Page 15

Stardate: 201003.26

An uneasy silence has fallen over the areas surrounding the Territories of Terran Empire and Terran Empire MACOs. We have heard word of a growing movement to go after one of the galaxy's most notorious Priates, Outlaw F. The Alpha Tau Colonies are in no condition to assist with this effort. Our fleet suffered some serious damage and some losses in the successful attempt to remove the rouge Borg Queen from our doorstep. We are rebuilding and I have taken the liberty to make a promised visit to the worlds of Admiral Mudd. - End Log.

Captain Burgundy Jenssen Warrior Bard

Reposted from Admiral Mudd's Channel 288 - Priate's Cove Casino
Personal Logs of Captain Burgundy Jenssen Warrior Bard
Stardate:201003.29


Admiral H. F. Mudd =Cmdr FCR fleet ops= and Captain Burgundy Jenssen Warrior Bard wrote these RP events in a series of IGM and Mudd posted them to his sites under full approval from Jenssen. We had a blast doing this off line until it was ready to go to print! Thanks Harry! I hope you don't mind me posting a mirror image here for all posterity...all the following RP's in Vic's Lounge and on Mudd's Casino are of the same event.

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Captain Jenssen and her entourage gather at the turbolift shaft, noting several armed guards standing, sitting, and otherwise watching the corridors of Baker Ring. It is obvious that they haven't seen much action in the time since the station was commissioned, some try to look busy for their prestigious visitors, others just give a small knowing nod as the visitors pass. A couple seem excessively nervous, awed by the reputation of Jenssen and her friends.

The turbolift doors open, and Sara Goodman, a fairly short, athletic blonde with a bobbcut hair design, greets them properly while three FCR officers in customs uniforms head toward the docked vessels. " Captain Jenssen! Thank you for visiting with us here at Madronis. We'll take good care of your ship, never fear. If you'll come with me, Our Lord Mudd's Flaxian, the Flying Cloud, is ready to bring you to Gamma Trak. Lord Mudd sent his apologies, but things have gotten pretty hectic here lately, and he needs to be at his nerve center in Lost Wages."

Jenssen smiles at the young officer Ms. Goodman, "Thank you very much for extending this courtesy to us. Let me introduce you to my first officer and science officer, T’Laurn of Vulcan, and my personal guard, Gorp from the Nausicaan nation. This is Captain Rhoades of the Secretariat."

Captain Ronda Rhoades makes a quick bow to Ms Goodman, her soft brown hair bobbing and her almost-amber eyes boring right through Ms Goodman. It’s obvious this Captain is as wiley and cunning as her Colony Leader, madam Jenssen.

Jenssen continues, "And Captain Rhoades' first officer, Kadr’Lynx. Lynx for short." The Trill, with his intricate spotting and grizzled gray hair, takes Ms Goodman’s hand in both of his, shaking it warmly.

"Please lead the way." Jenssen indicates to Ms Goodman as the fine officer leads them on to the Docking port.

The group enters the turbolift, and it rises to Alpha Ring. They pass another guard on the way to docking port 1, where they enter into a luxuriously appointed Flaxian. A comm screen displays Harry Mudd, working hard at his desk and apparently oblivious to the signal being transmitted. He then looks up and sees the newcomers. "Ah! Captain Jenssen! And friends. Welcome." The docking port closes, and Sarah goes forward to the pilot's position. The docking clamps unlatch, and their stomachs tell them that they have begun the short journey to Gamma Trak.

"My Dear Admiral Mudd, it is most agreeable to see you as well." Jenssen smiles from the co-pilot seat on the lovely craft, "And a lovely craft and fine officer you have here."

Mudd smiles and nodds in appreciation,"Thank you. You said you were looking forward to an adventure. We may have more adventure than we want soon enough. Awhile back, I built and christened the Golden Hind, a Nausicaan which I used to collect valuables from an - acquaintance - who owed me for services rendered. Irritating, but I got SOMETHING back for my trouble. Anyway, I recently built my first Grodt, the Whyddah. She's on detached duty, which means she's meant to raid inactive colonists. Yeah, the squeaky clean Harry Mudd, polished by Norman into a model citizen, is starting to think in the old ways again. But that's beside the point I wanted to make. I've been invited to participate in some public service work, so I've sent them with some backup on a fairly long journey. I just hope they get there in time to be of service. The thing that's making it interesting is that we have also received reports that Nadis has attacked FCR members to the north. Makes me glad most of my fleet will remain at home. We are currently on high alert because of this sort of traffic in the area. Believe me, nobody without an NAP will get close to you here. I've also ordered Madronis One to defend Secretariat and Whirlaway from attack. Not sure if that order will extend to all ships in the sector or not. But the station is armed quite well as is. Well, it was, and it will be soon. lol. I just sent a bunch of plasmas and polarons toward what you might call 'a good cause'."

Jenssen laughs, "Well it does seem as if the galaxy has become a little bit of a rough place lately. We’ve had our own share of it as well. Seems there are many in the Galaxy who are looking for a bit of the action when it comes to taking on certain elements out there. Still, it is good that places like your Pirate’s Cove, Vic’s Lounge, JJ’s bar the ‘Targ’s Head’ and the other fine establishements out here are still going strong. They continue to be respite for those in need of a little less dramatic forms of adventure."

"Anyway, I can usually expect Treska or JJ to show up unannounced, and Ben and Roark have been known to show up from time to time. The Pirate's Cove is a casino, and a big one. As big as any you'd find on the Las Vegas Strip on old earth. In fact, it's located in a local city modeled after that one, called Lost Wages, GT. At the northern end of Lost Wages is the Blood and Sand Arena, which was intended for live battles between feuding colonists, but after the first couple of bouts it was clear that there was a real need for better control over proceedings. The first attempt brought the Tal Shiar down on us, and the second destroyed the roof of the arena. The place was nearly destroyed during the Gunships and Dragons contest awhile back, but it's been cleaned up and repaired since then. I think it'll stay closed until I can get a decent manager."

Jenssen nods again,"Ah yes, Treska, JJ, Roak, all very good friends as well. It would be a pleasure to see them if they should turn up at one of the blackjack tables. I think I’ll leave the more physical sporting contests to Gorp this time."

Gorp smiles a toothy, multiple mandible, grin at his mention and his black dredlocks bob as he chuckles at the thought. "I’ll promise to behave!" He shouts in a deep voice.

Mudd grins mischieviously. "Burgandy, any chance I can hire your friend Gorp here to run the Blood and Sand? He just might be what the doctor ordered." But before Jenssen could reply, Harry continued. "Anyway, To the west of the Strip are the holosuites, the biggest and most famous being Vics Place. It runs 24 hrs a day regardless of whether anyone is there or not, but there's usually at least a few people around. Vic is a special case. A sentient hologram with basic lifeform rights. Don't patronize him. He'll know it if you do, and he can give as good as he gets, if you know what I mean. He was written to give alien races a better insight into human culture and thought processes. But I've found him to be a good and wise friend as well." Mudd continues as the tiny ship makes it way to the docking port on Gamma Trak.

Jenssen smiles back, "Oh believe me Admiral Mudd, I would not patronize a fine Sentient Hologram any more then I would a corporeal being. I am quite looking forward to meeting this famous Vic as I have heard a lot about him and think it would be quite a grand time to sing a duet with him or yourself."

Mudd grins at the notion of singing with Jenssen. "The casino itself includes several fine dining restaurants as well as a number of fast food joints. We have virtual reality games, dabo poker and roulette tables, as well as other games going on 24 hrs a day. Also tracks for roller skating, roller blading, skateboarding, cycling, paintball, and phasertag games. We also have multipurpose display centers for local talent, from music to visual arts, to demonstrations of dance and defense. Virtually any activity can and has been showcased here at one time or another."

"My you have surely out done yourself. I am quite eager for this tour you have promised me." Jenssen leans back in the luxurious chair of the small ship, to soak in the possibilities.

There's a change in the sound of the engines, and Sarah reappears at the pilot's entrance. "We're here. If you'll step over to the transporter station, I can send you down 3 at a time."

Moments later the group finds themselves standing in a large office with a desk at one end, a planning table in the middle, and various works of art on the walls and in cubbies and niches all around them. Occasional wood panels and curtains in several shades of green give the place a nice, naturalistic feel. Harry stands up from his desk.

"Lady Jenssen! Welcome! How good to see you! Come! Let me show you around." Admiral Mudd beams as he straightens his tunic and brushes his shoulder adornments straight. Quick introductions are exchanged with Jenssen's staff.

"I and my staff would be delighted to join you on a tour." Jenssen replies, taking Mudd’s gentlemanly offered arm in her own.

Gorp, T’Laurn, Rhoades and Lynx follow descreetly behind the two colony leaders observing the atmosphere with an experienced eye. It is apparent they can all appreciate this work and quality of the craftsmanship that went into the building of Mudd’s lovely world.

Mudd leads the troupe through a pair of double doors to a large landing, leading from the upper level shops, of which Mudd's office appears to be just one more, to a wide, curving staircase. They walk down the flight unnoticed among the couples and groups, noting the many planters, stages, and kiosks scattered around, breaking up the central mall into pleasant lingering spaces with benches, playgrounds, and entertaining troubadours scattered throughout.

Jenssen breaths in the sweet fragrances and the incredible sights of the complex and feels relaxed in this little oasis in the middle of a turbulent galaxy for just a moment, trying to forget the likely battles that rage across the various sectors.

"So what would you like to do first? Some fine dining? Gambling? Or shall we just go straight to Vic's?"

Jenssen smiles and winks at him, "You pick. I wouldn’t know where to start."

Reposted from Admiral Mudd's Channel 288 - Priate's Cove Casino
Personal Logs of Captain Burgundy Jenssen Warrior Bard
Stardate:201003.29

The atmosphere in Vic's Lounge was festive and lively as Mudd, Jenssen, and her crew entered the tastefully lit seating area. A small black-draped but lightly starlit stage stood at the side of the bar. An ancient old grand piano sat to the left of the stage. Jenssen and Mudd picked a small table up close to the band where Vic was conducting an old jazz blue rhythm that fit the warm and private atmosphere.

Harry Mudd smiled broadly, simply beaming with pride and joy. He had finally realized his fondest dream as he walked into Vic's place, arm in arm with no less a luminary than Captain Burgundy Jenssen. They were trailed, of course, by Jenssen's friends and shipmates, T’Laurn, Lynx, Gorp and Rhoades, who took a table a discreet distance from their Captain and their host.

Vic signaled the band to start a song that Harry had requested before he entered the place. As the song began, Harry took Jennsen's hands and began to sing to her. Rhodes feigned gagging on the cloyingly sweet music while T'Laurn and Lynx looked on with unreadable expressions. The song went a little like this:

"Miss Independence" by Ne-Yo
http://www.myxer.com/video:635149/

T’Laurn raised an eyebrow at Mudd's singing, while Lynx, with a deadpan expression, leaned over to the bartender and asked him a sober question to which the barkeep laughed loudly over the crowd.

Captain Jenssen responded with a stifled snort and smile, attempting to control the appreciative laughter bubbling up from within. Harry realized that he may have made a mistake in his choice of music, but hoped that he hasn't totally destroyed his chance to develop a serious relationship with the Lady that has taken...something... from him, which he has had a difficult time describing, even to himself.

"Why Admiral Mudd, that's truly a wonderful, and I must admit, fitting tribute to me. Your vocals I have to say, are impressive." Jenssen smiled up at him, but her eyes took on a little bit of a sad and distant look to them. "I really do not wish to disappoint you, but perhaps you might come and sit with me for a while. You see, I must be honest with you Admiral Mudd...it’s been a very long time since I have even considered...well a serious relationship even with a someone as gracious and generous as you are to me." Jenssen nodded to herself more then to him, "Yes a long time..."

Harry pondered her response. It wasn't exactly what he had expected. The song may have been a bit much. But how else to get past that armor of hers? He ponders his next move as he signals for a pair of strawberry daiquiris.

"Your drinks, mi-lord, my lady." Anabelle quickly placed the drinks down as a little bit of a disturbance in the crowd broke the uneasy silence between the two colony leaders

Reposted from Admiral Mudd's Channel 388 - Pirate's Cove Casino
Personal Logs of Captain Burgundy Jenssen Warrior Bard
Stardate:201003.29 -- Time 23:50 hours

After a wonderful evening, Admiral H. F. Mudd =Cmdr FCR fleet ops=, Captain Burgundy Jenssen Warrior Bard, and company return to the large Grand Hotel on the Strip, 'The Pillaged Port'. Mudd and Jenssen walk along arm in arm like two old drinking buddies, singing together. Captain Rhoades was staggering slightly more than others as Lynx kept her on the straight and narrow. T’Laurn and Gorp were the only two that seemed completely sober by the time they reach the steps of the grand entrance of the Hotel. Harry Mudd felt as if he was walking on air the entire way.

"Ah, Dear Admiral Mudd, Harry, it was a grand evening. I hope Vic doesn’t take it too hard that I sort of stole his thunder for a moment there. You have to admit,it was quite funny. Well, Good Night Harry. I suspect we need to be on our way in the morning. Undoubtedly Grewell will have news and business from my own Colonies to relay to me later tonight. I suspect I may have a few smaller commissioning ceremonies to attend soon." Jenssen withdrew her arm from his and lightly grabbed his hand in a friendly squeeze as she started up the grand stairs after her officers and crew.

"Aww, a handshake instead of a kiss..." Mudd pulled a face that might or might not have been serious.

"Alright Harry, one kiss. But don’t go thinking that it’s anything more than a platonic gesture." Jenssen warned him as she leaned back down one step on the stairway and kissed him quickly on the cheek. Harry's smile returned, along with a quick wink.

As Jenssen’s and her small group began to climb the stairs leading up to their suites, an ensign caught up with them, looking as if he had been running for quite some time. "My Lord! I'm sorry, I have a report from the Whyddah fleet!"

"You're sorry? Why? Let me see that." Harry took the flimsey from the messenger, read it, and sobered quickly. The note was the dying report of the communications officer aboard Sparrowhawk. The entire fleet had been destroyed by Phiro Blacksheep =Outcast=. What had started out as a shakedown cruise for Harry Mudd's newest fleet ship, and become an adventure when they were invited to join in with the GCoE/Omega action, had ended in disappointment the day before. They had been late to the fight. And now they were dead. Destroyed while trying to reach a red nebula, to recharge and prepare to return home. They never had a chance to even fire a single shot. Why? Who was this Phiro Blacksheep and why would he murder four crews in cold blood?

"Harry? Is something wrong?" Jenssen paused on the stairway and her team all instantly sobered, even Captain Rhoades seemed completely alert, waiting to see if they were needed.

Mudd's face turned ashen at the news. "I’m sorry Burgundy, but I’m needed at Gamma Trak, please feel free to stay or depart as needed. I may not be able to see you off tomorrow."

Mudd quickly excused himself and raced to the communications center. A moment later, Jenssen and the others, realizing something serious was afoot, followed him quickly down the atrium and through the corridors of the grand complex. Mudd slid into the main Communication Center, Gamma Trak, at the Lost Wages offices complex. Several of his officers were monitoring multiple communications and hologrid cameras, many inside the huge casino complex, but also numerous views of his planetary and fleet arrays. Another alliance member had overheard the S.O.S. and was now in contact with Mudd’s Head of Planetary Communications on Gamma Trak, using one of several conference viewscreens in the main array.

"Really? That's an act of war!"

The Comm Officer agreed with the caller while Mudd quickly began reading the display screens one after the other. All those men and women on his ships. Dead. He whispered, almost unbelieving of what was listed on the screens. He felt even worse not being able to remember the Whyddah Captain's name. Caid something. Vorkstein? Viktrapp? He couldn't remember.

"Contact this Phiro Blacksheep! I want to talk to him!" Mudd bellowed.

Several attempts were made, and at first it seemed that he was refusing to answer. Then the Comms Officer got through.

"Yes, this is Phiro, how can I help you?"

"You can tell me why you destroyed a tiny fleet that had stood down, and was no threat to anyone, when they were on their way to a small nebula for refueling!" Mudd’s indignation was apparent to all in the room and Jenssen was just out of visual range of the monitors, holding her team back from being in obvious sight.

Phiro grinned wickedly. "Why, it's simple, Admiral, Target Practice!"

"And the crews? What am I to tell their families?" Mudd stared at the viewscreen.

"I turned them in to the Feds. They're fine. Phiro OUT!"

"Contact the Federation. Find out where they are and if they're all right." Mudd pointed at one of his communications officers.

"Yes, sir!"

A moment later, another voice was heard in the communications room.

"This is the Federation base Iray Sun. How can we help you?" A distinguished officer dressed in a freshly replicated uniform responded promptly.

"I need to know the status on the survivors of the Whyddah, the Bloodhound, the Golden Hind, and the Sparrowhawk. I'm told they were turned over to you." Mudd replied in a hopeful tone.

"Certainly, sir. Let me check... I'm sorry, there seems to be a misunderstanding here. We did receive a number of escape pods, but most were empty, and the ones that had ...contents... were punctured with small arms fire. There were no survivors. I’m very sorry sir." The officer seemed quiet sincere, but too busy to dwell on this single incident.

Mudd's stomach turned at the news. "Thank you Federation. Gamma Trak out."

Jenssen heard the entire exchange and quietly approached Mudd now to put a comforting arm around his shoulders.

"How do I tell all those families?" Mudd asked her quietly.

"With honor and dignity Admiral, with honor and dignity." Jenssen replied solemnly. "Unless I am mistaken, they did volunteer to go on this mission didn’t they? They died fighting for what they believed in, trying to make this galaxy a better, safer place. Even if it wasn’t in the heat of battle, but a cowardly sneak attack on ships that had stood down and were merely refueling, those crewmen and Captains still were doing what they believed was right. You need to honor that sacrifice as their Leader and let their families and friends know they are still heroes even if they never got to fire a single shot."

Jenssen hugged his shoulders tightly, "And no matter how many time you have to do it, it never gets any easier...." She whispered.

We honor our fallen heroes.............