ORIGINS: USS Hood February 2010

---

Star Fleet: ORIGINS - Main Page | View the ORIGINS Trailer! | New Players | ORIGINS Player Resource Library | Join Star Fleet: ORIGINS
SIXTH FLEET: Main Page | Fleet Roster | USS Endeavor | USS Hood |
TWELFTH FLEET: Main Page | Fleet Roster | USS Constellation | USS Intrepid |

---

ORIGINS: USS Hood Story Posts
Last Updated: 2262.059

• USS Hood Story Only Post Archives ^
• USS Hood Wiki Page
• USS Hood Post Archives
• USS Hood OOC/NRPG Discussion Group
• Stardate Keys

Total Posts: 420+

• June 2009 - 36 Posts
  
• July 2009 - 20 Posts
  
• August 2009 - 7 Posts
  
• September 2009 - 12 Posts
  
• October 2009 - 19 Posts
  
• November 2009 - 68 Posts
  
• December 2009 - 46 Posts
  

• January 2010 - 57 Posts
  
• February 2010 - 46 Posts
  
• March 2010 - 31 Posts
  
• April 2010 - 23 Posts
  
• May 2010 - 27 Posts
  
• June 2010 - 28 Posts
  
• July 2010 - 17 Posts
  
• August 2010 - ? Posts
  
• September 2010 - ? Posts
  
• October 2010 - ? Posts
  
• November 2010 - ? Posts
  
• December 2010 - 8 Posts
  

• January 2011 - 11 Posts
  
• February 2011 - 15 Posts
  
• March 2011 - ? Posts
  

---

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Theories and Realities

by Steve Apple

SD: 2261.047

Scene: Medical Laboratory

Corbett sat in front of the lab’s computer terminal looking at the DNA sample he got from Mary Calvaster. It was human, of that he was pretty sure.

“Computer”

[Working] said the metallic voice.

“Separate sample 101654 with DNA helicase and cascade individual strands on screen.”

[Operation complete,] the computer spit back after a few minutes.

The screen lit up with two separated strands from the sample. Corbett looked at the strands and was even more puzzled. The strands looked normal. Well almost normal on second thought. There were some changes in the coding on several segments, but that wasn’t the main puzzle. The paring was wrong, but how he couldn’t quite get a feeling for.

“Computer introduce DNA polymerase to strand A and display.” He said rubbing his eyes.

[Operation complete,] it said and the screen lit up with the new sample.

Corbett studied the strand with disgust. “Can’t trust a damned machine.” He mumbled. “Computer this strand is garbage. Aren’t you programmed for DNA replication?”

[Affirmative, DNA polymerase activity of replication for new strand in 5’ – 3’ direction was successful.]

“If it was I’d now be looking a replica of sample 101654 right now instead of this mishmash. Run analysis again.”

[Affirmative,] the computer said and again displayed the same image as before.

“Stop playing games, you infernal bucket of bolts.” Corbett yelled. “This is the same sample as before.”

[Negative this sample was derived after second successful replication.]

Corbett stood up and paced the room for a minute wondering what the hell was going on. The sample according to the computer was replicated correctly. There had to be something he was missing. Think Stile he said to himself, what about this paring is strange. “Computer.”

[Working]

“Display sample 101654 as theoretical model. Reverse strand A from 3’-5’ direction to 5’-3’ direction and strand B from 5’-3’ to 3’-5’ direction then combine and display on screen.”

Corbett looked at the DNA model the computer displayed on the screen and was shocked. The sample looked normal, exactly like he would have expected it to look,

“Computer enlarge model to display nucleotides and sequence of bases”

[Working,] it said and enlarged the nucleotides on screen so Corbett could see how the base sequences were coded.

The amino acids these bases coded for were mixed. There were substitutions that suggested to Corbett that the sample was not fully human, but had some other closely related species. “Computer correlate DNA theoretical model with database of DNA samples from know species.”

[Working,] the computer said then a moment later answered. [DNA theoretical model contains elements of Human and Angelian genetic material]

Corbett pushed his hat to the back of his head while he pondered what the computer had reported. “Computer run analysis on DNA sample obtained from Lieutenant DeSimms earlier this morning and match to theoretical model.”

[Working,] it said then almost immediately came back with. [Sample is identical to theoretical model.]

“Are you certain.” He asked.

[Sample and theoretical model match up with a statistical certainty of 97.38%] The computer replied.

Corbett nodded to the computer then hit the comm. button. “Sickbay to Captain Steele.”

[Steele here, what is it doctor?]

“I needed to see you immediately sar.” Corbett said his drawl thickening in his excitement.

[As you might know I’m in the middle of something.]

“Precisely why you need to see me now. I’ll be in my office” Corbett said.

[Alright doctor I’m on my way. Steele out.]

Scene: CMO’s Office

“Alright what’s so damn important that you pulled me down here? I know you understand what’s going on over at that Nausicaan ship.”

“I do indeed.” Corbett said turning his desk’s view screen so the Captain could see it. “I’ve isolated that DNA sample and have found a match for it.”

“What exactly does that mean you found a match for it?” Steele asked looking at the double helix revolving on the screen.

“It means I know who it belongs to.” Corbett said. “And what I found, based on what we’ve seen so far has me chilled to my marrow. It’s something out of a science fiction story”

“Damn it Stile I don’t have time for you to be theatric.”

“Far from it Jack. If my results are correct we’ve got more of a problem than someone flying around in a mock up of a Constitution class Starship.”

“It’s been identified as the Connie.” Steele said. “Now who does that DNA sample belong to?”

“A Lieutenant DeSimms.” Corbett said leaning forward in his chair. “I’ve double checked the sample, so before you ask there’s no mistake.”

“How the hell is that possible, John was with us on Arcturus. He was nowhere near this quadrant of space four days ago.”

“I said a John DeSimms. That sample wasn’t from our Security Chief.”

“Start making some sense doctor.” Steele said knowing deep down that what Stile was saying was true.

“Look you were the Science Officer before Hemux, so I shouldn’t have to dummy this down. I told you that DNA sample looked strange and that I had never seen base pairings line up that way before. Well the reason for that was because the direction of the strands where reversed. When I compensated for that and ran it through the computer I got a helix I understood. I saw that it wasn’t fully human and had some Angelian elements to it so I ran it against a sample I took from John earlier. The match was identical.”

“So what you are saying?” Steele said. “Is that I’ve got a clone of my security chief running around in a knock off Starship raiding mining facilities.”

“No not a clone, something else. A clone would be genetically identical to DeSimms. This, whatever it is is like a mirror image of him.”

Steele shook his head wondering if this could be real. “You’re not trying to say that that sample came from a DeSimms from another universe are you.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. Scientists for centuries have been talking about multiple universes coexisting. What if somehow one crossed over.”

“Great now I’ve got my Chief Surgeon talking about theories from avant-garde scientists at best and poor science fiction novels at worst.”

[Engineering to Steele]

“Steele here.” Jack said hitting the comm. unit on Stiles desk.

[Captain I just beamed back from the Nausicaan ship and ran a few simulations based on what the Nausicaan sensor tapes showed, well I think it best we speak face to face.]

[Alright Gar meet me in Dr. Corbett’s office, Steele out.]

Steele paced the doctor’s office for a few minutes while waiting for his second officer to arrive. “Why would that DeSimms be on the Connie, shouldn’t he be assigned to the Hood, if it were truly a mirror universe?”

“Some theories state that for every decision you make, an alternate universe is spawned with you making the opposite decision.” Corbett said. “So maybe that DeSimms was assigned to the Connie and not the Hood.”

“Now you’re reaching.” Steele said as the chime to the doctor’s door went off.

“Enter,” both Steele and the doctor said.

“Captain, doctor.” Gar said as he took one of the chairs in front of the doctor’s desk. “I downloaded the sensor data from the Nausican ship and ran it against the data Stile’s girlfriend handed off and I have to say some of my impressions were wrong.”

“Go on.” Steele said.

“That ship, that Constitution is not of Federation design, well not fully anyway. The outer hull replicates our design almost completely, but as I said earlier an engineer who has worked with the class could distinguish the structural differences. However, in most other ways she’s different.”

“I do hope you’re going to elucidate.” Corbett said leaning back.

“Her warp field generation.” Gar said ignoring the doctor. “Is based on the design of Henry Archer, but it has significant upgrades. I have to agree with Miss Calvaster that something was wrong with her dilithium matrix probably bad crystals.”

”What made you come to that conclusion?”Steele asked.

“Her warp field was barely stable, we saw that at the mining facility; however when I ran the simulation and compensated with a fully operational dilithium matrix that ship tested out to achieve warp speeds rivaling our own.”

“What about the dilithium crystals in the pirates hold, could that have been what they were after?”Corbett asked.

“I don’t think so.” Gar answered. “While they’d fetch a nice price in any market, they were raw stones and would need to be cut and refined to work in a starship’s matrix.”

“So you’re telling me that they use a power supply similar to ours and can achieve equal warp speed, but what doesn’t make sense is that they’re using weapons that are antiquated.” Steele interjected taking the empty chair next to Gar.

“A problem that plagued me as well.” Gar said frowning. “I came to one conclusion and that was that their weapons system was offline, secondary to the failure with their warp engines. At first I thought that ship was a substandard copy put together to look advanced and threatening, very much akin to the Denobulan practice of inflating their heads. However, the more I poured over those pictures the clearer certain structures became. The problem was both DeSimms and I were looking for torpedo tubes and phaser turrets in the usual places. This ship has weapons I think on par or superior to ours. I found multiple structural plates that could only be one thing at that is an automated covering for phaser turrets and torpedo tubes. Potentially that ship could have twice the amount of weapons we do. Another issue is that they have an EMP emitter the likes of which I never seen before that could knock out our engines and weapons with a strategic blast.”

“If what you’re saying is in fact true then we have to get that ship before they can get to a planet that has the crystals they need.” Steele said leaning forward and hitting the comm. unit. “Steele to Bridge.”

[Zade here sir.]

“Cedria once our prisoners and their ship is secured plot a course to Celes II, warp 8. Steele out.”

“Doctor if your theories are correct and somehow we’re dealing with a Starship from another universe then we have to figure out how the hell they got here and make sure that whatever technology they used to do it is neutralized, or we could be embroiled in a war that pits Fleet Commanders against an enemy that potentially knows their every move because he or she is their mirror self.”

Respectfully Submitted

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD-1703

ASR Origins

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: I Had It ALL

by Steve Apple

SD: 2261.047

Scene: TSS-Constellation Bridge

“Captain to Engineering.” Veld said punching the comm. button on his chair in frustration.

[Byrne here Captain.]

“If that Tholian power supply isn’t installed yet I’ll have you hanging from one of the Nacelles by what’s left of your balls.”

[It’s installed sir, but its configuration is slightly different from the one we obtained in our own universe, so I’m running a second test.]

“Five minutes Mr. Byrne or I’ll make good on my threat. Veld out.” He said then turned to his first officer. “Anna, I can’t wait to see the look on that pompous ass Steele’s face when I successfully complete the mission he should have had.”

“It’s been a risky and costly operation Jack. Our dilithum chamber was severely damaged when we employed that Tholian device the first time, not to mention the total destruction of its power supply. You were lucky we were able to barter with those Nausicaan thugs for a replacement.”

“Minor setbacks my dear.” Veld said. “When we return to Earth and present the Sovereign Prime with new territory to conquer I will be rewarded with a province of my own. With that kind of wealth and power I will write my own destiny. Maybe I’ll have Steele castrated and force him to sing at my parties, an amusement for my guests.”

“Until we reach Earth we should use caution.” Frost replied. “Our weapon systems are still offline and if Steele shows up what will you fight him with a barrage of laser fire.”

“As far as that buffoon knows we are on the other side of the quadrant patrolling the Bajoran system not stealing his thunder.” Veld smiled at Steele’s incompetence.

[Engineering to Bridge]

“Are we ready to go home Mr. Byrne, or will you be a Nacelle ornament?” Veld asked in a silky voice.

[We’re ready sir,] Byrne said with an audible gulp.

“Very good, now Miss Adeyemon, engage.” Veld said.

The Helmsman pushed the button to activate the Multiverse drive and prayed. This device had caused the ships dilithium matrix to almost completely burn out the last time they activated it. The engineers had said the Captain was a fool to steal the device without kidnapping that scientist who had backward engineered its function and built the original starship interface. Those views ceased to matter as time and space seemed to fold in upon itself and for a second Adeyemon had no thoughts at all.

“Explosions in the Engineering section.” Frost yelled as the ship came through the anomaly. “Fire control systems are offline; they’re having power failure in all primary systems down there.”

“Vent the hull in Engineering.” Veld said.

“Sir?” Frost questioned.

“You heard me Commander. I need those fires out now. I can live without the engineers not the engines. Now do it.”

“Yes sir.” Frost said. “Life support cut, beginning venting process now.”

“Sensors back online sir.” The navigator Howden interrupted. “Sir we are picking up another Heavy Destroyer in the area. It’s the HOOD sir.”

<<NRPG>> Andy will be posting shortly with a conclusion to this

Respectfully Submitted

Crew of the Constellation TSS-1017

apb

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD-1703

ASR Origins

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Deadly Rivalries

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.047

Scene: Bridge, HOOD

"Captain we're starting to pick up something on the sensors to port."

"Shields up all weapons on standby!" First Officer Merrick ordered

The science officer nodded as she continued to stare into her scanner. "Spatial anomaly forming. Readings match expected norms. Its expanding. Contact!" Hemux stood up for the scanner and turned to face the captain. "She's back captain its definitely the CONSTELLATION."

"She's heavily damaged captain. Warp engines off line, shields off line, no life support on the engineering decks." Commander Merrick announced.

"Weapons?"

"Primary and secondary weapons off line. All they have is lasers."

Jack chuckled at that information. "Veld always said they'd come in handy. I wonder if he appreciates the irony."

Sean stepped down onto the command deck and leaned towards the captain. "A torpedo spread would finish her. No one would know and that would be a large thorn out of your side. After what Veld tried to do he deserves it. Even if command found out no one would question it."

Jack looked at his first officer with surprise. If he had been the first officer he would have counseled that Veld and his senior officers would be placed under arrest and HOOD's first officer be given command. He scrutinized his first officer closely wondering why he had discounted the opportunity to get a ship of his own. "No." Jack finally answered. "It is tempting but one day I will need a jester in my court to amuse me. I can think of no other bigger fool then Captain Jack Veld." He turned to his comm officer. "Open a channel."

"Captain Veld. Fancy seeing you here. Have a little bit of a mishap did we?"

"Frak off Jack. Excuse me, Frak off Blackjack. I know how your ego likes to hear the old nickname that you gave yourself. Have I mentioned how pathetic that is?"

Jack laughed. "I believe you have, several times in fact. But given the state of your ship at this moment I'd be careful at who you're trying to insult. I should tell you that my first officer has advised me quite strongly to put you out of your misery with a torpedo spread." To his left Sean stiffened slightly. Good, he thought to, himself that should knock him down a peg or two. "I have to say it is a tempting idea."

Veld laughed. "Really? I'm impressed Sean it’s good to know there is at least one officer over there with some balls."

"Now Mr. Veld if I remember correctly the STELLA was supposed to be out patrolling the Bajoran system and not on the other side of the quadrant utilizing stolen technology and trying to transit to the mulitverse."

This time Veld made no effort to conceal his anger. "That should have been my mission and you know it. The only way you got it was by frakkin the admiral, hell thats the only way you were able to get yourself into a command of your own. As your record has shown time and time again."

"Well Jack you have to go with your strengths. Of course that’s not something you'd know about. Perhaps if you'd developed strong relationships with the admiralty you'd get tapped for the big jobs and you wouldn't find yourself trying to steal my glory by stealing defective technology and relying on second tier admirals to try to shepherd you along.”

“DeSimms has secured the Tholian device.” Merrick said smiling at Veld’s image. “He’s beamed back aboard and is assisting Gar and Jeri with the installation.”

“Very good Mr. Merrick.” Steele said then turned back to the main viewer and Veld. “Now then, I have a date with destiny so if you are able to get your sensors working you can watch as HOOD sails into glory. Oh and one more thing Captain Veld. I'll be giving myself a new nickname soon, if I were you I'd start practicing it. Next time you see me you can call me Sovereign Prime."

<<<NRPG>>

Hi all, well that cat was get pulled out of the bag so I thought I'd clear it up a bit. It looks like another version of our universe has decided to expand. So eventually we'll be meeting up with our counterparts aboard TSS HOOD. Not looking to mirror the TOS (and others) episode but instead we can create another versions so we don't have to worry about any sort of canon. Suffice to say the universe we can create will be close to the TOS mirror episode in terms of its warlike/expansionist feel but not exaclty the same. So you can have fun with your alter egos until (and after) we meet up.

Scott: Just remember the whole addition of STELLA and Veld was not in any way my idea! Hehehe

Respectfully.

Andy

CAPT BlackJack Steele

Commanding, TSS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Getting Ready to Move On

by Andy Catterick

SD: 2261.050

Scene: Briefing Room One

“And that is what we are up against.” Jack said after reviewing the security component of the orders he had received.. “I’d like to remind you that none of this can leave this room.”

Sean shook his head. “It’s going to. As soon as we come up against a CONSTITUTION class vessel that clearly doesn’t belong in this universe the whole crew is going to know.”

“I know.” Jack sighed. “I have forwarded that, and many concerns to Starfleet Command but so far I have had no reply. It is beginning to sound like a canned response but this mission was obviously thrown together in a hurry and involves Starfleet Intelligence which would explain the emphasis on operation security.”

“You mean ignorance.” Gar groused.

“Be that as it may most of you aren’t supposed to know so the crew definitely, for the time being, can’t know.”

“So what is our plan of attack?”

“The original mission parameters are legitimate and we are going to stay on schedule. Our next stop is the New Naticoke Mining Facility where we will deliver supplies, our medical staff will make the proverbial house call and engineering will help with any repairs and upgrades. But we will obviously be keeping our eyes open for anything that doesn’t belong. There may not be any further incursions. Or they may be somewhere else.”

“Why are they here? I mean here overall and here in this sector?”

Jack shook his head. “I think here because it is a fairly out of the way sector,”

“And its mineral rich.” Gar added. “What ever they are doing will likely suck up a lot of energy which means they may need a way to replace their dilithium.”

“Wouldn’t you just bring it with you?” Steering asked.

“Perhaps its not in such abundance or readily available wherever it is they are coming from.” Zade answered.

“Alright I want to warp out of here in no more then three hours to stay on schedule. In the meantime we need to deal with the Nauscians.” He looked over at John and Sean. “Commander I want you and Mr. DeSimms to question the Nauscian captain and find out what if anything he knows. That was a lot of dilithium he had hidden away. If that was a payment I want to know who paid him and if it was a delivery I want to know where he was taking it. I don’t need to remind you both to remember the Geneva and Deneb Accords.” He held both their eyes for a moment. “However you can remind him that piracy carries a very stiff penalty and any information he gives us will help to mitigate his sentence.”

“I don’t like the idea of carrying around a bunch of pirates for the duration of this mission.” Merrick said.

“Agreed. So we aren’t.” He turned to Kim. “Lieutenant in three hours you are going to take the prisoners aboard their ship, seal them in their hold after ensuring they won’t be able to give you any troubles, and transport them to Starbase 19 in the Aldeberan system. At warp five it should’t take more the four days to get there. Take an engineering team and a large security detachment as well as any crew you think will be necessary. Draw up your personnel and supply requests and have it to Commander Merrick within the hour. Understood.”

“Yes sir.” She replied half eager at the responsibility and challenge and half fearful of the same.

“Is there anything else?” Jack asked the group.

<<<NRPG>>>

Just a quick one getting all of the characters on the same jumping off point. Feel free to expand on the meeting discussion. I know there are angles I didn’t cover so feel free...

Dan B: Didn’t know if DeSimms would want to stay with HOOD or go with Steering and the Nausicans, so your call on that one.

Respectfully,

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

USS HOOD: Come Hell Or High Water

Lena Rose

SD: 2261.048

Kiska Saxman shoved the another medical padd into place. It had been another eventful mission but it was the after excitement that had floored Kiska. Killer Rabbits…..and big ones not the normal cute ones. She had never hunted rabbits before, no, she had preferred big game hunting with her brothers in Alaska. But when the emergency had come out Kiska was in sick and not access to her guns in her quarters. She would have enjoyed manic rabbit target practicing.

Of course if a rabbit had entered sickbay that would have been a different story. Kiska grinned as she felt the hidden phaser between her thighs that she always wore under her clothing or uniform. She never left her quarters without it. When she wore pants she strapped one under her pant leg near her ankle. When she wore a dress it was always strapped to her upper thigh where it was easy access.

Her roommate Claudia had teased her about it but Kiska would just grinned and shrugged, "One day, you will thank me."

Kiska glanced down at the last medical padd. It belonged to Ensign Palermo. She had been proud to witness the awesome work of Dr. Corbett. Whatever he may be with women, he was one hell of doctor and Hood was damn lucky to have him. She knew she was going to learn a lot from this doctor.

Kiska fingertips clicked on the padd and then she put it in its place. She suddenly recalled how on that day she had ordered to report to sickbay she had bumped into Merrick who appeared to be on his way out and how he had reacted to the sight of her. Kiska frowned. This was going to have to stop. How can she and Merrick work on the same ship if the man refused to acknowledge her or acted as if he was revolted by the sight of her when she had never done anything to cause this ….this….rift or uncomfortable situation between them.

She should just march up to him and demand a meeting and just have it out with him. But it made it s difficult situation, after all he was her boss and the chain of command and everything went thru him. She sighed and shook her head. And then to make matters worse she had noticed that a couple of the senior officers seem to be …..staring at her like if they were looking at her for the first time. What was that all about? Had she grown another head or another breast? All she knew was this was very unsettling and she was going to get to the bottom of this issue come hell or high water!

<NRPG: I had fun reading all the post! Awesome post! LOL Ok, Bryan Kiska is about to confronting. Lets have some fun with it. :)

Respectfully Submitted,

By Lena Rose

LTjg Kiska Saxman

Nurse

USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Indulgence

by Brian V. Mansur

SD 2261.052

Scene: Officer's Quarter's, USS HOOD

Sean lay in bed motionless. A drained bottle lay on his night stand. Half-drunk, he still could not sleep. It was 0220 and all he could do was think. Pondering. Imagining.

What were those last moments like for her?

As the air was sucked out of the sky was she even conscious at the end?

Or did some great piece of the planet crush her before asphyxiation set in?

Did she fall from some height to her death? Or did the gravity pull her along the ground while she screamed?

Was she screaming for someone? For him? For her parents? For anyone?

For God?

"Sean you stupid bastard," he breathed quietly.

Slowly Sean opened his eyes. He stared at the cold ceiling. She'd never have been there on Vulcan if .... She was supposed to have been with him. What would it have taken to save her? To keep here from leaving? A different tone of voice? A different attitude? A few more constructive choices? A few less arguments engaged? A few more minutes with her? A few more considerate words? A few more morsels of worthless pride eaten?

"My God what have I done?"

What had he done? What had *she* done? Two tangoed. Not one alone.

They had been so sick of each other when she had finally left. The pair were so stubborn in their own way. Neither gave ground. Each was right, but each of them lost in the end. Her more than he. He more than her. She was dead. He was left behind to endure a purgatory of his own making. And he hated this pathetic self-pitying man he had become. But what else did he deserve? When you've cut your soul out with a knife, where will you find a physician who can put it back into place?

Now would have been the perfect for moment for someone, anyone to call him. Give him something to do. Something to keep him busy. Something to get him off this boring track of inward loathing. Others had done worse. Why did he have to feel this way? Nero had bombed the planet, not him.

Sure.

It wasn't your fault.

Just keep telling yourself that.

Whatever.

Just 3 hours till the alarm. Then you can get up and do personal hygiene. Have a nice shave. Hit the weights and treadmill. Shower the sweat off. Maybe some of the guilt will come off to.

0225. Not much longer to wait.

"Stupid bastard," he repeated.

NRPG: Sean is nearing the bottom and will be getting some help soon.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD, NCC-1701

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Another You Another Me

by Andy Catterick and Steve Apple

SD: 2261.050

Scene: Celes System

As the anomaly shimmered, space in the near vicinity seemed to collapse upon itself for a moment and then explode outward. When the violence of the action had settled a deep blackness at the core of the anomaly began to pulse and expand. Gravity and other physical laws seemed to have no hold as the ship tumbled from the core and drifted uncontrollably.

The red alert klaxon blared and explosions from different decks rocked the ship. The bridge was under emergency lighting its eerie glow reflected off the face now smiling in the command chair.

“Steering get this ship under control, or I’ll find a Helmsman who can.” Steele yelled gripping the arms of his command chair.

“Inertial dampeners coming back online now sir.” Steering said as the ship stabilized from its listing drift.

“Gar.” Steele said punching the comm. button on his chair. “Status report and none of your bullshit this time.”

The frustration of the Andorian could be heard in his angry grunt. “The dilithum matrix took a hit when we activated that Tholian device. It sent a power spike through the antimatter chamber and fused four of our crystals. All that’s left of them is a charred lump.”

“I don’t think I need to tell you your job mister. Utilize the crystals we keep for back up.” Steele spat.

“I would sir, but you traded them to the Cardassian slavers in exchange for information on that damn ship’s whereabouts.” Gar hissed.

Steele stood and grabbed for the photon pistol hanging in the holster he had slung over the command chair.

“Jack,” Merrick said stepping down into the command space. “While killing him may give you a moment of pleasure is it worth risking the mission. He knows these engines better than anyone in the fleet. If we want to get back home we’ll need him alive.”

Steele eased the safety back on and allowed a mirthless smile to touch his lips. “Alright Sean I’ll let him live for now; however, if your wife had been better at her job, my ship’s power wouldn’t be crippled. She was the expert assigned to this ship to make sure that during our tests of that alien equipment this didn’t happen.”

“I don’t think this is something we could have avoided.” Merrick said through clenched teeth. “Given our current situation I think it clear that the other ship had similar issues. Obviously Captain Ve…”

“Do not mention that name in my presence again.” Steele interrupted; his eyes glowed in a seething hatred for a moment before he brought himself under control. “He stole that device from the Krennin institute with little understanding of its power consumption and onboard interface. I am magnanimous enough to grant him that leeway. Your wife; however, was the scientist who backward engineered it and created the interface to this ships power supply and computer main frame. My ship should not have suffered.”

Merrick said nothing he just stared into Steele. He knew the man’s temper made him irrational and quick to stupid actions both might later regret.

Steele lifted his pistol and flicked the safety off. “You and Zade figure out where we are and if there is a viable source of crystals nearby, otherwise I will turn you into a charred spot next to my chair, do I make myself clear.”

“Aye sir.” Merrick said and quickly walked to the navigator’s station.

Jack sat back in his chair, but decided against returning his pistol to its holster. “With four crystals out, give me a status on weapons, shields, and warp capability.” He said hitting the comm. to engineering again.

“Plasma cannons are still online, but not much else in the arsenal is. Shields are at 30% and warp 4 is the best the ship can manage.” Gar said.

Jack leapt from his chair and stalked around the bridge. All were careful to keep their eyes on their station lest they attract his wrath. He had already threatened to kill Gar and Merrick and had even given his not so secret flame Kim Steering a public dressing down. He must be close to losing his control if he was snapping at her. And, as everyone was abundantly clear on, his pistol was still in his hand.

Sean finally moved up into the captain’s path. “Jack,” he began quietly. “You’ve done it. You’ve got us here, the hard part is over and once again you are a hero of the Sovereignty. The crystals are a setback to be sure, but that is the reason we chose this region to transit to. It’s a mineralogists dream. Zade and I have found a mining facility on a planet called Celes II. It’s a short hop; we can be there in about 3 hours at warp 2 and get what we need.”

Jack gave Sean a feral grin. He could use a quick trip down to a mining facility to work out his remaining frustrations on some of the spineless weasels that inhabited this god forsaken universe.

“Actually,” Merrick continued. “It would be a good test. We could beam down pretending to be from this universe. Our ship stores could manufacture the correct uniforms and equipment.”

“Do we even know what those are?” Steele asked in annoyance.

“When DeSimms was fulfilling his covert mission on Ve..,” Merrick stopped himself in mid sentence and paused for a moment. “That other ship, he led a raiding party to a mining facility. Turns out it was in actuality a listening post for this universes equivalent to our internal security service. He brought back several data sticks concerning their star charts, vessel strength and deployment as well as cultural and historic material. I believe we can pass ourselves off as one of them, get the crystals we need peacefully without drawing attention to ourselves and gather some intelligence. Certainly that would help with the next step.” He finished with a respectful smile. One he really didn’t feel.

Jack looked back at his first officer with unconcealed disgust. “That is not the way the Sovereignty conducts its business. We do not ask permission from inferiors, we take.” He growled and then paused. “But perhaps you are correct. It will likely buy your Andorian friend the time he needs to fix my ship. Very well commander,” He said more loudly, “Set course for this mining facility and com me once we arrive. Lieutenant Steering I require your assistance.”

“Yes sir.” She rose from her station and followed the captain to the lift.

A Joint Post Respectfully Submitted

Andy

CAPT Jack Steele

Commanding, USS HOOD NCC 1703

STARFLEET: ORIGINS

and

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD-1703

ASR Origins

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Visit From Christmas Past

by Lena Rose and Brian V. Mansur

Scene: Deck 7, USS HOOD

[NRPG: 0300, same night as Mansur's "Indulgence"]

That night Kiska began her rotation to the night shift. More than once she caught Mother eyeing her in a strange but quiet way. It felt as though Mother was seeing something in her that no one else was. It didn't take long for the stolen looks to the nag Kiska to the point that she just wanted to scream, "WHAT?" so that Mother would stop. It figured that when Kiska was finally about to say something to Mother, the head nurse got called away to a patient.

Afterward, the evening grew busy with the bustle of routine and drills. Kiska never did find another chance to talk to Mother alone and before she knew it, the head nurse went off duty. Kiska spent the rest of the shift alone pondering the situation. The night in sickbay proved uneventful and Kiska was only too happy to see it ending. Her feet were killing her and she had not had anything to eat.

At last, she said goodnight to the remaining staff and headed down the corridor toward the gym for a before-bedtime workout. The ship was quiet and quite empty at the 0300 hour. As Kiska walked along, she lost herself in her thoughts. So as she rounded a corner she nearly collided into none other than Commander Merrick.

The encounter was so abrupt and unexpected that both gasped in surprise. Kiska, hand to chest, was the first to recover. She started to apologize to the Commander with a relieved laugh, but the look on Merrick's face stopped her cold.

Merrick had been making his inebriated way to retrieve a communicator he believed he had forgotten in the gym's locker room. Upon seeing Kiska, he went goggle eyed. In his adled mind, he *knew* that he was looking at a ghost and he did what most people did when they saw one.

He fell to his knees.

Striken pain and remorse etched into his suddenly pale white face. Tears flowed. From trembling lips, he began to babble, "My God Jeri! My God I'm so sorry. I would have done anything. I would have begged God to take your place. Believe me I wish it were me who had died and not you!"

He reached out imploring. Frightened and bewildered, Kiska took a step back. Sean saw her rejection and fell face down sobbing. Had he been a soul damned to hell, he could not have looked more miserable.

As he wept, Kiska looked about feeling nakedly embarrassed for them both. Thank heavens it was middle of the night or else there would have been people crawling on this deck for PT.

Kiska didn't know what was going on or who Jeri was, but she felt her superior officer's suffering and moved to help him without further hesitation. She knew she had to get him out of the corridor immediately. There was no way she could to take him into sickbay in his conidtion. He smelled of alcohol and she really didn't think he deserved that kind of humiliation. You don't kick a man when he is down. Whatever Sean was going thru, it was tearing him apart and somehow Kiska's very presence had twisted the gears of torture inside him to the point that the man had finally broken.

She knelt down beside him and gently pulled him up to his feet. As she wrapped an arm around his waist and placed one of his own arms around her neck,she whispered, "It's okay sir. Just come with me. Everything is going to be fine."

Sean looked into her face. A glimmer of hope at her kindness showed there for a moment. Then dismay mixed with horror and utter humiliation followed as he at last recognized Kiska.

Putting a hand to his forehead, he managed to utter, "Oh. Hell."

"Right sir," Kiska replied. "Come on, we'll get you back to your quarters."

"I'm so sorry about this Lieutenant," he began.

"Just concentrate on putting one foot," she said as he stumbled a few steps, "in front of the other, sir."

NRPG: The conversation. Should be an interesting one.

Awesome Job Brian for making this post much much better than it start! High fives ya!

Respectfully Submitted,

Lena Rose LTjg. Kiska Saxman Nurse, USS HOOD NCC-1703 ASR: ORIGINS

and

Brian V. Mansur LCDR Sean Merrick FO, USS HOOD NCC-1703 ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Fireside Chat

by Lena Rose and Brian V. Mansur

SD 2261.054

Scene: FIrst Officer's Quarter's, USS HOOD

"Pardon me sir for being blunt, but I think I'm owed an explanation as to what is going on."

"Miss Saxman, you don't owe me any courtesy right now. My ass is drunk and you just saved it from a letter of reprimand."

"Not so drunk if you're able to talk this much, sir" she retorted, not able to find it in herself to completely break protocol.

He shrugged at the point. "Maybe I didn't have as much as I thought." He looked at the bottle on the bed stand and tried to remember how much had been in it to begin with. "And I took a little something the doctor gave me. Maybe it is working."

Kiska shook her head in disbelief. “You know better than to mix drugs and alcohol.”

Again he shrugged.

Frustrated by his ‘so what’ demeanor, she huffed away a stray strand of hair that had slipped from her ponytail. “I don’t understand. Why are you doing this to yourself?”

“It’s personal, Miss Saxman.” He said quietly and then hiccupped. “Excuse me.”

“Personal? Personal!” she bit back flinging her ponytail over her shoulder with a ‘to hell to protocol’. “Not when it affects me as well!”

He held up his hands as though defending himself from a pistol whipping.

"Nurse. Take a look at me. Do you really want to get acquainted with my demons? Don't you think you would be happier to leave it at a sincere apology?"

Kiska thought about it for a second. She'd met enough substance abusers in her career to know how to handle them.

"That isn't going to solve our problem. Respectfully sir, you're going to get help one way or the other. I will *not* spend the rest of my tour of duty worrying about what a drunk man might be doing with the ship that my life depends upon. I deserve more consideration than that. I already worry enough for my patients because of how the doctor abuses

• himself*. So unless you want me to go straight to Mother with this, start talking. Sir."

Even half drunk, Sean knew he had no choice. It would take no time at all for Mother to get her hands on the flight recorder for the deck he'd broken down on. And if the Captain knew ...."

"You're a dead ringer for my dead ex-wife," he said with a dry mouth. "She died on Vulcan when Nero hit it. She was only there because we couldn't make things work out."

Kiska was in no mood now for sympathy.

"So that's it? That's what all this is about? You screwed up in life like the rest of us. By bad luck something worse than usual happened because of it. And suddenly there is nothing for it but pity parties with irresponsibility and self-medication?"

Sean did not answer.

Kiska thought she was going to pull her hair out at the commander's pathetic behavior, but forced herself to be calm and at least somewhat sensitive. "She loved you didn't she? Do you think she wanted you to be like this?"

"No. She wouldn't."

Kiska shook her head. "Mother has had this talk with you already. Hasn't she."

Sean looked up startled.

"Thought so. I'd wondered what was going on the other day when she'd locked down sickbay. She spent what, about 4 hours with you? You know, I don't think I have that kind of patience. Nurse your pet guilty conscious if you must. But you're either the XO of this ship or you're not."

She waited for him to say something. He hiccupped again, but when it was evident that he had nothing to say for himself, she got up to leave.

"Saxman," Sean said suddenly.

Exasperated she stopped and turned. "What, sir."

He looked up at her. The corner of his mouth twitched upward. "You're going to make a kick-ass head nurse someday."

"And you'll make a great XO when get your head out of your butt sir. And while you are at it, why don't you go get some religion in your life. It is obvious that you still believe someone is up there. What I see you doing in the next few days will make up my mind just what if anything I am going to tell Mother. Good luck and good morning Commander.

As Kiska stepped outside, she started to tremble a little. She, a junior lieutenant, had just told off her superior officer big time. She didn't know if she should be proud, scared, or both.

NRPG: See if *you* can spot Brian's tip of the hat to that "magnificient bastard" Ron Moore (see def in TVTropes.org).

Respectfully Submitted,

Lena Rose

LTjg. Kiska Saxman

Nurse, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR: ORIGINS

and

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR ORIGINS

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: A Texan Is Still A Texan

by Steve Apple

SD: 2261.057

Scene: CMO’s Quarters

Corbett sat at the desk in his quarters sipping from his glass of tequila. He was off duty and enjoying a slight reprieve from the stresses of being the head of medical. Putting his feet up on the desk he saw the blue light under his desk blinking as he shifted into position.

"John," Corbett said almost imperceptibly, the anger in voice unmistakable. "If you don't want me to bolt an eye patch into your other, good eye, I suggest you stop bugging my quarters."

[It's my job as head of security] DeSimms' voice said almost immediately through the speaker of the comm. unit. [Also doctor, I'd be careful who you threaten.]

"Let's make this quite clear." Corbett smiled and adjusted his hat. "There ain't another living soul on this ship that can match your personal arsenal, but me. Also as cousin to the Texas party leader, any little assassination attempt you try on me will be investigated to the fullest and met out with Texas justice."

[Accidents do happen, even to doctors]

"Yes that is true; however, red jackets are notorious for getting themselves quite dead, quite often."

[Seems once again we are at a stalemate Stile. However, one day either me, or one of my operatives will change that.]

"You just keep thinking that way John and maybe one day it will happen. Until then I'd keep one eye open." Corbett paused for a moment and chuckled. "That's right you only have one eye. Well then if I were you I'd make damn sure you don't lose that one too, Corbett out."

With that Corbett opened the top drawer to his desk and pulled out a box with a red button and depressed it. There was a loud squeal and the blue light under his desk signaling the working operation of DeSimms' listening device went black.

DeSimms was a worthy foe, he thought and quite deadly; however, he had his female operatives infiltrate even the highest levels of the Security department. DeSimms might be quite shocked to learn one day that his top subordinates had untimely deaths in their beds. Then again, Corbett thought, perhaps it might be me that is surprised one day and DeSimms’ security forces will incinerate me in my own sickbay.

"Until then messier Cyclops." Corbett said out loud as he raised his glass.

"Another bout with DeSimms?"

Corbett turned his head to his sleeping area where he heard the raspy sweet voice. The bedside lamp came on and the soft white light cast an elegant glow on the naked green skin that arose from the bed.

"I'm sorry if that little exchange awoke you Alia. John and I were just expressing a difference of opinion. You see he likes being the resident badass of the ship; however, I get no small pleasure out of reminding him that his intimidation tactics fall quite short when it comes to me."

"He is very dangerous Stile and should be eliminated," Alia said seriously.

"I don't know. He has his purpose. He makes the subversives think twice and his attitude toward Jack pushes the Captain firmly in my camp."

"That is another foolish move on your part." Alia exclaimed coming forward into Corbett's work area. "Steele is unstable and has shown as much time and time again. I have been your wife for several years and still do not understand the bond you two have."

"Quite the contrary sweetness, Jack is very sane. When the demons of Velorum came a calling, he pulled me out and stuck with me until we nuked the bastards. I owe him my life at least twice over." Corbett said then paused. "Now don't get me wrong. If I ever stood in the way of his ambition he would surely not think twice about burning me, but up until that point the Captain has been a friend."

"And Sean has he not been there too."

Corbett took another sip from his glass. "Sean is a different matter altogether. We've been friends since we were 5 years old, our fathers served in the party together. Sean is like a brother to me. He is the reason I am on this ship."

"And do you not think Steele sees that. Between Sean and you, Steele could quite easily be removed from power. No one would question your word if you relieved him of command."

"Ah yes the CMO's prerogative to remove a Commander. Well my dear it is not as easy as you think to carry that out. Besides even if successful there would be inquiries and paperwork and you know how I feel about paperwork."

"Yes I know. Mother complains to me quite often about that."

"She's lucky I love her like I do." Corbett said and then paused to take another sip from his glass. "Does she tell you about all my short comings?"

"Quite often." The Orion said as she slid into his lap. "But you still haven't answered my question."

"There is nothing to answer Alia. Jack is clever and a bit paranoid. He has tested both mine and Sean's loyalty on numerous occasions. He trusts us about as much as a man like him can trust anyone. Also he knows that eliminating us would mean a new set of officers taking our positions and they might not be as loyal."

"Do you not want to advance in power?" She asked while kissing his neck.

"For what reason? We have money and not an insubstantial amount at that. We have property: a very large ranch and by virtue of being in the military, respect."

"You could be a Governor with a sovereignty of your own."

"Yes I could; however, then I would have to put up with people always asking for something, taxes to be collected, not to mention assassination attempts." He paused a moment when he saw her frown. "I know it's every Orion girl's dream and duty to enslave her man and force him to do stupid things like grab for power, but."

"It doesn't seem to work well with you." She added interrupting him. "Maybe I should find an ambitious man to bed."

"Unfortunately for you," Corbett said caressing her back. "You fell in love and can't quite come to grips with that fact. I fear you are stuck in this marriage, how unlucky you are."

"Yes how unlucky I am." She finished as she kissed him deeply.

[Steele to Corbett] The metallic voice of the Captain interrupting them.

"Jack as always your timing is impeccable." Corbett mumbled hitting the comm. unit as he kissed his wife's neck.

[Tell Alia to get off your lap, I need you down in briefing room 3 immediately.]

"Don't tell me you have my quarters bugged too."

[I don't need to. I know how you are]

"Yes well at least I am consistent. Something important I take it."

[You, Merrick, Gar, and I are going down to a planet to acquire some stones. Normally I'd tell one of my officers that I don't need to explain myself and that when I say report you do it. However, we'll be using the transporter and I know how you need to prepare yourself.]

"How very kind of you Jack, I am on my way, Corbett out."

Alia slid off his lap allowing him to stand. "Duty calls," she said.

Corbett straightened his uniform jacket and attempted to button his top collar.

Reflexively she reached out and buttoned it for him then stood back to appraise him. He looked handsome although she hated these uniforms. The form fitting blue jacket had a thin vertical leather shoulder strap that ran from his right shoulder across the jacket to the left side of his belt, it made him look so formal. She smoothed the high half collar which came to a v in the font and used her finger to polish the 2 crossed sword pins indicating his rank. Stepping back she looked at him again and absently smoothed the assignment emblem on his left breast. For a moment she traced the intertwining circles that made up the Hood's designation and stopped at the cross centered within, his departments designation. "You and Sean could take this ship."

"Yes and someone could then take it from us. The system is flawed Alia and quite inhumane."

"I wouldn't go about saying that out loud my love or you might find yourself in one of DeSimms' interrogation rooms."

"I am a third generation party member, which gives even that thug pause." Corbett said as he tucked his black pants into the flared boots which ended just below his knees.

"Exactly my point, imagine the accolades he would get by bringing someone like you to justice for openly criticizing the party."

"No my dear, I think John's hatred of me runs much deeper than that. He wants something that will allow him to torture me at length, defile my wife, and confiscate my property. In short he wants to catch me in a traitorous act."

"You are no traitor." She said immediately.

"And what if I was?" He asked her as he crossed over to the bathroom and injected himself with a low dose tranquilizer.

"First off, hard core traitors aren't afraid of transporters." She said giggling as she watched him.

"Maybe I'm a hard core traitor that likes shuttle craft."

"Secondly you never come to the meetings."

Coming back from the bathroom he appraised her and had to laugh. "God help me, but I do love you."He said and then kissed her again his hand moving below her back.

"You've got the Captain to meet." She said pulling his hand way. "Now go,"

Adjusting his hat he turned to leave, but heard her soft voice before the door closed. "I'd be proud of you."

<<NRPG>>

Just a little CD for the alternate Corbett. Dan I was not trying to write for you, but you kind of came out like Sulu in the TOS Mirror/ Mirror, the scary evil despot of security. I thought it kind of cool, you are the heavy everyone has to get around.

Respectfully Submitted

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD-1703

ASR Origins

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Dropping On To The Bridge

by Harry Iha

SD: 2261.057

SCENE: Bridge

MD: 01.1425 (while the away team was on the mining facility)

One of the many indicators on the communications panel lazily flashed, alerting the operator to an incoming message. In one well-practiced motion, ITCS Sheila Jefferson's left hand deftly opened the channel while her right hand plugged the Feinberger into her ear. She listened for a moment, acknowledged the transmission, then transferred the channel to the flight deck. "LT Zade, Viper 34 is on final approach."

Viper 34 was the second of two long-range shuttles carrying the crewmembers that missed HOOD's departure from Starbase 10. "Thank you, Senior," acknowledged LT Zade, the chief navigator.

Upon hearing the announcement, security chief DeSimms headed for the turbolift. "Lieutenant," asked Jefferson, "are you going to meet the shuttle?"

When HOOD hastily departed the starbase with only six hours notice, she left behind about two dozen crew members who were not able to get back aboard in time. Viper 34 carried seven of LT DeSimms' security force. "I am, Senior."

"Good. Could you ask ENS Tamura to report here straight away and make sure he is pointed in the right direction?" The senior chief's request drew chuckles across the bridge. By now, the entire bridge crew--and most of the ship--had heard the story of Tamura's aborted arrival and subsequent disappearance.

"I'll see to it that our wandering ensign doesn't get lost," grinned DeSimms as he stepped into the turbolift.

SCENE: Bridge

MD: 01.1635

The turbolift doors parted and ENS Yoshi Tamura gingerly stepped across the threshold onto the bridge. He had never been to the bridge of a starship before. The dumbstruck ensign stood a moment and soaked it all in. His first impression was how clean and sparse it was. As a techie, there was always clutter in his work areas: circuits waiting to be repaired or tested, piles of data chips, and gear tucked into the nooks and crannies instead of being stowed in their proper cubicles.

A friendly slap on the shoulder pulled Tamura from his reverie. "Yep, you made the big time, kid." DeSimms pointed to Senior Chief Jefferson, seated at the communication station. "Don't keep your new boss waiting." The security chief gave Jefferson a quick nod, then stepped back into the turbolift, leaving Tamura behind.

"Welcome aboard, Ensign," greeted the comms LCPO.

"Senior Chief Jefferson," said Tamura, stepping forward and shaking her hand. "Thank you for the message before you left. I was really worried there for a minute."

"No problem, Sir. Look, we need to get this hand over done quickly, 'cause I need to get below decks and then get some shuteye before I bite someone's head off." Jefferson spent the next ten minutes giving Tamura a status report and turning over her station.

"Okay, that covers everything. Remember, everything's in the log. Just keep an eye on the away team frequencies; the computer will alert you to anything else. IT1 Blake will be here to relieve you at 2200. When you're done, come back to your office and we'll go over the rest of the stuff. Good to go?"

Tamura nodded. It was a whirlwind of information, especially after a two day trip on a cramped shuttle. He had hoped to take a nap-- and a shower--before having to report for duty. Not to mention his surprise at taking the bridge comm station. "I think I got it, Senior, thanks. And if I get lost, I'll just look in the log."

Jefferson gave Tamura a critical eye. 'Perhaps the new butter bar will work out okay after all,' she thought. "Alright, I'll see you at 2200."

"Okay. Ah...just one question, Senior."

"Shoot."

"When do I get to meet the department head?"

Jefferson's jaw dropped and a frown quickly wrinkled her forehead. 'And then again, maybe not.' "Ensign, _you_ are the department head."

It was Tamura's turn to drop his jaw. He remained speechless and motionless for a few seconds before violently shaking his head to again clear out that pesky ear wax. "What?"

The senior chief shook her head. "I'll see you at 2200, Ensign. We'll go over everything then." Jefferson spun on her heels and quickly departed, leaving Tamura and his hanging jaw behind.

NRPG:

Daniel: I'm caught up. I'll send you a proto in the next day or two.

Respectfully Submitted,

ENS Yoshi Tamura

Communications Department Head

USS HOOD NCC-1703

ITCS Sheila Jefferson

Communications Department LCPO

USS HOOD NCC-1703

http://boi.alt-starfleet-rpg.org/ORIGINS:_USS_Hood

Harry I. Iha

hiha@...

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: Turning Back - JP

by Steve Apple and Brian V. Mansur

SD 2261.059

Scene: First Officer's Quarter's, USS HOOD

Sean was grateful to Steele for giving him his weekly day off early. It was a good thing too because he spent the next three waking hours vomiting, the following 7 sleeping, and pretty much the rest of the day on his knees praying.

He reflected on the previous two years of his pathetic life. What was he living for now? Himself? His work? Some vague idea that if he kept busy he could ignore the emptiness in his heart?

Then there was his encounter with Kiska: it had proven that he wasn't even doing any of those things very well anymore. Single handedly he'd cast himself into hell. He had nurtured his demons, that was for sure, and he hadn't helped himself get right by spending most of his free time with an immoral scoundrel like Corbett: a man who reveled in both his excesses of liquor and women.

Thinking about Corbett made his both smile and scowl at the same time. Damn him and his cowboy logic, he thought. I was fine until he pointed out my failure to grieve. Could it have been that simple? He wasn't so sure. Since the divorce, he had forgotten how to be happy. He had forgotten what happiness was even like.

God damn it all. Literally.

His Jeri was gone. Dead. So which was better to believe? That she was lost to oblivion or that there was hope she might be in a better place? Was there any point in even believing this was all there was to life? He'd always believed that hedonism was merely a "carpe diem" existentialism which, in turn, was really just nihilism in denial. So what was holding him back from leaving that tired heading to nowhere?

What indeed.

He knew the answer. Pride. Anger. Disappointment. Childish spite. God had taken away the person he loved. A woman he'd already really lost to be fair, but he knew God could have led her anywhere in the galaxy. Why had it been Vulcan? How had that been part of the plan?

Damn it was he such a fool as to try and puzzle out the motives of a supreme being. Supreme Being: once he had known what that meant to trust in one and was unshaken in that belief. Maybe it was time to be that way again. His personal files held a digital copy of a Bible. Opening the file he instinctually went to the highlighted verses and side notes that he ... and sometimes Jeri ... had written there. And he found himself reading the classics of his upbringing:

He laughed at the irony of some verses given all the time he'd spent around Corbett. But he kept coming back to this quesiton: did any of this really matter, he thought as he ran his fingers over the view screen. "Why Jeri? Why her?" He lifted his weary head toward the ceiling. "Do you have an answer? Well do you?" He asked..

Hanging his head as the tears spilled, he sank further into the desk chair he sat at. God did not have to answer to him and he knew it. How exactly did he even justify criticizing an omnipotent being? What was he going to do about it even if he didn't like how God ran the show? God promised that things would work out in the end. He did not promise rose gardens until the afterlife. And to be fair, it wasn't as if Sean had shown myself to be the paragon of good behavior. So what made him think he would be able to run the universe any better?

In the end, he realized that it all amounted to this for him: hope and how to hang on to it. He needed hope that things would be alright forever some day. Anything less was trading short. Aiming too low. Anything less would be in a real way unsatisfying. And he was tired of being unsatisfied. He was tired of being empty.

"Screw this," he said before finally going to sleep at last. He didn't care that it sounded like a corny page out of a conversion pamphlet. "I'm going back to faith and Jesus."

NRPG: A very special thanks to Steve for his contributions to this post.

Respectfully Submitted Jointly,

Steve Apple

Stile Corbett, MD

CMO, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR ORIGINS

and

Brian V. Mansur

LCDR Sean Merrick

FO, USS HOOD NCC-1703

ASR ORIGINS=

[ORIGINS] USS HOOD: (H) evil Hemux

by David Martens

SD 2261.059

Scene: alternate USS HOOD, Science department

Arr'Rhiana's smile was rather terrifying to see as she held the poor thing in her hands. Wires connected to the tall head of the strange insect-like creature. It had been her favorite pet before the travel to this universe. The attack from the other ship had crippled the poor beast. A limb ripped of and a wing broken. Then she shrugged her shoulders, cocked her head and roughly ripped the wires from the beast, her face widened up and the head disapeared in her mouth. With cracking sounds she started to chew the moist, raw meat from the creatures body. If she couldn't enjoy it as her pet then she at least could have the pleasure in eating it.

Still chewing on the critter, she dropped down in the seat behind her science console and pulled up the data from the hidden cams she had installed all over the ship. Again she looked at the act of sabotage from that Trll woman, Cedria. It was clever done and Hemux nodded in respect. If she had not recorded it with her spy - cams she probably would not have noticed. Ofcourse, she had made it clear to everyone that the full responsibility of the implementation of the new system was laid on Jeri Merrick. No one could ever blame Hemux for it if anything went wrong.

She grinned and made a mental note to keep a close look on that Cedria Trill woman. Arr'Rhiana studied the data from this universe, so many similarities to her own and yet so different. Similar enough to make their ship work here and survive, different enough to have so many opportunities.

With a PADD loaded full of data, Hemux went on to Bridge.

Scene: USS HOOD, Bridge

With a look of disgust on her face she went up to DeSimms. She saluted and waited for permisison to speak, in the rough, militarized universe there was little respect for scientists, yet she was the one who held what could be their victory in her hands.

"What you want, Denobulan?" DeSimms barked to her. Hemux had to restrain herself from ripping his throat out with her teeth but she handed him the PADD "I have done some study on the physics in this alternate universe, Sir. It turns out the Matter - antimatter balance in this universe is slightly different then in ours. If we recalibrate our shields, powersystems and torpedoes it would give us a increase in power and shield efficiency."

DeSimms narrowed his eyes "I don't understand half of this crap, are you sure it will work?" Hemux shrugged her shoulders "Not complete no, after all this is an unknown, alternate universe. But I am certain enough to advice you to make the proper adjustments, certainly if you want to be victorious in a next meeting with the ships of this universe. If you have the adjustments done by qualified people, not incapable ones like those who installed the Tholian device; then I am certain we have more power for our shields, propulsion and weapons."

For a moment she thought she had gone to far in her reference to the Merrick woman. But then DeSimms nodded "Very well, I will take your suggestions in consideration. Now get back to your lab and see what you can make of the data about this system, where the best opportunities are for our next strike, analyse the data on any communications we can intercept, find out what the weaklings in this universe are up to."

Arr'Rhiana saluted and went back to her lab. Her calculations where valid, she was certain they would work and give the ship the needed boost in power and speed. And with some luck she had made it clear to DeSimms that the Merrick woman was worthless. She smiled, a dangerous looking sight with her sharp teeth and broad face. With the data she could gather here from this universe she would be able to build better weapons, better ships and with those ideas and visions, she would be able to get a aim for a position in the Souvereign Science council, finally away from this ship.

<<<NRPG>>>

And so we have a mad wicked scientist on the alternate HOOD as well...

Respectfully,

David Martens

Lt ARr'Rhiana Hemux

CSciO ,

Sovereignty Fleet

USS HOOD NCC 1703

ASR ORIGINS