Exeter Compile 21 Dates: October 22, 2020 to October 31, 2020 Mission: The Flames of Purity, Day 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 16 Stardate: 2445.09.16 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Shuttle Michelangelo – Cockpit – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1014) (USS Exeter - Nine and Dine - SPC Caity Dubois- 10:21) (USS Exeter - Nine and Dine - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix-10:25) (USS Exeter –Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 10:30) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Nurse CPO Ewan McDonald – 1035) (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Temple grounds – FO Lt(sg) Ailyn Bracken – 1037) (USS Exeter- Sickbay - Nurse Silvine-10:40) (USS Exeter - Torpedo Storage - SPC Ensign Greta Smith & “Lieutenant Ire Williams” - 1057) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CSO – Dr. Fave Itel – 1100) (USS Exeter - Corridor - “Lieutenant Ire Williams” - 1103) (Runabout Broken Bow – QM - MCPO – Janey 'Cheif' Brown -1105) (Runabout Broken Bow – StratOPS, Ensign SG Billy Alexander - 1106) (Runabout Broken Bow –FCO Lieutenant Ire Williams- 1108) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1108) (Runabout Broken Bow –Broken Bow EMH – 1108) (Runabout Broken Bow –QM - MCPO – Janey Brown- 1110) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 1111) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Torak Ridge - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 11:12 ) (Location Unknown - Unknown - Ensign Rylee Page - 1112) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – (spc) Comp Ops. Ensign Sg. Zot– 1113) (Runabout Broken Bow – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams - 1115) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek - 1123 ) (Runabout Brocken Bow – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 1126) (Runabout Broken Bow –StratOPS, Ensign SG Billy Alexander - 1130) (Runabout Broken Bow –QM - MCPO Janey Brown- 1132) (Runabout Broken Bow – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams - 1135) (Runabout Broken Bow - StratOps, Ensign SG Billy Alexander - 1137) (Runabout Broken Bow - QM - MCPO Janey Brown - 1139) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple grounds - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1140 ) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple grounds - CMO – ENS Gabe Vesper - 1141) (Runabout Broken Bow – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 1142) (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Temple grounds – Entity Host – Trentin Jost – 1143) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1144) (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Shrine – Entity Host – Trentin Jost – 1145) (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Temple grounds – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1145) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams – 1145) (USS Exeter – Morgue – Nurse – CPO- Ewan McDonald - 1145) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior –Engineer – Ensign – Galu Vosi – 1147) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CSO – Dr. Fave Itel – 1147) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple interior- aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1148 ) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior –Engineer - Ensign - Galu Vosi – 1148) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple grounds - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 11:49 ) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple interior- CMO – ENS Gabe Vesper- 1150) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Interior – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez –1150) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford - 11:50) (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Temple grounds – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1151) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure interior – (spc) Comp Ops. Ensign Sg. Zot– 1151) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams – 1151) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 11:53 ) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Paul Sleeford - 11:53) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior - CMO Ens Gabe Vespers- 11:54) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple interior- aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1155 ) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – QM - MCPO Janey Brown – 1155) (Broken Bow - Command Compartment - StratOPS, Ensign SG Billy Alexander - 11:55) (USS Exeter - Counselor Office - Counselor Ensign Harlequin Lavorre - 11:56) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – Entity Host – Trentin Jost – 1157) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford and Counselor Ensign Harlequin Lavorre - 11:58) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams – 1159) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers – 1200) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok – 1201) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1201) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple Grounds- CIO/3O Lieutenant Jaelle Foxglove - 1203) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers – 1203) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple Grounds- Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 12:04) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1205) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 1207) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – Entity Host – Trentin Jost – 1207) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – SPC Comp Ops Ensign Sg Zot – 1208) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - SPC Ensign Rylee Page - 1209) (Broken Bow - Command Compartment – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams -1209) (USS Exeter - Bridge - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 12:10) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – Entity Host Trentin Jost and FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1210) (USS Exeter - Sickbay – Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 1211) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1212) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple exterior – Entity Host Trentin Jost and FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1212) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - SPC Ensign Rylee Page - 1213) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek - 1214) (USS Exeter - Sickbay – Nurse – Ewan McDonald- 1215) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michelangelo – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1215) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple exterior – CMO Ens Gabe Vespers – 1217) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1218) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More -12:19 ) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple exterior – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok & CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1220) (USS Exeter - Sickbay– Ensign - Kaitlin Jamison/CPO - Ewan McDonald- 1220) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michelangelo – 2O/CEO Lieutenant Keira Merek - 1223) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michelangelo – CMO Ens Gabe Vespers 1225) (USS Exeter - Sickbay –Operating Theatre One – Ensign - Kaitlin Jamison/CPO - Ewan McDonald- 1225) (USS Exeter– Sickbay – CMO Ens Gabe Vespers 1228) (USS Exeter– Sickbay – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg. Ravok - 1228) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CMO Ens Gabe Vespers - 1230) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – SPC Comp ops Ensign Sg Zot - 1234) (Shuttle Michelangelo, Cockpit – 2O/CEO Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1234) (Broken Bow - Command Compartment – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams -1235) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 1235) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Shuttle Michaelangelo - Interior - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 12:36 ) (USS Exeter – Bridge – 2O/CEO Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1250) (Location unknown - white room - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and Prophet– 1250) (USS Exeter – Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams – 1300) (USS Exeter - Sickbay- CMO Ens Gabe Vespers – 1300) (USS Exeter – CSO office – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 1302) (USS Exeter – Bridge – 2O/CEO Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1303) (USS Exeter - Sickbay – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams - 1309) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok – 1322) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1325) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – aCTO/COO -Lieutenant jg. Ravok – 1327) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – 2O/CEO Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1332) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford - 13:50) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - Nurse Silvine - 13:51) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Paul Sleeford - 13:53) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams & SPC Ensign Greta Smith - 1430 ) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams & SPC Ensign Greta Smith - 1705 ) (USS Exeter –Sickbay - Lieutenant Ire Williams/ Ensign Rylee Page - 1800) (USS Exeter - Deck 20, Brig - CO - LtCmdr Trip Williams & Prisoner - Dr. Fave Itel - 2002) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 22:00) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 17 Stardate: 2445.09.17 (USS Exeter – Sickbay – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 0002) (USS Exeter - Captain's Quarters - Mr. and Mrs. Trip and Ashlyn Williams - 0400) (USS Exeter – Personal Quartets – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams -04:36) (USS Exeter – Galu Vozi`s personal quarters – Engineer - Ensign – Galu Vozi- 06:00) (USS Exeter – Sickbay ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford - 13:01) (USS Exeter - Sickbay- CMO Ens Gabe Vespers– 1330) (USS Exeter - Sickbay- aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok – 1334) (USS Exeter – Personal quarters - SPC Ensign Rylee Page - 1401) (USS Exeter - CMO Office- CMO Ens Gabe Vespers– 2230) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters - 23:59) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 18 Stardate: 2445.09.18 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter – Sickbay - FO, Lt. SG Ailynn Bracken and ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters - 00:02) (USS Exeter - Quarters – ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford - 07:30) (USS Exeter – CPO Quarters – Nurse CPO Ewan McDonald - 09:00) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge - CO, -Lt. Cmdr Trip Williams & FO, Lt. SG Ailynn Bracken - 10:00) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge – ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford -1001) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams - 10:05) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge - Tactical Officer, Ensign SG Cade Blackwell, Jr. - 10:20) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge - Asst. Chief Science Officer, Ensign SG Adala Michaels and Tactical Officer, Ensign SG Cade Blackwell - 10:25) (USS Exeter - Ronnie Winters Personnel Quarters -FO, Lt. SG Ailynn Bracken and ACFO Ronnie Winters - 1600) (USS Exeter - Ronnie Winters Personnel Quarters -ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters and CMO, Ensign SG Gabe Vesper - 17:30) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - CO Trip Williams, R&SE Director Ashlyn Williams, ACFO Ronnie Winters and FO Ailynn Bracken - 1900) (USS Exeter - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and 9D Manager Caity Dubois - 2000) (USS Exeter – Nine to Dine – Nurse CPO Ewan McDonald - 2106) (USS Exeter - Captain’s Quarters - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams and DR&SE Ashlyn Williams - 22:00) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and CSO Erin Cortez - 2230) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 19 Stardate: 2445.09.16 (USS Exeter - Ready Room - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams and FO, Lt. SG Ailynn Bracken - 09:00) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and CMO Ens(sg) Gabe Vesper– 0901) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 21 Stardate: 2445.09.21. (USS Exeter - Bridge - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 15:00) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 16 Stardate: 2445.09.16 (Shuttle Michelangelo – Cockpit – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1014) After getting a satisfactory response from most of the back after landing, Keira began to get her own gear ready and assumed Erin was doing the same. Merek had checked her gear and lastly her rifle, ensuring she had a full charge in the weapon. She didn’t want to use it, but in the back of her mind something was telling her she was going to have to. She ensured the weapon was set to heavy stun before looking over to Erin to see if she was ready. Erin was sitting at her station with her eyes closed, hands on the console, perhaps lost in thought or prayer. No, her hands weren’t on the console, they were gripping it, “white knuckle tight” was the term. Keira had pondered if she should disturb her, wake her out of what ever type of slumber or fugue state she was in, before she could act her friend opened her eyes. “I know what they’re doing…. Trying to do,” Erin said, her voice trembling. “Erin, what who is trying to do, are you OK?” Keira asked. “The Chronoton Tacheon antenna…… It’s pointing to the wormhole… they’re not trying to destroy it.” Erin answered Keira’s first question. ~If this is the direction she wanted to take it, go with it.~ “What else would they be doing? With it pointed right at the wormhole?” Keira asked. “More so they’re trying…. I think…. To damage something inside …” Erin said quietly “So it doesn’t change our mission or the states, so we’re still motivated to stop them. Erin I gotta know, as your friend and the person in charge of this part of the mission. Are. You. Okay?” As Keira asked, her tone went from, “nothing but the facts, ma’am,” to genuine concern for her friend. “I’m fine.” she replied. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she looked at her friend and said, “We need to stop them.” “Agreed.” Keira said relieved her friend seemed to shake off what ever was bothering her. It was something she’d have to ask about, but that was a task for later. (Reply none required) (posted by Todd) (USS Exeter - Nine and Dine - SPC Caity Dubois- 10:21) That would be great thanks and what drink do you recommend that is non-alcoholic as I am still on duty.” Smiling, Caity responded, “We have a large selection of teas, coffees but don’t tell the tellerite.” she winked. (Reply McDonald) “Coming right up for you.” As she walked back to the bar, sighing, she noticed Lieutenant Commander Nix heading towards her. ~And here we go again.~ "Miss Dubois, you have a good establishment here." Fighting to keep her face straight and not look surpised, Caity nodded her thanks, “Well, Mr Nix, I do try my hardest. Worked hard to get my little corner of this ship to where i want it to be.” "Anyways, if I was a bit umm, rude, I apologize. I've spent most of my time the last few years undercover on freighters. Freighter life is a bit rougher, and we don't always have a grasp on the pleasantries of normal society. I believe there was an old adage on your planet, curse like a sailor. When sailors were out at sea, they developed pretty expletive speaking habits that they then brought with them on dry land. Still adjusting myself to normal society and wearing the uniform again." Allowing herself a little laugh, “Oh that was nothing. You should try being on Mars at kicking out time. I can handle myself but i appreciate the apology.” "But I did mean the sentiment behind what I said. You have potential to be a refuge for the crew. It's a somewhat sacred trust between bartender and bar attendee. Please take it seriously." “Oh i know. My uncle owns the federation bar on mars. I learnt from the best. The sacred trust between myself and my customers is second only to that of a counselor and their patients. What is said in the bar, stays in the bar.” "Take care Miss Dubois, I'll be seeing you around." “Take care yourself.” She replied as he walked out of the bar. Watching him leave, Caity sighed. ~A lot of weight on those shoulders. Weight that needs to be shed. Could be said about so many around here.~ (Reply McDonald) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Exeter - Nine and Dine - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix-10:25) "I hate this ship." Nix said to himself with a smile. "He didn't hate the ship or the crew. They gave him hope for the future of Starfleet. Though he still didn't like Terllarites that much. Nothing particular, he just preferred using pleasantries to get information, and insults to get people out of the way, not the other way around. Tellarites were just confusing to him. Finishing his meal he got up and headed towards the exit, walking towards Caity before he left. "Miss Dubois, you have a good establishment here." (reply Caity) "Anyways, if I was a bit umm, rude, I apologize. I've spent most of my time the last few years undercover on freighters. Freighter life is a bit rougher, and we don't always have a grasp on the pleasantries of normal society. I believe there was an old adage on your planet, curse like a sailor. When sailors were out at sea, they developed pretty expletive speaking habits that they then brought with them on dry land. Still adjusting myself to normal society and wearing the uniform again." (reply Caity) "But I did mean the sentiment behind what I said. You have potential to be a refuge for the crew. It's a somewhat sacred trust between bartender and bar attendee. Please take it seriously." (reply Caity) "Take care Miss Dubois, I'll be seeing you around." Nix nodded then left the bar heading back to his quarters. (reply Caity) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter –Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 10:30) “Sir. They had some problems on descent to the planet which seemed to be resolved before they touched down. They have landed half a kilometer from their target point and look like they are in the process of deploying the team. I will keep an eye on the terrain along their insertion route.” "Thank you Master Chief, give me any updates you can. Bridge out." Trip sat silently on the bridge. Things were progressing, but they were facing heavy resistance, and as long as a certain energy field was in effect they would be unable to beam out any of the away team members in a crisis. ~I know I'm not the most spiritual man.~ He thought to himself. ~And I really don't know who or what is out there. But I just know in my gut, in my heart that there has to be some higher power out there, a benevolent one. If you are out there, if you do exist. Watch over my guys. Keep them safe, help me bring them home.~ "Capitan," Came the heavily Spanish accented reply from the OPS officer Santiago Rodriguez Trujillo, "The Leonardo is returning to the Exeter, Ensign Sleeford is in need of immediate atencion medica. Seems urgent, they are requesting we lower our shields." Trip nodded and the Exeter lowered her shields temporarily so that Sleeford could be beamed directly to sickbay. Again he sat in silence. ~Please, universe, watch over them.~ (reply none) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald – 1035) “We have a large selection of teas, coffees but don’t tell the tellerite.” “Could I have a lady grey tea please?” “Coming right up for you.” Ewan smiled as he leaned back in the chair and waited. He was looking forward to some food and a rest which was nice. It had been a busy twenty-four hours, actually it had been almost nonstop since they had left mars. His wanderings were stopped when his order arrived. He smiled his thanks and looked at this order as his stomach rumbled. ~I really am hungrier than I thought~ He began to attack the chips hungrily and was half way through the pile of chips when his comm badge buzzed. It was not a loud nose but something that he could feel. ~Ow hell~ The only reason that it would happened would be that there was a problem in sickbay and they needed him to return quickly. ~Not going to leave this. Don`t know what I am going to eat today~ He shoveled the last fork of the chips into his mouth, grabbed the tea and downed its near scalding liquid. He grabbed a couple of napkins from the table and wrapped it around the steak sandwich as he looked over at Dubois “I am very sorry, but I have to get back to work. I am needed.” (Reply Dubois) “Thank you for this.” (Reply Dubois) He nodded as he stood with the sandwich in one hand and took a big bit of it as he headed for the door. He should be able to finish it by the time he reached Sickbay and not get too much indigestion but then it would not be the first time he had eaten on the run. (reply Dubois, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Temple grounds – FO Lt(sg) Ailyn Bracken – 1037) Ailynn took a deep breath, a feeling, a sense of comfort coming to her. Her team...her friends were on the way to rescue her. She hoped that all of the others having Bajoran DNA were safe back on the Exeter now, especially Ashlyn. The girl from school, who at the time had been a friend, but since reconnecting, had become a massive part of her life. Smiling gently, she cast her mind back to one of the first times that she had met Ashlyn. Ash had started the school later than others, which normally would have given her an easy pass into the cool clique. However Ash was from the other side of second and main. It didn’t actually mean much, not in modern terms, but there was still a certain attitude that stuck. (San Francisco, Earth - Riker High - Ailynn Bracken (aged 14) - 2030) There was largely no such thing as money, but power and influence was still currency, those that had it, and wielded it, still managed to raise children that were prone to being spoilt. Ailynn strode through the gate, at touching 6 foot, she was by a good few inches taller than everyone else in her year, this caused her a lot of unwanted attention and bullying; or would have, had it not been for who her family was. Her name preceded her...everywhere. It opened doors, and closed them, it changed people’s behaviour, some eyed her with suspicion, others held her up to the class as a beacon, each time she took a grading test, she now made a point of only scoring 94 percent. No more, no less, it was a matter of pride to put in six percent of wrong answers. Any fool could get answers wrong, and Ailynn considered herself no fool. She’d figured that The wrong answer with the correct methodology, would show that she knew her stuff, but made an error discounting the answer. However, her teachers had retaliated with three letters. E.C.F. ‘Error Carried Forward’ A disgusting misuse of privilege in Ailynn’s mind, her marks hit 100% again. And so, the cycle continued. Aware of a noise that simply sounded wrong, Ailynn turned, a distraction from her little bubble. She could see a small bunch of her year crowding round the new girl, Ashlyn. Sighing, Ailynn waded in. “Leave her alone Cerise.” “OOOOH!” A chorus came about her. “Stay away Bracken. TRASHLYN and I have business. I want to know what scum like this is doing here. Frak away Ailynn you’re not number one freak anymore.” Ailynn caught sight of Ashlyn’s eyes, and saw something deep down, a resilience, a strength, it was deep though, as if it had been beaten down methodically over the years. “I...said...leave...her.” Ailynn’s voice was ice-cold, her temper was rising rapidly. “You hear that Trashlyn. You have a protector...a...girlfriend even. Sure you’re both scum, you suit each other to be together...until you die…” Ailynn snapped, and her left arm shot out, forcing Cerise against a wall her fingers around her throat. Ailynn lifted her right hand and ran it down Cerise’s exposed cheek. “You’re a psycho puke Bracken.” “Oh my dear...and we were just making friends.” Ailynn pushed and twisted her left hand, her height, and leverage in her longer arms working to her advantage. She could feel the other girl swallow in fear. “You leave this girl alone. I’m going to hold you responsible ‘C’. if you don’t…” Ailynn forced her throat round even more, staring furiously into her eyes. “I’m going to hurt you really really badly.” She ran another finger down Cerise’s cheek, Ailynn’s left ring finger, strategically placed, could feel Cerise’s terror. “SHE’S BLUFFING!” A voice from the back called out. “She…” Cerise looked deeply into Ailynn’s eye’s. She saw a whole world of things that she really wished she hadn’t. “Nooo….She ain’t bluffin’.” There was a world of depth, of determination in those eyes that she couldn’t bare to see. “Smart kid Cerise. Now you leave Ashlyn be. She’s under my protection. I’m gonna blame you.” Ailynn pushed the bully away and strode off, her system still on hte come down from the adrenaline high. “Ailynn wait!” “Ash...now is not…” “Ailynn prophets dammit. You stand still while I’m thanking you.” Ashlynn stood there, here eyes afire as she watched the much taller girl, come to a halt. “C’mon...don’t be a fl…” “Ailynn Bracken you may think you’re Queen B. Hell you’re certainly the most intelligent person in this hell hole, but you will damned well stand still while I thank you for making my life that tiny tiny but less morose. “Morose?” “Miserable Ailynn...Miserable…Prophets can you even read?” Ashlyn strode off toward the library. “The hell did I do?” She asked of a passing 6th grader, who shrugged, baffled at the entire scenario. (Reply none) (Posted by Mark) (USS Exeter- Sickbay - Nurse Silvine-10:40) As the team worked Silvine felt a small distraction, a presence in the room. Looking round she swore there was someone there, watching them work. Ovo had appeared and in his normal bumbling way managed to annoy every nurse in the room, sometimes Silvine wished she had actually studied to be a Dr rather than a nurse. The sense of being watched came again, shaking it off she administered the drugs to bring him out of his coma, his leg was sorted, although she didnt want to be the one to break the news. Paul was slowly coming round when the tell-tale signs appeared his lips suddenly turned blue and his skin tone grey and clammy Silvine noticed it just as the alarms went off "Report?" Ovo yelled as normal not watching the monitors "Bps bottomed out, ive got signs of internal bleeding the coma must have slowed things down enough for us to miss it. Hes bleeding out, his heart Dr, hes going into shock." She yelled "10cc adrenaline" Ovo called his hand already held out for the hypo, a young male nurse handed him the hypo and watched as it was administered Silvine pressed the button closing the unit over Paul so they got a better look "I've got it, the blast has shifted some shrapnel that was left from previous injuries, its sliced through his veins, we need to do emergency surgery." As the unit opened again and a tech wheeled the cart towards the small team the bleeping stopped; the silence engulfed the team, they all looked at each other and then all to Dr Ovo. Silvine prompted him to say something. He went to utter the words everyone dreaded to hear "dont you dare, he is one of us and you better damn well open his chest up or i swear i'll do it myself. He didt risk his life for you to give up so quickly." Grabbing the laser scaple the thrust it in Ovos hand "get on with it" she turned to the rest of the room "increase the oxygen flow, start charging, come on get him hooked up to the ventilators, move your lazy asses!" (reply any in sickbay) (posted by Mat) (USS Exeter - Torpedo Storage - SPC Ensign Greta Smith & “Lieutenant Ire Williams” - 1057) Sitting at her console in the alcove of the torpedo storage room, Greta rolled her shoulders and sighed. The numbers were all melting into one big blob of data and she could feel the tension in her shoulders. Sitting up straight, she raised a hand to rub her shoulders and stopped suddenly as she felt a familiar pair of hands rest on her shoulders. Smiling to herself, she didn’t turn around, simply said, “I thought you were off on a shuttle, doing something dangerous again.” “I was, but i just got back and i had to come and see you.” Ire replied. Smiling, Greta turned in her seat and looked up into the eyes of her Fiance. “You are going to get us both into trouble mister.” She grinned as she stood and put her arms around him. Pulling her close, Ire smiled and leant in close, whispering, “Well, If we are going to get into trouble… let’s make it worth while.” He slowly kissed her neck gently and, as she felt his breath on her skin, Greta sighed heavily. “Ire…” “Yes?” he replied, looking into her eyes. “We… can’t. Not here.” He leant forward slightly, putting a hand on her cheek and lifted her chin slightly, kissed her deeply. After a moment, he pulled away and looked at her with a glow in his eyes, “Shame really because i was coming to take you to dinner. I’ve heard they do amazing steak sandwiches at the nine and dine.” Biting her lip, Greta took his hand and, holding it softly, she kissed his cheek, “I still have a good hour of my shift left. Why don’t you go get us a take out and i will see you back at home soon.” Sighing heavily, he nodded and walked a few steps away before he turned back, walked right up to her and pulled her in for a deep and passionate kiss. Almost melting into him, Greta sighed heavily as she pulled away and said, “Damn you, fly boy. Go now before i get into trouble.” Smiling, Ire turned on his heels and left the room. Sitting back down on her seat, Greta put a finger to her lips and sighed with a smile on her face. ~He’s getting very amorous in his old age.~ she thought to herself with a smile on her lips. (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CSO – Dr. Fave Itel – 1100) Once the three pods were joined and all the power from the Gamma and Beta sections was moved to re-enforce the alpha pod, and Fave not being particularly hungry, actually from that bump on the head he was truthfully feeling a bit nauseous. ~First order of business survival~ He decided a nap to conserve energy was in order. He secured himself to one of the padded surfaces designed for such. He was instantly glad that he wasn’t a member of the crew on that damned Bird of Prey, one because of it’s untimely destruction, and two because Klingon survival pods were worse for comfort than their prisons and their bunks. They used the former of the two more that the latter, the survival pods were put in more as an after thought. He mused to himself that’s why Klingons were so hell-bent on revenge, for making them spend time in their own awful survival pods. Realizing as bad as his situation was, it could be worse, as he drifted off to a less than restful slumber. The passive proximity alarm woke Itel from his nap. He accessed a nearby panel passive scans revealed a starship of some kind. Not a capital ship, but too large to be a shuttle. The warp signature was definitely Starfleet, a runabout, maybe? His instincts screamed to him. ~Run! Fly you fool!~ Instinct took over and he fired thrusters. The craft jerked suddenly and slammed into the Federation runabout as collision alarms went off. Itel looked at the panel to see the damage report come in. Section Gamma was venting atmosphere. He closed the hatches from both sides of Gamma closing it off and conserving the air he would need to breathe. ~Not that it will do much good. They’re still there.~ The panel reported they were attempting to lock on a transporter. ~Not yet….If I go to their ship it will be on my terms.~ He used their scans to tap into their sensor grid and sent false life-signs coming from the Starfleet officer’s remains, using his own in their place. With the Starfleet combadge on the body, it would almost guarantee that they’d lock on to him first. ~Should be convincing enough. Just as someone in a section venting atmosphere I too am scared for my life.~ In a moment he would know if his ruse worked. Either he would be over there, or they would get their deceased comrade back. He leaned over and glared out the viewport leading into the Gamma section, just in time to see it enveloped in a transporter beam. He prepared his contingencies, grabbed the knuckle duster phaser off the rack and waited to see what the crew over there would do. (Reply Broken Bow) (Posted by Todd) NPC Dr. Fave Itel (USS Exeter - Corridor - “Lieutenant Ire Williams” - 1103) As Ire left the torpedo storage room, he made his way directly to the turbo lift, entered and asked the computer to take him to one particular deck. As the hum of the turbolift began, he wiped his lip with an almost disgusted look on his face and groaned. Stepping out of the turbolift he made his way down the corridor, looking for one particular room. Standing outside, he glanced both ways down the corridor to make sure that there was no-one around. Once he was sure, he entered a prewritten code on the door panel and entered. As the door closed behind him, he sighed, smiled and stood still for a brief moment. A number of thoughts entered his mind. Some were pleasant. The woman he had just seen had a pleasant air about her. Pheromones notwithstanding, she was pleasant to look at and he could understand what Ire saw in her. But now, he knew that he had to return. At least to the form that was not as complicated for him to maintain. He moved towards a small cabinet on which had stood his home for the last few months and, closing his eyes, he crossed his arms over his chest and let himself become. Become the thing that he had to be in order to do what he had to. As his form changed, he moved slowly into the container, allowing his predetermined form to solidify and, as he finished his transformation, he slid under the heating element that she had placed into his case and curled up. Waiting for her to return and waiting for the right time to move again. (Reply None) (Posted by Jackie) (Runabout Broken Bow – QM - MCPO – Janey 'Chief' Brown -1105) "Chief Brown I want you working the transporters. If we do find someone in there I want you to transport them to the pad make sure the proper protocols are in place as I don't want any weapons or explosives coming on board with them." “Absolutely understood” Janey switched her screens to the transporters and transferred them to the tricorder she had under her console. She handed the tricorder off to be handed to Rylee. As the moments passed Janey felt the tension in the shuttle increase, she looked around as the Lt called everyone to check eventually he called her. "Chief Brown ready on your end?" “Sensors linked to the tricorders, transporters linked through we’re good to go.” Janey was watching as things settled, Rylee was out on the ramp and the shuttle was closing in on the pod. Suddenly the shuttle lurched to the side throwing the crew off centre. Janey grabbed her chair and steadied herself trying to skim the read outs of damage she had forgotten about the transporters. "Chief if there is any one inside the pods transport them now or they will die of exposure.” Ire called “Scanning now, the link up from the tricorder is pretty weak, she must have dropped it but I have one lifesign, I think. Let me clear it up bit for sake please stay steady.” (Reply any iwy) Janey heard the conversation between Billy and Williams and the EMH but she ignored it trying to get a stable link using the sensor data she had available. She went to activate the transporter but someone had overridden her, Rylee appeared on the floor and Janey had control of the transporter again ~seriously~ "So, I think it best we tow this back to the Exeter. It's probably what we're looking for, and with Page getting hurt, probably best get her to a proper sickbay. Master Chief Brown, you've got the experience, and Lt. Williams, you're the lead, so it's your call. I'll defer to whatever you decide." Billy said “Give me a second” Janey called focusing again on the sensors “One lifesign, definatly one lifesign energising to the secure area.” (reply any) Janey looked again “sensors indicate this may be the genesis device, we need to make sure its offline before we tractor it, its too risky. But we also need to get Riley back to the Exeter.” (Reply Williams) “I have a suggestion, beam me over, I can make sure the device is clear and wait for the Exeter or you to come back for me.” Janey looked at Lt Williams (Reply Williams) “With all due respect, I’ve lived my life, you’ve still go yours ahead of you. Anyone tries to pick me up what are they going to do with an NCO and an old woman at that?” (Reply Williams, Billy, any) (Posted by Mat) Runabout Broken Bow – StratOPS, Ensign SG Billy Alexander - 1106) Billy monitored the situation from his console on the Broken Bow. They shuttle had been hit by a bit of debris of the Interceptor causing the Runnabout to jerk in such a way that Rylee had a violent impact against the airlock door. "Ire get us more stable, watch out for debris." Billy shouted, Billy knew the reason they were hit is because Ire couldn't maneuver as well as he wanted to with Rylee in the position she was in. Too risky. (reply Ire) With a sense of urgency Billy decide to use the runnabout's trasnporter as it was quicker than dealing with depressurisation of the airlock. Rylee's vitals indicated she was losing consciousness, better to get her inside sooner rather than later. Activating the transporter within moments Rylee was inside the runnabout on the floor. "Computer Activate EMH." In moments the EMH was activated. (Reply anyone who wants to play an EMH) "Blunt force trauma to head, I'm guessing. Think you can help her." (reply EMH) Billy then nodded and turned to Ire and Master Chief Brown. "So, I think it best we tow this back to the Exeter. It's probably what we're looking for, and with Page getting hurt, probably best get her to a proper sickbay. Master Chief Brown, you've got the experience, and Lt. Williams, you're the lead, so it's your call. I'll defer to whatever you decide." (reply Brown, Ire) (reply Brown, Ire, Whoever wants to play the EMH, Rylee if you want) (posted by Will) ((Runabout Broken Bow –FCO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 1108) "Ire get us more stable, watch out for debris." “On it.” He began firing the maneuvering thrusters trying to stabilize the Runabout without ripping Rylee off the hull or getting her suit holed by shrapnel. He rolled the runabout carefully interposing them between the remains of the pods. He heard the sound of the transporter and glanced over to see Rylee appear on the deck. ~Eyes front. She ‘s okay but we are not~ He concentrated on maneuvers which were now faster then Rylee was on back on board. He managed to get the runabout stabilized and facing the pods. "So, I think it best we tow this back to the Exeter. It's probably what we're looking for, and with Page getting hurt, probably best get her to a proper sickbay. Master Chief Brown, you've got the experience, and Lt. Williams, you're the lead, so it's your call. I'll defer to whatever you decide." Billy said “Give me a second” Ire paused. “One lifesign, definatly one lifesign energising to the secure area.” “Good I want them secure until we get back to the Exeter.” “sensors indicate this may be the genesis device, we need to make sure its offline before we tractor it, its too risky. But we also need to get Riley back to the Exeter.” “Yes we do.” “I have a suggestion, beam me over, I can make sure the device is clear and wait for the Exeter or you to come back for me.” “No.” “With all due respect, I’ve lived my life, you’ve still go yours ahead of you. Anyone tries to pick me up what are they going to do with an NCO and an old woman at that?” “I know that Chief, but I am not risking your life by putting you on that death trap. We need to get Rylee back to sickbay. I respect and understand your reasons, but your life is not worth it. We will tag it with a marker buoy and deploy sensors probes around it so that we can monitor it. The Exeter had got better equipment on board to deal with the genesis device safety. We also have that person secured on board and I also want to get them off the Runabout before we do anything else.” (Reply Alexander, Brown, Page) (Reply Alexander, Brown, Page,any) (Posted by Robbie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1108) The team had halted just outside of the perimeter of the place that was housing the power unit for the Dominion technology in the area. With Ravok’s impromptu reconnoiter by weapons fire they were now able to see the actual structure underneath. A structure that sensors of a Federation Runabout from the last century’s seventh decade had no hope of finding. This is how the Jem Hadar had managed to surprise a veteran of Wolf 359. Leveling several hundred meters of rock also had the added bonus that tricorders now penetrated it’s outer shell. She was getting readings now, from inside, even at this distance. She could hear members of her team speaking even over the soft hums of the tricorder scanning. "One, looks like standard phaser rifle." She whispered to the rest. “Maybe…” to Keira, it didn’t look right. “If you had an abundance of personnel and the enemy landed a ship less than one kilometer away, wouldn’t you send out a team? There’s been no response. Why are they just waiting for us to show up to the party?” "We need to get in and pull the plug on that generator. Otherwise the other team is going to have a hard time getting Lieutenant Bracken. " The chief science officer said. “Not disagreeing with you on any point.” She said to the Science Officer. "Suggestions on how we do that?" She asked. Zot tapped her frantically " That's a hologram. The guard is a decoy. " “You’re sure?” Keira asked testing him. She had her own reasons in believing the guard wasn’t real, she wanted to hear his. " Yes , I am sure. The guard is not breathing but otherwise mimicking the signs of a living being. Scan the area, this place is on high alert after The Leonardo fired its weapons. " Zot said. “Also for someone who survived a low orbital bombardment from a Starfleet shuttle craft, he seems rather clean. Where’s the smut and dirt on his face from the explosion? The tears in his clothing? The disheveled hair?” Keira said agreeing with him. Keira knelt down to avoid casting a silhouette and stayed behind some surviving foliage. “Can anyone disrupt the hologram with equipment we have on hand? I want to make sure that the rifle is a hologram as well,” she said knowing that either a real weapon in the hands of a hologram or a holographic weapon with out Starfleet safety protocols can kill. It was best not to take the chance. (reply either, any) Keira listened as they explained their plan. When they were finished, “Your theory is sound. Prepare your plan. We’ll move when you are ready.” (Reply any) “Once the plan is executed, I will move forward while the remaining two of you cover me from here. Once I’ve established cover for myself and started distracting the enemy with my own fire from cover, you three will advance to cover, and return fire as you are comfortable and able.” She explained. “Everyone ready?” (Reply any) (Posted by Todd) (Runabout Broken Bow –Broken Bow EMH – 1108) "Computer Activate EMH." The EMH materialized at the back of the room beside the transporter pad. “Please state the nature of the medical emergency.” "Blunt force trauma to head, I'm guessing. Think you can help her." “Of course.” The EMH pulled out a tricorder from a wall mounted Medkit and began scanning his patient. “Hm blunt force trauma to the head from the result of an impact. Internal hemorrhaging. A fractured wrist and bilateral ankle sprain.” As the EMH talked to himself he pulled out the hypospray and administered the drugs that would help reduce the effects of the bleeding in the brain enough. Pain killers and a further sedative was administered. He was happy that she was stable but would need surgery as soon as the Runabout arrived with the Exeter. "Marker buoy ready to deploy sir, our guest is secure but I would recommend the EMH take a look at him once shes finished with Ensign Rylee. I've input the data from the tricorder, as much as its lost its been able to give us a clearer field through the debris; you shouldnt bump into anything now Lt." He saw the Lieutenant nod and understood that it was a sign of acknowledgment of the order. He stepped through the rear hatch into the small corridor beyond and then into the secure room. He looked down at the crumped form of Ensign Ryelle. He paused for a moment and then pulled out his tricorder and began to scan her body. The sharp flat tone emitted from his tricorder. He scanned again and got the same result. Ensign Ryelle was dead and from the information on his tricorder she had been dead before being transported to the Brocken Bow. He certified death and put in into the log before heading back to his other patient as well as inform the others. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (Runabout Broken Bow –QM - MCPO – Janey Brown- 1110) "I know that Chief, but I am not risking your life by putting you on that death trap. We need to get Rylee back to sickbay. I respect and understand your reasons, but your life is not worth it. We will tag it with a marker buoy and deploy sensors probes around it so that we can monitor it. The Exeter had got better equipment on board to deal with the genesis device safety. We also have that person secured on board and I also want to get them off the Runabout before we do anything else." Janey wasnt used to being told no so bluntly ~kids got teeth, if I were 20 years younger~ she smiled as the moment allowed and turned in her chair running her hand over the console "Marker buoy ready to deploy sir, our guest is secure but I would recommend the EMH take a look at him once shes finished with Ensign Rylee. I've input the data from the tricorder, as much as its lost its been able to give us a clearer field through the debris; you shouldnt bump into anything now Lt." Janey smiled again. (Reply Williams) looking down the corridor she wondered who they had beamed on board. (reply Williams, any on ship) (Reply Alexander, Brown, Page,any) (Posted by Robbie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 1111) “Can anyone disrupt the hologram with equipment we have on hand? I want to make sure that the rifle is a hologram as well,” Merek asked. Erin glanced over the ridge once more and ducked back down. "My only concern is that the hologram is tied into the power source that we are here to disrupt. Personally, the best way may be to take out the holoemiters. A hologram that stable and steady has to have external emitters on the outside of the building. Maybe one of us could get down there, pull some wires figuratively speaking and get him off line. That would be sure to attract the attention of one of the guys inside." (Reply any) "Zot, we may need you to take down the generator quickly and safely. Whilst I would like to just blow the thing sky high, we have no way of telling what it will do if we do that." (Reply Zot, any) Erin took a breath, "Then, I'll go. I can get the emitter offline. You stay with Lieutenant Merek and follow her orders." “Your theory is sound. Prepare your plan. We’ll move when you are ready.” Erin nodded to Merek and began to get a tricorder and a couple of tools to take with her. ~Ailynn, hold tight.~ she thought to herself as she placed the tools on her belt. “Once the plan is executed, I will move forward while the remaining two of you cover me from here. Once I’ve established cover for myself and started distracting the enemy with my own fire from cover, you three will advance to cover, and return fire as you are comfortable and able. Everyone ready?” "Ready as I will ever be. I never thought that survival and evasion training would come in useful this soon." (Reply any) Moving slowly and quietly, Erin made her way along the ridge and around to the other side of the structure. As she climbed down the slight incline, she cursed under her breath as small rocks tumbled infront of her. Finally at the bottom, she made her way along the exterior of the structure and glanced around the corner. She could see the hologram a little way off from her position and she could see the ridge where she knew Merek and her team were. Creeping forward, she reached the panel that she knew had to house the emitter for the hologram. Taking the panel front off slowly, she looked at the mechanics inside. ~slowly and delicately would be the way to do this but we don't have time for that.~ she thought to herself as she grabbed the nearest rock and smashed it into the panel, breaking the circuitry, the sound of breaking glass, metal filled her ears. ~damn it.~ she thought to herself as the hologram fizzled out of existence and his weapon dropped to the floor. ~okay… so that was real.~ Erin thought as she grabbed it and ducked back behind the building. (Reply any) After a few minutes, she heard the unmistakable sound of a firefight. There appeared to be two cultists bearing down on Lieutenant Merek's position. Holding what had transpired to be an old bajoran phaser rifle, Erin peaked around the corner of the structure again to see the Lieutenant take out one of the cultists and the team at the top of the ridge take out the other. Standing, she walked around to Merek's side, "Not injured are you because you know he will have my head if anything happens to you." (Reply Merek) Slinging the rifle over her shoulder, Erin beckoned to Ensign Zot, "Come on hot shot. Your turn. Lieutenant Merek, would you be so kind to cover our asses whilst we take out the generator?" (Reply Merek) "I know. Be careful. You are a much better shot than I am. You defending us just makes more sense. I promise we won't take long." (Reply Merek) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Torak Ridge - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 11:12 ) “ Sir. With all due respect , with Sleeford down your more important for the mission. Then I. It should be me who goes last.” Stan said. Ravok looked turned his head to More. " Look, I admire your willingness to go last, but Don't you ever again assume I'm more important than anyone or you are any less. Agree?" “ Agreed. I’ll look after the Doc sir.” Stan said. Ravok turned back and kept watch was Foxglove made her climb. He thought he saw movement in the trees. He raised his phaser. Ready to aim. Suddenly a volley of phaser fire rained out of the trees toward foxglove. Ravok opened fire into the wooded area.He noticed foxglove was also firing her weapon. ( reply away team ) After a short while the firing had stopped. Ravok looked at his twisted mounted PADDs , sensor function. " It appears they're gone." Ravok said. ( reply away team) ( reply away team) ( posted by Rob Davis ) (Location Unknown - Unknown - Ensign Rylee Page - 1112) The light was bright. Almost painful. Blinking several times, Rylee opened her eyes slowly, allowing her eyes to adjust to the brightness. Something wasn’t right. She couldn’t quite place it. The room was warm, filled with people in the most exquisite dresses and suits. Silks, Satin of every colour imaginable. Some were sat on steps, talking although it seemed as though there were no sound anywhere. Others were dancing to music that they could hear, but she couldn’t. Something wasn’t right. The candles on the tables, that themselves were covered with the most pristine white linen table cloths, were floating an inch off the table glowing with an almost preternatural light. It was then that she noticed that the people, all of them, were wearing masks. Some simple, some more elaborate and sculpted. The women seemed to be holding their masks to their faces. Raising a hand to her own face, it was then that she realised her own face was covered with a mask. As she lifted her hand to her face, she noticed that she was no longer wearing her uniform, nor the suit she had worn to do the space walk but a dress, a ballgown that shimmered silver. ~What is …~ she thought to herself as she looked down at her dress. ~Something isn’t right here~ She knew. Knew that she had never been to this place, this party and yet, somehow, she knew that she needed to be out on the dance floor with the others dancing to the strangely silent music. Almost as soon as that realisation hit her, a hand enveloped her own and she was pulled onto the dance floor. A masked male took her other hand, slipped a white gloved hand around her waist and began to dance with her. “Wait…. I don’t know the steps.” she replied, trying to stop. The male stopped instantly, looked down at her and removed his mask. Stepping back slightly, she looked up into the eyes of her father but not as she knew him. Younger, the lines on his face were gone but she knew. Rylee knew in her soul that this was her father. “We never know the steps in life, child. The dance of life can take unexpected twists and turns. A partner may show when you least expect it and the dance of life, well that’s what makes it all the more fun.” he responded. Suddenly, a jarring sound rang through the dance hall. The chimes of a clock grew loud and almost piercing. Wincing slightly, Rylee covered her ears and closed her eyes. Once again, succumbing to the blackness. (Reply no-one) (Posted by Jackie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – (spc) Comp Ops. Ensign Sg. Zot– 1113) "Zot, we may need you to take down the generator quickly and safely. Whilst I would like to just blow the thing sky high, we have no way of telling what it will do if we do that." Zot looked directly at her. " I can deactivate the system once I have access to the mainframe. It should take less than a few minutes. " Erin took a breath, "Then, I'll go. I can get the emitter offline. You stay with Lieutenant Merek and follow her orders." “Your theory is sound. Prepare your plan. We’ll move when you are ready.” Lieutenant Merek said to the chief science officer. Zot was waiting patiently for his chance to prove himself a valuable asset. Spending the past 15 days in the computer, this was a huge change of pace. “Once the plan is executed, I will move forward while the remaining two of you cover me from here. Once I’ve established cover for myself and started distracting the enemy with my own fire from cover, you three will advance to cover, and return fire as you are comfortable and able. Everyone ready?” The away team leader asked. "Ready as I will ever be. I never thought that survival and evasion training would come in useful this soon." Responded the Science officer " Ready Sir" Zot said. ( reply Vosi) Zot watched as Cortez made her way around the ridge. Suddenly Lieutenant Merek started engaging enemy cultist Zot raised his phaser, the feeling of betraying his people's way of life flooded through his body. He wasn't afraid or frozen. Eunepians didn't use weapons. It wasn't in their nature. He took aim at one of the cultist who was aiming towards Lieutenant Merek and he fired the phaser, striking the cultist and dropping him. Almost instantly Zot dropped the phaser from his hand, looking at his now empty hand Zot felt a flood of emotions he'd never felt before ~ I...I… am sorry ~ "Come on hot shot. Your turn. Lieutenant Merek, would you be so kind to cover our asses whilst we take out the generator?" ( reply Merek) Zot looked at Cortez and headed her way. Still in shock that he fired a weapon. " Hot...Shot…? it's Ensign Zot " he said following the science officer. (Runabout Brocken Bow – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 1115) "Marker buoy ready to deploy sir, our guest is secure but I would recommend the EMH take a look at him once shes finished with Ensign Rylee. I've input the data from the tricorder, as much as its lost its been able to give us a clearer field through the debris; you shouldnt bump into anything now Lt." Ire nodded. “Thanks Chief. Deploy the buoy.” (Reply Brown) He glanced over at Alexander “Billy, if you want to go and see who our new guest is go ahead. Grab the EMH if you need to.” (Reply Alexander) He tapped the controls and plotted the quickest course then activated the impulse drive to its safe speed. He knew that he was going to have to talk to the maintenance chief about pushing the impulse engines but that was a conversation he was happy to have. As the made it out of the debree field he glanced across at where Rylee was still unconscious. ~Dam it Ire~ He turned back to the console and authorized the increase of power pushing the impulse engines past its maximum safety limit. With one eyed watching the impulse engines like a hawk he activated the comm system. “Brocken Bow to Exeter.” (Reply Exeter) “Exeter I have one critical patient who need to go to sickbay. I also have an unknown suspect from the Interceptors debree. Request teleportation one to sickbay and the other to a holding cell. If this not possible then a priority approach to the main shuttle bay.” (Reply Exeter) (Reply Brown, Alexander, Exeter, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek - 1123 ) Keira watched nervously as her friend moved forward with as much stealth as she could muster. She flanked around out of sight of the holographic sentry. Incase Erin tripped some kind of sensor, Keira was watching everything unfold through the sights of the rifle, ready to take out any threats to her Science Officer and friend. Once Erin was in place Keira was able to see her cautiously remove the panel, and then unceremoniously smash it with a piece of stone debris. ~Maybe some of me is rubbing off on her.~ Keira mused. The rock filled with fractal metals was more than a match for the sensitive components housed in the panel. The hard-light construct ceased to exist, but the rifle it was holding, seized by gravity fell to the ground. “That’s my cue.” Keira stated and sprinted to a rock outcropping she had seen earlier that she believed would make adequate cover for one or two shots. In response to her moving a pair of cultists fired rapidly at Keira but underestimated her speed and failed to lead her at all. The shots made sparks erupt behind her foot falls encouraging her to run faster. She waited for the pause in the volley and stuck her rifle out made sure one of the cultists was in the reticle and she squeezed the trigger twice, releasing a controlled pair on the one nearest to cover. She crumpled to the ground. Keira looked through the sight for her next target, closing her left eye so she could put all her attention on her next target. As she panned to her right a phaser shot came in from the tree line. Zot had taken out the cultist she couldn’t see because she had closed her eye. ~So that’s what the marksmanship instructor was talking about, use both eyes when using the rifle.~ She slinked back into cover as more shots whizzed by, “I owe that guy a drink.” Erin approached while there was a lull in the firing. "Not injured are you because you know he will have my head if anything happens to you." “Thanks to Zot I am unharmed,” Keira said. Erin slung the Bajoran rifle over her shoulder and motioned for Zot to move forward. "Come on hot shot. Your turn. Lieutenant Merek, would you be so kind to cover our asses whilst we take out the generator?" “It’s usually customary for the officer in charge of a group to go with the maneuver element. My talents could be utilized out here, however,” Keira pondered. “Keep you head on a swivel and your weapon at the ready. Check all your corners. We don’t know how many they have in there, but we know how many they will use, all of them.” "I know. Be careful. You are a much better shot than I am. You defending us just makes more sense. I promise we won't take long." Erin replied. Keira nodded. “Wait for my signal,” she warned and edged her way around the corner to get a view of the path of travel. ~ No shots. Let’s keep their heads down. ~ Keira keyed the selector from semi-auto to full auto, and held the trigger down for 3-5 shot bursts. Unless they were suicidal, anyone in there would keep their head down. Her phaser bolts hitting above and to the side of the entry way allowing the team a clear path to enter. Her hail of energy definitely kept anyone out of the hole blasted by shuttlecraft weapons, and may have also driven who ever was left, further in the structure. “Go!” Keira gave the signal. (Reply None) (Posted by Todd) (Runabout Brocken Bow – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 1126) He cold hard anger was almost consuming, but he stamped down hard on it with a snarl. He felt like he had been physically hit in the stomach when the EMH had told them about Ryelle`s dead body in the aft cabin. They had got close enough to beam the unconscious Rylee and Ryelle`s body back to the Exeter. “Okay I am going back to find whoever did this if you want to go back to the Exeter now is your chance. There is no way that Ryelle was put into the pods along with the Genesis device on their own. I am going back and search every inch until we find this person and bring them back to the Exeter alive so that they can answer for their crimes. Any objections?” (Reply Alexander, Brown) “Okay.” Ire flipped the Brocken Bow into a tight turn as he slammed the impulse engines into max burn and charged back towards the escape pods. ~Ire pull it back you go charging back in without a plan you are just going to get everyone killed~ He wanted payback and wanted to hurt the people or person who killed Ryelle and dam the consequences but as they got closer the calm flying part of his mind took over. As they reached sensor range cut main thrust and reduced their signature which would make them harder to detect as they began to coast in on inertia alone. “Okay I don`t want to give this…..person the upper hand. We are coasting in on a course that will have us drift past the pods close enough for a detailed scan and transporter lock on any biological object inside. Once we find the person we will transport them on board. I want us all to have phasers on heavy stun and I am not taking any chances. This person is dangerous and has killed so any hint of a problem we stun them and I`ll deal with the consequences when we get back.” ~Worst case scenario we destroy the pods. It will be a pity to lose the genesis devise but that`s something I can live with~ “Do you have any ideas about how to get a good look inside and a proper lock on its occupants without triggering any surprises or should we just light it up like a beacon with every sensor we have and hope we can snatch them before any booby traps go off?” (Reply Brown, Alexander any) (Posted by Robbie) (Runabout Broken Bow –StratOPS, Ensign SG Billy Alexander - 1130) “Okay I am going back to find whoever did this if you want to go back to the Exeter now is your chance. There is no way that Ryelle was put into the pods along with the Genesis device on their own. I am going back and search every inch until we find this person and bring them back to the Exeter alive so that they can answer for their crimes. Any objections?” "I'm staying with you. Besides, if we detected a lifesign, and got a dead body, doesn't add up, unless someone manipulated things at the last moment. So I'm with you, right Master Chief Brown?" (reply Brown) “Okay.” Ire flipped the Brocken Bow into a tight turn as he slammed the impulse engines into max burn and charged back towards the escape pods. ~Ire pull it back you go charging back in without a plan you are just going to get everyone killed~ “Okay I don`t want to give this…..person the upper hand. We are coasting in on a course that will have us drift past the pods close enough for a detailed scan and transporter lock on any biological object inside. Once we find the person we will transport them on board. I want us all to have phasers on heavy stun and I am not taking any chances. This person is dangerous and has killed so any hint of a problem we stun them and I`ll deal with the consequences when we get back. Do you have any ideas about how to get a good look inside and a proper lock on its occupants without triggering any surprises or should we just light it up like a beacon with every sensor we have and hope we can snatch them before any booby traps go off?” "Well we keep thinking of beaming them over here, but what about the opposite, and beam ourselves into the escape pod. Master Chief Brown and I go over, with Transporter beacons attached to our person, get over, stun the person, then hit them with an isolinear tag. You then beam them back to the Exeter. Assuming there are no booby traps that is. But I've been thinking about that." (reply Brown, Ire) "There is a Genesis linked device in there, so its, like would they really have anything rigged to go off that could risk the device going off? I mean, would you risk losing your master plan due to an accidental Booby trap? I wouldn't." (reply Brown, Ire) "The other option to consider is, well, blowing up the pod from a safe distance. Sure the reaction might create an unstable planet, incorporating the debris around it. But think about it, it's in a pretty open area of space, without too much collateral damage. The planet would then form, age rapidly, and then, well die. I mean... I dunno. Wouldn't that be the safe play, like say we can't get whoever is in there, and its not necessarily safe to tow the sucker back to the Exeter. Can we risk waiting for the Exeter to finish at the planet, then come back to it. Say for example while the Exeter is finishing things on the planet, some unfriendly species finds it. I mean could you imagine if the Founders found it, and it reignited a new Dominion war, and oh yeah, now we have shapeshifters with a doomsday weapon." Billy stopped. "Sorry that is too extreme. I don't know what came over me. Please ignore it." (reply Brown, Ire) (reply Brown, Ire) (posted by Will) (Runabout Broken Bow –QM - MCPO Janey Brown- 1132) “Okay I am going back to find whoever did this if you want to go back to the Exeter now is your chance. There is no way that Ryelle was put into the pods along with the Genesis device on their own. I am going back and search every inch until we find this person and bring them back to the Exeter alive so that they can answer for their crimes. Any objections?” "I'm staying with you. Besides, if we detected a lifesign, and got a dead body, doesn't add up, unless someone manipulated things at the last moment. So I'm with you, right Master Chief Brown?" "Always game for a little revenge Lt" she smiled and turned to her console "Ready to depart" They arrived and it was clear this was a very off the cuff moment, the best reactions Janey found were always ill prepared. Billy was clearly the analytical member of the crew thinking through the outcomes and the reactions. She allowed him enough time to do what his brain needed him to do. "Well we keep thinking of beaming them over here, but what about the opposite, and beam ourselves into the escape pod. Master Chief Brown and I go over, with Transporter beacons attached to our person, get over, stun the person, then hit them with an isolinear tag. You then beam them back to the Exeter. Assuming there are no booby traps that is. But I've been thinking about that." (reply Ire) "There is a Genesis linked device in there, so its, like would they really have anything rigged to go off that could risk the device going off? I mean, would you risk losing your master plan due to an accidental Booby trap? I wouldn't." "I never got any readings suggesting booby traps, but then again we didn't really hang around long enough for a good internal scan. If I was me with a device so important I wouldn't booby trap it, I would guard it. It's the Holy Grail, a modern day Knights Templar might be over there, ready to attack but more importantly protect; there is only one life sign, he can take it" Janey said looking at the sensors again. As Billy spoke again Janey stood and walked to the weapons locker, grabbing two phasers she let him finish. "With the greatest of respect son, please shut up, I'll probably age another 10 years by the time you've finished theorising. Take your phaser; are we beaming over there or not?" (Reply Williams, Billy) (Posted by Mat) (Runabout Broken Bow –CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 1135) "Well we keep thinking of beaming them over here, but what about the opposite, and beam ourselves into the escape pod. Master Chief Brown and I go over, with Transporter beacons attached to our person, get over, stun the person, then hit them with an isolinear tag. You then beam them back to the Exeter. Assuming there are no booby traps that is. But I've been thinking about that." “Okay.” Ire replied. "There is a Genesis linked device in there, so its, like would they really have anything rigged to go off that could risk the device going off? I mean, would you risk losing your master plan due to an accidental Booby trap? I wouldn't." "I never got any readings suggesting booby traps, but then again we didn't really hang around long enough for a good internal scan. If I was me with a device so important I wouldn't booby trap it, I would guard it. It's the Holy Grail, a modern day Knights Templar might be over there, ready to attack but more importantly protect; there is only one life sign, he can take it" “That makes sense.” "The other option to consider is, well, blowing up the pod from a safe distance. Sure the reaction might create an unstable planet, incorporating the debris around it. But think about it, it's in a pretty open area of space, without too much collateral damage. The planet would then form, age rapidly, and then, well die. I mean... I dunno. Wouldn't that be the safe play, like say we can't get whoever is in there, and its not necessarily safe to tow the sucker back to the Exeter. Can we risk waiting for the Exeter to finish at the planet, then come back to it. Say for example while the Exeter is finishing things on the planet, some unfriendly species finds it. I mean could you imagine if the Founders found it, and it reignited a new Dominion war, and oh yeah, now we have shapeshifters with a doomsday weapon." Billy stopped. "Sorry that is too extreme. I don't know what came over me. Please ignore it." Before Ire could reply Brown spoke up. "With the greatest of respect son, please shut up, I'll probably age another 10 years by the time you've finished theorising. Take your phaser; are we beaming over there or not?" “Master Chief.” Ire said sternly. He knew that this was an emotion situation and that the others including him were not being calm and totally sensible. “Go. Beam on board stun whoever is there, tag them and we can transport them straight to the Exeter and also bring the Genesis devise back in the process.” He looked at both of them as they stepped onto the transporter. “No heroics. We have lost and injured to many people today. Good luck.” ~Prophets please don`t let them die~ (Reply Alexander, Brown) (Reply Alexander, Brown, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Runabout Broken Bow - StratOps, Ensign SG Billy Alexander - 1137) “Go. Beam on board stun whoever is there, tag them and we can transport them straight to the Exeter and also bring the Genesis devise back in the process. No heroics. We have lost and injured to many people today. Good luck.” Billy nodded and headed to the transporter pad. He grabbed a Phaser on his way to the back as well as replicated an isolinear tag drone to go with them to fire the tag as soon as they stunned their, for lack of a better term, prey. "You know we could just call the Jem"hadar do deal with it. Just say hey, there is a bomb that will destroy the founders in the escape pod. Here are the coordinates, please blow it up for the glory of your gods." Billy said with a laugh, "Sorry, I'm nervous, trying to settle myself with jokes." (reply Brown, Ire) Before reaching the pad he turned to Janey, "Are you ready Master Chief?" (reply Brown) "Don't want to yap your ear off, but we should probably go finger on the trigger, but not fire until we are sure we won't hit the device. That could be bad." (reply Brown) As Billy was about to step on the pad he stepped awkwardly and fell to the ground. "Crap monkeys, with garbage sprinkles on top." (reply Brown, Ire) "Tweaked my knee," Billy said as he got up and hoped to a console. "Stepped awkwardly, old injury, I must have reaggravated it. Lieutenant you are going to have to in my place. I'll handle things from here." (reply Ire) Billy then waited for Ire to get ready, and then beamed Janey, Ire, and the Isolinear chip drone over to the escape pod. (reply Ire, Brown) (posted by Will) (Runabout Broken Bow - QM - MCPO Janey Brown - 1139) The order to go was given and Janey moved to get her engineering kit as once again Billy spoke. "You know we could just call the Jem"hadar do deal with it. Just say hey, there is a bomb that will destroy the founders in the escape pod. Here are the coordinates, please blow it up for the glory of your gods." Billy said with a laugh, "Sorry, I'm nervous, trying to settle myself with jokes." Saying nothing she raised an eyebrow and looked at them both. "Are you ready Master Chief?" Billy said "It's Chief and yes, ready when you are Sir" Janey moved across to the pad as she arrived she drew her phaser. "Don't want to yap your ear off, but we should probably go finger on the trigger, but not fire until we are sure we won't hit the device. That could be bad." Billy offered "Absolutely, last thing you want to hit is the genesis device" laughing a little Janey watched as Billy fell to the ground, she holstered her phaser and ran to him "Crap monkeys, with garbage sprinkles on top." Helping him up Janey sat the man down in the chair "you'll live" "Tweaked my knee, Stepped awkwardly, old injury, I must have reaggravated it. Lieutenant you are going to have to in my place. I'll handle things from here." “Okay Billy you stay here, we`ll be back before you know it. Ow and don`t run off with my ship okay.” "Shall we? Before anyone else hurts themselves?" Janey motioned to the pad. Standing back on it she took her phaser out and steadied herself holding the engineering kit in her other hand as they beamed across. (Reply none needed) (Posted by Mat) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple grounds - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1140 ) After scaling the slope and finding what appeared to be an ancient stone walkway they finally arrived at the grounds of the Temple , limestone like structure was smaller than he expected, but still pretty sizable. " Vespers scan the area, I find it odd no one is out front keeping guard. " Ravok said. ( reply Vespers) " So I guess we should just walk up and knock on the door." He said with a touch of humor. ( reply any) " That device from the intel reports should be outback. If we sneak around we could take it before it powered on. But we have to be careful to not alert anyone, Bracken is still in there. Her signal is still going strong." ( reply any) " I have this" He pulled out his concealed Tetryon grenade. " If I set it to go off in five minutes. It should be enough to level the damn thing, any thoughts?" ( reply any ) " Let's move" He said, leading the team around the back of the structure. Before they turned the final corner Ravok raised his fist to signal them to stop. He looked at his scanner. He gave the signal to them that were two people with the device. He nodded to Ensign More and Lieutenant Foxglove to dispatch them. (Reply More, foxglove) Ravok waited as they moved around the back and dispatched their targets. Waiting for the all clear from them. ( reply More , Foxglove) " Coast is clear Doc" Ravok said as he ran around to the device. He took his tetryon grenade out of vest pocket and clicked the timer into position. Placing it carefully inside the device. He backed away. " We got about 15 minutes till this thing blows. " He said to them. " Let's move in , I'll take point foxglove take the rear. " ( reply Foxglove) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple grounds - CMO – ENS Gabe Vesper - 1141 ) Concious of Stan behind him Gabe had quickly climbed, his kit making it difficult to move as quickly as he wanted. They arrived at the temple grounds and the team joined. " Vespers scan the area, I find it odd no one is out front keeping guard. " Ravok said. pulling out his tricorde Gabe ran it round the area, hoping the detail was right he looked up. “No one near here, inside yes, it’s a little unnerving but we must have cleared the area.” This time he pulled his side arm out and kept the tricorder available. " So I guess we should just walk up and knock on the door." He said with a touch of humor. Gabe stopped and looked, normally he would throw off some smart comment but as he was trying to be nice and moreover had a liking to the team joined in “If only there was a petdoor, we could just let ourselves in uninvited?” Gabe continued to scan, his back slightly hurting now carrying both the rifle and the medkit on it, the dried blood was starting to smell. (reply any) " That device from the intel reports should be outback. If we sneak around we could take it before it powered on. But we have to be careful to not alert anyone, Bracken is still in there. Her signal is still going strong." (Runabout Broken Bow – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 1142) "Stepped awkwardly, old injury, I must have reaggravated it. Lieutenant you are going to have to in my place. I'll handle things from here." He watched as Billy hoped over to the console. He looked like he was in a lot of pain. ~Ow hell. Okay lest do this~ “Okay Billy you stay here, we`ll be back before you know it. Ow and don`t run off with my ship okay.” He took the phaser and stood beside. Brown and the Isolinear chip drone. ~If the worst happens at least I saw Greta and she`s okay~ He felt the transporter grip him as the runabout dissolved around him. (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Temple grounds – Entity Host – Trentin Jost – 1143) Trentin had been mostly ignoring the prattling of the woman he had snared in the force field cage that had been left here by the Dominion. Fitting that it once held the great Emissary himself. The generator that was the power supply had fluctuated slightly. There was a team already there that had engaged them. Soon, Jost was sure they would be brought low. :: We are so close!:: exclaimed the being inside him. Jost could feel his excitement and joy at being near the culmination of his era-long plans. ~I know the array is almost inline for a shot, before the end of the afternoon of this planet we will see the end of your cousins in the temple~ Jost started the machine generating the chroniton particles they would need to fire the weapon. The machine began to hum happily generating particles. (Reply Bracken) “It’s just the beginning of the end for your precious prophets….” Jost had then heard a commotion, his honor guards were engaging someone in the shrine. :: Kill them. Kill them all, :: hissed the beast inside. “It appears we have company…” Jost said. (Reply Bracken) “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll be back for you soon enough.” Jost said and headed into the hewn stone shrine. (Reply Bracken) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1144) Keira had been trading shots with a pair of cultists for sometime now. It seemed her earlier cover of the away team going in to the structure through the breach, all that noise called all the cultists with in ear shot. Now it seemed her and Vosi were taking shots all sides except the direction that each other were in. In consequence, she was evading more than she was shooting. To their credit no one from outside had entered the structure. She saw one getting ready to throw a grenade, and exposed himself from his cover. Keira saw that opportunity and took a shot striking the man in the shoulder. His live grenade dropped to his feet and rolled behind the cover. The familiar flash of a stun grenade told the tale of the cultist left behind the cover. “Lieutenant. I am punching through fire in the hold.” Her fellow engineer yelled over the zips and zings of particle weapons that were decidedly not set to stun. ~Fire in the hold? It’s fire in the hole..~ BOOM! A large explosion shook the rocks she was using as cover from her left side. Keira hunkered down and covered the third group as Vosi worked around behind her to engage the now presumably stunned group to her left. In between her shots, she could hear the distinctive whine of two phaser shots coming from her left. “Merek to Vosi, status,” she said tapping her combadge. She resumed a covering fire. (Reply Vosi) “It looks like we have one group left. To the twelve, same direction as the opening, but they have the high ground, do you see them?” Keira said between shots of more covering fire. (Reply Vosi) “I don’t have such a good line of sight to them, but I see the cover they’ve been using clearly. I will heat their cover which after a few seconds will heat it enough they will vacate it. You take that opportunity to stun them and we’ll be done.” Keira proposed. (Reply Vosi) “They’re fanatic but not the kind that they’d burn themselves to prove a point. They’ll fall back or advance to different cover, when they move that will be your opportunity,” Keira warned. “Ready?” (Reply Vosi) Keira took out her hand phaser and set it to the highest heat setting, took aim at the cover and pressed the firing stud and held it. Steam rose from the rock face as the metal ores gladly conducted the heat and flash boiled the lichens and moss that had until now called the rock home. She ceased fire once the rock took on a deep cherry red color. She heard the distinctive whine of Vosi’s phaser shooting twice more. (Reply Vosi) “Good to hear it. Head on back. We’ll stand watch here until they’re done in there. Merek out,” she said while holstering her hand phaser. =^= Cortez to Merek.=^= “Send it.” Keira said, opening a new channel after closing the previous. =^= We're in and Ensign Zot is at work. Shouldn't be more than a minute or so.=^= “Good news. I’m eager to check on the other team, head on out when you’re finished.” Keira said, knowing Erin would know what she meant. Despite how well they were doing the Engineer had a bad feeling in her gut. =^= As soon as it's done, we run. Back to the shuttle. =^= “Be thorough, but get the lead out.” Keira said. =^= Understood. Cortez out. =^= (Reply Vosi, none needed after) (Posted by Todd) (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Shrine – Entity Host – Trentin Jost – 1145) Trentin entered the back archway which lead to what would have been a small anteroom or foyer with two paths leading around to a pulpit on which were three ornate pedestals for visiting Orbs of the Prophets, which never came. The former Vedek marched up the stairs, much like he did numerous times before giving guest lectures on artifacts he had reclaimed from the Cardassian occupation the snakes had stolen during that period. “Sire, Starfleet attacks,” one of his honor guard reported as he entered the room. “I know that, kill them, or don’t bother coming back.” Jost warned. He was ignored by his groups leader as he bowed solemnly and ran into the next room to meet Starfleet security, knuckle duster Bajoran phaser in hand and at the ready. Jost looked out at the pews and columns that made up this small sanctuary. With a wave of his hand he lit every candle and torch sconce inside the building and out. “Let them come.” Jost said to himself or no one. “What was built to contain worshipers of the false prophets will no contain death.” (Reply shuttle Leonardo Team) (Posted by Todd) NPC Trentin Jost (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Temple grounds – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1145) “You’re having POWER ISSUES!” ALSO I KINDA NEED TO...Prophets don’t they put TOILETS IN THESE PRISONS YOU FREAK?!” Ailynn’s temper was off the scale annoyed. “It’s just the beginning of the end for your precious prophets….” Jost was distracted, something pulling his attention, perhaps the noise that intruded her concentration.” “It appears we have company…” Jost said. “I’ll bet it’s that girl who brings round the half time oranges...we have to swap halves now. You know you take a turn in here and I arse about with the machine like I know what I’m doing.” Ailynn retorted. “Oi…” She watched his retreating form. “Come back here while I’M TELLING YOU THAT YOU’VE….” She sighed. Jost was no longer in the room. “Wired the chroniton generator into the secondary power source, so when it shuts off a chroniton surge will destroy you. YOU BLOODY IMBECILE!” “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll be back for you soon enough.” Jost said and headed into the hewn stone shrine. “AM I EVEN MAKING A NOISE? DAmmit!” She pointed at one of the guards. “THIS IS ALL YOUR BLOODY FAULT. I’M GOING TO HURT YOU REALLY REALLY BADLY!” THe guard had the temporary sense to ignore the furious harpie in the cage. (Reply none) (Posted by Mark) (USS Exeter – Morgue – Nurse – CPO- Ewan McDonald - 1145) Ewan looked down at the body of Ensign Kyros Ryelle that was lying out on the mortuary slab and paused before opening his tricorder. He had been tasked with cataloging his possessions and any forensic material that was on his body. After that he would be put into one of the mortuary pods for storage until they reached home. Normally he would have help but Sickbay was rammed with new patients, so he was here by himself. He knew that Bajorans had specific rituals and rights when it came to their dead but unfortunately, he had to do this as part of the protocol with the sudden death of a member of the ships company. “Hallo Ryelle. My name is Ewan, I am a nurse and I am going to scan you with a tricorder and take a few readings if that`s okay?” He paused for a moment before starting the scan. He knew that some people would think that he was strange to talk to the dead as if they were still alive but when he was a student nurse all wide eyed and eager. He had assisted the Senior Sister of the Operating Theater Department in caring for a patient who had died on the operating table. They had carefully cleaned the patient placed her in a shroud and then waited for the porters to come and take the patient to the morgue. He had remembered that she had not left the patient even though it had taken a long while for the porters to arrive with the gurney. She had then escorted the patient out of the department and to the doors of the morgue. On the walk back, she had told him that just because the patient had died does not mean that you stop treating with the respect and dignity that they deserve. As a nurse you care for patients from before they are born to after they die. She had said that if she he was not able to do that for every single patient then he did not deserve to have the responsibility and the honor of caring for people in their time of need. The tricorder beeped as it completed the scan. “Thank you for that. Now I am sorry, but I am going to need to remove your uniform. Don`t worry I`ll keep you decent throughout okay.” He took a laser cutter and carefully cut along the uniform arms and along its sides so that is was split into two. He then covered Ryelle`s whole body with a shroud which he tucked under his shoulders. “I am going to remove the top part of your uniform top and trousers. Sorry about this.” He pulled on the bottom edge of the uniform top then he had left uncovered which slid out and then careful put it into an evidence bag. He the same with the trousers which he tagged and placed in the corner beside him. “I need to role you slightly to get the other half`s sorry.” He rolled Ryelle carefully off the slab and quickly pulled the other parts of his uniform and placed them also into evidence bags. The bags were then taken to a storage container where they were sealed inside waiting for further analysis. “Sorry about that.” He quickly pulled the shroud that had slipped off Ryelle`s shoulder while he was rolling him. “Now that unpleasant bit is over. Let`s get you cleaned up a bit shall we. I am sure some of your friends will be visiting in a bit and we need to make sure you are ready.” He moved over a bowl with warm cleaning water and a cloth. The bowl had a particle analyzer which would scan any matter that was removed from him when he cleaned him. He began going from Ryelle`s head to his feet working slowly and methodically talking to him all the time explaining what he was doing talking about his experiences before joining the Exeter, about his family and friends. When he had finished he placed the cloth back in the bowel and moved it back into the corner. He stepped back and placed a hand gently onto Ryelle`s shoulder. “I am Ewan McDonald from the Clan McDonald may my ancestors watch over the spirt of Kyros Ryelle on his journey to the prophets.” He carefully pushed the slab back into mortuary pod opening which was inserted into the wall. There was a soft click as the hatch came down and sealed in place. “Rest now my friend. Your journey has ended.” He paused for a moment paying his respects before he turned and headed for the door towards the living patients who would also need his help. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 1145) Even before he had totally materialized he knew that he was in trouble. There was a searing pain in his shoulder as he was hit and slammed into bulkhead. There was a blur of movement and he half ducked half dropped as another fits crunched into the bulk head where his head had been a split second before. ~If you don`t get the upper hand now you will die. You need to live for Greta~ He kicked out trying to connect but missed and followed up with a couple of jabs. He was trying to get his attacker to back off and give him some room to maneuver but his attacker was cunning and was not falling for it. Ire saw movement behind his attacker as he came in for a pulverizing blow. ~Janey~ This attacker spasmed and then crumpled to the deck plate. Ire scrambled groggily to his feet and fired his phaser which was on heavy stun into his attacker. “Drone chip him.” The drone buzzed overhead. There was a soft thunk as it fired a isolinier chip into his attacker. He looked over at Brown and grinned. “Well that was different.” (Reply Brown) “Thank you for saving my hide. He just appeared out of now where.” (Reply Brown) “Did you see anyone else?” (Reply Brown) “Glad there was two if us or it would have gotten nasty.” (Reply Brown) He looked down as his unconscious attacker and tapped his comm badge. “Ire to Billy we got him.” (Reply Alexander) “No he looks like the only one here. Get him back to the Exeter and prepare to tow the pod back so we can off load the Genesis device.” (Reply Alexander) He watched as the attacker was transported away and looked at Brown. “Let’s out of here.” (Reply Brown) “Ire to Billy. Two to come back.” (Reply Alexander) (Reply Alexander, Brown) (Posted by Robbie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior –Engineer – Ensign – Galu Vosi – 1147) =^=Merek to Vosi, status =^= “I have cleared the high ground two targets down.” He moved further forward making use of the cover. =^=It looks like we have one group left. To the twelve, same direction as the opening, but they have the high ground, do you see them?=^= He looked over a small bank and saw the group of enemies that Merek was talking about. “Yes Lieutenant. I see them” =^=I don’t have such a good line of sight to them, but I see the cover they’ve been using clearly. I will heat their cover which after a few seconds will heat it enough they will vacate it. You take that opportunity to stun them and we’ll be done=^= “Yes Lieutenant.” =^=They’re fanatic but not the kind that they’d burn themselves to prove a point. They’ll fall back or advance to different cover, when they move that will be your opportunity, Ready=^= “Ready.” He glanced over the lip to see Merek`s phaser beam hit the rock face that the enemy was hiding behind as it turned a deep red and steam rose from it. There was a cry of alarm as two people leaped from behind cover and ran across open space to get to move cover. Galu aimed his phaser carefully and shot them both in mid stride. They collapsed onto the ground and did not move. Galu waited for a moment to make sure that they were down and not pretending. Once he was happy he tapped his comm badge. “Lieutenant we are clear.” =^=Good to hear it. Head on back. We’ll stand watch here until they’re done in there. Merek out=^= He took one last glance and then scurried back down the trench towards where Merek was positioned. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CSO – Dr. Fave Itel – 1147) He heard the brief whine of the transporter and fear shot his carefully laid ambush to hell. He peered around the corner to look at his destruction before it came for him. Itel not being a man of tactical acumen had no trigger discipline and as he saw the man materialize, the hand holding the weapon squeezed in surprise, it was enough to fire the weapon. An orange beam lanced out missing the man but hitting the nearby bulkhead. Sparks issued from the console hitting him in the shoulder just as the man materialized. Fave gasped in alarm and ran to the nearby hatch into Section Beta, the only real way to hide, but still with the cramped quarters too close to hide for long. “I am Lieutenant Ire Williams of the Federation Starship Exeter. Come out where I can see you.” Itel thought the man had anger in his voice, but maybe that was just Fave projecting. ~No use running now, he will eventually get me.~ Itel slowly came out as the man fully came into view, the scientist realized he was still holding the weapon and he looked at the pistol and imagined Lieutenant Williams holding a phaser leveled at him. “Aaah!” Itel vocalized and dropped his own weapon as if it were made of hot metal. He kept his hands in clear view. ~I’m surely dead.~ “Identify yourself?” Williams asked. “Doctor Fave Itel, Chief Scientist of the.. former Prophet’s Truth.” He answered. The man seemed off-balance, like he perhaps was struck in the head, but Itel knew he did no such thing to him. “You seem wounded Lieutenant are you OK?” Itel took a step closer. ~Maybe I can help him and he’ll take pity on me?~ “Stop don`t come any closer or I`ll fire.” Itel froze in place keeping his hands up and in view. “You… you’re part Bajoran?” Itel said just now noticing the distinctive nose ridges. “Chip him.” Williams said. Itel heard a humming behind him. ~I wasn’t paying attention~ “I formally request asylum!” Itel blurted out, begging for mercy as the transporter took him. (Reply Williams, Brown, Alexander) (Posted by Todd) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple interior- aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1148 ) The team made their way to a side entrance and opened the door. Inside was dark and dimly lit. The light casted an eerie glow on the stone pillars supporting the temple. The gentle hum of electricity filled the air.. ( reply any on away team) NRPG: Had to get us here , we are inside now. Meant to post last night but was too tired ( reply Vespers , any, more foxglove ) ( posted by Rob Davis ) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Exterior –Engineer - Ensign - Galu Vosi – 1148) Galu had seen his friend and Lieutenant Cortez enter the power supply building what seemed like hour. Since then they had been under constant fire. As Merek had pushed forward he had tried to flank and provide a cross fire but had been stuck just under the lip of the ridge. He had not been able to get a good shot at the enemy who had maneuvered themselves above him and he was in good enough cover so that they could not hit him. He had thrown a couple of his charges but without knowing where the enemy were moving to he just blew debree into the air. ~Come on Galu think. You may not be a good shot, but you have other talents~ He ducked as a phaser shot sizzled past his head. ~I need to level the tables~ He grinned as he fired three phaser bursts into the rock face in front of him. He then placed three directional charges and slithered back behind a large bolder. “Lieutenant. I am punching through fire in the hold.” (Reply Merek) He hit the detonator and the charges exploded. He was up and running through the dust and falling debree. Up through the small gully that his charges had made and burst out on top of the ridge. He scanned the ground for the enemy and found two of them getting back up after being knocked off their feet from the explosions. He saw them reaching for their weapons as he fired two shots in quick succession dropping them instantly. He then turned and ducked under cover as he began to laydown suppressing fire on the other enemy soldiers. (Reply Merek, any) (Posted by Robbie) ((Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple grounds - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 11:49 ) As More had feared they were fired at as they climbed. But Foxglove managed to silence them quite quickly. Stan kept his eyes trained on the Doc as ordered. More hoped he had not upset Ravok. Stan had tried to think for the good of the rescue mission. With Paul gone now there was only Ravok in charge of team Leonardo. After a brief check of his Phaser rifle. Stan watched and listened as the others spoke. Looking at the structure before them. Gave Stan a sense of foreboding. " Let's move" Ravok said, leading the team around the back of the structure. Stan kept close to Vespers after all he had been ordered. To keep en eye on him. Before they turned the final corner Ravok raised his fist to signal the group to stop. He was looking at his scanner. There were two people close by.He nodded to Ensign More and Lieutenant Foxglove to dispatch them. “Let’s go Lieutenant.” Stan said to her (Reply , foxglove) The two of them moved slowly. Stan silently signalled to Foxglove. He would take the one on the left. Setting his Phaser rifle to high stun. He pointed and fired. But this alerted the other person who fired at Stan. Catching him in his side and making him fall to his knees. Stan heard firing but stayed down. His body armour had taken some of the shot. He felt a pair of hands at his good side. ( Reply , Foxglove) “ Good shooting......Lieutenant.You better make the call....... I’ll be ok. It’s just a wee wound.....” Stan said. ( reply , Foxglove & Team Leonardo) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple interior- CMO – ENS Gabe Vesper- 1150) Arriving as the team arrived Gabe felt things tense, his gungho attitude dropped as the silence engulfed them and the low hum filled the air. Reading his tricorder he stopped “I’ve got contacts in that room ahead, Ailynn is there too.” He dropped to his knees and quickly checked his med kit and rifle. “Im ready” he said solemnly ( reply Ravok, more foxglove ) ( posted by Mat ) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure Interior – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez –1150) Walking infront, Erin held the rifle steady. She hated guns but, at this moment, she pushed that aside and held steady. Reaching a turn in the corridor, she signalled Zot to stop. Looking around the corner, she saw one remaining cult member stood by what she surmised to be the main control terminal. ~Poor kid looks barely old enough to drink.~ she thought to herself. Looking back to Zot, she whispered, "one guy left." (Reply Zot) "I don't want to shoot him if I don't need to. But…" (Reply Zot) "We need to get to that console." Sighing, Erin stood, motioned for Zot to stay where he was and walked around the corner. "Hey, help a girl out, I'm a bit lost and…" Judging by the look on the guy's face, he was a second away from reaching for his gun so she brought up hers to his chest level. "Don't do that. Step away from it. " she paused as she watched him ponder what to do. In that split second as they looked at each other, Erin and he both knew what was about to happen. He reached, she fired and he fell backwards. As he crashed to the floor, he lay still. Walking forward, she felt his neck. ~oh thank…. Stunned.~ "Zot?" (Reply Zot) "Come on. Our friend here is out for the count." (Reply Zot) Stepping back to allow him space to work, Erin tapped her combadge, "Cortez to Merek." (Reply Merek) "We're in and Ensign Zot is at work. Shouldn't be more than a minute or so. " (Reply Merek) "As soon as it's done, we run. Back to the shuttle." (Reply Merek) "Understood. Cortez out." Glancing back at Ensign Zot, she stood next to him, "How's it coming, Ensign?" (Reply Zot) "Excellent. If you can, just power it off. That's all we need to happen. Download any information you think of relevant and turn the damn machine off." (Reply Zot) After a moment, the whirring of the machinery that they were stood next to began to lower its pitch. Not a second after that, the lights in the building flickered as they plunged into darkness. "Zot… you did it!" (Reply Zot) "We can find our way out in the dark. I ate a lot of carrots as a kid." (Reply Zot) "Never mind. Terran story for another time." (Reply Zot) Tapping her combadge, Erin spoke with a smile, "Cortez to Merek." (Reply merek) "Mission accomplished. Generator down." (Reply merek) Tapping a few buttons on her tricorder, Erin sent a message to the strike team that were tasked with the retrieval of Lieutenant Bracken. It read simply, "Target is down. Go get our girl." (Reply any) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford - 11:50) Sleeford lay on a comfortable hard surface, hoping the elephant would stop sitting on his chest and the Targ would stop chewing his left leg. Listening to the beeps and chirps had him worried slightly as he could think of no animal that made those noises, but then he had no idea what animals where on the planet the away team had been sent to, as he lay there he wondered why Ravok was allowing his to sleep when he should be rescuing Bracken. Slowly opening his eyes he saw the off grey ceiling of the ship, looking down he saw the walls of sickbay, frowning he turned his head left and right, seeing no other members of the team made him worry, was he the only survivor, had the mission ended badly, was everyone dead. Opening his mouth to speak Sleeford realised he had swallowed a ton of sand or grit as his mouth and throat felt like, well it felt like the Targ at his left leg had used his mouth as the head. Laying there Sleeford looked round for any of the medical staff to ask why he was here, spotting a nurse walking past his bed he croaked at her. (Reply Silvine) As he lay there the incident slowly came back to him, he remembered being shot, Vespers handing him a phaser while he treated his wound. then nothing, he had a vague sense of someone talking to him about his job in security, but he couldn't remember who, trying to sit up he found no power in his left side, Laying back the truth hit him like a mark 19 shuttle coming out of warp. His left leg had gone. Closing his eyes he left out a long soft sign, closing his eyes he felt the life and reason for living flood out of him. "He should have left me to die" (Reply Silvine) Opening his eyes Sleeford stared at the ceiling, listening as the nurse explained his treatment. As she spoke he realise he'd been in a bad way, turning his head Sleeford looked at the Nurse, "Please i'd like to be alone, if you don't mind" (Reply Silvine) Laying back Sleefrod stared at the ceiling and felt the tears slowly run down his face, (Replies Silvine) (Posted by Alistair) (Gamma Quadrant Planet, Temple grounds – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1151) Ailynn watched the Temple guard, stood impassive either end of the temple. Jost was still not back in the room, shifting in frustration, the impending sense of rescue gave her a new edge, one that re-woke her, and pulled her out of her own reverie. There was an unmistakable change in the sounds of the room. Instantly, Ailynn knew what had happened, she stepped toward the forcefield, and plucking a hair from her head, held it out, waiting for it to burn like the last one had. It didn’t, she was free. Stepping forward she felt the exhilarating rush of excitement. She reached back into her pocket and pulled out the tricorder, switching it back over to the technical setting. She could see the same structures present as where there before, and also that there was still residual stored power in place. ~Okay Ailynn. Just think bioengineering.~ was her first thought. ~Yeah...Those extra units that critically overstretched and and caused…~ Was her second. Thinking of the machine as a body once more helped. She could see the pathways where power flowed, and at the heart, the chroniton generator, and she could see that indeed she had been correct, Jost hadn’t checked the translation, and there was a simple flaw in the machine. A valve had been added where she could see no reason for its existence. Quickly she dashed over, and moved to the back of the machine, the acrid smell from the fresh welds. Reaching her arm into the depths of the machine, she turned the valve. This would shut off the chronitons stopping them from making it to the emitter. There was an attached wire, which the tricorder suggested was a sensor, Ailynn pulled off this wire, and attached it to another circuit, so that it would would erroneously show the valve as open. Lastly, she routed all of the remaining stored power from the emitter to the chroniton generator. She hid the moved cable as best she could. Moving swiftly back to the circle for the forcefield, she held a finger up over her lips. “Ssh! When a girls gotta go am I right?” (Reply Jost) (Posted by Mark) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Power Supply Structure interior – (spc) Comp Ops. Ensign Sg. Zot– 1151) Inside they reached Saturn in the corridor when the Lieutenant signaled him to stop. " On cry left" she whispered. ~ one cry left? No no she said one guy left~ He nodded his head in acknowledgment. "I don't want to shoot him if I don't need to. But…" He looked at her. " I dropped my phaser …" He said, admitting his lack of a weapon. "We need to get to that console." Cortez said as she motioned for Zot to stay still and wait. " Be careful " He warned. As he waited he could hear her conversing with the cultist. Then a series of phaser fire. Zot grabbed both sides of his head and crouched down. Trembling ,he was so afraid she was gone. "Zot?" He heard her say. He looked up with relief "Come on. Our friend here is out for the count." She said. He stood up and walked around the corner and headed start to the computer terminal and laid his backpack on side ledge of console, opening it up and removing a small device with blue sight radiating from it. It was a splicing device, highly regulated by the federation, usually used by program engineers and intelligence operations to snapshot interface transfers and coding streams of the hacked device , these snapshots allowed the device to record an abundance of data without actually downloading any of the data files from the actual device. Therefore making it able to store a massive amount of information from multiple computers. He accessed the terminal which wasn't locked and started diving into the hard commands of the programs he was interacting with forcing them to comply with his interactions. His hands danced across the tactile interface keys like a virtuoso pianist performing ascending and descending arpeggio sweeps through the various musical keys. "How's it coming, Ensign?" " I have accessed the higher ESI coding of the isolinear storage bit. I am preparing to render the system inoperative...killing it." He responded as he worked. "Excellent. If you can, just power it off. That's all we need to happen. Download any information you think of relevant and turn the damn machine off." " Patience Lieutenant. Rushing such things can activate a unknown fail safe that will shut my entry down and leave us without access" He said as finished typing and looked at her. " Done" After a moment, the whirring of the machinery that they were stood next to began to lower its pitch. Not a second after that, the lights in the building flickered as they plunged into darkness. "Zot… you did it!" " They had another backup power supply I have wiped out all potential for another power start up. Every computer on this planet was tied to the same Network. After wiping their memories and operational functionally I disseminated and destroyed the network." "We can find our way out in the dark. I ate a lot of carrots as a kid." " Do carrots help with eyesight in low lighting ?" He asked as his black eyes turned slightly hazy white at the center, that change would only be noticeable by others if the lighting was still at normal levels but in darkness the change was not noticeable by others. This subtle changed in eye structure allowed Eunepians to see in extreme low lighting. "Never mind. Terran story for another time." She remarked. " I would love to hear it" he said packing up his gear and holding his arm out to her so he could help her through the darkness. Tapping her combadge, Erin spoke with a smile,"Cortez to Merek…." ( reply None needed) ( posted by Rob Davis - spc Ensign Zot) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CFO –Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 1151) “I formally request asylum!” Ire watched as Itel dematerialized as the transporter took him to the Exeter. ~Asylum for what you did to Ryelle I don`t think so~ He paused as he regained his balance. “Chief did you make it?” (Reply Brown) “Did you see anyone else?” (Reply Brown) “Looks like it’s just us then.” He looked around the pod keeping a wary eye on the sharp edges as he tapped his comm badge. “Ire to Brocken Bow” (Reply Alexander) “Everything is good here. Did our guest make it back to the Exeter?” (Reply Alexander) “Okay. Me and the Chief will give this place the one over and then come back.” (Reply Alexander) He began to scrutinize the equipment that was around him. He saw what looked like the Genesis device that he had seen from schematics. “Is that the Genesis device?” (Reply Brown) “Is it possible to take it back with us on the Brocken Bow. I really don`t want to be here anymore then I have to?” (Reply Brown) (Reply Brown, Alexander) (Posted by Robbie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 11:53 ) Stan knew something was wrong. So he made sure he was turned away from the others. When he attempted to stand. Lights flashed before his eyes. There was a sharp pain in his side. Making him gasp but he managed to hide that. Pulling his body armour tighter he felt like. The pain would make him collapse. But at least it hid the wound on his side.Then walking slowly he joined the others. A sharp pain in his side made him stop and shake his head. Luckily no one noticed. As they slowly entered the structure. More kept to the back of the group. As they moved into the temple. There was a bitter coppery smell to the air. The hum of electricity hid any footsteps. Friendly or otherwise. Stan turned around when he thought he heard something. ( Reply , Vespers) “ I am fine they missed me.” Stan said hiding his side. Away from the Doc. ( Reply , Vespers ) “ I am fine honestly Doc.” Stan lied ( reply , Vespers & Team Leonardo) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Paul Sleeford - 11:53) Laying in the bed feeling sorry for himself as nurse stood by the bed, he felt like his world had been wiped away and his life as a Starfleet officer was over. "Who should have?" She asked marking the reads in her head "Doctor Vespers, he should have let me bleed out on the planet." "Ah, well it's his job to save you, as is mine. You've had a rough time." Silvine perched herself on the small chair next to the bed. Giving a bitter laugh, Sleeford turned and looked at the nurse, seeing only someone who had taken his career. "So what happens now. Medical discharge I suppose, thrown out on the scrap heap." "It's really not my place to say Ensign" she said but there was something on his face that needed to know. "We had to amputate what was left of your leg from the blast, Dr Vespers did everything he could on the planet surface but by the time you got here the priory was saving you. We did loose you for a moment, some shrapnel had shifted but we kept you here. I'm really sorry Ensign, but there are so many options for you, we can create a new le..." Sleeford looked at her "Please i'd like to be alone, if you don't mind" "Of course, I'll see you soon" she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and left the room As the nurse left Sleeford lay back and looked at the ceiling he started at the join in the panels for a long time,laying awake Sleeford pushed himself to a sitting position. Looking round for a nurse or orderly and finding none that were not busy, he left them to work on more important people. Reaching over for the PADD on his side table he half sat there and composed a message to the counselling department. ~might as well get this over with~ "Ensign Lavorre H. Could you come to sickbay at your earliest convenience. Thank you" Sending the message he slumped back on the pillow. Somewhere down on the planet were his friend putting their lives on the line while he lay here because he was stupid and made a mistake, dodge right instead of left. The only bright side he could see was no one else had been hurt by his foolishness. (Reply Lavorre H.) (Posted by Alistair) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior - CMO Ens Gabe Vespers- 11:54) Slowly moving through Gabe saw that Stan had fallen behind a little, he slowed to catch him "Stan?" “ I am fine they missed me.” More moved to one side clearly hiding something Gabe quickly pulled out his tricorder again “ I am fine honestly Doc.” "I'll be the judge of that thank you Ensign" Gabe saw what had happened and quickly loaded a hypo. "Try not to get shot again, I'm running out of pain killers, you'll live, we need to keep moving." His happy bedside manner was not wearing thin as Gabe wanted more than anything to get to Ailynn. (Reply More iyw, any) (Posted by Mat) (Gamma Quadrant Planet- Temple interior- aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1155 ) The lighting in the temple was drastically reduced. Just the lighting dropped a gaurd came running toward them, not sure if the gaurd had yet seen them , Ravok didnt hesitate he raised his phaser and shot him in the chest. Causing him to fall down. A old lighting source next Ravok came to life with light. It was a candle and the fire lit by itself, followed by many others. " Well that's a neat trick" he remarked as led the team into the shrine. Up the stairs he saw a man standing there , waiting for them. " You must be the man of the hour. " Ravok said as he approached. He stopped and looked at Jost. ( reply Jost) " I'm Lieutenant Ravok, to my left is Ensign More , to his left is Doctor Vespers and the charming woman to my right is Lieutenant Foxglove. We came here prepared to fight but seeing as you decided on a romantic candle lit dinner vibe , which by the way is a rather nice sentiment. I would like to offer you a final chance to give us our first officer and surrender and I promise that we will take care of you. " Ravok said. ( reply jost) " Look, I'm not judging. Your pissed that cardassians joined the federation, I get it and I would be too if I was a bajoran. But is answering that with killing more bajorans the right way to go about it ? " he asked, holding up his hand " Wait wait, that's a rhetorical question. All I'm trying to say is with the amount of harm you caused your people. I'm pretty sure some dead cardassians are rolling in their grave with envy of the excellent job your doing. You should give yourself a pat on the back for being worse than those you hate so much" ( reply Jost ) " Our captain is showing you great mercy Jost, if he wanted to he could open fire on this planet and end us all. But he is giving you a chance. There is absolutely no scenario in which you come out on top. We die , you die. You die we go home without being able to bring a murderous cult leader psychopath to justice... So how about you come down here and let us all put an end to this ?" Ravok said with a tone of sarcasm and arrogance. ( reply away team ifw , reply Jost) ( reply jost , reply away team) ( posted by Rob Davis) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – QM - MCPO Janey Brown – 1155) As the pair beamed across everything happened so quickly, as they weren't in a conflict situation anymore Janey had sunk off near to the device. “Chief did you make it?” "Down here" she called as she opened the engineering kit and then her tricorder “Did you see anyone else?” "Nope, just the one religious fanatic this time." She said starting the scans. “Looks like it’s just us then.” As Williams tied up the loose ends with the runabout Janey had made herself certain she was with the device. “Is that the Genesis device?” Williams asked moving over to her. "It is indeed" Janey said standing and tapping the outer shell. "In all its glory, so to speak" she pulled open the hatch and continued scanning. “Is it possible to take it back with us on the Brocken Bow. I really don`t want to be here anymore then I have to?” "Shouldn't be a problem, although I'd rather disable it before we transport it over. Shouldn't take too long." Janey replied her head inside the casing and her arm outside trying to find the tool she needed. "Can you pass me that coupler, if I can remove the stembolt and shunt the power through the auxiliary relay Im pretty sure I can shut off the infuser matrix and render it almost useless for the time being." (Reply Williams) Pulling her head out Janey looked up "the coupler is that one, could you pass me it please?" Janey pointed to the tool kit that she had inadvertently pushed away from her instead of towards her. (Reply Williams) "Remind me to tell you the time I once had a ferengi try to sell me a case load of self seeling stembolts, they were utter rubbish, kept going on about some great material continuum." she said as her head and hand went back into the machine. "Never could trust a Ferengi" (Reply Williams) (Posted by Mat) (Brocken Bow - Command Compartment - StratOPS, Ensign SG Billy Alexander - 11:55) =/\=Ire to Brocken Bow=/\= "What is it Lieutenant? Everything Ok?" =/\=Everything is good here. Did our guest make it back to the Exeter?=/\= "No sir, the Isolinear tag was designed to send him over here. He's in the crew cabin in the back, forcefield in place keeping him contained. Its a pretty narrow field, so even though he's in the cabin, he can't move further than a foot in any direction. Just enough to sit down if he wanted to." =/\=Okay. Me and the Chief will give this place the one over and then come back.=/\= "Yes sir, let me know when you are ready to come back. Broken Bow out." Billy then turned back to his console, monitoring their guest, making sure he wasn't trying anything. (reply none) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter - Counselor Office - Counselor Ensign Harlequin Lavorre - 11:56) Harly was just finishing up an appointment when her padd flashed. She slid behind her desk grabbing a drink of soda and took a sip from the straw the protruded from the cup below. Appointments especially one's where a good deal of talking was involved always made her thirsty. She glanced at the padd and read over its contents. 'Ensign Lavorre H. Could you come to sickbay at your earliest convenience. Thank you' She checked the to see who the messager was from. 'Hmmmm, Ensign Steelford aren't you supposed to be planetside.' She thought to herself. She glanced at her schedule. Do to the nature of the mission her schedule was mostly free. She rose from her desk and looked over across the hall. Calling to her sis. "Hey, I'm stepping out for a bit." (Reply Jester, none need) She walked the small distance into the main sickbay. It was clear the mission had deteriorated. The bay was organized chaos but several of the nurses had concern evident on thier face. Finally she was able to flag nurse down that directed her toward the area where Steelford was laying. She entered, "Anyone ask for a Counselor?" She spoke calmly and evenly. (Reply Steelford) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – Entity Host – Trentin Jost – 1157) " You must be the man of the hour. " A tall dark haired Vulcanoid said, exuding so much confidence to boarder on arrogance. “Pointed ears with all the arrogance and none of the logic, you must be Romulan.” Jost retorted in response. " I'm Lieutenant Ravok, to my left is Ensign More , to his left is Doctor Vespers and the charming woman to my right is Lieutenant Foxglove. We came here prepared to fight but seeing as you decided on a romantic candle lit dinner vibe , which by the way is a rather nice sentiment. I would like to offer you a final chance to give us our first officer and surrender and I promise that we will take care of you. " Ravok said. “All with nice, shiny, tidy uniforms,” Jost said in a mocking tone, “I’m so scared.” " Look, I'm not judging. Your pissed that Cardassians joined the federation, I get it and I would be too if I was a Bajoran. But is answering that with killing more Bajorans the right way to go about it ? " he asked, holding up his hand " Wait wait, that's a rhetorical question. All I'm trying to say is with the amount of harm you caused your people. I'm pretty sure some dead Cardassians are rolling in their grave with envy of the excellent job your doing. You should give yourself a pat on the back for being worse than those you hate so much" :: He’s never going to understand, they never will. Just kill them and be done with it.:: ~ Why don’t we play a game first? See how long they can last?~ “Those that cannot or are unwilling to move toward to the future don’t deserve it,” Jost explained. “I’m offering them my hand, if they but join me, but I can’t let them stand in my way. The Cardassians sought to enslave to take what wasn’t there’s. I’m reclaiming Bajoran birthright. Rakanthan wheat, the grain must be separated from the chaff to get what is useful and viable. I am merely separating those who are ready for what is to come and those better left behind.” " Our captain is showing you great mercy Jost, if he wanted to he could open fire on this planet and end us all. But he is giving you a chance. There is absolutely no scenario in which you come out on top. We die , you die. You die we go home without being able to bring a murderous cult leader psychopath to justice... So how about you come down here and let us all put an end to this ?" Ravok said with a tone of sarcasm and arrogance. “No, I don’t think I will, because you won’t fire on this place for fear of hitting your Lieutenant that I have in custody.” Jost said with determination. He looked each of the gathered four over, one by one. The Wraith had grown to full power affording him more and more new abilities. The newest an awareness of the truth of things. “You.” He said pointing at the Doctor. “You are of Bajor. There is room for one of your talents in what is to come.” (Reply Dr. Vesper) “Pity,” Jost said with regret. “That’s what the last doctor said, the one that was captured with my prisoner, and now he is no more.” (Reply any) “You. You look so young, but I sense great turmoil in you. Your body does not betray the many terrible things your eyes have seen and your hands have done.” Jost proclaimed. (Reply Foxglove) “You. You hide your wounds from the others fearing that you will be seen as weak when you want to be strong. Continuing on when you could easily quit is a sign of strength. I fear you will not be strong enough.” (Reply More) “And finally you.” He said pointing at Ravok. “You, young pup are in way over your head, but attempt to hide it with bravado. You speak as if you are assured victory but using an Earth term, I hold all the cards.” (Reply Ravok) “But enough talk. Have at you!” Jost announced, he stomped his foot down hard sending out a shockwave and an earthquake shaking the temple. (Reply all) Jost started with a back hand swipe sending one flying backwards off her feet with an unseen force. (Reply Foxglove) With his other hand he sent a gout of near plasma hot flame at another. (Reply More) A phaser shot set to stun he ignored completely, and he picked the remaining two up hovering them in the air. Squeezing with both his hands, an invisible force gradually increasing on both of them, making it difficult to breath. (Reply Vesper, Ravok) “So Lieutenant, what do you think now?” Jost asked. (Reply Ravok) “Impetuous!” Jost screamed and threw the doctor through an open archway forty feet distant. He waived that hand and increased the archway to 2000 degrees Kelvin making it impassible, as the stone begins to melt. (Reply Vesper) With his second hand free he brought both to bare on Ravok’s suspended form squeezing at twice the pressure for a moment. Then dropped him. (Reply Ravok) “It’s a pity you Starfleet types are defeated so easily, or I might have a sense of satisfaction now.” Jost said. (Reply All) (Posted by Todd)NRC Trentin Jost (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford and Counselor Ensign Harlequin Lavorre - 16 11:58) NRPG - Sleeford isn't being rude, he's feeling sorry for himself and a little depressed. RPG Laying on his bed. with his leg and a half out on the covers, dressed in sickbay gown, listening to the hubbub going on in sickbay as people came in and where treated and left or where bedded down. The stump of his left leg began to throb slightly as the pain relief he'd been given was beginning to wear off. Closing his eyes against the discomfort he thought for the hundredth time that he was here because of his own stupidity, He could be on the planet surface assisting his friends, but no he'd got himself severely injured, enough to get cashiered out of the fleet. Hearing the slight breathing next to the bed, Sleeford opened his eyes to see one of the Orion counselling twins standing next to the bed. "Anyone ask for a Counselor?" She spoke calmly and evenly. Shifting upwards Sleeford turned and looked at the young woman next to him. "I did. I suppose i better get it over with, sooner rather than later so to speak." He knew he sounded rude, but he knew that shortly his career would be over, once the ship hit DS9 he'd be offloaded and away back to the farm with all his anger and resentment hanging over him like a black cloud. "Its not a matter of sooner or later, It's better when you feel comfortable to talk." She spoke calmly, she didn’t stare at the wound but she did make a mental note of it. "That"; Patting his left thigh well above the stump Sleeford nodded down to his wound.; " The reason that my career is over. Why i'm going to end up like my step father and tend pig for the rest of my miserable life.. scrapping up pig muck and chasing the old mad bull round the fields." She shook her head softly. "I don't see how that would define your career, in Starfleet." She showed Steelford the respect of looking at him in the eyes and not looking toward his leg. He was drawing he enough attention to his own opened wounds. His leg was just the physical manifestation of a larger whole. Closing his eyes Sleeford let out a large sigh, “The stupid thing is I know it’s my own fault, I’m here. I left cover of the shuttle to get a better shot and wham, i’m on my back with Vespers shoving a dead phaser in my hand, scared i’d shoot myself” Laughing slightly, Sleeford looked at Lavorre. “I’m a security officer, no sorry was. I’m no good now, unless I bloody well hop after people.” Stopping Sleeford smiled at the thought; “Now that would be funny. Seriously, a security officer who can't stand is no good. I’m not old enough to be shoved into the armory or the brig “ She motioned to a seat. "Do you mind?" Shaking his head, “Sorry, Please” Waiting Sleeford ran his hand over his face he felt relieved to be talking, since he’d woken up and realised he’d lost his leg, something he’d known on the planet. Pulling up a chair. "Now why do you think what happened to you will define your career. There have been countless officers that have suffered and the still go on to accomplish great things." Harlequin sighed softly. "I understand what you are processing is life altering. But how you process what's happened will be life changing." Sleeford lay there and listened to Lavorre and stared at the ceiling, how did he really feel about what had happened, at the end of the day he was alive, a little more scared, a little weaker, a little, he couldn't; think of what but something was there. “I … I .. “Sleeford closed his mouth and looked at the foot of the bed.” I lost part of me, I .. Heck I dont know what to think if i’m honest. All i can see is a blank future and future leaning against the porch railing watching the sun going down, with a large drink, thinking of how it could have been. No one wants a cripple.” "Your only a cripple if you let your lose take over your life. I get it, there is great deal going though your mind. But I don't think it's the loss of your leg that weighting you down." Harly knew she could potentially be walking on dangerous waters but the reality was the sooner Steelford faced his mental demons the better he could focus on healing his body. "Lossing a part of yourself is difficult, your future will require change, I won't lie to you about that. But what I think truly bothers you is the fact your here and the rest of the team is not." Harly spoke calmly. Sleeford stared at Lavorre, “You part Betazoid.. Your right.I should be on that damn planet with Ravok, More, Vespers and Foxglove, risking my life against the enemies of the Federation, not stuck here worrying that I’ve let them all down by my own foolishness. “ "I'm not part Betazed just got a nack for reading people. Might be the reason no one comes over for poker night anymore." Harly jest, before becoming more serious. Letting out the first real laugh since he’d been brought back Sleeford looked at Lavorre. The image of her and her sister playing poker, straight faced with a stack of chips in front of them left an interesting image in his mind. “Now that I’d love to see, the Lavorre sisters taking on the crew at poker, you could both retire on Risa” "Yes, but then who would be left to talk to you." She smiled, as she brought the conversation back to the matter at hand. "I know the feeling of failure. Its hard, its complex, and no one likes the way it makes them feel. However its how we work though those failures that define us." She placed a hand on the side of the biobed. "Yes one day you will be looking over a vast field with a drink in hand, but that will be after a career of your choosing. True you might have to leave security for a while till you get used to a new leg. But its a life for you to take hold of and make it your own. I mean there have been great captain's with artificial eyes, and Adrmial's with artifical hearts, if they can do it, why can't you?" She let the question hang there as something she wanted Steelford to add to everything he was processing. Sleeford sat there and looked at his foot, taking in what Lavorre was saying, leaving security would probably better option. There are other departments on board. “Your right. Although I don't see myself as a captain, well not just yet anyway. I think security will have to go, I mean can you see ole hoppy chasing a drunk round the ship. “Laughing he shook his head. “No there must be something else, I’m sure the nacelles need a good clean or the shuttles need washing” Wiping his eyes Sleeford smiled at Lavorre. “Thank you, for listening and thank you for the common sense. I have a lot to think about and not just my selfish, foolish ego” "As for what else you can do around the Exeter, that's up to the Captain and the FO but they are good people and won't put you out to pasture just yet, and as for me…" She paused for a moment as she stood and than gave a slight bow. "I am honored to be of service, and your welcome. If you ever need someone to talk to my number is listed in the ships database. Drop me a line." She spoke light heartedly but her and her sister knew how a kind word or kind hearted gesture could ease a tense situation. Laying there Sleeford smiled up at Lavorre, “I know where to find you and your sister, I have a feeling in the coming months I may become a pest. But then again maybe not. I’d stand and give you a hug.but” Laughing Sleeford looked at the young Orion, “heck you got me to laugh anyway, that cant be all bad. Thanks. When I’m up and about i owe you a drink at the least” "Pest..." she shrugged, "No. Has for a hug, you got to get better and chase me down for one of those. Mom always said never be to easy and I like a good chase." She chuckled. Nodding Sleeford winked, “You're on. You’ll hear me coming so you can get a head start. “ She nodded seeing his mood vastly improved she knew her job was done, at least for the moment. She made her way for the exit. "Take care and I'll keep an ear out." She spoke kindly as she slipped out of his alcove and into the main medical facility to head back toward her office. Laying back as Lavorre left Sleeford drummed his fingers against the sheets of his bed, he had a lot to think about and a lot of decisions to make. (Posted by Alistair & Matthew) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers – 1200) Arriving in the room after having put his hypo away Gabe saw the man they were looking for. In the pit of his stomach Gabe felt the anger rise, tightening his grip on his rifle he watched on. “You, You are of Bajor. There is room for one of your talents in what is to come.” "I am of Starfleet and I have no talents you will ever use!" Gabe spat out his trigger finger burning, itching to fire. “Pity,” Jost said with regret. “That’s what the last doctor said, the one that was captured with my prisoner, and now he is no more.” "Rot in hell" Gabe yelled out, his composure gone completely. Jost worked his way around the rest of the team taunting them, when he had finally stopped sent them all falling to the floor, Gabe held onto Stan steadying him as they stood when Foxglove was thrown around the room. A plasma blast flew towards Gabe and Stan, dodging it Gabe looked up from the ground Suddenly both him and Ravok were lifted up, feeling his chest crushing Gabe tried to take a breath but couldn't, he felt his head throbbing hearing some talking he suddenly felt like he was flying again, landing with a thud in a corridor, trying to get to his feet he saw the stones Infront of him melt sealing that entrance. Trying to stand to his feet Gabe instead caught his breath, his side and back throbbing from the pain. Picking up his tricorder he quickly scanned himself a cracked rib ~it could be worse~ standing to his feet he slowly took the final dose of painkillers he had and discarded his medkit. Finally finding his way back to the main room he saw Ailynn standing there “So you can try and kill me now, but that might take a while and by my reckoning, you don’t have the time, or maybe not even the ability to do it. Besides. You need a witness to your...greatness no?” she said taunting the man. Gabe shuffled into the room his phaser drawn glad to see his sister alive and well. "You'll pay for your transgressions, one way or another you'll pay!" He said his all the voice he could muster (Reply Jost, Bracken, Any) (Posted by Mat) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok – 1201) “No, I don’t think I will, because you won’t fire on this place for fear of hitting your Lieutenant that I have in custody.” Jost said with determination. He looked at them one by one “You.” He said pointing at the Doctor. “You are of Bajor. There is room for one of your talents in what is to come.” (Reply Dr. Vesper) “Pity,. That’s what the last doctor said, the one that was captured with my prisoner, and now he is no more.” Ravok clinched his fist in anger. “You. You look so young, but I sense great turmoil in you. Your body does not betray the many terrible things your eyes have seen and your hands have done.” Jost said to foxglove (Reply Foxglove) “You. You hide your wounds from the others fearing that you will be seen as weak when you want to be strong. Continuing on when you could easily quit is a sign of strength. I fear you will not be strong enough. " Said jost to Stan. (Reply More) “And finally you.” Jost pointed at him. “You, young pup are in way over your head, but attempt to hide it with bravado. You speak as if you are assured victory but using an Earth term, I hold all the cards.” Ravok glared at him. " You'll have to set them down eventually " He said to Jost through his teeth. “But enough talk. Have at you!” Jost announced, he stomped his foot down hard sending out a shockwave and an earthquake shaking the temple. The shaking of the temple made Ravok widen his stance. Ravok watched foxglove hurled through the air and hurl flames at Ensign More. Ravok grabbed his bat'leth from his back and charged at Jost. Suddenly Ravok was stopped by a unseen force and lifted off the ground , the sudden stop made him drop his weapon. He felt hands gripping his throat. As he lifted into the air. Ravok's rage grew more and more. His breathing became more difficult. “So Lieutenant, what do you think now?” Jost asked. Ravoks face was turning green as several blood vessels ruptured in his eyes. His struggles to speak but pushed with everything he had. " Bu..buddy..I think you're ..Slime " He said with the last bit of breath he had in him. Ravok saw the fury build in the eyes of Jost. “Impetuous!” Jost screamed and used his power to throw the doctor out of Ravoks view. He felt his consciousness slipping away as the pressure now squeezed his entire body. Then felt his body hit the floor. He didn't feel the fall, just the impact on the floor. Ravok gasped for air. “It’s a pity you Starfleet types are defeated so easily, or I might have a sense of satisfaction now.” Jost said. Ravok looked up at Jost and grinned as he saw a familiar face…. ( replyVespers, foxglove ,More to the tags from this post which are the tags from Todd's post as well) ( posted by Rob Davis) ( (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1201) Ailynn was fully aware of her Brother’s approach, and from his first word, knew his mood, and knew that deep down, this wasn’t him. He was angry, annoyed, but had forgotten what his primary mission was. "You'll pay for your transgressions, one way or another you'll pay!" He said his all the voice he could muster “Ensign. Please stand down. You have patients to tend to. I order you to stand down, and tend to those that need you.” (Reply Gabe) Ailynn turned briefly, but then switched her attention back to Jost rapidly. “Then seriously. You’ll have to use actual medicine. scan . Check airways. Run scans. My Tricorder is over there. Basic first aid. Initial trauma medic protocol.” (Reply Gabe) “Honestly? NOt a clue. But play along with me Big Bro. I need you to do you.” She whispered the last sentence, noone else heard it. (Reply Gabe) (Posted by Mark) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple Grounds- CIO/3O Lieutenant Jaelle Foxglove 1203) The team had made decent time and they had made it to the Temple grounds. The guards fell with relative ease, one of them managed to get a shot off but no alarms. Jaelle was silent she saw More take the brunt of the blast but here was not the place to stop and render first aid. They entered the Temple, a area that should offer some semblance of cover, an area that would allow the small team a place to catch their breath and tend to wounds, but behind the pulpit, stood another foe. Ravok stood before him as the Dr. Vesper moved to More's side. It was clear do to bravado that the man before him was clearly the man that lead the terrorist group. Jaelle came up to Ravok's side ask the people spoke out. Jaelle glanced around the room something did not sit well with her. The before them was over confident to an alarming degree. It also seemed like he was stalling and soon they were gonna fall under attack. Then Jost pointed to each as if reading the hearts of each of the team, Jaelle anger began to rise. This man assumed her knew anything of her life what she bore was sorely mistaken. She positioned herself shifting her weight readying to spring into motion at the first sign of attack. Then Jost's foot hit the ground. Jaelle's speed was her greatest weapon by the time the ground shook beneath her feet she had already spring boarded off a pew and into the air. She leveled her phaser rifle prepared to take deadly aim but by a wave of Jost hand her trajectory changed and she flew. Her back slamming into a wall. Jaelle could taste blood in her mouth as the impact knocked the breath from her causing her to gasp. Her head bounced of the wall hard before she fell to the ground, as bits of the stone cut into her skin and blood began to flow from her wounds. She fell to the flood and her consciousness started to fade. There was a calmness that came over Jaelle as her redness came over her vision. A redness that faded as she began to rise. A soft melodious chuckle came from her lips as she found her feet. A noticeable difference, a darkness fell of Jaelle as she stared down Jost as a hawk would a chicken. Because where Jaelle ended Lily awoke. "You aren't the only one possessed." Her dark sing song voice carried over the temple." (Reply away team, Jost) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers – 1203) “Ensign. Please stand down. You have patients to tend to. I order you to stand down, and tend to those that need you.” Ailynn called out ~Ensign! Really!~ Gabe felt a little shocked at bring ordered to do anything by Ailynn, he had come to save her, put his life on the line and she called him by his rank, not his position. "It's Doctor and I don't have a med kit Lieutenant" he called back keeping his phaser up and holding onto the side of the wall but moving closer. “Then seriously. You’ll have to use actual medicine. scan . Check airways. Run scans. My Tricorder is over there. Basic first aid. Initial trauma medic protocol.” "Well it's a start, but what do I do if I need to treat someone, go and find a leach? We haven't done manual medicine for hundreds of years." The pain killer coupled with the loss of breath and the trauma had made Gabe forget his place. “Honestly? NOt a clue. But play along with me Big Bro. I need you to do you.” Ailynn whispered to him. "Right, I guess Ill just, help someone." (Reply Bracken iyw) Putting his trauma training to practice he went to the worst patient after picking up the tricorder. Sitting painfully on the ground next to Ravok he did the scan. "Are you alright sir?" (Reply Ravok) (Reply Ravok, Bracken, any) (Posted by Mat) ((Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple Grounds- Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 12:04 ) At that present moment there were two people More , wanted to hurt. The first , the person who designed their body armour. It was useless , if anything it probably caused. More harm then good. By giving the wearer a very false sense of security. The second this cult leader. Jost. “You. You hide your wounds from the others fearing that you will be seen as weak when you want to be strong. Continuing on when you could easily quit is a sign of strength. I fear you will not be strong enough.” “ Your the weak one hear sir. You hide behind your so could followers. Corrupt their minds and body’s. Get them to die for you. Making out it is for the cause. When really it’s just so you can continue to boost your own ego.” Stan said back. Jost ignored More and continued his rant at the others. “But enough talk. Have at you!” Jost announced, he stomped his foot down hard sending out a shockwave and an earthquake shaking the temple. (Reply all) “ Someone can’t take criticism!” Stan remarked aiming his Phaser rifle at Jost. But Stan was knocked backwards through the air. As a blast of plasma hit the ground near him. As he flew through the air Stan fired at Jost .More hit the ground hard on his damaged side. Blinding hot pain shot through him as his wound opened again. Maybe Stan thought he was dying and what the hell. He tried to shout something at Jost. But he was finding breathing a little difficult. “ Mist me !” He gasped sarcastically. ( reply , Jost & Team Leonardo) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1205) Ailynn watched as Ravok hit the floor, she knew he’d have sustained injuries, as had the others in all likelihood, but from her standpoint she couldn’t see what or how severe. “It’s a pity you Starfleet types are defeated so easily, or I might have a sense of satisfaction now.” Jost said. Stepping out from the doorway Ailynn sighed. “Defeated who what now?” She asked, manouvering herself through the sanctuary, rows of pews roughly made from a wood that Ailynn didn’t recognise on either side of the room. “Well this is nice, I like what you’ve done with the place, it’s retro, yet still contemporary.” She knew that she had to keep niggling at him, keeping his mind and attention on her, and yet continue to instill an increasing sense of irritable rage. Annoyed, distracted people, especially the ones that thought that they were cleverer than she was, made mistakes. It may well be that she wouldn’t survive the rest of today, but for the entire population of who knew what proportion of this entire sector, she’d happily make that sacrifice. (Reply Jost) “Told you that you’d made a mistake didn’t I.” She held up a finger, “More than one actually, but we’ll get to that.” She looked at him. She began removing her uniform top, and removed her commbadge, fixing it to her vest top. “Funny thing is you may be holding all the cards, but I’m not playing the same game as you. Tell you what…” She leant over and draped her top over Ravok, checking his pulse and breathing with professional speed, before winking slyly at him standing back up and needling Jost even more. “I’ll trade you the One of Swords for Bertie Bunn the Baker's son.” (Reply Jost) “So you can try and kill me now, but that might take a while and by my reckoning, you don’t have the time, or maybe not even the ability to do it. Besides. You need a witness to your...greatness no?” (Reply Jost) (Posted by Mark) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 1207) After having made it back to the shuttle, the team had begun embarking, getting the shuttle ready for departure. Erin stood to the back of the shuttle, watching Ensign Zot. Despite now being Chief Science Officer, the counselor in her knew that something had happened with Zot on the surface and she felt duty and honour bound to help him if she could. Taking a seat next to him, she smiled softly and spoke, “Ensign, you did really good down there.” (Reply Zot) “I know that what happened couldn’t have been an easy position to be put in.” (Reply Zot) “Look, what i know of your race is minimal. I now that i don’t like using a phaser. I know what it feels like to be hit by one…” She paused for a moment and then continued, “... I also know that the decision to use one is not one we take lightly. The choice between saving your crew mate or your cultural ways… It’s not an easy decision to make.” (Reply Zot) “What i am trying to say is that we have people here that can help you if you are struggling with your choice. Personally, I find it easier to talk to someone i can trust. A friend perhaps.” (Reply Zot) “My two closest friends are down there at the other site. One trying to save the other. I’m sat here wondering whether they are both okay or they are both not. It hurts. But, this is what we chose to do. This is the life we chose to lead. What we do with that is up to us.” (Reply Zot) Smiling, Erin nodded, “The best thing is when you find someone willing to walk this path with you. Me, not found that someone yet but i do believe that there is someone out there for everyone.” (Reply Zot) “Don’t struggle in silence. Take it from one who did… trying to fight battles yourself is going to break you.” (Reply Zot) Nodding, Erin stood and walked to her seat next to Lieutenant Merek. (Reply Merek) “Let’s get this bird in the sky. I’ll contact the Exeter and see what they want us to do next.” (Reply Merek) As the shuttle lifted off, Erin took a deep breath in. ~I hope that you are both staying safe because i will have words with you both if you come back less than whole~ she thought to herself. After a few moments, as the shuttle began its ascent, Erin opened a comms link to the ship, “Shuttle Michaelangelo to Exeter.” (reply Trip, Any) “Mission is accomplished. Backup generator is down and we are in the air.” (Reply Trip, Any) “Any further orders, Sir?” (Reply Trip, Any) (Reply Zot, Merek, Trip, Any ) (Posted by Jackie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – Entity Host – Trentin Jost – 1207) "You aren't the only one possessed," her dark sing song voice carried over the temple, coming from this small form. “Yes, show me your darkness, child.” Jost said, more amused than threatened. (Reply Foxglove {Lily}) Stepping out from the doorway Ailynn sighed. “Defeated who what now?” She asked, stepping into and through the sanctuary, slicing between the bench seating easily. “Well this is nice, I like what you’ve done with the place, it’s retro, yet still contemporary.” She found another way to be annoying. “Such rudeness.” Jost said, and gripped Foxglove’s smaller white haired form lifting her two meters in the air and out of reach. “Just a moment, young lady.” He said to Jaelle’s elevated form. He then turned his attention to the Exeter’s FO. “How did my little canary escape her gilded cage?” “Told you that you’d made a mistake didn’t I.” She held up a finger, “More than one actually, but we’ll get to that.” She returned his gaze, no fear. No sign of weakness. She began removing her uniform top, and removed her commbadge, fixing it to her vest top. The first thing Jost noticed when she walked into the room was her audacity, but that’s all he could see. He couldn’t peer into her Pah like he had done the others, to see her darkness. It looked like she was preparing for fisticuffs. This one amused him as well, at least it isn’t boring. “Funny thing is you may be holding all the cards, but I’m not playing the same game as you. Tell you what…” She leant over and draped her top over Ravok, checking his pulse and breathing with professional speed, before winking slyly at him standing back up and needling Jost even more. “I’ll trade you the One of Swords for Bertie Bunn the Baker's son.” “I’m not familiar with that game. The games I play the stakes are a little higher, life and death.” He said. “So you can try and kill me now, but that might take a while and by my reckoning, you don’t have the time, or maybe not even the ability to do it. Besides. You need a witness to your...greatness no?” “You’ve provided me with so many… witnesses and distractions.” He said. “Just one moment.” (Reply Bracken, Foxglove{Lily}) With his one free hand he lifted one of the 160kg hand carved benches into the air. Bringing his hands together he scooped the white haired woman into the seat and brought them both to rest with the bench on top pinning the intel officer faced parallel underneath against the hard solid stone floor, with enough room to breath and squirm a bit, but little else. He then rapidly piled four more benches on top to pin it down, incase she was stronger than she looked. “Save this one for later. Such anger, perhaps she would be worthy of a Wraith of her own.” (Reply Foxglove {Lily}) “And, sir, don’t think I’ve forgotten about you.” He said a in a voice with sweetness but belying his real motives. (Reply More) Jost with a sweep of his left hand snatched the phaser from his hand and threw it aside, and as it clattered to the ground he gripped More’s wounded side and squeezed. (Reply More) “Oh, really? This is not the end, but it can be yours.” He brought his right hand up which was now immolated with flame ready to strike the final blow. (Reply More, Bracken) “Little canary you protest?” He addressed Bracken ignoring the security officer’s reaction to pain. (Reply Bracken) “Lieutenant, I quite think we should take this outside.” He said, still gripping the security officer’s side. He now gave him a telekinetic shove pushing over three pews before he vaulted over the last one falling between the fourth and fifth set of benches. “Lead the way.” (Reply Bracken) Plastered on the former priest’s face was the biggest broadest grin his body could accomplish. As Jost’s eyes took in what was wrought, all this destruction, the Wraith, feeding off the darkness and pain was finally strong enough to take over. In his own mind Jost was pushed aside. The ancient evil had now taken over. (Reply all present) (posted by Todd) NPC Trentin Jost (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – SPC Comp Ops Ensign Sg Zot – 1208) Ensign Zot entered the shuttle and took his seat. His thoughts weighing heavy on him. He had used a weapon and used it on another person to cause harm. This was not the way of his people. His people had a stipulation to their service in starfleet and it involved no direct use of weapons. Yet he had just violated this stipulation. Taking a seat next to him, she smiled softly and spoke, “Ensign, you did really good down there.” The Science officer speaking to him broke his thoughts. " Thank you Lieutenant. pleases me that we all made it." Zot replied. “I know that what happened couldn’t have been an easy position to be put in.” She said. He turned his head and looked at her. " No it wasn't and it wont be for a long time. I have violated the tradition of my people. A tradition that dates back 12,717,886 of our recorded years. That's 24,618 years and 8 months in the measurement of time you use." He said with a monotone voice. “Look, what i know of your race is minimal. I know that I don’t like using a phaser. I know what it feels like to be hit by one" The Lieutenant paused. "….. I also know that the decision to use one is not one we take lightly. The choice between saving your crew mate or your cultural ways… It’s not an easy decision to make.” He nodded his head one time." Are you saying I should ignore cultural aspects of myself and billions of my kind for the preservation of one fellow officer ? Because I am willing to do what I have to do to preserve life, no matter the cost. But not at the cost of another life. Life, all life is unique and precious." Zot said to her. “What i am trying to say is that we have people here that can help you if you are struggling with your choice. Personally, I find it easier to talk to someone I can trust. A friend perhaps.” He smirked slightly. " I have no friends. People tend to stay away from me. Not out of fear, but I suspect it's out of them finding me odd. Which is actually very fascinating to me because I find all of you very odd. Do you have many friends Lieutenant Cortez, Erin Julia?" He asked. “My two closest friends are down there at the other site. One trying to save the other. I’m sat here wondering whether they are both okay or they are both not. It hurts. But, this is what we chose to do. This is the life we chose to lead. What we do with that is up to us.” She remarked. " I hope that your friends are fine. If the traditional pair bonding of friends your race exhibits comes to its fulfillment. Then I suspect your friends have a bit of the courage and leadership you demonstrated on this mission. Simply put if they are like you , I am sure they are fine. " Zot said. Smiling, Erin nodded, “The best thing is when you find someone willing to walk this path with you. Me, not found that someone yet but i do believe that there is someone out there for everyone.” " walk the path with me ? The path of life, to enjoy time and comfort with another sentient being and have them enjoy my presence as much as I enjoy them? I can only hope I am as fortunate to find such a ' Someone' like that. Someone to share the deepest parts of my emotional bonds with and have them do so in return. One day perhaps when I return to my world." He responded. “Don’t struggle in silence. Take it from one who did… trying to fight battles yourself is going to break you.” " Take it from you? You mean heed your advice , trust your insight? I will Lieutenant Cortez Erin Julia" he said thankfully to her Nodding in acknowledgment the Lieutenant left his side and took her seat. ( reply none) ( posted by Rob Davis- spc Ensign Zot) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - SPC Ensign Rylee Page - 1209) Blinking her eyes open, Rylee looked around confused. The brightness of where she was hurt her eyes and she lifted her arm to shield herself from the glare and winced. Her wrist felt sore and she didn’t know why. Sitting up slowly, she felt something on her forehead and reached up, pulling off something silver in colour. Realising at that same moment that she wasn’t in the dress she had been wearing, she looked around beginning to feel nervous. Sitting up, she could hear voices around her, someone was talking to her. (Reply any in sickbay) She felt an arm around her gently and she batted it away, “No, leave me alone. I need to get to the dance.” (Reply Any) “My father…. He told me… i need to get back.” She replied, trying to stand and instantly feeling nauseous. (Reply Any) “Get the …. Just get off me..” she shouted, flailing her arms to try and keep this person away from her. (reply Any) “Where’s my dress? What did you do with it…” (Reply Any) (Reply any in sickbay) (Posted by Jackie) (Escape Pod Triskelion, Section Alpha – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 1159) "Can you pass me that coupler, if I can remove the stembolt and shunt the power through the auxiliary relay Im pretty sure I can shut off the infuser matrix and render it almost useless for the time being." “Okay.” He looked at the complicated engineering equipment that Brown had brought. He was by no means a novice to working of machines as any pilot without knowledge of how to fix their craft was unless. So, he took his best guess and passed her what he thought she needed. “The coupler is that one, could you pass me it please?" He followed where Janey was pointing, picked it up the implement that she wanted and passed it to her. “Sorry” "Remind me to tell you the time I once had a ferengi try to sell me a case load of self seeling stembolts, they were utter rubbish, kept going on about some great material continuum." "Never could trust a Ferengi" Ire shrugged. “I guess you had bad experiences with Ferengi but not all of them are out for self-serving measures. Some of them can be quite charitable at times.” (Reply Brown) “Have you had the opportunity to meet Quark on Deep Space Nine. He comes across very ferengi but there is a soft spot deep in his pressed latanum heart.” (Reply Brown) “How are we doing?” (Reply Brown) “Good let’s get out of here.” He tapped his comm badge. “Ire to Alexander.” (Reply Alexander) “We have found the Genesis device and will be bringing it with us as well.” (Reply Alexander) “Would you mind telling the Exeter that we need an engineering and security detail upon our arrival.” (Reply Alexander) He looked over at Brown. “Ready.” (Reply Brown) “Okay Billy we are ready to come back over.” (Reply Alexander) (USS Exeter - Bridge - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 12:10) =/\=Shuttle Michaelangelo to Exeter.=/\= "Good to hear from you Michaelangelo." It was good to hear from one of the away teams. They were being tracked, but he didn't have any real audio or visual on how each team was faring. It was making him nervous. =/\=Mission is accomplished. Backup generator is down and we are in the air.=/\= "Good work team. You should all be commended for your efforts. Excellent work. Make sure that gets passed on to Lt. Merek." (reply Erin iyw) =/\=Any further orders, Sir?=/\= "Yes, team Leonardo is without a shuttle. I'm sending you their coordinates. Double back to that area and provide extraction if needed, just on the off chance we can't beam them back, you guys will be there to pull them out of the fire. It'll be a tight fit, but better safe than sorry." (reply Erin) "Lt. Merek, if your listening, again, just want to say, well done." (reply Merek iyw) Trip sighed and then ended the transmission;. They were in the endgame now. (reply Erin, merek iyw) (posted by Will) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – Entity Host Trentin Jost and FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1210) Ailynn watched, powerless for a moment as the Jost Wraith took care of the remains of the away team, her brain working fully, whilst her body kept up the calm front. ~calm?~ It was a genuine surprise, even to herself, but she was in fact, utterly calm, and in control of all her emotions. “Oh, really? This is not the end, but it can be yours.” He brought his right hand up which was now immolated with flame ready to strike the final blow. “ENOUGH. RELEASE THEM.” She snapped. “Little canary you protest?” He addressed Bracken ignoring the security officer’s reaction to pain. Ailynn’s voice was furious, not just a tone of command, it was the whole orchestra, it wasn’t a hint of steel, it was the whole foundry. “Don’t patronise me. You haven’t killed me yet.” “Lieutenant, I quite think we should take this outside.” He said, still gripping the security officer’s side. He now gave him a telekinetic shove pushing over three pews before he vaulted over the last one falling between the fourth and fifth set of benches. “Lead the way.” “Offering me out? Fighting in the playground? Are you twelve?” However, she turned, and picking up her tricorder, tucking it into the belt that she was wearing, stepped outside. Plastered on the former priest’s face was the biggest broadest grin his body could accomplish. As Jost’s eyes took in what was wrought, all this destruction, the Wraith, feeding off the darkness and pain was finally strong enough to take over. In his own mind Jost was pushed aside. The ancient evil had now taken over. (USS Exeter - Sickbay – Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 1211) Ewan was crossing sickbay heading for Drake. He saw out the corner of his eye one of the patients sit up on the bio-bed and begin to pull the monitoring equipment off her. ~Ow Crap~ “Um miss you really should not be doing that. It’s to help monitor your vitals.” He gently held onto her arm, but she shook him off. “No, leave me alone. I need to get to the dance.” “Miss you’re in sickbay, On the Exeter. You don`t need to go for a dance everything is okay you are in sickbay.” “My father…. He told me… i need to get back.” She replied, trying to stand and instantly feeling nauseous. He watched with rising worry as the Ensign tried to stand she wobbled and then leant heavily against the bio-bed. “Miss we need to get you back onto the bio-bed. You are in no condition to go any where.” “Get the …. Just get off me..” He had noticed a PADD with her name on it as she flayed at him. ~Okay Rylee Page. Head injury that explains much~ “Rylee. My name Ewan you are not well we need to get you back to bed to keep you safe.” “Where’s my dress? What did you do with it…” ~Okay different tac~ Glancing around sickbay he noticed a small observation bay which was quiet and out of the way from the main hussle and bussle of sickbay. “I know you do. Why don`t you come and have a sit over here where its quiet. You must be tired with all that dancing you have been doing?” He said pointing to the observation bay. (reply Page) (Reply Page any) (Posted by Robbie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1212) "Yes, team Leonardo is without a shuttle. I'm sending you their coordinates. Double back to that area and provide extraction if needed, just on the off chance we can't beam them back, you guys will be there to pull them out of the fire. It'll be a tight fit, but better safe than sorry." "Roger that." "Lt. Merek, if you're listening, again, just want to say, well done." (reply Merek iyw) As the signal ended, Erin turned to her friend and smiled, "So, ladies team to the rescue it seems." (Reply Merek) "I hope they are in one piece. If the Exeter does beam them up, perhaps we could provide some distraction?" (Reply Merek) "We know where they are, why not just lay down some fire in the area around their position? Create some noise and some fireworks. Throw them off their game." (Reply Merek) Nodding, Erin turned back to her console and watched as the shuttle began its journey to pick up their crew. (Reply Merek, Any ) (Posted by Jackie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple exterior – Entity Host Trentin Jost and FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1212) “I’m assuming that by now," Ailynn said as they stepped outside onto the plaza out the side of the temple. "That I’m talking to the wraith? You’ve made a grotesque number of mistakes.” Ailynn paced, waving her finger at the Jost Wraith. “You used him, that was mean. The translations that you gave him were horribly vague. He traded his soul in for power that you knew wouldn’t last beyond you switching this on, because you were always going to kill him anyway.” “I used Jost?” He said still grinning ear to ear. “No, my little canary, I used all of you.” He continued, moving forward, “Starfleet, the Bajoran Government including your vaunted “Vedek Assembly”. Heh, a collection of old, self serving fools.” “You used the remnants of the old Starfleet.” She snapped back, stepping around, “sycophants and traitors. All of whom were cast aside in the purge. As to the Vedek assembly. Self serving is one thing they’re not. You’ve badly miscalculated if you’re mistaking devotion of service for lining one’s own nest; and as to fools...I only see one.” The being laughed. “The interdimensional being that can’t keep one annoying stupid little girl in a cage. Canary? You do not want to hear me sing.” “Enough,” he said menacingly, “time to end you.” With a back hand the being shoved the Lieutenant another 7 meters across the ground. “I am not afraid of you.” “You will be,” He said and pulled a large 40 kg rock off of a nearby talus field. He threw it striking the ground near her feet. He stepped forward. She knew that she should be afraid, terrified to the core, but actually the unnerving thing was that she wasn’t. Of course, turning that into a battle plan while she was dodging rocks was something that was alluding her at the moment. “Best shot? All that time in your timeless prison, and you can’t hit me with that? I wonder if the encroaching time is eating away at your senses as well of what remains of your putriescent soul.” “So, you wish to be struck?” He asked, glaring at her. “Your, wish..” He levitated countless dime sized pebbles and jagged stones from the mountain side. Sending them hurtling toward her at amazing speeds, like hail coming in sideways. “..granted.” Standing her ground, but bracing to be cut to ribbons by the stones, she raised her left arm, the one that had been marked by the azure tattoo from the Prophets themselves, and swiped it to her left, managing to deflect most of the stones. A good number of them inflicted dozens of cuts to her body and face. Laughing, she turned back to the Jost Wraith. “Wasn’t sure that was going to work…” “So they have chosen…” he remarked. “SO HAVE YOU FINALLY NOTICED ME?” He screamed to the heavens, yelling at those who now lived in his former home. “No matter it will just make my victory sweeter.” He waived his hand toward himself calling the large stone from before striking her in the back. Ailynn felt ribs creak, and crack. ~So there are limitations. That seems unfair.~. Spitting blood, Ailynn pulled herself back up, and stepped toward him, “No, they noticed ME. I’ll concur that you’re the stronger, maybe just maybe you CAN kill me, but I’ll take up as much of your time. Time that you’re running out of, because that’s something that you have no understanding of, and you still haven’t gloated about my unworthiness, I wonder if it’s because you can’t see it.” He stepped forward again advancing, grinning sadistically. He was now between the Lieutenant and the large tachyon array. “I see the darkness in things, like tinted lenses they color all I see. Just because they’ve shielded you and I can’t see your Pah, doesn’t mean I can’t kill you just the same.” His hands were now wreathed in flames. Swallowing deeply as she looked at the flames, Ailynn pulled herself up to her full height, and nodded. “THEN TRY.” She stared him deep in the eyes in defiance. She knew that he could at any second, but she also knew that the more she pulled his attention away from everything and toward her, the more likely it was that she’d get to him somehow. Grinning he brought both flaming hands together and pulled them back, drawing energy from some interdimensional spring. The flames built on each other growing in size and heat. He pushed forward with both hands base of palms touching but both hands open and pushed the ball of fire towards the taller woman. This time, Ailynn raised both her hands, stepping forward and wincing in preparation for the blast. She knew that she could limit it, but she also knew that this one was going to take her. ~PLease not this easily...Prophets if I die now...I’m sorry.~ The blast was indeed reduced once more in its power, but still a sizeable proportion caught her, searing the skin on her arms and scorching her clothes, the blast wave itself sent her flying back, her left hand side crashing into the boulder that Jost had nearly hit her with earlier. The medic in her knew she didn’t dare even think about the broken bones she had already gained. Adrenaline was thankfully stopping her from feeling the pain, but her time was limited. Dragging herself back to him, pain beginning to happen. “That...wasn’t...kind.” She slapped him round the face, knowing it was a stupid, pointless move, but she felt fetter as she stared him in the eyes once more. She knew that his next move would overpower her, but she would stand here to the last, wasting his time, knowing that the moment that he was waiting for was virtually at hand, and that he needed to act now. “Impressive resilience. Do you want more pain? Or should I end it now?” He teased her. “Do what you need.” She snapped back defiantly, literally nose to nose. “Either way, you’re out of time. GO TO HELL.” She found herself laughing in his face. “Very well.” He said. His joviality gone and now stern faced he threw her across the plateau landing some meters away. With his other hand he caused flames to erupt in a small circle around her. “Back into your gilded cage.” Looking up to the sky without the aid of any instruments he sighted in his objective. He walked to the panel and pressed the activation sequence. Ailynn picked herself up, excruciating pain ran down her right hand side. It hurt to breath, her ribs creaked and she knew that some were broken. Judging by the pattern of her breath, a punctured lung, as well as the telltale high-pitched stridor, and deep sooty coloured tint to the phlegm that indicated serious burns to her airway. All this on top of probable pelvic injuries. ~that’s even before the small matter of…~ She looked up, suppressing a tingle of excitement as she watched Jost initiate the machine. The flames around her were not an illusion, she could feel the heat on the burns that her skin had already sustained. The machine began a warning klaxon. Buzzing of some internal problem. The screen showed a build up beyond the machine’s ability to contain. The Wraith could tell it was set to overload but didn’t know how to shut it off. This was Jost’s creation; he needed Jost to help fix it. ~This is your creation, fix it!~ The Wraith commanded and pleaded with the being whose body he inhabited. :: You betrayed me. As the Lieutenant said: Go to hell!:: Jost thought back laughing. The machine’s build up finally reached past the recommended and theoretical limits of it’s design. The explosion wasn’t a physical one, as the machine simply lost containment of all the chronitons it was collecting. A blue/white wave issued out from the machine in all directions. For a brief moment multiple images could be seen of the two of them. All existing at once. A visual chronicle of the past few minutes from them walking out into the yard and all the blows that were struck. Just as quickly the images all coalesced into the present time. “Wha…” The being staggered for a moment his arms flailing and his legs felt like a semi-solid substance. The ring of fire holding the Lieutenant disappeared. Stepping forward, her right leg dragging painfully behind her Ailynn grinned. “I DID NOT THINK THAT WAS GOING TO WORK!” She grinned, knowing that the Wraith had an eternity in the fire caves to remember her face. “I told you...TOLD YOU!” She coughed, a deep wracking cough that spat up bloody, sooty phlegm. “Sure, I’m not sure I’ll survive my injuries; but here’s the thing. I outsmarted an ancient godlike being. I DID. A bloody mortal, and you get to think about that.” The wraith, weakened, was now struggling to maintain control. “Jost! This is all on you. Now reap the consequences.” She continued to approach, and was once more nose to nose. “Never let it be said a Bracken isn’t a fighter, even if she’s a healer. I am Paladin.” she spoke through gritted determined teeth. Jost had control of one side as the Wraith maintained control of the other. Jost’s right arm punched the Lieutenant in the side, as the Wraith pushed what control he had to vanquish his foe. Excruciating pain erupted through her body, she could feel her strength and her lifeforce begin to fade. Jost struggled to maintain control of the other side, forcing the words out. “I accept….my….fate.” He pulled the dagger out attempting to end his own life. It was caught by the Wraith controlled arm gripped at the wrist. “Kill me.” Jost pleaded as he reversed the grip that the wraith had on his own hand pulling the Wraith arm up exposing his torso. Ailynn coughed horribly once more, struggling for strength of breath. Grabbing the dagger she drew on what remained of her strength, and plunged the dagger into Jost’s chest with innate, surgical precision. Speaking in ancient Bajoran, a tongue that she’d never known, Ailynn whispered; “I damn thee both, thy souls shall burn in fire eternal, thy pain, neverending.” She looked into the eyes of the body that she held, “Jost. I know you’re still there. For what it’s worth…” She coughed deeply, and struggled to draw breath. “I’m sorry. But you opened the door to him, it has to close behind you.” She pulled out the dagger, and tucking it into her belt; her own light fading rapidly spoke to him. “The metal of Bajor, delivered by the mettle of Bajor. I damn thee both.” Moments after she pulled the dagger out flames erupted from the now lifeless body of Trentin Jost. The Wraith and Jost sunk into the caves of damnation, where they began their eternal fate. Ailynn collapsed to her knees, her consciousness fading to zero, the vista in front of her fading to blackness, and the blackness itself fading even further into… (reply Any, None) (posted by Mark and Todd) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - SPC Ensign Rylee Page - 1213) “I know you do. Why don`t you come and have a sit over here where its quiet. You must be tired with all that dancing you have been doing?” Looking at the man, Rylee knew that she wasn't right. Something was building in her and she couldn't voice it. She simply nodded and let him lead her to the area he had gestured to. Sitting down, she put a hand to her head. (Reply McDonald) "My head…" (Reply McDonald) Leaning forward, Rylee felt the pain in her head build and she whimpered slightly as she closed her eyes. She could feel a tremble in her body. Something wasn't right. (Reply McDonald) Lifting her head to meet his gaze, her vision began to blur as the sound of his voice began to soften. "I…." Suddenly, she felt a wave of nausea and leaning forward, threw up. (Reply McDonald) Not hearing him, her eyes glazed over as she fell back into the black, happy knowing that she was going back to the dance. (Reply McDonald) (Reply McDonald) (Posted by Jackie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek - 1214) Erin had spent a brief time in the back, Keira heard some talking in the back. After a few minutes she came to the cockpit. “I’m finishing up the pre-flights now, could you contact the roost? Tell them mission accomplished and ask for further instructions.” Keira said. “Let’s get this bird in the sky. I’ll contact the Exeter and see what they want us to do next,” her friend agreed. “ Pre-flights complete, power to anti-gravs for lift off…” Keira said going through the steps out loud. It didn’t take long to get away from the deactivated generator far enough to send a clear transmission. Keira plotted a course following the ridgeline to the west by southwest as the Exeter came in loud and clear. She turned down the inertial dampers down four percent, just enough to feel the ride. “Shuttle Michelangelo to Exeter.” =^= Good to hear from you Michaelangelo. =^= As Trip’s voice filled the cockpit, Keira dipped the nose down a little and used some of the potential energy to gain some speed and turned the nose the same angle toward the upper echelons of the atmosphere and pushed the impulse drive to maintain and gain flight speed. She could hear the concern in the Captain’s voice. “Mission is accomplished. Backup generator is down and we are in the air.” Erin reported. =^= Good work team. You should all be commended for your efforts. Excellent work. Make sure that gets passed on to Lt. Merek. =^= Keira nodded. In response, so Erin knew she heard the Captain’s words. “Any further orders, Sir?” =^= Yes, team Leonardo is without a shuttle. I'm sending you their coordinates. Double back to that area and provide extraction if needed, just on the off chance we can't beam them back, you guys will be there to pull them out of the fire. It'll be a tight fit, but better safe than sorry.=^= "Roger that." Erin said as Keira had already changed course. =^= Lt. Merek, if you're listening, again, just want to say, well done. =^= “Thank you, couldn’t have done it with out the team.” Keira responded breaking her silence. "So, ladies team to the rescue it seems." Erin joked. “Yeah, I guess.” Keira said, trying but failing to calm down the feeling in the pit of her stomach. "I hope they are in one piece. If the Exeter does beam them up, perhaps we could provide some distraction?" Erin offered. “We’ll know more when we get there.” Keira said. "We know where they are, why not just lay down some fire in the area around their position? Create some noise and some fireworks. Throw them off their game." Erin offered an alternative. “I’m not ruling anything out.” Keira admitted. “I won’t fire unless our people are clear. We’ll know more when we get there.” (Reply none) (Posted by Todd) (USS Exeter - Sickbay – Nurse – Ewan McDonald- 1215) Ewan watched as Rylee sat down and put her head in her hands. ~Ow this is not good~ “Rylee what’s wrong?” "My head…" “What`s wrong with your head.” He scooped up a tricorder and began to scan Rylee. He had leaned forward and he could see her body tremble as she whimper slightly. “Rylee open your eyes and look at me okay.” She lifted her head and looked at him. He smiled reassuring at her. "I…." “Don`t worry Rylee it’s going to be…” It was like in slow motion as Rylee vomited. It was not a small dribble that went down her chin no it was like a power hose which hit him in the chest. He paused or a split second in shock wondering how on earth all the liquid could have come out of another person. "What the hell" His professional brain kicked back in as he saw Rylee fall back onto the bio-bed. ~Ow crap~ “Rylee, Rylee can you here me.” He looked at the scans he had taken. ~Ow crap~ The bleed inside her brain had started again. If they did not get her to surgery quickly and reduce the pressure she was going to die. “I need some help over here.” (Reply any one in Sickbay) (Posted by Robbie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michelangelo – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1215) Keira had made a course towards the other team, and when they were nearly there the sensors showed erratic and unstable readings for just a second, “Did you see that?” she asked, her rhetorical question was interrupted by the communications chatter. =^= Vespers to anyone medical emergency two to beam to Sickbay, please come in, I need to get her to Sickbay, will someone answer r=^= "Michaelangelo to Vesper. Doctor we are coming in right by you for landing. We're here to take you back home." Erin said. In the time of “Those Old Scientists” she would have made a great communications officer. =^=I have Ailynn, emergency transport to Sickbay I need to save her=^= "Doctor, we're a few seconds out. Stand by and we will get you there." Erin replied finding a way to be stalwart and calm despite what they both were hearing. Looking over at Lieutenant Merek, Erin closed the comm and said, quietly, "Get us down there." “With best speed.” Keira said, “hold on.” Keira red-lined the engines to get them there faster than planned.” ((Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple exterior – CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers – 1217) A little behind but following on Gabe saw most of what had happened. As Ailynn plunged the knife in, the flames erupting and then she fell. With all his will Gabe ran, hobbling mostly to the body of his sister, he fell to the ground and grabbed her. "Ailynn, Ailynn" Looking down he saw her lifeless body slumped against his knee "Come on you stubborn woman, answer me!" Gabe said slapping her face but no reaction. "Please, will you please answer me" he said tears starting to fall both from the pain he was in and the pain the situation was causing Tapping his badge "Vespers to Exeter, medical emergency, two to beam to Sickbay" He heard nothing Looking down again at his sister "I'll get help, I promise I'll get help please don't leave me" his tears mixing with the blood and dust on their uniforms "Vespers to anyone medical emergency two to beam to Sickbay, please come in, I need to get her to Sickbay, will someone answer" Crouching forward he kissed his sister's head his tear drops causing the blood to run down her cheeks. "I won't let you die, please stay with me." (Reply any) After an eternity a voice finally came "I have Ailynn, emergency transport to Sickbay I need to save her" (Reply any) Gabe waited. (Reply any) (Posted by Mat) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1218) Tapping her fingers on the console infront of her, she knew that time was short. The shuttle was on its way to pick up their crew and she had a terrible feeling deep in the pit of her stomach. A feeling that was only compounded by the voice that came through the comm, =/\=Vespers to anyone medical emergency two to beam to Sickbay, please come in, I need to get her to Sickbay, will someone answer=/\= "Michaelangelo to Vesper. Doctor we are coming in right by you for landing. We're here to take you back home." =/\=I have Ailynn, emergency transport to Sickbay I need to save her=/\= "Doctor, we're a few seconds out. Stand by and we will get you there." Erin replied fighting against the feeling of impending doom and keeping her voice as calm and steady as she could. Looking over at Lieutenant Merek, Erin closed the comm and said, quietly, "Get us down there." (Reply merek) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple interior – Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More -12:19 ) Maybe it was the pain? Maybe it was the dizzy feeling from loss of blood? Whatever it was pushed Stan’s anger at Jost. He moved slowly forward his Phaser rifle poised to fire. “And, sir, don’t think I’ve forgotten about you.” Jost said a in a voice with sweetness but belying his real motives. “ I’m flattered sir.” Stan said sarcastically Jost with a sweep of his left hand snatched Stan’s Phaser rifle from his hand and threw it aside, and as it clattered to the ground he gripped More’s wounded side and squeezed. “Surrender........yer........time.......is.........up.....yer......silly......” More managed through the excruciating pain. “Oh, really? This is not the end, but it can be yours.” He brought his right hand up which was now immolated with flame ready to strike the final blow. “ Yer.....go.....on.....go...on....go....end.....it” More barely whispered in anger (Reply , Bracken) Things after that kind of went in a blur. Stan felt the floor as Jost dropped him. More then crawled towards his discarded weapon. With each crawl his breathing became more difficult. More had to stop a few times. Finally he made it to the Phaser rifle. He lay there trying to breathe. His damaged side felt warm, but the rest of his body felt cold. Stan could hear shouting. But his brain due to the loss of blood. Was having problems sorting the sounds out. More heard an even loader sound. Something big had landed nearby. Possibly the Leonardo but he could not tell. What was the other shuttle called? Using the Phaser rifle as a crutch. He very slowly pulled himself up. Stan nearly fainted with the pain. Slowly he dragged himself towards. The noise hoping it was a shuttle. ( reply , Jost & Team Leonardo) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Temple exterior – aCTO/COO – 1220) Ravok heard the familiar voice across the comm. As he stumbled outside. To see Vespers holding Bracken. Ravok stumbled a few more feet and fell to his knees. His face bruised up and the right side of his face bloody, swollen and bruised. He held his side in immense pain and wheezed as he breathed. He couldn't see out of his right eye . Jost was now gone , but was the tradeoff the life of Ailynn? He wondered as he heard a noise from above. He looked up and saw the familiar and soothing blue hue of the shuttle engines. It was the michaelangelo coming in for a landing. Ravok mustered his all of strength and rose to his feet. Making his way to Vespers and Bracken and assisted the doctor in lifting Ailynn. Weezing as he did so. " I got It IM FINE !" He yelled out not anyone in particular. " Shu..shuttle now" he said nodding to the shuttle. At the entrance to shuttle he saw the familiar faces of his crew mates. Stepping out of the shuttle, her breath caught in her throat. Seeing the sight of her two closest friends, one obviously badly injured carrying the lifeless body of the other, she took a deep breath, shut her emotions off and stepped out with a med kit hanging from her shoulder towards Ravok. Ravok made his way into the shuttle. and fell into an open seat holding his side. He looked at Keira " Lieu.." he wheezed. " Lieuten.." He once again wheezed. " You..ha..have the tea..m " he said to Keira turning over command of his team to her, struggling to speak because of the immense pain in his side. ( reply Merek) Ravok looked at Erin " Thank you" He mumbled As she stood infront of him, she glanced back at Ailynn, now lying stock still on the floor of the shuttle, then back to her friend and said, "Okay, you need help " He shook his head. " N..no , Brac..ken" he grunted to Erin. "Don't argue with me or I will knock you out. Now sit still and let me see what I can do." Ravok rolled his eyes and closed them , complying with Erin. His concern was the others not him. Pulling out a medical tricorder, Erin began scanning her friend, "listen, apart from the abundantly obvious injury to your eye which I can't do anything about right now, you have two broken ribs, numerous contusions and what appears to be a dislocated shoulder." Ravok took a deep breath. He knew what needed to be done. "Now, you can let me help you a little bit but it isn't going to be pretty." He raised his arm toward her. Knowing what was to follow. "My dad dislocated his shoulder once on a hike. I can pop it back but.. it's going to hurt." From pilot survival training he knew all about the field medic drills and shoulder dislocation corrections. " Do it" he mumbled. Nodding. Erin took hold of his arm, watching at every movement his face. Slowly, she pulled gently forward, rotating his arm minutely. After a second, she felt the distinctive ,'pop' as the shoulder popped back into its socket. Gently letting his arm down to his side, she grabbed a hypospray and injected some analgesic into his neck. He groaned and pain and squeezed the armrest of his chair as his right shoulder popped back in place. He gave her a thumbs up. " Good...I'm good" he said softly. "Don't hold that one against me." She replied with a slight wink. " Never" he said. "You're going to need some attention back at home. No arguments, mister. Straight to sickbay. " He nodded his head in agreement, his eyes still closed. "Now, Lieutenant Bracken… I need to go make sure that she is stable enough to move and we can get going. The others are walking wounded so to speak." " Go ...them" He mumbled. "I'll keep her steady, just keep the doc out of my way. He's hurt and needs to let me do what i can for her. I know he wants to help but physician heal thy self first." He turned his face to her and smiled as much as he could. " Good..luck with" he swallowed " that" he said. Knowing Vespers wasn't known for being told to stand aside but Ravok didn't have the strength to warn Erin. Walking to her friends side, she put a hand on the doctor's shoulder, "Doc?" (Reply vesper) "Go check on the others for me." (Reply Vespers) "You're injured, They need help, I got her." (Reply Vespers) "I can order you to go but you need to trust me. I know what i can do and you are in no fit state right now to help her. Let me." (Reply Vespers) Nodding, Erin knelt down by her friends side and scanned her, "oh Ailynn…" she whispered under her breath as she held a hypospray to her neck, "Don't you dare give up on me now. You hear me you stubborn cow." Pulling out a second hypospray, Erin injected her friend's neck with painkillers and anti-inflammatories to help with the rapid swelling she could see. She knew there was bad burns on her body and gently removed some of the singed clothing from her skin and began to run a dermal regenerator over the burns she could see, "Hold on. Just fight for me, A." (Reply Merek, vespers, any) ( posted by a Rob Davis and Jackie ) (USS Exeter - Sickbay– Ensign - Kaitlin Jamison/CPO - Ewan McDonald- 1220) ~Ow crap~ Ewan thought the bleed inside her brain had started again. If they did not get her to surgery quickly and reduce the pressure she was going to die. “I need some help over here.” Kaitlin had just finished up with one of the many crew who were streaming through sickbay in what felt like an endless line. When she heard Ewans cry. "Coming" she called as she quickly moved to the bedside. “Doctor he had a cerebral hematoma which is causing compression. She needs to go to theatre right now.” She wasn't about to let another person die on her watch. She initiated the teleport to the surgery suite. (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michelangelo – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek 1223) There weren’t a whole ton of options on places to put this big duranium bird down. A steep mountain nearby, a talus and scree field, and of course, don’t forget the cliff. Keira didn’t want them carrying wounded through either, so she brought the shuttle to the very edge of the cliff with the aft end as close as she could make it, in this case almost touching. When the hatch / gangway came down it landed solidly on the stone of what reminded Keira of the patio area of Ravok’s Alaska property. She placed antigravs and thrusters at station keeping, and went to go help with hurrying passengers and casualties. What Keira saw next, she wasn’t quite prepared for. The sight of Ravok stumbling up the gangway. Her heart was simultaneously in her throat and in the pit of her stomach. Her mind could not articulate what she was feeling. Her eyes began to well up, but remembering what her father had told her. His words echoing in her head. ~True Romulans don’t cry.~ Her face distorted in anguish she approached. " Lieu.." he wheezed. " Lieuten.." He once again wheezed. " You..ha..have the tea..m " he said obviously in pain, which mirrored how Keira felt seeing him like this. She nodded to acknowledge him giving him command of his team, not wanting to speak, fearing she wouldn’t be able to control the deluge of emotion pouring out. “Lathuel e'lev, ” she whispered while touching the least damaged side of his face. “What did they do to you? I’ll get you home, I’ll get you all home,” she promised and left her world in her friend’s hands, and went to prepare for take off. “Everyone strap in somewhere or hold on to your seat. Is this everyone? We aren’t leaving anyone or anything behind?” Keira called out. (Any, but none needed) Satisfied with the response, Keira pushed the recall button on the aft panel lifting the back hatch. She watched the hatch close all the way, but her mind was on Ravok. Worried about what had happened and how bad he really was. The snap-thunk of the hatch sealing shocked her out of her melancholy trance and she made her way to the cockpit. As she was getting under way she heard a call from the back. "Lt Merek, could you possibly get us off this planet and within transporter range of the Exeter, once we're there use the Sickbay transporter to beam me and my patient to Sickbay." He looked at Erin "and that's an order" “Doctor, with the field off, Exeter’s transporters can handle us from this distance.” Keira said, matter of factly. ~If you had read your ship’s specifications or the away mission briefing notes….~ (Reply Vesper) “Tying our transporters into the Exeter, site to site will take four people at once, directly to sickbay.” Keira clarified. “Just tell me which four and I’ll get a lock.” (Reply Vesper) “Shuttle Michelangelo to Exeter, medical emergency four to beam directly to sickbay.” Keira spoke clearly through the channel. (Reply Exeter) “Ready back there?” Keira asked. (Reply Vesper, and which ever other three he chose) “Energizing.” Keira said and entered the command. The four people dematerialized on their way to the Exeter. (Reply Vesper, Exeter Sick Bay, any) (Posted by Todd) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michelangelo – CMO – Ens Gabe Vespers 1225) "Doctor, with the field off, Exeter's transporters can handle us from this distance." Keira said, matter of factly. Without looking up Gabe spat back "Well with all respect please beam us now" "Tying our transporters into the Exeter, site to site will take four people at once, directly to sickbay. Just tell me which four and I'll get a lock." Looking up Gabe made a quick assessment, obviously he and Ailynn would be beamed across, that left space for two Stan was being tended to, Ravok had substantial injuries and he knew that whilst Foxglove had the ability to self heal she had reamined mostly quiet in the last few moments, his training was to tend to the quiet ones. "Myself, Bracken, Ravok and Foxglove. Lt Cortez and Zot can continue to treat Stan" As he spoke he readied himself for transport. (reply any if needed) Keira spoke to the Exeter as Gabe shifted again, the pain was uncomfortable but not unmanageable. "Ready back there?" "Just get us over, any more time spent talking take away from treatment time." Gabe yelled, he knew his concern was transposing into irritability but he couldn't control it mixed with the pain. Gabe heard the order and felt the haze taken them, he held tightly onto Ailynns hand. (Reply any if needed) (Posted by mat) (USS Exeter - Sickbay –Operating Theatre One – Ensign - Kaitlin Jamison/CPO - Ewan McDonald- 1225) Ewan entered the Operating Theater as Kaitlin was about to start. He had discarded his vomit covered clothes for surgical scrubs. He saw that Rylee was positioned on the operating table and the surgical support frame over her head and paused for a second as it hummed into life. He looked over at Kaitlin to inidace he was ready as he moved the tray of instruments into position. Kaitlin moved almost robotic as she nodded at Ewans words. Her professional self taking over, leaving the emotional one outside. "Let's do this." Her hands moved automatically as she went to work. “Yes Doctor.” He picked up the first instrument off the tray and handed it to her as he glanced at the wall mounted monitor showing Rylee's vitals. Katie closed her eyes as she took the instrument from Ewan, as she opened them she took a deep breath and began to work. She worked in silence for a while before speaking. “Vitals?” she asked, not daring to look up from her work, her mind focused. Ewan glanced over at the monitor. “Still low. It raised a little when we released the pressure but the bleeder is still in there somewhere.” Katie glanced up at the monitor and grumbled something under her breath that sounded vaguely Klingon and added outloud. “Where are you, dammit” She bent her head and ran the scans again looking for the elusive bleed. As Katie scanned Rylee`s brain, he dabbed the suction device on the trickles of blood that were oozing out. In the grand scheme of things the trickle was not a lot compared to the blood volume of Rylee`s body but the fact that due to the amount that she had lost already every milliliters counted. ~Come on where are you, you little blighter~ Katie took a deep breath and stretched before bending back to work. She probed deeper, her eyes moving from the monitor to Ewan and back to the work before her. “Let me know the minute anything changes, good or bad.” He could hear the frustration in her voice as she worked. “Yes doctor.” He's eyes scrutinised the monitor as she worked. ~Nothing, Nothing….no wait, the bleedings slowing~ “Doctor whatever you just did can you do it again.” Her hands moving almost on their own to repeat the movements she had just done. “This?” “Yes doctor right there. The bleeding is stopping.” She worked almost holding her breath as she continued to squelch the flow which threatened the life before her. “Let me know any changes.” “Yes Doctor.” Keeping one eye on the monitors and the other on Katie as she worked. He watched as the vitals slowly stabilized and began to creep with incremental slowness back up. “The vital signs are stabilizing and going in the right direction. Slowly but going the right way.” Katie took a minute to stand up groaning a little. She surveyed her work and the readings. “I think we caught it. It’ll be up to her now.” Ewan nodded as he smiled. “Good work Doctor. I'll have her transferred to intensive care for monitoring. If she can get the next few hours past her things are hopeful.” “Keep me posted through the night of any changes. I won’t be getting any sleep until she’s out of the woods.” She placed a hand on Ewans arm. “Thank you for your quick work there and for assisting me.” “Not a problem Doctor. If you want I can sort things here. If you need a few minutes break before heading back the craziness that is Sickbay?” “That would be much appreciated Ewan, thanks again.” She stepped to the side and stripped off her gloves. “Thank you for coming so quickly.” As Katie stepped back Ewan began dismantling the surgical support frame and moving away his equipment. Once he was happy that everything was out of Rylee`s way he tapped a small console on the operating table. “This is McDonald to ICU. We are transporting one patient to you along with the post-op notes and instructions. She is critical but stable at the moment. If you have any question Dr Jamison was the operating Doctor.” =^=Understood bring her now we are ready=^= He tapped a few more commands into the console and Rylee was transported off the operating table and into ICU. With that he stepped back stretched, moved over to the discarded equipment and began to clean so that everything was ready for the next procedure. Katie left the operating room and headed back to her quarters for a quick shower. (Reply any) (Posted by Kathkeen and Robbie) (USS Exeter– Sickbay – CMO – Ens Gabe Vespers 1228) Rushing across the room Silvine had grabbed the tray ready to support, this mission had already provided them some interesting cases but knowing the FO was on her way in the tension in the room was up. The group appeared in the middle of sickbay Silvine stopped dead in her tracks, the carnage from the planet was clear, this could not have been a proud moment for any Bajoran, their religion was far more divisive than she had expected. Making an observation she helped Dr Vespers up who was struggling "Come on lets get you seen to" she said but then looked at the mans face "youre not going to go are you?" she hadnt known him long but his sense of loyalty was clear. As annoying as he could be Gabe knew the meaning of family, be it blood or otherwise. "Get me some pain killers and get Aiylnn on the bio bed." Gabe called resting slightly against the trolly "Yes Doctor" Silvine said as she grabbed two nurses and lifted the first officer up, she gave Gabe a hypo and then closed the bed arms. "You, take Lt Ravok" Gabe called pointing to the med staff (reply if anyone wants it) "Just move, hes been through a lot. Turning he looked at another Dr "Lt Foxglove please" (reply who ever wants Foxglove) He grabbed two more medics "There is another casualty incoming via the shuttle bay, get down there now and be ready, burns and phaser shots." (reply any) Walking up to the bed he nodded to Nurse McDonald "whats going on over there?" "Ensign Page came in with head wounds, Euan is dealing with it but I think she needed surgery" Silvine replied handing Gabe the tricorder with Ailynns readings, a doctor appeared at Pages bedside and Gabe returned his focus to his sister. "She lost an immense amount of blood, get the transfusion set up, her lung and kidneys have been punctured" as he spoke the alarms rang "shes crashing" The sound of rushing voices filled the air but the flatline tone echoed around the room Gabe felt the hairs on his arms raise, the back of his neck went hot and he sensed Silvines hand on his arm "Doctor?" "no, not now, not when i've just found you" Gabe said he felt the tears forming but professionalism stopped them from dropping "Dr Vespers" Silvine said trying to pull him out. Gabe looked at her, the ridges, the cuts, the blood. Thinking back to those that had been lost during the mission, the people who cared and those that didnt he never felt the need for faith; science was his religion. Casting his mind back to the woman he remembered the faith of Dr Reyle, when faced with an insurmountable task there was one thing he did, Gabe saw the whole thing in his minds eye. Feeling his mind come back into the room Gabe grabbed Silvines hand. "We try a new approach, we pray" Gabe lowered himself down wincing in pain but determined he took Ailynns hand and in silence uttered what he could remember from Reyles prayer to the Prophets. (Reply any who want are playing medics, any) (posted by Mat) (USS Exeter– Sickbay – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg. Ravok-1228) "You, take Lt Ravok" The chief medical officer said to him. " Well certainly, sure he has seen better days." Doctor Lewis responded. Looking at his pointy eared patient. He looked at a nurse . " Bring him in here " He ordered as Ravok was brought into a room and helped onto a bed. Ravok groaned as he laid back. " Alright Lieutenant, Let's take a look" Doctor Lewis said, scanning his patient . " Welp that sucks." He said clicking his tricorder closed. Ravok looked over at the doctor. " What?" His voice squeaked through his pain. Doctor Lewis grabbed a hypo spray and injected Ravok with intense pain killers. " Oh nothing I just remembered I didn't eat breakfast. Anyways Lieutenant ,two of your vertebrosternal ribs are cracked pretty bad in a total of five places. Thankfully you don't have any internal bleeding, I can clear up some of the bruising. You're gonna be sore for a few days. But other than that you should be fine. " Eye, My eye ...I can't …" Ravok struggled to say. " Oh your eye is done for. I mean if you had a more compatible biology with what we have in our bio reconstructive inventory I'd be able to save it. But you don't " Doctor Lewis said interrupting him. " Fix it" Ravok said with frustration. " Well I can't Lieutenant . Your eye is already dead. the ophthalmic artery was crushed. Do to pressure. The lacrimal, supraorbital, posterior ethmoidal, anterior ethmoidal and medial palpebral arteries of the orbital group branches have already deteriorated beyond repair. Oh and the middle ophthalmic veins are done for as well. Which basically means your eye has septic blood sitting within right now. Don't need that getting into your system. I don't want to miss lunch." Ravok couldn't believe the audacity of this man. " Is thi..s a joke to you?" The doctor smiled as ran the device to heal Ravok's ribs over his torso, me doing them. " No this is a joke, wanna hear one though. Why did the romulans want the federation to get rid of all the ponchos ." Ravok looked at him with his one remaining good eye. " I...don't know.." " Because it's a cloaking device. " Doctor Lewis laughed at his own joke. Ravok just groaned. " Oh tell me if heard the one about the Dabo girl who got drunk and went to a wedding on betazed " "SHUT...UP!" Ravok yelled. " Well, seems like your ribs are feeling better. You had a lot of force behind that. " Doctor Lewis said. Ravok was beyond tired of this crap. " Doctor...I need two eyes. What can you do?" " Well with your permission I can give you an ocular implant. If you want your visual range to see all kinds of neat things I'll have to place another implant in you brain to regulate the delta-compressed wavelengths so you don't become overloaded by the vast amount of visual input the implant would offer. " Ravok shook his head " No I just want to see. Like i do now " " Fair enough. I will cross reference with you most recent transporter log , when your eye was still good and calibrate the implant according to the imprint of your data, Now to do all of this I'm going to have to put you under should take about an hour or so. " " Only an hour?" Ravok asked. Truly impressed that removing an eye and inserting an implant took only an hour. " Well I'll work fast because like I told you I'm hungry and I don't want to miss lunch. So I'm gonna put you under and give you your eyesight back. " Said the doctor. Ravok nodded his head at him. " Oh Lieutenant do you want me to fix your chin. ?" " What's wrong with my chin? " Ravok asked. " It's really square and draws attention away from your remarkable ears." The doctor responded jokingly. Ravok laughed a little" If you touch my chin. I'll shoot you by accident on purpose." Doctor Lewis grabbed the medication to put Ravok under " See you soon Lieutenant" he said as he injected him in the neck. Ravok fell asleep in seconds. ( reply none) ( posted by Rob Davis ) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CMO Ens Gabe Vespers - 1230) It was mainly a blur but Gabe found himself on the floor of the shuttle cradling Ailynn, he had stopped the tears as he needed to focus but inside the worry was building up, the fear and the anxiety ready to bubble over. "Doc?" A voice came along with a hand "Get me a medkit, I need a med kit" Gabe said putting Ailynns head down and opening her eyes to check dilation "Go check on the others for me." Erin said "Once you've got me that medkit you can check the others, I'm staying here." He said pulling out the battered tricorder and running the scans he could with the pain he was in 5he painkiller was wearing off a little. "You're injured, They need help, I got her." "No you don't, I do. Med kit now" Gabe shot, his old familiar tone finally arriving back. He shuffled on the floor a little looking around for somthing, anything to help. "I can order you to go but you need to trust me. I know what i can do and you are in no fit state right now to help her. Let me." Standing to his full six foot somthing height, although slightly bent with the broken ribs Gabe squared into Erin. "Actually, no you can't. I am this ships Chief Medical Officer, you don't outrank me in medical emergencies of which this is one. You cannot order me who to attend to. As the only medic on this ship I will attend to the person I deem fit to attend to. Do you understand!" Gabe saw the spittle fly across the room as Erin nodded. "As you seem incapable of getting me a kit it looks like I'll need to get my own." Gabe went to the holder and grabbed the kit turning he saw Erin attempting to deal with his patient. "Hold on. Just fight for me, A." Erin said as Gabe arrived back, he pulled the dermo out of her hand as he threw the med kit open next to him. "Lt Cortez, if I needed a nurse I would have asked for one. I suggest you tend to either Ensign More or Lt Foxglove I may also remind you that simply dealing with extremities in this situation will do nothing, I am more interested in my sister's internal injuries. If you want to deal with burns go and see Stan, he has a phaser wound to his right side." (Reply Erin) "Lt Merek, could you possibly get us off this planet and within transporter range of the Exeter, once we're there use the Sickbay transporter to beam me and my patient to Sickbay." He looked at Erin "and that's an order" (Reply Erin, Merek, any) (Posted by Mat) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – SPC- Comp ops Ensign Sg Zot-1234) "Lt Merek, could you possibly get us off this planet and within transporter range of the Exeter, once we're there use the Sickbay transporter to beam me and my patient to Sickbay. and that's an order" Zot watched highy tense moment between as he also scanned a PADD with information about general and basic first aid. The chief medical officer and the chief science officer. He jumped out of his seat and grabbed Lieutenant Cortez by the arm. " Come with me Sir, I will assist you in aiding the other members of the away team. " Zot said to her and looked at Vespers and gave him a subtle nod as to assure him he would help if needed. ( reply Erin reply Vespers if you wish) Ensign Zot headed over to Ensign More with a tricorder and first aid kit. " Hello Ensign I need you to sit still. According to scans you have lost an alarming amount of blood, we need to stop the bleeding, clean the wound and mend your flesh. Do I have your permission?" ( reply More) Zot nodded his head and handed Erin the appropriate device to stop the bleeding. " No need to worry Ensign , you will be ok. I have read some basic first aid instructions. Do you require a reassuring bedside manner to place your mind at ease or would you prefer we mend you in silence?" Zot asked Ensign More. ( reply More , reply Erin. ) Zot looked over to Lieutenant Foxglove. " Lieutenant Cortez Erin Julia, I will assist her while you finish with the Ensign. " ( reply Erin) Zot stood up and walked over to Lieutenant Foxglove. " Hello Sir , I am Ensign Zot and I will now begin scanning you. " He said to her. ( reply Foxglove.) Zot tilted his head. " Lieutenant you have a highly increased rate of collagen production mending damaged tissues and granulation tissue is starting to form over your abrasions. Remarkable." He noted, at her bodies ability to heal like a finely tuned machine. ( reply foxglove) " You are remarkable...your head also took some force. I would suggest a more thorough examination aboard the Exeter Sir." Ensign Zot said to her as he cleaned some superficial wounds to prevent infection. ( reply Foxglove. ) " I am Ensign Zot, it has been a pleasure scanning you. " He said. ( reply Foxglove. ) Zot stood up and walked over to his seat and sat down. He looked at the chief medical officer and watched him tend to the first officer. Apparently they were related. Zot often wondered what that would be like to have siblings. ( reply Erin, Vespers ifw, more , foxglove) ( posted by Rob Davis- SPC- Comp ops Ensign Sg Zot) (Shuttle Michelangelo, Cockpit – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1234) The decent was much more rapid than their ascent. While the shuttle was certainly capable of going faster, much faster, Keira didn’t want to push the occupants any more than was necessary. She had even pushed auxiliary power to inertial dampers to ensure a smoother ride. She picked up the Broken Bow runabout on sensors, it appeared that Ire was returning from his mission as well. ~He hadn’t towed the whole escape pod back, maybe he got everything he needed.~ Finally in range, Keira opened a channel. “Exeter shuttle bay control, this is Shuttle Michelangelo on final approach with wounded on board. Requesting berthing in the shuttle bay.” =^= Shuttle Michelangelo, you’re cleared for berth one. Medical teams are standing by to receive your casualties. =^= “Confirmed. On approach vector, Michelangelo out.” Keira reported then closed the channel. The whole docking procedure Keira could nearly accomplish in her sleep. It was fortunate because, she felt numb, and by the time she landed she didn’t remember precisely how she got there. The shuttle touching down in the berthing brought her out of whatever state she was in and she put the engines in a shutdown sequence and opened the aft gangway for the waiting medical teams. (Reply any in Shuttle, room for more) (Brocken Bow - Command Compartment – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams -1235) “ TIC this is Brocken Bow permission to start finals?" =^=Negative Brocken Bow the pattern is full=^= He had a sudden and unexplainable desire to buzz the TIC but managed to restrain himself. ~Pattern is full must be the others coming back~ He had managed to get snippets of inform about what had happened on the planet and from what he could work out the had achieved their objective, but they had wounded. “We`ll be coming in after the others touch down. From what I can make out they had a bad time and have wounded.” (Reply Brown, Alexander) He pulled out wide so that he was out of the flight path to the shuttle bay and headed out towards the returning shuttle. ~Only the Michelangelo. What happened to the Leonardo. Ow hell that`s not good~ “I`m putting us in position to cover Michelangelo in case something happens. I don`t expect any one to be stupid enough to go after her this close to the Exeter but we are a tougher target then the Michelangelo and can give her time to get down quick if need be.” (Reply Brown, Alexander) He pulled into a tighter turn dropping down from above the Michelangelo so that the Brocken Bow was in formation with the Michelangelo on its right side. He glanced over to see Merek flying the Michelangelo. ~What happened to the Leonardo? By the Prophets I hope they are okay~ They were fast approaching finals knowing that Merek would be needing to concentrate on landing he pulled the Brocken Bow out of formation and into a trailing position so that he would land close after her. “Okay Landing shortly.” (Reply Brown, Alexander) He reduced power and drifted into the shuttle bay on thrusters and inertia. He glanced over to see that the Michelangelo had landed, and people were exiting but only had a fleeting sight of who was getting off before he looked over to his landing pad and saw a group of security with another group of engineers waiting for them. With a few gentle movements Brocken Bow settled gently on the deck and Ire smile to himself for a second as the realization of making it back hit him. “Thank you both.” (Reply Brown, Alexander) He pulled himself together as he put the engines on stand by and opened the side hatch. “Billy do you want to take our guest to his new accommodation.” (Reply Alexander) “Chief would you mind taking our new acquisition some more secure.” (Reply Brown) “I`ll catch up shortly I need to but the Brocken Bow in her proper parking position.” (Reply Brown, Alexander) He busied himself with post flight checks and running diagnostics to check on what damage had been done during the mission. Once he was sure that everyone was off he sealed up the Brocken Bow powered up the maneuvering thrusters and drifted sideways across the shuttle bay to where the Brocken Bow`s assigned position was. He landed and powered down the Brocken Bow. He sat there for a moment the gloom of the darkened runabout with the light of the shuttle bay coming in through the main view ports. ~Right then…..now~ “Computer seal the Runabout.” [Confirmed] There was a soft click as the main hatch locked tight. He stepped away from the flight controls back into the dark of the runabout where no one could see or hear him and screamed. All the anger, frustration, despair, loss and pain came out at once. He dropped to his knees on the deck with his fists curled tightly into balls as he released everything he had been holding in since he had been captured. He knelt there screaming until his voice was horse before regaining control of himself and after a few more minutes he stood up. “Thank you for bring us home.” He said softly to the Brocken Bow as he exited the Runabout. (Reply Alexander, Brown, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet – Shuttle Michaelangelo – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 1235) Erin froze, seeing the thinly veiled anger in Doctor Vespers face as he spoke to her. In her mind, she knew that his concern for Lieutenant Bracken was translating into anger at her presumption of taking him away from his job but the illogical side of her took over and she froze. Not knowing exactly what to do or say, her mind began replaying images, images of a moment that she had fought so hard to deal with. As she stood a little still, she felt a hand grab her arm gently and turned her away from the doctor as the voice of its owner rang in her ears, shaking her back to the present. " Come with me Sir, I will assist you in aiding the other members of the away team. " She nodded and followed Ensign Zot as he began to treat Ensign More, not really hearing the conversation between them. Suddenly bmZot handed her one of the medical instruments which she recognised was to stop the bleeding evident on the Ensign and she began to work. " No need to worry Ensign , you will be ok. I have read some basic first aid instructions. Do you require a reassuring bedside manner to place your mind at ease or would you prefer we mend you in silence?" “ Lieutenant Ravok.....permission to die sir...” He replied as his eyes went white, his head dropped back and he passed out. "Ensign?" She said, a little louder than usual, an effort to rouse him which had no effect. Taking a medial tricorder, Erin began to scan him as Zot spoke, " Lieutenant Cortez Erin Julia, I will assist her while you finish with the Ensign. " "Go ahead. I will keep an eye on Ensign More." As Zot moved off, Erin knelt beside Ensign More and sighed. She looked down at her tricorder and noted that the Ensign had simply lapsed into unconsciousness. ~a result of his injuries. Keep an eye on his vitals and make sure that there is nothing untoward going on~ she told herself. She knew that something wasn't right with her but she couldn't place the feeling. The confrontation with Doctor Vespers had her rattled. She knew, deep down, that the venom on his voice was not directed at her. Still, something was bothering her. The voice, the tonality it had had brought something to the fore. Forcing it back, she kept her eyes down, watching the tricorder and placed a hand gently on Ensign More's shoulder, "I got you. You are not going to die. Not on my watch." Barely even aware of the fact they had docked back with the ship, Erin watched as the medical team came on board the shuttle and gently, took Ensign more off the Michelangelo and away to sickbay (Reply Any ) (Posted by Jackie) (Gamma Quadrant Planet - Shuttle Michaelangelo - Interior - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 12:36 ) Slowly Stan entered the shuttle. He silently moved over to a seat. The effort in sitting down made him grab the arm rest. The pain was excruciating. He could see the doc but he was busy. Besides security officers were expendable. That was why in the olden days. Their shirts were red. So the blood would not show. Stan sat there and tried to breathe. He heard a voice. But could not for the life or incoming death. Remember who they where. " Hello Ensign I need you to sit still. According to scans you have lost an alarming amount of blood, we need to stop the bleeding, clean the wound and mend your flesh. Do I have your permission?" “ Tend......tend to others.....‘tis ah wee bit late for me...”Stan said very softly. Maybe this person had miss heard him? They nodded and handed another person. Who Stan could not make out something. " No need to worry Ensign , you will be ok. I have read some basic first aid instructions. Do you require a reassuring bedside manner to place your mind at ease or would you prefer we mend you in silence?" Zot asked Ensign More. Ravok! Yes it must be him. Stan could not properly see. So he guessed who was speaking. “ Lieutenant Ravok.....permission to die sir...” He said After that the voices and blurred faces. Vanished into a warm and soothing darkness. Was that the sound of bag pipes he could hear? ( reply All In shuttle Michaelangelo ) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (USS Exeter – Bridge – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1250) Keira walked onto the bridge, plotting the most direct circumnavigational course to where Trip was. (Reply Trip) “Lieutenant Merek reporting in. Shuttle is put to bed, everyone we put down on that planet is accounted for.” Keira reported. (Reply Trip, room for questions) (Posted by Todd) (Location unknown - white room - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and Prophet– 1250) Ailynn slowly came to. The backdrop of her fight with Jost and the wraith that had encompassed him was already fading away, fading. Fading to white. Slowly she pulled herself up to her feet; looking at her hands and arms, she knew that she should feel sadness, and pain; but she couldn’t remember why, only that she didn’t want to anymore. “Hello?” She called out. Slowly she became aware of a presence behind her. Turning sharply, she looked at the figure in front of her. “Human male…” She briefly ran her eyes over the usual tell-tale factors, before turning the boy around, and looking at the back of his neck, to see a familiar scar, uncharacteristically left. "5 years old." "I remember you." She continued "C4 shrapnel incursion, severe threat of...well, pretty much everything to be honest." “And now I’ll grow up to be a big boy, and help people.” Ailynn shook her head. “Cut that out. I know who you are.” The boy smiled as Ailynn took his hand and they stepped forward. Ailynn felt parts of her warm that she didn’t even know existed. “Cheater” “You’re hurting Doctor.” the boy answered, the cadence of his delivery belied him. “I killed a man. Two men actually, and at least three others that will never...well; you saw.” “This is a boring place...How about this?” The world swam around her, and the vineyards of Tuscanny swam into focus around her. “You miss this…” Ailynn felt her heart ache, “More than you...well… I miss this place.” Absent mindedly Ailynn picked a few grapes from a bunch just to her left and put them into her mouth, the sweet juice a contrast against the tart bitterness of the skin. “If you're after my attention, you have it.” Ailynn said irritably. “If I’m dead is this a judgement? At least tell me...or am I already in the cave of the wraiths?” As she spoke she felt the hand that she was holding change, it became a man’s hand, the strong hand enveloped her own, small, and delicate. There was a gentle strength that warmed her heart somehow. Holding her hand the room swelled again, this time turned into an office, it was covered in PADDs, the screen on the wall was showing the end of a comms, it was night. On the unit under the window were several photos. "You're troubled still, the corporeal being needs to rest but her pah is eager, it wants to understand, explore, keep going. Now is it's momentary rest." The man changed slightly from a ghostly form to a more solid image; unlike the normal apperations he seemed more solid, real. The uniform was clearer, grey yolk with red undershirt, commander pips, unseen right now to match the photo under the window. "Come, sit down, you're probably hungry from your experience, those grapes won't fill you up, pancakes will" “I feel that I can’t rest. I always have. As if there’s something in me that is always driving me. As you say. My Pah.” Grabbing the pancakes from the replicator he watched as she eat. Ailynn sat down, the sweet sting from the syrup already assaulting her senses. “Thank you.” She picked up the fork, and took a few mouthfuls of the pancakes, a stray drop of syrup escaping and dripping onto her chest. “Rats.” She ate some more. A rumble of appreciation from her stomach made her realise how hungry she actually had been. “Mum said she always used to have pancakes like these. Way back when she was on the Hades. As the moment dictated the prophet broke away from its normal rigid self, this was a person who needed a softer touch, the Sisko had taught them much about their presence. Sitting down at the chair the man watched still. "You need substance, your body needs food, for itself and its soul. Tell me child, what troubles your Pah?" The mans head tilted to watch Ailynn as she spoke. “You’re right, of course. I am troubled, and I don’t know how to deal with it. I’m a doctor, a surgeon. I’m supposed to heal people, help them, even ones that are so twisted and misguided as Jost had become. I’m struggling to rationalize killing someone. There’s part of me that doesn’t want to wake up, so the pain goes away and I don’t have to deal with it. I’m...scared.” "Protecting and saving life comes with great risk, death is inevitable in some cases. Each outward and inward battle carries the troubles, weights and pain of loss. Life must always end." There was something, her mind was screaming something at her, and her conscious thought couldn’t yet translate what it was. As if a blanket had been put over her mind, trying to give the chaos of her thoughts some rest. The man rose and the scene changed. They were now in a medical bay, sat on a bed; the room had an emerald tint, the mans undershirt was now blue with Lt pips. "Every step along your journey has been planned, each moment timed to prepare you for this. You have not, are not and will not be alone." The man jumped off the bed and place a warm hand on Ailynns shoulder. "We have known your presence for some time, the result of two great troubled loves. It is time to allow your own troubles to be free." “My troubles...” She sighed and stretched slightly as the pancakes settled in her stomach. She may have eaten too quickly. “...are many and varied. Some tried to dominate me, others define me.” The alarm bell was ringing loudly, but her mind still wasn’t listening. “I am known?” "You are one of few, but you are one of many" “My corporeal form is tired, and my Pah, although adventurous and yearning to learn, occasionally has trouble with riddles.” Ailynn smiled gently, The man smiled a warm smile, he allowed his eyes to come clearer. Walking into the office he endured Ailynn followed, allowing the picture to be seen, the same picture that had been in the Bracken household and offices for years. "You are known" smiling again the prophet revealed it's true form. The universe swam around her. A single point of existence. The picture that she saw was buried so deeply in her memory that she’d known every detail for as long as she could remember. Her mum, stunningly beautiful, wearing the pips of LtCmdr with her dark hair framing her face, and a happy, mischievous twinkle in her eye, all of her life Ailynn had been able to see how deeply in love she was with the man in the picture. A man whose face she’d always remembered, and thought of, and a face that she’d always yearned to simply just be able to see, just once. Wearing the red uniform and Commanders pips, she wondered now what rank he’d have attained had… As the figure in the room revealed his face, Ailynn felt not just her heart, but her entire insides sink to the floor. Her eyes erupted into tears. Holding her hands over her mouth in shock, she managed to breath long enough to utter a word. A word that she’d longed to say aloud all of her life. “Daddy?” "My child" The Prophet encompassed her for a moment. Changing the scene again they were now on a planet fires raging around them, Mil was driving and Ailynn next to him as they dodge the fire balls. “I know…” She was still crying. “But you have no idea how much I’ve always…” managing to stop herself, she corrected the sentence. “Okay so I know that you do. Why me though? Dale always says our family has a habit of getting in the way…?” "You have great sadness, but great strength. Strength that was needed to right great wrongs." There was a shift in atmosphere and Mil changed again Red undershirt, Commander pips and a more relaxed frame, still driving. "So kid, you're confused why you're here? Confused about what's going on? Your grandmother would have worked this out by now. Where's those Bracken brains?" He placed a hand on her knee and patted it. She laughed. “Flatterer.” "You don't like riddles? I never did. You've been chosen, not in some massive way, but like every woman in your family you have a task. I'll tell you now, ask your mum about her missions but don't let her fob you off, she knew I didn't like them but they will help you find strength in what you've been through." “Mum worked SpecOps. That much I know. I also know that she spent a lot of time even when she was in research dodging 31’s influence. I know I’m clever Dad, dammit, but my brain doesn’t work the way that Dale’s does." Mil laughed, more than a prophet would normally, but he was enjoying taking the memories of this being "Ask her about ‘Awaken’, she was deeper in a lot more things than she lets on. Her pain will be your understanding. Every Doctor must end life when the time comes." Ailynn’s mind was moving slowly forward, not burdened by physical distraction, she sighed “I had no choice back there. Did I.” It was phrased as a question, but wasn’t. “Jost was more wraith than person. "There is always a choice, but it is not always yours to make." Mil spun the buggy as a fireball exploded. They appeared in a morgue. There was a body laid out, full dress uniform. The body was holding a Bajoran earring, the one that was given to her mum by her paternal grandmother at the announcement of her pregnancy. Standing either side of the table the Prophet returned to a more dignified stance. "This was an end, one of great importance in your family. The ending you have just been through is even more powerful, you have returned balance, extended journeys, righted wrongs." He picked up the earring and moved alongside her “I’m the one that walks the path, the pivot. My job isn’t done.” she spoke gently, quietly, her voice dropping to a whisper to respect the dead, even though they were simply echoes. ~you sure Lynn?~ "You have been known, you have been chosen, you have been reborn" he handed the earring to her. She took the earring, hundreds of years of her father’s family history rested in her palm. The more she looked, the more she saw. Embracing her one last time he whispered in her ear "you are loved." She should have been sad, a small part of her still yearned to stay, to never return. The intricate jewelry in her hand however had reminded her of something. The message, and it’s delivery was kind, and gentle. Loving. It’s meaning came home to her a little more sharply. She was indeed a creature of two paths. A healer and a fighter. That had been the lesson on how to defeat Jost, however moving forward a new lesson had had to be learned. She was a creature of two paths, her mothers, and her fathers. The part of her that was her mother, was palpable. In all respects it was Ailynn that was at fault. She had spent her entire childhood and teenage years committing herself to be ‘better than mom.’ The jewelry in her hand had carried a message, a message that Ailynn took to heart, that in her pursuit of her mother's shadow, perhaps she had neglected her father’s. Slowly, the white faded, and the familiar view of Exeter’s sickbay slowly came into focus. fin. (USS Exeter – Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams – 1300) Trip turned his head as Lieutenant Merek entered the bridge. All of his "children" were home. Except one. Ryelle. They had his body, but unfortunately, the Bajoran doctor lost his life in the line of duty. That loss left a pit in Trip's stomach. Trip nodded at Mereka as she approached. “Lieutenant Merek reporting in. Shuttle is put to bed, everyone we put down on that planet is accounted for.” Keira reported. "Welcome home Lieutenant. How are you holding up?" (Reply Merek) "You don't need to report right back to duty if you don't want to. Take an hour or two to breathe. I know Ravok is banged up. You can be with him if you want. We'll have a proper debrief later." (reply Merek) Trip nodded then looked towards the viewscreen. "Now that we've taken care of this problem, it's time to follow through with our secondary orders. Starfleet asked us to do a bit of, well second contact so to speak, with known Gamma quadrant worlds. Check in, show off the new ship, and help restablish communication. So I guess it's onto a few days cruising the Gamma quadrant. From cult busters to diplomats and explorers in the span of a few days. Lucky us." Trip said with a laugh. "Ensign Frost, set course for the Teplan Homeworld, that is our first stop. Warp 8." (reply Frost) Trip leaned forward in his chair. "Engage!" (reply Frost) (Reply Merek, Frost) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter - Sickbay- CMO Ens Gabe Vespers– 1300) Gabe had slept in his office, Silvine had repaired his ribs for him and administered the pain meds properly and he felt more in control of his body and more importantly his mind. The bleeping woke him, it was time for ward rounds, unsure really if he wanted to face people he knew his job needed to be done, more now than ever with the unexpected transfer of his ACMO. Slowly standing he grabbed his lab coat, opening the small drawer in his desk he picked up the tricorder as he turned to face the door Silvine was stood there holding his coffee. "I didn't want to wake you this morning, you seemed comfortable, how are you feeling?" She said handing the coffee "I'll survive, how is she?" Gabe slowly led the way out of the office. "The Captain sat with her last night, shes stable. Looks like the prayers worked" "I doubt it, but on the chance they did let's keep it quiet; I don't want the crew dependent on an entity rather than medicine. Let's start with Sleeford" The two left the office area and through to the small recovery ward behind it, whislt the room was full there was as always, a sense of calm. Arriving at the foot of the bed Gabe pulled the padd out. "Mr Sleeford, how are you feeling?" (Reply Sleeford) "I understand you've spent some time with the counselor already, but given the extent of your injury I would like you to see her weekly, I'll get an update from her in a month to discuss your rehabilitation, but if you feel able to we can discharge you in the morning, but prior to that I would like you to meet with myself and the counselor to discuss things and make a final decision about returning to work" (Reply Sleeford) NRPG: if you want questions there is room RPG: "Take care" Gabe moved across to the other bay "Stan, my friend, how are you feeling?" (Reply More) "You're mostly recovered, however, I think another nights rest in here would work. You took a fair few hits. I would like you to debrief with the counselor prior to returning to duty but we will asses you at 0600 in the morning" Nrpg: room for questions iyw RPG: "Hold in there Ensign" They moved across to Lt Foxglove "Good morning sir, how are you feeling?" (Reply Foxglove) "Well your body is as expected recovering itself, again, I want you to debrief with the counselor prior to returning to duty." Nrpg: room for questions iyw RPG: "Here if you need me sir" Moving to Ravok Gabe took a slower stance. "How are you?" (Reply Ravok) "It seems our resident plastics did some good work" Gabe laughed a little having gone through what they had together Gabe felt a tighter connection with the Lt. (Reply Ravok) Nrpg room for more RPG "Everything aside I would like you to see the counselor prior to discharge, we will review it at 0600 in the morning. And then, I would also like you to meet me tomorrow evening for dinner, if you would be ok with that?" (Reply Ravok) Moving on Gabe came to the final bed, Silvine put a reasuring hand on his arm. "You'll be ok" Gabe smiled slightly and walked past the tempory surrounds separating Ailynn from the rest of the room. (Reply Sleeford, More, Foxglove, Ravok) (Posted by Mat) (USS Exeter – CSO office – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 1302) After the shuttle had docked and Ensign More had been taken to medical, Erin had not spoken a word. Simply walked from the shuttle without so much as a backwards glance and headed straight for the science labs. She knew that she wasn’t looking her best, covered in dirt and dust from the planet. Her jaw had been clenched since the confrontation with Doctor Vespers and it hadn’t eased up. She knew that she had a look of hardness about her and she didn’t care. As she entered the lab that held her office, she was thankful to see that her staff had had the foresight to disappear to the satellite labs that were on this deck. As the door to the lab closed behind her, she felt her shoulders relax slightly. Taking a second to just close her eyes, she could feel the weight and the enormity of what had happened begin to bubble and boil within her. Her breath caught in her throat as she opened her eyes and realised that a tear was forming. Wiping her eyes, she walked the short distance to her office, closed the door and locked it behind her. As she leant against the closed door, she closed her eyes and just took a deep breath. The strange thing for her was that she knew that the adrenaline of the mission and the shock of seeing her crew mates, her two best friends and the others injured, close to death, was something that she would probably never get used to. She wasn’t sure when, but as she opened her eyes, she found herself sitting on the floor with her knees up to her chest. It was in that one moment she realised what had been bothering her about the confrontation in the shuttle. As she closed her eyes again, she saw the flashes of memories, images of a time that had been the worst moment of her life. She saw him. Both of the two men that had brought so much darkness to her life and her mind and knew why she was shaking. The two people that she counted on, depended on for her support, the two that she could be totally open and honest with, they were beaten down, injured. The almost loss of her two rocks had hit her hard, harder than she had realised. Shaking, she pulled off her uniform top and threw it to one side, wiping her eyes and resting her head in her hands for a moment. ~You need to get up off this floor, wipe off the dust and dirt and take a breath. I know that I can survive, I would walk through fire to save them. And I need them, I want them in my life so bad and I'm doing everything I can. I need to do something. I can’t break like this every time something like this happens. It’s not right. I think i did okay on the surface. But now, here i am, hiding away. Get up off the floor, go take a shower, change your uniform, put your game face on and do what you do best.~ (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Exeter – Bridge – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1303) "Welcome home Lieutenant. How are you holding up?" Trip asked. “Shields are at forty percent,” Keira responded, “but holding.” At this point she was beyond pleasantries, speaking in engineering based metaphors was about all that she could do since Ravok was beamed away. "You don't need to report right back to duty if you don't want to. Take an hour or two to breathe. I know Ravok is banged up. You can be with him if you want. We'll have a proper debrief later," The Captain said. “I did see him, walking up the gangway on the planet, that’s what has me…concerned. I would like to go see him. I’ll be there if you need me.” She said then exited the bridge. Ordinarily, she would have been all for another mission, but her heart just wasn’t in it. She had left the bridge before Trip said “Engage.” (Reply none) (USS Exeter - Sickbay – CFO – Lieutenant -Ire Williams - 1309) Ire walked slowly into sickbay, he could see the staff working hard to on their patients. He paused inside the door not wanting to disturb the staff but needing to know what was happening. “Are you hurt Lieutenant?” He was taken aback by the voice beside him and turned to the nurse who had spoken. “Um no.” “Well Sir. If you are not injured I am going to have to ask you to leave we are quite busy at the moment.” “I have just came in on the Runabout with Ensign Page I was wondering on her condition.” The nurse paused for a moment then nodded. “She is still in theatre at the moment. It’s a bit touch and go but we have some information soon” “How are the others who came back from the planet?” The nurse paused again for a moment and Ire smiled mentally he had seen that pause before from his parents when they had to give uncertain news. “They are all undergoing treatment but are not out of the woods by any means. I would suggest you come back this evening when we will have some new.” “Thanks you.” The nurse smiled as he turned to leave. “Ow lieutenant.” He turned back. “Yes.” “I would suggest that you get some rest.” “Thanks you but I have one more thing to do.” ~Say good bye to Ryelle~ (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok – 1322) Ravok felt a warm feeling rush over his body and was instantly roused into consciousness. He looked around the room and was able to see with both eyes. " Well that wasn't that bad was it?" Dr. Lewis asked. " No how long was I out?" Ravok questioned. It felt like he had been sleeping for hours. " About an hour." Lewis replied, as he scanned him. " No way." Ravok said in disbelief. The doctor laughed. " It's a rather simple procedure and it goes a lot faster when the patient doesn't request to have bionic vision or something outrageous like that. Your eye was already dead and deprived of oxygen rich blood. It came right out. I cleaned the socket and repaired the optic nerve with the nurse calibrating the ocular implant at the same time and presto , you can see again. Here take a look " he said , handing Ravok a mirror. He took the mirror and looked at it. " It doesn't match my other eye, its white. " " Well this is the starter model you can upgrade and get a color more suited to your natural color once we determine that this ocular implant works for you…its standard procedure. After a few weeks I can make the adjustments you want." Replied Lewis. Ravok laid the mirror down on his chest. " No offense but if it works I don't want anyone messing with it. I can see that's all that matters. Hell it even feels like my real eye. " " That's a good sign. Now if it starts to become irritating let me know and I can prescribe you a solution you take twice daily for 5 days . If irritation continues we will try another type of ocular implant, but this is a good model. You should be fine. As much as I love patients, I'm not a fan of return customers. I prefer to treat you and become just another face in the gag reel of your life. Here watch this training exercise and break in the new eye. " Lewis said, setting “I’m here for Lieutenant Ravok,are you accepting any visitors at this time?” Doctor Lewis heard from behind him in the larger medical area. He turned around and walked out the door and stopped the nurse who was about to answer the blonde haired Lieutenant. " Lieutenant Senior grade Keira Merek?" He asked her (Reply merek) " I'm asking because he has two names on his medical records contact list, one Lieutenant Erin Cortez and you. Come on Lieutenant." Doctor Lewis stepped back and gestured with his hand toward the door. (Reply Merek) Doctor Lewis Stepped away to give them privacy. Ravok looked at Keira as she entered the room. " Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes ?" He remarked with a smile. ( reply Merek) " I'm good, just a little sore. I've been sore before ." Ravok said. The wall monitor above him reading his vitals started to register his increased heart rate. ( Reply Merek) " Come here" He said motioning to her to come sit on the bed with him. Noticing the look in her eyes that she was holding her emotions back to the best of her ability. ( reply Merek) " Don't cry " he said with a smile and grabbed her hand and squeezed it. " I didn't get my vision restored to see that, I'd rather be blind than to see you cry e'lev" ( reply Merek) " I'm fine, sweetheart. Your fine that's all that trupt matters to me. " He said, gently rubbing the side of her face. ( reply Merek) ( posted by Rob Davis) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1325) " Lieutenant Senior grade Keira Merek?" He asked her “Yes, why do you ask?” Keira answered simply. " I'm asking because he has two names on his medical records contact list, one Lieutenant Erin Cortez and you. Come on Lieutenant." Doctor Lewis stepped back and gestured with his hand toward the door. Keira stepped in as the Doctor stepped out. She saw the room was fairly sparse except the biobed Ravok was on nothing much else. Ravok looked at Keira as she entered the room. " Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes ?" He remarked with a smile. “How, how are you doing?” Keira stammered a bit. She was shocked to see him all back together after seeing him only hours before looking like death warmed over. " I'm good, just a little sore. I've been sore before ." Ravok said. The monitor registered a quickening heart rate, but Keira didn’t even notice. ~Shields at 20%~ She was barely holding on and he noticed. " Come here" He said motioning to her to come sit on the bed with him. ~Breach imminent!~ Once she sat down, her face contorted to try to hold the tears welling up on the corners of her eyes. " Don't cry " he said with a smile and grabbed her hand and squeezed it. " I didn't get my vision restored to see that, I'd rather be blind than to see you cry e'lev" “I didn’t…. want to…. lose you!” She blurted out between sobs. " I'm fine, sweetheart. Your fine that's all that trupt matters to me. " He said, gently rubbing the side of her face. She closed her eyes and wiped the tears away from her face with a swipe of her sleeve. One opening them again, she noticed. ~What’s up with that eye?~ “By Loki’s twisted smile what kind of eye did they give you?” She asked. (Reply Ravok) “It looks like you’re staring into my soul….” She said giggling. (Reply Ravok) She frowned back, “not funny Lieutenant. Are you… keeping it?” she asked. (Reply Ravok) “We’ll talk about that.” She said. “When can you come back home? Any convalescence?” (Reply Ravok) (Posted by Todd) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – aCTO/COO -Lieutenant jg. Ravok – 1327) “By Loki’s twisted smile what kind of eye did they give you?” Keira asked him. " It's a model implant that I have to keep in for a few weeks. Then I then upgrade to a more realistic looking variant." Ravok answered. “It looks like you’re staring into my soul….” She said giggling. " Hey now" He said, looking out into the rest of sickbay. " Its pretty neat. I can see through clothing with this thing and there are an abundance of female nurses in sickbay." He turned his gaze back at her, looking her up and down." I must say you are rather impressive " He laughed. She frowned back, “not funny Lieutenant. Are you… keeping it?” she asked. " I'm joking. I mean if it works what's the point of messing with it. I don't like sickbay and the less I'm here the better. With my luck I'll get it swapped out and it wont work the same. I see just like normal. It even feels like my real eye. I didn't want anything special. I just wanna see the faces of the people I know the same way I have always seen them. Plus I think it makes me tougher than what I am. So now that I really think about it. I might just keep it like it is." Ravok responded, shrugging his shoulders. “We’ll talk about that.” She said. “When can you come back home? Any convalescence?” She asked " Well I have to meet with a counselor then Doctor Vespers is going to reevaluate me in the morning at 0600. After that I should be good to go. If irritation occurs let Doctor Lewis know and he will give me a solution to use twice daily for 5 days and if irritation continues beyond that he will try a different ocular device. At that point I'm gonna just ask for an eye patch." Ravok said to her. ( reply Merek ifw or we can just leave this thread and move forward ( posted by Rob Davis) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1332) A brief stop off to check on Venus, leaving her knives at home, dropping off the tactical uniform, and a change into a standard one. Then straight to sick bay. She walked in she found the nearest medical professional and asked. “I’m here for Lieutenant Ravok,” she said, “are you accepting any visitors at this time?” (Reply any Medical, Ravok) (posted by Todd) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford - 13:50) Sleeford lay on a comfortable hard surface, hoping the elephant would stop sitting on his chest and the Targ would stop chewing his left leg. Listening to the beeps and chirps had him worried slightly as he could think of no animal that made those noises, but then he had no idea what animals where on the planet the away team had been sent to, as he lay there he wondered why Ravok was allowing his to sleep when he should be rescuing Bracken. Slowly opening his eyes he saw the off grey ceiling of the ship, looking down he saw the walls of sickbay, frowning he turned his head left and right, seeing no other members of the team made him worry, was he the only survivor, had the mission ended badly, was everyone dead. Opening his mouth to speak Sleeford realised he had swallowed a ton of sand or grit as his mouth and throat felt like, well it felt like the Targ at his left leg had used his mouth as the head. Laying there Sleeford looked round for any of the medical staff to ask why he was here, spotting a nurse walking past his bed he croaked at her. (Reply Silvine) As he lay there the incident slowly came back to him, he remembered being shot, Vespers handing him a phaser while he treated his wound. then nothing, he had a vague sense of someone talking to him about his job in security, but he couldn't remember who, trying to sit up he found no power in his left side, Laying back the truth hit him like a mark 19 shuttle coming out of warp. His left leg had gone. Closing his eyes he left out a long soft sign, closing his eyes he felt the life and reason for living flood out of him. "He should have left me to die" (Reply Silvine) Opening his eyes Sleeford stared at the ceiling, listening as the nurse explained his treatment. As she spoke he realise he'd been in a bad way, turning his head Sleeford looked at the Nurse, "Please i'd like to be alone, if you don't mind" (Reply Silvine) Laying back Sleefrod stared at the ceiling and felt the tears slowly run down his face, (Replies Silvine) (Posted by Alistair) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - Nurse Silvine - 13:51) Whilst preparing for rounds Silvine did a quick check in the general ward, the smaller room off the main Sickbay designed to hold the long term patients. Signing off the nurses station she walked through the ward when a croak pulled her attention spotting a nurse walking past his bed he croaked at her. She moved quietly to the bedside "How are you feeling?" She asked checking the readouts as they spoke. "He should have left me to die" "Who should have?" She asked marking the reads in her head Nrpg: just popping a little in here to make it flow. RPG: (Reply Sleeford) "Ah, well it's his job to save you, as is mine. You've had a rough time." Silvine perched herself on the small chair next to the bed. (Reply Sleeford) "It's really not my place to say Ensign" she said but there was something on his face that needed to know. "We had to amputate what was left of your leg from the blast, Dr Vespers did everything he could on the planet surface but by the time you got here the priory was saving you. We did loose you for a moment, some shrapnel had shifted but we kept you here. I'm really sorry Ensign, but there are so many options for you, we can create a new le..." Sleeford looked at her "Please i'd like to be alone, if you don't mind" "Of course, I'll see you soon" she placed a reasuring hand on his shoulder and left the room (Replies Sleeford) (Posted by Mat) (USS Exeter - Sickbay - ACTO Paul Sleeford - 13:53) Laying in the bed feeling sorry for himself as nurse stood by the bed, he felt like his world had been wiped away and his life as a Starfleet officer was over. "Who should have?" She asked marking the reads in her head "Doctor Vespers, he should have let me bleed out on the planet." "Ah, well it's his job to save you, as is mine. You've had a rough time." Silvine perched herself on the small chair next to the bed. Giving a bitter laugh, Sleeford turned and looked at the nurse, seeing only someone who had taken his career. "So what happens now. Medical discharge I suppose, thrown out on the scrap heap." "It's really not my place to say Ensign" she said but there was something on his face that needed to know. "We had to amputate what was left of your leg from the blast, Dr Vespers did everything he could on the planet surface but by the time you got here the priory was saving you. We did loose you for a moment, some shrapnel had shifted but we kept you here. I'm really sorry Ensign, but there are so many options for you, we can create a new le..." Sleeford looked at her "Please i'd like to be alone, if you don't mind" "Of course, I'll see you soon" she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and left the room As the nurse left Sleeford lay back and looked at the ceiling he started at the join in the panels for a long time,laying awake Sleeford pushed himself to a sitting position. Looking round for a nurse or orderly and finding none that were not busy, he left them to work on more important people. Reaching over for the PADD on his side table he half sat there and composed a message to the counselling department. ~might as well get this over with~ "Ensign Lavorre H. Could you come to sickbay at your earliest convenience. Thank you" Sending the message he slumped back on the pillow. Somewhere down on the planet were his friend putting their lives on the line while he lay here because he was stupid and made a mistake, dodge right instead of left. The only bright side he could see was no one else had been hurt by his foolishness. (Reply Lavorre H.) (Posted by Alistair) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams & SPC Ensign Greta Smith - 1430 ) Having finished her shift in the punishment room or torpedo storage as it was properly called, Greta had walked back to their quarters and changed from her uniform into comfy jeans and a sweatshirt. Sitting on their sofa, she sighed heavily. Everything that had happened, getting shot, ire going missing along with a vast portion of the crew, the incident on the base.. Greta was tired. Ire stepped into the quarters and paused as the doors shut behind him. It had been a long day. One that he would be happy to forget. He had visited Ravok and Rylee in sickbay but it had only been fleeting. He decided that he would try again tomorrow and stay a bit longer and then there was Ryelle. He could not believe that he had deposited his body in the runabout and not checked earlier. From what he understood he had died in transit with Bracken but still that was no way to treat a member of the crew. He had gone to visit him to say his goodbyes and to apologies about how he had treated him. It had helped but only a little it would be something that he would carry with him for a long time. ~It's good to be home~ He was glad to be finally home and let out a long breath as he looked around their quarters. He saw Greta on the sofa and smiled at her. “Hey you.” He walked over and dropped onto the sofa beside her. "No steak sandwich?" Greta asked. “Um Yes please but you should have asked, I could have gotten it.” "You…. Oh it doesn't matter." “Ow okay.” Leaning her head onto his shoulder, Greta sighed, “You get the all clear?” He nodded. “ Yes for the moment but they want me to go back for further follow ups.” He smiled at her. “You know how the Docs are, they like to be careful.” "Oh yeah…. " she replied, closing her eyes softly for a second and subconsciously rubbing her hand a little. He looked over at her as she spoke realising that although she was worried about him there was something else on her mind. He placed his hands over hers to stop her rubbing them as she spoke. “What’s the matter. You seem worried about something?” Looking at his hand on hers for a moment, Greta sat up and sighed, "It's…. nothing… really." He smiled kindly at her. “It must be something or you would not be worried about it but if you don’t want to talk about it I understand.” "It's not that. I just… you're going to be worried. That's all. " Looking into his eyes, she sighed, "We promised no secrets so… okay. We were on the base when Trip told the crew that the bajorans had been taken. I wasn't feeling the best after getting winged…" ~Winged what does she mean winged~ He stomped down on his flare of anger knowing it would be helpful and spoke softly. “What happened?” "You mean what do I mean by winged? I got shot. Then when trip told us about the bajorans…." “You got shot oh love I am so sorry. Are you okay?” "It's really nothing. It's the after…. When we heard.. I broke." He pulled her close into him. “Oh Greta.” "I think I screamed, fell to my knees and may have broken my hand punching the floor.. " she replied, turning her gaze away. He moved to look into her eyes. “I am here, see, I came back. It's all going to be okay.” She shook her head, "I got pulled from security teams. Gonna be put on bridge duty. I have to go to counselling every week. " He nodded. “How do you feel about that? Working on the bridge and not on a team?” He felt slightly bad for asking the question as he personally would be happy knowing that she would be on the bridge with him. "Does it matter? It is what it is. I broke and put lives in danger." “You had just been told that I had been taken of course it would have affected you.” "Ravok did say that he wanted me there. Claims I was the best shot with a phaser bank and torpedoes. Think he just wants to keep an eye on me." “Is it really what you want……..But if you are doing this because Ravok said so then tell me. Coz the Greta I know does not let things get in the way of what she wants.” "What I want is to be the best officer, wife I can be. If that means taking my licks then I do." “I know you put lives in danger and you fell apart. I'm not surprised if it had been the other way around I have done something stupid and chased after you or something.” He paused for a moment. “If you want to stay on the teams I'll back you every step of the way. I’ll go to counseling with you or speak to the skipper if that will help.” "No." “You need to be sure that it's your decision and not just Ravok's suggestion no matter how much he wants you on the bridge.” Sighing, Greta keant back onto his shoulder, "To be honest, I'm Glad. I don't have to deal with the hand to hand. Being a pilot, that's what I love but we agreed, you get to fly the big bird. Me, I'm happy so long as you are. Hell, I could be happy being the homemaker with a couple of kids to look after if it means you getting your dream." “My dream.” he smiled. “If you had asked me during the academy, hell even when we were in the Squadron. I would have said my dream was flying fast craft at zero altitude at close to light speed but not now. Before I was some hot shot pilot kicking the tyres and lighting the fires but that’s not who I am now. Oh don’t get me wrong I like flying the Exeter and the runabouts are so much fun it's unbelievable. My life is not just about me it's about us and what makes us happy. If that meant that I was the homemaker and looking after our kids while you zoomed off around the galaxy then I would be happy with that too.” Giving him a look, Greta bit her lip, "You want kids?" He paused for a moment realising what he had said and coming to the realisation that he was happy with that thought. He nodded and smiled at her. “Only if they look as beautiful as you because any child that looks like me, prophets help them.” She smiled wide and kissed him gently, "what if they are boys, you daft man." “That I guess we will have to deal with that bridge when we come to it.” "Well, we are getting married and that's what married people do…" “That is true.” Leaned over and kissed her back. “So do we change our last names? Ire Smith I could get used to that.” "How about Greta Williams-Smith?" “That would make sense. We could do that. So that we would not lose both parts of our family name.” Smirking slightly, Greta turned to face him properly and, with a wink, replied, "oh I don't know…. I could lose myself in you any day." He grinned back at her. “Oh could you now.” Standing up, she held out her hand and said, "You're stuck with me for life, mister." He took her hand and stood beside her. “That sounds great to me.” Not saying a word, Greta gripped his hand and turned away, walking towards their bedroom with a smile on her face. She was happy. Happier than in a long time. (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie and robbie) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters – CFO Lieutenant Ire Williams & SPC Ensign Greta Smith - 1705 ) Opening her eyes, Greta sighed happily. Looking up, she smiled softly at Ire who seemed to be still asleep. Laying her head on his shoulder, she curled into him and said quietly, "I'm scared to lose you." “You are not going to lose me. You are stuck with me forever.” He slowly opened his eyes and smiled sleepy at her. "You weren't meant to hear that." She replied with a smile, putting her arm across his chest. "Ire, are you sure you are okay?" He gave her a reassuring smile. “I am now that I am back with you. But I was worried. I know we were not away for that long but still………Leaving Rylee in that condition was not good….. I was just within arms reach before I was taken another few moments and I could have helped her.” "I spoke to her. After she got back. What happened wasn't your fault." “But I was the runabout captain, it was my responsibility but I am glad that she is okay.” "From what I heard, I owe her a thanks. She saved your life." “At least my injuries were not as bad as they could have been but we were both lucky.” He hand drifted up and touched the data port on the back of his skull. “Having Gabe and Nix as cell mates were bad enough.” He gave a fleeting smile. "I can imagine. Doctor Vesper is quite an acquired taste." She replied with a smile. He flexed his finger of his hand on the bed checking for any slowness which would mean that he still had coordination problems. “And then there was you on that asteroid in the middle of a firefight and there was no way for me to get back to help you.” "I can fight my own battles Thankyou, mister." She responded, playfully tickling his arm. “Oi that`s that fair.” He smiled and moved his arm out of tickle range. "Okay, I'll stop." Greta smiled and kissed his shoulder gently. "What happened… whilst you were gone?" He paused for a moment. “Surprisingly not a lot. We were taken to a cell where we stayed until our rescue. I was put in with Gabe and Nix but there was also Ronnie and Ashlyn Williams among others.” He gave a slight grin. “Do you know that Ashlyn`s pregnant?” "No. That's… wow." “Yes Gabe found out while he was examining her. That's nice for Trip and her. Apart from that I spent a lot of time in and out of consciousness along with some very strange dreams?” Leaning up, she kissed him softly and replied, "strange dreams about what exactly?" “Yes I guess it might have been attributed to my data port overloaded and frazaling my brain but most of them revolved about losing you and one bizzare one about flying a space whale which was definitely crazy. I knew that Trip would not have abandoned you on the asteroid before chasing after us but still.” "Trip never leaves a man behind. You should know that. " “I know but my worrying is not rational.” "So, I have a slight confession. " “Really what?” "I spoke to Rylee. She was in sickbay when I got back." “How was she?” "Poor girl was scared of me. I'm not that scary am I?" He gave her a smile. “What my Celtic Warrior Queen, you are not scary to me because I have seen your softer side.” Smiling, Greta kissed him gently, "you're biased." She paused a moment, "..she was okay. We didn't talk much. She kept apologising for not bringing you home." “It was not her fault.” "I know what happened. There was nothing either of you could have done." “Unfortunately not but I will go and have a talk to her once everything has settled down.” "You should. She's a good woman. Ire, she saved you. I owe her a lot." “Yes she is and yes I do.” Sighing, Greta sat up pulling the bed covers around her. “What?” "It's just… I know this was the first moment that there was a chance we could lose each other. It scared me." Ire paused his mind flashing to the second battle of Wolf 359 which was far more hairier than what he had gone through but he did not want to dredge up those memories. So he nodded and waited for her to continue. "I intend to go to those sessions. I need to because I don't want to become someone I'm not." “That is good.” "I want to be the officer I know I can be and be the friend, crew mate and, well, wife you deserve. " “I don't deserve you that's for sure. You are a very good and capable officer. You have shown that you are dependable and reliable. Yes you have had this set back but it's not who you are. Don't let it define who you are and I know that you will bounce back from this.” "You deserve better than me that's for sure. " Greta said softly getting up out of the bed and pulling a dressing gown. “Really I always thought it was the other way around.” He followed her lead and moved to sit on the side of the bed. "I can be untidy, miserable and… you could have your pick of any girl in the fleet." He came over to her and hugged her. “You aren't the only one who is untidy and we are all miserable now and again.” He kissed her gently on the forehead. “And I don't want any girl in the fleet or the federation for that matter. I want you.” She leant her head on his shoulder, "Even though I'm crazy?" “We are all crazy. Any sane person would have stayed at home instead of zooming off across the galaxy.” "You know what I meant… I just… I think I am having a hard time with how I reacted. I never thought I would break but I did." “Well of course you would not think you would but it is understandable that you did. I know it's going to be hard but you will get past this. Count this as a learning experience a horrible and horrendous experience but a learning one.” He hugged her again. Sighing as she leant into him, Greta closed her eyes, "What on Mars did I do to get lucky?" “Well I guess being stuck in a fighter together helped but I think we are both lucky to have each other.” "Maybe. I still think I won." (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie and robbie) (USS Exeter –Sickbay - Lieutenant Ire Williams/ Ensign Rylee Page - 1800) Ire stepped into Rylee`s room. He had been dreading this moment since he landed. At least when he was flying he was able to keep his mind on piloting the Broken Bow rather than the fact that he had grievously injured Rylee for a second time. He saw that she was sleeping so he sat down in the chair by her bed and spoke softly. “Hi Rylee, it's Ire, I am not sure if you can hear me as you are still probably up to your eye balls with drugs.” He looked at her to see if she had made any movement. He paused for a moment collecting his thoughts and then carried on. “I am sorry that you got hurt due to me putting you in so much danger. First when I was taken and then now. I know that you are a competent individual and no one forced you into the Broken Bow but I was being selfish and was glad to have you flying with me again. I should have swapped you out with someone else, especially after what happened the first time.” He paused for a moment. Opening her eyes slowly, Rylee turned her head to look at him, "I'm the bad…. Luck charm…. Not your fault." Ire blushed slightly. “Sorry I did not mean to disturb you. I should go and let you rest.” "Stay… company. " “Are you sure I don't want to knacker you out. Especially since you have just had surgery.” Breathing slowly, she smiled, "stay…. Please." “Okay. How are you feeling?” ".... ten rounds with a Klingon…." “That`s understandable. You have been through a lot.” "None…. Your fault." “So you heard that then…..It's true I was the pilot and senior officer so your safety is my responsibility but also I value you as a friend and I am sorry for all this.” "Not….. needed." “I am sorry.” "I…. Don't worry…" “I promise that this won't happen to you again.” "Good…. Man… she's… lucky…" Ire smiled. “I am the lucky one.” Closing her eyes briefly, Rylee opened them again, "Hey…. You." “Hey you to.” "Fancy… meeting you… here." “I came to see how you are doing.” "Tired…." Ire nodded and stood up. “Take it easy Rylee and I hope you get back on your feet soon.” Her eyes closed gently as she breathed deeply. Knowing that she was through the worse allowed her to sleep. (Reply None) (Posted by Jackie and Robbie) (USS Exeter - Deck 20, Brig - CO - LtCmdr Trip Williams & Prisoner - Dr. Fave Itel - 2002) Fave had no way of measuring the passage of time. He knew it had been several hours since he had been transferred. Sensing he would get nowhere with Lieutenant Williams who had stone walled him from the beginning, the scientist bided his time and as in most military protocols he was brought back to their ship, the Exeter. Once he was, he put in a request to speak to his jailor. On a starship the ultimate authority for everything was the vessel master or commanding officer. At least these cells were more comfortable than the escape pod. A bit warmer too. It was certainly no Klingon gulag on an ice planet mining dilithium. Itel was laying back on the bench he was afforded when he heard the doors open. It didn’t feel like it was time for a shift change, so he sat up to see who was approaching. Trip walked into the brig. He had done everything he could to Isolate Itel from Jost’s daughter. The two were in the brig rather than the makeshift detention center with the rest of the prisoners. However he made sure that their cells were sound proof, as long as Trip so chose, and that the forcefield keeping them trapped was a dark color they could not see out of, again unless Trip so chose. This was one of those moments. He had not spoken to Jost’s daughter. Not yet. But the scientist had asked for him, and Jost’s daughter had not. Trip nodded to the guard as the forcefield shifter to be transparent and it was no longer sound canceling. Trip stood there and looked at Itel. It didn’t take much for Trip to look intimidating. He was 6’4” and built like a tank. One could even say that had he decided to cosplay or LARP, he could easily get away with playing a barbarian or even a Norse god of thunder. Trip just stared at Itel, not saying a word. Itel stood as well, looking up at the man. “Are you this vessel’s master? Her Captain?” “I am.” His words were short, his voice stern. “Then I formally request asylum.” Itel said. “On what grounds? All I see is a war criminal. Asylum denied.” “Captain, I’m wondering if your choice is made with all the information?” He inquired. “Lieutenant Williams, “stonewalled” me saying something about what I had done to Ryelle, your doctor. ” “I mean, you had his corpse, you were in the same escape pod. One plus one often equals two.” “I did no such thing. I offered both your officers Lieutenant Bracken and Doctor Reyelle food and water while they were in our much less comfortable brig. Even extra blankets and pillows.” Itel responded. The accusation he would do that brought up anger in him, but he was no fool. Presenting more that just the facts wouldn’t help, in all likeliness it would greatly hinder his own position. “Yet you were found with his corpse. Just because you were nice when things were in your favor, doesn’t mean that you didn’t kill him when the tides turned.” “The logs from our medical bay would show all our limited medics tried to do to revive him. He was in the cell with your Lieutenant Bracken, who I’m told is also a medical doctor of at least some renown. We never removed their medical supplies from them.” “Well unfortunately for you, we don’t have your medical logs. But, as I am a man who appreciates having a full deck of cards. I’ll see if Lieutenant Bracken corroborates your story. Then you won’t be facing a murder charge. Though war crimes and attempted genocide are still on the table.” “A coward, maybe. I am certainly no murderer. I am a researcher, Captain. My experiments had nothing to do with people. I was forced to choose a loan shark when banks and legitimate governments wouldn’t fund my experiments. Without some kind of deal on the table signed and sealed, I’m afraid I won’t be discussing exactly what my experiments were. I believe the Federation still upholds the rights of citizens not to incriminate themselves?” Itel said. He was very careful about what he said, he didn’t want to give away his best chance to survive this ordeal. “However, I have an in with Judge Advocate General of Starfleet. I can ask him to recommend lighter sentences, maybe a comfier prison. But you have to play ball. And not to sound like a Ferengi here, but information is money.” Trip went over to a side of the room and grabbed a chair and placed it in front of the cell and sat down. “So, you want asylum. Why do you think you deserve it?’ “It’s a pity you don’t have those logs…I was coerced.” Itel lead with. ~If your men had only been more thorough.~ “There was a point where I threatened to leave when I saw what they were doing. I thought I had leverage once I found out my work was integral to the next phase of their plan. I tried to use it. Jost’s right hand man threatened my life, stating to the effect of: losing me would only set them back by a few months, a year at most, they could certainly get another scientist and that if I left the project now they couldn’t let me go, I knew too much.” “I see.” “That is what I’m offering, Captain. In exchange for asylum, every contact and code word, frequency, tactics and procedures I know of the group. It’s a high price I know, but it’s a lucrative payload as well.” Itel clarified. “Well, it’s a reasonable offer, but how do I know I can trust you, how do I know that you won’t use your time in asylum to cook up more trouble?” “Simply because I can’t go back, Captain.” Itel answered honestly. “At the end of the day, that’s not my call to make. It’s for the bigger brass to decide.” ~Besides, we cut off the head, Jost is dead. But he doesn’t know that yet.~ Trip thought to himself. “But here is my offer, take it or leave it. You give me every contact from the group on in the area of space around Bajor and the Gamma quadrant. Then as soon as we return to Federation Space, rather than handing you over to Starfleet Security or Starfleet Intelligence, who will be none too keen to let you roam around free, and will have ways of getting the information from you without a deal, I will instead ensure you are delivered directly to dealing with the Judge Advocate General. He’ll make the deal if he thinks its worthwhile. Though knowing him, your asylum will probably end up being you working for Starfleet Science, doing R&D, under heavy supervision and surveillance for the rest of your life. But it could be worse.” “Indeed it could be.” He said. Remembering the Klingon ships the group raided and all this Captain would need to do is hand him over to the Klingons and tell them the group he was with, Itel would be mining dilithium by the end of the week. “So there it is. Take it or leave it. But you don’t need to decide now. But there is one other thing. My man that you say you didn’t kill. Was a very devout and spiritual man. He loved the prophets dearly. You say you didn’t kill him, fine. But just looking at that red earring on your eye, the antithesis of everything he loved, there on your ear. Just makes my blood boil. So take it off and flush it. You say you are a pawn, that you were coerced, fine, then take off that symbol and destroy it. As a sign of good faith. That you aren’t a true believer. Because honestly, see that on you, knowing what your organization hoped to do. Makes it really hard to trust you.” Itel had honestly forgotten it was there. “Gladly.” He said removing the simple but very red jewelry. Ripped was more accurate, the barbs on the sides of the pin made a larger hole coming out, than going in. A small amount of blood trickled onto his already red garment. He placed the red metal on the deck plating near the forcefield opening, then backed away to the bench in the back. “Destroy it, I don’t care.” “The vessel master said it had something to do with the Prophets not seeing into our Pah. A bit of information that may be useful to you in the future?” "I see." “While we are on the subject of good faith. Can you send one of your PADDs I believe they are called...with whatever letter of intent you plan on forwarding to your JAG, on an isolinear chip. I will start writing what I know on that, a change of clothes, and a medic to run a dermal regenerator on this wound?” Itel requested. "One second." Trip turned around to the replicator in the corner and returned with a 20th century legal pad, a box of crayons, and a singular bandaid with the 20th century hero Spiderman on it. Then he handed them to the guard, who then quickly and safely placed them in the cell. "Here is your pad," Trip said with a chuckle. "I don't trust you with anything sharp or electronic at the moment. So these will have to do. But I'm not a monster. So as a sign of good faith, you can use your new 'pad' to request nicer meals. If that's acceptable." “It would seem. My fate is entirely in your hands.” Itel said with a frown. ~Taking every precaution. It would seem my good faith has run out.~ Itel thought. "Now then. Is there anything else?" “I shall resume my work then.” He said picking up the stack of thinly sliced wood and colored wax sticks. “Remember, Captain. Quid pro quo. No secrets without a deal.” "Play nice and you'll get it. You'll get a temporary order of asylum on this ship. Then its up to Starfleet JAG to hammer out the rest. Now if you'll be so kind as to write down any Gamma Quadrant assets we should know about, maybe we'll get you some reading material." Itel applied the adhesive bandage to his ear. He picked a darkish brown color easily visible against the yellow colored paper. ~Paper how, archaic.~ “Lucky for you, I have an excellent memory,” he said. Itel ripped out the first and second sheets of his pad. Using a black crayon for the first one. He drew a small circle. He wrote a label: “Shrine world” then wrote down a line with an angle, labelled the vertex at the center of the known universe and another point at the other end of the angle. “This is a bearing to where we had been salvaging Dominion technology. The cannons and the polaron arrays on both vessels came from that. As did the transporters capable of going through your shields. We had no other assets that I’m aware of here in the Gamma quadrant.” He brought out the second paper and wrote a series of alphanumeric characters, this time in violet. “This is the code to disable the remaining security codes on board that derelict carrier.” He stacked the papers, folded them and handed both over. The guard waited for Itel to back off the barrier, which he did. The guard picked them up, stepped out and handed them to the Captain after closing the barrier again. Itel then picked out another color he quite liked, and started on the third piece of paper in his pack. He began writing down different energy constants from memory, for reference later. Totally oblivious to the cell around him. His mind escaped into his work. (Reply none) (Posted by Will B. and Todd) NPC Dr. Fave Itel (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 22:00) Trip had been sitting next to Ailynn for the last hour. He had been reading to her from one of Ash's books. A small novella for 12 year olds. The Brighton Sisters and the Great Diamond Caper. It was recently published and was written as a way for Ashlyn to explore what might have been had Ailynn's mother Aimee never been sent backwards in time, and if Ashlyn had never been given up for adoption. It told the story of sister Amelia and Ashley Brighton and their detective agency. Of course the neighbourhood boy who was always causing trouble was a young precocious whipper snapper named Trey who may or may not have been based on Trip. Still he was certain that somehow Ailynn could hear him, that hearing the story would comfort her. He felt powerless, but he knew it was just a matter of time. Just a matter of waiting. "As the two sisters entered into the secret room, just off the grand ballroom of Brackington Manor, Ashley felt frightened. The room was dark and damp, and she thought she could hear a rat squeaking in the corner. 'I'm so scared Amelia, do we really have to go into the room. I mean, mum told us to hang tight.' Their mother, the great Dallas Brighton was the most famous detective in Manchester. She was on the case, surely the sisters didn't need to investigate. 'Don't worry Ashley.' Amelia replied bravely as she reached out and grabbed Ashley's hand. I'm here by your side. As long as we are together, you have no need to worry." Trip took in a deep breath and placed the book down. He reached out and grabbed Ailynn's hand, the left hand with the scar on the palm. The hand that they clasped together years ago, cementing their relationship not just as best friends, but as blood brother and sister, a solemn pact. "I'm here Ailynn. Please, wake up soon. I need you. I can't do this without you." A tear began forming under his left eye. "We are in sync, when it comes to this. You get my command style, anticipate my movement, thoughts, better than anyone. You are my best friend. And sure, Ash gets me more, of course she does. It's because she's Ash. Buy you're my best friend, you're my family, literally and figuratively. We've been training for this since I was 8. You and me. Plus, your mom scares me, so you have to pull through." Trip released her hand and looked at the clock on the wall. "It's getting late. I'm gonna go and get some rest. But I'll check on you in the morning okay Lynn." He said as he stood up and grabbed the book. "We have so much to talk about. I'm having a son. We're gonna name him Drew. Sorry, Ailynn just doesn't sound like a boy's name." Trip then leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. He then centered his mind. His telepath was improved, at least for the moment and tried to see if he could send a message to Ailynn's mind. ::Don't stop fighting Lynnie the Pooh. Don't you stop fighting. You are my nearest, dearest, and most beloved friend. I love you dearly. Don't stop fighting. Drew is gonna need his cousin to help him learn all the things Ash and I don't want to teach him. Don't stop fighting.:: Trip then left the room headed back to his quarters. (reply none, Ailynn's dreams iyw) (posted by Will) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 17 Stardate: 2445.09.17 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< USS Exeter – Sickbay – CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez – 0002) Walking into Sickbay, Erin was grateful that she had decided to come now. Truthfully, she had hoped to avoid seeing Doctor Vespers and wanting to spend a few minutes with Ailynn without anyone judging her or listening in. She nodded to the on duty nurse as she walked past her and went to the small side room where Ailynn was. Taking a moment before she stepped inside, Erin closed her eyes for the briefest of seconds and then, opening them, walked inside. Taking a seat next to her closest friend, Erin went to take her hand and stopped for a moment. Her breath was shaking a little and she took Ailynn’s hand gently. “A, i know you can hear me, you daft old bat. Best part of you being in a coma is i may actually get a word into a conversation” A slight laugh escaped her lips as she sighed. “A, time to be honest with you. Everyone that has come here has probably been telling you how they need you, so i’m not going to do that. What i am gonna do is tell you the truth. Warts and all. A, you saved me. In more ways that anyone ever has. Not just in the physical sense, which you did but you know that. You saved me in the sense that you were there for me when it got rough. You were the one person i could talk to when i struggled. When i woke up screaming in the night from the parade of nasty, violent memories walked through my head…. I called you. When i woke up from the surgery, you were there. Remember that day at the prison, that day when i nearly turned back around and refused to go in. You were the one that helped me to understand that what i was fearing, wasn’t him but myself and how i would react. You are, quite simply, my rock. I can’t do this without you. I need you, A. You understand me. You get the dark in me and you don’t see it. Somehow you see the light when i can’t.” Taking a moment, Erin wiped a tear from her eye, sighed and looked back at her friend, “Someone once told me that a person is only as strong as those that walk with them. You are strong when i’m not. Now, i have to be strong for you. I’m going to leave you to sleep. But i want to say something to you before i go.” Standing, Erin leant forward to Ailynn’s ear and whispered, “When you are in doubt, be still, and wait; when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage. So long as mists envelop you, be still; be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists -- as it surely will. Then act with courage. I will be your courage, A.” Laying a gentle kiss on her friend’s forehead, Erin turned and left her to sleep. (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Exeter - Captain's Quarters - Mr. and Mrs. Trip and Ashlyn Williams - 0400) Ashlyn woke early, the trauma of the past day or two still rich in her mind. Desperately trying to return to sleep she turned over and pulled herself toward her husband's still sleeping form. Smiling happily, she rested her head against his back, and placed a gentle arm around his waist, but it was no good. Fully awake, and hungry, she sighed, and after placing a gentle kiss on Trips back, rolled over once more, and got out of bed pulling on her favourite robe. A gift from Ailynn, it was a rich scarlet, made of the finest silk. Ash walked through to the lounge area, ordered herself a plate of her current favourite and as she ate it, mostly with her fingers and a shrug of indifference; sat down at her favourite seat on the couch, a corner seat outlooking the window, picking up a PADD, she began writing, the time weaving past as minutes turned into sentences. She had no idea how long it was before she felt arms weave around her, making her draw breath with a start. “Rough night?” Trip asked as he entered into the living area. He was wearing NCC-1672-C issued pajama pants with no shirt. His well formed muscular body littered with scars from stab wounds, a reminder of how the follies of youth almost got him killed. That and how at the time Ailynn who patched him up was not the best at removing scars. He kept them as a reminder that doing things just because he could, could lead to pain and possible death, and because he was a believer in the old adage that chicks dig scars. His tattoos were visible, on the top of his arms, on the right side a black Space, referencing his nickname as the Ace of Spades and on the left a roman numeral 3. On his left wrist were the initials TL and the date of the incident in memory of his deceased Imzadi and directly below that the initials AJ and his wedding date. On his right wrist the latin phrase, Dum Spiro, Spero. On his left forearm was a Yellow Starfleet arrow with the command department insignia, representative of that from the original Enterprise, surrounded in a circle by the text, First Fighter Wing of Mars, est. 2444. On his right forearm was a a similar tattoo, but instead read NCC-1672-C USS Exeter, est. 2445. On the left side of his chest was a red rose, right above the heart, in honor of his eternal rose, Ashlyn. “I woke early” She leant up and kissed him, smiling happily. “I’m okay, just woke up and couldn't get back off. I was hungry anyway.” “You know if you can’t sleep you can always wake me.” “You know how I feel about that." She chided gently. "You need your rest. Especially now that you can actually get it. I worry about you.” She put her empty plate on the table, and shifted herself, moving her legs as she patted the seat in front of her, telling him to sit down. “It’s fine. I will always make time for you. Besides, the next few days are going to be exploration. Before we crossed the wormhole, I got orders from Starfleet, when we’re done with the cult, drop in and say hello to old Gamma Quadrant contacts and allies. Less stress, better sleep. More time to give you my beautiful bride.” He leant back against her, and she carried on speaking, hugging her husband. “You’re my everything.” She whispered. “Besides, I was sort of writey this morning.” “What are you writing? Is it for little Drew?” “Sadly not. I’m two thousand words into ‘Fluffy Rabbit gets kidnapped by the foxes death cult.’ she picked up the PADD. ‘Not exactly going to retain my ‘childs author of the year’ with this thing. She sighed. “Seriously, I write my trauma babe. How much leeway do I get with secrecy and stuff? I’m going to need a new nomes de plumes.” “You could always call yourself the Anonymous sexy baby.” Trip said with a laugh. She hugged him. “I checked before I went to sleep, Ailynn was still in a coma, and I’m far too scared to check this morning…” her voice fell off. “It’d kill Aimee...you know that right? In her job she’s the toughest person I know, but with Ailynn I don’t know. I’m not even certain that Ailynn knows how much she means to her family. She can be selfish, for want of a better word, at times, and I say that because I’d die for her.” Her Bracken genes, matriarchal and protective, had combined williams ethos, to have a profound affect on her. Pregnancy aside, she’d become very maternal, almost adopting the whole ship. “Yeah, not gonna lie, Ailynn can be a bit of a brat. But she’s my brat. She’ll be ok. I mean, I’m pretty sure Gabe has probably not left her side. She’s a fighter, that much has always been true.” Trip picked Ash up and brought her round on the couch, sitting down in such away that he was cradling her in his arms and having her sit on his lap. “At the end of the day. She did good, and we did what we needed to do. And its going to be ok. Thats not what I’m worried about, shes not what I’m worried about.” Ash snuggled into his embrace, “I know, and I know that she’s a big girl. I know what you’re worried about, and I’m fine, shaky, but fine; your son is fine, and judging by the cravings, is healthy.” “But is this really the best place for you? I mean until the baby is born I mean. What if it had been you on the interceptor and not Ailynn?” “No!” She half-snapped, she turned round, pulling herself off his lap, cross suddenly. “Don’t you bloody dare Trip Williams. I get that you’re worried, I get that you’re protective, but don’t.” she paused, calming down. “You and ‘Miss Dale’ have had how many conversations, but has she told you, apart from giving me up, what her other greatest regret was? Has she?!” Ashlyn was still cross, but her tone was gentle. “I’m not asking for this to be permanent...or giving up Drew like she gave up Aimee.” “Giving up Aimee. When she was 3, going on 4, Dale was FO of the Hades, she decided that her job wasn’t ‘compatible’ with being a mum. So she sent 4 year old Aimee to live back with Leola, her own mum. Now that isn’t how it sounds to you, the Leola then was still young, and a free spirit, not the eighty something you know. Dale only saw her daughter twice I think after that. So no. I’m here, we’re here as a family unit, and I will bloody not make the same mistakes.” “It’s just….I’d rather have you save on mars until the pregnancy is over, even until the kid is two. I mean sure, this time everything worked out great...but all it takes is one time. One time to go wrong. And it would kill me if something happened to you, to Drew, because I was too selfish, and had to have you with me, when I know its safer back on Mars, back at the home we got specifically for our family.” “Baby…” She picked her words carefully. “Did you get all the Cult?” “Jost is gone honey. Ailynn saw to that.” “No...the other one...Jost wasn’t the only Cult leader, there was two there remember. Did you get all of the ones that killed my father? Can you guarantee that?” “We have his daughter in custody, and a hole makeshift holding cell filled with as many as we could. If any are out there, they are leaderless. And at this point, so twisted, that Ronal Ashalon doesn’t even register anymore. You are free to be who you are honey.” “I want to believe you baby, I do.” She leant into him. “I want to be proud of my father, I want to lift my head up, and be proud. I want Dale to stop hiding that pain that she thinks no one else sees.” Trip gently placed his wife beside him and got off the couch walking over a drawer in the living space and opened it, taking out a small box. He brought it over to Ash and handed it to her. “I think it’s time. I think you should feel free to start wearing this. The Cult is neutered. Starfleet is strong again, and you are free to be you.” She sat straight, but sank in her heart, happily. “Free?” Her eyes welled up, “You have no idea what that sounds like. From that first moment that Dale told us both, to this very second, I have been fighting an internal war to stop myself just wearing this and bloody daring anyone to come try it.” Her hand trembled as he took the deeply intricate jewelry from his hand, and affixed it to her ear. “I am not afraid. I’m proud to be the Scion of Ashalan, and so will our son be.” She nudged him with her shoulder, “aside from a hella proud Texan no?” “Well given that mom and dad are giving us about 10 acres of land on the Ranch to call are own. I’d say yeah, he’ll be a bit of a country boy to say the least.” “So they are gone? All jest aside?” “I’m not worried about them. Besides, we've tipped off some Allies in the quadrant, they are on the lookout. The cult is done. It died with Jost. Hell most of the leadership don’t even remember who your dad was. No, it’s not the cult I’m worried about. It’s what comes next. Tholians, the Gorn, Nausicans, the Borg. What have you.” “Whatever comes next comes next.” Ash sighed. “ I will never….never split up this family for convenience.” she held her husband's hand, and pulled it to her forehead, “I’m a Williams here…” He smiled. Smiling gently, she pulled his hand to her heart, pulling it into her chest “and a Bracken here.” “Can’t I just worry a little bit. I’d never send you away, my dad wouldn’t let me. I just...I guess worrying would be pointless anyways. You’re a damn Bracken. I’m lucky if I get my way 25% of the time with one of you strong willed harpy women.” Ashlyn laughed. “Worry yes, and baby, you’re right. That isn’t who we are though, any of us. Honestly. Would you rather you only get your way 25% of the time, or marry Cerise Blake and...just...I dunno...talk about the 2436 cheerleader finals for the rest of your life.” “When the only redeeming quality about someone is the fact they have an impressive rack, they aren’t marriage material. I mean she was hot, but Cerise 'Everest Tits' Blake was pretty shallow.” She leant forward. “Thought not.” She kissed him deeply. “And I’ll thank you not to even think about Cerise Blake’s admittedly considerable rack.” she patted his cheek amiably. “Yours are nicer. I mean sure, you were frumpy looking Ashlyn Jones in high school with the oversized sweaters and bad ponytail. But you had a, what’s the word… a glow up Ash smiled. “I'm not the same girl I was back then or maybe I am, and this me was hidden under all that frump." Ashlyn was proud of who she was, for the first time in her life she could relax, and hold her head up high to be her own person, to not hide, or be ashamed of her background. She sat back on Trips lap, leaning on his shoulder as his arms wrapped around her. Sighing happily, she relaxed into the embrace, giggling gently as Layla started yipping in her sleep. “Glow-ups reminds me babe. I confirmed the starlight lounge booking for Ryelles memorial tomorrow. Dress uniform, open bar. Hopefully Ailynn will be back with us then, I know that she’ll want to say something alongside yourself.” "Yeah." Trip said with a sigh. It wasn't the first funeral he presided over, but they never get easier. Thankfully Ryelle was the only one they lost. "Unfortunately I didn't know him very well." Ash nodded. “I know, but a lot of what you say will come from here.” She gently rested her hand on his chest, roughly where his heart was. “Like I said, I hope Ailynn is up and around. She’d be so upset if she misses it.” "I'm having Ravok prepare a torpedo for the ceremony. It just doesn't get easy, does it." “No it doesn’t. He was a kind, and gentle soul. I only chatted with him a few times, but his faith carried him through things that would cripple lesser people.” "You can take the man out of the monastery, but you can't take the monastery out of the man." She smiled, half laughed sadly. “He taught me more in one sentence about being a Bajoran and what it meant than an entire year of ‘Comparative Belief and Religion’ at school. Do you remember those awful lessons?” "I was exempt. It was 7th period and it conflicted with baseball. Jocks rule the high school world." “I hate you.” She said gently, kissing him on the cheek. “ Seriously though. I love it out here, and couldn’t go back and settle down that easily now, but this part I know I’ll never get used to or fail to be grief-stricken by. It makes me sad, but also...people like Ryelle fill our souls even as our lives touch only in transience. ” "Loss is hard. We lost a few in the fighter wing. It…" he paused. "It's my life now. Funerals and promotions. Paperwork and filing." Ash nodded, “It’s not all sunshine and rainbows babe. Say the word now, and we go to Texas and raise cattle, we go to Nappa even and make wine. It’s the itch though, isn’t it.” "Yeah. It is." “Mum told you as much, more even than she told me. The itch, the desperate need to ‘see what's over the next hill. People like you, like Ailynn, like me even perhaps, come across only rarely, and there’s a reason that we can’t settle. Mum always just calls it the ‘itch’.” She sighed. “I’ve seen it in both mum and my sister. Both Admirals, and both of them stuck in office jobs. They’re shaping the new Federation, but are doomed not to see it. Be careful what you wish for James Williams the Third. Because one day, you’ll receive it.” "I already have." “Oh?” She lifted her head, a look of concern on her face. "You and little Drew." A tingle of warmth ran over her, smiling to the core, she rested her forehead against his. “Me too.” “I could sit here all day; but I need to get moving. I’ve got a load of stuff to look at. New Rotas, new menus, I want to check on Lynn, and some pain in the arse big shot just agreed to an open bar. I need a bath. Coming?” She nodded toward the bathroom, smiling warmly. "I'm okay hun. I think I'm just gonna sit a moment. Collect my thoughts." Ashlyn nodded, “Okay. Sure?” She leant forward as she stood up and kissed her husband again. “If you change your mind.” "I'll be okay, just need to sit a bit. You go ahead. I'll be thinking of you." Ash smiled “Love you.” She whispered as she walked toward the bathroom, removing her robe at the door and hanging it up, filling the bath up to her favourite, skin tingling hot temperature, and adding her most favourite bath oils, slipped into the water, her eyes closing in relaxation. Trip sat silently, thinking, pondering. What would he say about Ryelle? One thing for certain was, that Kyros Ryelle believed that life should be filled with little moments of joy, small deposits to withdraw when sadness crept in. Ryelle was right. Trip stood up and headed towards the bathroom. Passing by the replicator he procured two glasses and a bottle of sparkling apple cider. He then smiled as he went to join his wife. (reply none) (posted by Will and Mark) USS Exeter – Personal Quartets – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams -04:36) He was not able to sleep, he had slipped out of the bed room and walked quietly into their living quarters leaving Greta to sleep. He had about an hour before he had the conn shift and had a couple of things that he needed to work out before he took control of the Exeter again. After everything that had happened the day before, he was glad that they had gotten through it mostly unscathed. He thought about Ryelle for a moment before moving on. He grabbed a cup of tea and sat down on the sofa. ~Time and place Ire. Time and place~ He spoke softly glancing at the doorway into the bed room so that he would not wake Greta. “Computer using sensor date from the Runabout Brocken Bow as well as any date that was retrieved from Ensign Page`s suit please show from three minutes before the pods hit the runabout” He watched as the figure of Page exited the Brocken Bow`s airlock. “Spin forward.” He watched as the time index moved quickly, then suddenly the pods moved. “Hold go back ten seconds and then play.” He watched again. “Pause, in large the image of the pods thrusters.” He watched as they fired, the pods lurch forward and slammed into the Runabout. Ire closed his eye and in his mind’s eye he could see it all unfold again. His fingers move across an imaginary console as the thrusters fired as he tried to bring the Brocken Bow under control. He opened his eyes again. “Computer run analysis of Ensign Rylee`s injured compared to the maneuvers of the Brocken Bow. Is there a way that her injures could have been reduced?” [Running analysis……Affirmative] ~Ow crap~ “Please show me how.” He watched as a simulation and then ran it a couple of more times comparing it to what he had done at the time. “Computer if I had followed this new set of maneuvers what injures would have been avoided.” [Cerebral Hematoma reduced to Concussion] He sat there stunned ~Only a concussion dam. By the Prophets what did I do~ “Computer what would have been the damage to the Brocken Bow if I followed those maneuvers.” [Major hull breach along starboard side causing damage to structural integrity and loss of internal pressure in all starboard side compartments] “So I nearly kill Rylee with my maneuvers or save Rylee but sentence me, Billy and Janey to suffocate to death inside. ~Bloody Hell~ It was like the bridge officer’s exam with the scenario of killing one crewmember to save the ship. He had really hated that one and hoped that he would never have to choose between the life of a friend and the safety of the ship. A soft chime sounded from the bedroom indicating that he needed to get up and get ready for his shift. He shut down the terminal and headed for the shower. ~There is no point second guessing yourself. You did what you could with the information that you had at the time. It does not make it right or easy, but Rylee is alive. So, you need to stop kicking yourself about what happened and learn from your mistakes and make sure it does not happen again~ (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Exeter – Galu Vozi`s personal quarters – Engineer - Ensign – Galu Vozi- 06:00) The wake-up alarm went off and the room lights sprang on but Galu had been awake long before his normal get up time. He waved at the alarm to shut it off as he rolled stiffly out of bed. He shuffled painfully across the room like some arthritic old man into the bathroom and started in the mirror. The face that looked back was different somehow it still looked the same, but he felt that in his eyes and the light inside was dimmer or something. He could hardly believe that it had been yesterday that they had gone down to the planet. He still remembered the sight of the wounded as they had all piled on board the Michelangelo. His friends, comrades and senior officers broken and dying on the floor of the shuttle craft. He splashed some water on his face hoping that would wash the images away. It did not so he walked into the sonic shower and turned it on. He would have preferred a real shower this morning, but everything seemed so much of an effort. He winced as he put his clean uniform on realizing that he had more bruises then he thought he did. He stood in front of the main mirror looking at his reflection. “Presentable.” He turned towards the door. ~Happy face~ He stepped through his door into the corridor and headed towards main engineering. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Exeter – Sickbay ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford 13:01) Sleeford lay on the bed, trying to get comfortable, the beds in sickbay where designed for efficient treatment, not comfort. The niggling pan in his leg made it difficult to get fully comfortable, but not impossible. Hearing footsteps enter the room Sleeford opened his eyes and sat up, Seeing the CMO and the head nurse entering he nodded to both. "Mr Sleeford, how are you feeling?" "To be honest doctor, like a rouge Targ is chewing on my left knee, other then that I’m fine.” "I understand you've spent some time with the counselor already, but given the extent of your injury I would like you to see her weekly, I'll get an update from her in a month to discuss your rehabilitation, but if you feel able to we can discharge you in the morning, but prior to that I would like you to meet with myself and the counselor to discuss things and make a final decision about returning to work" Looking at the doctor, Sleeford nodded, he understood the need to spend time with the counsellor, "Before you leave, Doctor I’d like to thank you for your efforts in saving my life” "Take care" As the CMO and nurse left Sleeford felt a sense of relief, while he was still on medical leave, he was alive and at least he’d be in a comfortable bed. (Replies none) (Posted by Alistair) (USS Exeter - Sickbay- aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok – 1304) "How are you?" Asked Vespers. " I feel better than I look. " Ravok replied with a smile. "It seems our resident plastics did some good work" Gabe said and laughed a little. " Yeah he fixed my ribs, gave me a knew eye and even worked on my shoulder a little. He's good but weird." Ravok responded. "Everything aside I would like you to see the counselor prior to discharge, we will review it at 0600 in the morning. And then, I would also like you to meet me tomorrow evening for dinner, if you would be ok with that?" Ravok laughed. " Yeah the same old song and dance. I've lost count of how many times I've been evaluated. " He laughed. " But I know better than to defy orders. I will schedule myself an appointment in a bit. I just wanna rest a while and dinner sounds great. I owe you a drink or five " Ravok grinned. " Seriously you did good down there. Thank you" He was growing rather fond of Vespers, he was a no bullcrap and straight forward officer and from what he heard was also one hell of a Doctor, but beyond that Gabe seemed like a solid guy. ( reply Vespers ifw) (Posted by Rob Davis) (USS Exeter - Sickbay- CMO Ens Gabe Vespers– 1330) Walking into the room Gabe pulled his tricorder out and started scanning, he noticed Silvine leave but didn't react to it. "You know you owe me big time, for this fright? You're an utter nightmare Ailynn." After scanning the results remained the same, she was healed. Gabe had run every test he could think of and he had no idea how, but she was healed. "I don't know how I'm going to explain this to Medical, you were dead and now you're not. Thankfully you can't hear me but I can't believe I prayed to the prophets, I've never believed in them but I guess they must be with you. Mind you Ive never understood the Bajorn faith, I guess that's my downfall for not being part of the family." Gabe sat down and took a sip of the water that was sat by the bed "say nothing if it's ok for a drink sis" He sighed and looked across "I wish I had known you sooner, I just wish I could have been there with you growing up, still it wouldn't have solved the missing pieces would it, still missing a dad." Gabe sat in silence holding her hand washing the tricorder readouts somthing was going on but he had no idea. Nodding off he woke and looked across "no change, I'll be in my office if you ever decide to wake up" (USS Exeter – Personal quarters - SPC Ensign Rylee Page - 1401) Walking into her quarters, Rylee stood for a moment. Everything that had happened had left a mark on her. Not a physical mark but in her mind. She had been released from sickbay but ordered to rest. They had told her that there was likely to be some after effects from the surgery but they were hopeful she would be back on duty soon. Exhausted, even from the walk back from sickbay, she sat down on the small sofa in her shared quarters. Her room mate was on shift so she was glad to be alone. Smiling to herself, she saw the small plate of food that had been left with a note stating that she needed to eat and rest. Reaching for a sandwich, she felt her hand tremble as she grasped the bread. Putting her free hand on the other, the trembling stopped. Fighting down the urge to just go to bed, she lifted the sandwich to her mouth and realised that it was slipping from her fingers. Try as she might, she couldn't stop it falling and, as it hit the floor, she closed her eyes. ~No… not gonna let it… not going to let this bother me~ she thought to herself as she lay back on her sofa and closed her eyes. After a second, she realized that she had lied to herself. It was affecting her. She wiped a tear from her eyes and resolved to not let anyone know. (Reply None) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Exeter - CMO Office- CMO Ens Gabe Vespers– 2230) Walking through the small ward Gabe got to his office, there was a fresh cup of iced tea waiting for him and a small camp bed Silvine had been busy. Taking off the coat he undid the top of his uniform and threw them on the desk, he got into the low bed and slept. (Reply none) (Posted by Mat) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters - 23:59) Ronnie sat silently in a chair next to Ailynn's bed in sickbay. She had been there for a few hours, keeping her company. Just one in a long line of folks who had taken shifts sitting next to her, though Ashlyn had spent the longest time next to her niece. Ronnie was deep asleep in her chair. While it was an uncomfortable place to sleep, Ronnie had an uncanny ability, not unlike a cat, to find a way to be comfortable anywhere. She was worried about her cousin, especially because a lot of her knowledge of the future was now useless, as it was clear that the timeline had shifted sufficiently that she was either in a new timeline or a new universe. Whether Ailynn made it or not she did not know. What she did know was that Ailynn was her closest friend, her cousin, even though Ronnie was from an alternate future, genetically the two were still cousins. Ailynn was also the only one who knew Ronnie's secret, other than their grandmother. Ailynn was Ronnie's confidant and she desperately wanted her to pull through. In a bit of a jolt, Ronnie was awoken from her dream as she fell out of the chair and crashed to the ground. She had just had a nightmare in which she was eaten by a giant deformed Duck and it startled her awake. Picking herself up of the ground, she walked over to Ailynn and kissed her on the forehead, then brushed some loose hair out of her face. It was at that moment, as she looked down at her cousin with care and concern, that Ailynn's eyes opened. "Ailynn, hun, you awake?" Ronnie said with an excited but hushed whisper. (reply Ailynn) (reply Ailynn) (posted by Will) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 18 Stardate: 2445.09.18 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter – Sickbay - FO, Lt. SG Ailynn Bracken and ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters - 00:02) The whiteness dimmed, and the fairly familiar view of sickbay’s ceiling came into sharp focus, albeit slowly. The pain that she should have been feeling she wasn’t, and she didn’t feel the effects of any of the stronger painkillers, meaning that she’d been here a couple of days. “Dad...dy?” "No. Definitely not your dad." “Ronnie?” Am...so...confused. "You've been under for like a day and half. You had us all worried. How are you feeling?" “I’m...in myself...i’m okay...water.” She motioned at a glass on the nearby shelf. Ronnie went over and brought her a glass of water. "Here you go. Drink it slowly." She twisted her head and sipped at the glass, before resting her head back once more, nodding. “Thank you.” She coughed gently. “Not going to lie, I wasn’t sure I was going to wake up again.” "I don't know what I'd do if you didn't make it." Ailynn lifted her arm, and held Ronnie’s hand in her own. “You okay Champ?” "No. But its all mental stress. But you, you look like hell." “I’m tougher than I look. I had help.” "Really who?" Ailynn laughed, confusion on her mind. “That’s a story for another time. I’m still processing it.” A wave of sadness ran over her, and a tear formed. “Ryelle...He...sacrificed himself to save me.” "What happened?" “We were in a makeshift prison. Suddenly, the room started filling with gas. I...forget...what...Fatal to me, I had...medical bag, was able to give Ryelle a cocktail of things to keep him alive. Dextrocardia meant I couldn’t have it. He...He…” Ailynn’s tired mind supplied the missing details, the tears coursing down her cheeks. "It's ok. Tell me later. Don't stress yourself. You can tell me later." “No...I need to...He prayed to the prophets to swap places Ron. I met one of the prophets, and saw the emissary himself.” She looked at Ronnie. “I promise I’m not crazy.” "Listen," Ronnie daid with a whisper, "I'm a time travel from an alternate future timeline. I'd be a hypocrite if I called you crazy." Ailynn coughed once more. "Good point" "Seriously though, I'm glad you woke up. Mom was here almost the whole day. Dad was reading to you." She said continuing the whisper. "Thats sweet." She smiled. "Ronnie...can I have a hug?" "Of course." Ronnie said giving her a hug. Ailynn felt herself rest as Ronnie released her, and she smiled gently. Her cousins presence lifting her even briefly. "Look. I don't want to shorten this, but you better tell them I've just woken up or we'll both be in big trouble." "I was just about to say that." Ronnie said. She then gave her cousin a kiss on the forehead and then left to tell the on call physician that Ailynn had woken up. (Reply Vesper iyw) (Posted by Will and Mark) (USS Exeter - Quarters – ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford -07:30) Sleeford woke in a comfortable bed and yawned, the events of the past three days seemed like a nasty dream, the fact his new leg reminded him that wasn’t, rolling out of bed he showered and dressed in a pair of shorts and vest top. Walking to the replicator he ordered breakfast. Taking the small tray, Sleeford walked tot he table by the window and ate while staring out to space, watching the stars streak by as the headed to Bajor. He’d not known Dr. Kyros well, just a nod in the corridors as they’d past, he knew the man was a former Vedek, why he’d chosen to serve in Starfleet was unknow to Sleeford. Stretching out his left leg he absently scratched at the knee of the prosthetic. Finishing breakfast Sleeford disposed of the tray and headed to the bathroom, picking up the razor he trimmed his beard, staring at the face in the mirror for long seconds, taking the small bar of soap he lathered up and shaved the remaining beard from his face, towelling his face dry he turned n the mirror, using the razor to get bits he’d missed. Washing his face in cold water. Walking back to the main area of his quarters, Sleeford went through a series of motions similar to Tai Chi to loosen muscles and relax his mind. (USS Exeter – CPO Quarters – Nurse – CPO- Ewan McDonald - 09:00) The iron hissed as he pressed it over the shirt again eradicating the crease out of existence. He worked methodically going over ever part of the uniform with meticulous scrutiny. He glanced up at the chrono in the shared living area of the quarters. ~Okay still on time~ “Ewan what`s that hissing?” He glanced over to see CPO Yukie Yamamoto walk out of her bedroom. She was wearing her dress uniform trousers and its accompanying under shirt. She was half way through platting her long hair into a regulation bun. She had been a bit standoffish at the beginning, but a mutual respect had grown friendship. “I am ironing my uniform.” He was the frown cross her face. “But Ewan replicators or if you are really want it done properly you can take it to the ships laundry facilities. I am sure that they would iron then for you.” “That`s true but part of the preparation for ceremony for us in the Wanderers is doing it yourself.” “Okay I can understand that but why are you wearing that and not a proper uniform.” Ewan grinned reminding himself once again about the militaristic nature of Starfleet. “My organization has it traditions just like yours. We wear this to remember where we came from. The Wanderers came out of a time of great strife and hardship.” He pulled the shirt off the ironing board and put it to one side. He picked up his trousers and began to iron. “Their system of Mariner was devastated by an Ion storm. The population of Mariner 4 miraculously came out only marginally better than the rest of the system as it had the systems only remaining shipyard. The system Humanitarian Relief Council which became the Albatross Organization took charge and the system sprung into a massive relief effort which the shipyards producing as many space worthy ships that could bring supplies or equipment to the other effected planets. People were die in the millions every day and were normally buried by the same medical staff that moments before had been fighting to keep them alive. There was no time for proper fully so most attend the funerals in their work uniforms which over time became this.” “It might not be a smart as you dress uniform but of us it reminds us of where we started from and where we are now. That even though we have lost some one there is still more we can save and that`s why we are Wanderers.” He gave a sad smile. “I hate going to these. I have done far too many.” She nodded. “You and me both. Can you help me with this?” She sat down on the sofa as she indicated to her half-finished plat. Ewan smiled this was not the first time he had, had to do this. “How did you manage before me?” “It’s just nice to have someone else do it.” “Thanks.” He too her hair and began to plat it. “Ewan?” “Yes?” “I though you are from the Albatross Organization why do you refer to them as the Wanderers?” “It’s an internal slang name we call ourselves. Have you ever heard for the rime of the ancient mariner by Taylor Coleridge?” “No.” “It’s the type of Albatross and part of why we are called Albatross Organization.” He finished the plat and stood back. “You must tell me more some time.” “Maybe later when we have had a few drinks.” He glanced at the chrono. “I think it’s time to go.” He saw her pause. “This evening when we are both off duty we are going to Nine and Dine and getting totally drink.” He nodded. “You can show me some of the Japanese Whisky you are talking about.” “Deal.” (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge - CO, -Lt. Cmdr Trip Williams & FO, Lt. SG Ailynn Bracken - 10:00) Funerals were never easy. A time filled with sadness, with grief, and mourning. It was not Trip’s first funeral, it wouldn’t be his last. But he knew they would never be easy. The first funerals he presided over were after the Second Battle of Wolf 359, in which numerous members of the Fighter Wing were killed in action, including Ravok’s co-pilot and gunner, Ensign Baker. Thankfully they had only lost one person, one life, one friend. But it still hurt, it would always hurt. The body of Kyros Ryelle had been recovered and was currently in the morgue on ice. It would be taken to his old monastery on Bajor where he will be buried with his brother monks, as was requested in his file. Trip stood at the front of the room, looking at those assembled. They were dressed in their dress uniforms. He was standing on a stage overlooking the crowd. Behind him were two chairs, one that was empty, his chair, the other was occupied by Ailynn, a little worse for wear, but up and running. Trip stood at the podium and sighed. “It is never easy to say goodbye to a crewmember, to a friend. These are the moments that we dread. The moments in the academy that they try and hammer into our heads. That part of the duty of a Starfleet Officer, could lead to the ultimate sacrifice. We don’t always come home. As a commanding officer, it is a solemn duty, to honor our dead, to make sure they are remembered. So we gather here today to pay tribute to, and to remember our fallen friend, Dr. Kyros Ryelle. A man so full of life, of hope. I did not know him well, but those that did knew one truth about him, he always placed himself second. He was a deeply spiritual man that understood the truths and realities of service. It is with sadness, that he is not here, because he would be the one I would turn to, in this moment of grief, to find comfort and hope. After the second battle of Wolf 359, the first time I ever lost those under my command, Ryelle sought me out, and we spent three hours talking about life and death. Once he was satisfied I was ok, he left. But only when he knew I would be ok.” Trip paused as he fought back a tear that was welling in his eye. He scanned the crowd for his wife, locking eyes with hers looking for strength to continue. Ashlyn dabbed a tissue to her eyes, only just holding it together. Drawing in a breath, she pulled herself back together, knowing that Trip needed her to be strong, not for herself, but to make the pain of this task a tiny bit more bearable. Gently she nodded, her eyes, pools of sorrow, where fun and levity normally swam. “The thing I most took away from that moment was simple words. It is ok to grieve, it is ok to be sad, it is ok to mourn. You do not have to always be strong. It is ok to cry, to show weakness. He looked at me and said, ‘Showing vulnerability is showing strength. You do not need to hide your sadness, your grief to yourself. You’re only, for lack of a better term, human.’ You see at that point, I was holding my pain inside. It was hard, I felt responsible and guilty. I was isolating myself from my friends, I wanted the focus to be on my fallen friends, my fallen comrades. But he looked me square in the eyes…” Trip couldn’t hold the tears at this point, struggling through his words he continued. “It’s commendable you want the focus to be on the deceased, on their friends, and their family. But your friends, your family, they may not know your fallen comrades, but they know you. They want to be there for you. Let them.” He paused to wipe the tears from his eyes. “To those who knew him well, who were his close friends, who loved him dearly. It is ok to cry, we mourn together. We mourn our brother. But we celebrate his life, we celebrate the joy he brought. We carry that in our hearts. We will rally around each other, because it is what he would want. We flock to each other, because he knew that we can’t grieve alone. We mourn our brother, we mourn together. His spirit will watch over us, guide us. And while today we say goodbye to our brother, the truth he knew, and believed in, died for, is this. Today may be farewell, but we will meet him again. May the prophets welcome you home.” Trip then turned and walked back to his chair, trying to say strong. But his empathic abilities were picking up everyone's emotions, and it was too much to contain. He was sad, but that was ok. “The floor is yours if you want to say something Lynn.” He whispered to Ailynn. Ailynn could feel the weight of the occasion resting on her shoulders now making her injuries, as yet not properly healed, feel all the more painful. “You don’t have too.” She caught her oldest friend's concern, but nodded. “Yes I do.” She whispered back. Trip then sat down as Ailynn went to the podium. Ailynn limped slowly to the podium, wincing in pain with each step, but shaking her head and refusing help. Sighing deeply as she reached the podium, she looked at the PADD of notes that she had exhaustively written, but now something different came to her mind.. “I did write some words, but now that’s all they seem...just words.” Ailynn held up the PADD, and put it back down, unopened. “As I stand here, I feel the need to speak, not with the words from my head, but using the ones from my heart. It’s an old adage from back home, that if you were to take a stock of someone’s character, of their life, then look no further than everyone’s reaction to their death. As I stand here, in front of you all, I know that each and every one of you have their own memories, their own stories that they are clinging to in their hearts at this very moment. His gentle manner made everyone he spoke to feel special, He enriched everyone’s lives just by passing by, and trading greetings. His outward manner however, belied a keen mind, and a sense of faith, and purpose in life, that not only will I forever be jealous of, but it steered him, in gentle acceptance of his own death, not ever fearing his final moments, even to the last.” Ailynn took a sip of water from a glass left at the podium for her. “I could speak of his way of making anyone he spoke to feel so much bigger than themselves, every room that he entered seemed warmer, and every one he left, colder, and more empty. Now though, all I’m doing is telling you what each and every one of us already knows. For many of us, death is but a part of life, and as a medic, a surgeon, I refute that, death is not my friend; but Ryelle strove to teach me otherwise; and teaches me stil, that moving on from this life, merely takes us on our next great journey.” Once more, another small sip of water. “And it was here that I ran out of my own words, but I was reminded of a poem that back in high school we were forced to read, and discuss. I didn’t understand it back then, and it’s only under the lens of recent events that I now begin to grasp at its message . ‘Gone from my sight, by Henry Van Dyke.’” Carefully, Ailynn read the words, though she didn’t need to. “I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone." Gone where? Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me -- not in her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!" And that is dying…” Carefully placing the PADD back on the lectern, she bowed her head slightly. “Walk with the Prophets; in peace, my friend.” Ailynn was only just holding it together, she hadn’t opened up properly to anyone about the full events of Ryelle’s sacrifice. Now tears ran fully down her cheeks as she limped back to her chair. She felt a hand enclose her own. Trip held Ailynn’s hand squeezing it tight. “You did good Lynn, you did good.” He whispered into her ear, then gave her a hug and a friendly kiss on the cheek. “He would be proud.” Trip then returned to the podium. “I want to thank you all for joining us today. It is a somber, solemn moment, as we come together to mourn our fallen friend. But he walks with the prophets now, and we rejoice….We rejoice, that in his final moment, he got to walk with them, and honor them. So as we mourn our brother, let us also celebrate him. You are all free to stay and talk, and be with each other as long as you need. He would want it that way. And while I don’t know any traditional Bajoran commendations for the dead, please indulge me with this old Earth prayer.” Trip took a deep breath. His Latin was rusty, his understanding of Earth religion even more so, but this was an old prayer that the Williams clan had been saying at funerals for centuries, and it seemed appropriate now. “Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine. Et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.” (reply all at funeral) (posted by Will and Mark) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge – ACTO Ensign Paul Sleeford -1001) Pulling the tight tunic of his dress uniform down Sleeford stood at the rear of the Starlight lounge watching the crew gathering for the service. As the captain mounted the podium and began speaking. As he listened he recalled his grandfathers funeral in the small town, he ;lived in all his life. The old boy had been born, lived and died within a radius of 200 meters, a feeling alien to Sleeford, the thought of being in one place all your life and not seeing the wonders of what was out here in the galaxy. Hearing the captain finish, Sleeford joined in the refrain of Amen at the end of the prayer. Watching as people stood for several moments in quiet contemplation as they remembered the man, they’d come to honour. As people began to merge into groups Sleeford found a chair and table by the window and sat watching the vast empty vista out the window. Alone with his own thoughts” (replies none) (Posted by Alistair) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge – CFO – Lieutenant- Ire Williams - 10:05) “…..After the second battle of Wolf 359, the first time I ever lost those under my command, Ryelle sought me out…..” ~Wolf 359~ (Memory) =^= One this is five, one`s on my tail I can`t shake him=^= “This is one hang on five we are on our way.” “Ire they`re jamming us I can`t see nothing…..no, no wait I have five. Brake hard right now. Come to 089 by 105.” Came the voice of Sonnolo from the rear seat. He grunted as the g-force piled on as the fighter came screaming around onto its new course. “Ire we are being locked up jink, jink.” He had not fully registered Sonnolo`s cry before he fired the maneuvering thrusters and the fighter lurched upwards. It felt like an elephant had swan dived onto his chest as he fought to keep the blood from draining into his boots as he spun the fighter onto another course. “Ire down and around Five should be 3 o’clock on this heading.” Ire dropped the fighter and turned interposing another fighter in between them and their pursuer. He saw five dancing through space trying to evade the fighter that was pursuing it. “Five this is One brake left in three, two, one.” He watched as Five turned left and the perusing fighter moved to follow as it came into his engagement range. “Firing phasers.” Came Sonnolo`s replay as she opened up with the fighter’s phaser arsenal. He saw the perusing fighter`s shields pop and it stagger sideways as the shots slammed home. He yelled in triumph as it disintegrated but his triumph died as he saw Five being ripped apart as it exploded from phaser fire of a second fighter as it rocketed past them. (Starlight Lounge) “Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine. Et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.” The reply of Amen brought him back and leaving that once hellish time to memory. He blinked a couple of times, took a deep breath to steady himself and began to move as the other began to disperse. ~By the Prophets I hate these things~ (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge - Tactical Officer, Ensign SG Cade Blackwell, Jr. - 10:20) Cade stood quietly in the back of the Starlight Lounge. It was less crowded back there, and his shoulder was still bruised and hurting from where it was dislocated after pushing Ravok out of the way of the sniper's blast. It was mended and healed, but still sore. To the point he preferred to be further in the back with less people, as it meant that there were fewer people around to bump into his shoulder and make him wince. He was still a bit bummed that he wasn't around to finish the mission, but looking at how everyone else ended up, they were lucky that Ryelle was the only crewmember whose life was lost. Sleeford had lost a leg, there were rumors that Ravok had lost an eye. All Cade lost was a little bit of pride, which in the long run, was ok. As he scanned around the back of the room, looking where to shift now that the remarks were over and people would begin to mingle, he noticed one of the science officers off by herself. She seemed distraught, broken, at the point of opening a flood gates of tears that might never stop. She looked like she needed a hug. Cade quietly mader his way over to her. He was tall, built, stocky, a tank. But in his heart of hearts, Cayden Jeremiah Blackwell, Jr. was a teddy bear. More Ferdinand the Bull, then a raging one. The captain's words had resonated with him. Be there for each other. "Excuse me, I don't think we've met, my name is Cade, Cade Blackwell." (reply Adala) "This might seem a bit odd, but, would you like a hug?" (reply Adala) (reply Adala) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter - Starlight Lounge - Asst. Chief Science Officer, Ensign SG Adala Michaels and Tactical Officer, Ensign SG Cade Blackwell - 10:25) Adala had entered the lounge and stood silently by the door. The fact she'd not been able to go on the mission as planned, grounded by a stupid accident. Then this … she was not herself, her strength faltering. She wondered if she was really cut out for this or if she should just return home, tail between her legs. These were the thoughts wandering through her head when she was approached by one of the other attendees. "Excuse me, I don't think we've met, my name is Cade, Cade Blackwell." Adala looked at the young man, taking in his size, his demeanor and shook her head, immediately regretting it as stabbing pain shot through her head. "Excuse me...." she stammered, shaking off the pain. "I don't believe we have." She held out her hand, which trembled slightly. "Adala Michaels.." Her voice trailed off as he spoke again. "This might seem a bit odd, but, would you like a hug?" She bit her lip and looked from his face to the floor. As much as she hated to admit it, she needed what he offered, but was afraid to speak. Her voice, she knew would break and she was trying, for Ryelle, for his memory to hold herself together, even a little bit. "Please." Her voice was no more than a whisper. Cade looked at the poor woman. She seemed in distress, broken. Cade towered over. He was 6’5” and by his estimation she was possibly 5’2” on a good day. He put his arms around her and pulled her into a deep hug Finally releasing it after he felt what seemed like tears dropping onto his uniform. “Were you and doctor Kyros close?” Adala pulled her face away from his shoulder which was drenched in her tears. "I … I'm sorry" she stammered. She nodded. "We were good friends." her eyes rose to meet his. "I should have been there to protect him, to save him." her voice took on almost an angry tone. "Not sitting in sickbay due to some stupid accident." “Hey little bit,” he said with a smile. “You can’t think like that. He wouldn’t want you to think like that.I mean, I didn’t know him, but he seems like the kind of guy who wouldn’t want you blaming yourself or beating yourself up. He’d want you to be strong, and live for him.” "I wish I could feel strong, I fell while climbing and gave myself a concussion, which had me pulled from the mission. I feel stupid." She tried to smile slightly. "He'd be reprimanding me for not having the safeties on. But he'd be laughing about it too, knowing how stubborn I can be." “But he also wouldn’t want you to stop being you. I mean, accidents happen, but he wouldn’t want you to bear this burden, this heartache alone. There are people here in this room who have your back. That’s important to remember.” Adala nodded, slowly, so she didn’t bring another wave of pain to her already aching head. “I know, I know I should be leaning on them. But it’s hard, when you’ve been the strong one and suddenly feel so weak.” “Make new friends, but keep the old. So the old song says. Keep him in your heart always. But don’t close yourself off because of grief. Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” She smiled slightly at Cades words. “That is true. Something I have to learn I think.” She said as she looked up at Cade, and wiped her cheek with the back of her hand. “Thank you for the hug, and the words of wisdom.” “Do you need another one?” Adala bit her lip to not laugh out loud at Cades words. "Please..." She could grow to like this man, who in his few words and .. not to mention warm hugs had wisdom that connected in her brokenness. Cade wrapped her in a big hug. He could tell she needed it and it was the very least he could do. (reply none) (posted by Kathleen and Will) (USS Exeter - Ronnie Winters Personnel Quarters -FO, Lt. SG Ailynn Bracken and ACFO Ronnie Winters - 1600) “Thanks for meeting with me Ailynn.” Ronnie said as she poured some tea into their mugs. She then doctored hers with milk, honey, and sugar. Ailynn was still in excruciating pain, but smiled anyway. "Ronnie, you're family I'll always drop everything for you. You know that." Picking up the small milk jug she added a splash of milk, the tea turning an orange-brown colour. “I know you’ve had a rough go, but I really need someone to talk to, and you’re it. The one I can trust on this.” She knew there was something bothering Ronnie, the two girls were close, friendship didn't cover it, family was too nonspecific. Briefly Ailynn wished she had Ashlyn's gift for words. "Whats up sweetie?" “I’m never going to exist. In this timeline anyways. Mom and Dad, Ash and Trip, they’re having a boy. Meaning that the events that led to my conception, that singular moment in time, it’s not going to happen. But I’m still here. Still in existence. And I’m wondering what that means.” Sighing gently and nodding, Ailynn sipped attempts wonderfully strong tea and then put the cup down, resting her hand on Ronnie's. "We're into territory that I don't know much about, Dale's the physicist, but...here's my take." Ailynn frowned in thought. “Oh?” "You're only thinking in one direction. Cause and affect. The two Events inexorably one before the other. However, in your case your present is occurring before your past, but that doesn't mean that your past won't happen, because it already has…" “So what you’re saying is that rather than altering a timeline, I crossed into a different timeline, a different universe, that this isn’t the universe I’m from, so my altering events didn’t so much as lead to my potential nonexistence, but rather, my being here was a needed catalyst so that this universe, this timeline, could diverge and become its own?” "Sure yeah. And that I think is what future gran had in mind, you're still here because either you're from a different universe, a much worse one sent here to prevent the same happening, or time itself is more forgiving than those weird movies Trip made us watch tell us." “You were supposed to die, you know. On the Interceptor, instead of Ryelle. You died, in my timeline, on that mission.” "I gave it my best attempt." Ailynn said. "Ryelle cheated." “I encouraged Ryelle to take Adala’s place figuring that he would be taken too. Keep you safe. You died from the gas, your Dextrocardia… He was supposed to keep you alive, he was a doctor. I didn’t think…. I didn’t think he’d die.” Ailynn instantly knew where Ronnie's mind was and sat up straighter, closer to her cousin. “Is it my fault?” "Sweetie," Ailynn paused, framing the thought in her mind. "I was dying, I'd given Ryelle a cocktail of things that would have kept him alive, a lot of very strong medication, all really carefully balanced in him, but would have killed me instantly. At the moment of me nearly expiring, Ryelle prayed, he prayed and he asked to go instead. The Prophets chose to accept that. It was his choice, not your doing. He went with them, happy and willingly with his Prophets. Such was the strength of his fate." “And the strength of his faith.” "It wasn't you. Perhaps the prophets or whatever entity you want to consider. Perhaps they maneuvered you too." “I’m just… it’s guilt I guess. But I know you feel it too. So I guess we share the burden of the irrational guilt of his death together.” "Absolutely; and you're correct. I do." Ailynn twisted round slightly, pulling her cousin into a hug, Ronnie's head rested on her shoulder. Turning round slightly, Ailynn kissed her gently on the top of the head. "I'm here for you, with all the breath in my body." She smiled. "Which I appreciate isn't much at the moment." “So I guess now that it looks like I won’t poof out of existence once I correct the timeline, seeing as how this isn’t my, umm universe. I guess it means I should actually let myself live a normal life. If that makes sense. Not be afraid to put down roots. Fall in love.” "Insofar as is possible for us to be normal, yeah. Live...love…" she nudged Ronnie with her hip. "Be happy." “Well I have enough Williams in me to make me more normal than you.” She said with a chuckle. "Touche." Ailynn smiled. “I umm, so there's this guy I like.” "Oh? Anyone I know?" Ailynn asked. "You could say that." "Who is it?" Ailynn asked again, wishing that Ronnie would just spot it out.to the point "Well, promise not to laugh?" "Ronnie...you're being infuriating. Who...is...it?" "Thing is, he's kind of an ass, but I think he's misunderstood." "Misunderstood…? Ronnie are we going to get anywhere with this?" She sighed. "I have a crush on your brother." Taken by surprise, Ailynn was stunned. "My brother? As in Gabe my brother? I did not see that coming." She admitted. "Neither did I." "Oh Ronnie. Does he feel the same?" "I don't know. The only visible emotion your brother ever shows regularly is somewhere between grumpy and pissed off." "Whatever floats your boat obviously, but you have got to open up about who you are. That is a massive thing." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "My cousin has the hots for my half-brother. I'm in far too much pain for wrapping my head round this. Good job I didn't ask you if he had a cute sister isn't it." "Oh, I didn't know Gabe had another sister." Ailynn laughed, then winced as her ribs creaked. "Cow." "Are you ok with it?" "Of course. You don't need my blessing. You have it anyway." "I mean, he's your half brother, I'm your time traveling cousin from an alternate future. Kinda weird isn't it." "More than a little. Just the way it is for some of us." "Guess I really am a Bracken." Once more Ailynn smiled, deeply this time, and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Yeah you are." "Should I tell mom and dad, that I'm their daughter?" Ailynn's face fell serious, and shook her head. "Leave them to me. Not that I think they'll reject things, it'll just be smoother coming through me." "Well I guess I can't chicken out if you tell them." "I'm not forcing you. But Gabe will have to know, and he can't keep that secret. I'm going to have to do some fast talking to mum as it is. We're running out of time to reasonably keep this secret I'm afraid." "I need to be honest though. While it's clear I'm no longer in my timeline, that I won't be born. Part of me is excited about Mom's pregnancy." "Oh?" "I get to be something I never was in my time, a big Sister." "And a great one you'll be, I'm certain." Ailynn smiled as she once more gave her cousin a hug, her fears and worries temporarily abating. (Reply none) (Posted by will and mark) (USS Exeter - Ronnie Winters Personnel Quarters -ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters and CMO, Ensign SG Gabe Vesper - 17:30) “Thanks for joining me, Gabe,” Ronnie said with a smile as she a glass of water in front of him. Gabe was happy to be back in Ronnie's quarters, whilst it was an odd experience she was eager to speak to her. The last few days had been a rollercoaster and he felt relaxed around Ronnie, although the formalness of her attitude was causing some doubt. "It's always a pleasure Ronnie" Gabe said sipping the water and having a real smile on his face, he truly enjoyed her company. “I know you’ve been swamped, so I appreciate you taking the time, for ummm, me. This won't take long.” The smile faded things had just taken a very formal turn. Placing the water down Gabe turned his doctor mode on. "Take all the time you need Ronnie, it's been a very trying time." Gabe instinctively opened his body language up "what's on your mind Ensign? Do you want me to call you Ensign or would you prefer Ronnie?" ~shouldnt have kissed her, it always happens to the ones I kiss. Get ready for it Gabe, first she will tell you how nice it's been, then how great you are, then that she feels things have moved too quick and finally that she feels she needs time to focus on herself and what she wants. Breath through it, there is a bottle of Romulan ale at home and a few days shore leave~ Gabe readied himself. “Look, Gabe, you’re a sweet and great guy, and I just don’t think I’ve been fair to you lately.” ~here we go, you've led me on and it's not right. You're not being true to yourself and it's not fair on me. Just say it~ Gabe controlled his breathing but knew his face was showing some pain. “And, well I had a chat with your sister earlier, and I shared with her some concerns I had, and well she told me I needed to tell you this, because you were going to find out sooner rather than later.” ~oh great, you spoke to my sister, wonderful. Why not tell the whole ship I'm a bad kisser~ Gabe shifted in his seat, his bluntness starting to surface "so..?" “So...how do I start, I’m sorry this is really hard.” Ronnie began to well up with emotion, tears started forming. ~waterworks, the whole package~ “Umm, my name isn’t Veronica Kady Winters, it’s Veronica Kadaya Williams. I’m from an alternate future timeline, I will never be born in this one, and Ash and Trip are my parents.” "Look it's probably easier if I just go and give…..I'm sorry what?" Gabes mind had run away with itself it had taken a few moments to process what had really been said. ~you kissed the Captains daughter~ "I kissed the Captains daughter….you're Trips daughter?" Gabes mouth went dry. He grabbed the glass. “Yes. I am.” "Hang on, Trip, as in Commander Williams? As in the man I came to you about to talk through his surgery, as in you're my sister's cousin…" ~time traveling Gabe~ "you're my half sisters time traveling cousin from an alternate reality…?" Gabe sat in silence trying to get it in his head. “It’s how I knew to place you on the right track. I have a more advanced version of the implant.” "Of course you do, from a different time and reality" Gabe started looking around the room. “But because your sister is my personal physician, and she knows, we’ve been able to hide things, like that, and my genetics.” "Yep this makes total sense." Gabe stood "look, just tell me you don't like me and be done with it. You don't need some elaborate story, this is the most advanced way to end a something. With everything that's happened the last few days this is how you tell me you don't want to move things forward. Do you honestly expect me to believe it?" “You really are a $%$#*&^ ass Gabriel Vesper. Here I am trying to be completely %$#@^%$ honest with you, and you are just brushing it off as a cruel $%^$#@ joke.” Some would say that Ronnie could curse like a sailor when she was upset. Those people had never met her father and had no idea, that if there was in fact a genetic proclivity for cursing, Ronnie had it. Gabe instantly realised he had made a mistake, he had gone down the wrong path. Ronnie wasn't trying to break things off she was being honest and open and frank. ~you're an idiot~ “You think I’m joking, fine, replicate whatever you need, and test my genetics, right here and now, arrogant stupid ass.” She began crying. She was trying to be honest with him, and she was upset because all he could think about was that she had to be making this up to hurt him. Gabe took a deep breath and looked at the woman he had started to fall in love with sat there crying her eyes out. Part of him wanted to pull a tricorder and check for the chip, the other side, the part under the hard shell he used to protect himself wanted to wrap his arms around her and apologize. Normally the scientist won, but recently Gabe had come to understand that life was too precious to waste and these moments didn't come too often for him. Sitting next to Ronnie he placed a warm hand on her leg, ready for it to be broken but hoping it wasn't. "The crew have a opinion of me, that I'm selfish, argumentative, process driven and a bit of an arsehole." “Well, they do call you Dr. ‘Gabe See you Next Tuesday’ Vesper.” she said grumpily. She could see why they did. "Let me finish Ronnie, before the other day I would have agreed. But watching my sister almost die and sleeping in my office to make sure I was there incase she needed me has made me realise that life is so much more than data on a PADD. People are more than blood and veins, they're precious. I'm sorry; it's been a very stressful time and a camp bed with a broken rib doesn't allow for much sleep." Gabe wiped the tears from her face "You've trusted me with your story and I've selfishly thrown it back at you. Please, Veronica Williams, tell me what I need to know." Gabe hoped it was enough, Ronnie had become a port in a storm for him and he wanted to make sure he could dock for a while longer. “That’s it, I just, you would have found out eventually, and I wanted you to hear it from me. But you can’t tell a $@#^%$ soul. Okay, not a damn one. This is a secret. But if things….are….going to progress you need to know who I am.” "And are they, or has my temper ruined it?" “I was afraid of getting into a relationship, because I thought, okay, at a certain point, I’ll do what I need to do, change things, and then the future will change, and the events that led me to coming back will never have happened, and poof, I’ll fade out of existence. So I was hesitant to start anything, with anyone, and the one day just vanish, and like oh shit, where the %$#@# is Ronnie.” ~Okay, I know you’re emotional girl, but let’s reign in the language.~ She thought to herself. Gabe took Ronnies hand. “Thing is, something has changed. And either I don’t really understand time travel, or I didn’t just cross time, I crossed into an alternate timeline, an alternate reality, my very being here, caused a branch. See, the future I thought I’d be changing, is actually my past, so it’s set in stone, and this here present, is actually my future, and it’s all a bunch of theoretical weirdness. Because my mom is pregnant, with a child, that isn’t me. In a time frame that means she won’t get pregnant with me. That the exact circumstances, time, right sperm, right egg, that would be me, its not gonna line up. I’m never going to be born in this reality. But I didn’t poof out of existence. I’m still here….which means….” Gabe looked at her, trying to take it all in. "Life is a choice and is full of choices and forks in the road…" Gabe stopped himself he held Ronnie's hand tighter "time traveling is a paradox that…." He stopped again Leaning in he looked at Ronnie's face, the contours, her pupils, made a point of following her breaths "You look real enough" "“You really should let a girl finish Gabe. I’m not worried about the paradox anymore. It means I’m free to be, to live, not worry about…. Well” At that moment she turned to him, wrapped her arms around him, placing one behind his head and kissed him. After embracing Ronnie Gabe pulled back a bit "I just kissed the Captains daughter" he laughed and embraced her again. The pair kissed once more and then Ronnie looked at him. “Hey listen, I’d love for you to stay longer, but, umm...Ailynn invited my parents over for dinner, and well, we’re going to tell them the truth. So, I umm, I need to go game plan that. But maybe, if you’re free later, we could go on a proper date.” "You mean the coffee shop wasn't a proper date? I have dinner with Lt Ravok. Shall we do supper?" “Not tonight. If it goes well, it will be the first night since I was two that I had a proper evening with my parents, as my parents. If it goes poorly, well I’ll be with my cousin drinking away my sorrows, and I’m not sure I want you to see me drunk yet.” "I understand, although Ailynn needs to take it easy. I want to see her in my office first thing, I'll let you break that news" Gabe smiled “And I got to warn you Gabe, I want to take things slow. If you don’t respect that, never forget, these four bone chilling words. I AM A BRACKEN.” "They don't scare me, you Brackens are overrated. I'm an arsehole remember, I can deal with you" Gabe winked, internally wondering about the ethics of the whole situation, but for the first time in a long time he was happy. (Reply none) (posted by Will and Mat H.) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - CO Trip Williams, R&SE Director Ashlyn Williams, ACFO Ronnie Winters and FO Ailynn Bracken - 1900) Ailynn sighed, nerves encompassing her. What she was about to to was eating her alive, she had held a secret from the two most important people in her life, and she was about to admit to it, though the truth was, at best, unbelievable. A chime at the door, and Ailynn Stood up, straightening the tray, fidgetted with the cushions, and eventually called out. “Enter.” “He hows it going Trip,” as he walked in carrying a covered dish. “I brought dinner, hope you don’t mind. Nothing fancy, just some enchiladas from the Starlight Lounge.” “Trip, Ash, come in, please.” She stepped aside, awkwardly, then leant forward and kissed ASh on the cheek, and gave Trip a familial hug. “Thank you for coming, this looks amazing.” “How are you feeling?” Trip asked as he placed the food on the table. “You’ve been through hell, and all you got was a tattoo.” “Honestly? I’m not great. Medically I’m fine. It’s a pretty sick tattoo though right?” The last few days had been hard on all of them, especially those closest to her. “Sit, please,” Fussing around, Ailynn passed drinks over to both Trip and Ash, Trips favourite bourbon, and a fruit juice that she knew Ashlyn loved. “So, what’s up? Usually we’re the ones inviting you over for dinner. Is this about Ryelle? Look, he made his choice, it’s not your fault.” Ailynn half nodded. “I know, and I’m starting to believe that, although it will take time. Thankfully I’m surrounded by people, friends, family, who I can absolutely lean on and trust with my life. Sadly this is about something else, and before we start, You need to understand my position, the decisions I took, I did not do so lightly.” She sipped at the large glass of merlot. “That isn’t a great start.” “I Trust you Ailynn, I trust you’re judgement.” “I know, and...I hope that you still say that when I’m done talking Trip.” Ashlyn frowned slightly, “Ailynn, you’re worrying me, what’s up? I’m certain that whatever it is...that we can come through whatever. I have to ask are you, you know…I’d understand if...” Ash knew of Ailynn’s struggles years ago, but was awkward about talking openly about it, not wanting to upset her. “You’re not allowed to quit on my Lynn, not now, not yet. Give me at least a year damnit.” Trip tried his best not to get angry. Ailynn shook her head. “It isn’t that.” “Thank goodness. Then what is it?” She nodded. “In my line of work…” She sipped at the wine again. “My previous line of work, that is; certain information crossed my desk all the time. More even than yours now it seemed sometimes.” “Yeah, doctor, patient confidentiality. Who got what from who, etc. etc. So what is this about?” “Someone approached me. Asking me to do something that whilst not exactly counter to any rules per se, wasn’t strictly legit. I’m ashamed to say that I did it, and with that being said, I’m glad I did.” Ashlyn sighed. “Bracken get to the point.” Ashlyn was edging toward hungry, and the enchiladas smelled amazing. “Yeah, I mean, I’m patient, but I also like it when people get to the damn point.” “I was asked to compare someone's DNA to a combination of both of yours.” Ailynn’s voice cracked with emotion, and shame, but also a core of her refused to see the shame in what she’d done. She just hoped that her family in front of her understood that. “What for? Like to see if we were genetically compatible. Like to see if we could have kids or something? Are you saying someone forced us to be together? That’s ridiculous. No one could force the love I have for Ash.” “I wish it were that simple. I wish it was a simple ‘these two might be regressive carriers of...Ketack Syndrome’. No. Someone came to me, and they came to me with enough information for me...to perform a parentage DNA Check.” “What the hell are you talking about?” Trip was getting a bit agitated. Ashlyn’s emotion shot from worry to fury. She was thankfully more a Ronal, than a Bracken, her sister had got that, “ARE YOU OUT YOUR BLOODY MIND AILYNN BRACKEN? EXPLAIN OR WE NEVER SPEAK AGAIN!” The tears started running, of all the people to shout at her she’d hoped it was Trip. Ash was so gentle. At this point Trip turned to his wife and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Ash, its ok” He said as his mind started turning. “She couldn’t tell us, because….time travel right? It’s $&%#@&% time travel isn’t.” Suddenly Trip calmed down as puzzle pieces and things that had been bothering him in the back of his mind suddenly started piecing themselves together. “It is anything but okay.” Ashlyn growled between gritted teeth. “Yes…” She grabbed Ashlyn’s hands desperately. “...and no. You’re right enough that the exact explanation is...a work in progress I admit. “You can tell Ronnie to come out of your room.” Trip said. His empathic abilities were getting hit by someone’s anxiety, but it wasn’t Ash, she was radiating anger. It wasn’t Ailynn, she was radiating un ease. So he keyed on that anxiety, and took a wild guest at what had been under his nose the whole time. I mean she did look like she could be Ailynn’s cousin. “Dammit Williams that’s cheating. Do you know how hard it’s been to hide all the anxiety? Ronnie!” Ronnie came out from the bedroom. She looked nervous. Like she was about to take the academy entrance exam all over again. “Hey.” She said meekly. “Sweetie...it’s time to meet your parents. It’s okay.” “Mom,” she said softly. “Dad. I ummm.” at that moment Ronnie began to cry and fell to her knees. It was a moment she had been dreaming of since she was a little girl. Since they died. To be with her parents, not as Ronnie Winters, but as their daughter. Ashlyn reacted even before Ronnie hit the floor, she was at Ronnie’s side almost immediately, a universal superpower of moms everywhere. Without even thinking, simply knowing that it was the truth, Ash pulled Ronnie into a hug, not friendly, nor even familial; but maternal. Gently, perhaps without even knowing that she was doing it, Ashlyn rocked gently, burying her nose into Ronnies hair. “Mom….” she said meekly. “I’ve wanted to tell you since they day we met, but I had to...I had to keep it secret, just in case.” Carefully, Ashlyn lifted Ronnie’s chin. “How could I not have seen it? You two are so alike it’s painful. Cheekbones, eyes.” Trip looked forward with an odd stare. “So, you kept it secret to keep the timeline in check, came back to do lord knows what. Why tell us now?” While Ash had gone more maternal, Trips mind kept grasping for the logic of it all. “Lynn?” “Fair question.” Ailynn nodded. “Honestly, we’re into uncharted territory, We’re headed toward something...big, and I mean cataclysmically galaxy sized big. Certain things that should have happened have been avoided, more people are around than should have been back in Ronnie’s original timeline. Ronnie’s Gran, Dale, sent her back in time, to our Dale, to make sure that certain things either happened or didn’t.” “Except it all changed. Ailynn was supposed to die on the Interceptor. You weren’t supposed to be pregnant yet. I don’t have an older brother. I’m your first born, your only child. So, when I came back, I didn’t just travel back in time, I jumped timelines or universes.” “So there is no way of knowing if your future will even happen.” “No.” “Do you know who this supposed Big Bad is?” “No, Grand said she called herself the empress, but we never saw her face. She was killed shortly after the great cataclysm, when 75% of life in the Beta quadrant died, 50% in the Alpha. The Exeter stopped her. She was on board, Dad, you self destructed the ship, but it was too late. She had set off the device. You died in the explosion, mom died at your side, I was home with Gran, and well. We moved on, but Grand had a plan. Go back, change things. But… now, I don’t think that was ever her plan. I think she sent be back so I could have a normal life. With you.” “Trip...I’m out of ideas, Dale is out her depth. I’m off the scale intelligent, but I can’t resolve 42 quintic equations for each possible idea we all have...We’re off the charts without a map. It may be that that’s a good thing, it may be that we...that I...have doomed not only the entire Beta Quadrant, but the entire Galaxy.” Ash had fallen silent, but had helped Ronnie to a seat, and given her a glass of bourbon. “Do you have any #@$%^%$ Idea how reckless messing with time is?” Trip said as he stood up. The ramifications of all of this. Yes, we’re not in your timeline anymore. Your past is an alternate future, you can’t change, because it’s your past, but you can still $%&# this one. How long have you been back for. I mean you were there with us, in the academy. Did the incident happen in your time? Could you not have $%#&@*^ warned anyone. So much life lost, all because of what? I mean I get that you came back to save trillions, but why…..why not change it all. Did all they have to die, did Rae have to die, what, so I could meet your mom again. Did all those people die...for... ” Trip stopped, he knew he had said things he didn’t mean to. Word he regretted the moment they left his mouth. “I….I…” Ronnie couldn’t find words. “Sorry….” Trip replied meekly and sat back down, his hulking 6’4” frame fell backwards onto the couch, ashamed. Ailynn snapped, her temper exploding, she shot up, and stood inches away from her oldest friend. “You stop that right now! Calm the frak down and use your bloody mind.” She sat next to him. She came to ‘us’ utterly alone. Just about 18, she’d watched life in the Beta Quadrant be utterly torn apart. BILLIONS dead. TRILLIONS maybe. Some things have already changed. I am already out of my own destiny. Maybe that’s a prophet thing, maybe manifest destiny, who knows. Enough has changed that events themselves are not the same, even the ones that were already in motion...perhaps. Look. Here’s the thing, and Trip I adore you, but you can’t see the wood for the trees. There is a girl here, who is family. I don’t expect you to bounce her on your bloody knee you dunce, but this is not her doing. She isn’t the...reason for all this, but I rather suspect she’s a pivot.” “Ailynn…..” he said meekly. “Ronnie… I’m sorry. Please forgive me, this is just so….new. I shouldn’t have lashed out at you.” “It’s...Okay dad.” she said. “It isn’t really.” Ash said. “But we’ve all had a shock. Ailynn, I can’t imagine your burden. You have my apology.” Ailynn shrugged, the apology wasn’t necessary. “How much time do we have?” Trip asked. “Two years. Two years, unless things have changed.” Ronnie replied. Ashlyn sighed gently, normally beautifully spoken she was feeling it a bit. “So...we have a thing, but we don’t know what the thing is...or even when the thing is? It could be a non-thing or a bigger thing, that happened yesterday or a decade from now?” “And we can’t tell anyone, in case it’s a non thing. Or if or telling someone makes it a thing.” Trip said. “Thank you dear...I missed that one.” Ashlyn pinched the brow of her nose. “Ronnie, who else knows about you?” “Just us, and Gran, and Gabe. Gran sent me back with pretty heavy psyblockers, the part of my brain that knows future events, can’t be scanned by telepaths.” “First DNA scan...Gabe notices. Safe to assume he knows, safe to assume that Dale knew that a CMO would know, and she’d know who and why.” Ailynn filled in. “I’m swearing us to secrecy for the next two years ok.” Trip said. “I say that not as Captain but as apparently the family patriarch.” “Concur.” Ailynn said simply. Ash looked up. “Okay...here’s the thing. Hungry pregnant woman...food on table. Lets eat, and maybe our blood sugar will calm us down some no?” “Ronnie, wait a moment,” Trip said as the two Bracken women went to the table. “Yes, umm dad.” she said meekly. Trip looked her up and down, then deep into her eyes. Then pulled her into a deep hug. “I see it in your eyes. I feel it. I think I’ve always felt it. You’re my kid.” Trip began to get a little misty eyed. Releasing the hug the two joined the others at the table. “So, Ronnie, is that your real name?” Ashlyn turned to Ailynn. “He hasn’t figured it out yet...boys!” She rolled her eyes, making Ailynn giggle. Trip nodded. Then turned to his wife, “You know I heard you? What haven’t I figured out?” “Her name. We even spoke about it you dingbat, back in the...bath...tub...I’m going to stop talking.” Ashlyn said blushing. Ailynn shaking her head in mock disapproval next to her. “Mom’s right, My name is Veronica Kadaya Williams. Veronica came from Ronal, Kadaya from Mom’s adopted mom. But you called me Ronnie from day one.” “Oh shit, yeah that’s the name I wanted to name our second kid if it was a girl. And I was gonna call her Ronnie, because well, I do love nicknames.” Ailynn put her plate down. And carefully stepped up to Trip. He may have been may still be her oldest friend, but he was her Boss. “Sir..” She spoke quietly, her voice travelling no further than the two of them. “For what it’s worth I had no choice, you have my deepest apologies, it was never about me not trusting you or not wanting to tell you. It’s eaten me alive lying to you all this time, and I truly am sorry.” “Lynn...you’ve always been about family. You were the only child of an only child of an only child. You never had a brother or sister, you never had cousins. You were always jealous of mine. I know that. How can I fault you, for finally having a cousin, your age, because baby Drew will be your cousin, and doing everything in your power to protect her. As your friend, I know you did what you thought was right. And as a guy who just found out I have a daughter my age….well, sort, alternate timeline shenanigan stuff...I’m glad you protected her.” “Maybe that’s my curse. Do you know how weird my last few months have been? I have a half Brother who I’m still trying to not butt heads with medically it seems, an Aunt who…” She turned toward Ash, who was deep in conversation with Ronnie, a looked deep in her eyes that suggested ‘plot of next book’ “...I would give up my eternal soul for, and recently a cousin, who...rather worryingly just gets me. Do you know how weird that is? On top of that I end up with this badass tattoo.” She pulled her sleeve back, the beautifully intricate azure markings sat on the underside of her forearm. “Let’s see. My best friend is now my first officer and my twin sister’s ex, oh and now my niece. My wife turns out to be my best friends aunt, my mentors secret daughter, and a girl I drunkenly made out with in high school. And the officer who was my copilot and secretary for a year was secretly my daughter the whole time, but from an alternate future that may only come to pass in part, because my wife is currently pregnant with a boy, and not my future daughter from an alternate future. I mean shit Ailynn, my life was more simple before I married into your family.” “My…? Why is this crap always my fault? This is so much like your stag do. I am not drunk enough for this.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “I love you...Ass.” “I love you more.” He said with a smile. “Lets eat, before your wife steals all the enchiladas...then drink...heavily.” Trip walked over to the chair next to Ash and smiled. “Actually before we eat, Ash, Ronnie can you stand up for a moment.” “Really...eating hun!” She sighed, but smiled a smile of utter happiness that it made Ailynn’s heart ache to see it. Trip then took Ronnie’s hand and placed it on Ashlyn’s stomach. “Ronnie, meet your baby brother, James Andrew Williams the Fourth, or as you already know I like nicknames. Drew.” Ronnie smiled, “Hey there little bro,” Ailynn welled up, and burst into tears, waving her hand in front of her face. “You dopey sod...that is so sweet.” Ashlyn herself rested her warm hand on top of Ronnie’s, nodding and smiling gently. “It’s okay Ronnie. Look, we’re going to argue, we’re going to butt heads, horribly sometimes.” She squeezed Ailynn’s hand in apology. “However counter to that we all have each other, and all it means is my little family got that bit bigger.” “Are there any other secrets I need to know?” Trip said with a laugh, expecting there to be no more bombshells. “Umm, well dad, I umm, I kissed Gabe and he kissed me back.” Ronnie said shyly, not sure how her parents would react. Trip instinctively said the first words that popped in his, “Oh for $#%^’s sake!” (reply none) (posted by Will and Mark) (USS Exeter - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and 9D Manager Caity Dubois - 2000) Standing at the bar, Caity watched the variety of people that had wandered through for a day or two. Some had been celebrating the return of the crew and some had been drowning their sorrows, either after being themselves kidnapped or the loss of one of their own. Offering words of commiseration or encouragement had become second nature to her. Wiping down the bar, she turned back and began to restock the glasses. Ailynn exited the turbolift, having been discharged from sickbay. The weight of her experiences over the last few days, her physical demeanour was weak, tired, and her shoulders, back and all her joints hurt. She needed sleep, to begin to get over the physical. The mental would take a lot more. She had been referred to compulsory counselling, and Ailynn had no intention of missing it. She knew this time that she needed help. She was lonely, confused, terribly scared, and her meeting a prophet had badly badly shaken her, as had it’s form and it’s message. Entering Nine and Dine, Ailynn simply wanted a decent sandwich, reaching the bar, she sat on one of the barstools with a groan of pain, and exhaustion. The weight of the world palpable on her shoulders. She looked up at the reflection of herself in the bar mirror opposite, and was horrified to see how she looked. Or she would have been, if she cared. Looking at the reflection in the glass infront of her, Caity's heart skipped a beat. Seeing someone who had once been so proud and strong looking so weary, it hurt her heart. Something had obviously happened to the First officer. Something bad and she took a breath before fixing a smile in her face and turning around, "Steak sandwich and a glass of red for the lady?" “Only if it’s a pint glass.” Ailynn sighed, wishing that she could raise a semblance of herself, and failing horribly. "Yeah, that's not going to happen. Not in this bar. Fruit juice?" Ailynn sighed. “You’re right. Just a fruit juice.” She shrugged. “The orange.” Her hand trembled slightly as she raised it to point to a jug. Noticing the shake but not wanting to acknowledge it, Caity poured her an orange juice. Fighting back the nagging feeling in the back of her mind, she handed her the glass, "So, I am not going to go with the trite how are you doing. Why don't you tell me why you came into the bar rather than hide in your quarters?" Ailynn looked up, and opened her mouth a few times to try to answer. She had nothing. “Honestly?” She managed eventually, “I haven’t ruled it out. I’m tired of being alone, but I used to not mind being in my own space, now though, I’m terrified of being around anyone, because I know that they’re all judging me for what I’ve done.” She felt her eyes fill, and a tear run down her cheek. “Also though I don’t want to be on my own because that’s when I start thinking again, dwelling.” More tears ran down her face. “I’m so scared.” Seeing the pain in her face, Caity's heart sank. Resisting the urge to pull her into a hug, hold her and tell her that everything would be alright, she simply stopped and listened. She held out her hand. “Look.” her hand still shook. “I’m a bloody brain surgeon...or I was.” Taking the shaking hand gently, Caity replied simply, "You still are." Caity’s hand was warm, and had a strength about them that only came from doing a manual job like she did. For the briefest of moments her spirits lifted, before sinking again. "I don't feel anything like it anymore." Letting go of the hand, she sighed, "Look, I don't know what happened. Haven't heard anything but I can tell you what I see." Ailynn nodded, and motioned to the mirror before speaking gently with a sad smile. "I can see what I look like, but let's hear it." "I see someone struggling with the weight of something they had to do. Someone who desperately wants to talk but doesn't know how and I see someone who, for the first time in a long time, feels lost." "I've always known what I wanted." Ailynn answered. "Knew what I had to do to get it. And now, I've done something, lots of somethings that go against everything that I stood for. I've experienced things that I'm not sure I understand or believe even happened. I've been lost before, but I don't even…" she shrugged again. "What? Don't even know who you are anymore?" "Sounds about right." She answered, taking a sip of her juice. "Which is good, because I cant associate myself with a murderer." Caity paused for a split second. Not knowing what to say, she took a deep breath and thought for a moment. "You maybe many things. A murderer? No. Whatever happened, and you don't have to say, happened. Now, what you do next is up to you. Do you wallow or do you fight on. If you ask me, you fight. Because the woman I see before me doesn't strike me as someone who gives up easily." Ailynn wasn't ready for this. As much as Caity was a great bar manager, and was fun to talk to, Ailynn didn't know her. "Look. I'm not being snippy, but can I get the sandwich to go? I'm...not ready" Caity wrapped the sandwich and handed it to her, "I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn. I didn't mean anything by it. I'm always here for a friendly ear if you ever need it." "Maybe." Ailynn sighed. We'll see." Realising that she had been off with the other woman, Ailynn spoke quietly. “Thank you Caity”, she then picked up the foil wrapped sandwich and nodding a thanks, left the bar. Headed toward the empty shell that her quarters had become. (Reply none) (Posted by Mark and Jackie (SPC) (USS Exeter – Nine to Dine – Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald - 2106) Ewan looked over at Yukie who was sitting across the table from him. They had been off duty for a while now and had not stopped drinking. They had been trying different types of whisky as well as some strange alcoholic green drink which was quite good once you got past the color. “….and there he was totally butt naked in front of the boss.” “Ow my how did she react?” “She was cool as can be and told him that he was out of uniform and that he should get back into one fast.” “That was lucky I am sure fleet admirals are now know for there sense of humor.” She giggled as she took another sip of whisky and then paused. “So I looked up the rime that your organization stands for you do know that they killed the albatross?” “Yes I do but its about…” “No stop, stop. I am too drunk to philosophical discussion about dead animals in rimes.” Ewan grinned. “It’s not like Starfleet does not have their own strange customs.” “That is true. To strange customs.” They chinked their glasses and drank. He saw her put the glass slightly unsteadily on the table. She then put her hand up to her face and moved it around as she gave a log sigh. “That`s me done for the night. Thanks, you for keeping me company and competition was close.” “It was not a race Yukie.” “It was and we totally need a rematch. Are you heading back?” “No I think I will stay for a little bit longer.” “Okay don`t stay up too late it’s a school night.” “Yes mum.” He smiled and gave a wave as Yukie headed out the door. He was sure that he would be seeing her in the morning like a bear with a bad head. He had been lucky if she had not had a head start on him it would have been a lot closer and he might have been then one heading home. He leaned back picked up the whisky and sipped it slowly as he looked out of the view port. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Exeter - Captain’s Quarters - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams and DR&SE Ashlyn Williams - 22:00) “Well that was certainly a weird evening, huh?” Trip said as he and Ash returned to their quarters. He made his way to the bed room and took off his uniform jacket. He returned to the living space and kicked off his shoes. “We have a daughter from an alternate future universe that’s my age.” Ashlyn sat at her dresser, and wiped the make up off her face, depositing the wipe in the recycler. She then removed the ear jewellery, that she now often wore. It had caused a massive stir amongst the Bajoran Officers and crew, some knew of the rumour of the hidden child, few believed it. So when that child appeared amongst them on the Exeter the shock was palpable. “I shouldn’t be shocked. You know that Aimee should only be 34?” Ashlyn stopped, and held the earring in the air, her attention distracted for a moment. "Yeah but Dale at least remembered having Aimee. We got a 23 year old daughter over night." "There is a subtle difference i admit." “I’m just remembering my life on Mars before the base reopened. It was strangely normal, I almost miss it. Weird stuff has been happening to me ever since we reconnected. I blame you.” "Funny, earlier I told Ailynn I blamed marrying a bracken." She slipped off her dress, and hung it back up on the hanger in the wardrobe, before catching sight of her reflection, and turning sideways, her hand resting on her abdomen. She then looked down, and started a mental countdown to the day she’d probably stop being able to see her own feet. "I mean, I've always felt a connection to her." Trip said as he poured himself a glass of bourbon. He then sat down on the couch. "Genetically yes, a version of us were her parents, but does that mean we are." "Now I think about it, it was weird how she entered our lives, and how much she clicked with Ailynn. Secret aside those two get on on such a deep level.” Sighing gently, but happily, she removed the rest of her clothes, and wrapped the silk robe around her tying it gently, before walking back through to the lounge, and sitting back in her favourite corner. Layla gave her a speculative look, and dashed over, tail wagging and hopped up onto the couch next to them. "I mean she feels like more of a sister than a daughter. To our son she'll be more an aunt then a sister." Ashlyn laughed gently. "Crazy Aunt Ronnie. He’s going to be a very lucky boy.” "But the thought of anyone hurting her makes my blood boil. The thought of her being alone for years without us breaks my heart." “I know.” She said, “Mine too. I mean, she’s been through so much already, watched Billions die, sent back to a previous version of her gran, to stay with until such a time that she could be with us. She’s had such a burden. Poor Soul. I think we’ll all look out for her that bit more." "Yeah…" She took his glass off him, and sniffed it gently. “No fair.” She said, handing it back, but snuggling in to his side. She giggled slightly “Gabe has got rather a problem hasn’t he.” "He better treat her right." He said with a laugh. He took a sip. "I just, who are we supposed to be to her? Am I supposed to be dad. Are you supposed to be mom. Are we supposed to parent her? It's odd." Ashlyn shrugged, “I’d say be what she needs to be. Mostly I think she simply needs to belong to a family, a dynamic will develop on it’s own. I’m too young to be Mom to a twenty something.” "Of course you're a sexy mama." “Flattery will get you everywhere. You know what I’m looking forward to seeing Mum try to get everyone into the dining room at Christmas. Especially by then, I’ll be taking up a but more room myself.” "If we're home for Christmas. It may just be us here. Well with Ailynn, Ronnie, Rissa, and Gabe…" he paused. "Though he's technically not my family so we can leave him out." He paused again. "Maybe." Ashlyn frowned. “Mean. We’ll just open up the Starlight lounge, and dress it up. I’m sure we can find a Tree somewhere.” Sighing deeply she smiled happily. “You have no idea how happy you’ve made this girl from the wrong side of 5th and Main.” "You know, the feeling is mutual." “I swear, Cerise Blake could walk in this room right now, and it wouldn’t alter my mood any. I am happier than I ever was in my wildest wildest dreams. As bizarre as my life has become, I wouldn’t change a single iota of it in any way.” She lifted up and kissed her husband. "Did you know Cerise ended up in Starfleet? Jimmy told me. They still keep in touch. She was in a terrible accident. Had to relearn to walk." “She made my life absolute hell. Not that she deserves that happening. I’m surprised that she’d have the staying power to commit to the Fleet. Learning to walk again though, do you remember how good she was at gymnastics? I’ll bet that was hard on her. Anyway, enough of bygones. In the morning can you have a chat with Ailynn? I worry about her, she’s a strong thing, but she’s been through things a bit. Just make sure she’s okay? She’ll tell things to you that she wouldn’t necessarily to me, just to protect me from worrying I suppose.” "I will don't worry." “Thank you honey.” "We should go somewhere with Ronnie when we get to Bajor. I think I'd like that. Family trip." Ashlyn nodded. “That would be lovely. Just us three. Well, three and a bit. The Western Forest is beautiful this time of the year, there’s cabins that are available." "Computer play Trip Playlist 30." Trip said as the computer began playing romantic instrumental jazz. Trip pulled his wife close. "Not gonna lie babe, looking at Ronnie, Drew's in luck. Our genes make beautiful people." “Yep. Your brains and my beauty, thankfully not the other way around.” She giggled, and lifted herself onto his lap. “I’m kidding. You’re right. They do.” "Not that I had any doubt." “He’s going to be a really lucky little chap. Going to have lots of Aunties and uncles to look out for him.” "Its crazy you know. Our family is truly bigger than we think. Thank the, umm, prophets for that." “Definitely.” She shifted on his lap, his arms around her. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” (Reply none) (Posted by Will and Mark) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and CSO Erin Cortez - 2230) Walking up to the door, Erin paused for a moment. After her conversation with the bar manager, Caity, she had been rattled. Hearing how broken Ailynn had looked, she knew that something had to give. Knowing that her friend had been there through one of her darkest times, she was determined to be there for Ailynn. Having said that, she also knew that this would not be an easy conversation. If it was one thing she knew about Ailynn, it was getting her to talk about something that was on her mind was a nigh impossible task. So, Erin had hatched a plan. Pressing the comm panel by the door, she waited for a moment. Ailynn had just sat back, just wanting a quiet hour or so to herself. , she’d just finished clearing up from the evening with Trip, Ash and Ronnie, and had just pulled off her dress and crashed back into the couch “Bugger off.” Sighing, Erin pressed it again, "Ailynn, open up." On a level she knew that Erin was a friend and was worried, and that did touch her heart slightly, but still. “I don’t suppose if I said that I was asleep you’d leave me alone?” "I can sit here all night if it takes that long. So, either open the door or be prepared to listen to me singing through the comm all night long." “Bloody hell you’re persistent. Enter.” Ailynn called out, standing up to greet her friend. SHe looked a mess, she knew, but at the moment didn’t care. Pulling her friend into a gentle hug, Erin's face remained stoic but her mind was shocked at the sight of her friend. "How are you doing?" She welled up. “I’ve...been better, long evening.” She pulled herself together. “So, did you just come by or did someone grass.” She was trying not to be testy, but she was emotional and tired, things that people who knew her, knew to avoid. "I came by to see my friend. Does it matter why?" She replied sitting on the couch. Patting the seat next to her, she continued, "park your ass down, miss Bracken and tell the truth. Because I can see you are holding back." Ailynn sighed. “Okaaaayyyy. Let me grab a quick shower and put some clothes on.” Stepping through into her bathroom she undressed and stepped in the shower. Washing the grime of the last day or so away. Afterward, she pulled on the gym kit that she habitually wore while she was just relaxing, and then stepped back through to the lounge. “Sorry.” she said as she sat down. "No apologies needed. Just talk to me." “I’m not great Erin. the last few hours have been...where do I start.” She paused, and drew breath. “I killed two people Erin. One of them was brutal. I’ve broken the most cherished vow I’ve taken.” Erin took a deep breath to allow her a moment to collect her thoughts. "Were you in danger? Both times?" “That’s a matter of open opinion. No, and yes.” "I know. I get that. Listen, I'm not one of those to sit here and tell you it will all be fine. That it will get better or easier. Heard that way too many times in the last year or so. It hurts. It never leaves you, even when it wasn't your hand that did it. For you, it's different." “More different than you know.” She hadn’t even mentioned the prophets yet. Sighing, Erin looked at her friend, "Ailynn, you know what happened to me. What I went through. You were there for all of it but even now there are things that you don't know. Things I haven't told you. I understand what you are feeling more than you can possibly imagine. " “I’m not sure you do...at least not in the same way. I know what you went through.”Ailynn retorted gently. Biting her lip to stop a retort that she knew would not help the matter, Erin stayed quiet thinking. She knew that Ailynn meant nothing by it but she was wrong. She didn't know truly. “Erin...we’re both scientists. If I were to tell you that I had a conversation with one of the prophets and saw the emissary, then I rather think you’d understand what I’m dealing with. The second one I didn’t just kill, I damned his soul to eternal imprisonment in the fire caves.” Her patience was getting pushed, and her tone snippy. "His soul or the Pah Wraith's? Two separate things and, if we are being honest, you were wrong." Ailynn opened her mouth to answer but Erin carried on. "Medically, you know what I went through. You don't know what I still go through so don't try to walk a mile in my shoes until you do." “It was both of them. His soul and the wraith had become utterly linked. To leave him the option of resting in peace would be to leave a doorways back through. Also, don’t presume to tell me what I don’t understand. I removed that thing. I read every counselling session that you had. I UNDERSTAND A LOT MORE THAN ANYONE GIVES ME BLOODY CREDIT FOR.” "DO YOU? YOU DON'T KNOW A DAMN THING! There were things I never told anyone. Things that I kept buried. Then there's the thought of what I did to you and to Ensign Frost." “DON’T YOU BLOODY DARE! ALL OF YOUR ACTIONS WEREN’T YOURS. YOU WERE CONTROLLED. MINE WERE A DIRECT ACT BY MY HAND.” Knowing something was coming from deep inside Ailynn, Erin stayed quiet. She could sense the breakthrough, almost physically. To her, it was like looking into a mirror. “THE PROPHET TOOK THE FORM OF MY FATHER OKAY? THE ONE THING THAT I ALWAYS WANTED I GOT, AND I CHOSE TO COME BACK, I WISH I’D NOT WOKEN UP. ~and there it is~ she thought to herself as she took a breath. ~that's what she was keeping from us. The fact she chose to come back rather than stay with her father.~ She collapsed. “And now I’m screaming at my best friend. I wish I was dead.” Dropping to her side, Erin pulled her friend into a close embrace and held her close, not saying a word. Ailynn felt Erin's arms envelope her and pull her in. The damn that she'd built up over the last day, two days, longer, broke. Her breath came in gasps. "I'm sorry for shouting." Her voice was at best a whisper, but she hadn't the breath to speak properly. "Shout at me all you want you silly woman. It's what I am here for." Ailynn said nothing, the comfort of Erin's hug slowly calming her down. "Look, I said most of that to provoke you. You needed to say it. Saying it is the first step in admitting what happened. " "I should be happy, and in part I am, its just that it hit me at the same time as everything else." "A, listen. I wasn't lying when I said that there were things I never said in those sessions. Things I keep buried. It wasn't just the fact Dulon took me over and basically used my body like a shuttle craft, it's what he left in here…" she tapped her head, "... that's the problem. " Ailynn nodded slowly. "You got him." "I got him, his memories. Every single person he experimented on, everyone he killed either directly or indirectly. I see them. What he did. I hear them in the dead of night sometimes. Screaming. Then… there's Remae." "Remae?" Erin nodded. "I have some of him in here too." Erin closed her eyes, "When I allow myself to think about it, I see both sides of what happened to him. I see Dulon doing what he did, feel his anger and revulsion at Admiral Remae. Then, I see the other side, I feel the pain, the terror, the thought that he would never see his wife again…." "Erin...I'm such a cow. How horrible for you." "So, whilst I may not have taken a life… in some ways I have. I see them most nights. The hundreds of them." "I can't begin to understand what you're going through. I'm so sorry." She paused for thought. "I've got counselling beginning tomorrow. I need help, and not just from my best friend." "Hunny, I told you that because you need to know that there is someone here you can say anything to. Trust me, it wouldn't be anything I probably haven't thought myself. I didn't say it for your sympathy. " Ailynn took a bite of sandwich, and after chewing and swallowing, spoke once more. "I know. I...look terrible don't I." It wasn’t a question, more Ailynn giving Erin permission to be honest. Which she knew she would anyway." "Honestly? You look like someone who has had to sit through the Klingon opera version of one of Trip's speeches." She replied with a wink. Laughing gently, Ailynn finished off her sandwich. Then almost as an afterthought, she twisted over her left forearm. "You notice this?" Furrowing her brow, Erin glanced at the design that was now on her closest friend's arm, "what in…. How…" Ailynn shook her head. " Erin, since we met we've seen each other in various states of undress, nights out, beaches you name it. Have you ever seen that tattoo before?" "Never. At least it's smaller than mine." "I didn't have it when I left for the mission. The prophets put it there as a lesson on how to move forward and defeat the wraith. Just one more reason I'm so rattled." "I can imagine. Having never met the prophets, I would be rattled. Although, given what happened with Dulon… I'm not sure they would want to meet me." "It's ancient Bajoran." She explained the meaning. " Its telling me I had to be a medic and a fighter. Both sides of the coin. Or a fulcrum in between." She sighed deeply. "Kinda scared" Smiling softly, Erin put a gentle hand on her friend's face, "A wise man once told me that the universe must have balance. For every dark, there must be a light. You be that light. That's what I think it means." Ailynn smiled, leaning on her friend's shoulder. "No pressure then." "None at all. Look at it this way, you have the prophets on your side. I have no cosmic entity in my corner." "Look. You got me. Erin... I...don't want to be alone." She spoke gently, squeezing Erin's hand. "Do you mind staying? I'll stay on my side. We can have a movie and popcorn, and slob in PJ's" Smiling widely, Erin nodded, "We could just act like kids and build a pillow fort, watch movies with popcorn and ice cream?" "Sounds great." She rested her head on Erin's shoulder again. "You're such a good friend. I'm so lucky." "Nah, you're just the poor person who got stuck with the crazy Hispanic woman as a friend. Sorry about that. " "No fair. I'm the neurotic one." She stuck her tongue out at her friend. "Besides." Ailynn continued. "Pity the poor soul who tries dating me." A thought crept into Erin's mind, something she had gleaned from a conversation earlier that day. Allowing herself a little smile, she kept her thoughts to herself knowing that her friend needed her rather than anything else. Her friend that had seen her at her worst and helped her. Now it was her turn to return the debt that she felt could never be repaid. As the evening grew to a close, Ailynn slowly began the long journey toward becoming more like her true self. It would be long, and arduous. But she knew that with the support she had, she'd pull through. (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie and Mark) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 19 Stardate: 2445.09.16 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter - Ready Room - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams and FO, Lt. SG Ailynn Bracken - 09:00) “Ailynn, take a seat.” Trip said as Ailynn entered into his Ready Room. “How are you doing this morning?” Ailynn half smiled. "Tired. Emotional. Medically I'm okay, save some pain that may be self induced. Trapped nerve or something. Going to need a whole heap of counselling. You?" “I’m still undecided on if I need counseling. But seriously though, are you ok? No rank, no roles, I’m asking as your best friend. Are you ok?” Ailynn sighed as she walked over to the replicator motioning toward it, a silently gesture asking if Trip wanted anything. “Hot chocolate, heavy marshmallows, whipped cream.” Passing his drink over she sat down, sipping at the orange juice. "Honestly?" She shook her head. "No I'm not. The worry has been eating up at me. Hiding what I did from my oldest friend, and most of my family. On top of that, meeting a prophet...marked by them...is hard to take." “I’m, glad you kept the secret. Timeline stuff is, well….messy.” "Erin came by last night after you left. Shouted at her, and that helped a bit. She stayed with me." “Shouted at her, bout what?” "She badgered me until I let loose and shouted to open up.” “Never badger a Bracken. Rule of life.” "She did it on purpose and I adore her for it. I didn’t tell anyone but her...the prophet took a couple of forms, but one of them was Mil. It took the form of my father." Tears ran down her face again. "Dammit." “Was it trying to taunt you? What did you talk about?” "That was the thing, it was comforting. I almost didn't want to leave." Quickly she recapped what the prophet had said, that she had had a task. “So what is this grand task, this quest? For lack of a better term.” "Not sure. I get the feeling that Jost was a major part. But he said there were others, other people I mean. I suspect that we'd get only tiny hints and it was up to us." “Maybe it’s the so called Empress Ronnie warned about.” "I'm a scientist, this doesn't make sense and I'm scared, and I just feel lonely." Tears once more. "I have friends you, Ash, Erin, and you're all great. I'm being silly and selfish." “Lynn, Ash and I aren’t your friends.” "Yes, I know" she smiled. “We’re family. It's more than just mere friendship. You’ll never be alone.” "I know. Its just...loneliness in my head. I'm being a brat. I'm just shaken. Counselling will help." “It should.” "So where to next?" She asked. “Well, one more merchant guild, then back to the wormhole. By my estimation, we’ll be back at Deep Space Nine in two days.” Nodding she stayed quiet a moment. Before drawing in breath sharply. "Reminds me actually." She passed two padds over. "My full report. One complete, the other missing out all the...what's the word... metaphysical beings." “Something like that.” "Ryelle gave his life for me. It'll take a bit to get past that." “It’s the job. The sacrifice play. Giving your life for someone else. It sucks when you’re the one left behind. You should talk to Ravok. Ensign Baker gave his life to save him at the Second Battle of Wolf 359. He might be a good sounding board.” Ailynn half smiled, but nodded. "That's good to hear. I will." “Lynn, it was hard, putting you in danger like that. But, if I need to, are you willing to be placed in danger again?” She looked at him and for a moment they were kids again, sat in the treehouse her legs and arms were long and gangly, and her elbows and knees were skinned. Ailynn found herself smiling "only because I'm the only one man enough to deal with the Ferplenian separatists while you have juice and cookies with the Ambassador." "Diplomacy is more boring" "Always." She smiled. "Im being serious here. We'll have some extended leave on DS9. Three or four days. I can give you longer if you need it." Shaking her head she drained the fruit juice. "I'll be fine. Just a lot to come to terms with. As I calm down and come to terms with things I'll be fine." "Kind of unfair in a way." "Oh?" "Starfleet giving us a ship with like no practical experience." "Thats a good point well made. If disconcerting." "But we did it. One mission down. But we need to remember something Ailynn. This isn't our victory. It's the crews." "I know, and rightfully so, we have a great crew." "Failure us on us, on me. But this victory its theirs. We have a %$!%$# amazing crew. As Unfair as our being thrown to the wolves may be, we are blessed indeed." "We are." She reached across and patted his hand. "Those wolves won't know what's hit them." (Reply none) (Posted by Will and Mark) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and CMO Ens(sg) Gabe Vesper– 0901) Ailynn stepped into sickbay, there was so much on her mind. She looked around her almost missing the days, not many weeks ago, where this would have been her domain. Not seeing Gabe on rounds out here, she went through to the office. The door being open already, she tapped on the frame and entered. "Come" Gabe called not looking up as he poured over the research notes he had. "Hey Doc. You wanted to see me. I've...I've got a lot of apologising to do." Looking up at the voice he smiled at his his sister "Not often the ships FO offers an apology to the ships surgeon, sit what's on your mind?" Gabe put his research away and poured her some water as she sat. Ailynn sighed as she sat. "Not here as FO. Well, not completely. I'm not taking to the CMO either exactly." "How you feeling?" "Stiff, but medically I'm okay. It's all the other stuff that's got to me." "Go on" he said sliding the glass across to Alyinn. "Ryelle." "Ah" The missing Dr had been a sore point in Sickbay, the loss of any of the crew is hard, but when someone so close is lost ripples of pain are sent across the ship. "He gave up his life for me. Willingly. I'd saved him. It was dioxotrase gas I think. I gave him a really powerful cocktail to sustain him. I couldn't have it because of the Dextrocardia. It should have killed me and saved him." Gabe sat, he had been on the planet when the autopsy was performed, he had missed most of his duties towards his fallen comrade as he himself was absent. Gabe stood "You're not here for a counselling session sis, so I won't give you one. But, you know as a Dr sometimes things are out of our control, I believe, truly that you were saved by Dr Ryele. This whole month has centered around things we don't nor will ever understand. I think for us it's harder, we don't have the link to our Bajoran heritage and from what I understand there are things here that have decided what and when stuff will happen. You want piece of mind I suggest you visit the temple on DS9, maybe one of the Orbs can help?" Listening to his own words Gabe knew where he would be going. Ailynn nodded. "I will, good idea" "Now, there is something else other than this isn't there?" "An apology for talking down to you back on the planet, and for being a cow as a patient. Wasnt cool." "You did what you needed to do; you were right, my role was to tend to those dying. Ailynn, I saw some horrible stuff happen to you and I'm not ready to relive it just yet" Gabe sat again sipping the water. Ailynn nodded. "There is one more thing." She pulled a small box, and put it into his hand closing it. It was a decision that she had made last night, but had been on her mind for a while "What's this, a promotion?" Gabe stopped and looked at his sister, she was suddenly different. "Open it." Her voice quiet and unusually gentle. "Ok" Gabe opened the box and looked at the contents unsure what to make of it, he pulled the jewelry out. "It was Dad's. I know you don't have anything of his, but I want you to have it. Please." She looked at him. An almost shy look of familial love. "I have his coat, that's all I need. This ear ring doesn't mean to me what it did to him. I only found out who he was recently; this is yours isn't it?" Gabe tried to make sense of even where she had gotten the piece from. "It was given to me by Emmi through mum. I didn’t understand it at all until I don't know when." She sighed. "Ryelle handed me his. He pinned it on my ear just before he died. To me that means just as much. But to you, Maybe a year...a decade from now...you may be ready. Or any children you may have. I don't feel that's mine anymore." She wanted to tell him, tell him about the prophet, about seeing 'her father'. At the last moment she clammed up. "If my having it means something to you, then I'll have it. This has been a very discovering mission for us all I think. One thing?" Gabe said taking the box and closing it putting it into his desk Her brother had his testy moments, but over the time she known him she'd grown yo adore him utterly. "Anything. You know that." "Be honest with me, always. You're my sister above everything else; we are family and this mission has taught me I need my family, we need our family." "I know. And I will. I'll always open up and share. Unless I absolutely can't do it." She rested her hand on his. "Can I ask you for something?" "Well, when you absolutely can't, I'll order you to on medical grounds" Gabe laughed. "Go on?" She laughed. "That is a pissing contest that can wait. Can a girl get a hug from her big brother?" She stood up and held out her arms. "A Bracken wanting a hug! I thought you guys were unbreakable, it must be the Greene influence making you soft" Gabe stood and hugged his slightly taller, slightly younger sister. "Now, tell me where to take Ronnie," Ailynn softened into the firm, familial hug. Smiling gently she shrugged. "Im not that much of an Ice Queen. I like warm hugs." She pulled away, and turned around to check. "As to my cousin, she's into you. Prophet's know why. But I get the impression that she doesn't mind so long as you treat her right. She's come from a place of sadness, show her...show her you...I'm not the one who's dating her 'G'. Take her dancing, or to a concert. There's a venue on DS9." She shrugged "That help?" "G….that better not catch on!" Gabe looked over his glass. “Good luck.” She smiled gently. “Look I’m going to get out of your hair, but seriously, thanks again.” "Just remember, get that counselling appointment every week, doctors orders." *I promise.” Ailynn hugged him briefly, turning and leaving the office, her day only just starting. (Reply none) (Posted by Mat H and Mark) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 21 Stardate: 2445.09.21. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< USS Exeter - Bridge - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 15:00) The Exeter was on her way back to the Alpha Quadrant. Her mission to eliminate the cult presence in the Gamma Quadrant was a success, the Genesis device had been dealt with, and they had made successful contact with old friends in the Gamma Quadrant and were bringing back a number of trade goods from the Gamma Quadrant to the Alpha Quadrant. His schedule once they arrived at Deep Space Nine would be a bit hectic, but at least his crew would get some much needed R&R. He also needed to sit down with Ailynn and go over the roster looking into personnel changes and promotions. It was looking ever more likely that Paul Sleeford, with his injury, would no longer be able to serve in Tactical. There was also the decision on what to do about the Tactical chief position overall, as they had received word from DS9 before crossing into the Gamma Quadrant five days prior, that ensign Dareshaa would not be returning to duty for at least three months and she would be sent to a rehabilitation center on Earth. He was contemplating a switch, moving Paul to OPS as acting Chief, and keeping Ravok in tactical, but he had time to figure it out. There was also going to need to be a conversation with Foxglove, but Trip was waiting to call Dale and his Dad for advice before figuring out what to do. Trip was also curious to return as they had encountered a shockwave that had emanated from the wormhole, hit the Exeter in a flash, and disappeared just as quickly. He wasn't sure what it was, but it seemed to be harmless and he was sure he'd find out the answers once they returned to the Alpha Quadrant. "Ensign Rodriguez, open a shipwide channel." "Si Capitan," Came the reply from the Spanish Ops officer. "I mean, Aye Sir." "No worries Ensign, I know enough Spanish to understand Si Capitan," Trip replied with a chuckle. "All hands this is the Captain, prepare for crossing the wormhole. We're going home." "Ensign Winters, drop us from warp and take us through the wormhole, full impulse." "Aye sir," was Ronnie's reply. Within moments the Exeter began entering the wormhole. (Location Unknown) With a flash Trip was no longer on the bridge of the exeter but was instead near a dock overlooking a pond. He looked around, wondering where he was. There was a solitary figure on the dock sitting with a fishing pole in the water. "Q?" Trip asked, wondering if this was some macchination from the Universe's most notorious trickster. "Don't insult me like that." The figure sad in an even keeled tone. "Come on old man, there is an extra pole, join me, the catfish are really biting today." Trip walked up to the figure and sat down. The back of his head had been obsucred by a fishing hat, but as he sat down and looked straight into the figure's face he knew who he was. "Holy $%#@, you're, you're, you're him." The figure laughed, "That I am. In the flesh so to speak." "You're Ben Sisko. Holy $#@% I can't believe it." "Well believe it son, here I am." "I mean I heard rumors that my first officer saw you, but I thought...well I didn't quite believe it." "Well I wanted to meet you." "Is it true you punched a Q, the Q in the face." Sisko chuckled. "I was not a fan of his shenanigans." "I'd have probably done the same thing." "I know, you have moxy old man, I like that." "So why am I here?" "I just wanted to have a chat." Sisko said as the scene shifted, they were on an empty baseball diamond. Sisko then handed Trip a glove. "I think this will be a bit more you scene." Trip placed the glove on his left hand as Sisko did the same. Sisko then took a baseball in his right hand and tossed it to Trip. "I see a lot of myself in you kid. The tenacity, the fire, the passion, the hubris, the anger, the obsession, the righteous indignation, and that ever important paternal instinct." Trip caught the ball and threw it back. "What do you mean?" "You have a lot of passion son, you care, and that's your best quality. But most of all you understand the importance of a team. Don't shut them out. But you know that." "I do." Trip replied as Sisko caught the ball and then threw it back, this time with a little more zip. "You're young, and you feel like you might not be ready, or deserve it, but you have that X-Factor, that drive. And you are open to the opportunity. I almost gave up the opportunity to command Deep Space Nine due to anger, regret, rage. But I didn't, and it was the best decision of my life. Always keep that openness son." "I will sir." Trip said catching the ball. It stung a bit. "You've got a hell of an arm for a dead guy, or are you dead, a spirit, an ascended being?" "Something like that." "I'll take that to heart sir.' "Not need to call me sir, son, Ben will do just fine." "I don't know sir...I mean Ben, it's hard to meet one of your heroes." Trip was going to throw the ball back but Sisko began laughing. "Hero," he said with a smile. "I guess I've been called that and then some. But you want to know the secret to being a hero." "Is there one?" "Of course Trip, the secret to being a hero is having a heroic crew. My crew were heroes, exemplary, without them, I'd have been a historical footnote." "I have been lucky in that department. My crew is the best. Better than I deserve." "Don't forget that son, your crew is your greatest asset. The best captains were the best, not just because of their ability, but because of their crew. The ability to inspire and get the best out of them. But also the knowledge that without the crew, you are nothing. You have to respect them. Be there for them. You have to be a father to them." Trip threw the ball back to Sisko. Once Sisko caught it the scene shifted and all around Trip he saw images of his crew, all 500 of them as children. He saw young Sleeford, young More, young Erin running through the streets of Santiago de Chile, Ravok floating around through a freighter with the artificial gravity off, Young Gabe reading a book, young Merek tinkering with some toys, Ire learning how to fly, young Adala collecting rocks, young Foxglove practicing martial arts, young Ailynn running through the Bracken vineyard. All 500 crew members passed before his eyes, Starfleet and Civilian alike, all inas young children, eager to learn, to love, to grow. "You are the father, they will serve you and treat you as well as you treat them. Never forget that son. Nurture them, help them grow. That is your most important task as Captain, your most important task as a person. To help those around you grow and be better. You want to be the best dad ever, I see it in your eyes. Being a good father to my son Jake helped me be a better Captain to my crew. Being a good captain to my crew helped me be a better to my son Jake. Never forget that. Never forget that being a captain is a sacred trust between you and your crew. Be there for them." "And Trip." Sisko said as Trip finally threw the ball back to him. "Yes sir.?..sorry again, I mean Ben." "Never lose your love for baseball." Sisko said, tossing it back. Trip laughed. "I'm not the star player anymore, huh, I'm the manager." "Yes, and it's your job to develop your players and put them in the best place to succeed. Life, linear time, it's all baseball. Never forget that." The scene faded once again. (Exeter Bridge) Trip was suddenly back on the bridge of the Exeter, within moments the Exeter passed through the wormhole and was back in the Alpha Quadrant looking at Deep Space Nine. They were home. "Ensign Winters, take us into Deep Space Nine." Ronnie nodded and set the course. Trip then looked down to his left hand. He hand't noticed it until then, but he was holding onto a baseball. He looked at it closer, an inscription across the middle that simply read, "Trust in your crew and they will never let you down. Best Wishes, Benjamin Sisko." ~Neat~ (End of Mission) (reply none) (posted by Will Banowsky) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<