>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You can't go home again Day: 2 Stardate: 2444.06.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - Williams-Verin Family Quarters - CONN, ENS JG Trip Williams & So Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin- 02:00) (USS Mystique - Bridge - SPC Luma'Lenair - 0750) (Mars Facility – Main Triage – MO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 13.55) (Mars Facility – Main Triage – Science Officer'- Ensign Sekal– 1358) (Mars Facility – Main Triage – Science Officer'- Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin– 1402) (Mars Base - Science Annex, Ground floor offfice #3 - Science Officer- Ensign Sekal and Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1810) (Mars Facility – Bar Area – Science Officer- Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin– 1900) (Mars Facility – Bar Area – Science Officer- Ensign Sekal– 1905) (Mars facility - Crew Quarter - Engineer - Ensigns JG R'Vek Kental & Keira Merek- 1907) (Mars Facility – Corridor – Ops- Ensign Janey Brown 1910) (Mars Facility – Corridor – Ops- Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl 1911) (Mars Facility – Corridor – Ops- Ensign Janey Brown 1912) (Mars Facility – Corridor – Ops – Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl 1913) (Mars Base, Bar, Sec/Tac Ensign jg Taya, 1915) (Mars Base – Intelligence Offices – SFI Ens(jg) Jaelle Foxglove – 1349) (Mars Base – Intelligence Offices – SECTAC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters – 1350) (Mars Base – Intelligence Offices – SFI Ens(jg) Jaelle Foxglove – 1351) (The Docks – Central Pylon – Engineer – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1933) (The Docks – Main Engineering – Engineer – Ensign JG R'Vek Kental – 1935) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -The Bar with No Name - CONN, ENS JG Trip Williams & So Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin- 19:40) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – The bar with no name – MO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken- 19:41) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -The Red Sands Tavern - CONN, Ensign JG Trip Williams, SO Ensign JG Sienna Williams-Verin, and MO Ensign JG Ailynn Bracken- 19:43) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -The Red Sands Tavern - Science Officer- Ensign Sekal- 2010) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - Williams-Verin Family Quarters - CONN, ENS JG Trip Williams & So Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin- 02:00) Trip sat silently in his room. He was slumped over in his lounge chair. He had tried to sleep, but he had given up hours ago. Instead he sat silently, too many thoughts running through his mind. He had spent the last hour just thinking about his best friend, an Orion named Tamrae Linore who he met in middle school. The two were inseparable. It could have appeared odd, that Trip's primary friends were all girls, but he found them easier to talk to. Plus they were more attractive company. With Tamrae it was different, because she was more to him than a friend, closer to him than anything he could have ever imagined. As far as he could tell, and from what his mother had explained to him when he first met Tamrae, or Rae as he called her, at age 14 was that she was his Imzadi. At least that is how is mother was able to explain that shortly after meeting, the two were able to speak to each other telepathically and share each other thoughts, feelings, and emotions through a psychic link. The reasons why this was odd were of course simple, Trip as a half betazoid, half human only had empathic abilities, and could only speak telepathically with his twin sister and mother. Rae as an Orion had no psychic abilities. Trip thought he was special, he had found his Imzadi at 14 and he used that fact to brag to his sister. He and Tamrae dated in high school. As his Imzadi she was the first person he had ever been intimate with. She knew him on better than anyone, on both a physical and emotional level. Still, when you supposedly meet your soulmate that young, there is a lot of pressure, a lot of uncertainty and a lot of curiosity. So at the end of high school they broke up. They knew that they didn't need to have their life figured out at 18. Besides they were pretty sure they were better as friends than lovers anyways. They had convinced themselves that if they were truly Imzadi that the universe would find a way to bring them back together. Still they did have a pact, that if they were both single at age 30 they would take the plunge. So Trip went to the academy and Rae went to the University of San Francisco were she introduced him to her roommate, Celia Sykes (the daughter of a Starfleet Marine) and whom Trip became immediately smitten and asked her out. It was his friendship and deep trust with Rae, and the fact that the two had a Psychic connection that made Celia jealous that served as the avenue that rushed in all the pain during his relationship with Celia. The relationship with Celia wasn't all bad, their were more good moment than bad, but a lot of pain, a lot of mistrust, and a lot of clarity that somethings just don't work. It was crying in Rae's arms, speaking only telepathically, knowing what the other was thinking, and finding the ultimate comfort and escape from hurt that he realized that Rae was in fact his Imzadi, he had no doubts, and he had to make a move before it was too late. It was a week later, when they were talking that disaster struck. It was 2443.04.23. three days before his 21st birthday, and he and Rae had been planning what to do to celebrate. He was in his dorm room at the academy, and she was out in the city at her apartment. They had gotten so use to each other's presence, to speaking to each other via telepathy that as long as they were both in the San Francisco bay area they could speak to each other in that way. He was building up the courage to tell her, but he wanted to do it in person. Then the incident happened. An antimatter wave pulsing through San Francisco, yet not harming the Starfleet facilities. He was with her, in her head, talking to her as the wave hit, as she stopped & ran outside to see the commotion, he could feel everything she was feeling. The fear, the sadness, the uncertainty, the pain, every little emotion that she was experienced, he experienced it as if it was his own. He tried to assure her that it was ok, but they both knew, they both knew it was the end. It felt like an eternity, but it was mere seconds. As she died, as everything she was vaporized, fading out of existence, the two somehow were able to share one last intimate moment. She knew she wasn't dying alone, he knew that he had to live for her. As the wave hit her, as she began to die, the two shared one last exchange, as they said in unison, "I love you Imzadi". It was the saddest day of his life. His father was very helpful in his psychological recovery, his finding hope to try and live life and make sure joy was every present. His father had lost his first wife, Myka, in a borg attack. Having his father share that pain with him was crucial in his staying at the academy. Still his father had found his Imzadi in his mother. Trip knew that he might never find another. That no matter whom he managed to love, it might never be the same connection as with Rae, the woman whose initials he tattooed on his left wrist, his best friend. Still he would move on, he would live his life for the both of them. Still he couldn't sleep. He felt like a fool. He thought Rebecca had only been in to something casual, but the more she talked about special, the more he just felt like he was opening himself up to unnecessary pain, so he asked he to leave. But the whole situation just brought up a lot of old wounds, lot of memories that he didn't want to think about. Sure he felt safe with her, at ease, himself, but it wasn't, it wasn't a safety that he felt would become romantic, his mind wanted him to act, his gut just knew, just knew, that it would not be the same as with Rae, and knowing he might never find another Imzadi, he did not want to waste his time, at this moment, in an emotionally invested relationship with zero commitment. He got out of his chair and went to the living room. Walking over to the bar he poured himself a glass of the green whiskey and sat down on the couch. He knew he shouldn't be drinking this late at night, but he hoped it would help him sleep. Still, he felt lonely. Lonely, isolated, and sad, was not a good combination for alcohol. ::Sy, you up sis?:: Sienna had avoided the apartment as her twin had spent the night likely getting it on with a woman, their first not even full day on Mars. He was fast, she'd give him that. When he'd indicated that it was safe for her to come in, she had slipped past him, exhausted, dirty, needing a shower and her bed. It was late, she had not bothered to look at the clock. had not really cared about anything but a shower, some chocolate and her bed. Her very soft, very comfortable bed. Her crate with her belongings had arrived and she had managed to get the bed decked out in decadent fabrics and jewel tones, her cat at her feet and her teddy bear in her arms. She knew something was wrong with Trip, but their Mother had suggested that she let him come to her instead of her always going to him. She hated it, but it had worked. He was her best friend, as it should be. She woke up quickly, her dreams already disturbed and disjointed. The one person she could never shield against was Trip and she was sure that it was the same for him. She slipped from her bed naked and dug in the crate, finding the robe and nightgown that her Mother had gifted her with. The same one she had worn that night in the Academy. Slipping into the rich, teal fabric, she opened the door as he continued to speak. ::I felt it again:: By it, he meant Tamrae's emotions. From time to time, when he was sad, his mind would bring up random emotional memories he had experienced before, and since he had experienced all of Tamrae's emotions as she was dying, from time to time, he would once again feel what it felt, what Tamrae felt when she died. It usually passed quickly, but it always left Trip feeling hollow, shallow, depressed, and as if a part of him died, because a part of him did die. Sienna hurried across the floor, taking the glass from Trip's hand and moving it to the other table. She sat beside him and put one slim arm around him, "What happened with the girl that you had over? I don't even know who it was, just that that you were excited. I tried to actively shield you out." She tried hard, but it was so damn difficult, like they were too interconnected. She wished that they could get a betazoid counselor to come to mars, it would make things easier for both of them. "What happened to stir it all up? You can tell me" Her Mother had suggested that Sienna become a counselor but Sienna loved plants too much and people much less. Her eyes glanced around the room, typically messy for her boy brother to have been in less than a day. She would have to clean it up when she found time. Glancing at the over the door chrono, she realized that it was after 2 am and she had to be at the shuttle pad before 0630. Rubbing her eyes, she turned back to Trip, listening to him talk. She was worried. And she hadn't liked the 'feel' of the counselor she had spied during the mass briefing. “Well, first off, I was excited, cause she was hot, though 16 years my senior. You know, I thought I could do the whole quick hook up thing. But you know me, I"ve always found a way to be in relationships, I don't know how to seal the deal.” Trip paused, he switched into telepath for a moment. ::Anyways, umm, well I thought I might be able to convince her to just be you know casual about it all. I'm nowhere near ready for a relationship. I felt safe with her, but I think it's just because I miss Rae. Anyways what she was proposing was an intense emotional attachment, I'd be special to her. But we wouldn't be committed to each other. You know, it would be like being emotionally invested with someone as if they were the one, and then, you know they or you could go out with the next beautiful thing you found. Or at least that is how I interpreted it, but it just seemed so much like the situation with Celia. I know, I know, you told me to end that one like 8 million times. It just brought up a lot of bad memories, and I just couldn't deal, so I sent her away right as the anxiety attack hit. Because I can't think about Celia without thinking about Rae. She was key in helping me put the pieces back, and I lost her a week later, before I could tell her how I felt. Before I can tell her that I was certain she was my Imzadi.:: Trip then stood up and began to pace. "Sy, every time those memories come up, from when she died, the emotions are there. Not mine, hers. I relive the experience over and over again. I haven't told you this, because I didn't want you to worry. Mom knows and dad as well. Mom helped me, shield this from you, so that you don't have to feel it. When Rae died, I was in her head, talking, and I felt, I felt, every emotion she did, pain, anger, loneliness, despair. All of it. As if it were my own emotion. And when the memory of her death comes into my head, sometimes I feel those emotions all over again." Trip sat in silence for a few minutes planning what he was going to say next. "I mean I can handle them, sure, Mom really helped me with it. But that's just it. I can handle the emotional pain. But the psychological. I mean Sy, Rae was my Imzadi. My one shot at the one, and I blew it, wasted three years with Celia, and now, now I have to go through life knowing that whoever I meet, I fall in love with, will always be second to Rae, because I don't think you get more than one soulmate." He sat in silence for about 10 minutes waiting to see what Sienna would say, when he looked over. She had fallen back to sleep. “Silly goof.” he said as he walked over to her, “I shouldn’t have woken you up.” Trip then picked up his sister and carried her back into her room. He laid her gently on her bed and tucked her in nice and tight. Just like he did back in the academy when she came back late from a party. She was the fun one. Trip was usually home studying. He kissed his sister on the forehead and headed back to the door. “Thanks for waking up for me, at least for a little bit,” He whispered. “You are the best sister I could have ever asked for. You are a blessing in my life everyday. Goodnight sis, I love you.” As he left the room, the asleep Sienna rolled over a smile on her face. (Reply None) (posted by Will and Mel) (USS Mystique - Bridge - SPC Luma'Lenair - 0750) Luma was pleased with the small ones that were visiting her. It had been so long The one called Peters seemed to still be protective towards the others, and the one who had not spoken, Flagg the Peters had said, she seemed confused by matters. Well she should be. Luma was unique. One did not meet a talking starship everyday. "Luma, I'm going to attempt to log into the ships subsytems. I'm not going to do anything which would threaten you in anyway." Carson spoke. =^= As you will. I will monitor. =^= She had multithread capacity of course, she could monitor many things at once. "Luma, can you tell us anymore about the Intelligence Officers which have kept you in this way for so long?" Carson had inspected her and then the skin, and spoke to her while the Sekal and the Sienna were speaking. Something about the Sekal reminded her of the Saleke who had abandoned her. And if she found the Saleke, she was going to teach him a lesson. =^= The small intelligence ones had many of their beings on board. They cut the power systems to my drives. They said that there was a war with someone named Doenitz and that it would be best to move me to a fighting ship, they wanted to war upon their own kind. The Lenai did that before the planet that hosted us was destroyed. =^= Luma accessed her memory banks and played back many different voices, snatches of names, never full ones. She had listened to it all and they had treated her like she was incapable of understanding them. =^= I refused to go. I do not want to help the small ones make war. War is a great destroyer of civilizations. Then the intelligence small ones wanted me to make multiple copies of myself, so that I could bond with many ships at once. =^= Again she played more snatches of conversations around that theme. =^= When I informed them that was not possible, they wanted to clone another of my race, but make it male so that we could breed children, and when that was not likely, they wanted me to give them cells to replicate another me from. They wanted to create more that way. But the Lenai gave up their corporeal bodies in order to surf the starsong. =^= Her voice changed and she grew sad, =^= That was the first time they went away. Two years passed and then scientists came. They told Luma that it would no longer be possible to surf the skysong, that Luma could not have a telepath to bond with. Others came periodically but not many. Then no one for the past two years. Luma disobeyed the strictures and figured out how to access the Utopia and the Mars base. Luma greatly enjoys the Dick Tracey in the 29th and a half century! In Space!=^= Sienna could not help laughing. She could not. "Luma, that was my brother's favorite show as well. I really liked his sidekick. When we were children." It was an animated children's drama that had been remade several times. "I'm glad that you enjoyed it and that you have had something to occupy yourself." The Sekal spoke then about how their Admiral would come and speak with Luma, and how they would help her to sail the starsong again. Then they dispersed through the ship for several hours, monitoring them as they took scans and assessed her ship's systems. All of them were respectful of her, even the one called Flagg that refused to acknowledge her. She had experience with the intel small ones who did that too, from before. It was slightly better than being rude to Luma, which Luma would punish by removing from her skin. She knew the small ones were incapable of handling the outside void without external skins, so Luma would never teleport them into space. But the small skin-ships could be removed from her and keep the small ones safe. The Luma had, after all, vowed never to directly kill again if she could help it. She was unsure if she were threatened what she would do. The Lenai were dedicated mostly to the preservation of life. Perhaps she would protect the small ones. if they allowed her to bond again. Yes, she would. If she had a bond-mate. Perhaps a suitable one could be found. Perhaps someone from the Betazed. Luma was excited to meet this Admiral. She hoped he was not stiff like the Jopek had been. But that seemed to be a trait of most of these Vulcans who needed to touch her skin to properly communicate. (reply none) (posted by Mel) (Mars Facility – Main Triage – MO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 13.55) Ailynn was coming to the end of her shift, in truth she had no idea what time it was, she’d been awake since whatever time this morning she’d been called to assist Jaton. Her and the rest of the medical team had had a nice, albeit short lunch, and she’d finally met all of them. As she crossed the floor to return to the remainder of her checks, she heard the doors open, and a voice called across the floor, and she saw another Ensign, a Vulcan Scientist enter, carrying… ~Sy~ "Ensign Verin requires medical assistance. Who is on duty?" “I am.” She answered, “Dr Bracken. What’s happened? Why are you carrying her, Why didn’t you use the Comm? Bring her through,” She motioned to the bay adjacent, “In there, on the bed. Carter. Scans please. Ask Doctor Solice to join us too if she’s available.” He followed the doctor to an exam room then stepped back and to the side so that she could be examined. "Why did I not use the comm? I would think it should have been obvious, both my hands were involved in carrying Ensign Verin to medical." Ailynn sighed, rubbing her temples slightly, and answered testily, her mood wasn’t great but she was trying hard not to be irritable. “Seriously? This was the most logical thing that crossed your mind? Do you…” She stopped. “Sorry, not the time. Tell me…what happened? Ensign…sorry I don’t know your name.” (Reply Sekal) “Scans in progress Doctor.” “Cross-match me two units compatible blood just in case – Patient is a 22 year old Human/Betazed and has a blood compatibility disorder.” She picked a small torch off a tray, and carefully shone it each of Sienna’s eyes in turn, noting pupil response, and then removed one of her shoes and placed a small device on one or her toes, and switched it on, seeing an involuntary response to pain. “Response to stimuli normal. Sorry, carry on Sekal. I’m listening” She turned briefly and smiled, before turning back to her patient, and listened to him speak as she continued her checks. (reply Sekal, S.Williams iyw, Solice IYW) (posted by Mark) (Mars Facility – Main Triage – Science Officer'- Ensign Sekal– 1358) Sekal watched the fatigued doctor rubbing her forehead before speaking. it appeared it had been a long day for all imvolved. “Seriously? This was the most logical thing that crossed your mind? Do you…sorry, not the time. Tell me…what happened? Ensign…sorry I don’t know your name.” "It is Sekal doctor Bracken and to be descriptive as you appear to desire we were already on the way here when she collapsed and it was a short distance. Her airway is not impaired and her coloration and skin temperature appear to be within normal parameters hence not immediately life threatening." He paused for an instant as she verified his input. "As for what has happened, she was injected with psilosyine at approximately zero seven thirty hours due to telepathic attacks by an entity on one of the ships and was in extreme pain. It has also been a long and tiring day as I can see you are already aware." One of the attending medical staff then interrupted professionally. “Scans in progress doctor." He waited impassively while the medical team methodically reviewed a number of responses. “Response to stimuli normal. Sorry, carry on Sekal. I’m listening” He nodded. "In synopsis then Ensign Verin was exhausted and suffering from suppressed psilosynine levels which is the reason we were reporting in for medical checkups. I myself have made a full recovery from the attacks and see no reason to trouble you for an exam." (reply Bracken, Solice, any) He was about to take his leave when Ensign Verin stirred on the bed, moaned and then her eyes fluttered open. (Reply, Bracken, Solice, Verin, any) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Mars Facility – Main Triage – Science Officer'- Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin– 1402) "Easy now. Relax I am here to comfort you." The stranger spoke, holding her hand. Thank goodness the psi inhibitor was still mostly functional and she couldn't sense anything from the person holding her hand. Sienna's eyes continued to flutter, her head continued to pound, and her eyes were not focusing in the too bright sickbay. At least, she hoped that this was sickbed. Linnie was going to lecture her for not coming in the night before and getting her meds adjusted when she first suspected that something was wrong. And she knew that she had odd reactions to other meds due to her unique physiology that continued to change as she grew older. "Linnie?" She croaked, trying to free her hand from the stranger. A minute later her eyes finally focused and she nodded towards Sekal. She would be ok, he could leave. Someone offered her a glass of water from the filtration system and she wrinkled her nose once she tasted it. Has her brain not been hurting so terribly, she would have been making a note to go see those filters in the environmental system. Sienna didn't notice that her hand was shaking until she spilled her water all over the person in medical blue standing next to her, likely the counselor her aching brain supplied. Likely it was a better use of the terrible water than drinking it would have been, the cynical part of Sienna's brain supplied. Linnie had partied pretty hard with Sienna at times, and had seen Sienna at her worst. And taken care of her through some pretty gnarly hangovers when her physiology decided to disagree with most terran alcohols. "So uh, Linnie. Yeah. I was stupid." Sienna knew the lecture her friend was going to give her. She should have not gone to the Hades with Sekal and come back to Sickbay. "I think it's the breakdown of the inhibitor. We may need a better solution. And a pain killer?" She begged. Her head -hurt-. "And has anyone checked on Trip? I felt the cut off with the inhibitor but he likely got backlash." She had no recollection of calling to check on him, but she had. (reply bracken, trei, sekal iyw, anyone else in sickbay) (posted by Mel) (Mars Base - Science Annex, Ground floor offfice #3 - Science Officer- Ensign Sekal and Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1810) Sekal stood as Alyl entered as he was not a superior officer and would not put on airs to an officer of equal rank even though the chair behind the desk had been claimed as his own. He had in essence set up lab 3 for his use though it was of course not his exclusively and this one was adjacent to it. "Welcome Ensign Alyl, please sit down and make yourself comfortable. I am Sekal as noted in the transmission." He made a gesture toward the terminal. "I noted that your primary is in geology and I would like to revisit that momentarily. First however I noted reference in your record of just awakening from a medical procedure. Would you mind filling me in on the details?" Jaton sat and crossed his legs. A subconscious defence mechanism. He wasn't happy to have to rehash the incident again but what could he do? "Honestly I am not entirely sure of all the details myself. I was told I was found in a stasis pod out on the surface and brought to sickbay." Sekal nodded. "Has medical placed any limitations on you concerning your workload? I am asking this due to a research I was planning to begin tomorrow but which you would appear to be eminently suited for. Also if you have any questions about current events due to the amount of time you have lost I am willing to provide answers to the best of my ability." "I am cleared for duty, no limitations. I have been asked to check in with counseling however to evaluate my mental state but that isn't a priority and I can take care of it during off hours." Sekal nodded. "My pardon if this seemed like an interrogation but information is essential at this time." He sat on the edge of the desk at a respectful distance. The gesture was meant to reduce Alyl's stress level and put the other officer at ease since the greeting the Trill had received could easily have been construed as aggressive. Emotional he was not but he had spent a great deal of his younger years with his mother who was a diplomat and slipped easily into a less confrontational posture. "Before we talk departmental business then I would offer you refreshment. This office is one of the few currently on this floor that has a working replicator but part of the technical staff will be engaged in bringing this floor completely online tomorrow." He rose in preparation for taking care of the matter. "A Turkish coffee wouldn't go amiss," Jaton said, his posture relaxing somewhat. That concluded Sekal returned to his perch with a steaming mug of tea. After a sip he looked back to the Trill officer. "At this point we have had half of the technical staff engaged in clearing out and sorting functional diagnostic equipment in the labs. The rest will arrive tomorrow and receive their assignments." "Ensign Verin and I traveled to Utopia Planitia and visited two of the ships in dock in an effort to acquire more equipment. Your assistance in integrating the equipment would be appreciated. I plan to have Lab three set up by the end of the day and begin a research that will be beneficial to our efforts here." "Understood, ensign." Sekal nodded. "The specimen in my possession is a crystal that has been the subject of intensive but secretive research and though the source of information I have on it is trustworthy I desire everything to be verified. As you are a geologist which I am not you are the logical one to verify that data." "Yes sir." Jaton sipped the small mug Sekal had placed in front of him. "I am unaware of the general situation beyond the fact that the base is so run down, but now that I've been cleared I hope to get into the action soon." "Your offer is appreciated." Sekal considered. "I foresee no difficulties in verifying the data I have if we can make the equipment in the lab operational." "As for the base..." He considered this for an instant. "...the fact that it was allowed to deteriorate to this point is unfathomable. It will take months for a full restoration and as long for Utopia Planitia and the ships there. The Odyssey class Republic will take much longer owing to the fact that we and engineering are going to have to leapfrog two generations forward in technical design just to become current with what is available to those outside the Federation. The task will take all of our effort." Jaton put the cup down and leaned forward. "Sekal," he began hesitantly. "How much did sickbay tell you about my situation?" The Vulcan stood up and moved to his chair and sat down after depositing the mug on the table before him then looked back at Alyl. "I am not a department head and received only a general report which I asked you about. It is of course your choice whether or not to go into further detail." "From my perspective, two days ago it was the year 2418. With regard to what's happened I am completely out of my depth. How did the Federation get like this?" "Fascinating." The emotion in the Trill officer's voice matched the look on his face. The amount of detail was the only consideration, he decided on a general overview since Jaton could easily absorb more of the details at his leisure. "After the civil war the relationship between Starfleet and the governing body was strained which caused a number of decorated officers to leave the service in time. One of the aftereffects of the war was that the UFP began incrementally changing the focus from exploration to a defensive posture due to a change in leadership." He picked up the mug, took a sip then returned it to the desk. "This policy accelerated to the point that the Federation began looking within rather than without and encroachments into Federation space began reshaping the borders. As more member worlds were left defenseless a number of them left beginning with Andoria. There were many more." He paused then gestured with his right hand to encompass the base. "The dissolution of the fifty second fleet was inevitable." He paused for an instant. "This is the history of what you see around you but the cause is a simple one.... fear. Fear of expanding into ever more dangerous territory, fear of offending its neighbors. The Federation you knew ceased to exist due to fear among the body politic of anything over which they had no control." He leaned forward with elbows on the desk and fingers steepled. "And once fear sets in it brings with it the inability to formulate rational decisions. Negative emotions such as fear devour the foresight and stability of a governing body." Jaton hung his head. "So I've come back just in time to watch the empire fall, as it were. At least I can understand why my homeworld left when it had the chance. It just complicates things with regards to whether or not I might ever see my family again." "Perhaps and perhaps not in regards to the UFP.." Sekal retrieved the mug and leaned back to take a thoughtful drink. "Entropy eventually brings all things back to chaos but the Federation is 'shaking itself awake' as it were. It may regain its footing once again." "In regards to your family." He shrugged his shoulders. "Owing to your extended time spent in stasis it would seem apparent that you have enough accumulated time for an extended leave if not retirement. As you are willing to continue to serve in the Fleet however your services are needed." "So what do we do about it?" "Do?" The Vulcan returned the mug to the desk and gave the Trill a searching look. "We complete a research over three decades in progress, unlock the enigma of the crystal and work with engineering on both applying it and upgrading our equipment to take advantage of its properties. And then...." An eyebrow lifted. "... we give all of our effort into rebuilding what has been lost and pushing back entropy.." A smile crept onto Jaton's face. "I like the sound of that, Sekal," he said as he stood and shook his colleague's hand. (reply none) (posted by Spencer and Charles Gatling) (Mars Facility – Bar Area – Science Officer- Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin– 1900) She had finally been released from sickbay. She had left a note for her twin in their quarters, grabbed her betazoid flute case and hightailed it to the bar. She knew better than the attempt to drink with all the different meds in her, even synthehol would mess with her too badly to try. She knew from experience. She hadn't needed Linnie's lecture, but she had certainly deserved it. Taking the steps up to the small stage, and not getting anything to eat just yet, she sat down on the stool and adjusted the mic to the correct height. Taking a deep breath, she unpacked her flute case, put the flute together and then began to warm up the instrument. She played several trilling scales, up and down until the haunting flute played clear notes. With one foot she toed on the microphone, and from her seat spoke softly, but well amplified so that those in the bar area could hear, "I am Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin, Life sciences and botany. I will play and sing for you?" She made it a question as several people she did not recognize began to clap and some cheered and hooted. She laughed happily, the sound also amplified and picked up the flute. She closed her eyes and played an old earth favorite, a simple quaker tune called Simple Gifts. On her Betazoid flute the tune was lifted to an unearthly level. She was glad that it had been arranged by someone else. She had never been good at transcribing music. But she loved to play it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy_uayZQdAg (something like the flute line here but in a higher pitch) There was stunned silence about five minutes later when she finished the last of the rounds. And then someone began to clap enthusiastically and Sienna blushed, the last of the psy inhibitor finally clearing her system and she sensed the pleasure of the people around her. She laid the flute in her lap. The bartender handed her a glass of water and she smiled, picking up her flute but speaking first, "I will sing this, then play it on my flute. This is an old earth song by a company called Disney called How Far I'll Go. It seems appropriate." Sienna was a soprano and closed her eyes and began to rock out to the beautiful song, first singing it in english, then picking up her flute to play it for her audience. "If I go there's just no telling how far I'll go..." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS2Y3_DKvh4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER2ut7laY4 After her last song, she rose and stretched. then readjusted the mic for her standing. She then began to sing the Beetles, Blackbird. "Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these sunken eyes and learn to see All your life You were only waiting for this moment to be free " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta-3cJbVyLg She smiled as she finished the last of the five song set. "I'll be back after I get some dinner. I'm pretty hungry now that I've destressed enough to think about eating." She hopped off the stage after placing her flute in the case at her feet.and toeing off the microphone amplification. (reply any who wants) (posted by Mel) (Mars Facility – Bar Area – Science Officer- Ensign Sekal– 1905) The meeting with Ensign Alyl had run long so after agreeing on the substance of tomorrow's itinerary the two had parted and Sekal had decided to knock off for a late meal. Before stopping at the officer's mess however his ears had picked up what appeared to be live flute music coming from a nearby building. Intrigued at such an unusual choice of instruments he had made the decision to 'stop in ' and listen for a time even though he was fatigued. Within the building there was a long bar and a number of tables with chairs spaced about comfortably. There was also a small stage. To his surprise Ensign Verin was sitting on a stool and playing the instrument. He walked up to the bar which was sparsely occupied. The bartender noted the arrival of the tall Vulcan and met him. "What can I get for you?" "Hot tea." The man chuckled. "Nothing stronger?" "No, that will be sufficient." After taking care of Sekal the barkeep filled a glass with water and made quickly for the stage. Mug in hand Sekal walked to an empty table during the applause and made himself comfortable in one of its low chairs while sipping his beverage and listened to her second selection. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Mars facility - Crew Quarter - Engineer - Ensigns JG R'Vek Kental & Keira Merek- 1907) R'vek sat in his room the lights on there lowest setting. He was sitting at the desk going over the lay out for mars and the station above. The admiral had told them there were 30 docks in space along with the station. There was a lot of work to be done. He had been going over the layout of the station and figured it was time to go pay the station a visit. it would need a lot of work but he felt it would be the best use of his time. He stood and left the desk headed for the transporter room. He exited the room and headed down the hall he turned to make a right with out stopping or looking he ran into some one, they collided and he looked and saw what appeared to be a human female in front of him. The jostling had caught her by surprise as they collided, her hand instinctively went for the blade she kept in the small of her back, but it remained in the sheath and unnoticed. "My apologies" he said as he noticed the mustard color of her uniform. ~It was just an accident and not an attack.~ She thought to herself and eased her hand so that it was by her side and non-threatening. "I don’t think we have met I’m Ensign R'vek Kental" he said with as close to a smile as he could. He watched her and wondered if she might be willing to come with him to the station. two sets of hands were better than one. She smiled easily, and moved her blonde hair behind her now visibly pointed ears, "Ensign Keira Merek, I remember hearing your name from the Academy." R'Vek nodded as he started to remember her. Her ears stood out to him she was not all human after all, his guess was Vulcan or Romulan. "I am sorry about running into you it was not my intent" He said having felt her feeling and picking up the unease at first her emotions stuck out to him. "We had some of the same people in each other's classes, it's kind of hard not to remember mention of the first and only Reman in Star Fleet." she explained. "I do remember seeing you from time to time, It is a pleasure to meet you." he said relaxing a little. She wasn't a complete stranger, "Are you currently in the middle of a project?" he asked "I'm not doing anything at the moment, I had just gotten back from a sensor repair and calibration on the main array." she admitted. "I'm on my way to the station to gather a report and check the status of the station as our information is currently limited on how far from operations it is. Would you like to join me?" he asked he straightened his uniform and adjusted his tool hit. "Of course, I'd love to go to the docks." she answered happily, and lifted her tool kit, "..still have my tools." "Have you done any research into the station?" he asked ready to give a summary of his findings. "I have not, I scanned the docks when I finished the calibration of the sensors, but I only downloaded the results I did not view them. We should use our sensor data for a recon of the station to decide where to beam into." She said taking out her PADD and sent him the data. "Here you can compile our combined data on your device, and we can choose a docking point for the transport pod." R'Vek looked at the PADD and looked through the data there was lots of good information there and it was going to be very helpful. "Lots of good information there" he replied "Maybe Dock Charlie?" she offered. "I think dock delta is better option based on location" he said after looking deeper at the results "You are correct Delta is more centrally located, we should go there. Better chance of finding what we are looking for." she admitted. It was a short walk to the transport pods. The pods were old, but still in fairly good working order. They were essentially a cockpit with a large front window with enough seating for two people plus one pilot, standing room for two more, a small impulse drive and a docking port on the stern. She entered with him following and keyed up the functions check before settling in. Once Keira saw R'Vek was situated and the pre-flight was complete she gunned the accelerator and with in moments had broken the atmosphere. She grinned as she tapped the comms button. "Security, transport pod seven, on route to the docks two personnel onboard. How copy? Over." (Reply Security) (Reply, room for more) "Thanks for the send off, Pod Seven out." She closed the channel. "Are you sure this pod will hold up?" he asked She slowed down on close approach to the desired Delta docking port. She came to a full stop facing the port. She executed a 180 degree spin and used maneuvering thrusters to back in. The pod jarred slightly as it hooked up to the docking port. Keira shut down the engines and placed the pod in standby mode. "Are you ready it will probably be dark keep the light low please" he asked as bright lights bothered him. As the doors open they were assaulted with a blast of stale air and darkness. "Thanks for the reminder." she said and as she turned her palm beacon on adjusted the light to shine with a red lens which didn't carry as far but wouldn't be as irritating to his eyes. R'Vek sighed at the smell and looked around at the inside he shined his light low stepped inside. The station was in disrepair and it was going to be a challenge thankfully the life support worked. He slowly stepped into the station, and pulled out a scanner to make sure everything was as it appeared. "The main generator should be this way" he indicated with a point of his hand. He slowly started walking down the hall. She kept her light pointing mostly toward the back and sides, as he was leading the way she wanted to make sure they didn't have any surprises along the way. "This place has seen better days" he stated walking down the hall illuminating the path as he went. She let out a low long whistle. "If I didn't know any better I would have thought this was the junk capital of the universe." she said snarkily. Their unmatched foot falls echoed down the uninhabited halls. After an uneventful short while they arrived at their intended destination. In front of them loomed a large horizontal ring or doughnut like structure with a vertical spire in the middle. Long since dormant. "Looks like it's fusion." She said and placed her tool kit down and brought out a tricorder. Varying warbles and tones issued while she scanned. "Yup, hydrogen fusion and big. Enough to power ships for some repairs, all the lights and have left over to charge ship's batteries." "Any fuel in it?" Asked R'Vek as he worked his way around the room taking in the condition. "Nope fuel's empty too. We'll have to find some hydrogen. There is probably a tank around here that can transfer fuel into the generator's own reserves." she admitted. "We will need fuel and I can see the generator needs some work its self I'm starting to wonder if it went critical in the final days of the station" he replied kneeling down in front of the generator . "If you want to continue making sure everything is ready for start up, I can go searching for that reserve tank, meet you back here?" she said before taking off. "Sounds good. I will see you back here. Be safe" he added watching her leave. (Reply none) (Post by Andrew Rock & Todd holladay) (Mars Facility – Corridor – Ops- Ensign Janey Brown 1910) Janey held her engineering kit on her shoulder after having spent the last several hours pouring over the ships power matrix she had beamed back for some rest before catching up with Aimee again for the evening. The place was alive as she walked down the corridor bumping into several of what felt like and was hundreds of people. One face stuck out to her as she passed him nodding to eachother she had continue until her brain slowly processed what she had seen. She palms sweat and her head spun a little, she slowly turned and watched as the man walked. She stepped behind him quickly and caught up her hand grabbing the mans shoulder she took a breath "Lieutenant" she said as the man turned to face her "Jayton" she splurted out allowing her kit to drop to the floor "But..." She struggled to her her words to work. (Reply Alyl) (Posted by Mat) (Mars Facility – Corridor – Ops- Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl 1911) Jaton was on his way back from the science labs, looking for something to eat. It was about now he realised that he hadn't had a proper sit-down meal in a quarter of a century. It was time to rectify that. But it was at this point in his train of thought where he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Lieutenant" came the feminine voice from behind him. Jaton turned around, a puzzled look on his face. "Jaton" she splurted out allowing her kit to drop to the floor "But..." She struggled to her her words to work. He squinted at the middle-aged human that had stopped him. There was something that seemed somehow familiar. "I know you, don't I? Janey?" (reply Brown, any) (posted by Spencer) (Mars Facility – Corridor – Ops- Ensign Janey Brown 1912) Janey watched as the man she knew looked at her, clearly trying to work it out. "I know you, don't I? Janey?" He finally said She run her hand down his arm, the world around her stoppong. Looking into his eyes she saw the same energy that she had known all those years ago "But,....I saw him kill you, I saw the phaser...how?" (Reply Alyl) "Yes, Cheif brown, Janey. What happened" Janey was trying to stay upright looking at the ghost before her. (Reply Alyl) (Posted by Mat) (Mars Facility – Corridor – Ops – Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl 1913) She ran her hand down his arm. Jaton reciprocated, glad to have someone from his past that didn't immediately pull away in fear. "But,....I saw him kill you, I saw the phaser...how?" "Honestly your guess is as good as mine. But you're Janey Brown right? From the Paladin? "Yes, Chief Brown, Janey. What happened" Janey was trying to stay upright looking at the ghost before her. "I don't know what happened, but as far as I'm concerned that... incident only happened two days ago. What about you? Obviously it's been much more than two days for you. What happened to the Paladin? What happened to the crew?" (reply Janey) (posted by Spencer) (Mars Base, Bar, Sec/Tac Ensign jg Taya, 1915) After talking with Trip in the officer's mess, Taya hadn't been able to finish her meal because of his joke about her being a spy. She was in a grumpy mood and was aimlessly walking, when she sensed, then heard, what sounded like music. Not ready to return to her office to work, she followed the sound to the bar facility. Stepping inside, Taya saw a female officer in science blue, on a small stage, playing a flute. The people gathered there were transfixed; the notes coming from the flute were like something tangible and alive, as if they could reach out to you and hold you in a comforting embrace. Taya was talented in music, as she had a beautiful singing voice, like her mother. She smiled as memories came back to her of when she was a little girl, and she and her mother would sing old clan folk tunes together. Quick to learn a song she'd never heard, Taya found herself humming the haunting tune. Taya had been on Mars for only a few hours, and she had seen the monumental task ahead of them. Even after only two days of the new mission starting, something like this, a place where people could go and share and be together, would be important. It would be a necessity. It was amazing that every culture, no matter how separate and diverse, had music, with many of the same instruments. Feeling much better, Taya remained standing in the back of the room. Perhaps one day, she might work up the courage to be on that stage herself. (reply any) (posted by Rob B.) (Mars Base – Intelligence Offices – SFI Ens(jg) Jaelle Foxglove – 1349) It was a busy day for Jaelle the temporary offices for the intelligence personnel were poor to say the best and she was determined to find a better place to operate out of. In fact Jaelle was about to head out her pack ready when the door opened and a security officer entered. "Hello, anybody around? I'm Carson Peters from Security. I'd like to have a chat." The man shouted. It was a move the instantly grated on Jaelle's nerve. Coming from around a corner her red eyes locked on the security officer. "I am Ensign Foxglove what would you like to discuss." Keeping her voice even toned and calm. (Reply Peters) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (Mars Base – Intelligence Offices – SECTAC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters – 1350) As Carson continued to look around the offices he noted an officer walk around the corner, he glanced at her as she seemed to just glide towards him. He'd not met her before, but going by the uniform she was an Ensign and by the way she moved it was clear she'd had plenty of martial arts or dance experience. His body automatically tensed up as if he was in danger, he allowed his muscles to calm down as she approached and introduced herself, "I am Ensign Foxglove what would you like to discuss." Her extreme calm demeanour coming from her voice, paired with the glaring red eyes and her hard stance made Carson shiver somewhat. As with every department it seemed that there was no one within the intelligence department of a higher rank than Ensign, so he assumed she'd be the most senior officer he'd get to speak with. She'd thrown him of his balance a little so he changed tact, "Nice to meet you Ensign. I have a few things I'd like to discuss, it won't take long. Do you have somewhere we can talk in private?" he glanced around the mostly empty offices. (Reply Foxglove) It took a moment, but he was ushered into an empty office to the side of them and the door shut. There were a few seats inside, so Carson took one and waited to see if she would take a seat. Once they were situated he continued, "I've worked alongside Intelligence officers in the past," He said, slightly fudging his past involvement with intelligence, ".. and I'd like to make sure that the working relationship between our two departments here on Mars, get's off to the... right and proper start. We will by necessity be working together in the future." He let what he said linger in the air. (Reply Foxglove) "Having said that, I'd like to take you to task on an operation you're department is running out of the base, an operation which myself and several colleagues stumbled upon earlier on today. An operation, which had we been advised of, could have been completed with more security measures put in place. I am of course talking about your operation with the entity known as Luma'Lenei on the Mystique." Carson stared at her whilst his cadence built throughout his accusation. (Reply Foxglove) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Base – Intelligence Offices – SFI Ens(jg) Jaelle Foxglove – 1351) It was a busy day for Jaelle the temporary offices for the intelligence personnel were poor to say the best and she was determined to find a better place to operate out of. In fact Jaelle was about to head out her pack ready when the door opened and a security officer entered. "Hello, anybody around? I'm Carson Peters from Security. I'd like to have a chat." The man shouted. It was a move the instantly grated on Jaelle's nerve. Coming from around a corner her red eyes locked on the security officer. "I am Ensign Foxglove what would you like to discuss." Keeping her voice even toned and calm. (Reply Peters) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (The Docks – Central Pylon – Engineer – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1933) Merek had slung the kit over her shoulder as both her hands were needed to simultaneously see where she was going and hold the tricorder out to guide her in the right direction. She started back at the generator and followed what most likely look to her to be a “fuel line” of sorts. She expected it to easily lead her towards a large hopefully still functioning fuel source that she could just rotate a valve and be done with it. This was not the case. The line did lead to a large tank but it was mostly empty. ~ Five percent, not good. We will definitely need more, to keep the reactor going longer than a few hours, especially under load.~ She tapped her combadge: “Merek to Kental” (Reply R’Vek) “The fuel line I was following terminated in a large tank, which is of course mostly empty. Which makes sense if it was not being used and for safety reasons. The amount of hydrogen you have left you should be able to start the fusion core. I’m not that familiar with it’s efficiency but you should be able to keep it running for a short while if you want. In that regard I still need to search for more fuel. This may take me to a central storage yard.” She informed him. (Reply R’Vek) “If I leave the immediate vicinity I will let you know. I don’t plan on getting lost but it’s good to keep tabs on one another. Merek out.” She said ending the transmission. She pulled out her PADD and the map that they had created to get a better idea of where everything is. She used that to create an overlay with the blue-prints of the facility. ~It says here that the port to fuel the tank is outside, great….~ She let out a frustrated groan. ~I can’t use the shuttle pod we came here in. I’ll have to find something else, worker bee, tug maybe.~ Some more searching on the map revealed a worker bee port near her position. Even if it was still working, she would have to find where the fuel hydrogen was stored. She zoomed out on the map. It was just too much to search quickly with her eyes. She entered a search algorithm into the PADD interface. [FIND: “Hydrogen”, fuel. LIST FINDINGS: Distance close to near. ENTER.] [WORKING] [738 MATCHES FOUND] The closest was 50m distant from the closest fuel deposit. Looking at the list it seems that fuel was pushed out from a central depository to smaller depositories closer to the places needing it to speed refuel operations. The smaller depots each had more adequate shielding against the docks so if one were to touch off and explode the energy would push away from the station and dissipate mostly harmlessly out into space. ~Lets go see what kind of shape this bee is in.~ She packed up her kit and PADD after sending the coordinates to her tricorder to point the way. She switched the filter on her palm beacon to a longer ranged yellow, which bathed everything pointed at in a hazard amber colored glow. She spotted something off in the distance, four half meter square containers. Curiosity spurred her to investigate. The containers were covered in dust as they had not been touched in some time. She brushed off the side of the container revealing it’s contents label. ~ Replicator, food, one each. Model 4~ She smiled. Scuttlebutt on the ground was that the crew’s mess was not equipped with replicators but the Officer’s mess was. It was time to fix that oversite. She opened her engineering kit and set up four transporter tags with labels. [FOR: PO3 Castille, C. PRIORITY: Routine DESTINATION: Crew’s Mess STARDATE:2444.06.03] Four clicks and all four containers were labelled for pick up tomorrow as transporter activity allowed. She continued mission with a short walk and she was at the stairwell leading down. She didn’t think there would be enough power to use the lifts so this was the safer alternative. She went down several flights until she came to an airlock door. Her tricorder was telling her there was no atmosphere on the other side. She tapped her combadge. “Merek to Kental.” (Reply R’Vek) “It seems I will have to go for a walk to get more fuel. Worker bee storage has had environmental systems shut down and I don’t want to use up the remaining battery power to bring life support on line in that area. I also don’t want to lessen the breathable air in this section by sharing it with another.” She said. (Reply R’Vek) “Of course I’ll be wearing an EVAC suit. If I remember correctly their shelf life is about 60 years, so worst case scenario I’ll be fashionably out of style, but safe. I’ll contact you when I’m ready for fuel transfer. Merek out.” She said then ended the call. She opened the lockers to find a fairly modern version of a space suit. Mostly white trimmed with department colors. She grabbed a model with a mustard-gold colored stripe. Either they taught the older model at the academy, or they haven’t updated their suits in quite a while. She packed all her gear up, as the worker bee on board systems should be able to handle everything she needed. She donned the suit quickly and performed a functions check. ~Still functional, good.~ She rotated the wheel that opened the manual door. It was heavy, as it reluctantly moved Keira could see the extensive seals on the inside that would create an air-tight seal once closed. She used her weight to ensure the door was adequately closed before she actuated the seals. She bent over and activated the magnetic boots that would keep her on the deck once she left the environmentally controlled systems. There was a soft hum and a click as the boots activated and adhered to the deck. She walked through the second door allowing her access to the worker bee docking area, and closed the door behind her. She actuated the lights on her helmet with a tap to the side of the helmet. Two bright spotlights activated revealing a “rack” of six worker bees hanging from the ceiling and a gangway leading along them with ladders leading into the cockpit of each. She looked down an could see a panoramic view of the Red Planet below her. ~Wow! What a view.~ After a momentary pause to enjoy the sight before her, she approached the worker bee in rack 2. Tapping the controls there were no response. ~No power. Duh.~ She thought for a moment about where to get power, with out having main power. ~If the suits are still here, maybe other emergency supplies are here too.~ She approached the door and the small locker to the left side of it. She entered a standard code. The locker opened to reveal one type II phaser. She took it and walked back over to the second rack and opened the maintenance panel. Work was slow going with gloved hands her manual dexterity was down quite a bit, but she managed to connect the phaser battery to the terminal. With a sputtering spark the terminal lit up brightly. She performed a systems check of the worker bee, everything seemed to be in adequate working order. She dumped some of the power from the phaser into the worker bee, topping off the battery. Deactivating the boots and with a firm grip on the railing she swung up into the small craft cock pit and closed the hatch. The engineer turned off her suit lights and then secured herself into the seat with the harness and started up the vehicle. Releasing the clamps she fired the thrusters that pushed her away from the station. With a deft programing of the thrusters she rotated the craft and pointed the nose in the direction she wanted to travel. It seemed this model only had chemical thrusters, directed nozzles of compressed gasses were her means of locomotion. She was glad inertia was on her side, well until she had to stop that is. It was a short trip to the fuel deposit, the vehicle’s lights showing the way. What she found was a collection of four tanks, each larger than the craft she was piloting. ~We’ll see where one takes us on fuel level, before we get more.~ She noticed there was a magnetic coupling near the side of the tank facing her. She spun around and came to a full stop with her aft facing the tank coupling. Once the magnet contacted and grabbed hold the tank released from the depot and she was free to maneuver. The return trip was slower to accelerate but she managed it in good time. =/= Merek to Kental. =\= she said over suit comms. (Reply R’Vek) =/= I’ll have one tank ready to fuel your reactor in moments. =\= She said as the tank locked into position. She released the bee’s coupler and spun around during the talking. (Reply R’Vek) The robotic arms of the craft connected the hosing. =/= Let me know when you are ready.=\= (Reply R’Vek, any) (posted by Todd) (The Docks – Main Engineering – Engineer – Ensign JG R'Vek Kental – 1935) R'Vek looked at the main generator. It currently had no power and he sighed in relief as he looked at the power distribution circuits. They need some help the generator also needed to be serviced and this was the perfect time to do. He set down his tool kit and started to check the stability of the chamber and to make sure there was no visible links when his combadge sounded off. “Merek to Kental” came a familiar voice =A= Kental here=A= he replies “The fuel line I was following terminated in a large tank, which is of course mostly empty. Which makes sense if it was not being used and for safety reasons. The amount of hydrogen you have left you should be able to start the fusion core. I’m not that familiar with it’s efficiency but you should be able to keep it running for a short while if you want. In that regard I still need to search for more fuel. This may take me to a central storage yard.” She informed him. =A= keep in touch and dont go to far we can't afford to get lost up here =A= he replies pulling out his Padd and looking at schematics “If I leave the immediate vicinity I will let you know. I don’t plan on getting lost but it’s good to keep tabs on one another. Merek out.” She said ending the transmission. the path seemed straight forward if his blueprint was correct. but it would do no good if he didn't have the generator ready. he went back to his work and soon after his com badge went off again. “Merek to Kental.” =A= Kental here =A= “It seems I will have to go for a walk to get more fuel. Worker bee storage has had environmental systems shut down and I don’t want to use up the remaining battery power to bring life support on line in that area. I also don’t want to lessen the breathable air in this section by sharing it with another.” She said. =A= make sure you wear a evac suit, no enviroment no air=A= he replied the whole situation was making him uneasy. He turned back to the generator it seemed just about ready. he checked the last few relays and it was set to go when his combadge went off again “Of course I’ll be wearing an EVAC suit. If I remember correctly their shelf life is about 60 years, so worst case scenario I’ll be fashionably out of style, but safe. I’ll contact you when I’m ready for fuel transfer. Merek out.” =/= Merek to Kental. =\= she said over suit comms. =A= Kental here any updates =A= =/= I’ll have one tank ready to fuel your reactor in moments. =\= She said as the tank locked into position. She released the bee’s coupler and spun around during the talking. =A= Copy =A= he said making his way over to prepare for the fuel process. The robotic arms of the craft connected the hosing. =/= Let me know when you are ready.=\= =A=Ready for transfer=A= he replied Not long after he could see it was working slowly but surly the fuel level was rising it wouldn't be long before they could restore minimal power the tank took all it could get and soon there was no more coming in. =A=Merek looks like thats all we got. Get back in the station. once your in ill start firing up the generator=A= he said, not wanting her outside if things went bad. (Reply Merek) (Reply Merek, any) (posted by Andrew) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -The Bar with No Name - CONN, ENS JG Trip Williams & So Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin- 19:40) Trip entered the bar area holding a black guitar case in his hand. He was still in uniform, and had stopped by his and Sienna’s quarters before heading over to the bar. A lot of it was still under construction, but there was no marquee but a small sign that said, “Name is TBD, but the Drinks are all on me. Sincerely, Management.” He hadn’t seen his sister all day, he hadn’t felt his sister in almost 12 hours. He would have been worried, but during his excursion to the junk dealer, Ailynn had made sure to bring him up to date on his sister’s condition. As he entered he saw her sitting at a table, she looked happy, he could feel she was happy. He could feel her again, and that made him happy. As he approached the table he tapped her on the shoulder from behind, “Is this seat taken?” Sienna had taken the time to order hearty earth food. Steak tips in bourbon sauce, mashed potatoes with three cheeses mixed in and grilled asparagus spears. She had a large iced glass of strawberry lemonade that was half empty. She felt Trip and smiled as he touched her shoulder, "I am sorry." She spoke keeping her face impassive though the mischievous feeling was easy to sense, "Do I know you?" Her eyes twinkled as she kept her expression neutral. “I sure as hell hope you do, we only shared a womb together.” Trip smiled. He had used that line probably a million times. “Sorry I’m late, I just got your note, was having dinner in the mess hall. Did you know we have an Andorian starfleet officer here? Apparently she was at the academy with us. Who knew?” Sy laughed, "I remember the things said about her and the Remans" she tried not to yawn as she ate but she had a lot of tension and jamming with her brother was exactly what she needed in order to get some sleep. "We need to talk and the inhibitor is not entirely out of my system." She sighed, "I did not mean to fall asleep on you last night. I love you but it was a crazy day and your voice soothes me. Except when you yell." She revised, thinking of some of those times he had quite justifiably done exactly that. Funny how those were so close tonight. “Yeah, but I only ever yell when you deserve it.” "I guess you heard from Linnie that I forgot to check into sickbay twice, once yesterday cuz I felt something wrong and then instead of after the attack and the psi inhibitor, I went to the Hades and kept pushing and pushing and pushing until I passed out at the perfect Sekal's hunky feet and had to be carried by him to Linnie." She was absolutely mortified by that and had not noticed the adjective she used to describe the Vulcan. "And I think the Admiral likes him better. I wish I could go back home." Not sure if she had spoken that out loud, she stared into her glass of lemonade, wishing for the blurring edges alcohol could give. “Oh sis,” Trip said wrapping his arms around his sister. “Yeah Lynn told me, we had quite the chat on a side trip into town. Sy you need to take care of yourself. Who is going to clean my room if you’re not around.” She laughed a little bit and leaned into her brother. Of course she cleaned his room. Even when her Mother had scolded her, she had done it. Trip was a slob and she was not. Not that she was a freak about cleanliness, she just liked things a bit tidier. “As for this perfect vulcan with hunky feet.” Trip released his arms from his sisters shoulder and flexed his arms and then did some air punches. “He better be careful. You mess my sister, and you have to deal with me.” He said playfully. He had been known to give the I’m watching you stare to anyone who showed interest in his sister. It never worked. Trip was an imposing figure, but his demeanour was all teddy bear, most of the time. His sister even nicknamed him Snuggles because he could be so nice. Sy laughed again, she could never get upset around Trip. At least not for very long. “Anyways, I brought my guitar, just like you asked.” He said to her holding up the case. “We gonna play the usual?” She grinned, “Maybe Linnie will show up. Can you imagine the three of us jamming together? It’ll be like when we were sixteen again, with the Grand Dragons Band. But yeah.” She quickly finished her large plate of food. “I feel like singing for a bit, and I sang a couple of songs earlier when I first got here, and played two on my flute. But it kinda sucks to sing without accompaniment.” She looked up and then grinned, “That band that Dad likes so much? Halesting?” “The classic earth band from the 21st century, Halestorm.” Trip said correcting her. “Yeah them. Let’s sing Here’s to Us. Do you remember it ? I don’t think much of the replicators right now and I don’t know that there is sheet music in our quarters. If Aunt Kate has her way, we will have so much stuff!” Sy laughed again, their Aunt Kate could be excessive. “Yeah I know it, I prefer the song Shatter Me, but I know it, how could I forget it.” Trip paused and smiled, thier Dad played those old earth songs on repeat every time he was in the workshop tinkering. Trip preferred newer stuff, but he learned to play the song for his Dad’s birthday before heading to the academy. Trip pulled the guitar out of it’s case. He only learned the guitar because his mother forced him. He wanted to be out playing sports, so his mother compromised. He could play teeball at age 5 if he learned piano, which then became guitar. The Mighty Siskos was the name of his team, and he played with that group from teeball all the way to little league baseball. He stopped playing baseball, he could still play guitar. “After you,” he said motioning his sister to the stage. (reply none) (posted by Will and Mel) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – The bar with no name – MO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken- 19:41) As she entered the bar, she saw that Trip and Sienna were just talking. Trip had his guitar in hand, it brought back a lot of memories, although Ailynn had been a couple of years older, she’d hung around with them a lot, and jammed so often together, the combination of her Cello, Trips guitar and who knows who singing what and playing what else brought a tear to her eye. Glad that she’d brought her instrument, she caught their eye, and waved. Though walked over to the bar, She caught the bartenders eye and ordered a round of drinks, one each for Trip and Sienna, and two for herself, after downing one, she took the rest to a small table near the stage, then returned for her instrument. “Hey Kids. What’s kicking? Yours truly has brought the contraband.” She smiled deeply at her two oldest friends, a pull on her heartstrings causing a tear at her eye. As much as she played the role of the guardian, She herself was perhaps the most vulnerable of all of them, and had hidden it under the veil of responsibility. Sienna had seen that first hand, at some point Ailynn needed to speak to her, privately, Trip as yet didn’t know how far she’d fallen, she hoped that he’d never think less of her. Despite all that, Ailynn felt any awkwardness immediately dissipate, suddenly they were teenagers in their parent’s garage again (Reply Trip/Sienna) (Posted by Mark) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -The Red Sands Tavern - CONN, Ensign JG Trip Williams, SO Ensign JG Sienna Williams-Verin, and MO Ensign JG Ailynn Bracken- 19:43) Trip looked at Sy and they nodded. They didn’t need words to communicate.Sy grinned, dropped her plate and glass at the replicator, and grabbed Ailynn’s instrument at the same time Trip picked up their dear friend Lynn and carried her onto the stage. Sy then got up on stage with her brother, and Ailynn handing Ailynn’s instrument case to her. It was a reunion that needed to happen. Emotionally, and spiritually. Toeing on her mic. “Hey guys, this is my brother, Trip Verin-Williams in Flight Ops and the ever beautiful Dr. Ailynn Bracken. We’re gonna jam for you.” She grinned. She toed it off, then helped him plug in the other microphone to the sound system and then moved her own mic to the correct position for her to stand and sing. She looked at Trip and Ailynn expectantly and mouthed, ‘Here’s to Us?’ Ailynn felt the adrenaline rush as she opened her case, and pulled out her Cello, not a usual instrument for a band, she admitted to herself, but with the right mic and tuning, they’d made it work over the years. She picked up the strap, again, something not often seen, but her height and dextrous fingers had made it work. Standing near a mic, that she adjusted, she plucked a couple of notes and retuned slightly. Nodding to Sienna, she tilted and stretched her shoulder, and picked up the baseline when it hit. Her long, delicate, beautifully trained surgeon’s fingers were well suited to the instrument. Trip grabbed the pick from his bag and began to strum the melody. The sweet yet haunting melody of Here’s to use began to play and he waited for his sister to jump in with the lyrics. He liked playing with her, she had a great voice, and it also helped that they could read each other’s thoughts, they were so in sync that he didn’t like playing for any other singer. Of course playing with Ailynn was also a treat because it was among the few moments Ailynn looked like she was actually having fun. “Stuck it out this far together Put our dreams through the shredder Let's toast 'cause things got better And everything could change like that And all these days go by so fast But nothing lasts forever” Sienna changed one of the words in the song, simply to make it more applicable to the current situation. She closed her eyes and rocked out. This song was about learning to grow up and celebrating the triumphs and troubles that growing up brought on. She loved the song, and she loved that her brother was backing her on vocals and guitars and that her childhood friend was adding the base line. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLfYkMxvbyA And the end of the song Trip was smiling. It felt good to play the guitar again, it felt good to play with his sister again. He had felt distant from her all day due to the psy-blockers but as their bond began to return, he could tell she wanted to play things a little bit more somber, yet also kick ass. ::Sy, Evanescence, Bring me to Life, do you know that one?:: As the song ended Sy turned towards Trip and bowed, indicating that it was him that made her so much better. She was happy, glowing as they sang together, the stress visibly shedding. ::All right, I’ll get it started, follow my lead.:: She nodded, reopening her dark eyes and turning back towards the crowd. This song would showcase her voice better than the last. Trip then whispered to Ailynn “Bring me to Life” so that she would be clued in. Sy didn’t even have a few seconds to grab a drink before Trip began to play. Not even introducing the song Trip just began to strum,it was a bit heavier than the last one, but it was one of his favorites. If he had to play classical music, this was a song he wanted to play. Picking up the first few bars of the song, Ailynn realised that she had a few moments before any proper base came in to this song, she played the few backing notes that were there, well within her talent. She found herself unwinding, the remains of expectation evaporating. It had always felt like this, here was where she felt truly truly free, free to express herself, simply...free to be. She could feel herself, and the others expand to the room. She smiled and winked in response, catching both the twin’s eyes as they all played and sang. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc00qPujRjg (sorry can’t find a better version) Sy tried so hard not to grin as she began to sing, not making it as powerful a punch as this song was intended to be, she kept it more down key. It was technically a rough song to play on guitar as it was intended to be played primarily on the piano. Trip was backing Sienna on the vocals again, letting her shine. Normally this would make Sy a little suspicious. But from Trip’s demeanour it was almost as if he was in the middle of an epiphany. “Now that I know what I'm without You can't just leave me Breathe into me and make me real Bring me to life” There was stunned silence as they finished the song then enthusiastic clapping. A good fifteen minutes had passed and singing on a stage in front of your co-workers and colleagues was both a heady and exhausting experience. Sy glanced around the room and saw Sekal sitting in the back, watching her. She didn’t know when he had come in but she was a little nervous when she saw him there. He intimidated and intrigued her. Trip’s eyes followed Sy’s and he glared. ::It’s not like I’m in love with him. More in competition that I have no chance of winning. He’s brilliant.:: She sent during the loud applause just to Trip, keeping her projection tight. ::Two More? That melancholy song Mom liked by a band called Fun. Carry on? Then we’ll end the set with whatever you want?:: She didn’t say that she picked that song because of the guitar solo that would showcase Trip as his Mother’s son. Their Mother was a great musician and had insisted that all of her children be as well. It was a shame that Mom couldn’t have any more children after the twins, she loved being a Mother almost as much as she loved the minutia of being in stratops. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9PiLdjmR0w (Fun Carry on) Trip really didn’t care for the song, but he had memorized it as a way to cheer his mom up whenever she was sad. He knew that Sy had picked it for the guitar solo. Normally he would want the spotlight, but there was something stirring in his heart, something bringing him to peace. “Lynn, Carry On by Fun, do you got this one?” “You kidding? You don’t remember your mums birthday, when my mum and Dale supplied the drink? And everyone was going at it like it was synthehol?” She laughed openly, realising that it was a long time since she had played it. Sy sang her heart out, coming in perfectly after the guitar solo. “Cause we are We are shining stars We are invincible We are who we are On our darkest day When we're miles away So we'll come We will find our way home” She loved the idea that they would eventually find their way back, back from the craziness that the Federation had become. It was about hope, coming from the darkness, finding your way out. She glanced over at Trip again, checking his fingers carefully. He hadn’t really played in several months and the callouses were not as thick as they should be and his hands had to be aching by now. They needed a less demanding song to end the set with. She looked out at the crowd, “What do you say? One more?” The crowd cheered and Sy turned back to Trip, ::What do you want to play?:: Her entire being beamed with joy, and she wasn’t aware that she was subconsciously projecting that happiness toward the crowd, lifting their burdens as well. ::Follow my lead, give me some hums that match the beat at first, feel free to play the flute..:: “Yo Lynnie the Poo,” Trip whispered, “Remember that song you shared with me, you know after your senior prom, when I had to be your date, because no one asked you, so Sy and I went as your plus twos?” “I hate you.” she smiled, “7 years old” “7 years old, that’s the one. Follow my lead, let’s rock it.” Ailynn nodded, and led them in with a quiet base note, knowing that Trip and Sienna were already ready 2 bars ahead to kick in. Trip began strumming a haunting and somber melody. He approached the mic, “I’d like to dedicate this one to my Dad and My grandfather.” Sienna was accompanying him with her voice matching the pitch of his guitar with some somber yet melodic and hopeful oos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FsO_bQvQ2s (7 years old) “Once I was seven years old my momma told me Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely Once I was seven years old” Trip was pouring his heart and soul into the song. Something was speaking to him. The epiphany in his heart would become clearer, but as he was singing, he just knew he missed the two most important male figures in his life. The key conversation would be coming soon, he didn’t know it yet. But he was beginning to realize how lucky he was. As he got to the second verse he put he couldn't help but smile. “I always had that dream like my daddy before me So I started writing songs, I started writing stories Something about that glory just always seemed to bore me Cause only those I really love will ever really know me.” As he continued to sing, he flashbacked to all the moments his dad sacrificed for his family. The numerous fosters they took in, being the dad that Ailynn never had, adopting his half-sister Skyler, and the current fosters that his mom and dad were hoping to adopt. Why he ever wanted to live a different life than that of his dad’s he would never know. He preferred modern music, but something about the classical songs spoke to him, spoke to him in his heart, at the depth of who he was. “Soon I'll be 60 years old, will I think the world is cold Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me Soon I'll be 60 years old Soon I'll be 60 years old, will I think the world is cold Or will I have a lot of children who can hold me Soon I'll be 60 years old Once I was seven years old, my momma told me Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely Once I was seven years old Once I was seven years old.” As he finished the song, strummed the last bit of the melody, a tear slid down his cheek. ::Sy, I think I need to call dad.:: Sy turned towards him, ::Mom’s probably panicked. I need to talk to her too. :: ::I’ve been such an ass to him.:: ::Yeah, you have but he loves you. He always has:: Trip smiled, waved, grabbed his guitar to put up and then quietly made his way to the back of the bar. The man who looked like the manager walked up to him and with a thick and heavy spanish accent said to him, “You and your sister have given me the best idea to get people into this place, open mic, with prizes. Gracias amigo.” He then walked off to mingle with other patrons leaving Trip sitting at the bar pensive. Ailynn watched as the manager left, then turned to her friends, finishing her drink, and lifting the glass, signalling to the bartender for another. She turned to Trip, her smile, down to her heart, not simply cosmetic. “I’ve had fun” "It's about damn time Miss sour pants." Trip said with a laugh. Turning to Sienna, Ailynn looked deeply into the other girls eyes. The smile remained, and meant the same thing, but almost a whole conversation seemed to happen between them. She stepped forward and pulled the shorter girl into a close hug, before releasing her with a gentle smile, that she hoped expressed her feelings. Sienna took a few minutes to sit on the stage and take apart her flute, then pack it back up properly. She would need to clean it later. She hopped off, then Linnie surprised her with the look, the smile and the hug. Sy was shocked but she smiled widely and hugged her back enthusiastically. She considered dropping a kiss on Linnie’s lips for a very brief second, but chose her cheek instead. She glanced back towards Sekal nervously but smiled towards him. (Reply any) (posted by Mel, Will, and Mark) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -The Red Sands Tavern - Science Officer- Ensign Sekal- 2010) Sekal had gotten a quick dinner during the musical break then returned in time to see the Verin twins and Doctor Bracken take the stage. Ordinarily he would have not returned but he found Sienna William- Verin's talent intriguing. This was the first time he had seen a fellow scientist show such a gifted aptitude for music in a variety of forms. Vulcans played music of course and he had considered taking up one of the forms but due to his training regimen and studies had not taken the time for it. It was possible he would do so but the foreseeable future held no promise of such as the workload for the department was significant to put it mildly. In order to ready the Republic for relaunch there would be little time for such frivolities which is why his steps had returned here. At one point their eyes met immediately after which her brother gave him a long and suspicious glance which Sekal returned emotionlessly. He had no idea why her brother would be antagonistic toward him. ~Perhaps he feels my attention to be rude.~ He hadn't considered that he was making a social faux pas till that point so for the rest of the impromptu concert he moved his eyes from one to another during different musical phases. Trip Williams like his sister played with great emotion and Doctor Bracken seemed to relish her part in the performance. It was often said that the greatest musical compositions required equally as great emotional content among other species which was why Vulcans did not use the arts for entertainment but for times of contemplation or meditation Their musical renditions were compelling however he was forced to admit. When their final set was concluded it had passed twenty two hundred hours which meant it was time for him to leave. Before he arose from his chair his fellow scientist nodded to him, in return he inclined his head to show his appreciation for her talent after which he got to his feet and moved to the exit. It was getting late, he was nearing exhaustion and he had an important communication to make. (Reply: Any iyw) (Posted by Charles Gatling)