[snip]

Daniel turned to regard Hal, “..I have studied your prime directive, and you would be right we Ancients have something similar both for those we interact with and on a temporal level. But we are also protectors and scientists in our own right to those same institutions. In this case had I not been sent here the fallout on both a physical and temporal level would send ripples back and forward in the time stream in ways even our advanced calculations could not predict..” Daniel said.

Turning back to Glen then. “..I feel I perhaps should simplify my goals here, at least to start. Perhaps then this will provide a better framework towards a better understanding of events.” He said. “..Firstly, the Ancients wish to extend a formal diplomatic overture to you specifically Captain Glen and your crew. Both for the mistake they made in putting you on trial but also explanations of why that trial happened as it did. Secondly, from temporal calculations we have determined that there are residual temporal eddies coming from the Merrimack itself. This must be isolated and contained before these eddies could harm both the physical plane and temporal. For this I will need to work alongside your engineering, medical, and science departments for a joint solution. Lastly, there is a risk albeit small that elements of your own temporal future might intervene, not your Federation but those who would be their enemies, seeking to use the collective knowledge of the near future for nefarious ends. It would be wise for you to move your ship to a more defensible location, and as much information as you deem necessary shared to prepare in the off chance such enemies make seek us out..” He explained.

And it did suddenly become more clear to Glen. John had wondered why the Ancients had sent Daniel to the Merrimack, and to this time, when clearly they did not possess time travel, or were responsible to the Merrimack’s jumps in time, but with the mention of ‘Ripples in Time,’ this struck a chord. “These’Ripples in Time’,” Glen said, “We have experienced such a thing, yes… I didn’t realize but things seem to happen to us that cannot be mere coincidence, and the ship itself seems ‘charged’ against temporal based attacks since our very first journey. We were also carried forward into our future once, where the ship has become a space museum in Black Rock, the headquarters of the sixth fleet, and where we stayed for exactly one day. There was no explanation for that except some weird leftover effects of the earlier journeys. If you can help to rid us of this effect then we would appreciate this.”

“Of course you must understand that under the circumstances of the events of our past, you will be under some form of observation at all times. A precaution so to speak.” Kord pointed out in a matter of fact tone.

“Perhaps an armed guard detail, Sir?” Hal offered. “Also monitoring thru our internal security system would be in order.”

“My officers are correct,” Glen added, “I cannot give you the freedom of the ship. I’m still going to be suspicious of your motives to some degree, because of our previous experiences. What I meant was that we all want to live out our normal lives, but it does appear that since that very first time travel, this ship has been enchanted with something undesirable. None of us wish the Merrimack to be remembered as some freak ship, or worse, the ship that causes some temporal anomaly leading to the destruction of the universe as we know it. If your mission is really to rid the ship of this enchantment, and believe me, to us the science is so advanced that it does seem like magic, then you will have our full support.”

”..If that is your desire and wish I won’t protest against it. I do understand why it is needed though and as I mentioned earlier possibly a prudent call in case future based factors were to come into play..” Daniel said.

Glen looked at the clock. He had suddenly begun to feel quite tired, and yet this meeting had only lasted about twenty minutes. He was also sweating. The air conditioning obviously needed some adjustment.

William looked at the Captain and noticed the sweating, adding it to his several mental notes he continued writing down his shorthand of the conversation as it took place. All the military talk was dull but the tidbits about Temporal navigation, interference and the like was very interesting, all in all this was starting to seem like an interesting mission.

CSO

Glen looked at the clock again, his tiredness was now turning into a severe headache. He should really have seen Doctor Grunch for that medical check-up last week, and not avoided him. Glen thought he should see him for a shot of aspirin, but first he needed to get out of the heat in this room.

“Well, this might be a good time to take a comfort break,” Glen announced. “Let’s take a short recess. There is tea, coffee and biscuits available at the back of the room. We’ll resume the meeting again in fifteen minutes. I promise that everyone will get their chance to ask their questions. Please discuss what we have learned.”

-Glen, CO

Daniel inclined his head, “..A lot has been covered for sure. A break would not be uncalled for. I will remain here until you all return then for us to then answer any further questions you or your staff may have before we get to work on your ship and crew..” He said.

GM CockRoach