Administrative Office Level - SB34

Andrea did as she was ordered when it came to communications with Event Horizon and transferred the transmission to FAdm Skyner who was in his office here on the Administrative Level. The Fleet Admiral wanted anything to do with that vessel to go through him first since its mission was clandestine and he alone was responsible for Operation: Singularity.

Lt. JG Russ: Standby, Captain Little. I’m transferring you over to Fleet Admiral Skyner’s office. He ordered that any and all transmissions from Event Horizon go through him before anywhere else. So he’ll be with you shortly…

The Lieutenant JG placed the transmission from Event Horizon on ‘hold’ while she called over to FAdm Skyner’s office using the Companel on her desk.

Lt. JG Russ: Fleet Admiral Skyner? This is Lieutenant Russ at the Reception Desk; I have an incoming transmission from Captain Little aboard Event Horizon. Are you prepared to take it in your office, Sir?

The Administrative Assistant waited to hear back from FAdm Skyner on whether he would take the transmission from the vessel in Sector Omicron. Since this ship’s mission was under his supervision, Andrea had a good feeling in her stomach that the Fleet Admiral would be taking the call from Capt Little at any moment.
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Lt. Junior Grade Andrea M. Russ
Yeoman, USS Sutherland

Office of the Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command - SB34

Jaeson heard the message from Lt. JG Russ calling his attention to the incoming communiqué from Captain Little aboard Event Horizon and quickly spun in his chair that was facing the view port into space, to his desk where his communication screen was. The Fleet Admiral called out to the Lieutenant JG and let her know he would take the incoming call.

FAdm Skyner: I’ll take the call in here, Lieutenant. Secure the line please.

While the Fleet Admiral listened for the tone indicating the channel was secure on his end, Jaeson saw the image of Capt Little and his Bridge crew on his monitor. Jaeson presumed he was getting the call because Event Horizon had finally reached their destination in Sector Omicron.

FAdm Skyner: Well Captain, how are things faring aboard Event Horizon? Was it fast enough for you? I have been expecting your transmission regarding your mission parameters and the final permission to be granted for Operation: Singularity. All is a go here, you have my complete authorization to penetrate the Mirror Universe and covertly find out if they’re building a fleet of ships for the purpose of entering our universe for the purpose of conquest, raiding and pillaging. The reason I sent you deep into the Gamma Quadrant to spy on the happenings in the Alpha Quadrant was so you could catch the Alliance off guard by using the Denorios Wormhole as your way to enter that quadrant of our galaxy. You are to keep cloaked at all times and make use of all sensor recording devices and log the amount of ships under construction and how many are completed.

Jaeson paused for few moments so he could make the next part apparently clear to Capt Little…

FAdm Skyner: You are not to engage by any means for any reason, regardless of the tactical advantage you may think you have. You are there for surveillance, nothing more. Everything else is just a fail safe in the event something goes awry. Is that understood, Captain Little?

The Commander in Chief of Starfleet Command could see the disappointment in Capt Little’s face, knowing the Captain would rather take on the Alliance forces all on his own, but that would clue them in that they were under surveillance by Starfleet and they would try other ways to inflict revenge for their losses. So this mission was a fact-finding mission only to be brought to the Federation Council to find a way to subdue the Alliance with as little loss of life as possible. Jaeson waited to hear from Capt Little that he understood that he was not to de-cloak or fire a shot while on this mission.
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Fleet Admiral Jaeson A. Skyner
Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Bridge - Deck 1 - USS Event Horizon

Lewis watched and waited as Lt.JG Russ transferred the call to the Fleet Admiral's private office. Once the tone was heard, the Captain began his final report of the correct universe.

Capt Little: Admiral, the boat 'tis fast but the comfort is higher grade than most of us plebes are used to... My compliments to the design teams...

At the mention of the systems, the Captain turned to both Ops and Tactical/Security Stations in turn, giving the nod to double check the Cloaking Device, Weaponry System Control and Sensor Recorders.

Capt Little: I've had the Cloaking Device on constant rotation since it's activation back in home port. No errors to report thus far... But I'd like to take this opportunity, and request, permissively, that Admiral Arayuss and Commodore Carpathia join the channel... I'm sure the crew would like a moment before, as a fail safe...

The Captain turned back to Lt. Mitchell as he continued. The Computer beeping to indicate the ship-side channel.

Capt Little: ...would enjoy a last moment before we engage the Aperture Creation Device in the event we cannot return...

Lewis paused momentarily hearing the Turbolift doors open and close. Without turning he continued talking to the viewscreen.

Capt Little: We have a few moments before the ACD will be fully charged and we're ready to go.

The CO awaited FAdm Skyner's reply as he assumed the sound he heard was Prof Brewer taking up the Science II Station behind him at the rear of the Bridge.
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Mr. McCloud

Office of the Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command - SB34

After listening to everything Capt Little said, FAdm Skyner took note that the Captain did NOT acknowledge he was not to engage by any means for any reason, regardless of the tactical advantage he thought he had. That Event Horizon was there for surveillance, nothing more. The Fleet Admiral thought it best to reiterate what he told Capt Little and get a response this time.

FAdm Skyner: Captain, I see you side-stepped responding if you understood me when I told you not to engage by any means for any reason, regardless of the tactical advantage you may think you have. You are there for surveillance, nothing more. If you fail to understand me, I need to put Project: Singularity in the hands of Commander Cypher. So what say you, Captain?

The Fleet Admiral went no further in regards to contacting Adm Arayuss or Commodore Carpathia as Capt Little requested until he heard back from the Captain regarding if he understood what his orders were. Since Jaeson could see Cmdr Cypher sitting there on the Bridge, he was also prepared to hand over command of Event Horizon to him should Capt Little fail to respond in the correct manner.
_________________
Fleet Admiral Jaeson A. Skyner
Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Bridge - Deck 1 - USS Event Horizon

The Captain turned on the spot and hit a button on the armrest of the Command Chair before turning back to the Viewscreen.

Capt Little: As you will see, Admiral, it is currently impossible for us to to utilize the main weaponry, as it has had it's energy requirements redirected to defensive capabilities and would take a few moments to rectify, should the need arise for it.

The CO looked back at the officers stationed on the Bridge.

Capt Little: And as I am sure you will agree, Admiral, there are plenty of good and decent officers here that would be ready and willing to invoke the Unsaid Principle or more...

Lewis hoped he had said enough to allude the Fleet Admiral's concerns regarding his conduct, after all, he was just a plain, simple-minded Engineer, he was no Gun-Ho Madman!
_________________
Mr. McCloud

Office of the Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command - SB34

The Fleet Admiral was beginning to get the impression he made an error in judgment when assigning command of this mission to Mr. Little. All Jaeson wanted to hear was that the Captain understood that he was not to engage any of the vessels in the Alternate Universe that they were going to in order to launch a surveillance of the shipyards.

FAdm Skyner: You’re doing it again, Captain. I want to hear that you understand my orders to you regarding the engagement of the forces under construction in the Alternate Universe. All you have to say is that you understand the orders I’ve given you. If you cannot, and give me another side-stepping explanation, I’m putting Mr. Cypher in charge of Project: Singularity. So again I say, what say you Captain Little?

While seated at his desk in his office aboard SB34, Jaeson brought up Mr. Little’s Starfleet records and prepared to alter them to reflect the situation going on between himself and the Engineering officer that was currently in charge of Event Horizon. If this was to continue, the record was going to show that Lewis A.Y. Little may be a good engineer, but as a Commanding Officer he left a lot to be desired.
_________________
Fleet Admiral Jaeson A. Skyner
Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Bridge - Deck 1 - USS Event Horizon

With a short, sharp look at the Security/Tactical Station and it's inhabitant, then the Captain looked back at the Admiral again.

Capt Little: I don't like it anymore than you, but this isn't a debate... We have to follow orders.

While looking back towards the Admiral, Lewis sighed.

Capt Little: Orders are orders Admiral... But I assure you, if the worst does happen, I am well within my rights as Captain to erm... Tuck tail between our legs and run for Momma!

The Captain hoped he had swayed the Admirals apprehension to allow the mission to go on unhindered.

Lewis looked over at his XO, Cmdr Cypher.

Capt Little: Thom, would you mind escorting the Professor to the Command Deck. He probably fell asleep and cannot hear the Com call.

The Captain awaited on the Admiral's response.
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Mr. McCloud

Office of the Commander in Chief, Starfleet - SB34

The Fleet Admiral was not overly impressed with the nonchalant way Capt Little answered the question regarding him following orders of not engaging the forces in the Mirror Universe. Jaeson was starting to wonder if he selected the right person to command this mission. FAdm Skyner was happy about the choice he made in selecting Cmdr Cypher as the XO though; he just hoped Thom would not pick up on any of the insubordinate habits displayed by Lewis.

FAdm Skyner: I see that getting a straight answer from you just is not going to happen. Your mission parameters are quite clear, Captain. Observe and report, that is all. Anything else will get your ass thrown into a penal colony for the rest of your life. Is that understood, Mr. Little?

The Commander in Chief of Starfleet figured Capt Little could comprehend this particular question. If Jaeson did not get an answer that satisfied him, he was going to abort the mission as a whole. The CO of a Starship was not supposed to be clown. They are supposed to be the very example of integrity, duty and loyalty to Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets. FAdm Skyner could not fathom why Lewis had to be a jokester while on such an important mission he had been given. This was not the kind of opportunity that came along very often in a Starfleet Engineer’s career. It was very unfortunate that the current CO of Event Horizon was not taking it seriously.
_________________
Fleet Admiral Jaeson A. Skyner
Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Bridge - Deck 1 - USS Event Horizon

Thom rose up from his seat on the Bridge while the Fleet Admiral was speaking with Capt Little and exited the Command Deck and walked quickly down the corridor on Deck 1 and approached the VIP Cabin. Tapping the door chime, the XO waited in the corridor for a few moments before tapping the chime again. If the Professor was still asleep, Thom found it uncomfortable to just barge into his cabin using his security clearance to unlock the door. With that in mind, the Commander called out to Prof Brewer while holding the intercom button above the door chime.

Cmdr Cypher: Professor? It’s Commander Thom Cypher. Your presence is requested on the Bridge by Captain Little.

After a few more moments passed with no response from Prof Brewer, Thom repeated himself again while holding the intercom button once more.

Cmdr Cypher: Professor? It’s Commander Thom Cypher. Your presence is requested on the Bridge by Captain Little.

The XO was becoming curious as to why the Professor wasn’t responding and thought it may be prudent for him to enter the VIP Cabin using his clearance code to unlock the door.

Cmdr Cypher: Computer, unlock the Deck One - VIP Cabin door, Security Code: Cypher-One-One-Three-Beta.

The computer responded with a beep and the door opened into the dark cabin. Thom walked in quietly and crossed the living room and looked in the bedroom and saw the Professor lying on his back, peacefully on his bed. The XO walked over to the bed and asked the computer to illuminate the room slightly.

Cmdr Cypher: Computer, bring the lights up twenty-five percent.

As the room light cast a warm glow in the bedroom, Thom could see Prof Brewer lying in the bed with a peaceful, easy smile on his face. The XO really regretted having to wake him and he reached over and tapped his hand to alert the Professor to the Commander’s presence. Much to Thom’s surprise, the Professor’s hand was room temperature! He immediately felt for a pulse using Prof Brewer’s wrist and found nothing! Thom immediately tapped his Combadge to call Dr. Tudismaque!

Cmdr Cypher: Cypher to Dr. Tudismaque, we’ve got a medical emergency in the VIP Cabin on Deck One! The Professor is unresponsive and I cannot detect a pulse! Please come as fast as you can!

Thom’s next duty was to inform the Captain of the current predicament; tapping his Combadge again he called out to his CO.

Cmdr Cypher: Cypher to Captain Little! We’ve got a medical emergency! I’m with Professor Brewer and he’s lying in bed without a pulse! I’ve informed Dr. Tudismaque! He should be here soon!

The XO took a seat beside the bed and just sighed. This was a major setback for the mission and wondered if FAdm Skyner would permit them to continue. Not to mention all the people who the Professor considered to be family would become devastated by the ill-fated news of his passing. Thom was aware the Doctor aboard Whitestar was the Professor’s twin brother. He too, would be extremely saddened by the news once FAdm Skyner let him know. This was truly a loss for all who knew Prof Lloyd Brewer…
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Commander Thomas R. Cypher
Chief Engineering Officer, USS Whitestar

Sickbay - Deck 3

Jacques heard the frantic message from Cmdr Cypher come over his Combadge and immediately tapped it so he could respond to the despondent XO. While speaking to the Commander, the Doctor grabbed the Emergency Med-Kit that housed the resuscitation equipment.

Lt. JG Tudismaque: I’m on my way, Commander! Be there in a few minutes!

The Doctor quickly departed Sickbay on Deck 3 and made his way to the Turbolift and took it up to Deck 1 where he ran over to the VIP Cabin and entered to see the light from the bedroom and Cmdr Cypher sitting in a seat near the bed. Jacques immediately took out his Medical Tricorder and began scanning the Professor. It appeared that Prof Brewer had passed away in his sleep from natural causes. It was quick and the Doctor surmised by the expression on the Professor’s face that it was painless. It was also a few hours ago, so there was no reason to use the resuscitation equipment. Necrosis had already started on Prof Brewer’s brain so it would be impossible for him to exist without any brain activity. Looking over at Cmdr Cypher, Dr. Tudismaque filled him in on his findings.

Lt. JG Tudismaque: Commander, he’s been gone too long for the resuscitation equipment to be of any use. The Professor died in his sleep of natural causes. I’m sure it was painless judging by the smile on his face, so it was a peaceful transition. I’m so sorry, Sir. There’s nothing I can do for him, other than to have him moved to the morgue so it could impede any decomposition.

The Chief Medical Officer walked over to where the XO was sitting and put a hand on his shoulder. The look on Cmdr Cypher’s face showed that he was in need of being consoled. Jacques also thought about his Chief Medical Officer aboard Whitestar being the twin brother of Prof Brewer. Dr. Tudismaque did not know how this was going to affect Dr. Brewer once he heard the news. Other than experiencing the grief of losing one’s brother, he was unsure if his mentor would remain in the Gamma Quadrant or would he return to their family home in McDonough, Georgia on Earth.
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Lieutenant Jacques Z. Tudismaque
Chief Medical Officer, USS Whitestar