Marine Detachment Commander's Office - Deck 3

Chris looked over at Capt Little now that they both finished reading through the Chief Engineer’s report as well as the Holodeck Interphase Manual and understood where they went wrong. They knew for sure that was an error that wouldn’t be made again. It was now time to get the Captain back up on the Bridge, so MCpt Lopez did so carefully as to cause no further injury to Capt Little’s arm on the way to the Turbolift.

MCpt Lopez: Let’s get you up on the Bridge, Captain. That’s where you’ll be most needed, Sir.

Together they exited the Marine Detachment Commander’s Office and made their way to the lift which was only a short distance down the corridor. Once they entered, Chris informed the Turbolift to take them to the Bridge. In a matter of seconds, the two of them arrived then exited the lift and entered the Command Deck. MCpt Lopez escorted Capt Little to his chair which was just to the right of where the XO, Cmdr Cypher was seated. Chris then made the announcement for all on the Bridge to hear.

MCpt Lopez: Captain on the Bridge!

The Marine Captain stood a short distance away from the Captain as he surveyed the immediate area. Chris could see on the faces of all the officers on the Bridge that they were pleased to see Capt Little in his chair. MCpt Lopez was sure the fatigue the Captain was feeling would soon pass now that he was in his seat on the Bridge. That is…if the pain in the Captain’s arm wasn’t too serious and Dr. Tudismaque wasn’t summoned here to send Capt Little to his Quarters for some sleep.
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Marine Captain Christopher D. Lopez
Marine Detachment Commander, USS Infiniti

Bridge - Deck 1

The XO was quite pleased to see Capt Little arrive on the Bridge and take his seat. Thom knew the Captain’s presence on the Command Deck would be sure to add a positive influence over the crew. Being a fellow Chief Engineer, Cmdr Cypher thought of Capt Little as a friend as well, so seeing him sitting in the CO’s chair was quite a welcomed sight.

Cmdr Cypher: It’s good to see you on the Bridge, Captain. All has been going well here in your absence. We’re just under 6 hours from Sector Omicron, Cloaking Device is operating well within its specified parameters, there’s nothing on the Sensors worth reporting, and all of this ship’s systems are functioning perfectly. I know I speak for everyone on the Bridge that we’re very happy to see you here, Sir.

The Commander looked over Capt Little for any signs of difficulty he may be having with the pain in his arm possibly causing premature fatigue. If any did show up he knew a monitor the Captain was wearing on his neck would inform Dr. Tudismaque and the Doctor would be moseying his way up here to relieve Capt Little and send him to his Quarters to sleep off the distance they still had before they reached their destination.
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Commander Thomas R. Cypher
Chief Engineering Officer, USS Whitestar

The Captain straightened his Black Uniform top, and smiled as he sat in the Command Chair as the Executive Officer stood and complimented him on behalf of the crew.

Capt Little: Thank you, Number One... Go ahead and re-modulate the field on the Cloaking Device, just in case anyone got a blip. Can never be too careful apparently...

Lewis looked down at his arm, now smirking slightly from his seat.

Capt Little: Did the Chief say if we had any... Extra POWER for the Engines?

Not that this ship couldn't handle it, but he now doubted, after the Holodeck incident, that the relay systems no longer worked in the standard format.
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Mr. McCloud

Before Thom returned to the XO’s seat, he called out to LtCmdr Graham to re-modulate the Cloaking Device so that no one would be able detect them, even in the highly unlikely event that they had detected a sensor ghost moving at an incredible speed towards Sector Omicron.

Cmdr Cypher: Peter, re-modulate the Cloaking Device as per the Captain’s order. He wants to make sure we remain undetectable to anyone that may be monitoring the traffic in our area.

The XO took his seat and then turned towards Capt Little…

Cmdr Cypher: I haven’t heard anything from Petty Officer Florenté regarding a surplus of power for the engines, Captain. From what I understand, we’re moving at maximum velocity with all power allocated to the engines already. I don’t think it would be wise to break the ship over impatience in getting to our destination. Just relax and let the time pass gracefully, Sir.

The Commander understood why Capt Little was in such a hurry to get a move onto their mission in the Alternate Universe. The sooner they collected the data, the quicker they could return home and back to their assigned Starships where they could resume their positions as Chief Engineers. The one person they hadn’t heard from in quite a while was the Professor, Lloyd Brewer. Thom wondered if Prof Brewer was resting in his cabin and thought about paying him a visit if the Captain could handle himself alone on the Bridge for a while.

Cmdr Cypher: I wonder what the Professor is doing? If you have the Bridge, Captain, I’d like to go check on him. According to the personnel database he turned 90 today.

Thom waited on LtCmdr Graham to follow his orders and for a reply from Capt Little before he would leave the Bridge and proceed to the VIP Cabin here on Deck 1 and check on the Professor. The XO really admired the Professor and the amount of knowledge he had regarding all interstellar phenomena. Prof Brewer’s knowledge was invaluable to the mission and their return home safely should something go wrong.
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Commander Thomas R. Cypher
Chief Engineering Officer, USS Whitestar

Peter did as the XO ordered and re-modulated the Cloaking Device, even though it was already set to do it automatically as a way to avoid Event Horizon from being detected by anyone monitoring their course to Sector Omicron. The Chief Sec/Tac Officer figured the Captain may not have known how advanced the Cloaking Device was when he ordered the re-modulation. That being the case, Peter would mention it to them so they would know not to bother with a frivolous order again.

Lt. Commander Graham: Aye, Sir. Re-modulating the Cloaking Device now, even though it’s set to do so automatically every few seconds to keep anybody from doing what you’re suspecting. I read all the specs on my station the night before we boarded. I’m quite proficient at the Tactical Station of this vessel, just like I am aboard Oriskany.

The Lieutenant Commander monitored his station, especially the Cloaking Device, to make sure it was properly modulating the frequency of the device. It made Peter proud to be operating such an efficient station. Even Event Horizon’s Shields rotated its frequency modulation automatically, making it near impossible for an adversary to hack into the system and get the numbers necessary to fire their weapons through the Shields. LtCmdr Graham nodded with pride as he marveled at his station on the Bridge.
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Lt. Commander Peter Graham
Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Oriskany

Chris observed Capt Little and could see that he was suffering from fatigue from his injuries and the surgery he had to undergo in Sickbay under the care of Dr. Tudismaque. The Marine Captain also noticed that Cmdr Cypher was waiting on a response from the Captain regarding him going to see Prof Brewer to wish him a happy birthday. Not to mention LtCmdr Graham responded by re-modulating the Cloaking Device and nobody acknowledged that either. Chris decided to speak up on Capt Little’s behalf and inquire if he could escort the Captain to his Quarters so he could rest.

MCpt Lopez: Commander, the Captain still seems to be suffering from fatigue from all he went through. Perhaps I should escort him to his Cabin on Deck 2? I’ll stay with him till he recovers, that way he’s not alone.

While waiting to hear from Cmdr Cypher, Chris could see the looks of concern for Capt Little on the faces of all the Bridge officers. The Marine Captain moved closer towards the Captain so he could assist in getting him up from his chair, should the XO approve of his suggestion to move Capt Little to his Quarters. Chris planned on staying with the Captain until he was fit and ready to resume his duties on the Bridge, that way Capt Little wouldn’t be alone should he wake up dazed and confused wondering where he was and how he got there.
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Marine Captain Christopher D. Lopez
Marine Detachment Commander, USS Infiniti

The XO was hoping to get an answer from Capt Little, but it was apparent that it was just not meant to be. Thom nodded to MCpt Lopez, giving him the permission he needed to escort the Captain to his Quarters on Deck 2. The Commander hoped it wouldn’t be long before Capt Little was feeling better and would return to the Bridge to take command of the mission. As for now, Thom was in command.

Cmdr Cypher: I agree, the Captain does look to be suffering from fatigue. Go ahead and escort him to his Quarters and stay with him if you wish. I’m sure Captain Little would appreciate it, Chris. Thank you.

Thom then turned towards the Sec/Tac Station to address LtCmdr Graham on his carrying out of the Captain’s order to re-modulate the Cloaking Device.

Cmdr Cypher: Thank you, Peter. You’re doing a great job at your Station, keep up the good work!

The Commander then thought about wishing the Professor a happy birthday, so he decided that perhaps he should call Prof Brewer to the Bridge. There may be others who may also want to give their birthday wishes to their most honored VIP aboard Event Horizon. Thom tapped his Combadge and called out to the Professor.

Cmdr Cypher: Commander Cypher to Professor Brewer, please come to the Bridge at your earliest convenience. Thank you. Cypher out.

The XO watched as MCpt Lopez helped Capt Little to his feet and lead him off the Bridge. The Captain looked as if he was sleep walking, from the level of fatigue he’d been experiencing. Thom considered Capt Little to be a friend and would do his best to continue the mission for as long as the Captain needed his rest. The Commander sat back in the XO’s chair and waited on Prof Brewer to arrive on the Bridge. Thom hoped the Professor wouldn’t mind the attention about to be given to him as a way to celebrate his birthday.
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Commander Thomas R. Cypher
Chief Engineering Officer, USS Whitestar

The Marine Captain escorted Capt Little off the Bridge and into the Turbolift and took it down one level to Deck 2. They exited together and made a left down the corridor and then a right, walking the short distance to the Captain’s Cabin. MCpt Lopez helped the Captain into his Quarters and over to his bed. Sitting Capt Little down on the bed, Chris removed the Captain’s shoes and then laid the CO down.

MCpt Lopez: I’ll be over in the sitting area of your cabin while you rest, Captain. If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to ask me. I’ll be right here for you till you’re feeling better, Sir.

Going into the sitting area of the Captain’s Cabin, Chris realized he hadn’t had the opportunity to let the rest of the Marines know that it wasn’t their lack of skills or preparedness that allowed the Captain to get seriously injured on the Holodeck. The Marine Captain tapped his Combadge to inform 1Lt. Parra of the situation.

MCpt Lopez: Lopez to Lieutenant Parra. Tony, I’m with Captain Little in his cabin right now. He’s taken a downward turn and needs some rest, so Commander Cypher is in command for the time being. The Captain and I went over the data of the Holodeck program and it seems he was unaware of the artificial intelligence aspects of the Holodeck’s computer. It’s not the fault of any of our Marines for his injuries. It was simply an oversight of both the Captain and me when we started the program and modified it. Be sure to pass that on to the Detachment, Lieutenant. I’d do it myself, but I’m keeping an eye on Captain Little until he recovers. Lopez out.

The Marine Detachment Commander relaxed in one of the comfortable sofas in the sitting area of the cabin and watched the stars streak by as they traveled at a truly ludicrous speed towards Sector Omicron. It was still hours away, so Chris hoped the Captain would be rested up well enough to take command back from Cmdr Cypher and resume the mission to the Alternate Universe.
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Marine Captain Christopher D. Lopez
Marine Detachment Commander, USS Infiniti

VIP Cabin - Deck 1

Following Cmdr Cypher's call for him to report to the Bridge, Prof Brewer made plans to go there as soon as possible. Barring any impediments along the way from the VIP Cabin to the Bridge, Prof Brewer reported to the XO on the Bridge in a matter of moments.

Prof Brewer: I’m here as requested, Commander. How can I help you?

Lloyd was looking forward to seeing his friends and associates once again while on the Bridge. The Professor was just unsure why Cmdr Cypher summoned him to there, since it appeared they were still moving at maximum velocity and not at the coordinates inside Sector Omicron they were heading for.
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Professor Lloyd F. Brewer

Bridge - Deck 1

Thom smiled at the sight of Prof Brewer entering the Bridge. The XO was pleased the Professor came so quickly from his cabin. Cmdr Cypher rose from his chair and extended his hand to shake Prof Brewer’s in a congratulatory fashion.

Cmdr Cypher: Well, Professor. I called you to the Bridge to congratulate you on your ninetieth birthday, I know I’m not alone here wanting to wish you the very best on this day.

The Commander looked around the Bridge at the other officers at their stations and gave them a nod letting them know they could make their wishes known to the Professor. Thom knew Jayden had a close relationship with Prof Brewer from the time they spent together on Infiniti and in the Specialized Science Laboratories on SB34. The XO knew Lt. JG DeGrazzio would most likely speak up first among the Bridge personnel.
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Commander Thomas R. Cypher
Chief Engineering Officer, USS Whitestar