>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Repercussions Day: 1 Stardate: 2444.07.08 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Medical/Counselor -- Ensign J. G. Quinna S0lice -- 1025) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Dr. Kyros Ryelle MD -- 1027) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Ensign J. G. Quinna Solice -- 1030) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Dr. Kyros Ryelle -- 1033) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Medical/counselor -- Ensign J. G. Quinna Solice -- 1035) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office --Dr. Kyros Ryelle -- 1037) (Mars facility – Sickbay -Med – Ensign Gabe vesper - 1050) (Mars facility – Sickbay -Med – Ensign Gabe vesper - 1100) (USS Mystique – Sickbay - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken - 1102) (USS Mystique – Sickbay -Med Ens(jg) Gabe Vesper -  1105) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken - 1107) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Med Ens(jg) Gabe Vespers- 1110) (Mars Scientific Annex – ACMO’s Officer - aACMO Ensign JG Aillyn Bracken - 1400) (USS Mystique - Deck 14, Science Lab 1 - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1509) (USS Mystique - Deck 15, Chief of Security's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1607) (Mars Facility- Security complex- Ensigns Peters office- Security Contractor – Tagh Caonrobh -1645) (Mars Facility, Security complex, Security Chief's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1647) (Mars Facility, Security complex, Security Chief's Office - Security - Sytuk / Tagh Caonrobh- 1650) (USS Mystique, Main Engineering - ENG, Ensign M'Rurrh - 1655) (Mars Facility, Security complex, Security Chief's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1656) (Mars Facility, Security complex, Security Chief's Office – Security Contractor – Tagh Caonrobh - 1658) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core- aACSO(R)- Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1714) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core - ENG, Ens(jg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1716) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core - aACSO(R) - Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1718) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core - Engineering Officer, Ens(jg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1721) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core - aACSO(R)- EnsIGN (jg) Sekal - 1723) (USS Mystique - Deck 2 - Personal quarters - aACSO(R)- EnsIGN (jg) Sekal - 1740) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell - 1817) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aFSXO Trip Williams - 1818) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1821) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell - 1825) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1827) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams - 1830) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1832) (Mars Scientific Annex - SO Ensign JG Stennin & aACMO Ensign JG Aillyn Bracken - 1900) (Mars facility – Holodeck – Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG Keira Merek – 2208) (Mars Facilities- Personal quarters- Petty Officer- Steven Hammons- 2215) (Mars Facilities- Personal quarters- Petty Officer- Steven Hammons- 2345) (Mars Base- outside- Pilot Ensign jg Ravok-2353) (Mars Base, Tactical Ensign jg Taya, Pilot Ensign jg Ravok Shara, 2354) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Medical/Counselor -- Ensign J. G. Quinna S0lice -- 1025) Quinna sat there in solitude. She finshed her reports and was thinking about what was next. "Oh good Dr. Solice, I was hoping to see you here." Quinna looked up and smiled, “Hi. Come on in.” Quinna stood to greet Dr. Ryelle. “Please would you call me Quinna.” She offered. "Sorry if I come of as formal. It's a habit from the monastery, and I haven't quite been able to shake it. There are some moments were I feel more comfortable with given names, but the formal titles, just slip some times." “Well maybe we can work on it.” "Anyway Dr. Sol.... I mean Quinna, I just wanted to stop by before we got to Mars and say thank you for helping me break the news to Dr. Bracken and Miss Jones. I know that was about a week ago, but from talking to Dr. Bracken in sickbay, it seems the two have gotten to bond a little. I don't know if I would have felt comfortable breaking the news by myself. I just wasn't sure if I thanked you properly. In the monastery they made us write thank you notes to benefactors, a little outdated, I know. But well, that habit also is one I have not broken. So I thought I'd go ahead and hand deliver one. Took my a while to write it. I always write them, but sometimes it may take a week, a month, or even a year." Quinna took the enveloped offered. She ran her fingers lightly around the seal. It was now a treasure. Quinna looked up, “You know I meant what I said. We could do lunch. Not Doctor to Doctor but as friends.” Quinna offered. (Reply Ryelle) “Maybe when we get back on Mars” Quinna Suggested. (reply Ryelle) (posted by Kris) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Dr. Kyros Ryelle MD -- 1027) Smiling at her suggestion at lunch, Ryelle looked at Quinna and replied. "That would be delightful, when did you have in mind." “Maybe when we get back on Mars” Quinna Suggested. "That would be good. Gives me time to get my stuff ready to be unloaded when we return. Though it's not like I have much. There are some things that have followed me from the monastery, one of which is the fact that I just don't accumulate stuff. I don't even have a single decorative vase or painting in my quarters on Mars." (Reply Quinna) "So have things been busy today? I'd imagine it would be a light day given how close we are to home. Buy one never knows." (reply Quinna) (Reply Quinna) (posted by Will) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Ensign J. G. Quinna Solice -- 1030) "That would be good. Gives me time to get my stuff ready to be unloaded when we return. Though it's not like I have much. There are some things that have followed me from the monastery, one of which is the fact that I just don't accumulate stuff. I don't even have a single decorative vase or painting in my quarters on Mars." “To be honest, I don’t either. My roommate has her touch eveywhere in our quarters.” Quinna added. "So have things been busy today? I'd imagine it would be a light day given how close we are to home. Buy one never knows." Thinking back, she knew that he was the only visitor, “Honestly, you are the only person that has come through my door.” (Reply Ryelle) “No one wants to see a counselor. Good think I am back in medical tomorrow. However, night shift is quiet as well.” Quinna gave a small laugh at the end of her comment. She enjoys talking with someone that was not mandated by orders. (Reply Ryelle) (Posted by Kris) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Dr. Kyros Ryelle -- 1033) Thinking back, she knew that he was the only visitor, “Honestly, you are the only person that has come through my door.” "Well that is a shame. But maybe it will pick up." Ryelle added trying to be cheerful. “No one wants to see a counselor. Good think I am back in medical tomorrow. However, night shift is quiet as well.” Quinna gave a small laugh at the end of her comment. "Well now you are going to make feel guilty." (reply Quinna) "I was on the night shift for our trip to Trill, last night Dr. Bracken asked me if I wanted to continue the night shift on Mars and I asked to be taken off it. And now you get the short straw." Ryelle bowed his head and spoke in a conciliar tone. (reply Quinna) "I guess I shouldn't feel to guilty or anything, it's not like I owe you anything or forced them to put you on there out of spite. I do feel bad. The night shift can be a bear." (reply Quinna) (reply Quinna) (posted by Will) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office -- Medical/counselor -- Ensign J. G. Quinna Solice -- 1035) Thinking back, she knew that he was the only visitor, “Honestly, you are the only person that has come through my door.” "Well that is a shame. But maybe it will pick up." Ryelle added trying to be cheerful. “No one wants to see a counselor. Good thing I am back in medical tomorrow. However, night shift is quiet as well.” Quinna gave a small laugh at the end of her comment. "Well now you are going to make feel guilty." “How so?” Quinna asked quizatively. "I was on the night shift for our trip to Trill, last night Dr. Bracken asked me if I wanted to continue the night shift on Mars and I asked to be taken off it. And now you get the short straw." Ryelle bowed his head and spoke in a conciliar tone. Quinn let off a slight silent laugh, “Ok. No guilt allowed. I volunteer for that time. It does not bother me at all.” "I guess I shouldn't feel to guilty or anything, it's not like I owe you anything or forced them to put you on there out of spite. I do feel bad. The night shift can be a bear." “Ohhh it is more like a teddy bear.” Quinna exaggerated a bit. “Mars is totally different than the Mystique. Maybe I should feel guilty.” (Reply Ryelle) “So I suppose that your guilt and my guilt cancel each other out, so I say we are back on even ground. Lets just go with it” (Reply Ryelle) (Posted by Kris) (USS Mystique -- Counseling office --Dr. Kyros Ryelle -- 1037) “Ohhh it is more like a teddy bear.” Quinna exaggerated a bit. “Mars is totally different than the Mystique. Maybe I should feel guilty.” "No don't feel guilty. I very much prefer to be awake when more people are. I think my social nature is what made living in the monastery hard. We were cloistered. Didn't suit me. But I guess we are now both guilty." “So I suppose that your guilt and my guilt cancel each other out, so I say we are back on even ground. Lets just go with it” "Wipe the slate clean so to speak. What is the human phrase, even stevens?" (Reply Quinna) Ryelle laughed. "Well now that we are even and I have offered my thanks for helping with the, what did you call it, Hallmark movie situation, I should probably get out of you hair. Who knows, perhaps, someone will realize they left their favorite stuffed animal at the hotel on Trill and need to come and cope." (reply Quinna) "Farewell Dr. Sol..." Ryelle caught himself. "Quinna. I hope you have a splendid rest of the day." (reply Quinna) Ryelle then began making his way towards the door. "And do let me know when you would like to do lunch Quinna, I should be free anytime this coming week." (reply Quinna) "Until the next time." Ryelle waved and then left the offices. (reply Quinna) (posted by Will) (Mars facility – Sickbay -Med – Ensign Gabe vesper - 1050) “Good Morning sir, I have an update on the watch for you if you wish?” Gabe didnt wait and just went into the report “I've discharged Tuji, showed great improvement I dont see any reason to keep him here any longer. Crewman B'toch still hasnt regained consciousness, I would like to run another round of blood tests as I feel we've missed something.” “Concur.” She stopped. “B’toch ever been on the scientific greenhouse rotations?” (Reply Vesper) “Hmm. Check adrenal toxicosis. Some of the plants they have are showing unusual active TC7 components. Look at the Andersson-Gibbs pre-spike...here... Run it and bring it to me.” She passed the PADD back over. (Reply Vesper) Gabe stood and looked at the officer “Sorry ma'am, how are you? I hear things have been rough?” Ailynn smiled gently, waving him back to his previous position. “Thank you Gabe. I’m fine. Doing well all things considered. I’m ashamed to say you have me at a disadvantage. We haven’t chatted much. Coffee?” she motioned to a replicator. (Reply Vesper) NRPG: I’m assuming a yes. RPG: She passed over his drink, and sat back herself. “So...talk to me...tell me about...well, you.” (Reply Vesper) (Posted by Mark) (Mars facility – Sickbay -Med – Ensign Gabe vesper - 1100) “Concur B’toch ever been on the scientific greenhouse rotations?” Ailynn said clearly having a plan in place. Gabe stood, she had caught him in a moment "I'm not exactly sure, but I'll have a look, with the sheer amount of personnel around its getting easier and easier to forget the back stories." Gabe pulled a PADD out and quickly looked over the notes, "It would appear so, although only briefly." “Hmm. Check adrenal toxicosis. Some of the plants they have are showing unusual active TC7 components. Look at the Andersson-Gibbs pre-spike...here... Run it and bring it to me.” Gabe took the PADD that was being offered to him. "I'll get right onto it, although botany is not my strong point.Sorry ma'am, how are you? I hear things have been rough?” "Thank you Gabe. I’m fine. Doing well all things considered. I’m ashamed to say you have me at a disadvantage. We haven’t chatted much. Coffee?” the woman offered the replicator. Gabe froze a little, his comment had been more of a passing gesture more than a conversation started ~what is it with everyone wanting to talk so much~ "I guess so ma'am, just a Korean Coffee" Gabe sat in the empty chair as his drink was given to him. "So...talk to me...tell me about...well, you.” Ailynn said drinking her own drink. "Not much to say, my mother was an engineer, Chief Engineer on the Hades and the Gannicus, a long time ago, you've probably never heard of them. I chose not to follow her footsteps so came into medical, don't get me wrong, growing up with an Engineer for a parent I know my way around an EPS relay but I'm more comfortable finding my way around a heart. This is my second posting out of training, first one was a little odd, medical team on a run down clapped out transport ship not a lot of adventure, so here I am. You?" (Reply Bracken) (Posted by Mat) (USS Mystique – Sickbay - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken - 1102) "I guess so ma'am, just a Korean Coffee" Gabe sat in the empty chair as his drink was given to him. "So...talk to me...tell me about...well, you.” Ailynn said drinking her own drink. "Not much to say, my mother was an engineer, Chief Engineer on the Hades and the Gannicus, a long time ago, you've probably never heard of them. I chose not to follow her footsteps so came into medical, don't get me wrong, growing up with an Engineer for a parent I know my way around an EPS relay but I'm more comfortable finding my way around a heart. This is my second posting out of training, first one was a little odd, medical team on a run down clapped out transport ship not a lot of adventure, so here I am. You?" Ailynn knew what her face must look like. Her blood had run cold. “Back up back up.” She closed her eyes, and motioned with a trembling hand. “You said the Hades? CEO on the Hades? Prophets! that’s not possible…” (Reply Vesper) “I mean sorry…of course it’s possible. Small universe is all. ” She drained her coffee, wishing it was something a lot stronger. “You aren’t going to believe this…” (Reply Vesper) She spoke gently, shifting in her seat. “My mother, Aimee, is one of the Medical Captains at Medical HQ. Surgical Director. However, before then she was CMO and eventually CO of the Hades. Her mother Dale was Captain of that ship too, not long before her.” (Reply Vesper) (Posted by Mark) (USS Mystique – Sickbay -Med Ens(jg) Gabe Vesper -  1105) As Gabe spoke he saw the womans face turn shallow, he slowed his speech and waited. "Back up back up.You said the Hades? CEO on the Hades? Prophets! that's not possible..." Ailynn had her eyes closed and started trembling. “i dont see what the Prophets can do about anything, such an archaic tradition. Everything is possible so I fail to see your objections.” Gabe had been brought up not knowing his Bajoran heritage and had always struggled to understand those that did. "I mean sorry...of course it's possible. Small universe is all. You aren't going to believe this..." “Im a scientist, I'll believe anything I can quantify. You might want to slow down on the coffee, youve got the shakes and its only the morning.” Gabe turned his voice a little stern, he was growing tired of the two and fro. Aiylnn spoke gently, shifting in her seat. "My mother, Aimee, is one of the Medical Captains at Medical HQ. Surgical Director. However, before then she was CMO and eventually CO of the Hades. Her mother Dale was Captain of that ship too, not long before her." Gabe sat for a moment, his mind pulling back to the conversations he had in the past with his mother about the Hades. He shook his head and looked into his coffee. “One of us is mistaken, or failing that long before or after my mothers time. I've never heard of a CMO on the Hades called Aimee. Mother always said it was a Bajoran CMO, horrid person – they never seemed to get on, he became the FO so one of us is mistaken.” Gabe sat and looked blankly at the officer infront of him, he had never had cause to disagree with his mother about her career. (Reply Bracken) (Posted by Mat) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken - 1107) His manner seemed snappy, and irritable. The judgement of the jittery hands had shown to Ailynn almost a complete lack of situational awareness, and arguably, his terse manner showed a lack of empathy that, in her mind, was utterly unforgivable. She held her tongue though, filing her thoughts in her mind. He shook his head as he looked into his coffee. “One of us is mistaken, or failing that long before or after my mothers time. I've never heard of a CMO on the Hades called Aimee. Mother always said it was a Bajoran CMO, horrid person – they never seemed to get on, he became the FO so one of us is mistaken.” Gabe sat and looked blankly at the officer in front of him, he had never had cause to disagree with his mother about her career. “Computer. Download to isolinear chip. Officer Rosta for the USS Hades; include all changes in the fifteen years prior to it’s decommissioning in the year 2420. Medical authorisation Bracken-six-iota-alpha-one” [acknowledged. Downloaded.] Ailynn pulled the chip out the slow on her desk, and slotted it into the empty PADD that was on her desk. Her tone was deceptively calm. Those that knew her would know that they had gone too far. “Ensign. I can be accused of many things. I will not be accused of being a liar in my own Department. Now…We seem to have a shortfall. You’re to take up the clinic rota. Might do well to…dust off that bedside manner. Read. You’re dismissed…Mr Vesper.” (Reply Vesper) (Posted by Mark) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Med Ens(jg) Gabe Vespers- 1110) Gabe watched as Ailynn pulled the chip out the slot on her desk, and slotted it into the empty PADD that was on her desk. “Ensign. I can be accused of many things. I will not be accused of being a liar in my own Department. Now…We seem to have a shortfall. You’re to take up the clinic rota. Might do well to…dust off that bedside manner. Read. You’re dismissed…Mr Vesper.” Gabe looked down at the PADD on the desk and watched as his boss tried to dismiss him. "With the greatest of respect, Sir, you asked about me, I answered with the knowledge that I have. I have no reason to believe that she would tell me anything but the truth. As for my bedside manner, you're the first person to complain. But I will endeavour to brush up, as you say. But please, the fact remains that one of us has to be wrong, but no doubt we will smooth that over shortly. Sir" Gabe clicked his heels and spun taking a deep breath to fight back the anger that he had he walked into the main sickbay and resumed his shift. (Reply Bracken, any) (Posted by mat) (Mars Scientific Annex – ACMO’s Officer - aACMO Ensign JG Aillyn Bracken - 1400) Ailynn sat down in the familiar office in the familiar chair, and cast her eyes over…well, familiarity, it surrounded her and comforted her. Taking a sip of the coffee that she had made before sitting down, she drew a rare, calm breath, took in the calm around her, there’d been no crises yet in the hospital that because of her teams’ hard work, was starting to turn heads in the Sol system, and beyond. She pulled the neck of her scrubs back down where it had tried to ride up and strangle her. After a few silent moments, she tapped a button on her desk and spoke, gently. “Acting ACMO’s log stardate xxxxx. We have arrived back at Mars, with our first mission out of the Academy under out belts. Objectively we have managed mixed success. The Trill have been absorbed to become a protectorate of the Federation. Medically however, we are currently at somewhat of an impasse. The virus that plagues some of the Trill pools is currently under control thanks to our brothers and sisters from Betazed.” Ailynn paused, leaning back in her chair, staring at the mark on the ceiling that always caught her attention when she was thinking. She both hated it, and loved it, it drew her attention, pulling her, inescapably toward it’s gravity well. However it’s shape was familiar, a consant in her rapidly changing life. She loved it for that. “However if our models are correct, it is a single micromutation away from being a pandemic that could, and will destroy the Trill symbiotes. It is for that reason I’m enacting research into this area now, a two-fold research both into new broad-sweep and specific anti-viral and anti-bacterial compounds. The first of which will be derived from seedlings from the plant from Betazed that has shown so much promise. I’m hoping that Ensign Verin-Williams will be able to assist in this matter. Secondly, and no less importantly. I’m going to open research up into the virus itself. This thing didn’t just appear; or if it did I want to know how, I want to know when, I want to know everything. It may be I’m setting a lot of people on a wild goose chase. It may be that history will judge me the fool who overreacted… Sooner that than the fool who fiddled whilst Rome burned. End log.” (Reply none) (USS Mystique - Deck 14, Science Lab 1 - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1509) Jaton had just closed the channel with Kazran back on Trill, having discussed the latest batch of transmissions to the Mystique and how to handle them. He's also inquired after the scans of Alyl and if they'd been any help in serving to create a delivery system for the cure for the virus ravaging the symbiont pools. It was then that his commbadge chirped. =/\=All science department personnel are to conclude any remaining experiments and have the labs cleaned before sixteen hundred. Stellar Cartography will have all data on the stellar nursery transferred to the Mars facilities main computer bank.=/\= =/\=Ensign Alyl will make arrangements to transfer the data from the Trill science ministry to the surface. After that task is concluded your duties for the day are completed.=/\= "Understood, sir. We've just received the last data packet from the ministry. I'll get right on it." =/\=Ensign Michaels please assist Ensign Williams-Verin in wrapping up anything ongoing currently in Life Sciences and making sure all data and or specimens are transferred down to the surface.=/\= (Reply: Michaels) =/\=Ensign Stennin will oversee the transfer of specimens and data from the other labs to the science department annex on Mars base. Stellar Cartography is the exception, I will be handling that task.=/\= (Reply: Stennin) =/\=A note the new arrivals in the department. The third floor of the science annex has personal cabins, this is where you will be staying while on base and you will find them more spacious than your quarters on the Mystique. Use of these cabins rather than general housing on the base is preferred though if you desire the latter arrangements may be made depending on availability. Senior officers will be off duty after the listed tasks are completed and will be excused from duty until twelve hundred tomorrow. At that time a meeting will be held in the main conference room on the third floor of the annex. After the meeting the senior officers will spend the rest of the day in catching up on operations that have been ongoing in the annex since the departure of the Mystique. A full return to research operations will begin at zero eight hundred on the tenth. Are there questions over anything I have covered?=/\= "None from me, sir," Jaton said. "Thank you for the update. I'll keep you apprised of the transfer progress. Alyl out." He then closed the comm channel and turned to open a channel with the Mars base. (reply any in Science) (posted by Spencer) (USS Mystique - Deck 15, Chief of Security's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1607) Hammon's eyes brightened a little. "Are you talking about that investigation you had the senior officers running?" Carson nodded, "You mean were running? I seem to have lost a large chunk of the senior officers to other positions or assignments" he said with a slight sigh, "But yes, that one. I need someone I trust to check-in on it and pull all the information together for a briefing." Hammons gave a grin. "That's going to be a hell of a lot better assignment than pulling guard or patrol duty. I'm all over it Chief. As soon as we get to ground I'll round up what info they have and bulldoze through it." "I expect nothing less," he replied with a smile, "I've got to get on, and now so do you. I'll expect a briefing tomorrow PM once everything has settled down." The Petty Officer snapped off a salute and got to work. (Reply none, any) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility- Security complex- Ensigns Peters office- Security Contractor – Tagh Caonrobh -1645) "Mr Caonrobh excellent to meet you, please come in." Tagh grinned to himself as Sytuk did not acknowledged him as he entered the office. It was not the first time he had worked with the Sytuk and took the non-acknowledged as acknowledgement. He stopped beside Sytuk and braced to attention. “Security Contractor Tagh Caonrobh present as requested.” (Reply Peters) (Reply Peters Sytuk) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Facility, Security complex, Security Chief's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1647) Carson now had both men in his office as Tagh Caonrobh introduced himself, “Security Contractor Tagh Caonrobh present as requested.” He moved back around his desk and turned on the screen, which in turn activated the large wall screen to the side of the two Security Contractors. The screen showed a dissected layout of the base. "I've never worked alongside a Civilian Security contingent, could the two of you fill me in on your limitations and restrictions?" (Reply Sytuk, Caonrobh) Carson knew everything they were saying, he'd read the report, but he wanted to make sure they understood their role on the base. "Ok, good to know. I see the two of you have worked together before? That will help speed things along, I'd like both of you to take charge of the Civilian Contractors. You'll both directly report to myself and run your men and equipment alongside by Security Squads which cover most of the base." (Reply Sytuk, Caonrobh) "Your first assignment is to get acquianted with the base," Carson nodded towards the map, "We're still bringing sections online and as we do so, we continue to readjust out Security Checkpoints and command centres. You'll both have terminals within the main Security Comm Centre and I'll expect you to use them as you're working with Starlfeet not and one thing we know how to do a lot of is paperwork." he joked. (Reply Sytuk, Caonrobh) "In all seriousness, I expect your civilian counterparts to integrate into a shift patten with my staff at the entrances to the base. Any suggestions or thoughts?" (Reply Sytuk, Caonrobh) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility, Security complex, Security Chief's Office - Security - Sytuk / Tagh Caonrobh- 1650) "I've never worked alongside a Civilian Security contingent, could the two of you fill me in on your limitations and restrictions?" Sytuk spoke first " I have no limitations Sir, anything to fulfill my duties. Any restrictions would be set by you Sir, on behalf of Starfleet. " Tagh grinned within his helmet as Sytuk’s comment and nodded to Peters. “We have the ability to arrest and detain people but we have to have starfleet personnel in any interview and check any results before prosecution.” "Ok, good to know. I see the two of you have worked together before? That will help speed things along, I'd like both of you to take charge of the Civilian Contractors. You'll both directly report to myself and run your men and equipment alongside my Security Squads which cover most of the base." Sytuk knew those who worked under him thought he was harsh, But he demanded a person's full effort and compliance. He knew Tagh was far more likeable, he wasn't feared by anyone, until they saw what Tagh was capable of in his apprehension of a target. Tagh was resourceful and always thought 5 steps ahead. Sytuk respected Tagh, in his own way. " Yes Sir" He said. Tagh had worked with Sytuk before and was happy to work with him again. People saw Sytuk as this huge, imposing giant who just smashed things and scared people but he knew that Sytuk was far more intelligent than people assumed which had helped them on more than one occasion. “Yes Sir.” "Your first assignment is to get acquianted with the base," Ensign Peters looked at the map. "We're still bringing sections online and as we do so, we continue to readjust out Security Checkpoints and command centres. You'll both have terminals within the main Security Comm Centre and I'll expect you to use them as you're working with Starlfeet now and one thing we know how to do a lot of is paperwork." ~I hate paperwork~ Sytuk thought as he looked at Ensign Peters with an expressionless face. " Yes Sir" ~Ow wonderful just what I need paperwork~ thought Tagh “Yes sir.” "In all seriousness, I expect your civilian counterparts to integrate into a shift pattern with my staff at the entrances to the base. Any suggestions or thoughts?" Sytuk nodded his head. " I see that access to the fighter wing hangar bays is highly restricted to only authorized personnel and is currently under around the clock watch of 4 security members at a time in each of the 7 hangars " he said as he looked at the map that showed real time readouts of security teams and their post. " I would suggest moving the Security monitoring Hangar bays 6 and 7, which are currently unoccupied, to other essential locations. My suggestion would be the team from hangar 6 be moved to the general Science research labs and the team from hangar 7 relocated to the Cargo and shipment receiving bays located in section Theta A of the medical complex. If I were to make an attempt to breach the security of this complex and infiltrate the facility I would start there. As for the shift rotations . Tagh here is better at arranging the forces into shift patterns. People tend to find my time tables...unreasonable Sir." ~Thanks Sytuk for giving me the paperwork~ Tagh nodded. “I think Sytuk here has said it all and I can do the shift patterns. I would suggest that between the two of us Sytuk is a more task orientated person and I am more a people orientated person. He is the hardware and I am the software. ” (reply Peters) (Posted by Robert Davis /Robbie) (USS Mystique, Main Engineering - ENG, Ensign M'Rurrh - 1655) M'Rurrh weaved her way through Main Engineering, whilst Ensign Merek navigated her way without even looking up from the PADD in her hand. "You'll be assigned to Engineering," she said. ~Like I'd come down here, off-shift, only to hear what was already in Starfleet's orders: "Mars base, Engineering Department under Admiral Remae Ktell."~ "Hey!" M'Rurrh's tail lashed side to side as she was literally jolted from her train of thought. "Geez my apologies... Been running around all day and didn't see you sir." Reaching to retrieve items that had spilled across the deck, M'Rurrh handed them back to her 'assailant' before offering her hand. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met. I'm M'urrrrrrrh." "As of right now, on ship, you're part of the OPS department, but on Mars we could really use the help in Engineering. We'll have to be flexible as the Admiral hasn't put out what he expects on our return. Expect an out brief, but other than that I don't know." "Ok, so it's wait and see. Can do." "I carry an OPS rating too. The base was given to us in a shambles. I have the reports from our Chief Petty Officers who stayed back. They made some progress while we were away, but there is still so much left to do. I have a satellite defense grid that I can use someone with your talents assistance." M'Rurrh was caught off step. A lifetime on hospital ships hadn't given her much expertise in weapons or fixed defense systems. "Well... I can certainly take a look." "Oh, and please, it's Ensign Merek on duty. If we're in 10 Forward or at the Sands when we get back, Keira is fine. On duty I need to draw a line, and terms of address is a good start. Clear?" The conversation seemed to be rapidly going in a different direction than she'd intended. M'Rurrh was relieved when the other Ensign spoke up to fill the growing silence. "Ensign Merek, I would like the extra duty in ops if needed. The experience would be appreciated so assign me as needed." ~Well... So much for that pipe dream.~ Edging away, M'Rurrh purred, "Well... Sir... I can see I'm just getting in the way down here. I'll check for any update at shift change." She nodded her departure to first one then the other. "Ensign... Ensign." (Reply Merek, Matrix, none) (Posted by MCD) (Mars Facility, Security complex, Security Chief's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1656) Sytuk nodded his head. "I see that access to the fighter wing hangar bays is highly restricted to only authorized personnel and is currently under around the clock watch of 4 security members at a time in each of the 7 hangars" he said as he looked at the map that showed real time readouts of security teams and their post. " I would suggest moving the Security monitoring Hangar bays 6 and 7, which are currently unoccupied, to other essential locations. My suggestion would be the team from hangar 6 be moved to the general Science research labs and the team from hangar 7 relocated to the Cargo and shipment receiving bays located in section Theta A of the medical complex. If I were to make an attempt to breach the security of this complex and infiltrate the facility I would start there. As for the shift rotations. Tagh here is better at arranging the forces into shift patterns. People tend to find my time tables... unreasonable, Sir." ~Interesting~ he thought to himself, ~Having civilian contractors could work out very well, they look at it in a different way~ Tagh nodded. “I think Sytuk here has said it all and I can do the shift patterns. I would suggest that between the two of us Sytuk is a more task orientated person and I am more a people orientated person. He is the hardware and I am the software.” "Well. It seems like the two of you are a perfect match to be put in charge of the Civilian section of our Security Forces. I've set up one of the offices on this deck for the two of you to work out of and would like one of you to be present in the daily Security rundown at the start of each day, feel free to rotate whoever turns up, or both turn up, I'm not fussy eitherway." (Reply either/both) "Do either of you have any family coming to join you on the base?" (Reply either/both) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility, Security complex, Security Chief's Office – Security Contractor – Tagh Caonrobh - 1658) "Well. It seems like the two of you are a perfect match to be put in charge of the Civilian section of our Security Forces. I've set up one of the offices on this deck for the two of you to work out of and would like one of you to be present in the daily Security rundown at the start of each day, feel free to rotate whoever turns up, or both turn up, I'm not fussy eitherway." Tagh nodded. "Yes sir. We will be at the daily security rundown.” He knew that he would probably be there for all of them with Sytuk for moral support he gave a mental smile or not. (Reply Sytuk) "Do either of you have any family coming to join you on the base?" “Yes sir. My sister is joining 1st Fighter Wing as the pilot officer of the squadron lead’s fighter or the Void Haunter Squadron.” He waited to see what Peters had to say or not say about the squadron lead or the squadron as a whole would speak volumes. (Reply Peters, Sytuk) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core- aACSO(R)- Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1714) =^= The Sekal will place his crystal into the interface device designed by the Sekal's father, the Saleke. Luma will give Vex the specifications. The Vanyssa knew what Luma was, and if this crystal works, Vex will be able to carry Luma with her, such as a piece of jewelry. Well maybe not in that crystal. A smaller one might work. Illuminar often carried pieces of their Eimsadi in the crystals. They would carry the crystal for a long time, and imprint emotions upon them then have them put into jewelry. =^= The excitement in the Lenai's voice was palpable, read easily even by a Vulcan. "A caution first Luma." He made no move as yet to mate the crystal with the base. "The crystal has some peculiarities with which I am familiar and there may be others of which we do not yet know." (Reply: Luma, Vex) "Most of interest is that it appears to pull in energy from another place, perhaps even another dimension. The energy field it is tied to may be incompatible with your life force. If you feel any resistance to your entry beyond what you believe to be normal of find yourself weakening within it you should return to the computer core and we will default to transferring three of the gel packs. Is this understood?" (Reply: Luma) "Very well. Ensign Jordaan will you monitor Luma during the transfer please?" (Reply: Vex) Sekal placed the crystal upon the base, its rounded end pointed down and directly at the slot cut into the top of the computer core. Rather than stepping back he remained within arms reach should it become necessary to snatch it away. While he trusted that Luma would not knowingly harm herself her excitement about the crystal might cause her to overreach therefore it was the responsibility of Vex to put a stop to it before she injured herself. An eyebrow rose as the rounded point of the crystal began to glow softly. "Fascinating." (Reply: Vex, Luma) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core - ENG, Ens(jg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1716) "That would appear to have already been provided by Captain Winters and her first officer." He gestured to the arrangement of three stanchions like claws that extended from the top of the computer core. "This base originally held the crystal that was Luma's body and the slot cut into the top of the core is a channel for her life force. If the crystal I hold is effective then we need only construct a similar design into the computer core in the science annex. Luma can then transfer her consciousness into the bio neural gel packs of the base primary computer through the interface until we can procure enough of these that she can choose another body from among them." Vex nodded, she had of course already examined the device previously. Though they had been bonded for several weeks now, she still had trouble thinking like herself when Luma was in a particulary exuberent mood. "Luma is still going to transfer into the base's gel packs though?" she replied whilst rubbing her head slightly, "You don't want her staying in the crystal?" "Affirmative. This will be a transfer device only for now if it works but Luma may choose one for herself in the future from among others. This crystal is of extreme research interest at this time and experimentation on it could endanger her." She nodded, the crystal was obviously a rare find and he clearly thought highly of it, Vex communicated as much to Luma telepathically and pointing out that Sekal clearly liked Luma a lot, otherwise why would he risk such a valuable asset just to help her transition? =^= ::The Sekal will place his crystal into the interface device designed by the Sekal's father, the Saleke. Luma will give Vex the specifications. The Vanyssa knew what Luma was, and if this crystal works, Vex will be able to carry Luma with her, such as a piece of jewelry. Well maybe not in that crystal. A smaller one might work. Illuminar often carried pieces of their Eimsadi in the crystals. They would carry the crystal for a long time, and imprint emotions upon them then have them put into jewelry.:: =^= Vex both heard Luma's voice in her head and through the computer system as she spoke. What she said intrigued Vex, she'd never had the thought that she could carry Luma around with her as a simple peice of jewlerry, of course, it'd need to be protected, on a nigh-unbreakable chain and her brain began to go into overdrive working on the ideas until Sekal brought them both back down to Mars by speaking, "A caution first Luma." He made no move as yet to mate the crystal with the base. "The crystal has some peculiarities with which I am familiar and there may be others of which we do not yet know." (Reply Luma) She frowned, Luma was clearly too excited to ask the important questions, "What are the peculiarities to which you are familiar?" Vex asked. "Most of interest is that it appears to pull in energy from another place, perhaps even another dimension. The energy field it is tied to may be incompatible with your life force. If you feel any resistance to your entry beyond what you believe to be normal of find yourself weakening within it you should return to the computer core and we will default to transferring three of the gel packs. Is this understood?" Now she understood the importance to the crystal, if it pulled energy from another dimension, sed energy could potentially be limitless and provide the massive breakthrough that Starfleet and the Federation were looking for. She began wondering what tests the Scientists had already began on the crystal and how far away they were from being able to utilise the potential of the dark energy lurking beneath the surface. But how did the crystal do it...? She realised Sekal was still waiting for an answer from either of them, Vex broke her train of thought and said, "This is important, I don't want to lose you Luma." At the same time she said this she shared with Luma an emotional connection to remind her of how close they had become, like sisters almost and Vex didn't want to lose that, didn't want to lose her. (Reply Luma) "Very well. Ensign Jordaan will you monitor Luma during the transfer please?" "Of course," Vex nodded and then closed her eyes to concentrate, she reached out and accidentally brushed agaisnt Sekals consciousness, pulled back and took a deep breath. "We're ready." the sound came out of Vex's mouth, but she couldn't be sure who had said it. (Reply Luma) "Fascinating." they heard Sekal say, Vex couldn't respond, focused, locked in on Luma and ready to intervene if she needed to. (Reply Luma, Sekal) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core - aACSO(R) - Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1718) The only sounds in the chamber audible outside of the muted hum of circuitry and the life support system was Vex's breathing though in his mind Sekal could hear the child-like laughter of Luma'Lenai as she transferred her life force to the crystal. The soft blue glow rose up its faceted surface as she claimed more of it for her own. The transfer paused momentarily at one point as the Lenai met in some manner the energy that somehow permeated the object but the hesitation didn't last long. During that period Sekal grasped the crystal in case of the necessity of removing it and for an instant his mind was not only in contact with Luma but Vex as well. After the initial shock of such a meeting of three minds he could sense no alarm from Luma, only curiosity. The concentration of Vex was palpable and as Luma'Lenai once more continued her advance he removed his hand and broke contact with the others. The first time he had melded with Luma there had been nothing but sorrow, loneliness and anger but ever since then her mood had become more bubbling, more joyous as she was loosed once again to travel the stars and take vigil over the safety and well being of others. This time her joy had rebounded through his being like ripples upon a pond and for an instant he found himself unable to suppress the smile that broke out upon his face. (Reply: Vex, Luma) Knowing that all was going efficiently and with the contact now broken he let his arms fall to his sides, his emotions once more tightly controlled. Once again he had found himself subject to the vagaries of Luma's emotional state. His eyes once more turned upward and watched the radiance of Luma's being suffuse the crystal until it bathed the computer control room in pastel colors. As the transfer completed the glow subsided until it seemed the lights themselves were reflected by its facets and the Lenai found herself in comforting surroundings. (Reply: Luma, Vex) Sekal reached up and touched the crystal, his mental shields this time keeping his emotions tightly reined. After releasing it into the tool kit he turned to Vex. "The crystal must remain with me for now but Luma will be closely guarded until she is released into the base computer, no harm will be allowed to come to her. Also you are still in contact with her are you not?" (Reply: Vex) "I anticipate it will be tomorrow afternoon before the transfer device is ready. I will notify you when it is time so that you can be there if you wish." (Reply: Vex) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core - Engineering Officer, Ens(jg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1721) The process took longer than Vex had initially suspected it would, the moment that Sekal had touched the crystal without his mental defences in place had shook the core of the transfer a little. Luma didn't seem concerned by it, but then Vex rationalised, she had already been exposed to Sekal when he had been acting as a temporary bond-mate. It had taken her more by surprise. After initially brushing his consciousness a few seconds earlier by accident, to have his whole self suddenly appear in front of her was... exotic. She'd not had much experience with Vulcan's minds, they were usually incredibly practised at shielding their minds from her kind. The moment passed as she redoubled her efforts on keeping Luma calm and fully in the moment, the joy she was feeling in being able to be moved from the place that had kept her captive for so many lonely years and her curiousity at the new crystal was incredibly infectious. The transfer slowly came to an end, and Vex could feel Luma investigating her temporary accomadations, the energy it gave off still troubled Vex no end and she was happy that Luma wasn't staying this this particular crystal for very long. She opened her eyes for the first time since the transfer had finished, the crystal itself was now glowing and the room was brighter than it had been because of it. Vex reached out with her mind, locating Luma's consciousness. ::How do you feel?:: (Reply Luma) ::It's... different. You're no longer 'everywhere,' in this form, I think distance may be a bigger problem than it's ever been on the Mystique.:: (Reply Luma) As if Sekal could tell what they were talking about he placed the crystal back into his toolkit and said, "The crystal must remain with me for now but Luma will be closely guarded until she is released into the base computer, no harm will be allowed to come to her. Also you are still in contact with her are you not?" She understood Sekal's response to be Logical, ~nothing will happen to her~ she thought to herself. "We can communicate, it's different though and I anticipate it being harder with distance. When can you have a team ready to assist with the transfer to the Mars computer core?" "I anticipate it will be tomorrow afternoon before the transfer device is ready. I will notify you when it is time so that you can be there if you wish." Sekal replied. Vex nodded, "Oh I'll be there. I'll get some Engineers to prepare the Core for the device." She paused for a second, took a breath, "Forgetting positions for a second Sekal, if anything and I mean anything happens to that crystal, unusual ot not I expect a comm. call the second it does! I won't let anything happen to her." (Reply Sekal, Luma) With everything agreed, the two departed and as they did Vex could feel the connection between the two sisters weakening with every step they took apart from each other. ~24 hours~ she thought to herself as she reached out for the crystal, ::Stay safe:: (Reply Sekal, Luma, any) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (USS Mystique - Deck 7 - Primary computer core - aACSO(R)- EnsIGN (jg) Sekal - 1723) Vex nodded, "Oh I'll be there. I'll get some Engineers to prepare the Core for the device." Then after a brief pause "Forgetting positions for a second Sekal, if anything and I mean anything happens to that crystal, unusual ot not I expect a comm. call the second it does! I won't let anything happen to her." (Reply: Luma) Sekal noticed the glow of the crystal seeming to pulse, he looked from it to Ensign Jordaan who was for a moment looking away with a distant stare and he knew her to be conversing with the Lenai. When she looked back to him he responded. "Affirmative, you will be immediately notified if there are any difficulties and would have been even if you had not requested it." He looked down at the crystal then back to her. "You have my apology for the earlier inadvertent contact...," he paused as if unsure of what to say then continued,"... even after having mind melded with Luma the force of her emotions can at times overwhelm my mental defenses if I am not properly prepared and I reacted rather than thought." There was an uneasy silence for an instant. "There will not be a repeat of the incident." Vex nodded and Sekal closed the kit securely, taking care with it as they left the room behind and the triple clawed stand upon the core empty. The Mystique once alive and vibrant now only a ship without consciousness, a machine without direction. (USS Mystique - Deck 2 - Personal quarters - aACSO(R)- EnsIGN (jg) Sekal - 1740) T'Lah was crouched in her pet carrier and watching him intently as he performed a final inspection of his quarters to verify nothing had been left behind. Her food and water dish along with their contents had been recycled and new ones would be replicated once back on the surface. The monitor was unfolded upon the desk and he opened his mouth to order it retracted but stopped without speaking. He walked to it then reached out his hand and touched the interface, there was no intelligence, no spark of life inherent in it. With Luma now residing in the crystal it was now and truly dead. Admiral Remae was expected to order it mothballed and at some point it would logically be stripped, its components recycled, its hull and supporting structure perhaps remolded and reused. The Mystique had been Saleke's first command position, his son's first ship. Its history had been one of victory and tragedy, of loss and then again of hope for the revival of the institution for which she had once been created. He slung his bag over his shoulder which also contained T'Lah's "toys", picked up the toolkit and pet carrier in either hand and walked to the door. He stood in the doorway for an instant then turned and cocked his head at the monitor. "Computer off." It slid to the surface and powered down. He looked at it for a moment. "Logic says that this is the intended end, the fulfillment of purpose..." his voice was low, introspective. "... yet I find it regrettable." He turned and walked out. (Reply: None) (Posted by Charles G) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell - 1817) Two of his senior officers entered the office, as requested. Ire and Carson looked a little sheepish entering the room and the Admiral had to remember that he was dealing with 2 Ensigns, with only a few months in service outside the Academy but as Admiral Cayne just reminded him, he was going to have to ask them to grow up a little sooner than they might have imagined. "Well then sir, you wished to see us.", said Ensign Williams entering the room and Remae pointed at the couch and seats in front of him as a gesture that this was informal, "At ease, please. This is an off-the-books conversation about one Ire Williams, as you may have guessed.", he said and leaned back in the chair. Billy had acquired this chair from somewhere. it wasn't the same one as he had left. it was turning out that Billy was an acquirer of anything you wanted and that reputation was starting to gain traction around the base. "I read your reports on the incident on Trill and in protecting people under his care. I note than, when I brought up this matter with President Zon of Trill, he was very apologetic that his citizens had acted in a such a manner and was very eager to take full responsibility for the affair.", Remae said thinking about what he had been told, he added, "Hell, I would have probably reacted the same way but I have to consider the large picture.", he added and spun his screen around to show a list of Awards given to Starfleet Personnel. The one highlighted was a non-military award: Gold Lifesaving medal: 'This medal is awarded to any person who rescues, or endeavours to rescue, any other person from harm. The rescue must have been at the risk of the rescuer's own life, with evidence of extreme and heroic daring.' The screen was spun around again, "Now, I am looking at his psychological profile and report as given to me by his Counsellor.", he said without revealing any of it. "Trip, you know Ire well, Carson, you've seen what's being going on from a distance. I need both of your personal/gut feelings on Ire. He has been involved in a couple of major incidents now, hasn't he? That reputation has been growing. so, from you both, I need to ask the question. Is he okay and by okay, I mean, do we need to step in?", he said and left the question hanging for a moment and invited them both to think about their answer. (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aFSXO Trip Williams - 1818) "Trip, you know Ire well, Carson, you've seen what's being going on from a distance. I need both of your personal/gut feelings on Ire. He has been involved in a couple of major incidents now, hasn't he? That reputation has been growing. so, from you both, I need to ask the question. Is he okay and by okay, I mean, do we need to step in?" "Permission to speak freely sir?" (reply Remae) "Ire is a good office, who means well, is very capable, and with a lot of his skills he is off the charts. I don't think he will be a problem sir." (reply Remae) "...but" Trip paused, "Sometimes he tends to act before thinking. Not so much when he is in the air. He is truly at home behind a fighter. But when it comes to other situations, well." Trip was trying to find a good way describe Ire, "Ire, look, he didn't have it easy, he grew up alone being raised by an AI. Lost both if parents at an early age. That isn't easy on anyone. Probably the first time he ever really was around in a social setting was the Academy. Look I'm not a counselor, so this isn't a psychological profile. It's just what I've observed. Sometimes he has a good idea, thinks its a good idea, and doesn't pause to think about the ramifications. Which in itself is a good trait, but well, he just needs seasoning. He needs to gain experience in stopping to think things through. See the bigger picture. Which well, we all need that sir, we are all ensigns, new graduates, trying to figure it out. It will come in time." (reply Remae) "The incident on Trill, do I think he was in the wrong, no, but he definitely escalated a situation that could have been diffused with a simple beamout or even just getting on the comms for back up. I don't think a bunch of 18 year olds would have hung around if they thought a security team was beaming in. But he acted to save a fellow officer, and I don;'t fault him for that. He just needs time to sync thinking and acting together. Maybe I'll teach him baseball. Learning to hit is a great way to read, think, act, and react in unison. Is the pitch inside or outsise, fastball or breaking ball. But we don't need to worry about him." (Reply Remea) "What do you think Carson?" (Reply Carson) (reply Carson, Remae) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1821) "Trip, you know Ire well, Carson, you've seen what's being going on from a distance. I need both of your personal/gut feelings on Ire. He has been involved in a couple of major incidents now, hasn't he? That reputation has been growing. so, from you both, I need to ask the question. Is he okay and by okay, I mean, do we need to step in?" The Admiral finished. Privately Carson took a sigh of relief, he wasn't sure why the Admiral had called them to his office but he had been concerned that it may have been to do with why he'd allowed so may of their officers to be attacked on the surface of Trill. "Permission to speak freely sir?" Trip said before Carson could say anything. He took a backseat, Trip was Ire's commanding officer afterall. Trip went on to explain why he felt Ire was impulsive when on the ground, put a steady and impressive pilot when in a plane. He finished by suggestion that he teach Ire the basics of Baseball to help him think, act and react in the correct way for the situation. "What do you think Carson?" Trip asked. "I think everthing you've said is correct. I will say Admiral, that during my investigation into the incident that he immediately understood that what he'd done had been an overreaction and was able to explain to me a better course of action he or Ensign Cortez could have taken." (Reply either iyw) "I like you're baseball idea Trip, growing up I learnt a lot about situational decision making by playing Football and then in my later teens American Football. My only concern around it, is that Ire already knows how to make decisions-and good ones from reading your reports- whilst he's in the pilot seats." Carson paused for a second, "I don't pretend to me a deep thinker or a Counsellor, but I suspect Ire has an air of an Invincibility Complex whilst in the Pilot seat and that has transferred to his daily life. He doesn't think before putting himself in harms way, the incident on Trill is an obvious example of that. If you're looking for suggestions on how to help him, Sir. I'd happily have him join a few drills on the Holodecks with my Security teams now we're back on Mars. Perhaps help him see how his Pilots training can be utilised on the ground, when to put himself in danger, when to hang back- that sort of thing." (Reply Admiral, Trip) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell - 1825) The Admiral was listening to his officers regarding Ire and if anything needs to be done. Trip was speaking and mentioned his concerns about his impulsiveness and in regard to the Trill incident. ".But we don't need to worry about him.", finished Ensign William and the Admiral read between the lines an idea was coming to him but, he wanted to hear from Ensign Peters. "I think everything you've said is correct.", he said and then concluded by saying some training Security Training could help him. "Sir. I'd happily have him join a few drills on the Holodecks with my Security teams now we're back on Mars.", he said, and recommended that some of his pilot physical training be given more substance. that had given the Admiral's idea some substance. "I like it. I want that to happen and I want it to start as soon as possible. In a few days? Starting nice and early. Lots of Physical Training and other combat routines and, Mr Peters, you can make it available to anyone who wants to join your. boot camp?", he said and then with the choice made he looked at both, "Thank you, very well handled. Dismissed." (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1827) "I like it. I want that to happen and I want it to start as soon as possible. In a few days? Starting nice and early. Lots of Physical Training and other combat routines and, Mr Peters, you can make it available to anyone who wants to join your. boot camp?", he said and then with the choice made he looked at both, "Thank you, very well handled. Dismissed." Carson nodded and stood up, "Thank-you, Sir." he then turned and walked out of the room. As the door closed back behind them, "Anything else I should know about Ire before putting him through his paces?" (Reply Trip) "I'm planning a departmental challenge in the coming weeks. I'm assuming your Pilots would be game to compete?" (Reply Trip) "It'll be a time test of some sort, I haven't got it fully planned out yet. But similar to the runs we did in the Academy, choice of weaponry and an objective. See which department can complete the game in the fastest time." (Reply Trip, Billy iyw) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams - 1830) "Anything else I should know about Ire before putting him through his paces?" "Umm, let's see, well he's eager, he is always up to a challenge. But he likes to bottle his feeling, bury them down. Which means at some point he's just going to have to explode. Keep that in mind. See if you can exploit that, show him that an emotional release can be healthy." Trip said with a smile. "I'm planning a departmental challenge in the coming weeks. I'm assuming your Pilots would be game to compete?" "I think my my pilots would be game to not just compete but when the whole dang thing." ~There you go Trip, there is the fighter pilot bravado.~ "It'll be a time test of some sort, I haven't got it fully planned out yet. But similar to the runs we did in the Academy, choice of weaponry and an objective. See which department can complete the game in the fastest time." "Sounds like a great idea to me. Though, pretty sure we are going to go in and dominate." (reply Carson) "Speaking about simulations and challenges, I was wondering if you could help me with something." (reply Carson) "Well, I guess the first question would be, when was the last time you were in a fighter?" (reply Carson) Trip then flashed Carson an impish smile. "I'll message you the details once I hammer them out. But let's just say, it's going to be fun." (reply Carson) Trip then nodded and then headed down the corridor in the opposite diretion. (reply Carson) (posted by Will) (Mars Facility - Admiral's Office - aASCO, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1832) "Sounds like a great idea to me. Though, pretty sure we are going to go in and dominate." Trip replied. "We'll see... you never know, the medical staff or the Engineer's may surprise you!" "Speaking about simulations and challenges, I was wondering if you could help me with something." Trip asked as they continued to walk away from the Admirals office. "Sure, shoot." Carson said. "Well, I guess the first question would be, when was the last time you were in a fighter?" Not the question he thought was coming, it stumped him for a second before answering- "A real one?" he qualified, "Probably the academy... a simulated one would have been a few months ago. As long as you don't need me to pilot it we've got no issues. What's the plan?" Trip then flashed Carson an impish smile. "I'll message you the details once I hammer them out. But let's just say, it's going to be fun." "No doubt!" Carson smiled, "I look forward to it!" Trip then nodded and then headed down the corridor in the opposite diretion as Carson turned a corner. He waited for the turbolift to arrive, so he could head to his quarters and see what state they were in after several weeks away. (Reply none) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Scientific Annex - SO Ensign JG Stennin & aACMO Ensign JG Aillyn Bracken - 1900) Stennin looked around the massive buildings he stood in between of. The Mars annex was certainly a large complex of endless wards and labs. He turned back to his PADD, where he had typed down what he needed to do. He opened the small map of the scientific annex, and located the microbiology labs. With a nod, he turned, and with a firm stride, he walked to a small circular building, which he knew held most of the Live Sciences labs. As he strut to the building, he noticed a woman in a blue collar walking towards the building as well. He twitched his eyes for a moment, and recognised the insignia of the Mars base on her shoulder. The same as his insignia. As he approached the entry, he turned to her, and nodded softly. “Greetings. My name is Ensign Stennin. I am the new science officer assigned to this station, and to the crew of Admiral Remae.” Ailynn's attention was pulled away from the PADD that she was carrying by a voice that she didn’t recognise. With that said, the base’s population now in the thousand, she heard new voices all the time. "Sorry Ensign, miles away. Ensign Bracken. Acting ACMO. New here?" Stennin nodded and looked around. "I have seen both the Vulcan and Starfleet Academies. But this is a place that is quite fascinating." She smiled "it is on the sizable side. You get used to it." Stennin rose a brow. " It would be illogical to compose oneself solely on the dimensions of the place. I believe, as you humans say, 'I will manage'." "Are you after somewhere in particular? Anything I can help with? I'm just headed over to the Hospital." Stennin rose his brows and turned his head slightly. "I was heading to the microbiology labs. Your assistance is appreciated.” He tilted his head slightly to the PADD Aillyn was holding. He rose a brow as he returned his eyes to hers. “ Is there something of interest going on at the hospital?" Ailynn adjusted her brain, correcting her mode of speech for a Vulcan pattern of speech. “Forgive me, I merely meant since I’ve been helping rebuild this place, I may be able to assist you should you find yourself in the need for general direction, and my direction may have assisted you should that also have been your own. I’m headed toward my office to catch up on epidemiological reports and hopefully the effectiveness of the herb that is being used to treat the virus in the Trill pools.” Stennin nodded. “That is logical, doctor. Starfleet has an obligation to uphold the highest standards concerning medical research and expertise. I shall not keep you waiting.” “Perhaps catch you later Ensign.” Ailynn spoke with a smile and a gentle nod, before she turned and carried on, her mind already in her office. With a firm nod, Stennin greeted the doctor and walked inside. He turned his head slightly as he saw Aillyn walk on. (Mars Scientific Annex - Microbiology Labs - SO Ensign JG Stennin - 1920) Stennin rose his brows and nodded softly at the sight of the large microbiology labs that were inside the compound. He saw much activity inside, and looked around as he noticed several scientists working. A long human noticed him, and showed him the project they were working on. “We’re currently working on a drug discovery case. Some local Bajoran microbe who has a promising molecule with some analgesic properties.” He said. Stennin nodded fervently and looked at the small dishes the man held up. He thanked the man and continued down the lab. Two Tellarite women looked up, and answered Stennin. A histology research. Not his favourite. One of them held up a small vial of blood, but Stennin looked away quickly. Blood was not his strong suit. “I am certain it will give us some new insights.” He could only remark. One of the women saw his troubled expression and lowered the vials so that they were out of his sight. Stennin nodded and then turned for the small cabinets where all the equipment was stored. (Mars Base - Red Sands Lounge - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken and SO Ensign (jg) Stennin - 2030) Stennin walked in slowly as he noticed the lounge was rather empty. He had just ended his shift, but he was not very keen on ‘partying’, as some of his colleagues were. He noticed Aillyn in one of the small couches in the lounge. He walked to her. “Greetings again, doctor.” Ailynn looked up from the PADD that she had been scanning. It held nothing of interest more than a really trashy romance novel that she had downloaded a while ago, but not got a chance to read. She’d got to a part where the young Prince was prepared to denounce his name for the Tavern wench with the heaving chest, when a presence thankfully tore her away. “Ailynn. Please.” she motioned to the seat opposite. “Sit...please.” Stennin nodded and sat down. “ Thank you, doctor.” She caught the eye of a waitress and spoke gently. “I’ll have another glass of the red, and whatever the Ensign wants.” Stennin rose a brow. “Vulcans do not consume many alcoholic drinks, doctor. I will simply have a carbonated soda.” He turned back to Aillyn, and noticed the PADD in her hand. “If you do not mind the intrusion. It would be logical to assume that the PADD you are holding is not on any medical research?” She laughed gently, and put the PADD down. “Not at all...I either have a rather terrible novel ahead of me or a decent intelligent conversation, new perspectives on old problems kind of thing? You know...Forgive me the assumption, but I read somewhere that most Vulcans play chess really well?” Stennin rose a brow, but lowered it quickly. “Your knowledge of Vulcans is good, doctor. I indeed do play chess.” She smiled amused, “Fancy a game? I think the tables are rigged up to provide a standard game.” She nodded a thanks to the Waitress who had returned promptly with their drinks. Stennin rose a brow visibly. “Would it be logical to assume you also know how to play chess?” Ailynn shrugged slightly, amused at the logical disconnect that she had made, but Stennin’s Vulcan mind had filled in. “I...play a little. Not as much as I used to. My favourite piece is the little castle thing.” She said somewhat whimsically. Stennin rose his brows visibly and turned his head sideways. “That piece, if I am not mistaken, is called the rook, doctor. I trust you do understand how the pieces are moved?” “It is, and yes I do. As I said. been a while, but…”she fiddled with a couple of controls on the table. A chess board appeared. Horribly standard in her mind as she thought about the hand carved set back at the vineyard. She gestured toward Stennin. “White goes first.” Stennin looked at the table. A rather standard chess board and pieces. Not remotely close to the ordained Vulcan chess boards he knew. But for now, it would suffice. He looked at his pieces, as he moved the Queen’s pawn to D4. Ailynn smiled warmly. Taking a sip of her wine, as she watched the opening. She felt her mind relax, the dissociation between conscious and unconscious thought almost palpable. She loved these moments. A competitive girl, she’d be cross if she lost, but that wasn’t the reason for playing. It freed her mind, she found. “Kings pawn to Kings pawn 2.” Stennin watched as the woman across him played her move. He nodded for a moment as he played his move. The match continued for a few moves, until Stennin paused for a moment. “Is it agreeable to discuss personal matters? I have been meaning to ask your station on this base. You mentioned the hospital?” “Of course. If you sail too close to the wind, I’ll tell you. No offense taken nor meant, but you’re a fellow Officer, and we have overlapping interests. What’s on your mind?” She moved her piece, a single knight moved to a centre left, counterpointing it’s companion on the back right. Stennin rose a brow, moving his left knight to defend the Queen's pawn. "I inspected the microbiology labs, one of my specializations, this afternoon. I discovered a project for a new potent analgesic. I deduced that this was meant for your patients?" She nodded, and sipped at her drink, moving a knight to bishop up to the edge of the upper left quarter of the board, backed up by a knight and the Queen on the opposite side. “It was something I had in mind since my Surgical finals. We could do with a different anaesthetic, one that has less long term side effects, I was experimenting with a formula with replacing the -hydroxyl groups with -propyl, with limited success. Simulated ld50 was catastrophic. Project was ditched immediately." Stennin nodded and listened attentively. "Fascinating. Do you have any data that was stored? I could look into it? From your indication, the procedures should have succeeded." With a firm hand, he moved the king's knight pawn one spot. Another quick couple of moves. “Queen's Bishop pawn takes pawn en passant.” She switched her attention from chess to chemistry. “That was the weird thing; all we needed was something that reduced the recuperation time...you know the time where you feel like you’ve been on a weekend long bender and you have anatomy class monday at 0900...Not that I ever did that you understand.” Stennin rose a brow. He never quite understood the influence of alcohol on humans, but he had seen enough examples to recognise them. He quickly took the pawn that had took his with the knight. "Would it be logical to assume that your experimentation failed due to unforeseen complications?" Ailynn sat back a moment, picking her glass up, and glancing at the board for a second considering the next few moves. “Reasonable hypothesis. Issue was the quantum effects of the extra proton load. Turned the drug into a Lewis acid which was more toxic than is generally accepted.” Her tone was flippant, but the distraction amused her Stennin rose his brows and was surprised for a moment. "That result appears to be rather...illogical." She shook her head and shrugged. “It was just a thing. Then, it failed, next time...who knows. I did the logical thing last time, next time, the illogical thing may pay off.” She motioned at the board. “Here for instance. You know why I love chess? It’s logical, but it allows, rewards even abstract thinking. Every logical move I lose yeah? You’ve figured that out as much, better even than I have. However…”She moved a seemingly inconsequential piece across the board. “Queen’s bishop to King’s Rook 5. Check.” Stennin turned back his gaze to the board. He rose a brow as he hastingly placed his knight between the bishop and his king. "A fascinating playing style, doctor." “Human Ingenuity perhaps? The refusal to accept the most obvious conclusion?” Stennin nodded slowly. It surely was different from Vulcan strategies of playing chess. "Even as a Vulcan, I do know well the intricacies of chess. Even the more...illogical approach." Stennin blinked a few more times and focused fully on the board. Another few fast exchanges of pieces. Ailynn found herself smiling. “An old quotation, from someone whose name I’ve long forgotten. “The reasonable person adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable person adapts the world to himself.” Her eyes flickered amusement as she shifted another piece, changing the flavour of her attack. She winked, “All progress therefore depends on the unreasonable person.” “Check.” Stennin turned his eyes up and turned his head a little sideways. "Bernard Shaw. A most fascinating human playwright." He turned back to the board, but found himself with the only option of moving his King. “King’s rook to Queen’s bishop 7. Checkmate.” She allowed herself a smile. Stennin rose his brows and nodded slowly. The woman across of him had surely been a challenging component, but she had bested him with instincts, which he himself was lacking. “Now that…” Her face warmed and broke into a true, deep, smile. “Was the hardest, most deeply intellectual game I’ve played in the longest time. From the depths of my heart...Thank you.” Stennin rose his brows again and turned his eyes to the glass. As he could see, it was indeed empty. “Your appreciation is most welcome. Your playing style is truly fascinating. I do wonder if it is purely Human instincts, or if you were inspired by something else as well?” She tilted her head, perhaps accepting the question. “Honestly?” A combination of purest logic. I’m a surgeon, probably in the top 5.” She elaborated unashamed. “Every single microaction I perform, someone lives or dies. Makes you concentrate.” She smiled. “that said...I’m my mother’s daughter, First rule is take a step back and consider a position, adapt...” Stennin nodded. “The application of medical precision to a chess game. Fascinating. This is a truly unique view.” She laughed warmly, and raised a single finger toward the waitress, to order another glass of red. “Genuinely...I had fun. For the challenge I mean. seriously.” Stennin turned his head and asked for another carbonate soda. “Although it would be illogical to experience...fun...from any game of logic, it was an agreeable experience.” He took a quick glance at the chronometer from a display at the bar. They had been busy at the game for almost an hour. He quickly remembered his schedule for the morning, but shrugged it off. Sleeping long would be illogical. If needed, he would do some Kolinahr exercises. Ailynn’s playful nature came to the fore, but she deferred to her companion’s psyche. “It was most agreeable, okay, so this time I won, you lost, next time you win I lose, I’d be disappointed if you didn’t go away and rethink strategy. I’d have said the same even if I’d have lost. Even discounting this…” She raised her glass. “Doctor. I am certain that you, as a medical professional, would prefer synthehol over actual alcohol?” She sighed, nodding. “Medically.” She held up a finger. “Strictly medically.” Pausing, she framed her thoughts. “I’d have to agree. Yes, synthehol is better.” Taking a sip from her glass she raised it against the lights from the bar, watching the mid red glance back at her. “Emotively…?” Stennin twitched his eyes for a moment. He noticed a slight tense in Ailynn, perhaps an emotional snare, even. He remained quiet for the moment. “My family makes wine. They put love into every bottle, emotion into every sip. Adoration into the flow of taste on your pallate.” She shrugged. “one man’s meat...yeah? Yes I’m a medic, and I know what…” she lifted the glass gently, “...this stuff can do.” Stennin nodded. “If my memory is correct, it was Shakespeare who said: ‘The wine-cup is the little silver well, where truth, if truth there be, doth dwell.’ I am not versed in the meaning of human theatrics, however.” Ailynn nodded. Genuinely enjoying the conversation. “In vino veritas, in aqua sanitas.” She caught his gaze and shrugged. “High School Latin. Never leaves you. ‘In wine there is truth. Very profound Ensign, I’m impressed.” Stennin rose his brows. “Although it might seem illogical, I have read the works of Shakespeare. And Shaw.” “I should get some sleep, early rounds before the meeting tomorrow.” She drained her glass, and smiled, gently. “You’ll excuse me? Rematch perhaps?” Stennin nodded and got up. “There is no need to excuse yourself, the shifts have ended and you may do as you please.” He turned his head back to the board, and then to Ailynn again. “It is agreeable to meet you again doctor. I will examine the match closely.” Ailynn smiled warmly once more. “Oh, I count on it. Thanks again Mr Stennin.” Stennin nodded again, as he watched the doctor leave. His eyes twitched for a moment. The doctor was a fascinating woman, for certain. Both intellectual and quick. He shook his head for a moment as he returned his thoughts. He finished his soda, and then returned to the bar. He left the glasses there. (Reply none) (Posted by Mark Howard and Yoerik van Heugten) (Mars facility – Holodeck – Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG Keira Merek – 2208) Shooting an arrow just before Keira’s feet, she stood tall and shouted, “You must be Keira.” Merek looked down at the arrow obviously meant as an “attention getter”, then looked back up to the new human woman. “I am, and you would be…”Keira answered. “Erin, Erin Cortez.” Her eyes narrowed. “I’ve seen you around.” Her face then eased to normal. “This is a fairly rigorous program. The safety protocols have been….relaxed. Are you sure you are up for it?” Allowing a smile onto her face, Erin stepped down from her perch and stood next to Merek, "It may not be popular gossip around here but I can handle myself." “Very well. You may select any of the weapons over to the side.” she said pointing to the rack of weapons. “You seem to have brought your own.” Nodding, Erin put her bow around her and took out her short sword from her belt, "Old faithful. Belonged to my dad." ~ I can respect that.~ Keira thought. “The computer will select two random opponents from the available list, which at this time includes creatures from Klingon myth and mythology. The list is not exhaustive, but I have not faced the whole list.” the Romulan woman explained. "Klingon mythology? Not something I know a huge amount about. " “Oh, the skull beast was some sort of demon of Gre’thor roughly described in ancient Klingon text.” "Interesting." In the distance Keira could hear the subtle low hum similar to cicadas on Earth, and the not so subtle avian cry of another. “Our opponents will be here very shortly, brace yourself.” From up above a bird-like creature could be seen, it’s massive over three meter wingspan could be seen as a shadow on the ground. It tucked its wings back and started a dive, aimed straight at the counsellor. “ABOVE YOU LOOK OUT!” Keira called out a warning. Erin looked up and saw a creature that was the thing of nightmares. A large, bird like creature swooping down towards her. Diving out of the way and rolling over onto her side, Erin took the opportunity to take off her bow and quiver and held her sword out in one hand. Jumping back up to her feet, she positioned herself into a fighting stance and watched the creature as it swooped back towards Keira. The avian beast barely missed, ripping a hole in her shirt with it’s 15 cm talon. It came crashing down fast and hard cracking the stone surface of the platform. It held. Now she could get a good look at it. It stood just over two meters tall, it’s wings perched on its back now neatly tucked behind it’s shoulders. It’s limbs were wiry and light, suitable for flight. It was covered shoulder to knee in feathers light colored on the underside, black as midnight on the top. It’s head was a wrinkled mass of skin, large eyes focused on the prey in front of it, its hooked beak snapped several times in the air ready to rend flesh. Its feet were large raptor talons that clacked on the stone surface. In each three fingered hand it had a Mek’leth poised ready to strike. It screeched, the sound many times over stronger than what would be deemed loud. Wincing at the sound, Erin fixed the creature with a stare and yelled, “Hey, Assbutt, over here!” The beast turned its gaze towards her and Erin smiled, a fire burning in her. This was not just the Avian beast, for Erin this was the embodiment of her fight, her past, Christian, the kids on trill, everything. As the beast looked at her, it’s weapons glinting a little, Erin growled a little under her breath and ran towards it. Dodging one blow of the Mek’leth, she ducked and thrust her sword forward only to have the blow parried by the other blade. Throwing a punch with her free hand, she felt the blow connect with the creature’s face and it stepped back slightly and swung one of its blades towards her, the sharp edge connecting with her shoulder and cutting into her slightly. Stumbling back, Erin’s free hand flew to the site of the cut, she looked at her hand and saw blood. Looking back up at the creature, she shook her head, “Now, you asked for this. One time you get to do that.” While the counsellor engaged the vulture creature Keira had thought about helping her, but the Romulan had her own problems to deal with. The cicada like call got louder and louder, when it reached the crescendo a large beetle like creature stepped through the foliage. It’s height was just under 2 meters, but broad. With a greenish brown carapace perfect for blending in with a jungle environment, and spikes protruding from various portions. It had six appendages four legs and two arm-like limbs that ended in opposable claws, one of which was carrying a metal flanged mace. It’s head perched over the thorax was round almost like a half dome, broad at the base and rounded at the top. The multifaceted eyes reflected all around with no visible point of focus. The long sharp mandibles gnashed together three times anticipating it’s next meal. The insect didn’t give her any time to think, it swung the mace in a broad fore-arc that Keira barely dodged. It recovered quickly and swung again backhand, this time a glancing blow on her right arm. Keira winced from the pain that shot down her arm, but pushed through it. She would have dropped her blade if not for the ring her forefinger was in, she resumed her grip. Using the momentum from the blow she spun around behind the insect-creature and unleashed a blindingly quick flurry of cuts that issued blue-white hot sparks off the creature's carapace. She threw a powerful front kick to the back of the beetle's shell sending it sprawling forward. It spun around like the attack was nothing. ~ It isn't even dented! Shit what am I gonna do now?~ She cursed herself while she thought of a new approach. ~I have to get through that armor.~ Diving out of the way of the flurry of blows that were coming her way, Erin stumbled back and fell down to the floor with a thump. Groaning slightly, she barely had a chance to move as the creature was on her. Shifting her weight out of the way as she managed to avoid a strike from the weapons, Erin thrust her sword upwards and the hilt of the blade struck the creature on its beak, causing it to stumble back. Jumping up from the floor, Erin knew the time was now and punched the creature hard whilst ripping one of the blades from its talons. “Now, it’s a fair fight you son of a ….” But she couldn’t finish the sentence as the creature threw a punch to her face which connected with her chin, sending her backwards and stunned for a brief moment. While the Counsellor was busy, Keira was now taunting the insectoid to go on the offensive, and trying not to get hit. Finally she had what she was looking for. It brought the mace up high, poised for a skull-crushing downward strike. She tumbled back landing on her feet but just out of reach from the weapon as it came down with the force of a meteor. Hand full sized stone chunks flew up from the floor and off to the sides. The blonde woman jumped and came down on the haft of the weapon using her weight, momentum and all her strength and stomped, the weapon fell free of its claw-like grasp. Now within arms reach it grabbed for Keira. She managed to get her hands up grabbing the carapace forearms, and tried to keep the pincers away. She had to lean away to stop it from rending her flesh with its terrible mandibles. She gave a valiant effort but she was slowly losing to the inevitable hydraulic strength of the insect. Keeping her grip she dropped down to her back and extended her feet out to the bug's thorax. She rolled back and released, throwing the creature several meters. She kipped up and grabbed the mace while putting her knife away. The insect had skittered to all six and buzzed at the Romulan angrily. It clattered towards Keira and jinked to the side scurrying up the sheer surface of the wall. "Dear Odin, it climbs on walls?!" She said in disgust. The creature ran off into the ruins with Erin in hot pursuit. Jumping up onto a small section of the ruins, Erin watched as the creature ran below her. Taking the chance, she leapt onto its back and stuck her sword into what passed for the creature’s shoulder. A howl of pain louder than anything that she had heard previously emanated from it as it threw her from its back. Landing heavily, Erin tried to get up and struggled. Sensing she was injured, the creature turned back around, lifting its remaining blade above it’s head ready to strike. While Erin was making progress Keira was dodging from several angles as the insect crawled on walls or pillars to gain an advantage. Dodging was only barely keeping it at bay. She swung desperately with the mace and connected. She could hear a crunch sound when the mace contacted the exoskeleton. Then she put it together. ~I couldn't pierce the carapace because it was too hard. Hard like glass.~ With renewed vigor she started an attack. Fracturing its shell blow after blow, she crippled it. Two more measured strikes. CRACK-CRACK. She had loosened the moorings between the head and thorax. While it was still stunned reeling from the multitude of blows, she dropped the mace and circled around behind it. She dug her fingers underneath the dome-like head. She anchored her feet on the abdomen joint and yanked up hard. It buzzed out in pain for a brief moment before the head was free. She hopped off the body as it fell to the floor, inert. She tossed the head to the side as the whole thing pixelated and vanished. She looked to see how Erin was doing. Erin, looking up at the blade, smiled slightly and thrust her blade up to meet it. A clang as metal hit metal and the creature stumbled back allowed Erin the time to get herself upright. Knowing she was bleeding from the shoulder and her chin was swelling slightly, she didn’t care. Circling the creature, Erin saw an opportunity and took it. Swinging her sword hard, she felt it connect with one of the beast’s arms and it howled and screeched in pain. Stepping back, Erin glanced back at Keira to make sure she was okay. Taking the opportunity, the beast threw a blow towards Erin’s midsection which sent her flying backwards and she landed heavily on the floor with a thump. "Hey you PetaQ! Over here!" She yelled getting its attention. As it turned around she threw a slim blade she had tucked away, her fingers still slick from the insect ichor, her blade struck 30 cm lower and off to one side of where she was aiming striking it in the upper thigh. It screeched in agony as one leg could support no weight. Large black wings unfurled from its back and it pushed off with the good leg. It took to the air. Keira dodged and blocked all she could against wing buffets and talon strikes as the vulture slowly ascended. She dare not grab her knife and leave herself vulnerable. "Take your shot, Erin!" Hearing the shout, Erin leapt up, grabbed her bow and an arrow and took aim. Slowing her breathing, time almost stood still. Watching the creature, Erin's mind slowly went quiet. Letting the string of her bow go, she watched as the arrow flew straight and true right towards the creature's heart. It struck. The beast stopped for what seemed like an age and then dropped from the air with a thump onto the ground and lay still. Taking a deep breath, Erin lowered her bow and winced slightly as the pain from the cut on her shoulder hit. "That was. … interesting. " Keira gave a sharp kick to the vulture to ensure it wasn't playing dead. "A program I picked up at the Academy, supposedly written by the first Klingon in Starfleet, hence all the Klingon weapons and imagery." "You mean worf?" "Yes, I believe that was his name. I find this program is good for working through...issues." she said as the avian creature vanished. Raising an eyebrow, Erin leant against part of the ruins, holding a piece of fabric against the wound on her shoulder. "I would say that. That certainly helped me work out some issues." She smiled. "I'm told you know Ravok and that I'm…..seeing him." She offered trepidatiously. Smiling, Erin nodded, "I've known him since the Academy. He's my closest friend. My brother for want of a better word. He has mentioned you, once or twice." She replied with a wink. "Admittedly when I saw him talking to you I thought you were interested in him, and he in you. Which made me believe he was leading me on…" she said obviously uncomfortable. A laugh escaped Erin's mouth, followed by a hiss as the pain in her shoulder flared. "Me and Ravok? Really? That's…. No. Trust me in that. No." "I know that now. In my own defence may I present my ignorance, and have you looked in a mirror?" She questioned. "What do you mean? I'm nothing special. " "You have," Keira grabbed her own chest with both hands and lifted up, released and then palms up pointed at Erin's chest, "attributes, that most men find attractive, couple that with you're gorgeous and I look like a stick compared to you. I rest my case." "Forgive me for saying this, but you are crazy. I'm not gorgeous and believe me when I say that having …. You know it can be more of a curse than a blessing. " she sighed as she spoke. "You… you're perfect for Ravok. You are gorgeous, a fighter. Not a whiner like I am…. Or I was." "That was my previous viewpoint, and thank you, you are very kind to say that." "It's the truth." Taking a deep breath, "Can I ask you, why are you here running this program? Why now?" "Now?" Keira's shoulders lost the tension that was there before. "We just got back to Mars, our first mission. I was looking forward to returning to the Sands, and revisit our first date. He said he had a "boys night", I felt…." She trailed off not sure of the word. "Disappointed? Let down? Jealous?" Erin replied with a wry smile. "Yes, disappointed. Maybe a little jealous," she admitted. Smiling, she nodded, "He's your first…. Boyfriend I mean." "My first serious one. Yes. You spend some time with a boy when you're very young and people jokingly ask if they're your boyfriend and you say "yes" without really knowing the meaning of the title yet. I've had those. Ravok is the first one to make me question if I even knew what love was before." Keira said. "Oh I know that feeling very well…" Erin replied and smiled as she thought of a certain someone in her life. "So, what's this I hear about you and a barn?" "He told you about that? The barn?" The Romulan woman asked for clarification. "Ravok looked like a list puppy when I saw him after that. In my esteemed guess as a counsellor, I dragged it out of him and it seems his Male pride got wounded when you beat him up?" "My purpose wasn't to beat him up, no." She said there was a pause before she continued." He had asked me when we started dating...he noticed that apparently I cringe a little when I walk through doors first." Tilting her head slightly, Erin could sense the woman needed to talk. So, taking a punt on this, she spoke, from the heart, "Keira, forgive me. You don't have to tell me. I'm here to listen if you want to talk. Can't be any worse than what happened to me during one of my first dates with… Billy." "The one in red following Remae around?" She asked. "Yes, the admiral's aide. We had been on a few dates prior to this. We were…. Well let's say fooling around and I… well, I flipped. Full on walking, talking hallucinating flipped." Keira's eyes widened in surprise, she stayed silent though, and allowed her new friend to continue. "I've been through things. Bad relationship. Very bad that ended in a week in Starfleet medical and a trial that lasted two weeks. I haven't really dealt with it fully and I realize that now. Billy… he's been great about it. But, I… saw him again. Lost it, tried to lunch Billy because I thought…." Erin bit her lip, took a breath and then continued, ".... so whatever it is, believe me when I say, I can understand. I won't push you to talk a bit, as a friend, don't bottle things up. I learnt the hard way that you can't do that." "As I told Ravok I get on edge when going through a doorway first...it goes way back to when I can barely remember. Our village, colony, homeworld, whatever you want to call it was attacked. In response to that when the raiders returned, because why buy the cow, our community fought back. My father killed all the officers by hand with a spear. A bloody spear that is actually my earliest memory. His response was to teach me how to fight so I would never be a victim. The training began by instructing me to go to the barn and get tools needed for the garden. Those tools would be trapped. Trip wires, swinging sandbags and bales of dried roughage for livestock. Over time certain stimuli clue you in to traps and ambushes. Choke points and doorways that force you to go through a certain path, the subtle color difference between a trip wire twine and the surrounding ground, the smell of plant oils used to lubricate and condition the pulleys. When I see one, I just am instantly ready for what my body believes is coming. I don't have to think about it." Sighing, Erin adjusted herself, trying hard not to wince, "Keira, you should talk to someone. You may have what we call post traumatic stress disorder. From the conditioning." "PTSD? Conditioning? What do you mean?" Keira asked for clarification. "Post-traumatic stress disorder it's an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. I think what you described counts as that. And what you said about the doorways." "I'm not a Counsellor, but isn't PTSD what Soldiers in war get?" She asked. "Yes but it's not limited to exclusively that. Anyone can experience it, whether it be from war, losing someone or a traumatic experience like abuse." "Oh, so it's not limited to….I didn't know." Merek said her voice got quiet. "I shouldn't have brought it back up, sorry." "Don't be. I have recently learnt that I bottle things up. Strange I know, for a counsellor. But I need to talk. It helps me. I spent 7 years hiding from this. Running from it and it almost cost me the one good thing in my life." "Still here I am comparing traumas." The blonde offered. "It's not a competition, Keira," she said to herself, "I need to learn to let people have their own journeys and support my friends through their own lives." There was a pause. "What's the PetaQ's name?" "Christian…. Styne." Erin closed her eyes as she spoke and took a deep breath. "He's still at a penal colony. Won't be out for a good year yet. If not longer." "How?" Was all she said, ~can you let someone do this to you?~ was what she thought. "He's charming. That's the problem. Also does not like being told no. Which is how I ended up with broken bones and a 6 inch scar on my shoulder." "As a child I broke my arm. We didn't have modern medicine, I had to spend weeks in a cast. They can heal these things now, auto-sutures and bone accelerators, why keep it?" Merek inquired. Sighing, Erin looked at her new friend, "As a reminder. If I can survive that, survive him…. I can get through anything. " "Good enough reason I guess, here." Keira pulled a medical kit out from behind a panel. "You're still bleeding. I think there's an auto-suture in there." "Can't you do it?" "A world of "no". You're better off doing that yourself. I have a black thumb when it comes to medicine. I had a human casualty for first aid training freshman year. I was doing compressions on the dummy's liver for 4 minutes straight before they stopped me." She giggled. Talking really did make her feel better too. Stifling a giggle, Erin looked at her and began to suture her wound, "you never!" "Because that's where Vulcanoid hearts are. How was I supposed to know that most other races are different? I knew where mine was." "Fair enough " Erin replied as she finished closing the wound and ran a dermal regenerator over the site. "Hey, that doesn't look half bad." Keira gave her approval. "You could have been a surgeon." "No. I couldn't. Long hours, holding people's lives in my hands …. Not for me." Keira nodded. "It is getting late, huh? I'm going to have to see someone else for counselling, aren't I?" Keira reached her hand out to help Erin up if she wanted it. Taking her hand, she stood up straight and smiled, "unfortunately yes. I think that would be best. After all you are dating my oldest friend. Could be construed as a conflict of interest. " "See you at the meeting then. G'night. Computer, end program." The two women were all that remained in the yellow grid on black room. The doors opened and they each parted ways. As she watched Keira walk away, a thought entered her mind and, with a wicked grin on her face, she yelled after Keira, "Ask Ravok about the images I have of his naked run around the quad at the academy!" (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie and Todd) (Mars Facilities- Personal quarters- Petty Officer- Steven Hammons- 2215) Hammons walked into his quarters dead tired but happy. Following up an investigation involved more footwork than he had expected and he had used his brain more than he was prepared for but new is not always bad. In fact he had found it to be very rewarding. If he did a good job maybe the chief would give him more assignments like this? "Well I can dream", he said to no one in particular, grinned and went to take a luxurious shower with actual water. "So good to be back on Mars." After the shower he was more relaxed than any time in recent memory, he turned off the lights. crawled into bed and was instantly asleep. (Dreamscape) Steven Hammons found himself in the command chair looking over the bridge. There was a dazzling brightness to his right so he turned the chair to see a snowflake like form beside him glowing brightly. He squinted his eyes trying to see it more clearly but was interrupted by a call. "Commodore." "Yes." He turned his eyes back forward and saw Sekal sitting at the helm. ~Wait a minute, he's science.~ "What is it Mister Sekal?" "The Andorians are hailing us." ~The Andorians?~ "On screen." The view blurred and shifted then cleared allowing him to see the Andorian Captain filling the screen. =^= This is the Kir Kumari. Commodore Hammons I must protest, this is highly irregular. =^= "What is highly irregular?" He tried to keep the uncertainty out of his voice and apparently succeeded. =^= Andoria has not had a non- Andorian commanding their ships in over a generation and you wanting to transfer your flag here... that is unheard of no matter how much danger the galaxy is in.=^= He stood to his feet. "Kar Sheia the entirety of existence is at risk, tens of trillions of beings are in danger of being wiped out in a matter of seconds." Kera Sheia appeared ready to protest then backed down. =^= Oh very well, I cannot in good conscience contribute to the destruction of the galaxy. The Kir Kumari stands ready to receive you. =^= "Very good." He stood to his feet. =^= What is the condition of your ship? =^= "The Mystique is heavily damaged but she can still fight. She will be following us into battle. Energize." He appeared amidst the transporter glow on the bridge of the Andorian ship. Kera Sheia got up from the command chair and called out. "Commodore Hammons has transferred his flag to the Kir Kumari. All will obey him as they obey me." There was a cheer from the Andorian officers. "The Commodore will lead us to victory!" He stepped forward and sat down in the command chair as he smiled. He heard a voice from his right. "Commodore we are receiving a coded transmission." ~That voice.~ Sure enough he turned his head to see that Vulcan again. ~Sekal and his damn coded transmissions.~ There was something about that but he couldn't remember what it was and events began overtaking him before he could think. "Commodore the space demon is approaching!" There was a great blackness nearing the ship and coming on at a dizzying speed. "Helm turn us about and go to maximum warp." The ship turned and it's engines thrummed as it picked up speed. "Why do we run from battle?" Someone on the bridge cried. It was that danged Vulcan! "We have to lead it away from the black hole at the center of the galaxy." He started explaining, the words coming without conscious thought. "If it consumes it then all life will be extinguished!. We will make our stand where it's weakest near the edge of the closest spiral arm. Helm plot a course." "I don't have time for idle conversation Mr. Sekal, tell them I'll answer when we've gotten rid of the space demon." He turned his head to find Sekal was no longer sitting there but the pretty blue haired Counselor named Alaya Ravenstone. Commodore Hammons grinned. "On screen." On screen appeared a scene displaying a beautiful waterfall. At the bottom of the waterfall there was a large rock with a humanoid sitting on a rock. It was Ensign Ravok , yet he appeared to be a merman. As Ravok came into focus he opened his mouth and out came the voice of Ensign Trei. " Where's the doctor? Because I have a fever." Merman Ravok asked. Hammon's jaw dropped. "You are asking for a house call? What planet is this anyway?" He turned his chair. "Someone call a doctor!" The turbolift door opened and an Andorian walked out. "Did you call for a Doctor Commodore?" "Yes, we have an emergency call on the viewscreen. You need to take care of this so we can get back to killing the space demon." Looking back at the screen the waterfall was gone and it was replaced with the scene of a bridge with dead officers laying everywhere and lights flashing, sparks flying out of the terminals. The Andorian looked at the screen and shook his head sadly. It appears we are too late Commodore. I'll send you the bill tomorrow. House calls aren't cheap you know." With that he turned on his heel and left the bridge. " That's one way to solve a problem isn't it ?" A voice asked from behind Hammons. "It's called delegation." Hammons quipped before turning around to see who was speaking. Turning and looking revealed Ravok standing there wearing a Romulan military uniform. " I asked you a question" "And I answered it….", Steven dead planned, "... I suppose you need better questions if you want to get them answered to your liking." Someone screamed on the bridge and Kera Sheia fell to the deck. "All right." He roared as he stood to his feet. "I see we are going to have to do this the hard way. What is our location?" Sekal turned and looked at him from helm. "Nearing the edge of the galaxy Commodore." "Turn us about and get ready to fire everything we've got." "Including the you know what?" "No I don't know what but fire it too!" Hammons looked about the bridge but Ravok seemed to have disappeared. “Yes sir firing the crash. Firing all the crash and launching the crash.” There was a sound of smashing boxes. Ire stood there at the tactical console smashing a row of small boxes on its surface . He was a red haired furry creature with blue trousers and red shoes. Every time he said crash his fists would pulverise another small box. “Crash, crash, crash, crash.” The blackness growing on the screen wavered and began to recoil. "I don't know what it is you're doing up there…", Hammons almost choked on his laughter, "...but keep it up. We've almost got it on the run." “Yes sir. Firing the crash, More crash, ALL THE CRASH.” That did it. The inky cloud was soon in full retreat and growing smaller as the Ire Imp pummeled it with crash fire. "My God son that was good work!" Hammons was grinning from ear to ear. "I wish I had more of you in the fleet!" “Yes sir thank you sir. Just remember if you need more crashes I will be there.” (Mars Facilities- Personal quarters- Petty Officer- Steven Hammons- 2345) Hammons woke with a start and looked about the darkened room. "What the hell kind of dream was that?" Then he dissolved into laughter. (Reply: None) (Posted by Charles Gatling, Robert Davis and Robbie Grey) (Mars Base- outside- Pilot Ensign jg Ravok-2353) After leaving the Canton and arriving back via shuttle craft. Ravok took the long away around the base. Just walking and collecting his thoughts. He turned a corner and suddenly he heard his name. "Ravok." Ensign Taya said. "Want shome? It'shpretty good." She giggled. Her words were slurred He looked at her and smiled. He had a little bit of a buzz from the 18 rum and colas and 6 double shots of Vodka . " Sure " he said as he bragged the bottle from her hand and took a drink. " Good stuff. " he said looking at her hoping she was alright. Her trip to Trill had been emotional to say the least . " How are you?" he asked as he handed the bottle back to her. ( reply Taya) ( posted by Davis) (Mars Base, Tactical Ensign jg Taya, Pilot Ensign jg Ravok Shara, 2354) Taya smiled when Ravok accepted her offer of a drink. She actually didn't care for the stuff, but the affects were what she wanted, not a pleasant flavor. "How are you?" said Ravok, handing the bottle back to her. Still sitting on the storage crate, Taya took the bottle and began moving it towards her lips, but it slipped from her grasp and shattered on the ground. "Aw," said Taya, her voice filled with disappointment. "It splashed all over my socks." She extended her legs and pointed her toes. "See?" She sighed. Ravok used his foot to slide and kick away some of the big pieces of glass away from her so that she wouldn't step in any of it. He started laughing at her and looked at her foot. "It seems like you have had some fun tonight my friend.... Well all the way up to the wet sock part of it." Taya looked at Ravok, her eyes widening as though noticing him for the first time. "Ravok! How long have you been here?" He laughed. "I literally just walked up. I wasn't expecting anyone to be here, but I'm glad to see you." "I'm glad to see you, too," said Taya. "I don't have anything to drink I can offer you." Her voice lowered to a whisper. "I dropped the bottle." Ravok crouched down and sat on the ground with his legs crossed. "It's okay. Who hasn't dropped a bottle at some point in time?" he said jokingly. He looked up at the sky. "It's cloudy tonight." “Nothing to see anyway,” said Taya. "For me, no. For you, there's your home." He took a deep breath and with a bit of hesitation asked, "How are you holding up with everything that happened?" Taya lowered her head and stared at the wet spot where she spilled the whiskey. “I’m a swan, Ravok. My home government said so. That’s why they sent me to Earth.” She made a sweeping motion with her arm. “This is my home now.” He raised his brow and looked at her with confusion. "I'm sorry. I don't understand. What do you mean... you're a swan?" “Tesha, my shen mother, was accused of dishonoring her clan when she left Andor to join Starfleet. When she went home to visit for the first time in twelve years, she was given a choice. Fight the clan Matron, leave in exile, or join another clan.” Taya shifted her position on the crate and faced Ravok. “She joined another clan. Even after all these years, powerful people still resented what she did, so when I asked to join Starfleet, they sent me away. I’m not here to help restore my people and the Federation. They said I’m the swan of dishonor.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. Ravok was in shock to see tears coming from her eyes. Taya was so strong and always so composed. Yet here she was, moved to tears. His anger grew inside of him. "To hell with that. You are a good officer. No disrespect, but your people don't know crap. Take my words however you want, but you aren't some throw away. You are so much more than that." He said with passion in his voice as he was getting very angry that she was upset. Taya blinked several times and squinted at Ravok. He had been there for awhile. She was sure of it. “I am a good officer. I’m just not needed on Andor.” Taya’s stomach felt like something was tumbling around inside it. “Why are people so petty, Ravok? Why do people get punished for things that aren’t their fault?” He looked down at his hands. "You know... that's a damn good question. I've never been punished for anything that wasn't my fault, but I have had people not trust me based on the actions of others of my kind," Ravok said as he stood up quickly and moved closer to her and crouched down on her left hand side. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "Listen to me. Maybe you're looking at all of this wrong. You said you're not needed on Andor. Maybe you don't need Andor and maybe you're the one who is punishing yourself by allowing them to make you feel this way. Taya, please trust me when I say, you make this a better place." Taya’s alcohol-addled brain tried to analyze everything her friend was saying. Self confidence was never an issue with her, but it wasn’t easy learning she had been sent away from home for the wrong reasons. “It just hurts,” said Taya. “Remember that I do have feelings.” She wiped her eyes with her sleeve, a sudden motion she probably shouldn’t have done. “I don’t feel well.” She rolled to her right, landing on her stomach. The contents of her supper and the bottle, hurled onto the ground behind the storage crate. He jumped up quickly. "Whoa! Taya," he said as he grabbed her to pick her up off the crate. "Let's get you to your quarters," he said as he lifted her up. Some vomit got on his leather jacket in the process. Ravok’s strong arms helped Taya to her feet. She was wobbly, but he held onto her to make sure she wouldn’t fall. Seeing some of her mess on his jacket, she tried to wipe it off, but she was making it worse. “Sorry.” Her cheeks warmed with embarrassment. “You’re a good friend, Ravok.” She patted him on the chest several times. “Maybe I should go back to my room. We have a meeting in the morning with Admiral… Admiral… The admiral.” He chuckled and shook his head. "No need to be sorry. What else are friends for? Let's get you back to your quarters," he said as he walked with her towards the door. Taya shuffled along, leaning most of her weight on Ravok, leaving behind a small puddle of whiskey, broken glass, and her boots. NRPG: When Taya said swan of dishonor, she meant spawn. She doesn't do well with alcohol. (reply none) (posted by Roberts Brown & Davis)