folder. Maybe the animation isn't quite realistic enough with the word wing (but I hardly notice it without lots of cycles) I can try and change that a little, and you can choose how fast it animates, how many times it cycles, or tell it to cycle forever. Let me know what you want and I'll try and do something (but I really honestly should do some work sometime ) Later, ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Cheers, guys. This what you had in mind, Rod? Oval CIOPS logo small Oval CIOPS logo large I think ISS logo version 2 is a bit too flashy, and has more of a disco feel than a military one, that's why I go for version 1. Animated Defence logo? You know how much work that'll be? I might give it a go, but an animated gif will lose an awful lot of colour depth and image quality. I've got a Java program somewhere that'll do animated Jpegs. I'll not make any promises about when I'll get it done, though. Suggestions for a Tac Support Logo? Intel Logo or place where I can get some pics of hooded figures? Other people's opinions/feedback/suggestions? Later, ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins) [This message has been edited by Ben Zwycky (edited 04-29-2000).]

ROTFL!!! ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Thought provoking stuff.

Come on, guys! Let's hear from ya I've done some alternative Defence Logos: Option 1 is no text, just the ISS logo on the shield. Option 2 is given above. Option 3 Option 4 Let's have some feedback, please? ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Sorry, Gallion, I was just trying to get all that out of the way. I have left a big gap there where my memory was pretty blurred, so the other guys, Nick, Rod, Josh, can write about what they've got up to and found in that period. A lot can happen in that time, guys (from about 1300 to 1800, and from 1850 onwards, you just can't involve me that much, or if you do from 1300 to 1800, I'll be a bit distracted or incoherent). Be creative, and do ISS proud Later, ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Welcome back, Jim! look forward to seeing you in rp again sometime (there's quite a bit to catch up on there) Later,

OK, here you go. (The problem seems to be that when you moved everything over to the new thread, all the characters in the links were changed to lower case, and since some of the filenames and/or extensions have capital letters in them, they don't work. Odd that.) Current ISS logo Proposed ISS logo version 1 Proposed ISS logo version 2 CIOPS logo (v.big) (incorporating proposed ISS logo version 1) CIOPS logo (small) (incorporating proposed ISS logo version 1) Defence logo (small) (incorporating proposed ISS logo version 1) Defence logo (v.big) (incorporating proposed ISS logo version 1) You may have noticed I've added another little touch to the Defence/Defense Wing logo. I'll not be doing any bump mapping, 'cos it looks like it'll take an awful long time to learn how I think it's pretty good as it is. Votes for fleet logo/feedback on wing logos/suggestions for tac support and intel wing logos please! (btw I was thinking of having some little dark hooded figures for the intel wing logo, but I can't find any pics of some anywhere (I was thinking of something like those little scavenger aliens from star wars, or hooded monks or something like that.) If anyone can find any pics like that, it'd be most appreciated! Hey Alun, you didn't say what you thought! ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Come on guys! Let's have some opinions! I've improved (IMO ) the Defence logo a bit Defence logo small version Let's have a vote on the proposed ISS logos: The choice is: The old logo new logo version 1 new logo version 2 reply here and cast your votes! Later, Ben ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Thanks, Ron. I'm dl'ing POVray right now. I might not end up using it on the Defence logo, 'cos I've gone a bit further and I think it looks pretty good right now. small version large version Whatcha think? I'll have a play around with it, and see what I can do. I'm sure I'll be able to make some use of it in the future, if not in this instance ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins) Just had a look at the program. Looks like it'll take a pretty long time to learn how to use it. Maybe after my degree is finished. [This message has been edited by Ben Zwycky (edited 04-22-2000).]

I know this isn't quite on topic, but I'm not allowed to create new topics in this section. I've done some logos for CIOPS and Defence (Am still working on the Defence one) CIOPS logo small version CIOPS logo full (huge) version Defence Wing logo (preliminary) and I would like some feedback/suggestions for other wing logos to work on. As you can see, these incorporate the proposed new ISS logo, done by Pablo Luna (it's not that much different from the old one, but a bit more high definition) ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Anyone know a freeware/shareware program I can get hold of to easily create bump mapped text on a pic? I was wanting to add some bump mapped metallic text to this Defence Wing logo I was working on. Cheers, ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Thanks SC. That was getting a bit uncomfortable on the eyes. ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Yes, I know, I'm from the UK. That's why it makes me think of the countryside, rolling wheat fields, as I described. It's actually taken from Dvorak's 9th symphony entitled 'The new world', in case anyone wanted to know. ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

[rp]1430 March 15, 3008 BenÔÇÖs intercom beeped. ÔÇ£Yes, what is it Emily?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Accommodation for the crew of the Conquest for the next two days has been arranged on level 8, sections 3-4, with room available for two guests per crewmember if requested. The accommodation is available for up to a week if necessary, any longer and further arrangements would have to be made.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£All 116 of them?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Plus two guests each if requested. Three at a squeeze.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Thank you Emily. Well done.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£That was quick. SheÔÇÖs good,ÔÇØ commented Josh, very impressed, as was Commander Jamont. ÔÇ£I wonder-ÔÇØ BenÔÇÖs intercom buzzed again, interrupting him. ÔÇ£Oh, sorry, I thought the line was still open. Cmdr. DilvornÔÇÖs T3 shuttle is fuelled and ready, in docking bay 2, port 5.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs OK, Emily. Good work.ÔÇØ Josh puffed his cheeks and smiled, ÔÇ£Very good.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£How do you think she got this high up?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Wow, looks, brains and service. Quite a prize you have there, Ben.ÔÇØ Commented Josh with a grin. ÔÇ£Not what I expected, no.ÔÇØ Ben replied thoughtfully. ÔÇ£Well, IÔÇÖd better see to my crew.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£OK, Josh, see you tomorrow.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Bye, Josh.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£See you tomorrow, guys.ÔÇØ Ben and Nick watched Josh leave the office, then Nick turned to the two figures at the console. ÔÇ£OK, gentlemen. We really need to try and determine what this mole is after. Is there anything you can do to determine what areas of the system theyÔÇÖve had access to?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Not really. Whoever this guy is, heÔÇÖs pretty thorough in covering his tracks. From the residual traces of the logs we can give you a reasonable guess as to what general area of the system the log corresponded to, but even then itÔÇÖs only a balance of probabilities, and hardly reliable to follow up on.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Well, what can you tell? Give me something.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£OK, but donÔÇÖt rely on this- a couple of the accesses were probably to either the personnel or admin sections, and a couple to the fleet movement/flightplan section. Any more than that is pure guesswork, and even that isnÔÇÖt certain.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Not much to go on, really. Right, how about weaknesses in our security and admin? Give me a rundown on the weak areas and important information storage areas, and where they overlap.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖll take a couple of hours to put together. You got that long?ÔÇØ The prospect of waiting that long suddenly made Ben feel tired. He surprised himself with a yawn. ÔÇ£Whoa, I didnÔÇÖt realise I was this tired. Looks like IÔÇÖm still not used to sleeping in a docked ship. OK, let me know what you find tomorrow. Thanks, guys. Nick, you staying?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£IÔÇÖd better be off as well now. My crewÔÇÖll be wondering where IÔÇÖve been.ÔÇØ Ben shook his head in an attempt to clear it and went over to the drinks dispenser. He pressed the button for orange juice, but nothing came out. Confused, he tried again. Nothing. ÔÇ£Bah,ÔÇØ he muttered resignedly under his breath, ÔÇ£time to get home.ÔÇØ He picked up his jacket and left the office. Walking past Miss CartwrightÔÇÖs desk, he stopped. ÔÇ£Oh, the drinks dispenser is out of orange juice, and probably low on water, too.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£No problem, IÔÇÖll get some more in within about half an hour.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Oh, no rush. IÔÇÖm pretty tired now, IÔÇÖm heading back to my ship.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£OK, Good night, then.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£That was very good work today, Emily.ÔÇØ She looked down and smiled slightly embarrasedly, ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs just my job- I enjoy it.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Well, I want you to know that I appreciate the work you do.ÔÇØ Her embarrassed smile grew a little, ÔÇ£Thanks.ÔÇØ She then looked up ÔÇ£OK, then I want you to know that I appreciate being appreciated.ÔÇØ Smiles were exchanged. ÔÇ£OK, Emily, IÔÇÖll see you tomorrow.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Right, bye.ÔÇØ 0415 March 15, 3008 Ben was woken by a priority broadcast direct to his quarters from Fleet Commander RistarÔÇÖs Office. He got up and activated his comms screen. An unfamiliar female ensign appeared in 3 dimensions in front of him. He instinctively covered himself up, and asked ÔÇ£Zwycky here. WhatÔÇÖs going on?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Fleet Commander Ristar would like a briefing on developments in the Gammulan quadrant.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Now?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£As soon as possible.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£OK, IÔÇÖm on it.ÔÇØ Ben quickly washed his face and took several long drinks of water before sitting down and beginning to collate the info from his various sources. Pretty quickly he realised what was going on. ÔÇ£This is not goodÔǪÔÇØ 0900 March 15, 3008 Ben arrived at his office on the dot of nine oÔÇÖclock, and was greeted with a smile and a chirpy ÔÇÿHelloÔÇÖ by Miss Cartwright, who was dressed rather differently from the previous day. Instead of a business suit, she was wearing a light summery dress covered in flowers that, while not revealing, didnÔÇÖt exactly hide her shape. Ben was surprised and slightly distracted by this, but made no comment about it and headed into his office. As he reached the door he became aware of a subtle fragrance in the air. It was sweet, and quite pleasant. He was confused for a second as to its source, then he looked at Emily. She smiled, and he realised that it was her perfume. ÔÇÿOh dear,ÔÇÖ he thought, and then entered his office. No-one else had arrived yet. ÔÇÿBriggs and Elworthy must have been working late. Oh well, IÔÇÖd better say something now while IÔÇÖve got the time.ÔÇÖ ÔÇ£Emily, could you come in here, please.ÔÇØ She entered the office happily and expectantly, ÔÇ£Yes, Ben, what can I do for you?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Umm, well, IÔÇÖm not sure how to say this, butÔǪÔÇØ Her expression grew slightly puzzled. ÔÇ£What?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Umm, IÔÇÖm not sure that that is entirely appropriate dress for the office.ÔÇØ Her expression became a lot more puzzled and slightly hurt. ÔÇ£Why? WhatÔÇÖs wrong with it?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Umm, well, itÔÇÖs a bit distra-, I mean itÔÇÖs not, itÔÇÖs not exactly businesslike.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£What? You want me to go home and change?ÔÇØ She said, with a hint of anger in her voice. Ben suddenly found himself on the defensive, ÔÇ£No, itÔÇÖs OK, just tomorrow, OK?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Hmph.ÔÇØ She said half-indignantly, and turned and marched out of the door. About ten minutes later, Briggs and Elworthy arrived, shortly followed by Commanders Jamont and Dilvorn. ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs up with her? She seemed pretty uptight.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£It doesnÔÇÖt matter. What did you find?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Well,ÔÇØ said Elworthy, moving over to the console, and bringing up a table of results, ÔÇ£we found a lot of personal itinerary files were insecure, as well as a few lapses in security in the personnel file storage. A couple of intelligence briefings were misfiled, and probably insecure, but they werenÔÇÖt core documents. The most worrying system was the fleet movementsÔÇÖ logs. That systemÔÇÖs access program has become corrupted, so virtually anyone could have had access to a pretty up-to-date record of the fleetÔÇÖs movements over the past month.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£This is not encouraging,ÔÇØ said Nick. ÔÇ£It doesnÔÇÖt really cut down the possibilities that much. Itineraries can be used in plotting assassinations, personnel files maybe for extortion, intelligence and fleet movements are useful in planning military assaults. Whichever one of these it is, or however many of these it is theyÔÇÖre after, itÔÇÖs not good news.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs for sure,ÔÇØ agreed Josh. ÔÇ£We have another factor to throw into the equation. The gammulans are on the offensive.ÔÇØ There was a shocked silence from everyone else in the room. Ben continued ÔÇ£So this guy could be a gammulan operative looking for weaknesses in our defences for another backdoor assault.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£So what are our orders?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Up the patrols of Vesperon space, go to full battle alert, and try to find this mole as quickly as possible. The patrols have already been strengthened.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£So weÔÇÖve got to catch this guy as quick as we can. HowÔÇÖs RonÔÇÖs surveillance operation going?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Well, the Dark Sun will be arriving just after noon, maybe 1300. HeÔÇÖs been getting his team together for the other device plants.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£OK, let me know when that gets rolling. How are our new security measures?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£About as tight as can be with this system. What weÔÇÖve done is thisÔǪÔÇØ 1240 March 15, 3008 ÔÇ£OK, guys, IÔÇÖm going to go grab something to eat. See you in about half an hour.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£OK, later.ÔÇØ He walked past EmilyÔÇÖs desk to find she wasnÔÇÖt there. There was a little note on her computer screen. Gone to lunch. Back at 1300 Ben sighed and carried on through the double doors. The walk to the canteen was uneventful. Ben grabbed some stuff he barely recognised from the counter and sat down to eat at a table for two. As he began, he noticed Emily was sitting on her own two tables away, slowly eating her food and staring into space, looking forlorn. ÔÇÿIÔÇÖve messed this up, havenÔÇÖt I?ÔÇÖ he thought to himself. ÔÇÿMaybe I can still rescue the situation.ÔÇÖ He tried to catch her attention with some subtle hand movements. It didnÔÇÖt work. He tried saying her name. She didnÔÇÖt seem to hear. He raised his voice slightly, and a few heads turned from nearby tables. ÔÇ£Emily.ÔÇØ She started, and looked up at him. He motioned to the chair opposite him. She pointed to herself and mouthed ÔÇ£Me?ÔÇØ in mock surprise. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sorry,ÔÇØ Ben mouthed in reply. ÔÇ£OK,ÔÇØ she mouthed, unable to contain her smile anymore. She picked up her tray and walked slowly over to his table, enabling him to see her entire figure as she approached. She put her tray down and moved the chair round next to him before she sat down. Ben was slightly taken aback by this, but told himself ÔÇÿHave to make an effort to be friendly here. DonÔÇÖt want to make things even more difficult.ÔÇÖ As she sat down, her fragrance became more powerful. It was very sweet. Almost intoxicating, without being unpleasant. ÔÇ£Hi.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Hi.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sorry, I was being oversensitive. ItÔÇÖs really not that bad.ÔÇØ She looked down at her dress and then back up at Ben ÔÇ£You like it? I donÔÇÖt have to change?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£No, IÔÇÖm sorry, I shouldnÔÇÖt have said that. It was out of place.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs OK, I forgive you, this time,ÔÇØ she said with a wag of her finger and a grin. ÔÇ£Thanks.ÔÇØ Ben downed his drink. ÔÇ£You sure do drink a lot of orange juice,ÔÇØ she commented. ÔÇ£It wakes me up, and itÔÇÖs pretty healthy. I much prefer it fresh to this concentrated stuff when I can get it.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Oh, then IÔÇÖm sorry about the drinks dispenser. All the drinks are pretty concentrated.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs OK, I just dilute it down and itÔÇÖs not too bad.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs so nice to have someone to talk to in the office. Everyone else is just so stuffy.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Yeah, I suppose theyÔÇÖre mostly in their fifties high up in admin.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£At least.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£How old are you, if that isnÔÇÖt a rude question?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs OK. IÔÇÖm 30 in three weeks. How about you?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Whoa, the big one. IÔÇÖm 35.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Hmm. I would have guessed 30, 32 tops.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Thanks,ÔÇØ Ben replied, finishing off the last of his lunch. ÔÇ£Well, IÔÇÖd better get back to work. Lots to do today. See you back there.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£OK, IÔÇÖll be right behind you.ÔÇØ Ben and Emily got back to the office at 1258, Just in time to see Josh and Nick leaving for their lunch. ÔÇ£Briggs and Elworthy will get you up to date.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£OK.ÔÇØ As Ben entered his office, David Briggs turned in his chair and greeted him. ÔÇ£Afternoon, chief.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£So whatÔÇÖs happened while I was away?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£We got a message from Ron, saying weÔÇÖll have to put our little operation back until after 1800 hours, when the maintenance shift changes, and weÔÇÖre done transferring the Ventriloquist to Cmdr. TringadÔÇÖs ship, and training Ran in itÔÇÖs use.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Good work, lads. Right, what we need now is a rundown on the profiles of our chief suspects, to see if thereÔÇÖs anything that seems out of place.ÔÇØ Over the next few hours, BenÔÇÖs ability to concentrate was hampered by tiredness, a slowly worsening headache, and concerns about Emily and her intentions towards him. 1832 March 15, 3008 ÔÇ£Secure Comms Message from Commander Ryker,ÔÇØ reported Emily. ÔÇ£Patch it through.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Ben, It is Ryker. I want to update you on the surveillance on Dark Sun. The ship is currently being overhauled as we speak they estimate about another 10-12 hours before she is completed. Once the engineering teams have completed, Comm. Dilvon will notify me and I will send in the surveillance teams. They will enter the ship as an inspection crew. Then proceed to set up the surveillance systems. It should not take them very long. If you have a chance to come by my office I will show you what we have set up.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Ok, Ron that sounds good. Keep me updated. IÔÇÖll try and get by your office on my way out. Anything elseÔÇØ ÔÇ£As a matter of fact there is Ben.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ShootÔÇØ ÔÇ£Well, the other day I noticed Ms. Cartwright seems to like you a bit Ben. You sure she's not trying to get on your good side, if you know what I mean?" ÔÇ£Yeah, I had noticed that, but I don't think that it means very much. Maybe she's just happy to be working with someone who isn't thirty years older than her." "Commander I do not mean to be disrespectful, but this isn't a social club. This is a serious investigation and you are being far too trusting. No-one is above suspicion here- please watch yourself." ÔÇ£I'll be alright." ÔÇ£Ok, commander IÔÇÖll let you know when the teams have started working on our project. Ryker out.ÔÇØ Ben rubbed his eyes. He was very tired. Briggs noticed. ÔÇ£You OK, Ben?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm just going to have a lie down for a while. ItÔÇÖs been a long day.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£We can hook this up in Commander RykerÔÇÖs office and carry on there, if you need some peace and quiet.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Thanks, guys, thatÔÇÖd help.ÔÇØ He pressed the intercom button, ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm just having a lie down, Emily. I donÔÇÖt want to be disturbed for the next couple of hours.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£OK.ÔÇØ Ben lay down on the couch and his eyes gradually sank closed. 2148 March 15, 3008 It was a nice dream. Ben was lying by the side of a still lake surrounded by beautiful mountains on a gently sloping field, with the love of his life in his arms, asleep. All was peaceful, all was well. He gave her a gentle squeeze. The contented ÔÇ£HmmmmmÔǪÔÇØ was so loud and so close that BenÔÇÖs eyes flicked open. The sweet smell was slightly spicy, very strong, and almost overwhelming. He was still in his office, lying on his couch. Emily was lying next to him, with her back to him, in his arms. They were both fully clothed, except for their shoes. She was gently holding on to both his forearms, making sure they were both wrapped tightly around her. She seemed to be asleep. Ben tried to release his embrace. She gave a small whimper and held on to his arms. He paused, then with a bit more effort he managed to free them. He tried to get up but found his head was swimming and his headache was really pounding. ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt go,ÔÇØ she said gently, and he stopped for a second, almost won over. ÔÇ£No, this isnÔÇÖt what I want,ÔÇØ he replied with new found determination, and struggled to his feet, steadying himself on the back of the couch. His balance was still very unsure. He sat down in the chair by his desk and turned to face her. She looked up at him. ÔÇ£What were you doing?ÔÇØ he asked incredulously. ÔÇ£You looked so sweet and lonely lying there, I couldnÔÇÖt help myself.ÔÇØ She looked down at the floor, ÔÇ£I thought you liked me.ÔÇØ Ben clasped on to his forehead with one hand and grimaced as there was a surge of pain in his head. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sorry, I didnÔÇÖt mean to give that impression. YouÔÇÖre a very nice girl, but I donÔÇÖt want to start a relationship with you. I hardly know you.ÔÇØ She looked ashamed of herself, ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sorry. IÔÇÖve never known anyone like you before. I didnÔÇÖt know what to do. IÔÇÖve messed up badly, havenÔÇÖt I?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Not a very good start, no.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Can we still be friends?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖll be more difficult now, but IÔÇÖll give it a try.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Thank you. IÔÇÖll try to be more careful.ÔÇØ There was a pause. ÔÇ£So what do we do now?ÔÇØ she asked. Ben stood shakily and looked for his shoes. ÔÇ£AahÔÇØ, he gasped as another wave of pain crashed through his mind, ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm going to go back to my ship and get this headache seen to, then IÔÇÖm going to get some sleep.ÔÇØ Emily retrieved BenÔÇÖ shoes from underneath the couch and handed them to him. ÔÇ£Do you want some help getting back to your ship? You donÔÇÖt look too good.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£No, no. IÔÇÖll be OK. The exercise will do me some good.ÔÇØ With that he left the office and headed back to his ship. His headache cleared slightly as he progressed through the station corridors, but it was still distracting. After heading to the Medibay, performing a cuople of tests and receiving a hypospray, he stumbled to his quarters and collapsed into his bunk [/rp] *Phhheew* Right, IÔÇÖve caught up. So much to include! I think IÔÇÖll just go and collapse in a corner now. Sorry about the length, everyone Nick, Josh, feel free to post about what happened while BenÔÇÖs memory was blurred if you want. Rod, IÔÇÖve mailed you a suggestion. Use it if you want, donÔÇÖt if you donÔÇÖt ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

well, you could do worse than start by visiting the Academy or the tips, tricks and techniques section of this forum and select view all topics from the last year. If you say what area of the game you want to expand your knowledge of, we'll be better placed to help you. Welcome aboard! ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

Aramike, I cannot imagine how terrible a time this is for you. I have been teetotal my whole life and intend to stay that way, and I am often called upon to be the driver when my family goes out. Although no-one in my family has been on the receiving end of such a tragedy, my mother often sees the result of such thoughtlessness, as she works in the casualty department of a large hospital. I have often been appalled at the low value that the law seems to place on human life, especially because of the high value it seems to place on money. That man will have what he has done on his conscience for a lot longer than five years. I know that the pain of this loss will never completely disappear. I can only pray that the healing process will begin, and that you do not remain a bitter man when it is time to move on, because bitterness will damage you and those you care about. If there is anything you feel I can do to help, then please just say, and I will do what I can.

No problem, Jeehun. I'm really sorry to hear that. ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)

[rp]Jana ran into her quarters and the doors closed behind her. She was safe again, away from all the people who invaded her space and interrupted her thoughts, free to let her emotions go completely. She collapsed on to her bed in an unpleasant daze, and lay there for she didn't know how long, her mind blurring down to a standstill, totally emotionally exhausted. Frank suddenly noticed that Jana wasn't around, so he cut short his conversation and asked around if anyone had seen her. Finding out that she had left looking very distressed, he decided to go after her. He quickly said his goodbyes and headed off to the Svoboda and Jana's quarters, where he assumed she'd run to. After however long it was, she felt a little more composed, and reached over to the drawer below her comms terminal. She got out the battered old datapad, sat on the corner of her bed and began to read again. The words seemed much more powerful this time, piercing deeply into her soul, stirring up feelings she didn't want and reaching parts of her that she didn't want touched, even if it was gently. She threw the datapad to the other end of the bed, dropped her head into her hands and began to cry. She cried for Deadboy, and for herself. She cried about the things she had done and said that she regretted. Things in the last few weeks. Things in the last few months. Things years ago that she'd managed to bury until now. The doors opened and Frank stood there, moved by what he saw. His beautiful beloved, sitting on the corner of her bed, alone and crying her eyes out. There was only one reaction. He sat down and put his arms round her. She gasped and started, not having noticed his arrival. She turned and recognised him then put her hands in his, placed her head on his chest, and curled up into a ball, pulling his arms around her as if her life depended on it, releasing a fresh burst of tears that went on and on. They sat there together for a long time, Frank kissing the top of Jana's head every so often and talking softly into her ear until her tears slowly subsided. She rolled onto her back and looked up at him with a smile. "Thank you," she said gently. "Anytime," came his quiet reply. They smiled at each other for a little longer. "You going to be alright?" "Probably." Frank looked around the room. He had only had one look round at it before, and he had had a lot on his mind that time. "This is a nice room you've got. You want to help decorate mine? It needs some work, " he said with a grin. "Maybe, but I'm not tidying it for you," she replied with a grin of her own. Frank noticed the datapad next to her pillow. He picked it up. "Hey, what's this? I recognise it from somewhere." Jana sat up and looked across at what Frank was holding. She stopped smiling, and slightly embarrasedly replied "Oh, that." Frank started to read what was on the datapad's screen. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. "What is this?" "It's Frank's- I mean Deadboy's old bible. His dad gave it" Frank interrupted her, "gave it to him while he was in flight school, just before he died. Yes, I remember. Whoa, that's weird, knowing that it wasn't me he gave it to." Frank shivered slightly at that thought. "Anyway, what are you doing reading it? You're not going to go all religious on me, are you?" Jana became a bit more defensive."I don't know, maybe there's something in it." "Oh, come on! We've disproved all that by now, haven't we?" "You would have thought so, wouldn't you? If you look at the evidence, it's actually pretty good." Frank looked at her with a puzzled expression on his face. "If the evidence is so good, why doesn't everyone believe it?" "I don't know, maybe they don't want to look. I didn't until recently." "So what changed your mind?" "Deadboy did." Frank looked very surprised. "He was into this stuff?" "Well, he was pretty shook up when I told him we should stop seeing each other, and I suppose he turned to it as a result of that." "Oh. Hey, I thought you said you didn't see him after you split up." "Well, yes, that is true, but" Jana paused, and started to get very nervous. "But what?" She looked down at her feet dejectedly, "but that was my fault." "How?" Unable to look up, she explained, "he kept trying to see me, but I kept avoiding him. He kept sending me comms messages, but I just deleted them. I managed to recover some of them after he died. You can take a look at them if you like." "I don't think that's ne" "I should have shown you them before," she interrupted, moving over to her comms terminal and bringing up the files, still unable to look him in the eyes. Frank sat down in the chair in front of the terminal, and looked at the list of messages. The subject of the last one caught his eye. Sub: If I don't make it He opened the message and started to read. Jana turned away and tried to hold back the tears. She already knew the message off by heart. Jana, Things are really starting to heat up. The Vesperons really mean business, and I've had a couple of close calls already. It's made me think that next time I might not be so lucky, and it would be terrible for things to end as they are. You are a wonderful girl, and you deserve a lot better than I've given you. If we both make it through this, then I promise I'll treat you better. I'm changing. If I don't make it and you do, then I want you to have my bible. I've made a mess of a lot of things in my life, but giving it to God is a decision I haven't regretted. It's hard but it's worth it. I really miss you. I'm really sorry for avoiding you. It was really stupid. Please talk to me. Frank Frank sat back and exhaled, not knowing what to say. For a few seconds, Jana's little sobs of pain and shame were the only sounds in the room. "You still loved him, didn't you?" "Yeah," she croaked, in between sobs. "So why didn't you talk to him?" "BECAUSE I'M NOT LITTLE MISS PERFECT, OKAY?" she suddenly shouted, before sitting back on her bed and starting to cry again. Frank got up from his chair and sat next to her. "Hey, look.." She twitched away from him. He put his hands around her shoulders. She flinched, but then relaxed. "Hey, look. You were upset. You did something you regret. I understand. It's OK. You still care about him. You're still not used to not having him around. It'll take time. We've both got stuff in our heads that needs sorting out. We'll take it easy and slowly for a while, and see what happens. I'd love to spend more time with you and get to know you better, but only if you're ready for that. Until then, I'll be here for you whenever you need me. That sound OK?" "OK." She had gradually stopped crying, but she was still facing away from him. Frank put his arms around her and squeezed. He then got up off the bed and crouched down in front of her, so he could look at her face. She avoided eye contact. "Look, you've got lots of friends on board, who care about you, and would love to help you- use them. Don't cut yourself off. I tried that, and it didn't seem to work very well. OK?" "OK." She said, without any audible emotion. "Jolana's you're best friend on board, isn't she?" "Yeah." "Go pay her a visit. You'll feel better." "In a while." "OK, I've got to go now. I'll come back in a few hours to check you're alright. Alright?" "OK." It pained Frank to see her so drained and lifeless. He left the room and went straight to Jolana's quarters. The doors opened and he was warmly greeted. "Oh, hi Frank. How are you?" "Not too bad, considering. Listen. Jana's very upset, and she really needs to sort some stuff out right now. Get all the chocolate you can and pay her a visit, OK? She needs you more than she ever has." "OK, give me five minutes." Jolana hurriedly went back into her room and got out a large box marked 'Emergencies only'. She opened it and removed a huge bar of chocolate, a packet of marshmallows, two mugs, a teaspoon, a jar of instant drinking chocolate and a flask. She put them all in a black handbag and headed off to get some hot water. Content that everything was taken care of, Frank headed off to the meeting he was already ten minutes late for.[/rp] ------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS08 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon ISS Fleet Homepage GCV Svoboda Homepage "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins) [This message has been edited by Ben Zwycky (edited 04-14-2000).]