Act One, Scene Two

[Akirapryde]

Welcome Aboard, Captain (Stardate: 53829.75)

It has been just over six hours since the intruder invaded the USS Thunderchild and they are no closer to solving the mystery of who the intruder is then they were during the attack. Lieutenant Kinchlirah in all of her Klingon stubbornness refuses to accept neither the Computer's identification nor the acting Chief Medical Officer's DNA identification of the intruder. Lieutenant Kinchlirah claims that neither of those identified match her own eye witnessed account of the encounter. Due to this, Commander Bonham has granted her time to expand her own investigation in to who might be responsible for the attack.

While the ship's crew might not know who was behind the attack, it was clear what they were after. The intruder had managed to steal over 65 teraquads of seemingly random data from the ship's computer core. However thanks to the limited science department, they were able to swift through the data taken and verified that nearly half of the data stolen were all linked to Admiral Ross and his staff. Personal logs, official reports, and activities were all targeted by the intruder. The rest of the data all appeared to be random bits of data to cover up the true target of the intruder. Commander Bonham personally placed Lieutenant Paaleia, two other Vulcans in charge of rebuilding the worm in hopes of learning more about the intruder and her abilities.

The worm was impressive according to Lieutenant Paaleia. She said that had never seen anything quite like it. After its mission was complete, it self deleted its self. What made it so impressive was the skill used to mask its actions till it was too late for the ships own Computer Core to react to it. It was also highly advanced in its search algorithms as it was able to search massive number of memory blocks at once. It was twice as fast as the most advanced Starfleet search program. Sadly, this impressive worm was not able to be rebuilt fully. After six hours of work, Lieutenant Paaleia conceded that the most she and her team will be able to salvage was about one third of the worm. However this was more than enough to help identify the programmer who created the worm.

Thanks to the work of Lieutenant Paaleia and her team, two more virus were discovered in the ship's computer systems. One virus left the veteran Vulcan near speechless. It was a type of clone program that simulated normal computer functions while the entire system was hijacked. Regardless of what the crew commanded the computer to do, it only simulated the actions while the actual ship reacted to commands from elsewhere. This virus only survived for a few minutes till the ship's computer was able to identify it and neutralize the threat. However during that limited time, the Thunderchild had no control over her own helm, navigation or engines. This virus was clearly used to help the invader escape the ship on her terms.

The last virus was the one which took control over the transporters, internal sensors and internal communications. With controls of the transporters routed off the ship, the intruder or someone else was able to target select personal of the ship and transport them from where they were to another place on the ship. Using the ship's own sensors, the intruder or someone else was able to ensure that the Deck 8, Section 15 would remain clear of crewmembers while the data was stolen. This virus also allowed someone to monitor internal communications freely. Like the search worm, both of these viruses self destructed as well.

His team was able to figure out how the intruder was able to fool the ship's sensors and remain so close. They had used tethers and formed a direct link to the ship's sensor grid. As far as the ship was concerned, the little runabout was part of the Thunderchild. To fool crew members who might have been looking out a window or view port. The intruder ran cords of lighting along the haul of the runabout. These lights simulated stars whipping past while the ship was at warp. The intruder painted the runabout jet black and turned off all the running lights. While the ship wasn't cloaked, it was very hard to detect. A clever low tech way of over come a possible problem.

The only bit of good news was that no one was seriously injured during the attack aside from Cadet Madhev. However the young cadet's wounds were inflicted by her own shipmate. A fact that Commander Bonham was going to bring up to Ensign Faulknen regarding phaser combat in close spaces. Nonetheless, it was surprising that there were no major causalities. Not that Commander Bonham was complaining. Still, a lone intruder made his crew look like a ship full of second year cadets. This bothered his ego more than anything else. Searching for warp trails was equally upsetting and proving to be just as frustration. Based on scans, there were nine equally hard to find warp trails. Each had a variance that could mean it came from the real USS Susquehanna. Each trail headed off towards major areas of space travel making tracking the trails at long distance much harder.

He simply didn't have the resources to follow all of them at the same time with the Thunderchild. If he commanded the Thunderchild off in the wrong direction he risked loosing what other trails as they dissipated. He decided to dispatch all four of his runabouts and all four warp capable shuttles to follow the numerous warp trails which were left behind by the intruder. As the scouts were deployed, he ordered the much faster Thunderchild to follow the most logical trail to its end. This bought them enough time to a hasty rendezvous with the USS Intrepid so that the Captain and XO can come aboard. The commander hoped to have something to report to his new captain and XO. However his trail came up cold as they discovered the trail ended at a Class IX Long-Range Multimission Warp Probe. They had followed one of eight decoys.

Based on the specs of the USS Susquehanna, the runabout was not capable of firing this model probe. Based on what they discovered with the probe, it was not launched via a normal torpedo launcher. This proved that the intruder could adapt to the limitations of what she had on hand. This made her even more dangerous. This was topped by the computer viruses and the personal sensor damping device. The technical knowledge of the intrude was clearly on par with the best minds he had aboard the ship. This fact seemed to discount the computer's identification.

Commander Bonham ran over the encounter, the more it was clear that this intruder was one step ahead of them. This bothered the commander greatly. Based on voice recording, she knew her way around the ship. Security protocols for their ship and more importantly, she knew the crew. It was clear that she was speaking with some unknown accomplice during the encounter. This person could have been operating the ship's systems during the encounter. Commander Bonham felt as if he was in a match of strategy, logic and tactics with a Vulcan.

An hour ago, two more reports from the scouts came back and they were disappointing. Two of his runabouts had discovered two more decoys. With three trails down, that only left six others to come back. 'Six' Commander Bonham thought. It seemed like such a small number, yet in this moment it seemed like a massive number. Commander Bonham stood in the transporter room waiting for their captain to beam aboard. "Six" he mumbled under his breath.

"Sir we are ready to beam them over" informed the transporter tech.

Commander Bonham nodded, "Energize."

With that command the transporter lit up and a single person beamed aboard. Commander Bonham was surprise to only see Captain Jackson F. Campbell and no First Officer. It had been just over a year since he had seen Captain Campbell . With all the honor and dignity of a Starfleet Officer, Commander Bonham stepped forward, "Welcome Aboard Sir!" He said loud enough for the crew in the hall to hear. "The USS Thunderchild awaits your command."

---

Narrator Note: Any Active Character in the game may make a post in this greeting thread including Captain Campbell.

[Kiera]

"I hear the new Captain has arrived"
"When did he board? I thought we were still light years away from Deep Space Five."

I had enough of listening to rumors while I worked. And it wasn't right listening in on conversations that I wasn't a part of, but it seemed like the whole ship was abuzz with the information. I wanted to make a good first impression with our new captain as quickly as possible. I decided to bring him coffee. I'd expect he took a "red-eye flight" to get here.

My engineering team knows what their doing, and they're currently helping the science teams with the computer core. I have a bit of time before me engineering team reports back to me. I think I'll get our new captain some coffee. I hope he likes it.

*some time later*

I'm walking the decks and I haven't seen him nor heard of where he currently is. I'm going to check his quarters. He might be there, resting. I'll quickly grab a cup of coffee from the replicator.

As I head towards the door to his quarters a crewman comes up behind me, calling for me, and hands me my team's report. I absentmindedly start to read it as I walk back to the captain's door, looking at the PADD.

I hear the door open just seconds ahead of me and look up just as the cup of hot, black coffee pushes into and spills all down the front of the captain's uniform. I recoil, shocked at what I had done.

I sputter "I... I'm sorry, C-captain. I... didn't see you there..." I immediately blush and look down and away, embarrassed at how bad my first impression was going. I glance up, hoping he isn't angry at the fact that his whole front and the carpet outside his quarters is now stained with the coffee.

So much for first impressions...

[a magical taco]

"I hear the new Captain has arrived"
"When did he board? I thought we were still light years away from Deep Space Five."

I had enough of listening to rumors while I worked. And it wasn't right listening in on conversations that I wasn't a part of, but it seemed like the whole ship was abuzz with the information. I wanted to make a good first impression with our new captain as quickly as possible. I decided to bring him coffee. I'd expect he took a "red-eye flight" to get here.

My engineering team knows what their doing, and they're currently helping the science teams with the computer core. I have a bit of time before me engineering team reports back to me. I think I'll get our new captain some coffee. I hope he likes it.

*some time later*

I'm walking the decks and I haven't seen him nor heard of where he currently is. I'm going to check his quarters. He might be there, resting. I'll quickly grab a cup of coffee from the replicator.

As I head towards the door to his quarters a crewman comes up behind me, calling for me, and hands me my team's report. I absentmindedly start to read it as I walk back to the captain's door, looking at the PADD.

I hear the door open just seconds ahead of me and look up just as the cup of hot, black coffee pushes into and spills all down the front of the captain's uniform. I recoil, shocked at what I had done.

I sputter "I... I'm sorry, C-captain. I... didn't see you there..." I immediately blush and look down and away, embarrassed at how bad my first impression was going. I glance up, hoping he isn't angry at the fact that his whole front and the carpet outside his quarters is now stained with the coffee.

So much for first impressions...

I look around my quarters for the fourth time and still cannot believe it's mine. I told the commander I would meet him in half an hour but most of that time has been admiring the space. It had only taken me a few minutes to stow away the contents of the single duffle I brought aboard.

The computer verifies the time for me and I let go a long breath, one that I have obviously been holding for too long. I just can't believe I'm finally here. I press the button to open the door and the keypad makes a familiar beep that is some how different then the ones on DS 9. The door opens with a hiss of air and I find myself smiling. I stepped through the opening only to be greeted by a hot cup of coffee. Down the entire front of my uniform.

"Good lord, that's hot!" I say louder than I would have liked as I try to pull the fabric away from my chest.

[Kiera]

Oh great oh great oh great! I'm going to be kicked down to crewman for sure! He's yelling at me!

I continue to stutter "I'm sorry" at the captain, my face as red as his uniform was before I spilled coffee all over it.

I manage to get out, meekly and very quickly, "Iwantedtogetyoucoffeesir."

Great, now he thinks I have a speech problem. How much worse can this get???

I look around the corridor and luckily I don't see anyone until it curves around in either direction. I don't need any rumors flying around about how much of a klutz I am, especially since I'm supposed to be the chief engineer of a highly sophisticated, sensitive, and explosive, reactor.

[a magical taco]

I can't help it, for all I'm worth I cannot control my emotions and they get the getter of me. I begin to laugh. I laugh so hard my eyes water and my side hurt, I laugh. It is only for a moment and I regain my composure but the smile refuse to leave. I finally look at the woman in front of me. The look on her face...

[a magical taco]

Welcome Aboard, Captain (Stardate: 53829.75)

It has been just over six hours since the intruder invaded the USS Thunderchild and they are no closer to solving the mystery of who the intruder is then they were during the attack. Lieutenant Kinchlirah in all of her Klingon stubbornness refuses to accept neither the Computer's identification nor the acting Chief Medical Officer's DNA identification of the intruder. Lieutenant Kinchlirah claims that neither of those identified match her own eye witnessed account of the encounter. Due to this, Commander Bonham has granted her time to expand her own investigation in to who might be responsible for the attack.

While the ship's crew might not know who was behind the attack, it was clear what they were after. The intruder had managed to steal over 65 teraquads of seemingly random data from the ship's computer core. However thanks to the limited science department, they were able to swift through the data taken and verified that nearly half of the data stolen were all linked to Admiral Ross and his staff. Personal logs, official reports, and activities were all targeted by the intruder. The rest of the data all appeared to be random bits of data to cover up the true target of the intruder. Commander Bonham personally placed Lieutenant Paaleia, two other Vulcans in charge of rebuilding the worm in hopes of learning more about the intruder and her abilities.

The worm was impressive according to Lieutenant Paaleia. She said that had never seen anything quite like it. After its mission was complete, it self deleted its self. What made it so impressive was the skill used to mask its actions till it was too late for the ships own Computer Core to react to it. It was also highly advanced in its search algorithms as it was able to search massive number of memory blocks at once. It was twice as fast as the most advanced Starfleet search program. Sadly, this impressive worm was not able to be rebuilt fully. After six hours of work, Lieutenant Paaleia conceded that the most she and her team will be able to salvage was about one third of the worm. However this was more than enough to help identify the programmer who created the worm.

Thanks to the work of Lieutenant Paaleia and her team, two more virus were discovered in the ship's computer systems. One virus left the veteran Vulcan near speechless. It was a type of clone program that simulated normal computer functions while the entire system was hijacked. Regardless of what the crew commanded the computer to do, it only simulated the actions while the actual ship reacted to commands from elsewhere. This virus only survived for a few minutes till the ship's computer was able to identify it and neutralize the threat. However during that limited time, the Thunderchild had no control over her own helm, navigation or engines. This virus was clearly used to help the invader escape the ship on her terms.

The last virus was the one which took control over the transporters, internal sensors and internal communications. With controls of the transporters routed off the ship, the intruder or someone else was able to target select personal of the ship and transport them from where they were to another place on the ship. Using the ship's own sensors, the intruder or someone else was able to ensure that the Deck 8, Section 15 would remain clear of crewmembers while the data was stolen. This virus also allowed someone to monitor internal communications freely. Like the search worm, both of these viruses self destructed as well.

His team was able to figure out how the intruder was able to fool the ship's sensors and remain so close. They had used tethers and formed a direct link to the ship's sensor grid. As far as the ship was concerned, the little runabout was part of the Thunderchild. To fool crew members who might have been looking out a window or view port. The intruder ran cords of lighting along the haul of the runabout. These lights simulated stars whipping past while the ship was at warp. The intruder painted the runabout jet black and turned off all the running lights. While the ship wasn't cloaked, it was very hard to detect. A clever low tech way of over come a possible problem.

The only bit of good news was that no one was seriously injured during the attack aside from Cadet Madhev. However the young cadet's wounds were inflicted by her own shipmate. A fact that Commander Bonham was going to bring up to Ensign Faulknen regarding phaser combat in close spaces. Nonetheless, it was surprising that there were no major causalities. Not that Commander Bonham was complaining. Still, a lone intruder made his crew look like a ship full of second year cadets. This bothered his ego more than anything else. Searching for warp trails was equally upsetting and proving to be just as frustration. Based on scans, there were nine equally hard to find warp trails. Each had a variance that could mean it came from the real USS Susquehanna. Each trail headed off towards major areas of space travel making tracking the trails at long distance much harder.

He simply didn't have the resources to follow all of them at the same time with the Thunderchild. If he commanded the Thunderchild off in the wrong direction he risked loosing what other trails as they dissipated. He decided to dispatch all four of his runabouts and all four warp capable shuttles to follow the numerous warp trails which were left behind by the intruder. As the scouts were deployed, he ordered the much faster Thunderchild to follow the most logical trail to its end. This bought them enough time to a hasty rendezvous with the USS Intrepid so that the Captain and XO can come aboard. The commander hoped to have something to report to his new captain and XO. However his trail came up cold as they discovered the trail ended at a Class IX Long-Range Multimission Warp Probe. They had followed one of eight decoys.

Based on the specs of the USS Susquehanna, the runabout was not capable of firing this model probe. Based on what they discovered with the probe, it was not launched via a normal torpedo launcher. This proved that the intruder could adapt to the limitations of what she had on hand. This made her even more dangerous. This was topped by the computer viruses and the personal sensor damping device. The technical knowledge of the intrude was clearly on par with the best minds he had aboard the ship. This fact seemed to discount the computer's identification.

Commander Bonham ran over the encounter, the more it was clear that this intruder was one step ahead of them. This bothered the commander greatly. Based on voice recording, she knew her way around the ship. Security protocols for their ship and more importantly, she knew the crew. It was clear that she was speaking with some unknown accomplice during the encounter. This person could have been operating the ship's systems during the encounter. Commander Bonham felt as if he was in a match of strategy, logic and tactics with a Vulcan.

An hour ago, two more reports from the scouts came back and they were disappointing. Two of his runabouts had discovered two more decoys. With three trails down, that only left six others to come back. 'Six' Commander Bonham thought. It seemed like such a small number, yet in this moment it seemed like a massive number. Commander Bonham stood in the transporter room waiting for their captain to beam aboard. "Six" he mumbled under his breath.

"Sir we are ready to beam them over" informed the transporter tech.

Commander Bonham nodded, "Energize."

With that command the transporter lit up and a single person beamed aboard. Commander Bonham was surprise to only see Captain Jackson F. Campbell and no First Officer. It had been just over a year since he had seen Captain Campbell . With all the honor and dignity of a Starfleet Officer, Commander Bonham stepped forward, "Welcome Aboard Sir!" He said loud enough for the crew in the hall to hear. "The USS Thunderchild awaits your command."

Captain Campbell stepped off the transporter and extended his hand to Commander Bonham, "Glad to finally be here, First Officer". The Commander shook the Captain's hand but with a perplexed look on his face.

"Sir?"

"Congratulations Commander, you are now my second in command."

"Sir, I'm not sure..." The Commander started but the Captain cut him off.

"Commander! I hope your first act as my First Officer is not to question my orders in front of my crew."

"No sir." the Commander answered but the Captain new the man, knew this conversation was only delayed. "Sir, may I introduce Lieutenant Kinchlirah, our Klingon exchange officer."

Lieutenant Kinchlirah stepped forward and greeted the Captain in English with a simple "Sir".


"I'm glad to have you aboard, Lieutenant. Chaq may' maH holodeck qaStaHvIS HeghDI' jIH settled vItul".

Lieutenant Kinchlirah shifted her stance a bit as if she felt uncomfortable. It was a move that was detected by the two command officers. "If you insist, Sir" she replied with her gaze set right the new commander of the ship.

It was Commander Bonham who acted next by leading the Captain onward towards the door and the rest of his waiting crew members. "Don't be offended Captain, Lieutenant Kinchlirah is not like other traditional Klingons."

"Obviously, perhaps I should apologize.".

As the two men worked their way down the corridors of the ship, "Its not that Sir. Listen Kinch...well that is what she prefers as a nickname rather than her full name. You see Sir, growing up as a Klingon means others will see her as a warrior. Yes she can fight. But she is much more than that. She has had to fight her whole life. First among other Klingons just to earn their respect because she has chosen a path other than being a warrior. Now, with outsiders who only see her as a warrior. Truth be told if Starfleet Command would have allowed it, I would have made her Chief Engineer. But surprising as it sounds, It was easier to get her posted as the Tactical Officer. Commander Bonham explained with both understanding of the situation and a large degree of empathy.

He waited till no other crew members were in ear shot. "Don't apologize Sir. But try to look past her race and see the brilliant woman she is." On that he motioned for the Captain to come to a stop and Commander Bonham turned to face him. "Sir I am bound by regulations to inform you that Lieutenant Kinchlirah and I have been romantically involved. We both decided to break it off just before she returned to the Klingon homeworld. She wasn't expecting to return so it seemed like a wise move for us. As it stands now, we have not had a chance to speak about our relationship."

The Captain looks away from the Commander and crosses his arms but he doesn't say anything. After several uncomfortable moments Commander Bonham continues, "Sir, I will break off the relation..."

The Captain turns sharply toward the Commander who stands a little straighter, "Do you think she would prefer tri-dimensional chess or Strategema?"

"Sir?"

"I choose my words carefully when I spoke to Lieutenant Kinchlirah, there is more than one way to do battle, Bonham"

The Commander smiles, "Kal-toh, sir"

"Yes, I know what game you prefer Commander, I'm not sure you could handle another loss like last time"

"Sir, if your memory is troubling you I could escort you to sick bay". He smiles. "It is her preference as well. I taught it to her nine months ago and she can already beat me".

"Not much to brag about, by my account". The Captain smiles and puts his hand on the Commander's shoulder, "It's good to see you again, Addison"

He nodded, "If it were under better conditions, I would agree. However, the ship was infiltrated. I have a cadet in the sick bay that nearly lost her life. An insane mental patient on the war path for a well known war hero. Admiral Ross' Staff ordered us to find this patient at all costs before she can assassinate the Admiral." Commander Bonham sighed heavily as he looked down the corridor, "Sir, the Thunderchild is a fine ship with a crew any Captain would be proud of. But I fear I am handing her over in a terrible situation. This was supposed to be a simple, command the ship to your captain." He looked back to the Captain, "I don't know how better to explain how screwed up this whole situation is".

"It's not your fault, Bonham. I'm not sure anyone could have prevented this. schedule a command briefing in two hours from now . In the meantime, I would like 30 minutes to get settled then I will meet you outside of a sickbay our wounded to cadet". The captain turn and started down the hall.

Commander Bonham nodded, "Yes Captain. I will notify Department Heads regarding the upcoming briefing."

OOC: All Players, be ready for the upcoming command briefing. Make sure you contact the Narrator regarding any questions you have.

[Kiera]

I can't help it, for all I'm worth I cannot control my emotions and they get the getter of me. I begin to laugh. I laugh so hard my eyes water and my side hurt, I laugh. It is only for a moment and I regain my composure but the smile refuse to leave. I finally look at the woman in front of me. The look on her face...

A look of confusion comes over my face as the Captain begins to laugh.

Why is he laughing? Is he laughing at me? I hope not...

"S-sir...?" I stutter as his laughing starts to subside.

I begin to calm down a bit, nervously smiling.

"Captain, are you ok?" I ask. "I am so sorry, sir. I wasn't looking where I was going and then you popped out in front of me and-"

The captain cuts me off before I begin to speed-talk again.

[a magical taco]

I can't help it, for all I'm worth I cannot control my emotions and they get the getter of me. I begin to laugh. I laugh so hard my eyes water and my side hurt, I laugh. It is only for a moment and I regain my composure but the smile refuse to leave. I finally look at the woman in front of me. The look on her face...

A look of confusion comes over my face as the Captain begins to laugh.

Why is he laughing? Is he laughing at me? I hope not...

"S-sir...?" I stutter as his laughing starts to subside.

I begin to calm down a bit, nervously smiling.

"Captain, are you ok?" I ask. "I am so sorry, sir. I wasn't looking where I was going and then you popped out in front of me and-"

The captain cuts me off before I begin to speed-talk again.

"It's quite alright, Chief. I've been in hotter situations than this. I just hope we can save the uniform, I only brought one other with me. Please, come in while I change my shirt. So, what can I do for you chief?" I ask walking back into my quarters.

[Leana]

Chief Medical Officer's Personal Log:

"I am trying to enjoy what remains of my short leave here on Starbase 74. It can sometimes be hard for me to relax - I always feel like there is something I'm forgetting when most certainly there isn't. Councilor McCoy always implores to 'talk to me about it', knowing full well I don't want to. I am not a typical Orion."

I roll my eyes. "Computer. Delete last sentence."

"I did, however, take Erica's advice and took some holodeck time this morning. Though it was only simulated, I had missed my favorite beach on Sigma Orionis. The warm suns. The violet sand. A drink in one hand and soft violin playing in the background. Truly my kind of day. Though after about an hour of bliss I remembered I was to meet Erica for lunch.

"As I left the holodeck, I was accosted by a Ferrangi who seemed to think that I could be purchased. Just a reminder of my heritage, I suppose."

I sigh heavily. "Computer. Delete last two sentences."

A transmission comes in.

"Hold that thought. I have just received word that the Thunderchild has undergone an attack since my time away. From what little I have read of the acting CMO's reports, it sounds like I will have my work cut out for me."

Dr Leana Vanleare

[Kiera]

It's quite alright, Chief. I've been in hotter situations than this. I just hope we can save the uniform, I only brought one other with me. Please, come in while I change my shirt. So, what can I do for you chief?" I ask walking back into my quarters.

"Well to be honest, sir, I wanted to get you coffee... I guess you got it..." I smile and giggle nervously at him.

I clear my throat, trying to stall so my voice doesn't crack because I'm still affected by what had happened.

"Captain, I have a theory as to how we can track the actual runabout and not these decoys."

When he doesn't say anything and just looks expectedly at me, I continue, "Think of it like this, you have one twentieth-century truck loaded down with various things. That truck would use more fuel and spew more greenhouse gasses out of it's 'tailpipe' than an empty truck. The same should be true of these decoys. Only the Susquehanna would leave a 'full truck' trail. Are you understanding anything of this, sir?"
_________________________________________________________
OOC: The truck idea was given to my by Akirapryde.