Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Quentin “Q” Dawson (Chief Weapons Officer) in Main Sim: By the lakes of Titan [TAG: Engineering, Science, Security]

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kastarak (First Officer / Navigation Officer) in Main Sim: By the lakes of Titan [TAG: Engineering, Science, Security]

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Quentin “Q” Dawson (Chief Weapons Officer) in Main Sim: By the lakes of Titan [TAG: Engineering, Science, Security]
Posted by… suppressed (18) by the Post Ghost! 👻
OOC: Anyone who wants to join in on the away team is welcome to do so; it is not restricted to the engineering, science or security officers!

On the frozen plains of Titan, the secret Starfleet base was hidden in a cavern close to the methane lake Abaya. It could not even be seen visually – it was protected by the Romulan cloaking technology. The thick atmosphere, composed mainly of nitrogen, hung heavy with an eerie stillness, revealing a quiet and mysterious world. Simple solar panels reflected feeble sunlight, gleaming slightly in the dim dark-orange glow that permeated the moon’s atmosphere.

Some 800 metres south of Abaya, the Chernov had landed. The atmospheric interference made transporter technology ill-advised. The away team, led by First Officer Kastarak, and composed of officers and crewmen from Engineering, Science, and Security, had to walk the short trek to the base, wearing EVA suits to protect against the lack of oxygen and the terrible cold (-180 degrees C; -300 degrees F). While this on a planet would take maybe fifteen–twenty minutes, depending on gravity, the gravity of Titan made it less of a walk and more of a jump train. If an officer jumped just upwards, they would on Earth reach maybe two–three feet up in the air, but on Titan, they’d reach up to four metres (that would be more than two Kastaraks on top of each other). As such, hopping along the road to Abaya base was a much more efficient way of getting there from the ship. To non-Vulcans, it must have been a funny sight.

The giggles from the enlisted crew was heard by Kastarak (everyone heard everything at the same time), but Kastarak could not understand what was so funny. Efficiency was the key, hopping was the most logical way of getting to the base. Once at base, they’d meet the base crew to discuss the implementation of the Romulan cloaking

He turned to the colleague closest to him:

“Why do they laugh? What is amusing about our trek?”

– Lt Kastarak (First Officer/Navigation Officer)

William looked from some of the enlisted crew back to the first officer “It is entertaining, most of the crew doesn’t get to leave the ship often and since we usually perform in standard Earth gravity anything lighter allows for manoeuvers one would normally be unable to perform” He explained, the tingling sensation of flying across the planet was enjoyable but he had self-control enough to avoid the giggling.

CSO, 2O

(adding in Hjortur’s post here — Ric)

As Kastarak pondered Mr Grey’s answer, he kept on hopping. There was an element of logic to it – which he, as a counsellor trained in psychology, appreciated, but nevertheless had difficulties relating to.

Pawl kept quiet until Kasarak spoke a question. Sir? It’s like an old amusement ride I remember seeing at an old Earth amusement park called a bounce house. As he described the inflated construct as about the size of a small building. Kinda similar to bouncing on one’s mattress at home while the parents weren’t watching in old Earth terms. but of course, most other races do so at times too. I can’t say for vucans if they do or not I don’t know much about the Vulcan Children and their mental disciplines. ” Pawl answered with a small smile as he was enjoying the sensation of the movement I always enjoyed space walks and other similar activities it brought out the buried inner child in him. “If you are still confused you more than welcome to read my mind to get a clear idea of what I am referring to. Sir!” (visuals and all) Pawl said with a sincere fun smile. Pawl added after the other officer added there information. He continued to smile.

Lt Jg Pawl Batario - Chief Engineer

“There is no need to read your mind, Pawl,” Kastarak said. Though Kastarak did feel a need to read Pawl’s mind – he wanted to know Pawl’s feelings for him, how Pawl was processing their break-up. But that was not the object of the conversation.

Fortunately, the hopping now ended. They reached the perimeter as defined by the coordinates etched in Kastarak’s mind. Kastarak stopped and signalled for all the others to stop too.

Moments later, a door appeared in what was seemingly the thin air before them. The doors opened, showing the group an airlock that was obviously Federation-made.

Kastarak’s communicator pinged. As Kastarak answered it on behalf of the group, he (and the others) heard, “This is Colonel Tom Malone . You have permission to enter the airlock.”

– Lt Kastarak (XO)

As they got out of their suits and the outer door opened. They all walked down the hall to another airlock and once through both those doors there stood a middle aged man wearing all black. He had light brown short cropped hair and mustache. “Welcome everyone! I am Colonel Tom Malone. Please follow me to a conference hall and don’t stray away from our route without my permission. You’ll find out that you wouldn’t like what will happen to you if you do.” A grin appeared on his face and as if realizing it for the first time he turned back around and addressed no one in particular. “Where is Major Taggart? Is he hiding from us? That coward.” The last phrase was spoken low but not low enough.

Colonel Tom Malone/Storyteller

Major Taggart? Kastarak was somewhat puzzled, trying to put the pieces together. But he remembered the words the captain had given him shortly before Kastarak left the ship to go find the base: _ And Kastarak. Don’t ask or answer questions about me. If the good Colonel wants to know about me, just tell him to go on board the Chernov and talk to me in person_.

“Peace and long life, colonel,” Kastarak said. The pronunciation of colonel would always caught Kastarak off guard so he had to always say it a bit slower and more enunciated than usual, otherwise he might end up pronouncing it as spelt, coll-on-nell. With this technique, Kastarak had avoided embarrassing his crew by mispronouncing the illogically spelt word.

“Mr Taggart,” he began, making sure not to use a title at this venture, “is commanding the Chernov, 800 metres away from here. After the briefing here, you may follow us back to the Chernov for dinner.”

It was the polite thing to do, and an offer that per custom was always extended to various commanders when meeting. It was a liberty that Kastarak had to extend to his new host.

Pawl followed through as he started to undress as the others did with no chame or concern. Pawl was rather confused by the statement that was given about there officer. But maybe it was a joke he did not get. As he finshed up and put the suit away.

Lt Jg Pawl Batario Chief Engineer

Kastarak followed Pawl, making sure not to look at Pawl more than absolutely necessary for this mission.

– Lt Kastarak (XO)

William methodically removed his suit, considering the Colones’ words. He wasn’t aware that the Captain held a rank within whatever military organisation they were meeting with. It seemed likely Taggart had been this man’s subordinate, however, a Colonel was the same rank as a Naval Captain so right now the two were evenly matched in that regard, he’d ask the Captain about it if he felt it to be concerning. The exchange between Kastarak and the Colonel was odd though, it seemed as if he’d been informed of this potential questioning beforehand.

CSO, 2O

OOC: EVA suits are like Astronaut suits. You’re fully clothed under them. You’re just taking the bulky suit off to move about more freely.

IC: “Oh. I see. You want me to go visit the Major on your little ship huh? Did he tell you to say that Lieutenant? But very well. I’ll go back to the ship with you all after the meeting and enjoy a meal with you all.”

“Very good,” Kastarak replied.

Colonel Malone heard Kastaraks reply and although he did not show it on his face Kastarak might see the anger in his eyes for a flash of a second.

He turned around and continued to walk expecting the others to follow him to the conference room. Upon entering the Chernov crew would notice did and drinks but they’re be basic sandwiches and just water. Once the Colonel got himself some water he looked around. “Ok. Tell me your plans for the mission so I can help you or not, them I’ll tell you all what we’ll add to your ship to aid you.

“Before doing so, I must introduce myself and my colleagues. I am Lieutenant Kastarak, first officer.”

Tom raised an eyebrow at that but said nothing.

Kastarak then pointed to Grey,

“This is Cdr Grey, second officer and chief science officer.”

OOC: Correcting the rank for prosperity :) - Hjortur
IC:

Tom nodded to Grey. “Commander.” He said in salutations.

“And this is Lt Batario, chief engineer”

He raised another eyebrow at seeing Pawl but nodded to him anyway. He never nodded to Kastarak.

“Our orders are,” Kastarak said emphasising the word ‘our’ to signify that they also are Malone’s, “as we have been instructed, as follows: To install the Romulan cloaking technology onto the Chernov to ensure that the Chernov can whenever needed remain fully cloaked in a manner similar to Romulan vessles. As for how to do this, we trust your expertise and direction will ensure a smooth installation. Please advise.”

Colonel Tom Malone/Storyteller

Lt Kastarak (XO)

“Well. Major Taggart never cease to surprise me. Here he has a very accomplished Commander in his midst and he chooses a Lieutenant,. Then he has an exchange officer be the actual Chief Engineer and not an acting one.”. He steepled his fingers together and put on a sly smile. One of knowing and one of vile.

“Lieutenant. Taggart my see something in you but I don’t.” He said flatly. “Twice now I’m my house you’ve disrespected me. Your imputation sickens me and so is your attitude. Taggart ain’t the only one that’s been around Vulcans long enough to hear and know sarcasm from one.” Then he got a very wicked smile on his face. “But I’m the only one of us to know your kinds screams of anguish and it is glorious. I assure you.” The smile went away and his calm exterior came back.

“I will abide by Starfleets decision unlike Commander Taggart.”. The emphasis on Commander. “You will have our full cooperation but that doesn’t mean that we have to like it nor like you. Now follow my men back to your little ship and await for us to come aboard with the equipment and crew to install and train you. Unless you have any questions?”. He spread his hands in a gesture.

Colonel Tom Malone Storyteller

Kastarak sensed in Malone a deep animosity to him and his own species. Suddenly, Kastarak didn’t know how to react. Thoughts of how the hatred of Nero et al. led to the destruction of his own planet made Kastarak feel a real and profound fear at this moment. While he did his best not to show it, he noticed in himself his heart beat rising, his breathing becoming more shallow, and his blood pressure fluctuating between low and high.

“No questions from me. Perhaps my colleagues have more specific questions related to their fields of expertise. If not, we may proceed with returning to the Chernov with the equipment, and from then we may instal it to the ship.” Kastarak’s voice broke at one or two places, but he masked it with a cough after the sentence, hoping it would signify a “frog” in his throat or something.

At this point, he missed Pawl… he needed Pawl’s comfort. Why did their relationship have to end? He looked around, trying to find Pawl’s eyes in the midst of it all.

– Lt Kastarak (XO)

Dawson remained tense throughout the exchange. He kept quiet, though all of him was rioting and wishing to deck this “officer” across the jaw. But he knew Kastarak could stand up for himself, and if needed, would ask for help. Hearing the break in Kas’s voice sent a wave of hot anger through Q. His jaw tightened, unable to trust the words that wanted to put out of it. The acidic vitriol that would surely be aimed at Malone would surely be damaging to himself and to the mission.

Lt. Q Dawson, CWO

((OOC: Sorry! I missed that you had said on the bridge that I was on the away mission. I saw the updates and originally thought you guys had gone so far, I didn’t want to suddenly intrude and just thought we’d assume I stayed behind. Then I saw you say on the bridge that I was coming, so I’m here now!))

OOC. It’s ok. Glad you’re here!

Travis Good

William watched the exchange with a stoic expression, he watched as the Colonel berated Lieutenant Kastarak and could see Dawson clenching his jaw, an action he probably would have missed a few years ago “I do not have a question, Sir” He spoke in a calm tone “I do however have a few corrections and a suggestion” He didn’t wait for permission, the man barely had control of his temper and it would be better to show a united front than bow down to a soldier with an attitude problem “Captain Taggart is just that, a Captain both in naval rank and as a Captain of a starship, he holds the full rank of Captain which is the Naval equivalent to your full bird Colonel” He had a respectful tone as he spoke anything but respectfully to the senior officer “The lieutenant is only a Lieutenant still because of the urgency of the mission as Starfleet Command has not yet had the time to formalise a new rank, the Chain of command can’t be broken by something as childish as stripes on a uniform” His expression never changed nor did his posture

He didn’t give the colonel time to be outraged or respond “And whilst our impudence might sicken you, your attitude does little to impress me, your lack of professionalism and distasteful language is better suited for the age of Barbarity during Humanities 20th and 21st century” He was surprised at the calm in his voice, normally he would never dare to speak in such a way to a superior officer but the man crossed a line “You seem to want to be taken as a gruff man of action Colonel but I shouldn’t need to remind you, sir, that the Chernov is a Battlecruiser, not a science vessel.” He continued to stare the Colonel straight in the eyes, the implication that the Chernov’s crew wasn’t just a bunch of standard Starfleet explorers clear “My suggestion is to keep your personal distaste personal, emotional outrage does nothing but harm the Operation and personal opinions serve no purpose for a successful transfer and training” With his vitriol he hoped to accomplish two things, guide the colonel’s ire towards him and not the other senior staff members and show how the implied threats would not be effective on him in particular.

CSO, 2O

The Colonel just nodded towards Grey.

Dawson’s eyes widened as William spoke, and as he continued, Q fought to keep a smile from his face. As it was, the corners of his mouth could not help but raise slightly. “Well said, Commander,” Dawson said and then turned to Kastarak, “I don’t believe the rest of the staff have any further questions, sir. Whenever the Colonel is ready, we will begin preparations for device integration.” He turned to give the Colonel a humorless tight smile, “Anything more, sir?”

Lt. Q. Dawson, CWO

Kastarak noticed first Dawson’s protectiveness and then Grey’s polite talk-down. It eased the physiological response in Kastarak and he could regulate himself. But before he purged his feelings for this time, he felt part of a bigger Chernov family. They were his family – after the deaths of his family during the genocide of Vulcan, Chernov had become his home, where he could be safe.

Kastarak purged his feelings and started preparing for the trip back to the Chernov.

There was a lot of commotion in the base, with some kind of helicopter-looking container being loaded with gear and equipment. The rest of them would have to hop back to the Chernov with everything needed.

– Lt Kastarak (First Officer)

Malone grinned and waited patiently for them all to finish. “I see.” He said rubbing the stubble on his chin. “Perhaps you don’t really know your captain at all. See. I call him Major because I’m my community, Section 13, that is his rank. I call him Commander because in your community that is his rank. Unless he was promoted back to Full Captain recently.”. He waved a hand dismissively. “Which could be it since I only look into where he at periodically. We have to keep tabs on that man you know.” Chuckling while getting a drink of water. Before getting up himself. “I’ll meet you all in your ship Lieutenant. My men here will escort you all back.”. With that he left left and headed in a different direction.

Colonel Tom Malone Storyteller

William frowned at the revelation that this group was Section 31 and that the Captain had been or was a member. Troubling news if true. He turned away and gathered his EVA Suit and started getting dressed again.

“What a delightful fellow,” Dawson said sarcastically once the Colonel had gone, “You alright Kas?” he asked turning towards the XO, “Let’s see about getting off this dump and heading back to more civilized companionship.”

Lt. Q Dawson, CWO

Kastarak’s first instinct was to answer Dawson’s question with the usual Vulcan ‘yes I am healthy’ and then ask him why he is wondering about Kastarak’s health. But Kastarak knew better than that – he knew Dawson noticed what had happened. He knew Dawson heard Malone’s words and most likely observed Kastarak’s reaction.

“I am alright,” he said honestly. He looked at Dawson and said with certain emphasis: “Thank you for asking.”

He agreed moreover with Dawson’s imperative, but decided he needn’t vocalize the agreement.

Kastarak, Lt
First Officer and Navigations Officer

Dawson smiled and gave Kastarak a wink before saying, “Always sir,” and then he headed back to get suited up in that terribly uncomfortable suit for their trek back to the Chernov.

Lt. Q Dawson, CWO

CSO, 2O