>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 23 Stardate: 2444.06.23 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique - Sickbay - Ensign Scott Matrix - 0715) (Trill surface - Beam in Sight - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1307) (Trill, Golden Sun Cafe - aASEC Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1310) (Trill, Golden Sun Cafe – aACMO Ailynn Bracken- 1311) (Trill Surface - Tresh Park District, Golden Sun Cafe – CONN Ens JG Trip Williams - 13.30) (Trill Surface - Tresh Park District, Golden Sun Cafe - Ensign JG Trip Williams - 13.32) (Trill, Golden Sun Cafe – aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1335) (Trill, Golden Sun Cafe – CONN Ens JG Trip Williams - 1337) (Trill - Golden Sun Cafe - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1338) (Kir Kumari - Ready Room - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia - 1350) (Trill - The Senate Building - Meeting Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1400) (Trill - The Science Ministry Building - aACSO(R), Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1408) (Trill - The Senate Building - Presidents Senate office – Ambassador Addison MacCaulay -1409) (USS Mystique – Transporter Room One - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1409) (Trill - The Senate Building - Presidents Senate office –President Taylin Zon -1410) (Kir Kumari - Ready Room - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia - 1410) (USS Mystique – Transporter Room One – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1411) (USS Mystique – Transporter Room One – TAC Ensign Ravok – 1412) (Trill - The Science Ministry Building - Kazran Batos - 1412) (Trill - The Science Ministry Building - aACSO(R)-- Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1413) (Kir Kumari – Transporter Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1415) (Kir Kumari - Conference Room one - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia - 1416) (Kir Kumari – Transporter Room – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1418) (Kir Kumari - Conference Room one - Ensign JG Billy Alexander - 1419) (Kir Kumari – Conference Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1420) (USS Mystique – Bridge – TAC Ensign Ravok – 1431) (Trill, Outside Senate Building, Tactical Ensign jg Taya, 1434) (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Lieutenant Joral - 1440) (Kir Kumari, Sickbay, NPC CMO Dr. Obal th'Zhaarahl, 1441) (Kir Kumari – Conference Room - Kera Sheia – 1442) (Kir Kumari, Conference Room, Commander Tesha, 1443) (Kir Kumari, Sickbay, Tactical Ensign jg Taya, 1500) (USS Wraith – Bridge – CO – Admiral Jana Bell – 1500) (Mar Facility - White Skulls Squadron Administration Office –Pilot - Ensign (JG) - Greta Smith/ Archivist - Aleese Akess – 1830) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique - Sickbay - Ensign Scott Matrix - 0715) Ever since 2444.05.15 Matrix hadn’t been feeling all that well. In fact he was getting concerned. The coughing was getting annoying, but the chest pain and congestion was starting to be a problem. Scott had been coughing so much his head was starting to hurt and there wasn’t enough KlingEx to pacify his nose. He thought he should head to sickbay and get checked out. He secured the conduit console, gathered his tools and headed to sickbay. He entered to find it devoid of obvious patients. “Hello?” Scott asked to a seemingly empty room. (Reply any) “Ah…hello…yes. I’ve not been feeling all that well lately and thought I’d better get checked out.” He started. (Reply any) “I can’t shake this cough…its gotten bad over the last half a day or so. My energy is down, achy, etc.” Scott replied. (Reply any) Scott was instructed to lay down on the bo-bed. He did so and waited for further instructions. The bed was warm and soft and in a short while someone put a heated blanket over him. He felt better just from the heat and could have fallen asleep easily. (Reply any) (Posted by Steve) (Trill surface - Beam in Sight - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1307) "Hey has anyone seen Jaton?" Trip asked. Boone looked around astonished. He was certain that Jaton was with the group moments before. "I guess he must have gone with the Admiral. No matter, we're smart enough to explore right? I think Quinna said there was a park and some shops and cafes down that way. Might as well go see what we can find." Boone, again, just for the ride followed the crowd. As they walked he was glad he wore clothes that were more traditional to his homeworld. The long sleeve shirt with jacket and jeans protected his body from the sun. (Trill Surface - Tresh Park District, Golden Sun Cafe - Ensign JG Trip Williams - 13.32) The Starfleet group each shared a small bit about the loud crowd that had formed nearby and chanting against the presence of others. "But I don't know, Ire, I think you're wrong. I don't think we need Trill as much as they need us." Trip took a small gulp of the water. "I mean, the Federation is still pretty massive. Our member worlds surround Trill on all sides. They're surrounded by Bajoran, Cardassian, Betazed, Denobulan, and Tellarite space. Imagine being surrounded by Federation member worlds, and being the only one not part of the Federation agreement for trade and exchange of ideas. Andoria is separated from Trill by Tellar, Earth, and Vulcan. Probably the closest unaffiliated powers to Trill are the Breen and the Ferengi, and the Tzenkehti. Not necessarily the best neighbors." Trip said. "But that's just my opinion, what do y'all think?" Boone had been quiet up to that point. Boone felt he had a unique perspective on the matter, specifically in regards to what Trip said last. "I disagree and don't disagree. I'm one of the last ones to be playing political what ifs and should bes, but coming from Echo Earth we take pride in that we take nothing from the Federation, well at least directly. We, as a society, find it to be our our goal to live off our planet's land, with no help from outside of our world. We like to be us, without the influence of others around us. Even today, when I go back I can barely speak of my time outside of Echo Earth. Maybe people on Trill just want to focus on themselves for a while." (reply any at lunch) (posted by Calvin Capps) (Trill, Golden Sun Cafe - aASEC Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1310) "But I don't know, Ire, I think you're wrong. I don't think we need Trill as much as they need us." Trip took a small gulp of the water. "I mean, the Federation is still pretty massive. Our member worlds surround Trill on all sides. They're surrounded by Bajoran, Cardassian, Betazed, Denobulan, and Tellarite space. Imagine being surrounded by Federation member worlds, and being the only one not part of the Federation agreement for trade and exchange of ideas. Andoria is separated from Trill by Tellar, Earth, and Vulcan. Probably the closest unaffiliated powers to Trill are the Breen and the Ferengi, and the Tzenkehti. Not necessarily the best neighbors." Trip said. "But that's just my opinion, what do y'all think?" "I disagree and don't disagree. I'm one of the last ones to be playing political what ifs and should bes, but coming from Echo Earth we take pride in that we take nothing from the Federation, well at least directly. We, as a society, find it to be our our goal to live off our planet's land, with no help from outside of our world. We like to be us, without the influence of others around us. Even today, when I go back I can barely speak of my time outside of Echo Earth. Maybe people on Trill just want to focus on themselves for a while." Boone said. Carson had been staring out at the crowds for most of the time they'd been sat in the Cafe. He didn't sit so closely to an anti-federation/starfleet protests as most of his colleagues did. Knowing full well what uncontrolled riots and ideologies could do to his friends, he wasn't going to let his guard down- he'd already lost one group of friends to a mindless attack. "I'm not politically minded in all honesty, but I agree with Trip. The Trill government clearly want some form of treaty, otherwise why invite both ourselves and the Andorian's to the table?" (Reply any iyw) "Strategically speaking the only reason to bring Trill back into the fold is to stop them becoming an Andorian sized hole in our defence. We already control all of the space surrounding the area." (Reply any present) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Trill, Golden Sun Cafe – aACMO Ailynn Bracken- 1311) "I'm not politically minded in all honesty, but I agree with Trip. The Trill government clearly want some form of treaty, otherwise why invite both ourselves and the Andorian's to the table?" “I’d rather they were just dealing with one or the other, I’ll admit,” Ailynn answered, honestly, “Can’t blame them for trying to play us off each other though.” (Reply any iyw) "Strategically speaking the only reason to bring Trill back into the fold is to stop them becoming an Andorian sized hole in our defence. We already control all of the space surrounding the area." Ailynn looked across irritably. “There’s so much more to the Federation than a simple set of Strategic treaties. That’s what’s got us into this mess into the first place, we forgot how much we learn, how much we expand, how much more a greater sum of our parts we are.” She found, she was genuinely and irrationally irritated, she lifted her hand up in apology. “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to snap. Damned humidity. Hungry too.” (Reply Jono, any) Ailynn turned to the waitress who’d come up to the table to take her order. “Thank you, I’ll have a number 32, hot, and a side of 14.” (Reply any) She sat back as the others gave their orders, and then spoke as the waitress had stepped away “So…anyone else wondering why now?” (Reply any) (Posted by Mark) (Trill Surface - Tresh Park District, Golden Sun Cafe – CONN Ens JG Trip Williams - 13.30 Trip looked at Ire and Ailynn and smiled. "I don't think that crowd is going to get violent. They look like overzealous college students. We used to see them pop up from time to time in the Bay area. I think they're harmless. But if we keep to ourselves we should be fine." Trip added. “This is a time for rebuilding, not for increased separatism, surely they can’t be advocating that Trill remain a solitary voice between the Federation and the Andorians?” Trip sighed. "It's what they know. Those kids, they look like they're are age. They probably only know and independent Trill. The fear of the unknown scares them. Or I don't know." (reply Any) Trip then took a sip of his water. And spoke in a quieter tone. "But I don't know, Ire, I think you're wrong. I don't think we need Trill as much as they need us." Trip took a small gulp of the water. "I mean, the Federation is still pretty massive. Our member worlds surround Trill on all sides. They're surrounded by Bajoran, Cardassian, Betazed, Denobulan, and Tellarite space. Imagine being surrounded by Federation member worlds, and being the only one not part of the Federation agreement for trade and exchange of ideas. Andoria is separated from Trill by Tellar, Earth, and Vulcan. Probably the closest unaffiliated powers to Trill are the Breen and the Ferengi, and the Tzenkehti. Not necessarily the best neighbors." (reply Any) "But that's just my opinion, what do y'all think?" (reply any) (reply any at lunch) (posted by Will) (Trill, Golden Sun Cafe – aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1335) Ailynn looked across irritably. “There’s so much more to the Federation than a simple set of Strategic treaties. That’s what’s got us into this mess into the first place, we forgot how much we learn, how much we expand, how much more a greater sum of our parts we are.” Carson recoiled slightly, he wasn't expecting such a hostile response from the Medical Officer. He shrugged it off as she then apologised, “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to snap. Damned humidity. Hungry too.” "No worries, you're right though. Too many people thinking about Security and not the wellbeing of everyone else around them." he smiled at her to try and show her he didn't mind the snappiness. "We should order some food.. and I need a cold drink." Carson looked around for a waitress and caught the eye of the nearest. She came over and he ordered a drink and some fries and a burger. “Thank you, I’ll have a number 32, hot, and a side of 14.” (Reply any there who want to order.) "Thanks," Carson said to the Waitress as she passed back by him with the orders on a padd, he smiled at her and then turned back to the conversation. “So…anyone else wondering why now?" Ailynn asked. "It's too quick for them to have heard that Starfleet is in a rebuilt... I mean we've barely been on Mars a week. Something in the background stirred us into action, I'd put money on that it's the same thing that's got these folk looking for allies." (Reply any) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Trill, Golden Sun Cafe – CONN Ens JG Trip Williams - 1337) “So…anyone else wondering why now?" Ailynn asked. "It's too quick for them to have heard that Starfleet is in a rebuilt... I mean we've barely been on Mars a week. Something in the background stirred us into action, I'd put money on that it's the same thing that's got these folk looking for allies." "Well honestly, I don't know if Starfleet had anything to do with it." Trip said with a sigh. "I mean the Federation is still massive, 140 member worlds. And research never stopped. I mean, certainly the Vulcans have some trick up their sleeve. I hear the Cardassians are tinkering with a new kind of weapon targeting system. Bajor is in the midst of a literary renaissance. And I hear that the Saurians might have developed a new kind of brandy." (reply any) "I mean what if they are realizing what they are missing out on by not being a part of the whole. I mean it could be all coincidental that it happened to be while Starfleet was ramping up. The Federation has a lot more to offer than protection. I think that is the only category in which the Andorians have us beat." (reply Any) "It is odd though, I mean the urgency of it all. Yes they gave us time to gear up and get ready to go, rather than just take a delegation on their ship, I mean the ceremony is good and all. But they didn't phone ahead. I remember their arrival being a bit of a shock to us all. It's kind of odd. Why not just call and say hey listen, can we talk. I don't know. Maybe something forced their hand, like you were saying. I mean if there is a crisis here, it doesn't look like the people know about it. Plus, I was on the bridge when the Andorians called. I got the sense they were about as surprised we are here as we were surprised they are here. Something just doesn't feel right." (reply Any) (reply Cafe people) (posted by Will) (Trill - Golden Sun Cafe - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1338) The back and forth continued between the Starfleet officers at the table. At one point a waitress took their orders. Boone, ordered some sort of cooked meat plate with water. He hoped none of it would make him sick. After the waitress left the conversation continued as if it never stopped. Trip pointed out Trills urgency, timing, and communication were all odd, and that something didn't fit right to him. "I'm going to have to agree with you Trip. Seems to me that their is no big emergency." Boone looked around, "Obviously, there are pockets of people unhappy, but not to the point of all this being so rushed. So, if there is something bigger going on what should we do about it?" (reply any at lunch) (posted by Calvin Capps) (Kir Kumari - Ready Room - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia - 1350) Kera Sheia sat back in her chair and reflected on current events. Politics and Interstellar relations aside she was conflicted and was considering the meaning behind that conflict. Andoria and its people had been one of the four foundational member worlds of the United Federation of Planets after finally committing to peace with the Vulcans and the Federation in its heyday had been a monumental achievement of which all parties had been proud. While some might have seen StarFleet as a military arm its primary purpose had been exploration and peace keeping with that last one aimed at protecting member worlds from violent civilizations that threatened that peace. It was a necessity then that their ships had been armed to the teeth with the most updated and powerful weapons they could carry as they were developed but this was always secondary to the primary mission of contact, finding new habitable worlds, charting the galaxy and extending the boundaries of knowledge. The attacks on the seat of Federation power had been inevitable and no doubt the civilizations that had done so as enemies of the Federation had thought themselves justified because while StarFleet's purpose was peace its ships were armed for war. It could not have been an easy thing for the Breen, Romulans, Klingons and others to have such an extensive and powerful military force at their borders and wars were fought over territory and suspicion. The Klingons had become allies, the Cardassians eventually members, the Romulan civilization destroyed by a climactic event and the Breen had withdrawn to strengthen and rebuild. From the ashes of war which the Federation had not sought some good had been done, friends made, enemies had perished and the frontiers had been extended. War was glorious in the eyes of some but the shambles, broken bodies and ashes it left behind were terrible to behold. It was what was built upon it over time that caused one to forget the horrors that progress had been laid upon. But then treachery had brought it all to ruins. A coup de'ta had riven the once shining monument to planetary cooperation and a different type of war had resulted. And as a result Andoria had come into the crosshairs of the most powerful segment of the war machine. It was naive to believe that Andoria would never be a target perhaps but the devastation wrought by those once considered brothers couldn't help but stir up hatred and loathing among its citizens struggling to rebuild their shattered infrastructure and broken lives. Kera Sheia realized how pervasive that mentality had become as she now looked it in the face herself. She had been with the 52nd battle fleet and while not directly involved in the onslaught she was just as culpable, equally as guilty. She sighed and closed her eyes as she came to terms with how those racial hatreds had infected her as well to a ridiculous degree. Why had she held the alert so long? Had she been hoping for a battle with an outgunned and outmanned vessel? "I am the captain of my ship, an instrument of peace and justice. I am not a feral animal." Her voice was quiet but firm in the empty chamber. Her thoughts turned then to the Admiral, where would he wish to speak with her? The place was not important but the preparations would be. If here she would have to make ready at any rate. "Computer activate ship wide comm." =^= Ready. =^= She spoke then, her voice firm. "This is the Kar. The Federation representatives are hereby given diplomatic status. During any contact with those representatives they will therefore be given all due deference. Breaches of decorum on the part of any member of this crew will be judged harshly and punished accordingly. Consider my words carefully. Kar out." That done she began to consider what purpose the peacemaker might have in his intent to speak with her and what her replies might be within the framework of her orders. (Reply: Any on the Kir Kumari) (Posted by Charles G) (Trill - The Senate Building - Meeting Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1400) Remae had concluded his meeting with the President of Trill and now, he had to take his leave… he had to speak to the Andoirans sooner rather than later. He stepped into the corner of the room and looked around… “I am heading back to the Mystique and then to the Andoirans, anyone coming along?”, he asked to the assembled group. He wasn’t planning on taking a large group of officers with him but at the least, he wanted a few with him. Once assembled, the Admiral signalled the Mystique to transport them onboard, although he felt like he was abandoning his away party, he mentioned before he left, “Find out what you can and then meet up with the others, we’re spread out, start gathering up everyone, just in case.”, he said. “Engergise.”, he said. (Trill - The Science Ministry Building - aACSO(R), Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1408) Sekal saw the Trill Minister moving toward him out of the corner of his eye and turned, it was the same one who had greeted them at the Senate building. Had he mentioned he was the science minister? The Vulcan could not recall as he had been distracted at the time. “Ensign? I’m Science Minister Kazran Batos. You wanted to see me?” He raised his right hand with his central fingers split in the time honored Vulcan gesture. "Peace and long life minister." Lowering the hand he continued. "My apologies if I have disturbed you in the pursuit of your duties." The Trill seemed not the least surprised. “May i ask why you turned up at my office, asking to see me?” The Vulcan nodded. "Of course. I was curious about the current state of Trill scientific advancement and rather than investigate it under false pretenses I made the decision to speak with you personally and perhaps negotiate a sharing of knowledge." (Reply: Kazran) "As an example during my scans I noted the use of an isotope of Paterium coupled with with a Lanerite alloy used in much of the lighting that has been adapted for a small increase in luminosity. That coupled with a new design in energy delivery makes up a significant increase in efficiency." Noting the Trill's demeanor he added. " If nothing else fostering a relationship between our scientific communities should be beneficial to all parties." (Reply: Kazran) (Posted by Charles G) (Trill - The Senate Building - Presidents Senate office – Ambassador Addison MacCaulay -1409) " You know years ago when I was Jatio Zon. I was a writer, a journalist during the dominion war. I saw the horrors. The alpha quadrant was well on its last leg. I was sent to sectors full of carnage and saw devastation first hand. I reported so many deaths to so many families, many families read about the death of their loved ones through my written works." He said as tear filled his eye . He slammed his hand on his desk in an enthusiastic manner " But I saw the good the federation was doing my life was saved, our lives were saved more times than I could count. They risked everything for us and how do we repay them? We do it by leaving like spoiled brats. " "But No!! Not this time. We wont be ungrateful we will reconnect with the federation. We will make a few made sure, but we will wake up in the morning and once again look up and know we are apart of something good ,something right . We will be a unified government. A unified people with unified future as part of the United Fredertion of Planets..." Taylin declared with confidence. Addison smiled at her friends resolution. “You must do what you think is right, of course.” She smiled gently, but a rumble from the back of her mind gently came to her attention. " Tomorrow we will join the federation and once again usher in a new era my friend. Inform the admiral " “You’ll take care Taylin. A lot of people lost someone to the Fleet, myself included, but there are voices that are far less understanding and devoted as mine is. I went through their Academy, devoted my life to its service, and maybe because of that, I see things that few other of our race have seen. However, as much as mine are devoted to us rejoining, there are others that will do ten times as much to see us sidle into bed with the Andorians, or worse still, sit as a backwater isolationist state in a sea of Federation space.” (Reply Zon) “Some of those voices are not just talking quiet protest. I’ve heard talk from my contacts, a more…active form of protest. Taylin dammit, look at me.” She snapped. (Reply Zon) “I can’t lose my closest friend now, not after all we’ve done, after all we’ve put into this. I’m a decent second to you, I now have the authority in Senate to command the authority to rejoin, but you…” She stood, and overlooked the view of the city, before turning round. “You can ask it; and that, is by far the easier, smoother option.” (Reply Zon) (Posted by Mark) (USS Mystique – Transporter Room One - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1409) They materialised onto the transporter pad stepping off for a moment, the Admiral thanked the Chief, “Thanks Chief.”, he said before addressing the people who had joined him. “We beam over the Andoirans momentary, anyone wanting to come, can, if not, you can return to the Bridge or back to Trill.”, he said and then touched his commbadge. “Bridge, this is the Admiral, we’re about the beam over to the Andorian ship, let them know we’re coming and it’ll be good if we knew where to beam to.”, he said and then looked over at the side cupboard. Inside, there was away team technology… phasers, tricorders and the like. He ignored them all and returned to the transporter pad. “Lets’ go.”, he said and then looked over at the Chief, “Whenever you are ready.”, he said as the gathered officers prepared themselves. “Energise.”, said the Admiral. (Trill - The Senate Building - Presidents Senate office –President Taylin Zon -1410) "However, as much as mine are devoted to us rejoining, there are others that will do ten times as much to see us sidle into bed with the Andorians, or worse still, sit as a backwater isolationist state in a sea of Federation space.” Taylin looked out the window as if he were gazing off. " They will have to understand. This is what we need. We are dealing with silent protest at best. We are the majority " he said to her “Some of those voices are not just talking quiet protest. I’ve heard talk from my contacts, a more…active form of protest. Taylin dammit, look at me.” She snapped. He looked at her. Without the demeanor of confidence leaving his face. “I can’t lose my closest friend now, not after all we’ve done, after all we’ve put into this. I’m a decent second to you, I now have the authority in Senate to command the authority to rejoin, but you…” She stood, and overlooked the view of the city, before turning round. “You can ask it; and that, is by far the easier, smoother option.” " Ask? I'm better off telling the people the truth. The pools are in danger of the Virus spreading. We have a duty to the symbiotes we share this world with. The containment barriers wont last forever. " Taylin stated ( reply Maccaullay) " I will meet with the admiral at 1600 tomorrow. I will release a statement broadcasted on all channels tonight. I will inform the world of the crisis in the pools." ( reply Maccaullay) ( posted by davis) (Kir Kumari - Ready Room - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia - 1410) A tone from the computer interrupted her thoughts. "Yes?" =^= Kar the Federation ship is requesting coordinates to beam over a delegation.=^= "Affirmative. Send them the coordinates for transporter room one and request they wait five minutes before beaming over." =^= Understood. =^= She then initiated the ship wide comm again. "A Federation delegation will be arriving at 1415. Ceremonial guard send two to escort them to the primary conference room on deck one. No weapons, I repeat no weapons to be issued. Keep the corridors clear for our visitors. Kar out." She then initiated a personal comm. "Ceremonial guard commander Drizzt please meet me in conference room one. I want you to sit in on the meeting and will be expecting your insights afterward." (Reply: Drizzt) She was standing to her feet when the comm activated again. =^= Kar Sheia may I have permission to attend the meeting?=^= It was Ambassador Sei Lara. "Why Ambassador I thought a meeting between faction leaders was beneath your concern." He either ignored her sarcasm or was amused by it. The latter probably due to the chortle it elicited. =^=My curiosity is piqued Captain nothing more. Do I have your permission?=^= "Of course Ambassador, I will not delay the meeting on your account however." =^= Nothing to fear I will be there promptly, Lara out. =^= She sighed and strode from the room, not even pausing as she swept through the bridge. "Commander Tesha with me, Lieutenant Joral you have the bridge." (Reply: Tesha (USS Mystique – Transporter Room One – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1411) Keira elected to come back to the Mystique and then on to the Andorian ship. There was no way she was turning down a look at their systems. Even if they refused the tour. Once she materialized on the transporter PADD, she opened her tricorder and shut off the auto-scan functions and turning it completely off. If they gave her the opportunity she’d love to get scans of anything they’d let them scan. Maybe suggest a tour of their ship? As the Admiral had begun speaking to the bridge and the rest of the crew, she had finished switching off her tricorder and putting it away in her belt holster. She knew that they would likely be scrutinized on their arrival, she knew the scans would reveal anything she wished to hide, so she didn’t try. She managed to tuck her hair behind her ears and back on to the pad before the Admiral spoke, “Energize.” (Reply Any) (USS Mystique – Transporter Room One – TAC Ensign Ravok – 1412) Ravok decided to stay on the mystique while the rest of the away party beamed over. He nodded his head to Ensign Merek and left the transporter room. He made his way to bridge to find Taya missing ~ That's odd , maybe she already made her way to the transporter room. To join the admiral. Cant blame her ~ (Trill - The Science Ministry Building - Kazran Batos - 1412) The Vulcan nodded. "Of course. I was curious about the current state of Trill scientific advancement and rather than investigate it under false pretenses I made the decision to speak with you personally and perhaps negotiate a sharing of knowledge." Raising an eyebrow, Kazran thought to himself ~false pretences, the federation…. Wow. that’s nothing new.~ “What did you have in mind?” "As an example during my scans I noted the use of an isotope of Paterium coupled with with a Lanerite alloy used in much of the lighting that has been adapted for a small increase in luminosity. That coupled with a new design in energy delivery makes up a significant increase in efficiency. If nothing else fostering a relationship between our scientific communities should be beneficial to all parties." Nodding, Kazran gestured with his hand for the Vulcan to enter his office. He followed and took a seat at his desk, “So, Ensign, what has the Federation to offer us? I assume you know a good amount about us already.” (Reply Sekal) Listening, Kazran knew that he really should be calm but having an officer of the federation, the people that had caused, however indirectly, the death of his brother, in his office was not sitting well with him. “Interesting. And what would you be looking for in return from ourselves? I assume that this would not just be a willful exchange, that you would expect something in return?” (Reply Sekal) (Reply Sekal, any) (Posted by Jackie) (Trill - The Science Ministry Building - aACSO(R)-- Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1413) Sekal followed Kazran to his office and entered at his invitation. The chair was well made and in excellent condition with plush, maroon cushions. After his host had taken his own seat he spoke again. Sekal had noticed his bearing which was quite standoffish, the reason for it he was unaware. “So, Ensign, what has the Federation to offer us? I assume you know a good amount about us already.” The Vulcan shrugged. "There was very little to note on my scans other than what I have already mentioned. The atmosphere is within optimal condition for your species according to my readings and background radiation nearly nonexistent. I could go into depth on atmospheric conditions if you wish." It was apparent the science minister was not concerned with the subject. "Scans from the ship were still being compiled when I left. As for your other question..." he settled back comfortably, "Federation member worlds have not stood still since the contraction of StarFleet and there are a number of planets that have made advances." (Reply: Kazran) "Take Vulcan for instance," he crossed his arms in a leisurely pose, "... we are on the verge of a breakthrough in power generation that will result in a quantum leap forward in interstellar economic conditions and it is a technology that will be made available to all Federation member worlds." (Reply: Kazran) He settled back in his chair. "The Trill Ambassador brought a number of refinements over current technology available to StarFleet of which the Federation is thankful and your people have already been helpful. I wish to make this clear. Over the long run however I believe our cultures will logically be of greater benefit to one another." (Reply: Kazran, any) (Posted by Charles G) (Kir Kumari – Transporter Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1415) Beaming onboard the Andoiran ship wasn’t the ideal option for the Admiral but he had no reason to believe they weren’t honourable people. Just because they left the Federation, took their technology back and generally announced they wanted nothing more to do them, didn’t mean the last 20 years hadn’t involved some encounters. All had been honourable in space. The less honourable was the way Andorians had swarmed through the Federation on their inspection tours; as a part of the agreement reached, all technology that has been based on Andoiran tech was to be returned and they had been very diligent in their inspections. Every station, ship and planet had been checked, scanned, and accounted for. Years had gone by and the myth of the Andoiran and their inspections had gone into legend. Children had been told about what do when the Andoirans arrived to scan and check technology, to remove whatever they wanted and to not get in their way. The Federation complied, eager to not antagonise their ex-Founders. Overzealous Andorians sometimes met overzealous Starfleet Officers, bumps, bruises, phaser stuns and a few close calls had occurred but each time an incident occurred, both sides managed to step back from conflict. Looking around the ship now, Remae was on alert, being careful, recognising the new stance of the Federation would put the Andoirans in an unusual posture… it had been years since an encounter like this has occurred. He broke the silence, “Admiral Remae, of the Mystique.”, was all he said to his Andoiran welcoming committee. (Reply from Andorian Away Team, Mystique Bridge, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Kir Kumari - Conference Room one - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia - 1416) All were in attendance on the Andorian side as the last of them took their seats on the side of the table near the hull. To Kera Shei's right was her first officer Tesha, to her left was Ceremonial guard Commander Drizzt and Ambassador Sei Lara beyond him. They sat beneath the seal of Andoria as they waited for their visitors who were escorted in by the two ceremonial guard who were properly weaponless as she had commanded. She arose to her feet followed by the Ambassador as the Admiral entered along with his party. "Admiral Remae I welcome you to the Kir Kumari as guests of the Andorian Planetary Alliance." She then indicated those present on her side of the table. "My first officer Commander Tesha, Guard Commander Drizzt and Ambasssdor Sei Lara." She then dipped her head for an instant, her antenna seeming to bow with her action. "Please be seated." (Reply: All present) ((Posted by Charles G) (Kir Kumari – Transporter Room – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1418) They materialized on the transporter pad on the Andorian vessel. The site before her was alien yet a little familiar. She had never been inside an Andorian vessel, but as her gaze searched around she’d notice a familiar curve of a console or room layout. They were quickly escorted by what appeared to be unarmed guards, at least that’s the way it looked, she’d have to search them to be sure. That, however would be an egregious error of a magnitude higher than a faux pau. As they walked she wondered silently to herself if she could take one in a fight. She did well in all the sparring matches at the Academy because of the advantages she had from her Romulan heritage and that they didn’t always have the use of antigravs, sometimes to get things lifted it was muscles and pullies, an experience many of the Federation worlds just didn’t have anymore. Andorian strength was at least on par with hers, and were likely better trained, as she dropped all her security classes her second year. Before she finished her “what if” analysis of the Andorian honor guard’s hand to hand capabilities they had arrived. She waited for the introductions before sitting down. (Reply any present) (posted by Todd) (Kir Kumari - Conference Room one - Ensign JG Billy Alexander - 1419) As Billy entered the conference room he was trying to take in the moment of history. He wasn't sure when the last time a Federation Delegation had set foot on an Andorian vessel. The reality is that once the Andorians left they had closed their borders for a time to the Federation. In a way that made political sense. If you dump a girl you've been with for years, you don't just let her come over and hang out, just in case that stirs up some old feelings, you regret the break up and you try and get back together right away. It made sense. However it was the fact that Andoria had been a little bit more isolationist. There had been little contact between the Federation and Andoria over the intervening decades. Many of his Tellarite classmates were actually pretty stoked about that fact. In fact, Billy was almost positive that the one thing keeping the Tellarites from even considering leaving the Federation was the fact that it was the Andorians who were the once who had left first. So to Billy, to be on an Andorian Ship, was well, surreal. The kind of thing you journal about, if you kept a journal, which he did. Not just his personal logs either, a hand written one, with a biometric lock. "Admiral Remae I welcome you to the Kir Kumari as guests of the Andorian Planetary Alliance." It was a good thing, to Billy's knowledge, that Andorians were not telepathic, because Billy couldn't help but remark to himself. ~Planetary Alliance, yeah you were part of one of those once, a Federation, and it did great things. Just say it for what it really is, you took your ball and went home.~ Of course being the good southern boy that he was, he kept smiling and nodding at the gracious invitation. ~Bless your hearts~ Billy listened intently as the Andorian Captain introduced her officers. Given their apperance and probable ages, it was safe to say the three of them were probably all former Starfleet. Billy then sat as instructed. He then leaned over and whispered to Merek, "Penny for your thoughts?" (Reply Merek) (reply Any present, Merek) (posted by Will) (Kir Kumari – Conference Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1420) Remae and the away team were escorted to the conference room and it seemed, everyone was being on maximum courtesy, the Andoirans, Starfleet, everyone -- it was almost as if everyone was being too polite. If the Andorians were going to make a show of force, a show of their superiority or any arrogance whatsoever, they were keeping it to themselves. "Admiral Remae I welcome you to the Kir Kumari as guests of the Andorian Planetary Alliance.", said the Kar but Remae's eyes were now locked onto one Andoiran who was present and the emotions flooded through him as he remembered what had occurred with one 'Spider' Drizzt on Betazed and their adventures with the Xenolithe. "My first officer Commander Tesha, Guard Commander Drizzt and Ambasssdor Sei Lara.", introduced the Kir before adding, "Please be seated.", and everyone began to sit down but not Remae; the Admiral remained standing up while he looked directly into the eyes of ex-Lt Major Drizzt... the Bajoran remembered it all, the Spectre landed on the ground, the attack of the Xenolithe, the killing machine that was the Andoiran now seated across from him, someone who had saved his life be it at the expensive of his legs. Remae took a seat as the moment passed, the Admiral had to remind himself, was this a different Major Drizzt from a different universe, or was it the same? Did he know what happened all those years ago. The Bajoran simply nodded as he came to his senses. Ensign Merek and Billy had already were sitting down and he spent a moment looking at others opposite, an Amabassador of Trill was here too? "Kar Sheia, I thank you for your hospitality although it looks like we may be here for similar reasons.", he said looking again at the Trill Ambassador, Sei Lara. He flicked an eye over to Ensign Alexander, did he catch what he wanted? Remae wanted everything they had on that ambassador, as soon as possible. ~ Beware… Dissidents… ~ "It appears Trill wants to talk to both of us, Kar and that is just fine with us, I just wanted to meet you face to face to explain that, as you can clearly see, the Federation, although not as it once was, is making moves once more to explore its own space and beyond, we aim to then continue our charter of peaceful exploration and coexistence with its neighbours, old and new.", he said with as much grace as someone who wasn't a political animal could muster. "We've met with the president of Trill and part of the planet's population are interested in re-joining the Federation and part of them are not.", he said and then added, "Although I've not had a lot of time to understand the Trill situation, such a split, a divided population and divided government would mean such an agreement wouldn't be possible. However, we may explore treaties with Trill that allow trade, communication and the free flow of people once more.", he said taking a sip of water in front of him. "How would Andoria view such an arrangement?", he asked. Remae was going to play is as straight as he could. No deception, no lies, no falsehoods. Direct, like an Andoiran would. (Reply from Sheia, Any) =^= Mystique to admiral Remae. =^= “Excuse me, Kar.”, he said and them tapped his commbadge, “Go ahead.” =^= Admiral, Ensign Taya is not detected. Her commbadge isn’t with her. I'm scanning the surface now and there are no Andorians on the surface sir… =^= Remae tapped his commbadge to mute the line and then looked around, “Kar, do you happen to know the whereabouts of my Andorian Officer? (Reply from Sheia, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique – Bridge – TAC Ensign Ravok – 1431) Ravok was at the tactical station monitoring as much of the situation as he could. He had detected the Ensign Taya was currently on the surface. ~ Thats strange I thought she was with the Admiral. Hope she isnt burning up down there. ~ Ravok thought to himself. He minimized the screen and turned and pointed at the security officer to his left " I have to hit the head " he said as the security officer looked at him strange "I have to use the restroom I have to.. you know " he leaned towards the security officer " Urinate" he whispered. The security officer chuckled. Ravok nodded his head and left the bridge and went to the restroom. A few moments later he returned and assumed his post. He opened up the list of all personnel currently on Trill and noticed something that sent chills down his spine. Tayas commbadge was stationary and had no life signs detected. Ravok jumped to action. Immediately " Mystique to admiral Remae...." ( reply admiral) "Admiral, Ensign Taya is not detected. Her commbadge isnt with her. I'm scanning the surface now and there are no andorians on the surface Sir.. " Ravok stated very direct to the Admiral. ( reply Remae) ( posted by Davis) (Trill, Outside Senate Building, Tactical Ensign jg Taya, 1434) Though Taya had attracted some attention while watching the anti-Federation rally, things had remained orderly and no one had approached her. In fact, the leader of the rally had been summoned inside the senate building, presumably to speak with a person in authority. Perhaps even the president. Things were beginning to break up, though a small number of hardliners remained on the steps, chanting their feelings, so Taya decided to continue her walk. She didn't get far. "Andorian!" Taya stopped and turned to face the voice behind her. Four Trill men were glaring at her. One was flexing his hands. "We don't want you here. Go back to your ship and tell your captain to go home to Andor." Taya looked at the men, her antennae moving in slow circles. She didn't want trouble, so she needed to make sure it didn't escalate. "I'm here for a short visit to enjoy your beautiful planet." Taya smiled. Waiting a few moments, she took a few steps back. Turning, she began briskly walking away. She got only a few meters, when her antennae sensed someone coming behind her. Spinning back, she ducked as one of the men swung at her. Using his momentum against him, she sent the man sprawling to the ground with a hip throw. He laid there gasping for breath. "Please, I just want to be left alone," said Taya. The three remaining men were shocked that Taya was able to put one of them on the ground. They began advancing towards her. Realizing she wasn't going to avoid a fight, Taya reached under her shirt for her comm badge. She needed to beam back to the Mystique. People were noticing what was happening and someone shouted. "She's got a phaser!" People cried out in fear as the nearby onlookers scattered for cover. The three men were on Taya, her comm badge flying from her hand. She managed to punch one in the jaw, but the other two were landing punches of their own. She was knocked to the ground, striking her head. A kick to the ribs sent her rolling. Lying on her back, everything Taya saw was a blur. Trying to focus, she thought she could make out more people joining the fray. She feared she wasn't going to come out of this. In the fog of her thoughts, Taya drifted back to when she was little, when she sang clan songs with her shen and zhen. A tear dripped down her cheek. "Are you all right? Can you hear me?" Taya blinked as she tried to focus on the face looking down at her. If she didn't know any better, and she probably didn't, it appeared to be the woman that rushed the two children away from her. "My ship," said Taya. Her voice was weak and she felt like knives were stabbing her in the ribs on her right side. "Beam... back. My ship." The woman said something in the Trill language, but without her comm badge, Taya didn't understand. "Someone is calling your ship now," said the woman. "Just hang on. You'll be there soon." NRPG: The Trill called the Kir Kumari, not the Mystique. :) (reply Kir Kumari) (posted by Rob B.) (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Lieutenant Joral - 1440) This was not his first time to take watch on the bridge but he had not sat the seat under such circumstances. He had never seen his commanding officer so tense and suspicious before though her announcements over the comm system had served to ameliorate that somewhat. Still it was notable that every action taken on the bridge could have long ranging implications and he was going to do nothing to cross her. The title of Captain had its own connotations but the ancient term of Kar had replaced it in the Andorian fleet since the rupture with the Federation. Among a warlike people it carried an additional layer of judgement and punishment for those who might transgress her orders. Not that the Kar had ever been anything but fair in his estimation but the threat of judgment was always there to help dissuade troublemakers. He turned his head as another of the bridge crew got his attention. "Lieutenant we are receiving a transmission from the planet. One of our crew has reportedly been severely injured in an attack by demonstrators." He squelched his anger at the announcement. They had a few crew on the surface, not many wished to visit a planet with such a hot environment. He was now seeing Kera Sheia's wisdom in taking such a hard stance regarding the ambassadorial partys' safety. "Have the transporter officer beam the injured crewman directly to medical." ~The Kar will demand a full report as soon as she becomes aware of it.~ "Inform medical of incoming wounded and notify them to begin compiling their report as soon as facts become available." "Aye. Transporter room has a lock. Initiating transport now." Joral frowned as he sat back, his antenna sensing the air of the bridge. He could feel the tension ramping up again and he wondered what insanity might be infecting such a 'gentle and pacifist' people that they would act in violence against a peaceful delegation. ~With such friends who would need enemies?~ Should he interrupt her now? He decided it would be best to wait but something else needed to be done. "Inform everyone on the surface to take protective measures. If they find themselves targeted by violence they are to transport back to the ship immediately." "Medical has received the injured crewman and are beginning treatment. Sending orders down now." (Reply: Taya iyw) (Posted by Charles G) (Kir Kumari, Sickbay, NPC CMO Dr. Obal th'Zhaarahl, 1441) "What do we have?" said Obal, as he stepped up to the biobed. "A shen female in her early twenties," said a nurse. "Bruising to her face and a small cut on her forehead. Preliminary scans indicate a possible concussion and a cracked rib." She read the vital signs from the monitor. "Start a full scan," said Obal. While waiting for the results, Obal wondered what happened. They had been invited by the Trill government to be there, so what put a patient in his sickbay? He supposed there were always lower elements in any society. "Scans confirm a mild concussion and two cracked ribs," said the nurse. "Hand me the cranial regenerator," said Obal. He tapped the touch screen of the device, programming instructions into it. Placing it on the patient's forehead, he activated it. While waiting, he looked at her face. "Do we have the patient's name and position on the ship?" said Obal. "I don't recognize her," said the nurse. "Neither do I. She's young, so maybe she came on board before we left home." Studying her face more carefully, Obal felt she looked familiar, like he knew her from somewhere. "There's something in her pocket," said the nurse. Reaching in, she pulled out a small, clear bottle filled with some sort of liquid. "I don't recognize the writing on the label." She showed it to Obal. Doctor Obal had served his entire career in the Imperial Guard, but he was old enough to have done so while Andor was still a member of the Federation. "That's Federation standard. If I'm not mistaken, it's a bottle of sun protection to keep the skin from being burned," said Obal. "To be safe, scan the contents." The nurse picked up a tricorder and waved it over the bottle. "It's sun screen." The cranial regenerator beeped, indicating it had completed its task. Obal removed it and reached for the bone knitter. "Run her DNA through our crew records. See if she's there." The nurse stepped away from the bed and went to a computer terminal. Typing, she paused for a moment. "Doctor, her DNA isn't in the crew database." An administrative oversight? That seemed unlikely. He had an idea. "Run for partial matches." The nurse gave him an odd look, her antennae swaying slowly. She tapped the console and after a few moments, she stared at the screen. She ran it again. "Is something wrong?" said Obal. "I don't know," said the nurse. Obal was becoming irritated, his own antennae beginning to lean forward. "What did you find?" "The patient is a 50% match to Commander Tesha." Obal paused his repairing of the patient's ribs. That explained why she looked familiar. "What should we do?" said the nurse. Obal chuckled. "Kar Sheia and the commander will need to be told. The Federation admiral is on board now, so he'll need to know as well." He paused to think. "The patient is stable, so there's no reason to interrupt their meeting. As soon as they're finished, we'll tell them." The nurse nodded. Obal resumed the rib repair. Things just got more interesting. (reply none) (posted by Rob B.) (Kir Kumari – Conference Room - Kera Sheia – 1442) She couldn't help but have noticed the Admiral's reaction to the Guard Commander. Drizzt and he appeared to share a personal connection but this didn't surprise her much considering that he knew the Bajoran well enough to give her a warning about dealing with him. She couldn't help but be curious as to how their paths had crossed. "Kar Sheia, I thank you for your hospitality although it looks like we may be here for similar reasons." She caught his glance as he looked toward the Ambassador, no doubt wondering why he was here. To tell the truth Kera Sheia was wondering the same thing. She found his reasoning of curiosity to be shaky at best. "It appears Trill wants to talk to both of us, Kar and that is just fine with us, I just wanted to meet you face to face to explain that, as you can clearly see, the Federation, although not as it once was, is making moves once more to explore its own space and beyond, we aim to then continue our charter of peaceful exploration and coexistence with its neighbours, old and new." "We've met with the president of Trill and part of the planet's population are interested in re-joining the Federation and part of them are not. Although I've not had a lot of time to understand the Trill situation, such a split, a divided population and divided government would mean such an agreement wouldn't be possible. However, we may explore treaties with Trill that allow trade, communication and the free flow of people once more." He paused for a moment to take a drink of water while he weighed his next words and Kera Sheia waited patiently, he had called for this meeting and she would hear him out. "How would Andoria view such an arrangement?" Normally such a question would be directed to the Ambassador but he was here now in an unofficial capacity. The answer however was simple enough. She spoke back to him just as directly. "I'll be blunt here Admiral and the Ambassador will back what I tell you. First let me say Sei Lara is here unofficially as an observer and has no authority during this meeting." She glanced at Sei Lara who nodded, she then turned back to Remae. "We were invited here and came at their summons but the political situation has been chaotic at best to put it mildly. As to your question...," she leaned forward to emphasize her point, "... our aims are peaceful and the Trill are free to pursue their own goals. We brought no ultimatums or forcible intent and I'm sure the Ambassador could easily factor a similar stance into his own negotiations with the Trill. That the Trill have some form of relationship with the Federation does not make them enemies of Andoria." (Reply: Remae iyw, room for more) "Let me be even more blunt." She gestured to encompass everyone at the table. "There is much history between Andoria and the Federation good and bad and even between some of us sitting around this table, three of whom on my side served in the Fleet. We are not at war and while another might take a sterner stance due to the stain upon our past I do not." She met the eyes of all in the Federation retinue as she gazed around the table. "I was once like you and would still be if not for the devastation wrought upon Andoria, this is what divides us. My reaction to your entry into the system was tainted by it but that is not who I am, it's not who any of us present are. What happens in the future is an unknown but for now, at this time there are no enemies here." (Reply: Any) The Admiral's comm sounded and he answered it, it was a short time before his eyes snapped to her. “Kar, do you happen to know the whereabouts of my Andorian Officer?" Kera Sheia hit her own combadge in reply. "Lieutenant Joral." =^= Yes Kar. =^= "The Admiral is missing one of his officers. Do you know of this?" =^= Yes we do. One of our people not of our crew was beamed aboard a few minutes ago and is being treated in medical. She is in stable condition after being attacked on the surface. The doctor asked that Commander Tesha be informed as soon as she is available. =^= She ended the comm and nodded grimly to Remae. "You heard? It appears Trill is an issue for both of us at this time." (Reply: Remae) She turned her head to Tesha knowing that their was only one obvious Andorian currently in StarFleet and confirmed by the message. "Commander I believe you have some personal business to attend to, you are excused." (,Reply: Tesha iyw, any present) (Posted by Charles G) (Kir Kumari, Conference Room, Commander Tesha, 1443) Tesha sat next to Sheia, quietly listening to the opening protocols between both groups, her hands folded on the table. Her presence in such a meeting wasn't required, but she appreciated Sheia including her. Tesha made it a point to study Admiral Remae. She hadn't served with him when she was in Starfleet, but she knew of him. It was unlikely she would be required to add something, but she was ready, if needed. After both sides stated their views, the admiral received a call from his ship. "Kar, do you happen to know the whereabouts of my Andorian officer?" said Remae. Tesha froze, her jaw dropping, her antennae stood rigid. There was an Andorian serving on the Mystique? As far as she knew, there was only one in all of Starfleet. It took all her discipline to not demand Remae tell her his officer's name. Sheia tapped her comm badge. "Lieutenant Joral." =^= Yes, Kar? =^= "The admiral is missing one of his officers. Do you know of this?" =^= Yes, we do. One of our people not of our crew, was beamed aboard a few minutes ago and is being treated in medical. She is in stable condition after being attacked on the surface. The doctor asked that Commander Tesha be informed as soon as she is available. =^= Tesha's antennae were moving erratically. Her stomach churned. Her heart was beating so hard, she felt as though it would burst through her chest. Sheia said something to Remae, but her words passed by like water dripping through someone's hands. "Commander, I believe you have some personal business to attend to. You are excused," said Sheia. "Thank you, Kar," said Tesha as she got up. She looked at Remae and bowed her head. "Admiral, if you would excuse me." She hurried out of the room, running down the corridor to the nearest turbolift. (reply any in room iyw) (posted by Rob B.) (Kir Kumari, Sickbay, Tactical Ensign jg Taya, 1500) Darkness. Everywhere. Nowhere. Floating. Sinking. Timeless. A blanket enveloping all that was. A tiny point of light. Growing. Expanding. Brightness. Sound. Eyes bursting open. Gasping for air. Sitting up. Taya cried out as she felt like someone was driving a spike into her right side. Firm, but gentle hands, guided her to lay back. "Don't get up. You need to rest." The voice was warm. The voice was loving. The voice was familiar. Taya was in a medical facility, but it wasn't on the Mystique. The last thing she remembered, was asking a Trill woman to call her ship. Had the woman assumed it was the Kir Kumari? It made sense. If that's where she was, the person that spoke to her.... She looked to her right. Taya stared at the picture of love, into eyes so filled with joy and relief, there were no words that could speak of it. "Shreva!" Taya reached out and hugged her mother, tears running down her cheeks. "Shei," said Tesha, her voice soft and quiet. They held their embrace, their antennae touching lovingly. Taya didn't know how long they held each other and she didn't care. Nothing else mattered. When it ended, Tesha leaned back in her chair. "How do you feel?" said Tesha, a large smile beaming on her face. Taya was smiling herself, so it took a few moments to answer. "My right side hurts and I was a little dizzy when I sat up." "You had a concussion and two broken ribs. Doctor Obal fixed you up, but you'll need to rest a few days." That wasn't going to happen, thought Taya with an inward chuckle. "Do you remember what happened?" said Tesha. Taya scowled. "I was listening to an anti-Federation rally, when some men attacked me. I tried to beam back to the Mystique, but they were on me before I could call for help. I'm not sure what happened after that, but a Trill woman helped me. Someone called the Kir Kumari, assuming that was my ship." Taya shrugged, wincing as her right side reminded her of the injury. "What did I miss? Does Admiral Remae know I'm here?" "The admiral knows, but you don't need to worry about that right now," said Tesha. "We have a lot of catching up to do. It's been months since I last heard from you." Taya reached out and held one of Tesha's hands. "Yes, we do." It was wonderful to be together again. (reply any) (posted by Rob B.) (USS Wraith – Bridge – CO – Admiral Jana Bell – 1500) The Wraith had worked it’s way back to Trill after dropping off some new people for the Mystique; under her phase cloak, it was easy to simply pass through Trill itself to appear on the other side, in a position close between the Mystique and the Andoiran ship. It was a rite of passage for Spectre class ship, when departing a base, to phase cloak, disappear and pass through the other side. For a few moments, the crew experienced what it was like to pass through the base, its offices, decks, and even people. Although those inside would be unaware of the ship’s passage, to the crew of such ships, the experience was one they would never forget. Passing through an entire planet, took time, many minutes as the crew experienced passing through its rocky outside, fiery inside and core and back out again into space. Jana was testing the ship; it was old and the phase cloak was technology that was hardly new. Although the Spectre class excelled in using it, it wasn’t exactly unknow and she had to know if it worked as well as it always did. The Spectre class ship was now back in orbit, keeping an eye on things going on between the Federation, the Trill and the Andorians. Jana was under orders to keep Starfleet Command up to date with their happenings, but under cloak, she was limited in what she could do. No communications, no sensors other than their passive array and no way to merging into normal space without everyone seeing what she was up to. So, she waited, monitoring what she could, listening in on Trill, Andorian and Federation signals. Waiting to see which way this was going go. (Reply from None) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mar Facility - White Skulls Squadron Administration Office –Pilot - Ensign (JG) - Greta Smith/ Archivist - Aleese Akess – 1830) Sighing heavily, Greta sat back from the desk and groaned. "I have no idea how he deals with this paperwork. Just a couple of days and it's already driving me crazy." Smiling at Ensign kurosawa, Greta grinned and stood, "Well, my shift is done. You have control. Good luck." Ignoring the groans from the other Ensign, Greta walked out of the office and took a deep breath. "Now I need a drink." Aleese was heading along the corridor and moved to one side as the door opened. She looked over at Greta who she had met a couple of times at the Red Sand since the Mystique had left for Trill. “Hallo Greta all finished?” Sighing, "yeah. Finally. Got a few hours before I have to take the squadron up. Paperwork is a hard mistress. I don't know how Trip does it. I need a drink." Aleese smiled. “You wait until you have to catalog and alpfabetalise a whole library of ship designs but I guess that dealing with a squadron could also be very complicated.” “So you are going to drink your paperwork problems away.” "That and other things. " Greta replied, knowing that her friend would probably ask what she meant, she held her hand up and continued,"uh uh. Not another word. We need drink." “Come on then. I know that look. Let's get you a drink before you get yourself into any more trouble.” "Any more? I don't know what you mean?" (The Sands tavern) Sitting at the bar, Greta took a sip of her drink and sighed. ~this is silly. You are being silly~ she thought to herself. “What’s the matter?” said Aleese as she sipped her drink, sitting across from her knowing from her silence that it was something important. Looking at her friend, Greta smiled. "It's nothing. I'm being silly. " taking another sip of her drink, she continued, "I…. Well, I think I have a problem. And it's a bit of a big one." She gave Greta a kind smile as she sipped her drink “What! You can tell Granny Alesse all about it.” Laughing, Greta put down her empty glass, "Granny? Hardly. You look younger than I do. But that's what comes with falling…." Realising what she was about to say, Greta blushed and stopped talking for a moment. Looking behind the bar, she smiled. "Hey, stan." She yelled at the barman. "Yes miss?" "Okay, stop with the miss. Can I borrow the guitar for a second?" Smiling, Stan handed it to her. Looking at her friend, Greta smiled, "look, I'm not good with words but one thing I can do is play. My mother was a performer in Edinburgh. Mind if I?" Aleese nodded. “Of course.” She knew that Greta would tell her and it was not like she did not mind waiting. Taking a deep breath, she turned the guitar and began to sing. (NRPG: Here's the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/FogsURg3FoI ) Aleese smiled as she listened to the words as Greta sung the song. She waited until Greta had finished and smiled. “That was lovely. If you ever feel like getting away from all your flying you should sing.” Blushing, Greta shook her head. "That ain't gonna happen. Flying is what I love. " She gave her a sly look “Okay Greta so who is it?” "Who…. Is what?" Aleese grinned and shook her head. “Come on Greta, I was not born yesterday. Your song is called can you feel the love tonight and it's about star crossed lovers.” "I… What's the point…. He doesn't even see me that way. It's a waste of time." “Look you don’t have to tell me but just saying I am over four centries old I can wait.” "You aren't gonna let me leave without a name are you?" “Well what are friends for if you can’t tell each other things.” She smiled. “Look if you don’t want to then don’t. It's your secret I will not push you.” Sighing, Greta looked at her. "It's silly but…. For the last few weeks, I've been having these feelings for Ire." Alesse paused for a moment thinking about who Greta was talking about and then smiled. “Ire Williams the senior pilot of the Void Haunters?” Nodding, she blushed. “He has had a run of bad luck are you sure you would want to spend time with him?” “That’s the thing. I have spent time with him. But, i just…. Part of me wants to run and hide from him and the other part……” “Confusing feelings is normal. I can tell you that.” "Part of me wants to just…. " she leant forward and whispered in her friend's ear. “Well if that’s what you want to do then I cannot stop you.” she said with a grin. “ Are you sure that he feels the same way?” "That's the problem. I don't think he sees me in any other way that the woman he flies with. Doomed to love from afar. That's me." She rested her hand onto her friends. “If he is stupid not to notice you. Then he would be a fool. You are young, smart and beautiful and would be crazy not to be with you.” "I'm not beautiful. I'm Scottish, loud and brash." “And if he does not want to be with you. Tell me and I will tell him a few stories about his mother.” "Oh really?". She sighed, "how do I even do this? Tell him?" “Well you could go and ask him out on a date? That would be the easiest option.” "Just ask him? I can't do that." “Why not?” "Because….. I just can't. " “Well you could always not tell him and keep being emotional and indecisive while you are here. Which would affect your work and endanger you and your squadron.” "I know. I just…. It scares me. Whatever I do, something is gonna change." “That is always the risk. You open your heart to someone and there is a chance that they may say no but there is also a chance that they may say yes and that is the risk you take but if you don’t ask him you will always regret that you did not take the chance to ask him.” "You do it. You tell him for me. That way I don't have to face him." “I could but I am not the one who wants to be with him. Are you telling me that you, the hard as nails, scotish warrior is scared to ask someone out?” "Not scared. Flaming terrified. But…. Then again, I can't go through life being scared of a guy. I mean, we've fought together, hell we even did an explosive decompression together. It's just… why in the hell does this happen now?" “That I can not answer but it is happening now and you will have to deal with it. What is the worst that can happen?” "He laughs at the thought of me? Yeah, that's happened before." “That’s not a problem.” Her face went hard. “I’ll kill him. I can make him disappear and no one will know what happened to him.” Smiling, Greta held back a laugh and replied, "remind me never to annoy you." She paused and then continued, "Actually, there is something you could help me with. " She smiled back. “Of course anything?” A sly grin came over her face, "we need to do something to Trip's office for when he comes back." She nodded and leaned closer. “Okay what do you have in mind?” (Reply None) (Posted by Jaclyn and Robbie)