>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 3 Stardate: 2444.06.03 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique – Bridge - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1016) (USS Mystique – Bridge - SECTAC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters – 1018) (USS Mystique – Bridge - Entity Luma'Lenai – 1020) (Mars Base – Science Lab 3 - Science Officer – Ensign Sekal- 1110) (Mars Base – Officer's mess-- Science Officer – Ensign Sekal- 1125) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Medical unit - MO Ens(jg) Kasian Poldan– 1700) (Mars Facility – Docking Bay 2 – OPS/SEC- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 1703 (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1709) (Starbase – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1809) (Mars Base, Medical, Flight Officer-OPS , Ensign J.G. Alexandra Petrova 20:05) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 20.45) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres- 20.46) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 20.47) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres- 20.48) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 20.49) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres - 20.50) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 20.51) (Mars Facility- 01 Hanger bay – Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams - 2154) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing, Pilot’s lounge - aFSXO ENS JG Trip Williams, ENS JG Ire Williams, ENS JG Alexandra Petrova, ENS JG Ravok Shara - 2300) (Mars Facility – Docking Bay 2 – OPS/SEC- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 2330) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique – Bridge - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1016) It was a fascinating experience and the Admiral was listening intently to the conversation going on between Luma and Sekal, and Remae was learning quickly as he observed. Luma wanted to punish the ones, who sounded like they were Starfleet Intelligence, and Remae agreed. They always seemed to operate without control, without restraints. He was going to have a little chat with them about this matter when he had the next chance to do so. Ensign Sekal continued to speak and informed Luma that those intelligence officers were not on this base and that their intent was earning trust. “Admiral Jopek was my friend, Luma but he died over 20 years ago.”, he said and he thought about Jopek and the day he died and for a moment, he was lost in thought and sadness for the loss of his friend. The statue at Starfleet Command had been his idea and paid a fitting tribute to his final sacrifice. NRPG: There will be a flashback going in here but its not ready and I wanted to keep the story going RPG: “My name is Remae and I’ve asked Mr Sekal to guide me here so that I may speak to you.”, the Admiral said and for a reason he wasn’t sure of, he started to walk around the Bridge. “I’ve been informed that this is your skin, as we called her, the Mystique, is a part of you. I do not fully understand but that isn’t important. As far as I am concerned, you are welcome here, to be a part of our family and we are happy to assist in any repairs your skin may need to make travel and other functions operational. I hope we can earn your trust in that matter.”, he said and he stopped walking around. “I also have a request. We have no other operational ships here and there could be occasions where we may ask for your assistance and ask that you allow us to take to the stars on missions of importance.”, he said and then added, “Would you be willing to help us if and when that happened?”, he said to Luma. It was clear that having an operational starship to use would be of advantage but the lifeform, Luma, was to be given maximum respect. The ship and Luma were one. Remae had a feeling that they would be calling on the services of Luma sooner rather than later. (Reply from Luma, Anyone on the Mystique) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique – Bridge - SECTAC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters – 1018) The admiral had decided he needed to have a conversation with Luma and had chosen the time to do so. He, Sekal and Sienna were going back with him, to act as intermediaries if required. When he had briefed the other security officers of Luma and what the Admiral had planned, Taya had volunteered to come along, as -extra- security. Even though Carson had done his best to explain that Luma was no threat - and even if she was, phasers wouldn't do anything to her, he suspected Taya hadn't been convinced. They had made it to the Mystiques bridge, both Carson and Taya flanking the Admiral. If anything did happen, they'd have to do something. Carson had about 15% of a plan ready, but the other 85% would have to be on the fly, completely made up. ~I'm sure she'll be ameniable~ he thought as he stood there and waited for Sekal to introduce the Admiral. "We have arrived Luma and have brought the one I told you of, the Admiral. He is the leader of our people here and he wishes to speak with you.", said Ensign Sekal. Luma was fast at responding, as if she'd been watching and waiting for someone to speak. Her eerie voice came from the speakers surrounding the Bridge, =^=He is not the Jopek. Does he know the Jopek? Good day the Sienna, the Sekal, the Carson, the Admiral and the blue skin. Has the blue skin come to remove pieces of Luma? Luma warns the blue skin that attempting to do so will result in the blue skin being removed back to where she? came from.=^= Carson had nodded and smiled at the sound of his own name, but when Luma began speaking about Taya or "the blue skin" he became concerned. In his haste, he had forgotten to explain to Taya that Luma didn't have the best history with Andorians. He shifted slightly, so she was within arms reach- just incase. =^= Are any of you small ones members of the intelligence? Maybe the blue-skinned one? Because Luma desires to punish the intelligence ones who trapped her here. =^= "This Andorian is in our security department and her purpose here is singular, to protect and insure the admiral's safety. Nothing more." Sekal said before Carson could speak up and say very much the same thing. "In addition..." Sekal continued. "The Star Fleet intelligence officers who are among my people were not included among those who left you here nor do they desire to further imprison you. Unless one proves duplicitous you may consider them allies. We have trusted you by coming here and desire to earn your trust." Carson thought back to his discussion with Foxglove the day before, he was intrigued by what Sekal had said. Either he'd also had a discussion with the Intelligence Agent, or was making the information up to appease Luma. It made llittle difference, what he'd said amounted to the truth anyway. “Admiral Jopek was my friend, Luma but he died over 20 years ago.” Ktell said. He seemed bemused by the previous conversation, but when he mentioned Jopeks name his eyes seemed to glaze over, if only for a moment - before he continued, “My name is Remae and I’ve asked Mr Sekal to guide me here so that I may speak to you.” and at that point the Admiral began to do exactly what Carson hoped he wouldn't- walk around the bridge. There was no way he was going to be able to stay by the mans side and make it look natural. “I’ve been informed that this is your skin, as we called her, the Mystique, is a part of you. I do not fully understand but that isn’t important. As far as I am concerned, you are welcome here, to be a part of our family and we are happy to assist in any repairs your skin may need to make travel and other functions operational. I hope we can earn your trust in that matter.”, Ktell said and he stopped walking around. The moment he stood still, Carson shuffled across to where the Admiral stood and began looking at one of the tactical consoles that he had stopped by. ~Back within arms reach~ “I also have a request. We have no other operational ships here and there could be occasions where we may ask for your assistance and ask that you allow us to take to the stars on missions of importance.”, he said and then added, “Would you be willing to help us if and when that happened?” This shocked Carson, he'd assumed the Admiral wanted to meet Luma and make a threat assessment himself. He had no inclining that he was going to propose to Luma that they use her to travel around. ~He must be more desperate for a working ship than we know~ Carson thought to himself. He then wondered on how extensive Luma's control over the ship was, would she fly it for them, would they need CONN officers? If they got into a scrape, would she manuever and fire the ships weapons for them? Would they need tactical officers on board? (Reply Luma, Anyone on the Mystique) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (USS Mystique – Bridge - Entity Luma'Lenai – 1020) “I also have a request. We have no other operational ships here and there could be occasions where we may ask for your assistance and ask that you allow us to take to the stars on missions of importance.”, he said and then added, “Would you be willing to help us if and when that happened?” The Admiral spoke to Luma. This pleased her. =^= Luma agrees. The power locks will be removed to the Mystique's drives and Luma promises that she will not leave the base without permission. Luma dislikes having no options to leave. And the skin will be repaired properly? Even the cosmetic damage the intelligence small ones did? =^= (reply) =^= Luma requires a mind-bond mate. The Sienna is not a sufficient telepath to serve as one. It would be best for such a person to have a wide skill base. Luma is capable of doing many things without the input of the small ones, but Luma requires guidance to know if it is... preferable? prudent? desirous?=^= The ship was obviously searching for the correct word. =^= To do so. The telepaths who have to touch the ship's skin to speak are not the best. If you find such a bond-mate, Luma would be most pleased and you can be assured that Luma would not escape with the skin. It is a ... mutually beneficial symbiosis. =^= Luma was so obviously lonely and this would be best for her. =^= Do you know when we are going to surf the star-song, the Admiral? It will be soon? =^= She sounded so excited and happy at this thought. =^= Are we going to follow the stupid ship out there from the Trill place? And Luma will need to have the people who come to work on her introduced. A mind-bond mate would be best to authorize such people. Luma also desires to have the intelligence people introduced to her by the Admiral because Luma desires an apology from them for the wrongs of their colleagues. If they prove duplicitous, Luma will lock them in a small ship until they learn better. The cartoon shows have informed Luma that this is called a 'timeout' and an acceptable punishment when small ones misbehave. =^= And still no one had introduced poor Taya to Luma. Nor did Luma have access to the most recent personnel records. So poor Taya would remain 'the blue-skin' since to Luma, she apparently did not rate a name. (reply the Mystique away team) (posted by Mel :-) (Mars Base – Science Lab 3 - Science Officer – Ensign Sekal- 1110) The others had already departed for lunch when their group beamed down from the Mystique so the labs were empty. Laboratory three was to be their primary starting point for research so everything in it needed to be ready for the next day. If his expected beginning point held up that would start at or close to midday. Sekal gave them all a quick visual inspection and noted that a few were already powered up while the rest were still quiescent. If all went well they would meet their schedule but if there were interruptions it could jeopardize their timetable. His initial thought was to take lunch in his office but that would be inefficient. His best move would be to go to the officer's mess. Using his comm to interrupt a fellow officer during their lunch time would be rude and unnecessary and after the event in the tavern the night before he did not want a repeat of a lack of social graces. The decision made he turned and swept quickly out. (Mars Base – O Sekal strode through the door and made his way to the replicator bank after spotting the officer he was looking for. He ordered a small platter of the Italian vegetables and hot tea with lemon and made his way to the Trill's table. "Mister Alyl may I join you?" (Reply: Jaton Alyl) Sekal dipped his chin slightly in acknowledgement. "Thank you." He set his tray down across from the officer and arranged the plate, silverware and mug. "Has the work in the lab been going smoothly? I apologize for my absence but the Admiral called me away from my duties there for another task." (Reply: Jaton Alyl) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Medical unit - MO Ens(jg) Kasian Poldan– 1700) Kasian had spent the last few hours focused on one room in the medical unit. He knew this was probably not the best use of his time as this room would probably not be one used for a while. Looking around at the place it was still dusty crates stacked up everywhere had he not known what it looked like before he would think he had just started. “You are not an easy person to find Kasian” the voice sent a chill down his spine he didn’t need to look at her person behind him he knew who it was. “I like it that way.” He replies as he opened another box and started unpacking the medical equipment. He didn’t want to have the conversation he knew was about to happen but there was no running from it now. “Had you stay on trill you could've been head of pediatric. At the rate you're going you will be lucky to even be noticed.” Kasian only closed his eyes he didn’t want to fight he didn’t want to lash out anymore, he just wanted to be a doctor. Turning he now faced the woman who had been speaking to him. “Mother or should I call you Ambassador I can build something here I can build a Pediatrics and neonatal unit like starfeet has never seen. That’s my goal nothing else.” Kasian could see a smile cross Addison's face he wasn’t sure at all what that was for. He watched as she walked toward him picking up a medical tool on the way. “You’ll need better equipment this is all dated.” Addison said as she handed him the tool. “Well unless you have some extra on your ship.” Kasian said in a smart voice not expecting her to have a comeback at all. “Oh I do. Along with the plans to upload them into your computer so you can replicate more.” Kasian was a bit taken back that she had thought ahead like that, however, he should of known better and deep down he did. “And for this gift what is it you and the council wants?” Kasian asked knowing they always had an other motives Addison put her hand on Kasians shoulder smiling at him. “Most of that is between us and starfleet, however, you have a family obligation you need to hold up to.” Kasian could feel the anger in him rise. He knew there was a reason she was here. “I’m not doing that I’m not going to marry her I’ve already told you this.” “You do not have a choice Kasian you will marry her no you will do it soon. You asked the council for a favor they granted it and allow you to join starfleet. Now the time has come for you to repay that favor.” Kasian couldn’t argue with this, but he had to think of a way to get out of it. “I’m in love with someone else.” Kasian lied he wasn’t sure what else to do, he just knew that he had to find a way out of it. “Love isn’t important you can learn to love.” Addison said Kasian knew this was a lie she loved once he knew that from all the s “I have a meeting to get to. Come have dinner with your brother and I tonight 2000 hours don’t be late.” Kasian only shook his head in agreement “And Kaz bring her id like to meet the girl who stole my sons heart.” And with those words Addison was gone and Kasian was left looking at the now closed door. ~who the hell am I going to find on such short notice~ Kasian thought to himself. (Reply none) (Posted by Richard) (Mars Facility – Docking Bay 2 – OPS/SEC- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 1703) Ever since Charles found out that he was going to be mobilized at Mars Station for a lot longer than he had originally been led to believe, he had been taken the opportunity to fully explore the station to include all of the docking bays, speak with some of the crew and to get a better understanding of how things worked. As he stepped into the turbo-lift in Docking Bay 2 to go to his next destination of his explorations, he received a message on his PADD that read Chief Tamblyn, See what you can do with the attached request. They are currently in need of assistance from the Operations and Security sections and as you are an NCO in both take care of them as best as possible. Request Reads as Follows: This is Captain Kelley of the old rust bucket that is docked here, We have dropped off vital supplies for the base as per our contract The Tellarite Mining and Shipping Company has with The federation, I however need to go over with the Base Commander about payment, I need an Engineer to take a look at some of our major systems that took hits coming in, a damage control team to fix this, a science officer to come and sign for the auxiliary computer core going to their department. We also are carrying fifty blast vests and helmets, so I need a security officer to come and sign for these, I know there is no port master assigned at this moment which is why I am asking for reps to come. On a personal note, we are requesting to be docked here three days for R&R. Humbly, Captain Kelley TMC Freighter Maid Marion Message forwarded via Base Operations After reading the message, Tamblyn redirected the turbo-lift toward the specific dock in bay 2 that the ‘old rust bucket’ had docked. He then replied to the message stating that he was on his way to the ship in question to speak to the captain about getting them squared away. As he stepped off the lift, he could tell which ship he was looking for. The old rust bucket was indeed an apt description. It did look familiar for some reason from one of his bounty hunting excursions a few years prior. He wasn’t sure, but the ship did seem familiar. As he walked toward the ship, he spoke as he approached one of the crew members, “Pardon me, but I am looking for Captain Kelly. I’m Chief Petty Officer Tamblyn. I was sent to see about getting y’all squared away to include R&R.” (Reply Kelly) (Reply Kelly) (Posted by Charles R.) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1709) “Come in, Ensign.”, said the Admiral to the arrival of the Reman, even after the past few days, the sight of the office was still slightly strange to the Admiral but he welcomed him to his officer with the customary wave to the chair in front of his desk. The Engineering broke down the analysis of the shipyards, 22 ships that needed repair, 5 skeletons, 6 that were ready for scrapping plus a few mysteries. Ships they couldn’t get to for various reasons. The PADD had the full information. “Quite a lot of resources out there Ensign but mostly, ships that needed repairs, the list included the known ship as well, including the Hades, the Republic and the Mystique plus the project ships other members had embraced. “Good work Ensign, now we have list, our primary focus should be the Republic and see what needs to be done. I know attempts are being made to assess her damage. Can you join those efforts and let me know what condition she is in? I don’t think I’ve got a full status report on her yet and she should be our priority even though, I suspect it’s going to be a long time before she can fly.”, said the Admiral. “Thanks Ensign, unless there is anything else, you are dismissed.”, said the Admiral thankful for the report. (Reply from Kental, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Starbase – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1809) Remae was meeting the Ambassador from Trill and she was complimenting the Bajoran. “First off Admiral I have to tell you how impressed I am with you. There isn’t many Admiral who would take a posting babysitting a bunch of baby officers fresh out of the academy.”, said the Ambassador. A snort came from the Admiral’s nose, that was unexpected. She continued to mention that the future was in their hands before getting to the reason they had come. “I have brought a few supplies it is not much honestly, but it's a start.”, she said concluding what she had come to say but the Admiral was confused. “With all due respect and with appreciation to the offer for help and assistance, what do you hope to get back in return for this? Trill left Starfleet and had its own good reasons to, do you want to rejoin? Knowing command like I do, it could take years to complete formal negotiations.”, he said and he added, “You may also be putting a target on Trill’s back by realigning with us and I am not convinced that we are in any condition to support you.”, he paused for a moment to let the Ambassador respond. (Reply from MacCaulay, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Base, Medical, Flight Officer-OPS , Ensign J.G. Alexandra Petrova 20:05) She then looked up from her spot, “Chief Miller, you are aware this is a sickbay and not a break room correct?” "Of course, it isn't a break room," said Kathy, "but we have only so many medical personnel, so you wait your turn." Before anything else could be said, Doctor Solice appeared. "Good evening. How can I be helpful?" Petrova told Solice why she was there, ending with a terribly rude comment. "Your aide at the station felt it was acceptable to pretend I was neyt here for a good half a minute. I assume she is just overworked and not an imbecile." “Bear in mind that the “Aide” you are describing is a highly educated yeoman that does not have to put up with a lippy ensign.” Quinna turned to look at Yeoman Miller and gave her a nod. “Luckily I am both a Doctor and a Counselor.” Quinna offered her credentials. She turned to Perova, “Why don’t you come with me and tell me what is going on.” Alexandra sat down and said, “My vessel was hit by a Breen raider, with some sort of energy weapon, every since then I have noticed a migraine, I assume its the after effect of the ion disruption messing with the neurological signals in my body?” Quinna pulled at a medical tricorder and started to scan she looked at the results confirming what was being said, “I take it that this has happened to you before.” "I do not make it a habbit of being shot with Breen weaponry, But I have been shot with a disruptor before." She had decided to not make a case of the Yeomans conduct. She would simply ignore the incompotence and move on. “I can give you something for the symptoms and I can protect your systems, but it will be a few days before your neurological signals return to normal. I know that is something you do not want to hear.” “As for the other matter.” She cleared her throat and looked around, then leaned in and whispered, “I require a contraceptive shot.” Digression was always key to Quinna’s job. As she loaded a hyposptray to help her patient’s body through the ion discharge, she was afraid that she could not help with the recent request at this time. “I can’t do that.” Quinna took a deep breath, “With the damage of the ion discharge, the shot would be inert. You need to wait until next month.” She nodded, "Then this is all I require. Thank you for your time doctor." She had returned to that person she had to be with the walls, keeping everything at a distiance. Quinna gave Petrova the medicine that she prepared. “You should feel some relief soon.” After a moment, “You are welcome to stay here until the medicine takes effect, but it goes without saying that you should get some rest.” "I am about to attend a social gathering of pilots. I assume as long as I keep it light I should be fine yes?" Alexandra asked. ~You can always plan B if anything happens.~ She thought to herself. (Reply Miller, Solice) (Posted by Kaylah) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 20.45) She took a seat at the bar and ordered a Long Island Iced Tea. She needed a stiff drink after the session with Ravok. It was not so much taxing as it was the effort to get him to get out the emotion needed to heal. She hoped he will handle the wave of emotion when it hits him well. She listened to the music on the stage. She can sing but thought better of it at the moment. She sipped her drink and listened to more of the music. (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres- 20.46) In another life he was Lt. Commander Santiago Torres, a a fun and playful counselor, having served a distinguished 10 year career. But that was ten years ago. He liked serving on Starships, but after awhile he felt unfulfilled. Not that he wasn't good at his job, but he felt like he was meant to do something else. He joined Starfleet because it seemed like an adventure, but he missed working in the family restaurant in Madrid. The same one his family had run for 400 years. The call was real, the pull was real and he left and walked away. He went back to work at the family place and opened his own bar next door. He had found his calling behind the bar, towel over the shoulder. he had excelled at Turning Santiago's into a popular Madrid hang out. But he was looking for a new challenge. When he heard Mars Base was to be restored he practically begged the Admiral to let him open an on base lounge for the personnel. He wasn't called to be an officer, but he believed in the mission. Plus every good Starfleet officer and NCO needed a good time. He approached the counselor who had sat down. White towel over his shoulder, wearing a red vest and bow tie over a white long sleeved button down. "What can I do for you miss, you here for a drink, a chat, or both." Santiago smiled. his thick Spanish accent sounding melodic and hurried through the air. He was home. (Reply trei) (Reply trei) (Posted by Will) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 20.47) The bartender came over and asked her what she wanted to drink. She had a drink in front of her but was willing to talk with him. "I have a drink in front of me. I probably will be ready for another shortly. I am ENS jg Ariel Trei the counselor on the base. Tell me about yourself." (Reply Tores) (Posted by Edward) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres- 20.48) Santiago smiled, "Señorita," he said, "I don't think you have enough time in the day to hear my story." (Reply Trei) "It all started almost 45 years ago. Stardate 2399.07.25. In the great city of Madrid, my journey began. You see, on that day the restaurant gods smiled and said, Jose Torres Trujillo and Elena Rios Cabrera, your son will one day take all you teach him, and take your centuries of family hospitality and care to the stars." Santiago smiled in such a way to make clear that he was kidding. His hands moving just as rapidly as his words. (Reply trei) "But enough about me. This bar is not about me. It is about all of you. All of you pequeños, you jovenes that walk in here have a story to tell that is in the process of being written. That's the more interesting question. Not who I am, Ensign. But who will you be? (Replt Trei) (Reply Trei) (Posted by Will) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 20.49) She heard his tale of wanting to bring a fun bar to Mars. He told of his intent that the people are of the base are more interesting than he is. She tended to agree that was true. She really didn't want to get into a philosophic discussion with him because she found that less than inspiring. She chose to explore how he intended to make the var fun and entertaining. "How do you plan to make the bar fun and entertaining. I can sing but prefer to do that at a later time." (Reply Torres ) (Posted by Edward) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres - 20.50) “How do we make this more fun and entertaining. Bueno vamos a ver (well let us see), well first yes, there will be a weekly open mic night, with prizes for the best act. Plus I plan to bring in some local bands from Mars from time to time.” (reply Trei) “Pues veras, (then you will see) my dear counselor, that this club takes inspiration from some of the greatest lounges and clubs from 1950’s earth. It has an upscale feel, nice glassware, silverware, real food, real alcohol. My vision for this place is that it serve as an oasis from your mundane. If you want a dive bar, there are a few right outside. But this, this is to be a refuge from a tough day.” (reply Trei) “We’ve just put in a dance floor, we’ll have dancing from time to time, on special nights. Costume parties, all you can eat brunch on every 14th of the month. This is your escape, my friend.” Santiago began moving his hands so fast his mouth couldn’t keep up. “This place, well, it may not be for everybody, for every occasion. But we all need an escape from the pressure of daily life. This is to be that for all of you. It is my gift to the future of Starfleet, porque quiero que vosotros tenéis la oportunidad de crear algo. (Because I want y'all to have the opportunity to create something) So I have created this for you, to remind you that you are worth it.” (reply Trei) “So now that I have answered your question Ensign, answer one of mine. How do you see your career playing out? What do you hope to accomplish during your career? And how can we at the Red Sands Tavern make that happen?” (Reply Trei) (reply Trei) (posted by Will Banowsky) (Mars Facilities - Red Sands Tavern - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 20.51) She heard all the plans to make the bar as an oasis from the station and work duties. She was all for it. She was asked what she saw her future to be. She never really thought of that before. She just took life as it came but Torres wanted an answer and she intended to give one. "I see me being head counselor on a starship initially then further on be on the command team. Think my skills will serve the captain well as the first officer with my betazoid abilities. I can fight too as I was trained by my father the great Klingon Warrior Detron Trei." (Reply Torres iyw) (Posted by Edward) (Mars Facility- 01 Hanger bay – Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams - 2154) Ire waited patiently as Taya paused on the other end of the comm channel. ~Come let me go~ "We have no reasons to stop you from going, Ensign. You're clear to fly." ~Great~ He kept relief from his voice as he spoke back. “Thank you, Ensign.” He turned back to the fighters as the channel clicked closed. ~Okay let’s go and say hallo~ He walked to the fighter that Tyrol had indicated and looked at it. It looked like the other fighters in the squadron which meant that they were old but flyable. He brushed his fingers across one wing as he began a walk around. He climbed into the fighter and sat in the pilot’s seat. He felt the click as he jacked himself into the fighter’s systems. He could feel the sleeping heart of the computer core on standby along with cold warp and impulse engines. “Okay. My name is Ire and I will be your pilot tomorrow.” He rested a hand on the controls. “We are going into battle and I wanted to say hallo, so you knew who I was tomorrow when we flew.” Part of his mind knew that he was just talking to a machine, but he mused that spending so long with an AI had placed a subconscious feeling that computers and ships were somehow sentient. “Not telling that to Trip or he will have me to the counsellor quicker than Ravok.” He smiled to himself. “Jia'kaja, tre'nu'tol'a rem La'por i'lanu kos I'nar tan'a'tali nor.” He muttered softly a Bajoran a prayer to the Prophets which asked for protection, that his grandmother on Bajor had taught him. He did not believe in the Prophets, but he would ask for their help if it got the pilots home safe tomorrow. “Okay I will protect you, and you will return in kind okay.” He looked over at the co-pilot seat and wondered who it was going to be. They had, had a few new arrivals this morning but he had not been able to see them yet. “Well I guess it will be surprise for both of us.” He spoke to the fighter as he patted the console and took a last look around the cockpit as he unplugged the jack and climbed out of the ship. He stood looking at the fighter. ~Please don’t let me stuff up tomorrow~ He nodded to himself and headed out of the hanger. (reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing, Pilot’s lounge - aFSXO ENS JG Trip Williams, ENS JG Ire Williams, ENS JG Alexandra Petrova, ENS JG Ravok Shara - 2300) Word had gotten to Trip that Ravok had been cleared to fly. Even if Ire couldn't fly, he would still be able to go in a support capacity. That meant that he had his full team ready to go for the mission in less than 12 hours. So he decided to take Alex’s advice and host a Viking Night. He made sure that the Pilot’s lounge was clear, and encouraged the NCO’s that were joining them tomorrow to go hang out together at the Red Sands Tavern. It might have been good to have had more of the group going at the event, but he wanted to limit it to just the core team, They needed to be able to trust each other, they needed to be in sync. Alex was right, this needed to happen for morale. The lounge was in a standard configuration. There was a bar area with bar stools and pub tables, a pool table and air hockey table in the back corner areas and a large circular couch in the middle with a table. He had placed a bunch of Synthehol and other snacks on the table not knowing what they liked. They were a mixed bag, he was half human and half betazoid, Ire was half human and half bajoran, Alex was full human and Ravok was full Romulan. A lot of different culture and emotions flowed through the four. Trip would find a way to make it work. He sat on the couch looking at his crew, he smiled. “Tonight is Viking Night, tonight we celebrate, tonight we ready ourselves spiritually for victory. Tonight we have fun!” Ravok raised his glass of Klingon bloodwine. And nodded his head. "Iudaiht aeulleakjs'hnvaeh'n…." Ravok said in Romulan "it loses something in translation. It means to us" he added Ire raised his glass and smiled. “Too us.” “To us.” Alexandra added. “Above all this night is to come together in trust, to grow as a team." Trip said as he downed a handful of chocolate chips "I promise there will be no silly team building stuff. Just one exercise. Fear, cripples, fear controls. Fear weakens. If we confront our fear. If we share our fear, it has no power. So I want all of us to share our greatest fears here.” Ravok got nervous his fear was silly. Ire smiled kindly and nodded at him and then spoke next. “Okay.” “Some doors cannot be unshut, but I am game.” Alexandra said. “I’ll go first, it’s bees.” Trip smiled and laughed. “I’m just kidding. It’s failure, not like in the normal way, you know like missing a check, or losing at chess. It’s letting down my parents, its letting down those who trust in me. It’s not measuring up to my name, to the responsibility, it’s not living up to what I know I can do. My greatest fear is that when the time comes, I’ll crap the bed, and it will cost lives. My fear is that my choices will get you all killed. But I know its just that a fear, and with all of you I can make this work, we can make this work, and with you” Trip paused and snuck a smile at Alex, “I know it is foolish to be afraid.” “Fears are healthy reminders of why we stay alive.” Alexandra said flatly. “You are absolutely right Alex!.Now who is next?” Trip said with a sly smile. Ravok looked nervously at everyone else letting them go before him. ~ Ire and Ensign Petrova please go please go ~ Ravok thought to himself . Alexandra took a large swig of her drink, “Loosing control, I don’t mean just of my emotions. I consider myself to be a very reserved person and I have a lot of inner demons I have spent a lifetime controlling, I worry if I let go too much those demons shall come back to haunt me.” “I am afraid of losing people being it friends, loved ones or family.” Ire added. He gave a sad smile. “I lost every one when the USS RoadRunner was lost in the subspace river. The place I call home, my peatens, close friends. By a peure quirk of fate I was traveling with my Aunt to visit my mother's family when they were lost or I would have been with them. So I was brought up by an overbearing and overprotective AI, who tried her best with a distraught youngster. I have attachment issues which means that I am afraid of being alone without friends or loved ones as well an overly protective of them. I know that whatever happens as long as you have people you can really on then you can achieve anything. But for some strange reason when I fly everything just disappears and I become free of any worries or fears.” Ire than gave a slight smile. “You are definitely stuck with me.” After waiting patiently and nervously for Ire and Alexandra to tell their fears. Ravok prepared himself .They were looking at him waiting for his answer Ravok chugged his blood wine and picked up the bottle and poured some more . He took a deep breath . " I am afraid of flying" Ravok stated with slight laugh. "My Mother was Killed in a shuttle craft when she was 10 months pregnant with me. Because of that I was born 2 months early. Also when I was about 8 years old I was in a shuttle accident completely not my fault, but there was a hull breach and I was almost blown out into space but my body slammed into a bulkhead and the force field activated and I was saved . I do however have this scar above my left eye. I know it sounds crazy , fear of flying yet here I am a pilot . It's not so much the flying that scares me . It's what happens when things go wrong. Kind of like a swimmer being afraid of drowning , I suppose " Ravok replied. Taking a few more sips of the blood wine. "Now that we've shared our fears, we can help each other overcome them. We don't have to carry our burdens alone." Trip was smiling like a proud den mother. Ravok eyed up the air hockey table. " What in the hell is that?" he asked as he pointed. “It’s an air hockey table, a game of skill and dexterity. Earth game.” Trip said as he opened up a bottle of beer. It was a blonde lager. Synthehol, but he liked the taste. "Ensign Petrova, care to loosen up your collar and show me how to play that thing ?"Ravok asked her with a smile “Alright, this will be the treaty of Algeron all over again.” She sat her cup down and went to take table. “You know basics? You have a puck, you need to get it into my goal area without me able to deflect it. You project puck with those two spheres. My object is to do same to you. Questions?” Ravok stood on his side of the table . And looked at the table closely. He waved his hand over the top of table feeling the cool blast of air hit his fingers. ~alright pilot cool , you can do this. It's only a puck ~ " No questions, sounds easy enough . Dont cross the neutral zone and you aren't allowed to have any cloaked ships. Glory to the empire" he said with a laugh but looked at all of them very seriously " That was a joke " he said with another laugh. " Ladies first ,Ensign Petrova…." Alex dropped the puck and said, “Watch this.. My culture developed the actual game.” She took the side paddles and gently pushed the puck in the direction of Ravok, “Coming in on your eight try to deflect it.” " Yes ma'am, " He responded and tried to block it and knocked it back towards a little too hard and it bounced back off of the side of the table and the puck went flying into the slot on Ravoks side of the table. "I believe I just helped you score ." He said. She smiled, “Remember the object is to deflect, remember geometry lessons?” He put the puck back on the table and slid it to her so she could go again . " You said your culture? Do you mean Human or Russian?" He asked “My father always said, Russians invented everything wonderful that humanity has to offer, first satellites, first vodka, first to invent holodeck… First to invent hockey. Canadians stole from us and made it better. But we made game first.” She again sent a gentle bank shot making it easy to deflect to see if he was just willing to let her win or if he was going to put up a fight. " Geometry and Deflection ...Trajectory" he said as he blocked it sending it it to left side of the table and angling off and into the slot on her side of the table. " AH , I think I can get the hang of this." He said proudly "Vam stoit poprobovat' nastoyashchiy Romulanskiy el'" (( you should try real Romulan ale ))He said to her in russian with a smile . She raised an eyebrow, “I am impressed.” She sent a shot that was with great force right down the middle attempting to score. While Ravok and Alex where playing air hockey Trip turned to the other Williams. "You know Ire," he said with a coy smile. "There is something about you that has been bothering me since we met." Ire paused for a moment as he watched the others playing air hockey, a game he had known about but never seen and he the looked over at Trip and nodded “I did not want to say but there has been something. ” "Yup. I can't quite put my finger on it." He paused trying and failing to grasp the memory that was alluding him. “I know what you mean.” "But I'm pretty sure you were at my 5th birthday party. .there was a kid there who looked like a mini you, who was with the former CMO of the spectre from when my folks served on her." He paused as the memories of his parents came back. He pushed the pain and sorrow to one side and thought about the answer. “Blimey you have a good memory. I guess I have not changed that much.” Yes my father was Andrew Williams the Chief Medical Officer of the Spectre” He frowned for a moment as a name floated to the front of his memory. “So that must mean that you father was Duke Williams? Was he not the Chief Engineer?” "At one point yeah. Then he became First Officer. Actually, my mom was also First Officer." Ire nodded. “That’s impressive on the same ship?” "Not at the same time. It was mom. Then she left. Then some other guy. Then he left. Then dad, then mom came back as Stratops. Yeah. Something like that." Ire smiled. “Dad always wanted to be a surgeon. He had the opportunity to be second and first officer but he his heart was always in Sickbay.” “How are your parents doing at the moment. Were they pleased that you followed in their footsteps?” Ire asked. Ire paused for a second was about to reply tactfully that his parents are missing so that Trip couldn't ask him the same question, which would have stopped the conversation and spoiled the topic but Trip seemed to sense his hesitation and carried on without mention. "They're good. Yeah, I mean, you know, I think they'd have been happy with whatever I'd do. I thought about lots of non Starfleet options." Ire smiled in relief as the conversation shifted “I wanted to be a professional lightship racer and do the badlands course. I have my lightship docked at Utopia but I don’t get the chance to sail her as much as I would like.” Trip nodded, "For me it was start a Rock band, be an amateur poet. Or you know my family has a ranch, I could have been a cowboy." An image flashed across Ire's mind. “I can see you in the hat and horse riding across the plains." "Nah, im a terrible rider. Sienna was the more nature prone one of us." Trip then smiled and changed the subject. "You know my dad said many times that the CMO of the Spectre was one of the best in the fleet. I think my grandfather even offered him a post teaching at the academy, but I guess your dad turned it down." “Yeah dad was never good at being stuck ground side long. He always wanted to travel and see new places. I guess that’s why he enjoyed ship board assignments.” Over the clicking and clacking of the air hockey puck Ravok could hear segments of the conversation between Trip and Ire . He wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but his Romulan ears could hear a lot better than that of most humanoids. He smiled as he heard them talk ~ Small galaxy after all~ he thought to himself. “Mum was the same," Ire continued unaware of the eaves dropper,"I guess that’s why she got command of the Road Runner and sent off to explore the subspace river. I feel the same way, as much as being on mars is important work and setting up the wing is necessary I am really looking forward to be out in the black again.” "Mars is the farthest from Earth I've been. Well that's not entirely true. I was born on the Spectre. But my parents both got Earth based postings and well. You know what they say right? Once you get a desk job, that might as well be your coffin." Trip said with a hearty laugh. Ire grinned back. “Well I better make sure I stay in the cockpit for as long as I can. I was born on the Road Runner and from then on I never really left space. It would be very strange to live on a planet so much sky and not moving.” "I'm actually happy I grew up on earth. Lived in a neighborhood with lots of kids. It was great. I don't think I'd have gotten that on a ship. I wouldn't be socially well adjusted." Ire smiled. “Living on ship for me was amazing we were always going to new places and meeting new people. Yes the quarters were cramped and the holodeck was the only real place for space but I getting to see nebulas and binary stars.” He smiled “Looking into the deepest darkest of space and seeing nothing but blackness.” "I don't know man, I got to get y'all out to the ranch. Blue skies as far as the eye can see. Riding horses. Camping out under the stars next to a roaring fire. Real vegetables, real beef, s'mores." Trip was feeling nostalgic. "Dude, I'm telling you, space is great but it's the little things in life that get you going." Trip then looked over to Alex with a happy smile. In that moment he pictured the two of them under the stars on the ranch, just laying there, happy. ~Maybe, it could happen right? We all deserve a small measure of joy.~ Trip thought to himself. The ranch was his happy place. As he heard the exclamation of the air hockey victor, Trip called Ravok and Alex back over. Ravok looked at Alexandra and said " Good game and thank you for showing me how it's done. " “That is the point of all of this, we live and die as one.” Alexandra said. As they returned to the couch area, Trip grabbed a bottle the table and poured them into four shot glasses. "This my friends is a special bottle." Trip held up a clear bottle filled with a brown liquid. "This is a bottle of Kentucky bourbon. It's the real deal. It is a Williams family tradition to take a shot to commemorate something special. Weddings, funerals, births, what have you, or just because you feel like toasting. So I want you all to drink with me, to the success of our mission, to the unity of our team, and to our first successful sortie earlier today." Trip then grabbed his glass. "Cheers you loveable jackwagons." Ire nodded and toasted the others before downing the shot glass. The liquid burned as it went down but he stopped himself from coughing but his eyes did water slightly. Ravok downed his shot. He still felt a certain way about how he acted earlier toward Trip. Ravok was slightly embarrassed Alexandra downed her shot with enthusiasm. Part of her wanted to grab the bottle and just start chugging. It was the part of her she hated and she willed that part of her back down. Trip then downed his shot and smiled waiting for the others to finish. "Welcome to the family." “Welcome to the family.” Ire replied. Ravok looked at Trip and nodded his head “It was nice associating with all of you, perhaps we should do this again another time yes?” Alexandra added. Trip was smiling like a proud papa bear. Maybe this team could actually get along. "Anyways its late, get some sleep. We have an early start in the morning." Trip said shifting gears. Ire nodded and smiled at the others. “I will see you all in the morning.” " I have work to finish , R'Vek is waiting on me" Ravok replied “I have to go and wash my socks.” Alexandra said almost out of left field. As they all prepared to leave Trip approached Alex and very quietly whispered into her ear. "This was an excellent idea." Alexandra nodded, “Lesson one in personnel management is to manage the personnel, You have us united, what happens next is up to fate.” Ire nodded to everyone and stood up. He had noticed the look Trip had given to Alexandra earlier. ~It's none of my business. Good for them. If they can find happiness in this crazy place~ He exited the room and headed out into the corridor. Ravok grabbed a bowl of pistachios " I love these things " he said as he walked out the door . As soon as the other two had left, Trip turned to Alex. "Well I guess we're the last ones here." “It doesn’t have to end?” She said with a wink.. "As much as I'd love to stay here all night talking to you, we need rest. My quarters are in suite number 104. If your quarters aren't too far from there, I'd love to walk back with you." “I would enjoy that very much. Right down the hall from you so.” She pressed the button opening the door. “After you.” As they walked through the door, Trip smiled, somehow, someway his core team would become less of a squad and more of a family. (Reply none) (Posted by Robbie, Davis, Kaylah, and Will) (Mars Facility – Docking Bay 2 – OPS/SEC- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 2330) One thing Charles always disliked about being a Starfleet Reservist, is that if he had any bounties in stasis onboard the Errant that he couldn't officially collect on the bounty. And he dispissed the beurocracy that enforced that rule. By regulation, while on orders, he couldn't even collect on a finder's fee. He could sympathize with Captain Kelly's position. Her company didn't seem to care to allocate funds for things like multi-day docking or even R&R. He had gone through a similar situation when he was starting off as a bounty hunter. Tamblyn had lucked out. An older gentleman with an interesting swagger and a woman with pointed ears with a tattoo of a dragon over her left cheekbone took compassion on him. They made for an interesting couple; he was human and she was a Romulan. They had paid his outstanding debt and hired him on the spot to work as a sub-contractor for a company called Impetuous Industries. They told him that he didnt have to pay them back, but to ensure he paid it forward someday. Which he had several times over. And helping Captain Kelly and her crew was just the latest. He had contacted the local sheriff, who was an old friend of Tamblyn's and arranged for her crew to accept full payment of the bounty on the 9 prisoners that Charles held in stasis on the Errant. That covered the cost of 6 days of docking fees, and some R&R. All Charles asked in return was what his mentor and his wife had asked of him; dont pay it back, pay it forward. Once the Marion and her crew were taken care of Charles told Captain Kelly, "Now that everything you needed is squared away, I'm gonna go change into some civies and grab a bite and a drink over at the Red Sands tavern. If you want, you and your crew are welcome to join me. My treat." (Reply Kelly, any) (Reply Kelly, any) (Posted by Charles R.)