Mission: Auld Lang Syne Day:01, 2, 3 Stardate: 2445.12.28, 2445.12.29, 2445.12.30 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Auld Lang Syne Day:01 Stardate: 2445.12.28 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Risa - Camellos Cafe - COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 11:00) (Risa - Medical Complex - Medical Officer, Ensign JG Katie Jamison, M.D. 11:05) (Rise - Camellos cafe - COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 11:06) (Rise - Camellos cafe - Medical Officer, Ensign JG Katie Jamison, M.D. 11;10) (Risa - Camellos cafe - COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 11:10) (Risa - Camellos cafe - Medical Officer, Ensign JG Katie Jamison, M.D. 11:15) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Auld Lang Syne Day:01 Stardate: 2445.12.28 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Risa - Camellos Cafe - COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 11:00) Sitting in the sun with his legs stretched out, the small cup of coffee, sitting going cold bu his elbow, Paul watched the world going by, The past twenty four hours had been a whirl for him, a happy whirl but intense never the less. Ordering another coffee he waited while the waiter removed the old one and replaced it with a fresh cup. Tapping his badge he called Katie. "Sleeford to Jamison" (reply Jamison) "I'm in Camellos when you've finished, I'll have lunch ready when you arrive." (Reply Jamison) While he waited Sleeford closed his eyes and felt the sun on his face, listening to the birds in the trees and the laughter of other people in the square. After what seemed like a lifetime he felt a hand on his shoulder, opening his eyes he saw Katie standing next to him. "Hi, How the guy on the gurney?" (Reply Jamison" Waiting for her to sit , Paul waited for the waiter to take their food and drink order. "I spoke to captain Williams, he can see us whenever it's convenient. I have Alpha shift tomorrow, since i've given all of Ops time off. ", Laughing ," Well they need the rest, their chief is a right tyrant" (Reply Jamison) (Risa - Medical Complex - Medical Officer, Ensign JG Katie Jamison, M.D. 11:05) Katie was sitting at her desk filling out paperwork from the case which had pulled her from Pauls side when her comm blipped. =/\= Sleeford to Jamison =/\= Katie smiled as she tapped her badge. Her gaze moved to the ring on her finger. She smiled as a thought flitted through her head. "Hello Handsome, what can I do for you?" She couldn't help but let out a slight laugh. =/\= I'm in Camellos when you've finished, I'll have lunch ready when you arrive. =/\= "I'm finishing up here and will be there as soon as I can." she thought to herself won't be soon enough. (Risa - Camellos Cafe - Medical Officer, Ensign JG Katie Jamison, M.D. 11:10) Katie stepped into the Cafe and saw Paul sitting at a table near the deck, his back was to her. She walked to his side and touched his shoulder. "Hi, How is the guy on the gurney?" She laughed as she sat across from him. "He'll live." she shook her head. "Do you think they will be able to get along without me?" While they waited for their order the conversation turned to their upcoming wedding plans. "I spoke to captain Williams, he can see us whenever it's convenient. I have Alpha shift tomorrow, since I've given all of Ops time off. ", Laughing ," Well they need the rest, their chief is a right tyrant" Katie laughed. "I don't think so, I think he's a perfect angel" She paused and then spoke again. "I haven't called my family yet." Truth be told she was afraid of what he father, Klingon that he was, would say, he'd had hopes of her returning to Qu'noS. (Reply Sleeford) (Rise - Camellos cafe - COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 11;06) Katie laughed. "I don't think so, I think he's a perfect angel", She paused and then spoke again. "I haven't called my family yet." Paul smiled, "I haven't either, I know mums going to freak, my sister will laugh and ask if your mad", Palu stopped and stared off into the distance for a second or two, laughing to himself, he shook his head, "The old man would ask if you where blind, daft or just plain mad, then laugh like a Klingon. He'd have been proud. Mums going to fuss over you like a mother hen. Jane will tell you all my secrets from childhood, the more embarrassing the better" (Reply Katie) As the food arrived Paul place his coffee on the table, "I need to decide on Dress uniform or suit. Most of the crew will have dress uniform, my bother in law won't he'll stand out and feel uncomfortable." (Reply Katie) Picking up his fork Paul started to eat his meal, he knew he had time to decide of clothes, their respective families needed to get to where ever they choose to get married, if on the Exeter it would take four days at warp to get here and that would make it into the new year, if Katie's family demanded the wedding on Qu'n'os, then it would take eight days from New Caledonia and the culture shock for his family would be a sight to see. (Reply Katie) (Rise - Camellos cafe - Medical Officer, Ensign JG Katie Jamison, M.D. 11;10) Katie laughed. "I don't think so, I think he's a perfect angel", She paused and then spoke again. "I haven't called my family yet." Paul smiled, "I haven't either, I know mums going to freak, my sister will laugh and ask if your mad", Palu stopped and stared off into the distance for a second or two, laughing to himself, he shook his head, "The old man would ask if you were blind, daft or just plain mad, then laugh like a Klingon. He'd have been proud. Mums going to fuss over you like a mother hen. Jane will tell you all my secrets from childhood, the more embarrassing the better" Katie laughed. "Wait till my brothers start telling you stories about my childhood. Being the only human made growing up a challenge and interesting." As the food arrived Paul placed his coffee on the table, "I need to decide on Dress uniform or suit. Most of the crew will have dress uniforms, my brother in law won't, he'll stand out and feel uncomfortable." Katie took a sip of her drink and replied "I plan on wearing my Klingon uniform, that is if you don't mind?" she looked at him, hoping he would understand her need to include what she considered her heritage in the ceremony. She ate slowly as her mind mulled over the issues she was sure would arise once her family heard about the wedding. However she had her own thoughts on this. She turned to Paul and smiled. "I would like to have the wedding on the Exeter. I know my family will want a full Klingon wedding but I don't want that. The Exeter is my home and extended family." (Reply Paul) (Risa - Camellos cafe - COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 11:10) Katie took a sip of her drink and replied "I plan on wearing my Klingon uniform, that is if you don't mind?" Paul looked across at the table and smiled , "I'm happy with that, It's part of who you are. As long as your father doesn't expect me to fight him for you" She turned to Paul and smiled. "I would like to have the wedding on the Exeter. I know my family will want a full Klingon wedding but I don't want that. The Exeter is my home and extended family." "Oaky. Sounds good, it makes sense, depending on where we are the distance to travel should be equal, to both families." Placing his fork on the table Paul sighed out loud, "Best man. Damn who do I chose, whoever it is someone is going to be annoyed I didn;t choose him. “ Sitting there Paul frowned he had several friends on the Exeter who could serve as his best man, choosing one would be difficult. Finishing his meal he smiled across the table, “ Shall we get your gear to the ship and you settled into your quarters” The last was said with a wink and a smile. (Reply Jamison) (Risa - Camellos cafe - Medical Officer, Ensign JG Katie Jamison, M.D. 11:15) Paul looked across at the table and smiled , "I'm happy with that, It's part of who you are. As long as your father doesn't expect me to fight him for you" Katie laughed. "He won't do that, he knows he'd have to fight me and not you. I will not let anyone put you in harms way." her tone joking, she hoped he could hear it in her voice. "Okay. Sounds good, it makes sense, depending on where we are the distance to travel should be equal, to both families." "I have no idea where my father and brothers are, they could be spread all over the galaxy. They all are part of the Klingon Defense Force and could be anywhere." Placing his fork on the table Paul sighed out loud, "Best man. Damn, who do I choose, whoever it is, someone is going to be annoyed I didn;t choose him. “ "Off the top of your head, who would you choose? and why? Don't second guess it." She turned her attention back to her meal as she thought about who she would want to be in her portion of the wedding party. “Shall we get your gear to the ship and you settled into your quarters” Katie laughed and shook her head at his wink. "I think that's a good idea. Although wouldn't it make better sense to get 'our' quarters, Instead of getting me settled in single quarters?" She nudged his foot under the table and smiled. (Reply Paul) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Auld Lang Syne Day:2 Stardate: 2445.12.29 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Auld Lang Syne Day:2 Stardate: 2445.12.29 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Risa- The Hare Lounge -SOPS, Lt. JG Billy Alexander, aACMO Ensign SG Heinrich Kruze, and MedIntern Lana Wakeman - 1200) (Risa- The Hare Lounge -SOPS, Lt. JG Billy Alexander, aACMO Ensign SG Heinrich Kruze, and MedIntern Lana Wakeman - 1207) (Exeter - Katies Quarters - Medical Officer, Ensign JG Katie Jamison, M.D.& Krul- 1610 ) (Risa - Suraya Bay - beachfront - Ensign Rylee Page & Ensign Zot -2000 ) (Risa - Suraya Bay Casino -The Golden Coconut Casino and Resort CMO, Lt. JG Gabe Vesper and ACFO, Lt. JG Ronnie Winters- 2145) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Auld Lang Syne Day:2 Stardate: 2445.12.29 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Risa- The Hare Lounge -SOPS, Lt. JG Billy Alexander, aACMO Ensign SG Heinrich Kruze, and MedIntern Lana Wakeman - 1200) The large room had a rectangular shape. In the center of the room was a long table, with twenty-five chairs. At the head of the table was an elderly turtle with a monocle and a scarred shell. Behind the turtle were two younger and far more menacing turtles. Heinrich felt like he had seen the man before but couldn’t piece where. The table had plates and utensils set up for each of the seats, and five large bowls of salad. “Welcome Dr. Kruze, and Dr. Kruze’s friends.” The turtle said while standing up. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mr. Turtle, and these are my associates, Titian and Tintoretto. I believe you are here to make an arrangement?” For the first time Heinrich felt something was very, very wrong. What turtles eat salad? This had all the makings of a trap. As soon as the turtle from the entrance made his way to the door they’d be trapped. There was no other way out. He looked to Billy to see if he sensed the same things. Billy smiled, “So Mr. Turtle, what can we do for you?” “It’s not what you can do for me, it’s what I can do for you…” Mr. Turtle began to say. “You know what I was just thinking?” He said as he turned to Kruze. Billy then spoke in a hushed tone so only those in the room could hear. “Good buddy Kruzing USA, how would you like to my parents Ranch on Earth, some of the best barbecue on the planet. And I know it doesn’t sound all that tasty, but my dad makes a great rabbit stew.” Heinrich hated being called Kruzing USA, but he immediately figured out where Billy was going. “Why I love a good rabbit stew.” “Mr. Turtle, would you like some rabbit stew?” Billy whispered. “Rabbit what?” Mr. Turtle asked, clearly bothered. “Rabbit stew. A nice broth, with potatoes, carrots, some chives, onions, bell peppers, and bacon. Got to love the bacon. Do you like rabbit stew Lana?” "It's been a long time" She said, playing along but not actually sure what was going on. “So Mr. Turtle, do you like rabbit stew?” “We Terrapins don’t eat rabbit stew.” Mr. Turtle said sternly. “The very idea is disgusting.” “And why is that?” “We are not here to talk about rabbit stew. We are here to talk about the urn.” Mr. Turtle said trying to change the topic. “You know what I think Mr. Turtle, I think you don’t want to eat Rabbit Stew, because you’re not even a turtle at all, you’re a Lepidian using a holoemitter to mask your appearance.” Mr. Turtle’s monocle popped out of his eye. “I beg your pardon!” “You heard me.” Billy said with a smile. “Look at your salad.” Billy said. He knew a lot about different planetary cuisines due to spending a year on Mars as the Aide to Remae Ktell. He had even hosted dinners on separate occasions for Lepidian and Terrapinian delegations. “My salad?” “See you have what'sa known as Lepidia Spinach in your bowl. It is a black spinach native to Lepidia. There is a chemical in the Spinach however that is native to the planet. That chemical, if ingested by a cold blooded creature, like a Terrapinian, causes immediate and painful diarrhea. And you my good friend do not seem to have the squirts.” “I see.” Mr. Turtle bowed his head and began to laugh. “You got me.” Heinrich, sensing that things were about to go south fast hit his combadge and whispered into it, =/\= Sytuk, we’re going to need you ASAP. Come to our coordinates. =/\= “No, I am not Mr. Turtle. And yes, I am using a holoemitter.” He took out a remote and pressed a button. “But that’s not all.” The holoemitter’s illusion dropped, revealing that Mr. Turtle was not a male turtle at all, but a female lepidian in a red dress. Behind her were two large and muscled lepidians, with phasers unholstered. “The name’s Hare. Lola Hare. And I still want to come to an arrangement.” "The only way this could get any weirder would have been if your name was Jessica." Lana found herself saying. "So is there a Mr Turtle?" “Yes, there is a Mr. Turtle.” Lola said. “And he would very much like this urn. But I beat him to it.” "So...a deal is still on, are the phasers necessary?" “That all depends, are you willing to deal?” Lana turned to Billy and Heinrich, and shrugged. "I have no issue, this is your gig gentlemen." Billy sat down and smiled. “Alright then, tell me why do you want the urn?” “Because it’s mine, and Dr. Kruze here stole it from me.” Lola said. “Look here! I didn’t steal a thing!” Heinrich shouted, offended by the suggestion. “I woke up this morning and there it was!” “Wow. What a story. I believe you.” Lola’s flat affect suggested she did not, in fact, believe him. “Why would I steal an urn from the late 20th century used in pretend pugilism?” “You’re the only one who can answer that question. Let’s stop beating around the bush. You have what belongs to me, I want it back.” She unholstered her phaser. “So here’s the deal I propose. You can give it to me, or I take it.” “Now, now Lola, do you really want to do that?” Billy said with a shrewd smile. “Would you really risk harming the son of a Starfleet Admiral. With at least 50 Starfleet Officers of Lt. Commander rank if not higher on planet for a conference. With an Exeter class ship in orbit, that would have no qualms taking you into custody, dead or alive. Is that something you are really willing to risk?” “Whether I want to do it or not is immaterial. There are things we all have to do.” Lola said matter of factly. “You say its your, lets be reasonable, do you have proof to back your claim?” “Well…” (Reply Rob) (Risa- The Hare Lounge -SOPS, Lt. JG Billy Alexander, aACMO Ensign SG Heinrich Kruze, and MedIntern Lana Wakeman - 1207) “That urn is mine!” Heinrich turned to see Mr. Turtle and his entourage storming through the door. “That woman is a thief!” “I’m a thief?!” Lola shouted, “You watch your tongue Turtle! You know that urn rightfully belongs to the Hares!” “Well, right now this urn belongs to me.” Heinrich interjected. “And I want to know what is going on.” “Ah, Dr. Kruze, we meet again.” Mr. Turtle said. Heinrich had no recollection, though he did think he looked familiar. “I see this Jezebel must have planted the urn on your person for safe keeping. Luckily, since you arranged for the meeting on fBay and I was able to track you all and get back what is rightfully mine.” “I’m gonna tell you the same thing I told Lola over there.” Billy said with a smirk, “Can you provide proof of ownership. We are on a Federation Member world, Kruze is a Federation citizen. Therefore if you have an issue with whether it is stolen or not, you should follow the procedure for getting missing or stolen property back according to the laws of Risa and the Federation. And part of that is proof of ownership.” “I didn’t come here with receipts! I came to get back what was stolen from me!” Mr. Turtle shouted indignantly. “Absent proof of ownership from either of you, I’d say shut your mouths. Kruzely here is a fair guy, so if you can tell him why each of you want the Urn, he can figure out who to sell it too. Unless either of you can show proof that you own it.” Heinrich hated being called Kruzely, and was beginning to wonder when Billy would either run out of nicknames or settle on one. “That’s right!” He said, Billy’s courage becoming his own. “I don’t have any use for this thing, and I’m more than happy to deal.” “This thing?!” Lola said. “That thing contains the ashes of my great great great great uncle Chungus. It belongs in our family.” “I rightfully acquired the urn from Galactic Wrestling Entertainment. It is a wedding gift, and I can’t be married unless I present a wedding gift!” Mr. Turtle said. “You know full well the urn was in my family for centuries!” “You know full well your great grandfather sold it back! You stole it from me just as I was about to be married, and put it in the hands of Dr. Kruze here!” Lana looked around the room, she sat herself of Lola’s desk, and swung her feet as the chaos erupted around her. A large number of things were hitting her brain, and none of them were actually making any sense. “Okay...So Donatello here is claiming that it was stolen. You...Space Jam, unless my guess is off, this urn is 400 years old and from Earth, which although having Leporine animals aplenty.” she caught Billy’s eye. “High school latin. Never leaves you.” Turning back to the room. “Where was I...Ah yes. ...Leporine...none of them have become wrestlers.” “We are big fans of the sport of kings!” Lola protested. “There’s a fair way you know...of settling this?” She picked up a bottle on Lola’s desk and after reading the label took a long drink from it. “What say you Big H?” Heinrich liked being called Big H, “Yeah, I think we can come to a fair arrangement. I don’t even want this thing. I don’t know what an underseller is…” “Undertaker.” Lola and Mr. Turtle interrupted in unison. “Yeah whatever,” Heinrich said, “point is, I only have this because Lola slipped it on my person while I was drunk. I never wanted it. Lola, you want the ashes. Mr. Turtle, you want the urn. How about I give you the ashes, I give you the urn, and we call it even?” Mr. Turtle seemed happy with this arrangement, but not so much Lola. “Then where will my great great great great uncle Chungus’ ashes rest?” “Well, I have an idea.” Billy said. “How bout you put the ashes in a temporary urn, and then take a trip to Earth, to a place called New York City in the former American state of New York. There you can release ashes at the Madison Square Garden Memorial museum, where some of the greatest matches ever took place.” “Hmm… I do think Chungus would have liked that…” Lola mused. Lana looked at Mr Turtle, the alcohol had kicked in, but if anything it had cleared her mind. “How did you get in here without getting shot? There were chronies at a lot of those tables out there.” “That ‘muscle out there’?” Mr. Turtle laughed. “Total fake.” “Who are you going to marry Mr Turtle?” “Ms. Marjorie Box. I doubt you’d know her, but she’s from one of the more important families on our planet. And I can’t marry her without a gift. And she, too, loves that old earth sport of kings.” Lana was heartbroken. “Dammit, I was so hoping that you were marrying Spacejam here, that made so much sense. ” She turned to Lola. “You wouldn’t happen to have Ali’s gloves kicking about?” “Ali?” Lola asked. “Never mind...Here’s the thing.” She took another drink from the bottle on Lola’s desk. “DO you have anything that you could you know...trade? You’re a Leporidian of fine tastes in the...wrestling...arts...you want the urn, Raphael wants something for his wife to be. Fair exchange as they say...is no robbery.” “If Mr. Turtle will remove the ashes and pay for my trip to Madison Square Garden I will let him have the urn.” Lola said. “Madison Square Garden, eh?” Mr. Turtle mused. “I think I can arrange for that.” “So do we have a deal?” Heinrich asked. “I think we do.” Lola said. “Good.” Heinrich gave a sigh of relief. “I don’t think we need to involve ourselves any further. Just shake on the deal and I’ll give you both the urn.” Lola and Mr. Turtle eyed each other suspiciously as they approached. There was a pregnant moment when it seemed anything might happen. They shook hands. Heinrich took out his knapsack and produced the urn. “Here you go.” He placed it on the table and stepped aside. “Now if you’d excuse us, I think it’s time to go.” Billy stood up and made his way to the door. As they were leaving he turned to Lana and smiled. “Well done acting ensign, not only do you have great grades but you can keep yourself cool in the face of danger or absurdity. I’m proud of you L-Dawg.” Lana smiled and skipped happily. “Well Kruze nuggets, I guess we figured out the Urn mystery. Now let’s keep ourselves sober for at least the rest of the day.” “Hey! Who’s Tom Brady?” “A true Michigan Man, greatest earth quarterback of all time. Why do you ask?” Heinrich said. “It’s totally written on this ring I’ve just found in my pocket. Look.” Billy looked at the two of them, sighed, and took a deep breath “Lana, let’s just keep that one our little secret. Congratulations, you just got yourself a brand new piece of jewelry.” “Yeah, there’s like nine of those, I don’t think anyone’s going to miss it.” “Cool. Mementos.” She hugged ‘Big H’ and gave Billy a playful kiss on the cheek, walking happily between the two of them. As they left, Billy smiled. “All in a good day’s work.” (Reply none) (Exeter - Katies Quarters - Medical Officer, Ensign JG Katie Jamison, M.D.& Krul- 1610 ) Katie looked around her at the mess which was her quarters, the crates and boxes scattered around, some full and others in the process of being filled. Then she pulled herself back to the here and now, and the call she’d have to make. Katie, although excited and happy about her upcoming wedding, even before the plans were completed. The hard part was what she was doing now. Yes, her family would be happy for her … eventually. But, she knew too that her decision to marry … she let that thought fade as she sat down at the desk and tapped the comm, opening a long distance link to Qo'noS. A short time later the link was made and her fathers face appeared on the screen. (NRPG: using https://omniglot.com/language/phrases/klingon.php, if you know a better site or a better way to say things please change them as you see the need) RPG: “qaleghqa'mo' jIQuch Father” she paused, just a bit too long. =/\= qaleghqa'neS puqbe'. How have you been? Good I hope.=/\= “I am well Father, I do have some news to share” Wondering what it could be he repostined himself in his chair. =/\= We don't hear from you for nearly 2 months. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.=/\= She bit her lip and got down to the business of filling him in. She knew she’d have an earful of colorful language once she was done, probably before she was done speaking but she steeled herself for it and forged ahead. “Father, I am getting married …” Krul looked down and slammed his fist on the table in front of him. =/\= I...wasn't expecting that. What is his name ?=/\= He asked not really sure how to feel Katie was his daughter and for that reason alone he was protective of her. Katie stifled a laugh as she answered her fathers question. “His name is Paul Sleeford, he’s Chief of Operations on the Exeter.” =/\= Paul Sleeford? That doesn't sound like a klingon name at all.=/\= Krul replied. He always knew that Katie would possibly end up with a non klingon. His only hope however was that whoever she ended up with in life that he treated her with honor and respect. She knew what he was thinking, “He is a wonderful man, and honorable.” Katie also knew the hardest part would be when they actually met each other. She knew how her brothers would react and she had to be ready to step between them if she had to. She could still kick her brothers behinds and they knew it. Krul stared at Katie on the screen. =/\= Wonderful ? =/\= he asked rhetorically. =/\= Wonderful doesn't defend your honor. Wonderful doesn't keep you safe ,but at least he's honorable.=/\= Katie was starting to feel anger rising within, this was natural and necessary when talking to her family. “He will defend my honor, he will keep me safe. Maybe not the same way you would Father, but he will in his own way. He is not Klingon like us. His ways are different. But they accomplish the same thing.” He could hear the steely edge on her voice as she spoke. A noise could be heard in the background in Krul's home. =/\= Great, your brothers are home from their targ hunt. =/\= Krul said with a sigh knowing he was about to witness a war unfold. “Let me talk to them Father, I should be the one to start this.” she knew what would happen when they heard of her decision to marry a Human. Before her father could say anything her brothers Reth'ahk and Akr'ash walked in and saw their sister on the view screen. Akr'ash's face lit up with a smile, while Reth'ahk folded his arms and looked at the clutter behind Katie. =/\= Katie , How are you ? =/\= Akr'ash asked. Katie swallowed and smiled at her brothers. “I’m doing great Akr, how did the hunt go?” =/\= Judging from the mess behind you. I can see that Starfleet doesn't inspect their officer's quarters=/\= Reth'ahk laughed. =/\= Shut up Reth.=/\= Akr'ash said, punching his brother on the shoulder. =/\= The hunt went good we killed 4 targs.=/\= Akr'ash informed her. Katie made a comment under her breath at her older brothers comment, knowing he’d get the jist of it. “My quarters are normally cleaner than this, but I am in the process of moving to .. larger quarters.” came her reply Krul stood up and backed away from the screen so that her brothers could get closer. =/\= Larger quarters? Did you get a promotion?=/\= Akr'ash asked. Reth'ahk sat his hunting bag down on the floor , keeping his eyes on Katie. Katie swallowed, knowing what was to come. “No, .. I’m getting married.” Not that she was afraid of her brothers, she wasn’t. But the outburst that was to come and the ensuing ‘verbal battle’ would cause some toes to curl. Reth'ahk turned away and Akr'ash looked confused. =/\= You met a klingon in Starfleet?=/\= Akr'ash asked. Katie straightened slightly as she responded. “No,he’s not Klingon, he’s human.” Reth'ahk flipped a table in a fit of rage =/\= yIjotchoH !!! { CALM DOWN} =/\= Their father yelled as he stepped to Reth'ahk. =/\= She is marrying a HUMAN=/\= Reth'ahk roared in anger and pointed to the screen. Katie laughed then, and shook her head, letting off a string of something that sounded harsh, she slipped so easily into the language she grew up hearing. “Reth, shut up and listen to me.” her tone commanding and one she had learned she had to use to get them to give her a chance to speak or to act, especially when they were acting stupid, which when they were kids happened a lot. Reth'ahk looked at the view screen. His piercing green eyes looked past his black hair as he breathed heavily. Akr'ash hung his head and sat down. Katie sighed and took a deep breath, “This is a choice I made, with my heart. My heart which is physically human, but emotionally Klingon. I did not make this choice without much thought” =/\= A human man will never be able to treat you like a kli…=/\= Reth'ahk paused. He felt his heart ache in his chest. After the momentary pause. =/\= Like a klingon=/\= To him katie was klingon she was raised with them, but a part of him always knew deep down inside that she was always human. He just never viewed her that way. “Reth, he will treat me with honor and respect and all those things we hold dear. He knows deep down that I am as Klingon as you are. I may not have the ridges or the thick skin.” she laughed “But he knows I am from both worlds. You are family, you are the only family I have ever known. I am and will bring honor to our house.” She grew silent as she watched her family on the screen. Krul looked at his sons. Reth'ahk felt his heart ache turn into rage. =/\= The day you joined Starfleet is the worst day of my life...Human=/\= Reth'ahk said and stormed out of the house. =/\= Reth don't say that=/\= Akr'ash said but his words came to late his brother was gone. Katie muttered under her breath and thought to herself ~maybe I should have just not said anything and gotten married without the blessings, or curses from my family.~ She took a deep breath and sighed. “I’m sorry.” She knew she failed her family, failed herself, her beliefs and views. Krul and Akr'ash both looked at her on the view screen. =/\=Katie, don't be sorry. You found love. I know you're not an idiot, you are the smartest one in this family and I know you wouldn't just jump to marrying the first man who looked at you. If whoever this man is won your heart, a klingon heart then I welcome him as a brother. =/\= Akr'ash said and smiled. “I can’t wait for you and Father to meet him. Not sure about Reth though. I might have to keep them separated until the wedding.” =/\= Besides if this man breaks your heart I know you'll break every bone in his body=/\= Krul said with a laugh. Katie laughed. “If he breaks my heart, I’ll be the first one to take a crack at him Father, you will have to wait in line.” Her father laughed. =/\= That's my girl. You may wear their uniform but inside that chest beats the heart of a Klingon .=/\= Katie smiled at her father “I will straighten him out when I see him.” =/\= I'm happy for you and afraid for him.=/\= Akr'ash said jokingly. “Akr, I will let you pick up the pieces after I am through with him.” =/\= Great leave me with the mess.=/\= He laughed and touched the screen. =/\= Be well Sister. =/\= Katie touched the screen and smiled at her brother. “Be well Brother.” Akr'ash stood up and walked away. Krul looked at the screen. =/\= I have to go find your brother before he makes a fool of himself. You know how he is, quick to anger and even quicker to get into trouble.=/\= “Good luck with that Father.” she sighed but shortly smiled at him, “I can’t wait to see you.” =/\= We will see you soon. =/\= Kru said ending the transmission. ( reply none) (Risa - Suraya Bay - beachfront - Ensign Rylee Page & Ensign Zot -2000 ) Walking down onto the beach, Rylee was a little confused. Having received a mysterious summons from Zot earlier that day and been told to dress up, she had walked onto the sand with her hands holding up the hem of her long silk, silver gown. Taking a breath, she looked around for a moment. Not seeing him, she smiled to herself and stood, looking up at the stars, a contented look on her face. Walking up behind her Zot looked up at the sky as she did. " Hello" Rylee turned and hit him gently, " You should not sneak up on a girl like that." " I am sorry , I did not mean to startle you." Zot said apologetically. Smiling softly, she leant up and kissed his cheek. "So, how do I look?" " You look good. " He said looking harder at her shoulders. " Your blood vessels near the surface of your skin have dilated, perhaps you spent too much time in direct sunlight without the correct exposure. If discomfort arises I can assist you in applying gel from an evergreen perennial." "You mean aloe Vera?" " Yes Aloe vera, I understand its use as a topical ointment is shared by many." Zot responded. "It is." She smiled softly. So, what are we doing here? I assume that this is not our final destination?" Zot held out his arm to her " If you would follow me, our boat awaits." "Our boat?" He pointed towards the inlet pier. " That boat. " Zot answered. The boat that was waiting for them had a canopy and was lit up beautifully with purple and soft blue lighting. Rylee gasped as she saw the boat. "It's beautiful. : " It's dinner. " Zot responded, walking her to the boat. "Zot, why…. This is amazing. " Confused he titled his head and shrugged his shoulders. " Why wouldn't I do this ?" "I've never been treated this way. I'm just… I guess a little nervous. " Rylee said as he helped onto the boat. " There is no need to be nervous, in the unlikely even the boat is no longer able to stay afloat we will have emergency response units beam us out of the water." Rylee smiled. Zot had learned a lot in the last few weeks but still retained that almost childlike innocence and ability to misunderstand. Walking under the canopy there was a table and small kitchen area. Looking around, Rylee's face furrowed a little. "I've read about these places. This is different. Where is everyone else… never mind that, Where's the cook?" " The boat is self guided." Zot said as he pulled a chair out for Rylee. " As for who is cooking the meal." Zot grabbed an apron and tied it around his waist and made his way to stand behind the cooking unit. " I will be cooking your meal." "You… are cooking?" She asked as she sat down, "But… I don’t understand…" " Since my sense of taste isn't as...developed as yours. I will be eating less savory menu options. I have however researched a wide array of meal options and although I can not taste my own cooking or smell the finished result I assure you I will be able to see if the meat is thoroughly cooked all the way through by seeing its temperature output." Smiling softly, Rylee fixed her dress as she watched him, "You can see temperature?" " Yes I can see temperature variances, I thought I told you that." He smiled. "Probably did. But I get lost when you count spots sometimes." She replied winking. " We have a selection of raw foods to choose from. We have Steak, poultry, beef varieties from 11 different worlds including local options here on Risa. There is also a seafood selection with delicacies from Betazed, Bajor, Earth, Salho 3 and 4 and options from a beautiful romulan colony world known as Vkea 2 . Here's a complete list of menu options." He said handing her a menu. "Oh wow… you did all this for me?" " Well I certainly didn't arrange this for anyone else." Zot remarked "How… wait…. When did you do this?" " How? I contacted the resort. When? Yesterday at 1300 hours." He answered. "But again, why?" " You ask how ,you ask when , you ask why. What's next ? Who and what? " Rylee nodded. "I'm sorry. I know I ask a lot of questions. " " It's my way of showing you that I care. So please just try to enjoy this without making this an interrogation of my efforts. I do this because I love you, that answer for all its simplicity should be enough." He said. "It is. It really is. I suppose I'm just not used to being treated in this way." " Whoever didn't treat you 'this' way is no longer a factor in your life. I have for months treated you with respect and kindness. I am not the failings of your past." "Some just want to say that they have counted the spots, others just want the physical. You.. you want me. Not my body, me." Zot leaned across the cooking unit and squinted his eyes at her. " I do not see elevated hormone levels. So please stop and relax Rylee. You deserve to unwind and have a being with no sense of smell and 3 percent of the total number of taste buds you possess to cook your meal. " he joked. " Now please tell me what you want. " "And I'll stop now. Could the lady request the seafood?" Zot nodded. " Might I suggest the Bourbon-Glazed Salmon. It is Brown sugar and bourbon combined to create from what I understand ,the perfect sweet and smoky flavor that infuses this apparently already-flavorful fish. With a side of Scallop Piccata with Sautéed Spinach with options for angel hair pasta, linguine or brown rice. The choice is yours ." "Angel hair pasta sounds delicious.So, I do have a question, if the chef can be disturbed whilst cooking?" She grinned. " Of course " Zot said as he readied the dish and began the prep work. "How would this work on your world?"" " Cooking? We are vegetarians and eat fruits like berries or Sogi which is almost like a banana on earth in appearance..." "Romance." She interjected while he was talking. " Oh " she caught him off guard. " We don't romance, we have societal needs that need to be met to ensure proper procreation and the overall longevity of our race. True a certain level of romantic undertones occur while being assigned a suitable mate, but we don't write poetry to seduce or sonnets to enchant the soul. " He explained "Oh really? A lot of joined trill feel the same. They don't actively seek romance. Seems strange to me because romance, falling in love is just one of the best feelings in the world." " It is our way. What I am doing now is me being free to make the effort to cherish you for who you are. " Zot said with a smile. "For someone who doesn't know about romance, you certainly do know how to charm a girl." " I read a lot. The literary options available to me here in the federation are plentiful and since most of the population sleeps and I don't , I have found plenty of down time to read and expand my horizons. Romance novels interested me a great deal because for all our accomplishments as a race we Eunepians seem to have fallen short on things like passion, desire...even romance. We can traverse the stars ,even upload our consciousness to…" He stopped himself. A look of dread came across his face. He was so distracted with meal prep that he almost said too much. " I'm sorry" "What for?" She asked, genuinely interested " No it's something I shouldn't have said." Zot said, hoping to change the subject. Eunepian death practices were a costly guarded secret. Sensing that this was something that shouldn't be pushed, she nodded and smiled, "I must admit. There are things about my own culture that, I am ashamed to say, I don’t know a lot about." " Like what ? " He asked, hoping to take the pressure off of himself. "The joining. I have heard about the procedure but never witnessed it. It is an almost closely guarded secret. When I was young, I often wondered what it would be like." " From what I understand the joining is performed by surgical means. Symbiote is placed in the abdomen and connections are made to the nervous system and brainstem of the host, perhaps there is more involved. " Zot noted as he continued making her meal. "I know the technicalities of it. It's not that I mean. I've been told by those who have seen the blending that it's quite spiritual. I mean, you receive any number of additional memories and personality traits." She paused for a moment. " What's wrong?" He asked as he worked on the bourbon glazed salmon. "I have always thought about being joined but, the fact that you gain so much makes me scared." " I can see the issue." "With all this added memory, how much of me would be left? Would I be me? Would I be the woman you fell in love with if it happened?" " You would be there, but you would simply be more. You wouldn't be any less than you are now." Zot said as he began work on the angel hair pasta noodles . "Sorry, I'm rambling. Spoiling this amazing evening you have planned." " You are not rambling. I enjoy hearing you talk, much more preferable than your snoring." He joked. "I don't…. " " That was a joke. You do not snore. You mumble." Zot said as he seared the scallops . "I talk in my sleep? That's disconcerting. I hope I don't say anything too embarrassing." " You talk about food." He laughed Blushing, Rylee turned her head to look at the ocean. "Oh… that's… great. Now you really must think I am crazy." " It's hard to understand the rest, I'm hard of hearing. You whimper but then I just squeeze you a little and you stop." "Squeeze? That explains the lemonade dreams and fresh orange juice craving. " " Really?" He asked with a laugh. "I'm joking!" Rylee smiled inhaling deeply, "that smells so good. " Zot watched her smell the food that he was making her. " How would you describe it? " "The food or the smell?" " I have never smelled anything in my life. Describe it to me. " He stated Smiling, Rylee leant forward, aware of the neckline of her dress and inhaled deeply, "it's a mix of sweet from the glaze, the fish smells like… I can't describe it. It is just heavenly. " " I see. " Zot said. He didn't know what glaze tasted like. Of all the senses, taste seemed to be the one that eluded him the most. "So, tell me something… do your family know about us?" He paused as he began plating some of her meal. " They know what they need to know. " "Sounds ominous." Zot shook his head and sighed. " They are concerned and have stated that the council of our community structure made a poor decision when they selected me to apply to starfleet. They are even more concerned that I will have no heirs to carry on our biological line." Sighing, Rylee picked up a glass of water and stared at it for a second, "I'm sorry." " Don't be sorry, I'm not. returning home to mate and produce offspring means I will be expected to spend 10 years developing the child with the help of community then after that…" He paused and made an expression that he had something more to say " It would be impossible for me to ever leave." Looking at him, Rylee saw the look on his face. Smiling softly, she knew there was something on his mind but also knew that Somethings are better left unsaid. " Do your parents know ? " He asked. "They do. They were surprised but they are interested in meeting you." " I am interested in meeting them as well." Zot said as he started laying food in front her "I think my dad mentioned a talk he may want to have.." " With me?" "Yes with you." Rylee said with a smile. " I suppose he wishes to assert his dominance over me and give me a veiled warning that if I hurt you that he will hurt me." Zot stated "Either that or he may just want to find out about the person his only daughter is dating and has been talking about a lot." " I see." Zot responded as he sat neither plate in front of Rylee. " You talk a lot about me ?" "Maybe…" Rylee blushed furrowed took a sip of wine. " Is that considered flaunting or bragging ?" He asked out of curiosity "No. My parents always said that they knew I was serious about something when I talked about it a lot." Finishing up the food he turned the cooking unit off and removed his apron. " You talked about it...the it being me and ?" "So, they surmised I must be serious about you." He pulled out a chair and sat down. " We should make a trip to Trill. Seeing your world would be interesting. " “It’s a beautiful place. The sky i just stunning.” " The sky, the night sky. I'd love to see it from Trill. " He said, as he took out a food container with mashed berries inside. Rylee took a forkful of the food and groaned appreciately, “This is amazing.” She paused for a second and looked at him, “What’s your world like?” " My world? " He asked. “Yes, the place you were born on. Your world.” She replied with a grin " Well everything is red or orange. We have two sunsets and sunrises everyday. We have planetary eclipses every two days and our plant life has no fragrance. Although visitors to our world have stated that our planet smells like salt water with the wind carrying a mild scent of sulphur. Also our water has a sweet metallic taste apparently. " Zot tried his best to describe the moon world of Eunio to her. “And your parents? I would like to meet them one day.” " Meeting my parents will be different than why you might expect. If it's even allowed." He said somberly. “Why would it not….” Rylee closed her eyes for a moment and looked down. “Because i’m an outsider?” " Yes and because..." Zot took a moment. " Well they are no longer alive." "Oh…. Wait, you said they knew about me but how If they're dead?" " Biologically speaking my father's organic life signs ceased years ago and my mother's organic life signs ended 6 years ago." Zot admitted. "So you …. You lied?" " I didn't lie. They know about you. I told them." Zot said. "Then how? I am so confused right now and in need of more drink." " The easiest way to explain it is ,Their neural pathways were transferred to an artificial database. This is what we do when we experience biological death. " Zot explained. "So… how does that work?" " We have to be deemed worthy of the transfer process. If we as individuals contribute to the fabric of our society in a manner that meets the required standards, we are allowed to have an artificial continuation of our existence. " Zot replied as he poured himself some of the wine. "And, by being with me, I suspect you won't be offered that honour?" He took a drink of his wine. " No" Rylee looked out at the ocean and sighed heavily. "I'm not worth giving up all that, Zot. Your chance at kids, your chance to live on in some form…." " This is how I see it. Being here in Starfleet , I have been around many people from many different cultures all of them have their own beliefs and moral standards . I believe or rather I chose to believe that our lives should be finite. We are born and we die. Having a continual conscious awareness after biological death makes everything between birth and death rather meaningless. " Rylee nodded, listening to him. " Life, the thing we have between birth and death is wondrous and spectacular. What value does a beautiful sunset have if it lasts forever ? The beauty in life isn't meant to be eternal. It's meant to be momentary so that we look forward to it and cherish it while it is here." Zot said as looked Rylee in her eyes. " If a beautiful sunset was eternal we wouldn't appreciate it. " "You have a point there. Life is a series of moments. Some dark and horrible but others, like this… are rare and beautiful. " " Therefore I find comfort in the idea that I will die " he said snapping his fingers. " Blinked out of existence, because I can appreciate the beauty while I am here ." "Is there beauty here?" She asked with a wink. " Yes there is. I see beauty personified in you Rylee." "Zot, you are truly unlike any person I have ever met. If I were to …. You know, my life has been truly richer for being with you." " Mine as well because of you." "Can I tell you something I have never told anyone before?" Zot nodded his head. " Yes you can." "I would like to be chosen. But it’s never gonna happen. " " Well why not ?" "Because I'm not an initiate and I'm older now." " You should express an interest. " Zot suggested "Maybe. Would you still want to be with me if I were…. Effectively two people?" Zot laughed. " You might even be more than two depending on the history of the symbiote, but until that time comes, let's drink to you and I " Zot said , raising his glass to hers. "To us." Rylee smiled, clicked her glass against his and kissed him softly on the cheek. ( reply none ) (Risa - Suraya Bay Casino -The Golden Coconut Casino and Resort CMO, Lt. JG Gabe Vesper and ACFO, Lt. JG Ronnie Winters- 2145) "The show is starting soon, shall I grab a table and food?" Gabe smiled wanting to line his stomach for what was setting up as a heavy night. “Of course,” She said. “What exactly is the show?” "Not got a clue, some hypnosis thing I think, probably end up being turned into a chicken before the nights out" Gabe pointed to an empty table. Ronnie went and sat down and smiled. She didn’t really care for the show. She would have loved to have stayed and kept playing poker, but she knew this wasn’t about her, it was about her and Gabe and he deserved to have fun too. “Could you get me a Risan Sunburst and some loaded nachos. Not lady like, but well I love nachos. Like I love you.” "Woman after my own heart! Two Risian sunburst and two andorian ales coming up." Gabe went to the bar and brought back the drinks and food. Placing them down he spotted a few officers he knew and nodded "CMO from the Carpathian and what looks like someone who isn't his wife" Gabe laughed as he sat. "Look, give me this half an hour and the nights all yours, I promise" Gabe winked as someone placed a Horga'hn on the table then laughed as he handed it back. “You can have more than a half hour.” She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “You can have all night if you want. I just want to see you relax, open up and I’ll be happy.” As the show went on the hypnotist asked for a volunteer and Ronnie made sure that Gabe was selected. “Love you,” she said. Gabe slowly walked up to the stage, in his Sickbay he was in control, here he had none so his feet trembling he took the final step. "We have our victim" laughed the hypnotist as he took a chair and allowed Gabe to sit down. "Victim, no I think I've changed my mind I'm a Doctor not a…" Gabe said under his breath to the man trying to stand "Oh so you're a Doctor are you? Well Mr Doctor I guess you have a name?" He said pushing Gabe back onto the chair "embrace it" the man whispered. Nervously gave gazed around the auditorium he looked it Ronnie and tried to make some eyes to be rescued Ronnie looked at Gabe, laughed, and mouthed to him, “you got this.” "Its Gabe, Gabe Vespers" "Well Mr Gabe Gabe Vespers you here alone? Don't worry, you're not my type" "Its not Gabe Gabe Vespers, my name is Just One Gabe Vespers and no I'm not here alone that's my, girlfriend out there" Gabe stuttered. "Ah so Mr Just One Gabe Vespers does your girlfriend have a simple name?" The man continued laughing as he winked at Gabe "Look no it's just Gabe…" "So your girlfriends name is Just Gabe, that must get incredibly confusing on a date. Lucky you two met really." The man laughed again as Gabe squirmed clearly getting annoyed. Ronnie laughed and smiled. “Yup that’s my name, Just Gabe.” "So tell me Mr Gabe you're a Doctor not a what?" "What now?" Gabe said clearly confused and disarmed by the change in tact "You said you're a Doctor not a something before I cut you off." The man said as he took a few small items off the table and waved them Infront of Gabe "look into my palm and tell me what you're not" "Well I guess I'm not a volunteer, look this isn't my thing can I please…." Gabes world went black "Ah our Mr Just One Gabe Vespers has gone under" the Hypnotist laughed at the audience and turned back to Gabe "Dr Gabe Vespers, when you wake you will.become the most compliant and helpful volunteer known to man. When anyone asks for anything you will give them it, do you understand?" "I understand" Gabe replied monotonously. ~This will be good.~ Ronnie thought to herself. (Reply none) Mission: Auld Lang Syne Day:3 Stardate: 2445.12.30 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Auld Lang Syne Day:3 Stardate: 2445.12.30 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Risa - Ma’Guf’an rainforest - CSO Lt Erin Cortez, Ensign Benedict Weatherby, Ensign Adala Michaels & Ensign Stan More - 0805) (Risa - Ma’Guf’an rainforest - CSO Lt Erin Cortez, Ensign Benedict Weatherby, Ensign Adala Michaels & Ensign Stan More - 0845) (Risa - Ma’Guf’an rainforest - CSO Lt Erin Cortez, Ensign Benedict Weatherby, Ensign Adala Michaels & Ensign Stan More - 0902) (Risa - In'ov'ateyon Island - COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 10:00) ( USS Exeter - Science Lab - SO Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 10:30 ) (Risa - Personal Lodge- CMO, Lt. JG Gabe Vesper and ACFO, Lt. JG Ronnie Winters- 1130) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Kal'Beroth Champion Ravok son of Kora- 1142) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Kal'Beroth Champion Ravok son of Kora- 1210) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Tawi’Yan - Ire Williams- 1212) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck - Cha’DIch – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek -1213) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck - Kal'Beroth champion Ravok son of Kora -1215) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p - Main Holodeck – Cha’DIch – 2O/CEO Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1216) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p - Main Holodeck – Kal'Beroth champion Ravok son of Kora – 1217) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p - Main Holodeck – Cha’DIch – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1219) (USS Exeter – In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre – ACEO Lieutenant Janice Hammerfield– 1300) (Risa - In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre –COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 13:01) (USS Exeter – In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre – ACEO Lieutenant Janice Hammerfield– 1302) (USS Exeter – In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre –COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 13:03) (USS Exeter – In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre – ACEO Lieutenant Janice Hammerfield– 1305) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Kal'Beroth Champion Ravok son of Kora- 1342) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck - Kal'Beroth champion Ravok son of Kora -1530) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck – Cha’DIch – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1535) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck – Tawi’Yan – Ire Williams – 1537) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Kal'Beroth Champion Ravok son of Kora- 1618) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Tawi’Yan – Ire Williams - 1621) (Risa - Market Cafe - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken and CSO Lt(sg) Erin Cortez - 1930) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Auld Lang Syne Day:3 Stardate: 2445.12.30 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Risa - Ma’Guf’an rainforest - CSO Lt Erin Cortez, Ensign Benedict Weatherby, Ensign Adala Michaels & Ensign Stan More - 0805) After a moment, taking a quick look into the hole and the archway, Erin stepped back and turned to her team. "So, i think this qualifies as a significant discovery." She winked at them. The one thing Stan’s parents had told him. The most important thing was safety. You could make one of the greatest discoveries in the Alpha quadrant. But if someone was badly hurt or worse. Then that discovery was worthless. “ Aye. But tay be honest ma’am. I dinna like the look of the hole.” Stan said "Thoughts, suggestions in how we move this forward, safely?" The arch beckoned. More could see strange markings around the arch. If anything they resembled very early Risan. But then again there was too much dirt around them to be sure. A good brush and clean was needed. But the hole did not look safe. They needed Michael’s skills to deem if they could enter. “I don’t know ma’am. Without examining it closer. I am not sure.. Is it safe? What is your opinion Michael’s? “Stan asked Adala knew that the ground beneath their feet was unstable and that the hole was dangerous for them all right now. If any of them slipped into it without safety gear or the sides being shored up they could be buried. She turned to Erin and Stan. "We're going to need safety and climbing gear as well as something to shore up the walls as we move. This is going to be a slow process but one I think we can do." Her mind was already mulling over ideas of how to proceed. "Okay, here's what we do. We contact the Exeter for the equipment we need. Then, we send a probe down unto those tunnels so we know what we are getting into. Complete geological scan, no surprises. Last thing I want is for one of us to get injured. So let get to it. Ensign Michaels, You perform the geological scan. Share your results with Ensign More. Incase there are any unknown biologicals down there. I'll get us the equipment we need. Let's go people." (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie, Katherine, Norman and Mark) (Risa - Ma’Guf’an rainforest - CSO Lt Erin Cortez, Ensign Benedict Weatherby, Ensign Adala Michaels & Ensign Stan More - 0902) Erin stood as close to the hole as she dared, watching the data come back from the probe on her Tricorder. Stan tried to look over her shoulder. That noise bothered him. It sounded organic in nature. But he could not see her Tricorder properly. “ Ma’am what does the wee probe say? Dinna anyone else hear that noise?” Stan asked. "Nothing drastic. We should be good to go down. Ensign Michaels?" “I agree, let’s get down there.” she was anxious to see what was down in that hole. "Get kitted up and rig us a safety line." Adala set about getting everyone hooked up to their safety lines and showed them how to use the ropes while Erin continued to brief the team. "Ensign More?" “ Yes ma’am?” Stan said "Get yourself ready to go down. Get whatever equipment you need to take samples." Stan wished he could swap places with Weatherby. All of a sudden his excitement at going down there had disappeared. “ Aye…” As this was Risa he had not packed a phaser. After all this was a pleasure planet. Wasn't it? This was supposed to be fun! Then Stan remembered he had packed a knife. It was’ not a hunting knife. So it had no serrated edge. But it could hurt anything down there. That decided they all looked like a tasty meal. Turning back to Ensign Michaels, Erin smiled softly at her, "You go in first, followed by myself and Ensign More. No heroics. By the book." Adala gave Erin a ‘mock’ salute and laughed. “Of course Boss, I always go by the book.” she laughed as she dropped over the edge of the hole and lowered herself slowly into the tunnel. “ Good luck lassie.” Stan said More felt a sense of foreboding as Michael’s descended into the gloom. He did not like this. She paused when her feet touched the ground and scanned the area with her tricorder. She looked up at the others and motioned. “You can start coming down. Attach to the line I am laying out as you get down here.” “I’m going in.” Stan made ready. He could not let her be alone down there. More was sure something was down there. Waiting wearing a napkin with a knife and fork in each paw. With that she hooked up the first of many safety lines that they would use throughout their journey to .. wherever this tunnel went. Erin watched her making a mental note to ask her to teach her the finer points of rock climbing sometime. She moved slowly and attached the line to the wall every few feet. Testing the ground in front of her carefully and periodically looking over the readings on her tricorder. One thing caught her curiosity. There was a blip on her screen she couldn’t identity, not yet anyway. Stan was next as he rather to quickly lowered himself into the darkness. Turning on his helmet lamp. It cast an eerie glow around the tunnel walls. He hit the bottom a little hard. But nothing seemed to hurt as he moved. The archway stood before him. More examined the symbols. To his horror they were made from animal bones. Pulling out a notebook. He tried to match the symbols from those he had written down. “Beware…….the……..bright……..eyes…….and …….silent…….cloud….” He said aloud. Then he had a feeling. Something was watching them in the darkness. He used his tricorder and just like Michael’s picked up a blip. He pulled out a special atmosphere probe. It was set to a higher calibration than the tricorder. After Stan had read about the mushroom moss. He did not wish to take a chance. The device gave a series of figures. But nothing out of the orderdinary. Just the same, they were not where they should be. Erin followed them both down, hiding her nervousness. As she finally reached terra firma, she let out a sigh. Unhooking herself and reattaching her clip to the safety line under the ground, she took out her tricorder and scanned he surroundings. "Anything to be concerned about here, guys?" “ I am not sure ma’am. The readings say we are ok. But they're not what I would call normal.” Stan said, showing them the probe. "Okay, we move forward, slowly. We only have a couple of hours to record what we can." “ Aye.” Stan replied As they moved forward the feeling of being watched continued. The air began to feel odd to Stan. Like it had a taste to it he knew. But could not recognise. They continued on. “ Tip tip tip tip tip” Stan stopped and looked around. He knew that sound. “ Tip tip tip tip” The taste in the air seemed to get thicker. Then he saw it! On the ceiling a small body with a large oversized head and bulging eyes! A Chihuahua! “ NO IT CAN'T BE…….” He began to move and tried to push past Michael’s. Trying to get away from the bug eyed biting machine.Being tied to together made it difficult to move. He had to get away. Stan began to cut at his line. Looking round, Erin heard the noise of Stan's voice but all she.saw was the cave walls. "Stan? What's wrong?" “ Nay lassie can’t ye see it!!!!” Stan was free and pushed past Michael’s he ran but suddenly he tripped over something. Landing heavily on the floor. He waited to feel the sharp teeth on his arm. Nothing. In the dim light he could make out three furry bodies laying on the floor. Some rocks had fallen from the ceiling and crushed the larger two. A smaller one lay alongside them. They must have been some ancient Risan child’s toys. Left here ages ago. Stan’s head felt odd. He then started to laugh and laugh. “ That’s the saddest thing I have ever seen….” Stan said laughing. He could not stop himself from laughing. Even though he now saw two Chihuahuas walking along the sides of the wall. Their oversized heads pointed towards him, teeth bared. Watching Stan fall, Erin felt a small laugh escape her lips. To her he had slipped on a banana skin and fell, rather spectacularly. Giggling, she turned to look at the rest of the cave only to find it wasn't there. “Lassie! Watch oot!” Stan said laughing. Erin did not seem to hear him. Even though one of the chihuahuas was near her head. Perhaps she could not see them which meant….. Adala looked around her and frowned listening to Erin and Stan. She turned her attention to her tricorder and her frown deepened. “Erin, Stan put on your rebreathers. NOW!” Her tone carried with it a hint of emergency. The readings she got from her tricorder indicated there was some kind of hallucinogen down here, mushroom or something. As she spoke she pulled out her own, even though she didn’t feel she was suffering the same affects as they were. Frowning, Erin tilted her head, "When did this place become a carnival?" “ Lassie………” Stan’s continuing laughter was beginning to effect his breathing. "You don't see the clowns? They're excavating…." “Pee…...Tis…..spores…...cave…….air…..air…..” Stan tried to say but his lungs were hurting. From his continuous laughing. Adala grabbed the extra rebreathers they had and practically forced Erin and Stan to put them on. Giggling, Erin looked at the rebreather, "Why? This is fun." Stan felt giddy and tried to stop laughing. But he just could not stop. Even the sight of three dead creatures could not stop him. Stan was beginning to feel very ashamed. Adala knelt next to the three creatures they found and shook her head. The two larger ones were dead. But, she checked the new set of readings a second time. “Erin, Stan, snap out of it. One of these is alive!” Erin breathed deeply. As the carnival began to fade, Adala came into view, kneeling over what was once a pile of carnival plush toys. "Say that again?" Michael’s virtually shoved the rebreather. Onto Stan’s face. He breathed deeply, closing his eyes. When he reopened them. Stan no longer felt like laughing plus the Chihuahuas. Had vanished from the ceiling. He began scanning the air. “ Porridge for breakfast! The dust in the air is somehow masking the moss mushroom spores. That’s why we never detected them as we walked in here. Thanks Adala. I was about to laugh my lungs up.” He said Adala laughed as she continued to check over the small animal on the ground. “I don’t know why it didn’t affect me but I am glad it didn’t. You two would have been in big trouble otherwise. "Okay, here's what we do. Ensigns Michaels and More, beam back up to the ship, straight into the biology lab. Level 2 containment around this … is that a feather monkey?" “ Aye. A wee bairn as well.” Stan said sadly. "Take it back up to the ship, get it better and I'll stay here with Ensign Weatherby to finish up and log everything with the competition people." “ Aye ma’am. But be careful the air in here is saturated with these wee spores. I dinna know how long the rebreather will be able to cope.” Stan warned. Adala prepared the little creature for transport and nodded. “Yes, be careful Erin, I don’t want to have to come back and rescue you … again.” "Noted, now you two go and make our guest comfortable. " (Reply none) (Risa - In'ov'ateyon Island - COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 10:00) Sleeford stepped off the platform and approached the reception desk, joining the short line of other attendees. As he turn came he smiled down at the young female behind the desk. "Yes sir, can I help you" "Lieutenant Sleeford I'm here for the expo" Watching as she tapped his name into the computer he looked at the posters on the wall behind the desk, if the goods where that good them he was in for a good day out. "Ah yes here we are, Lieutenant Sleeford USS Exeter. Chief of Operations. If you'd like to place your thumb on the padd here we can get you booked in." Placing his thumb on the pad, Sleeford waited for the fraction of a second while the system registered him in . "Okay thank you for attending. " Pushing a small PADD across the desk she smiled, " If you see anything you like, note the item number on the PADD and your account will be credited and items sent to your ship" Taking the PADD Sleeford walked the short distance to the doors of the expo, entering he stopped and paused in the doorway and tok in the sights and sounds, the noise was worse then the market days back home. The different accents and languages assaulted his ears, hearing a cough behind him he glanced over his shoulder and nodded, walking in he slowly began walking down the aisle containing the weapons, pausing by the rifles he picked one up and threw it up into his shoulder. Peering down the sights he smiled as the old memories flooded back, placing the rifle gently back on the cradle he smiled at the stall proprietor. "I can do you a goot deal on a thousand of thoe. keep yor ship safe, thays will" Shaking his head, "I'll leave weapons to the Security department, It was just old memories, but thank you for the opportunity" Walking away, Sleeford stopped at a stall with various small items, reading the list on the stand, one item caught his eye a small unit that could be 'plugged' into the replicator system to help the recovery of energy, placing an order for one hundred units, which would place two on each replicator, leaving several spares. Walking on the next item to catch his eye was a group of holographic emitters, some of the ones on decks 12 through 19 where a bit ropey and could do with replacing After walking up and down several aisles Sleeford looked down at his PADD seeing the list of numbers there, he hoped the captain wasn't kidding about an open cheque book as he'd bee a little over eager buying goodies., although the exeter was a new ship, things wore out and needed replacing, improved, Several of the items he'd brought could be used in areas as diverse as engineering, medical, Nine and Dine would have new replicators, with greater options of food and drinks. The holodeck with the increased holo emmiters would have a greater definition, making the programs more sharper and more realistic. Along with the gel pack for the data systems, all he needed was something to enhance the power of the sensors and the telescopes on the ship. (replys none) ( USS Exeter - Science Lab - SO Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 10:30 ) The first thing Stan did once they arrived back on the Exeter. Was to herd them to sickbay to be checked over. Once Stan was done in sickbay. He went to his personal quarters to change. So it was quite some time before he arrived in the science lab. The saddest sight met his eyes. Laying in a purple furry sad heap was the baby feather monkey. It was sucking it’s thumb but still seemed to be asleep. The high level quarantine field surrounding it. Buzzed with energy. Mores eyes watered and he looked away. Wiping them quickly before anyone noticed. He turned back to Adala. “ Sorry I had something in my eye.” Stan replied. “ How is our bonnie wee guest?” ( Reply , Michael’s) (Risa - Ma’Guf’an rainforest - CSO Lt Erin Cortez, Ensign Benedict Weatherby, Ensign Adala Michaels & Ensign Stan More - 0845) After having called their ship for the required equipment, Erin stood to one side going through everything. Included with the climbing equipment had been a number of beacons and other items incase there was any incidents whilst the team explored their discovery. Standing, she stretched her back and sighed. "Okay, we have everything we need. I know you guys are eager to get in there but we do this by the book. Ensign Michaels, anything for us to be aware of, geologically speaking?" Adala looked at the readings she'd taken when the hole first appeared then looked around the surrounding area before replying. "The ground is sandy and can shift easily so I would suggest that I set out safety lines throughout the cave and we stay attached to them. I can get them layed out easily enough” "Okay, Ensign More, any flora or fauna that could affect us?" Stan had been reading up on Risa’s plants and fungi. “ Well there is a kind of wee moss like mushroom. That if eaten will cause yer. To shed your clothes and sing songs. But apart from that we should be ok.” Stan said The others all looked at him sideways. “ That’s what the book said,” He shrugged. "Ensign Weatherby, I want you up top here. Keep in constant contact with us. You are our link to the ship if we need any rescuing." Looking at Erin, Weatherby nodded understanding the unsaid. "Okay, first job. We send a probe down to make sure our way in is clear." Adala pouted and looked at Erin. "I can be the probe." Her voice teasing as she spoke. She knew for the safety of the others the probe was the best bet. “ Well Adala here comes the fun part.” He said to Michaels "How about this? We send the probe in first, then you get to be the first person to go in. Deal?" “Sorry which one of us is going first? ” Stan replied Adala shrugged and looked from Stan to Erin. "Depends who wants to go first?" "Okay. Let's send the probe and get kitted up." “Hey people.....did yer hear something?” Stan said as the probe vanished into the dark. (Reply none) (Risa - Personal Lodge- CMO, Lt. JG Gabe Vesper and ACFO, Lt. JG Ronnie Winters- 1130) The sun streaming in through the windows and the lapping waves woke Gabe, it took a moment for him to register where he was more importantly what day it was. Slowly standing up he peeled the rather damp throw off him. Clearly it had been a busy night. The room was littered with empty bottles, half eaten food and upturned lamps. Ronnie slowly drifted to consciousness, she didn’t quite know where she was. All she knew was that it was dark, cramped, and she was pretty sure she was wearing a skirt and a top, but it wasn’t the clothe she wore the night before. The buzzing in Gabe's ears and the blurry vision refused to subside as Gabe stood, holding onto the sofa he slowly made his way through the room and to the kitchen "where the hell is Ronnie" Gabe said aloud to himself as he took a drink of cold water sliding over to the replicator he tried to enter his access codes to authorise an antisickness tablet. "Oh you bloody thing" Gabe yelled as the replicator continued to refuse his codes. He stumbled to the balcony and took a breath in of the salty air, there was a swell in his stomach and last night's nachos flew into the sea. As she fumbled around she found a door padd, pressed it and the hallway closet door opened and she tumbled out ass over tea kettle. “SON OF A $#@#$@ MONKEY SPAWN!” She yelled as she picked herself up. She was wearing a long white skirt, and a white halterless top that exposed her midriff. “AND WHERE THE HELL ARE MY CLOTHES!” Spinning Gabe held tight onto the rail, he heard the normal language from Ronnie and slowly moved to the doorway, he looked at her and burst out laughing. "You look like a snowcone" Gabe grabbed another water and downed it "sod your clothes what the hell happened" Passing a glass of water Gabe sat down laughing at his own joke. Ronnie took a sip “Dammit Gabe, @#$% if I know. I lost my really nice dress, I’m in some weird two piece ensemble that looks like its from some poor taste beach wedding. It’s a good thing this skirt goes to my ankles because I’m pretty sure I lost my underwear.” "Yeh that dress was nice, shame I never managed to see where it landed." Gabe winked as his stomach contents moved again, this time he let out a burp much to his relief. "You look like you work at a Ferengie bar! Ooh missing underwear….did we?" Gabe motioned poorly. “No…” She paused, “I’d know, and I just know the answer is no.” As the pair spoke there was a rumble from the bedroom as a bolian male walked out holding his clothes in a bundle "best one yet, great party guys" he said stumbling towards and out of the door. “Umm...who the @#$% are you?” ronnie asked completely confused. "I don't think he heard you, he's gone." Gabe said standing and slowly going to his room, he looked in and came out sitting down at the table next to Ronnie he put his hands in his head "I'm not paying for repairs, it looks like a Klingon ritual happened in there. What the hell happened last night, the only thing we know is we had a party, must have won big on the tables" “Oh no.’ Ronnie exclaimed. She stood up and began to quietly panic. "What?" Gabe lifted his head “I think I know what happened to my clothes.” She began recounting the events in her head. “I did win big, and it wasn’t a challenge any more, so I joined a game of strip poker and….” She paused. “Lost everything.” "I need a drink" Gabe said standing and going to the replicator he pulled out two mugs of coffee and sat down, he started laughing hard "yeh you did, you lost to a Cardasian, they can't even bluff! Gabe bent over laughing. “It’s not funny.” She said, then of course she remembered she made Gabe wear a blindfold. Catching his breath he wiped the tear from his eye "I'm sorry but honestly, you must have been pissed." “Of course I was pissed. I had pocket Aces. There was an Ace and two jacks on the table. I went all in. $#$#@# beat me with four jacks. And there I was standing ass naked in the casino. I remember wearing a sheet, going to the gift shop, and this being the only clothes in my size that didn’t have a sign that said I’m with stupid or galaxy’s greatest grandma.” "Hey you're related to a Bracken, you might well be the Galaxy's greatest Grandma. But yeh, pity about the blindfold" Gabe was half joking and half serious. "So, after that show, you lost at the tables then you drank your pain away and we ended up back here with a Bolian, is this a normal Winters holiday?" Gabe stood and started looking around “No, we’re missing a step. You were still hypnotized. And some dude asked if you wanted to stick your hand into a tank filled with Jungle Snakes and you said yes.” "I what?! Why the hell would I do that I'm a @£(£)#!_ doctor!" Gabe looked at his hand, the drink had clearly worked in numbing the pain, there was reddness in his hand but nothing else. "Something else is missing, after that" he looked down then back at Ronnie he flung himself next to her "I did sneak a peak you know" “Maybe.” She said, “ I think I punched the hypnotist to dehypnotize you, and he said the only way to do it was to shock you to normalcy so I flashed you. So yeah I guess you kinda did.” "I wouldn't have said it was that much of a shock, but I should hate you for the pushing me up on stage part." Gabe flashed back to pretending to be a waitress and serving all the drinks. "This is one giant game of Cludo" “Clue, thats what it’s called in what was once the United States, even 400 years later.” She winked. “Seriously though, I don’t remember drinking that much. Could we have accidentally ingested something?” "Hold that thought, I'm off to Qo'nos" Gabe moved as quick as he could to his room. He returned carrying his medkit. "The Doctor is in, just not all the way in" he winked and laughed. Scanning then both he looked at her "fit as a fiddle, in the absence of anything medical I have only breakfast and maybe a shower to suggest" Ronnie laughed, smiled, and sighed. “You know from what I remember about last night, I had fun. Honestly, I really feel like myself around you, normal, happy, stable. Honestly, I don’t want it to ever end. And last night, from what I remember, you were relaxed, open, and happy. From what I remember, it was the best date we ever had.” "Remind me to get our new Doctor to run tests on your memory then. So Miss Winters, another round of strip poker, or do I have to marry you first" Gabe pulled a pack of cards from his pocket and a thong fell out too “Where the hell did you get that?” "Oh the Cardasian gave me them back, somthing about a" Gabe drew a blank "...oh I don't know, do you want them or not?" He held the thong above his head and waved it. “Burn it, who knows where they’ve been.” "Well that's not exactly true is it?" Gabe laughed again Ronnie stood up and walked over to Gabe. “I think I’m gonna shower.” "Not a bad idea actually, night sober us up. Don't worry, I'll wait" Ronnie then whispered something into Gabes ear, smiled, and winked, and then went to the shower. Jumping up Gabe had a giant smile on his face and ran behind her "don't worry, the doctor is in the house!" (Reply none) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Kal'Beroth Champion Ravok son of Kora- 1210) With the match underway Ravok held his bat'leth down at his side as Hara twirled hers and screamed at him. Her warrior's cry ignited the crowd into a surge of deafening cheers. The two of them circled around each other. " It's not too late to drop the bat'leth and run home to your mother, Romulan" Ravok glared at her. " Shut up and let's end this fast , I have other rounds to win." Hara snarled at his remark and charged at him, as she did the crowd bursted out in uproarious cheer. A single clash of their bat'leths could be heard and the crowd fell silent. Ravok ,with a swift upward swing from his left, had wedged the two end teeth of his bat'leth into two of her handles, locking her bat'leth into his. A move his step mother, Kora had used many times. Hara held tightly on to her one remaining grip using her upper arm to steady the backside of her bat'leth. She screamed in his face as she tried using her strength to break free. Ravok applied upward pressure from the left side of the bat'leth and downward pressure from the right side. Hara side stepped to the left and he moved to the right, he had her and she knew it. The crowd around their ring started cheering again in a final effort to encourage Hara. In one last desperate attempt , Hara lowered her body and pushed upwards at the same time to hopefully lift Ravok off the ground and dislodge his bat'leth, a move he hoped she would make. As she performed this move Ravok reversed his points of upward and downward pressure on his bat'leth causing her hand to slip on the newer grip of her remaining handle and for her bat'leth to go flying across the ring, landing next to the knee high wall. The spectators grew silent once again. Ravok looked around and walked over to the side and handed his bat'leth over to Ire. Hara looked at her romulan opponent in shock. She couldn't believe that she was best with a single move. " The winner is...Ravok...Son of Kora" the announcer said in disbelief. Ravok stepped over the knee high wall, clearing the ring for the next round of competitors. ( reply Keira and Ire - reactions ) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Tawi’Yan - Ire Williams- 1212) Ire watched as the combat unfurled in front of him. He watched as Ravok and Kora locked in combat. With a sudden movement Kora’s bat’leth went flying through the air and hit the wall running around the edge of the arena. Ire grinned as the surrounding Klingons fell silent as Ravok came over and passed him his Bat’leth. He looked over at Kora who still had a shocked look on her face as she tried to understand what had just happened. " The winner is...Ravok...Son of Kora?" The disbelief in the announcer’s voice was obvious as Ire’s grin widened. “Oden’s beard that was amazing!” He followed Ravok and Keira as they stepped out of the ring. " The two of you can drink all you desire, but I intend on keeping my mind sharper than any blade here." Ire smiled back at Ravok’s smirk. “We should get a drink to celebrate before the next round.” Ire nodded as began looking for the nearest cask of blood wine. " Let the savages drink themselves stupid. They have a knack for that. They are nothing more than dogs chewing on a bone. Chewing away while being completely unaware of the predator stalking them from afar. The more they chew the closer I shall get." “Forget I mentioned it then.” He saw her smile. “We’ll get you ready to win your next bout.” He nodded and followed the others away. (Reply Ravok, Keria, any) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck - Cha’DIch – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek -1213) She didn’t know why she was so nervous, but Keira was any way. In sparring matches they had done since being assigned to Mars, it was almost a certainty that Keira would find a way to get the upper hand, until Ravok picked up a Bat’leth. Keira had never been exposed to the weapon until she was in her second decade and Ravok had been almost suckled on it. At least it seemed that way to Keira. Why she couldn’t transfer her skill with other weapons was beyond her, it just seemed too foreign, too different. He moment of reminiscing was interrupted by the clanging of Baakonite as the two weapons collided. That same improper resonance was coming from the opponent’s weapon. Keira was glad she had a very brief opportunity to tell Ravok of his foe’s weapon flaw, as she wouldn’t be able to tell him know. What she didn’t know is if he would get the opportunity to use the knowledge, or if he would have to dispatch his foe using some other method. With one deft move Ravok locked up his Bat’leth with his opponent. Skillful, but Keira failed to see what he was trying to accomplish. As a direct clash with a potentially stronger opponent was usually not the best strategy. ~Is he trying to gain leverage to break the blade?~ While Keira pondered the Romulan finished his maneuver and his opponent’s weapon went skidding towards the ground. The spectators grew silent once again. Ravok looked around and walked over to the side and handed his bat'leth over to Ire. (Reply Ire) " The winner is...Ravok...Son of Kora?" the announcer said in disbelief. “Oden’s beard that was amazing!” Keira said as he stepped out of the ring. (Reply Ravok) “We should get a drink to celebrate before the next round.” Keira offered. (Reply Ravok, Ire) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck - Kal'Beroth champion Ravok son of Kora -1215) "We should get a drink to celebrate before the next round.” Keira offered. Ravok stood outside the ring and gently touched the side of her face. " The two of you can drink all you desire, but I intend on keeping my mind sharper than any blade here." He said with an almost distant tone in his voice and looked at Ire, flashing a brief smirk. ( reply Keira and Ire) " Let the savages drink themselves stupid. They have a knack for that. They are nothing more than dogs chewing on a bone . Chewing away while being completely unaware of the predator stalking them from afar. The more they chew the closer I shall get." Ravok said feeling a surge of confidence shoot through his body. The feeling was familiar to him. It felt like the day he was on the bridge when the exeter was facing down the saber class star ships. During that event he felt overcome with an almost uncontrollable urge to open fire on the stolen starfleet vessel. Seeing their enemies as nothing but animals. ( reply Keira and Ire if you want ) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p - Main Holodeck – Cha’DIch – 2O/CEO Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1216) " The two of you can drink all you desire, but I intend on keeping my mind sharper than any blade here." He explained. Keira looked down almost ashamed that what she proposed could cost him a fight and threaten his goal of winning champion standing. “Of course, you’re right.” " Let the savages drink themselves stupid. They have a knack for that. They are nothing more than dogs chewing on a bone . Chewing away while being completely unaware of the predator stalking them from afar. The more they chew the closer I shall get." Ravok said, his language was almost grandiose. ~He has never spoken like that. Perhaps he’s just getting in the spirit?~ “Forget I mentioned it then.” She said with a smile. “We’ll get you ready to win your next bout.” (Reply Ravok & Ire if you want) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p - Main Holodeck – Kal'Beroth champion Ravok son of Kora – 1217) “Forget I mentioned it then.” She said with a smile. “We’ll get you ready to win your next bout.” Keira said. Ravok laughed. " You are good to drink. I wish I could honestly, but these fighters are good. I just want to be clear headed, bloodwine is strong even for us Romulans. It sneaks up on you fast and the last thing I need is to lose and have it be said that I lost because I couldn't handle my alcohol. If I lose I want it to be because I was bested by a superior opponent. " He said a lot more light heartedly. ( reply Keira) " Seriously enjoy yourself." He smiled and pointed to a nearby trough of bloodwine. ( reply Keira) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p - Main Holodeck – Cha’DIch – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1219) Ravok laughed. " You are good to drink. I wish I could honestly, but these fighters are good. I just want to be clear headed, bloodwine is strong even for us Romulans. It sneaks up on you fast and the last thing I need is to lose and have it be said that I lost because I couldn't handle my alcohol. If I lose I want it to be because I was bested by a superior opponent. " He said a lot more light heartedly. “I shouldn’t….” she said. " Seriously enjoy yourself." He smiled and pointed to a nearby trough of bloodwine. “I read the procedural PADD you gave me. The history. The Torg incident. A member of House Torg ambushed other competitors leaving the Torg champion, winner by default. The reason so long ago these rules were enacted. Inside the ring, I am your voice. Out side the ring I am your protection. You are not allowed to raise your hand to anyone outside the ring or risk disqualification. I need to remain sharp to ensure none of these petaQ of competitors do that to you.” Keira explained now determined. (Reply Ravok) “We’ll drink to celebrate, when you win.” Keira promised. (Reply Ravok) (USS Exeter – In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre – ACEO Lieutenant Janice Hammerfield– 1300) “Hammerfield to Sleeford – apologies for my tardiness I’ve just arrived at the expo now.” She tapped her comm badge entering one of the large exhibition halls. It was brimming with people – bright lights – sounds of technology buzzing. She glanced upward towards one of the signs, “I’m in the main hall – just by the plasma dynamics demonstration. Where would you like to meet up?” (reply Sleeford) “No problem – ill make my way towards there and get you in the middle,” she tapped her comm badge of and started to make her way through the crowds looking for more open spaces to move through. “Ma’am... Ma’am...” a Tellarite blocked her path. Raising her hand as a sign she was not currently interested she took a step to the side which he matched “Just a second of you time – have you ever had a problem removing reside shuttle engine manifolds?” “Well I can’t...” “Exactly everyone has. Let me show you this,” he grabbed her gently by the arm and pulled her towards a booth just to the side, “I have just the thing to remove it here,” he pulled out a small device and aimed it at a small panel with some black oily substance attached to it on the booth, “Watch closely.” Waving it over a few times with a blue light slowly removed the black substance. “Mavelous isn’t it!” “What was the...” “So how many can I put you down for? Ten? Fifty?” he pressed. (reply Sleeford) (Risa - In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre –COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 13:01) Sleeford walked down the aisle for the third time, this time he ;ooed at everything, now he'd obtained most of his wish list, any other items would be a benefit for either energy use or to be adapted into other things. The stall to his left was giving a demo on phased energy usage in the replicator system, interesting though it was Sleeford doubted the Exeter's systems could handle that amount of raw power without a major starbase refit. The vibration of his badge and the sound of Hammerheads voice broke through the Bolians practised speal. "Hammerfield to Sleeford – apologies for my tardiness I’ve just arrived at the expo now. I’m in the main hall – just by the plasma dynamics demonstration. Where would you like to meet up?” Holding up his hand up in apology Sleeford walked a short distance away from the stand. "No worries Janice, I'm in aisle seven, How about Asile four by the replicator systems demo?" “No problem – ill make my way towards there and get you in the middle,” Setting off in the direction of Aisle four Sleeford paused to look at a bladed weapon display and moved on, walking into the aisle he saw Hammerhead confronted by a Tellarite. As he approached he could hear the conversation. “So how many can I put you down for? Ten? Fifty?” he pressed. Placing his hands on his hips Sleeford stood over the Tellarite, "Listen fuzzball, I believe the lady said no. Why don't you go plague someone else" Watching as the salesman frowned and stepped away, the prospect of a sale gone snarled at Sleeford. Baring his own teeth Sleeford bent forward and growled at the smaller man. "Scram" Watching as he left Sleeford laughed, "You have to be nasty with them, it all they understand. I think its because of their size. My grandpa had a small dog, it thought it was a lion, funny to watch it chase the bull around the field. " (Reply Hammerhead IYW) (USS Exeter – In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre – ACEO Lieutenant Janice Hammerfield– 1302) "You have to be nasty with them, it all they understand. I think its because of their size. My grandpa had a small dog, it thought it was a lion, funny to watch it chase the bull around the field. " “Thanks – ill need to keep that in mind,” she watched at the Telleratie sulked off looking for another victim. “I guess people need to compensate in some ways,” (Reply Sleeford) “Dont suppose you’ve managed to catch you eyes on anything? I took a look at the listings last night and thought that the Oppenheimer power distribution matrix looked promising. Supposedly it can handle up to an extra ten percent of a power throughput with a fifteen percent reduction in thermal output,” she nodded a bit excitedly. “They haven’t been properly tested by the whitepapers and journal looked particularly promising.” Janice sidestepped out of the way of some people still trying to slot their way through the hall. Finding space she regained eye contact with Sleeford. (Reply Sleeford) “Your call what you want to hit up first?” (Reply Sleeford) (USS Exeter – In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre –COO LTjg Paul Sleeford 13:03) Having seen off the Tellarite Sleeford took a quick glance at his PADD, he still had a few more bits to purchases. “Thanks – ill need to keep that in mind, guess people need to compensate in some ways,” "I dont think its a male thing, with them its a racial thing, their a small race, so I guess their a little bit prickly." “Don't suppose you’ve managed to catch you eyes on anything? I took a look at the listings last night and thought that the Oppenheimer power distribution matrix looked promising. Supposedly it can handle up to an extra ten percent of a power throughput with a fifteen percent reduction in thermal output, They haven’t been properly tested by the whitepapers and journal looked particularly promising.” "To be honest I've not looked into that, most of my purchases should make Ops a little better and more efficient, what engineering bits I did look at will make the ship more energy efficient, with better holo emitters. I also got some new power nodes for the replicators, which should make those better. “ “Your call what you want to hit up first?” “Well to be honest I’ve done, but I’m happy to tag along with you and carry your bits and pieces. “ (Reply Hammerhead) (USS Exeter – In'ov'ateyon Island, Exposition Centre – ACEO Lieutenant Janice Hammerfield– 1305) “Well to be honest I’ve done, but I’m happy to tag along with you and carry your bits and pieces. “ “Your almost as efficient as the bits you’ve picked up along the way. There are a few bits I’d like to look over as we go through,” she said nudging her head over to one side for them to get moving, “How’ve you been – I don’t think ive bumped into you in a good while,” As they made their way through she made a few extra purchases as they went through the halls. (Reply Sleeford) Janice spotted something out the corner of her eye – something she hadn’t seem on the lists she looked over, “Oohh... yes... I want that! What do you think?” She moved in a straight line through the crowd, “The is one nice rifle hand guard!” (Reply Sleeford) “I admit this is a more personal indulgence but look at that craftsmanship – military design – civilian comfort,” she pointed to it looking at the sleek polymer grip that would meld to the fingers but allow them to breath so sweat didn’t build up. “High heat resistance as well. Me like!” (Reply Sleeford) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Kal'Beroth Champion Ravok son of Kora- 1342) Ravok stood near the rings with his arms folded, watching the contest he was about 3 meters away from Ire and Keira. Hara approached him " Watching your next opponent?". Ravok looked at her. " Of course I am." " You've beaten 3 of us so far. " She remarked. " I'm glad your ability to count surpasses your ability with a bat'leth." Ravok said in a monotone voice. She looked at him. " I was going to leave after you defeated me, but I have decided to remain to watch you fall and fall you will make no mistake about that. I'm just curious to see how far you'll get." Ravok smirked. " Well if you have trouble counting that high please let me know and I will do my best to assist." Hara laughed. " Are all Romulans this arrogant?" " No, from what I hear they're much worse." He laughed slightly. Hara laughed with him. " Tell me about your Tawi'Yan. Is he mated?" Hara inquired. " Go ask him. Not my business " Ravok responded. " I think I'll do that, he's handsome for a human." She grinned. " Well he's only half human, he's mixed with bajoran. " Ravok informed her. " Even better " she said as she left Ravok and headed over to Ire. Ravok paid no mind to Hara leaving. He would had felt sorry for her being used as tool of embarrassment towards him and for using a bat'leth that wasn't up to par, but now he felt only satisfaction. His second opponent gave him a little more effort but ended when he tripped and fell on his face causing him to become humiliated and overcome with anger, throwing his bat'leth to the floor and charging at Ravok...instant disqualification. Ravok's third opponent was skilled and methodical in his approach. The match lasted 9 minutes but ended quickly when his hand slipped allowing Ravok to strike under his chin with the backside of his bat'leth causing him to fall down and ultimately dropping his bat'leth in the process. Ravok watched who would be his fourth opponent closely hoping to identify any weakness but the competitors of the third round seemed more adept and tactical in their movements and skill. Pama'T of house Ru'lok seemed to be the most calm of all the competitors. He waited carefully for his opponent to strike. One potential opponent in particular was fiercely ferocious and had already defeated his opponent in the third round by nearly taking his head off . He wore no house crest. He also had no Tawi'Yan or Cha'Dich and was never announced by anything other than his name. His bat'leth was of high quality baakonite. His name was Qopmek he wore black and dark green armor matching the grips of his bat'leth. He had been shooting Ravok's stares , more than anyone else had. ( reply none ) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck - Kal'Beroth champion Ravok son of Kora -1530) At the conclusion of the third round a break was called in the competition. Ravok still stood by the rings as many made their way to the troughs of bloodwine. In his mind he was mentally preparing by imagining the combatants from his point of view. Ravok noticed that Qopmek stood across the rings opposite him. Qopmek was staring at him with a stern look on his face as he held his own bat'leth in his arms. Ravok looked over to Keira and Ire. When he looked back at Qopmek he was moving towards him. Ravok stood his ground firm as Qopmek approached closer, bat'leth in hand. " You have fought well, better that I thought you would." Qopmek said, cradling his bat'leth. " Thank you. " Ravok said, being cautious of his intentions. Qopmek laughed. " That wasn't a compliment Shara. I heard you were facing me next and I wanted to let you know that I won't lose my footing or twirl my weapon like a child. " " Good, finally a match I'll feel good about winning. " Ravok replied with a grin. Qopmek laughed and shook his head. " Boy I am going to knock that stupid smirk right off of your face." He said as he looked down his own bat'leth. Ravok clinched his fist. " Do you know what I call her?" Qopmek asked, referring to his weapon. " No" Ravok replied. Qopmek held his bat'leth up. " This bat'leth has been in my family for a long time. It was first forged in the 2280's by the very house you represent." " Represent ? I am a member of the house. " Ravok declared. " It didn't receive its name until 2397. Green blood is its name." Qopmek said, ignoring Ravok. Ravok raised his brow. " You see, my father tracked down some filthy runway traitors because they dishonored his house. He killed all of them. Even the last two survivors, purging the klingon empire once and for all of their dishonor." Qopmek stated, with a smile. Ravok stepped closer to him. " Wh..what? " his voice cracked. " My father told me he named it Green Blood after he slit a romulan elder from his belly to his throat. He also said the romulan screamed like a young targ being boiled alive. He even screamed worse than the little girls he tried protecting." A surge of anger struck Ravok in a way he had never felt before. Ravok went to lunge at him, but Qopmek held his bat'leth up. " I wouldn't do that. If you do not only will you die but so will your Cha'Dich and your Tawi'Yan. They will share in your dishonor." Ravok stopped himself realizing Qopmek was right any dishonor he brought upon himself would be shared with Ire and Keira as well even with his daughter…. " I'm going to beat you." Ravok said, nodding his head. " Yeah you're going down." He said and turned away and walked over to Keira and Ire. " Both of you listen to me very carefully." ( reply Ire and Keira) " Keira I need you to secure an emergency transporter signal with the Vur'tak. Ire I need you to be ready for anything even if that means fighting your way out of here." ( reply Keira and Ire ) Without drawing too much attention. " That man I was talking to. His father killed my grandfather. I don't think he is going to honor the rules of the competition. If I fall during our match he may come for both of you and I don't think anyone here is going to mind it if he killed a Romulan, Starfleet officer or not." ( reply Ire and Keira) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck – Cha’DIch – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1535) " Both of you listen to me very carefully." Ravok said, urgency tinged his voice. “Who was that?” Keira asked, truthfully she was concerned. " Keira I need you to secure an emergency transporter signal with the Vur'tak. Ire I need you to be ready for anything even if that means fighting your way out of here." Ravok warned. “That bad, huh?” Keira asked. (Reply Ire) " That man I was talking to. His father killed my grandfather. I don't think he is going to honor the rules of the competition. If I fall during our match he may come for both of you and I don't think anyone here is going to mind it if he killed a Romulan, Starfleet officer or not." Ravok explained. “I should be able to establish a link to your mother’s vessel with my tricorder.” Keira said to the pair of fellow officers. She entered several commands into the device (Reply Ravok or Ire) “I sent a text only message to Kora, and established the transporter lock on all three of us. If one of us activates our communicator for transport all three of us will.” Keira said. (Reply Ravok) “If he hurts you, he won’t leave this room.” Keira promised. (Reply Ravok, Ire) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main Holodeck – Tawi’Yan – Ire Williams – 1537) " Keira I need you to secure an emergency transporter signal with the Vur'tak. Ire I need you to be ready for anything even if that means fighting your way out of here." Ravok warned. “That bad, huh?” Keira asked. “Okay.” Ire nodded. " That man I was talking to. His father killed my grandfather. I don't think he is going to honor the rules of the competition. If I fall during our match he may come for both of you and I don't think anyone here is going to mind it if he killed a Romulan, Starfleet officer or not." Ravok explained. “I should be able to establish a link to your mother’s vessel with my tricorder.” Ire watched as Keira began working on her tricorder. (Reply Ravok) “I sent a text only message to Kora, and established the transporter lock on all three of us. If one of us activates our communicator for transport all three of us will.” Keira said. Ire nodded. “Good Idea.” He looked over at Ravok. Remembering the incident on Trill and the conversation he had, had with a Lieutenant Ravok in its aftermath. “So we are being sensible and transporting out rather braking legs?” (Reply Ravok) “If he hurts you, he won’t leave this room.” Keira promised. “Defiantly legs then.” (Reply Ravok, Merek) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Kal'Beroth Champion Ravok son of Kora- 1618) Ravok entered the ring for his 4th match Qopmek stood across from him. Ravok looked at Ire and Keira and gave them a simple nod of his head. Qopmek stood with his back to Ravok, hoping to infuriate him. With the sound of the gong Ravok readied his bat'leth and moved towards his opponent. Qopmeks bat'leth met Ravoks with an intense clash of baakonite. Qopmek didn't hold back any of his strength, defending against every move made by Ravok to gain the upper hand. They moved around the entire ring defending against each others blows. Ravok locked blades with him, Qopmek reached across and punched Ravok in the face, knocking him backwards. Qopmek then charged at Ravok and swung for his head. Ravok blocked the attempt. Their blades clashed together in a seemingly endless volley of attacks. The anger between the two, very apparent. Qopmek seemed like he was getting the upper hand when suddenly Ravok rolled the blades of his bat'leth towards himself and struck Qopmek in the face with the handle of his weapon. Ravok raised his leg and kicked Qopmek is the chest knocking him outside the ring. Before the announcer could declare Ravoks victory, Ravok jumped out of the ring and swung his bat'leth down towards the chest of Qopmek only for him to roll out of the way. Qopmek moved to his feet quickly and the two of them continued fighting outside the ring. At this point both were now eliminated, but neither one seemed to care as they continued to fight each other. The crowd watching them didn't seem to mind. It wasn't everyday they got to see a klingon and a romulan fight each other. Ravok swung his fist qipmek grabbed and flipped Ravok onto the ground Ravok rolled and raised his bat'leth to deflect a powerful downward attack from Qopmek ,causing his bat'leth to break in half. Ravok quickly unsheathed a blade from the back of his armor and swung it at Qopmek's chest only to have it graze his armor. Qopmek swung his bat'leth wildly at him in anger. Ravok used the remaining half of his Bat'leth and his blade to block the attacks. Their weapons became locked together once again. Ravok released his weapons quickly and grabbed the handles of Qopmeks bat'leth and used his strength to rip it from Qopmeks hands. Qopmek quickly charged at Ravok and tackled him to the ground. The force of Qopmeks forehead slamming into Ravoks chest knocked the wind out of him. Qopmek gripped his hands around Ravoks throat. Reaching over to his side Ravok grabbed a piece of his broken bat'leth and swung it at Qopmek's face gouging him in the face. Qopmek rolled to the side holding his eye. " MY EYE!!!" Qopmek screamed. Ravok jumped up and grabbed the hair on the back of Qopmek's head and the backside of his armor and tossed Qopmek into the wall with an impressive display of strength. Ravok held Qopmek against the wall and began unleashing a series of punches to his face, even landing a few punches straight into his ribs. Qopmek caught Ravoks left fist with his right hand and attempted to ram Ravok with his forehead. Ravok turned his body to the left and lowered his right shoulder and drove it up into Qopmeks chest , lifting him off the ground and slamming him Qopmek on the ground behind him. Ravok stood there holding his shoulder. " Get up...GET UP!!!" Ravok yelled. Qopmek got his knees and swiftly reached behind his back and unsheathed a blade , Ravok rolled down onto his left shoulder and grabbed Qopmeks bat'leth and charged back at him. Qopmek raised his blade in an attempt to strike Ravok, but Ravok used the bat'leth to deflect the blades trajectory and with a counter motion removed Qopmek's hand. The scream that Qopmek let out was almost deafening as he fell to his knees cradling the bloody stub where his hand used to be. Ravok glared at him , he stepped toward Qopmek, but was stopped when two klingons stepped in front of him. " He's defeated. It's over." One of them said. " Get out of my way. His father killed my grandfather. I'm claiming the rite of vengeance. His life is mine." Ravok declared. The other Klingon man, who was much older, approached Ravok. " You've taken his hand, his bat'leth and his honor. Let him live the rest of his life knowing that a romulan bested him." The old klingon stated. " Besides , you can't send him to Sto'Vo'Kor screaming like a child." Ravok looked past the man and at Qopmek's bloodied face. He threw the bat'leth on the ground. " If I ever see you again, I'll kill you. " Ravok said as he walked back over to Keira and Ire. " Let's go home" ( replies Keira and Ire) (5th fleet flagship - IKS Ba'lack'I'p- Main holodeck- Tawi’Yan – Ire Williams - 1621) Ire watched as Ravok jumped out of the ring side and began attacking Qopmek. Battering down his defences. He glanced around at the surrounding Klingon who were watching and not interfering. The scream of Qopmek pierced the room as Ravok took his eye with a broken piece of Bat’leth. He saw Qopmek retaliate as Ravok fought back as they went from hand to hand to Bat’leth and knife before removing his hand. He watched as Ravok defeated Qopmek and took his honour along with his bat’leth. " If I ever see you again, I'll kill you." He watched as Ravok walked back over to Keira and him. " Let's go home" Ire nodded and turned falling into step behind Ravok. (Reply Merek, Ravok) (Risa - Market Cafe - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken and CSO Lt(sg) Erin Cortez - 1930) Sitting in the cafe, Erin held her cup of coffee and sighed. Having been back from the rainforest for a few hours, all the finds had been logged and her team were back to having fun. Her mind flew back to the previous night. The conversation with Jimmy and she closed her eyes. ~how did this happen? How did a man I think I was falling for walk away? My mom always says you know you love someone when you are willing to let them go but… I don’t know if I did the right thing? Do I want to be the one that takes the chance of a happy family life away from a kid? No.~ Ailynn had been strolling through the market for a while, searching for nik-naks and curios, alongside other items, dresses and other things of that nature. Growing weary, she spied the cafe from a distance, and stepped toward it, seeing a lone figure in the window, that she was ashamed to admit she hadn’t been able to find much time for in the last couple of days. Entering the cafe, she motioned to the table that Erin was sitting at, “I’ll sit here, a coffee please.” She smiled at the waitress. “Hey hun. How was the dig?” Ailynn leaned over and pecked Erin on the cheek. Looking up, Erin sighed, "interesting. I should have showered before coming here. But, I needed caffeine so it won." Ailynn smiled and thanked the waitress as she brought her own coffee over. “Long day?” She looked at her friend, who she’d grown really close to in the time since being on the Exeter. She decided not to press the issue yet. "Long day, long few days." She said with a monotone aspect on her voice as she sipped her coffee. Taking a breath, she looked at her friend, "What about you? You look…. What's the word? Free?" Ailynn blushed. “Free is the word. Very very free.” she said as a cheeky smile appeared on her face. "I can see." She replied. Whilst a part of her was so happy for her friend, another part of her was still feeling something that she didn't quite understand. So, she did what she could and sipped at her coffee. Ailynn knew that she had many many faults, however people weren’t one of them. SHe realised, although admittedly slightly too late, that all was not well on planet Cortez. “Erin...Why do I get the feeling that I’ve put my foot into my even larger mouth?” She raised an eyebrow and sipped her coffee, resting one of her hands on Erin’s. "No. It's not that. I'm happy that one of us got the ending we deserve. " She replied, calmly. Not looking at her friend, she felt the hand on hers and bit her lip, knowing that Ailynn could read her like a book and was not one to let this go. “Honey? What’s up? What happened?” Ailynn’s voice was full of deep concern. "I suppose you won't take I'm fine or I really don't want to talk about it as an answer will you?" “Would you if it were me?” She replied gently. “If you want me to let it drop I will, but I’m not sure you want me to.” "Let's just say that the evening I had imagined with Jimmy didn’t happen quite the way I had hoped." “Oh?” Ailynn had a feeling she knew the gist of how things went. "He told me that he was still in love with his ex, that he didn't want to be the one who hurt me… or I hurt him. He tried to give me an out and not matter what I said, he kept saying it. So, they say that you know you love someone when you are willing to let go…" “Oh Erin…”Ailynn felt herself well up. “Oh I’m so sorry.” She squeezed her hand slightly. "It is what it is." “As to letting them go…” She sighed. “If something’s worth having its worth fighting for. Never let go of your dreams.” "A, I think I love him but I will be damned if that is going to stand in the way of a child having his parents together. I'm not that woman. He knows how I feel. He knows that I am not averse to family drama so that was never the reason. But, to say in one breath that he thought he loved me and then, the next, to say he was still in love with his ex.. what was I supposed to do other than tell him to go." Ailynn nodded. “That’s fair.” she said, sighing deeply. “Oh Erin.” She motioned to the waitress. “Two brandies please.” The waitress nodded, and returned with the glasses, placing one in front of each of them. “Drink. Doctors orders.” Erin took the shot glass, looked at it for a second and then drank the brandy in one go. "I'm fine, A. Honestly. " Ailynn half nodded. “Maybe. That doesn’t mean I don’t get to worry about you though. One second you guys are all but head over heals and the next he’s playing the I love you and my ex schtick? That’s going to sting.” "Sting is one word. But, like I say, I'm fine." Erin motioned to the waitress and ordered another brandy. Ailynn drank her own drink, and sipped at the coffee, sighing again. “E, I'm not expecting tears but don't shut me out yeah" Taking the drink from the waitress, Erin looked at Ailynn, "I'm… honestly? Not fine. But what can I do? I told him something about my family that no-one else knows and he still walked away…" Ailynn looked at her friend sadly, she deserved so much love, had so much to give. "I don't know what to say sweetie. You deserve so much. Its a cliche but if he's like that when everything is still shiny then what'll it be like when the shine wears off?" "Maybe I'm destined to be one of those old ladies that lives for her cats. Maybe I do deserve this…" Erin said, under her breath as she downed her brandy. "Hey!" She mock-frowned. "If I wasn't attached I'd totally go out with you." She winked playfully. Erin smiled softly, "thanks for the vote of confidence. I just… I really thought it could have been something good." She sighed, "So he has a son. So what? He's one of the most honest men I know and now…" "You're not sure to trust him in case he's playing you?" "He just doesn't seem like the type of person to do that. But… I let him walk away. I fought. I just don’t think I have any more fight left in me now." Ailynn nodded. "I know kiddo. Then don't. You're allowed to feel fed up about this. You are talking to the wrong girl for a pep talk. Other than Caity my last few days has been uber-stressful" "Oh?" Ailynn blushed and looked pained. "Had a bit of an argument with Trip, had a massive outburst at the lecturer at the conference, and turned down my own ship and promotion to Captain." "You turned down a ship? Why on earth would you do that?" Erin glared at her, "are you crazy?" "Very probably yes, but that isn't the point." She blushed. "I'm not ready for a Command of my own. I may never be, I'm not sure its me. Those are doubts that I'm carrying about with myself at the moment." She smiled. "Besides, if I go who's going to look after your sorry arse?" She smiled sadly. "Well, if recent events are taken into consideration, I'm gonna be alone." Erin said curtly as she swallowed her brandy. "I'm sorry. I'm not good company right now." "Erin...you're a friend, and you being good company or no, I'm not going to bail on you. You know me better than that." "I know. I just hate that he has got my head spinning right now. I was finally in a good place and now.." Erin sighed, "maybe I'm destined to be a spinster." "Hey, don't start that. You may be my crazy friend but you're not crazy cat-lady crazy." She smiled. "Look, come back to mine. Wash the day off and we'll hang out. When Caity gets back I'll do us some dinner, maybe get her to pick up some steak." "You sure she won't mind?" "She understands how important my and her friends are. And I'm not asking you because I'm worried about a subordinate officer, I'm asking because I'm worried about a friend." Ailynn said gently. "Maybe I should. I don’t feel like good company right now but I don't want to be alone." Ailynn smiled. "Besides. I've bought more stuff than I'm really allowed to so this way I can kinda blame you." Ailynn winked playfully. "If you're sure?" Ailynn chuckled and finished off her coffee, then settled the bill with the waitress. "Shall we?" Ailynn offered her a friendly arm. "No men talk though. " (Reply none) End Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<