This story is just for fun. Any resemblance to the staff at the space center is intentional. Any resemblance to a real space center mission is your imagination.
Aleta Clegg
Personal Log 2: Adrian Stevens, Entry 5
I stumbled in the grip of a bearded pirate following the other prisoners. He shoved me into the interrogation room, pushing me to my knees in front of a slender man in an impeccable leather suit.
“What is this?” The man stalked behind me, studying me as if I were an undesirable insect.
“Voyager Quartermaster,” Perry answered. “Her name is Adrian Stevens. That’s her assistant, Adam Turner.”
“They are a waste of air and resources. Put them out the airlock.” The man turned his back, his leather duster coat sweeping around his boots. “I am disappointed, Perry. A handful of quantum torpedoes and a box of outdated computer chips. Nothing useful for such a great risk. You have tipped your hand. You are of no use to me outside of StarFleet. You may join the quartermaster in the airlock.”
“It doesn’t work that way, Jon.” She smiled, fingering her comm badge. “I send the distress code and turn you over to the Voyager when they arrive. They have these coordinates.”
Caligula raised one dark eyebrow. “You play games? With me? Arrogant and a fool.”
“A safety precaution, nothing more. The Voyager will be here within the hour, following the trail I left, just in case. Captain Herring has information that Vasha and the Odyssey computer specialist were working together to steal the ship and betray him to the Romulans. StarFleet is looking for traitors. I planted incriminating evidence for them to find.”
Caligula studied Vasha and Evangeline. “Go on.”
Perry smiled, relaxing. “We take them to your base, extract what we need, then leave their bodies somewhere easy to find. You have not only quantum torpedoes to study, but the entire Delphi Protocol. Complete command of all Starfleet vessels, once it is installed and activated.”
Caligula flicked a glance at Turner and me. I dropped my gaze to the floor.
“Lock them in the brig. Set these two to scrubbing floors.” Caligula snapped his fingers at his guards. “And push Commander Perry out the airlock with nothing more than an hour of air.”
“Caligula! Is this how you honor your deals?” Perry rose to her feet.
“You betrayed my position to the Voyager. You wear an emergency locater. Let Captain Herring rescue you, if he so chooses. I will not tolerate even a hint of disloyalty from my people.”
“You can’t do this, Jon!”
“Watch me.” He flicked his hand to the door.
His guards dragged the screaming, swearing Perry from the room.
“Lieutenant Harken.” Caligula turned his attention to the petite brunette. “Do you perhaps have anything to say?”
She pulled the comm badge from her uniform. “What duties do you have for me?”
Caligula smiled, cold and calculating. “Very wise choice. You may assist the Quartermaster and her assistant. I wish the floors of this ship to shine.”
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Adrian Stevens. Chapter 4.
This story is just for fun. Any resemblance to the staff at the space center is intentional. Any resemblance to a real space center mission is your imagination.
Aleta Clegg
Personal Log 2: Adrian Stevens, Entry 4
I sprawled in a medical bunk, watching Vasha mutter over the captain’s handbook. Turner snored in the bunk below me. Commander Perry worked at the Operations station doing something with the power systems. She occasionally talked with Lieutenant Harken over the speakers. I had yet to meet or hear Computer Specialist Evangeline. I toyed with the idea she was imaginary and Vasha was just insane. It really didn’t matter. I was in deep trouble if the Admiral ever found out I’d helped steal the Odyssey.
“Arrival at destination in approximately one minute, three point seven four seconds,” the computer announced.
Turner’s snores choked off.
Vasha frowned. “Destination? We should have another six hours to Delta Base.”
Perry smiled. “We aren’t going to Delta Base. We’re meeting up with Caligula, Del Brugado’s second, at the Federation Border.” She lifted a phaser over the console. “I want all three of you on the floor, by the main hatch. Now.”
I slid from the bunk, nudging Turner on the way.
Perry jabbed the phaser into my middle. “Watch it, Adrian. I know your reputation. I’m watching you.”
The hatch opened. Lieutenant Harken pushed a blond woman through. “The ship is secure.”
“Very good, Harken. We’re due to arrive any second now. Keep them covered while I fly us in.” Perry stepped over Vasha to reach the pilot’s controls.
“Delphi! Activate!” Vasha shouted.
“Unable to comply. Delphi Protocol is listed as a dangerous virus and has been quarantined by this computer.”
Evangeline, the blond woman, squirmed. “Sorry. It was messing with my system. Lieutenant Harken said it was a virus planted by them Marauders.”
“Quiet, you!” Harken kicked Evangeline. She aimed her phaser at Vasha’s head. “If we didn’t need the knowledge in your head, I’d shoot you now. This phaser is not set to stun.”
I wriggled backwards.
Harken waved the phaser my direction. “Em, do we have anything to tie them with?”
“Use the sheets.” Perry shifted to impulse speeds, then slowed further.
Harken nudged Turner, the one she judged least dangerous. “You, cook, rip the sheets in strips and tie them up.”
“Weak-spined traitor!” Vasha spat as Turner pulled a sheet from a medical bunk.
An alarm hooted. The computer spoke, “Warning. Power systems are out of balance. Dilithium stress levels are rising. Recommend adjusting at Operations station.”
Perry swore. She pulled a phaser from under her uniform. “Deal with it, Harken.” She took out her frustrations by kicking us while Turner tied our wrists to the desk supports. “Tie them tighter, imbecile.”
The sensors station beeped. “New contact on sensors.”
“Scan for identification, Harken.”
“I’m busy trying to adjust the power. You scan.”
Commander Perry swore and kicked Evangeline. “Get over by the hatch. Now.”
“But we’re tied to the desk.” I couldn’t stop myself.
She kicked me. “You, idiot cook, tell me what ship just arrived.”
The lights flicked red. The alarm shrieked. “Warning! Detecting marauder vessel approaching. Weapons are armed. Marauder vessel is scanning for target lock on this vessel.”
“If you move, I will kill you!” Perry glared, twitching the phaser our direction. “And you, imbecile, tie yourself up.” She climbed over the captain’s chair to the communications station.
The lights flickered, plunging the ship into gloomy twilight.
“What now?” Perry demanded.
“The crystal is cracked. Power levels are dropping.” Harken set her phaser to one side of the desk while she worked the controls.
“Now hailing on General Use Frequencies. Broadcasting equipment malfunction codes.”
Perry used even more colorful terms.
“Power systems shutting down. Securing to shutdown mode.”
The stations blacked out, followed by the lights.
I yanked at the strips of sheet tying me to the desk support post. The knots wouldn’t come loose.
“Tractor beam has been attached to this vessel. Preparing to dock.”
“What do we do now?” Harken asked.
“Wait, and hope Caligula doesn’t kill us all out of hand.” Perry slumped in the captain’s chair. She raised her phaser. “Have a nice nap.”
I’d found the traitors on the Voyager. It did me little good. The beam swept over me, knocking me unconscious.
Aleta Clegg
Personal Log 2: Adrian Stevens, Entry 4
I sprawled in a medical bunk, watching Vasha mutter over the captain’s handbook. Turner snored in the bunk below me. Commander Perry worked at the Operations station doing something with the power systems. She occasionally talked with Lieutenant Harken over the speakers. I had yet to meet or hear Computer Specialist Evangeline. I toyed with the idea she was imaginary and Vasha was just insane. It really didn’t matter. I was in deep trouble if the Admiral ever found out I’d helped steal the Odyssey.
“Arrival at destination in approximately one minute, three point seven four seconds,” the computer announced.
Turner’s snores choked off.
Vasha frowned. “Destination? We should have another six hours to Delta Base.”
Perry smiled. “We aren’t going to Delta Base. We’re meeting up with Caligula, Del Brugado’s second, at the Federation Border.” She lifted a phaser over the console. “I want all three of you on the floor, by the main hatch. Now.”
I slid from the bunk, nudging Turner on the way.
Perry jabbed the phaser into my middle. “Watch it, Adrian. I know your reputation. I’m watching you.”
The hatch opened. Lieutenant Harken pushed a blond woman through. “The ship is secure.”
“Very good, Harken. We’re due to arrive any second now. Keep them covered while I fly us in.” Perry stepped over Vasha to reach the pilot’s controls.
“Delphi! Activate!” Vasha shouted.
“Unable to comply. Delphi Protocol is listed as a dangerous virus and has been quarantined by this computer.”
Evangeline, the blond woman, squirmed. “Sorry. It was messing with my system. Lieutenant Harken said it was a virus planted by them Marauders.”
“Quiet, you!” Harken kicked Evangeline. She aimed her phaser at Vasha’s head. “If we didn’t need the knowledge in your head, I’d shoot you now. This phaser is not set to stun.”
I wriggled backwards.
Harken waved the phaser my direction. “Em, do we have anything to tie them with?”
“Use the sheets.” Perry shifted to impulse speeds, then slowed further.
Harken nudged Turner, the one she judged least dangerous. “You, cook, rip the sheets in strips and tie them up.”
“Weak-spined traitor!” Vasha spat as Turner pulled a sheet from a medical bunk.
An alarm hooted. The computer spoke, “Warning. Power systems are out of balance. Dilithium stress levels are rising. Recommend adjusting at Operations station.”
Perry swore. She pulled a phaser from under her uniform. “Deal with it, Harken.” She took out her frustrations by kicking us while Turner tied our wrists to the desk supports. “Tie them tighter, imbecile.”
The sensors station beeped. “New contact on sensors.”
“Scan for identification, Harken.”
“I’m busy trying to adjust the power. You scan.”
Commander Perry swore and kicked Evangeline. “Get over by the hatch. Now.”
“But we’re tied to the desk.” I couldn’t stop myself.
She kicked me. “You, idiot cook, tell me what ship just arrived.”
The lights flicked red. The alarm shrieked. “Warning! Detecting marauder vessel approaching. Weapons are armed. Marauder vessel is scanning for target lock on this vessel.”
“If you move, I will kill you!” Perry glared, twitching the phaser our direction. “And you, imbecile, tie yourself up.” She climbed over the captain’s chair to the communications station.
The lights flickered, plunging the ship into gloomy twilight.
“What now?” Perry demanded.
“The crystal is cracked. Power levels are dropping.” Harken set her phaser to one side of the desk while she worked the controls.
“Now hailing on General Use Frequencies. Broadcasting equipment malfunction codes.”
Perry used even more colorful terms.
“Power systems shutting down. Securing to shutdown mode.”
The stations blacked out, followed by the lights.
I yanked at the strips of sheet tying me to the desk support post. The knots wouldn’t come loose.
“Tractor beam has been attached to this vessel. Preparing to dock.”
“What do we do now?” Harken asked.
“Wait, and hope Caligula doesn’t kill us all out of hand.” Perry slumped in the captain’s chair. She raised her phaser. “Have a nice nap.”
I’d found the traitors on the Voyager. It did me little good. The beam swept over me, knocking me unconscious.
Monday, June 28, 2010
It's All Quiet on the Western Front.
Hello Troops,
Its 11:37 P.M.
All Quiet on the Western Front.
We are on the first day of the Space Center's very first Ultimate Camp. Twenty five of the 44 campers here tonight are on the Ultimate Camp.
Last February, as I contemplated this summer camp season, I created the Ultimate Camp by joining an EdVenture Camp to a regular one night Overnight Camp. Campers could sign up for just the EdVenture Camp, or the Overnight Camp or Both - thus, the EdVenture Camp.
Our Ultimate Campers will compete this EdVenture Camp on Wednesday at 3:00 P.M. At 3:30 P.M. they will get an additional three hour mission, then supper. After supper they sign into Overnight Camp four and join twenty new campers coming for just for the OV camp. I thought the concept was brilliant, if you don't mind me tooting my own horn. We have a four day, three night camp without all the work of designing a completely new camp.
Will it be successful? Ask me Thursday morning at 10:00 A.M.
This is our fourth EdVenture Camp. We are on the downhill slope toward the end of the summer season. As a staff we are praying for a peaceful camp. Last week's EdVenture Camp had its moments. We had several severe ADD campers and one young man that loved to roam the sleeping areas in the night. At first I thought it was sleep walking but now I'm not so sure. I don't think it was anything sinister - the kid was barely 10 years old. I think he was exploring. I'd get him settled then as soon as I went to bed he'd be up again. Finally four of the boys came to get me. They said he was pretending to be Golum from Lord of the Rings and was scaring them. I finally had to put him closer to me and the other staff.
I didn't get much sleep during that camp. He would lay there watching me to see if I'd drift off. If I pretended to go to sleep he'd slowly get up, testing the waters so to speak. I'd then open my eyes. He'd see me and lay back down. It was cat and mouse for several hours. He finally went to sleep.
It's all OK. It is what we do. We run a children's camp and we all know that children say and do the Darnest things.
It's 11:51 P.M. I'm hearing creaking in the loft. The boys are settling down and hopefully falling asleep. Jon and Todd are on the bridge. The younger male staff are asleep in the Odyssey. The girls are at the other end of the school with Mrs. Houston and the other female staff. Our high school boys are sleeping in Discovery. Kyle, our maintenance man, is working on the Galileo in the Cafeteria. It's difficult for him to work on the Galileo during the day. The ship is far too busy. Instead he's shifted his working hours to work during the night while everyone else sleeps. He was under the ship drilling something when I left him twenty or so minutes ago.
There's more creaking in the loft. That is the only sound I hear that tells me others are in the building. The sound of air moving through the air ducts is the underlying melody to the still one rarely finds at our Space Education Center.
We have a good staff. They are real troopers, each going the extra mile to ensure our campers have a good experience at the Center. I'm hoping they all sleep well. This will be one of our longest weeks of work yet.
I'm tired now. Midnight lies two minutes away. At the stroke of twelve the Space Center ghosts and goblins come out to play. I hope to be snugly tucked into bed before the last chime with my blanket pulled tightly over my head. Perhaps luck will take pity on his poor traveling companion and inspire our spirits to search for mischief elsewhere.
Good Night Troops,
Mr. Williamson
Its 11:37 P.M.
All Quiet on the Western Front.
We are on the first day of the Space Center's very first Ultimate Camp. Twenty five of the 44 campers here tonight are on the Ultimate Camp.
Last February, as I contemplated this summer camp season, I created the Ultimate Camp by joining an EdVenture Camp to a regular one night Overnight Camp. Campers could sign up for just the EdVenture Camp, or the Overnight Camp or Both - thus, the EdVenture Camp.
Our Ultimate Campers will compete this EdVenture Camp on Wednesday at 3:00 P.M. At 3:30 P.M. they will get an additional three hour mission, then supper. After supper they sign into Overnight Camp four and join twenty new campers coming for just for the OV camp. I thought the concept was brilliant, if you don't mind me tooting my own horn. We have a four day, three night camp without all the work of designing a completely new camp.
Will it be successful? Ask me Thursday morning at 10:00 A.M.
This is our fourth EdVenture Camp. We are on the downhill slope toward the end of the summer season. As a staff we are praying for a peaceful camp. Last week's EdVenture Camp had its moments. We had several severe ADD campers and one young man that loved to roam the sleeping areas in the night. At first I thought it was sleep walking but now I'm not so sure. I don't think it was anything sinister - the kid was barely 10 years old. I think he was exploring. I'd get him settled then as soon as I went to bed he'd be up again. Finally four of the boys came to get me. They said he was pretending to be Golum from Lord of the Rings and was scaring them. I finally had to put him closer to me and the other staff.
I didn't get much sleep during that camp. He would lay there watching me to see if I'd drift off. If I pretended to go to sleep he'd slowly get up, testing the waters so to speak. I'd then open my eyes. He'd see me and lay back down. It was cat and mouse for several hours. He finally went to sleep.
It's all OK. It is what we do. We run a children's camp and we all know that children say and do the Darnest things.
It's 11:51 P.M. I'm hearing creaking in the loft. The boys are settling down and hopefully falling asleep. Jon and Todd are on the bridge. The younger male staff are asleep in the Odyssey. The girls are at the other end of the school with Mrs. Houston and the other female staff. Our high school boys are sleeping in Discovery. Kyle, our maintenance man, is working on the Galileo in the Cafeteria. It's difficult for him to work on the Galileo during the day. The ship is far too busy. Instead he's shifted his working hours to work during the night while everyone else sleeps. He was under the ship drilling something when I left him twenty or so minutes ago.
There's more creaking in the loft. That is the only sound I hear that tells me others are in the building. The sound of air moving through the air ducts is the underlying melody to the still one rarely finds at our Space Education Center.
We have a good staff. They are real troopers, each going the extra mile to ensure our campers have a good experience at the Center. I'm hoping they all sleep well. This will be one of our longest weeks of work yet.
I'm tired now. Midnight lies two minutes away. At the stroke of twelve the Space Center ghosts and goblins come out to play. I hope to be snugly tucked into bed before the last chime with my blanket pulled tightly over my head. Perhaps luck will take pity on his poor traveling companion and inspire our spirits to search for mischief elsewhere.
Good Night Troops,
Mr. Williamson
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