>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: "The Root of Decay" Day: -2 Stardate: 2445.08.30 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Indigo – Security - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0015) (Errant – Bounty Hunter– Charles Tamblyn - 0950) (Mars base– Science Annex, 5th floor- CSRD office- CO - Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1005) (Utopia Planitia Space Dock, Lounge 2- CO- Lt. Commander Sekal- 1635) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: "The Root of Decay" Day: -1 Stardate: 2445.08.31 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars, Personal Quarters - 2O, Lieutenant Carson Peters - 05:00) (USS Illuminar- Deck 2 - First Officer's Quarters - FO Lt. Sienna Williams-Verin and SPC- Luma’Lenai- 0530) (Illuminar, Sickbay, Acting CEO Ensign sg Taya, 0558) (USS Illuminar- Deck 8- CO - Lt. Commander Sekal and SPC- Luma’Lenai - 0600) (Mars – Civilian Sheriff’s Office - OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn- 0650) (Illuminar -- Sickbay -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 0702) (USS Illuminar - Deck 8 - SecO- Petty Officer (1st Class) Steven Hammons- 0720) (USS Illuminar- Deck 8- Flight ops/Conn - Lt. (jg) Tempest Grey Wolf - 0730) (USS Illuminar- Deck 2- Flight ops/Conn - Lt. (jg) Tempest Grey Wolf and SPC Luma'Lenai- 0740) (USS Illuminar - Transporter Room 2 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 0800) (USS Illuminar - Bridge - ENS SG ACOUNS ACMO Ariel Trei - 08.05) (USS Illuminar - Bridge - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 08.06) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Bridge - ACSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 0807) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Bridge - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 0809) (USS Illuminar - Bridge - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 08.11) (USS Illuminar - Security Office - Deck 14 - SO Ensign Tressa Talence - 0813) (USS Illuminar – Bridge - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 0814) (USS Illuminar - Chief Science Officer R&D Office - Deck 7 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 0820) (USS Illuminar - Chief Science Officer R&D Office - Deck 7 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1000) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1016) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1017) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal - 1018) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 -CMO -- Lt.J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1023) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 -CO -- Lieutenant Commander Sekal-- 1024) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 -CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1025) (USS Illuminar - Stennin's Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1100) (USS Illuminar - Stennin's Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1110) (USS Illuminar - CMO Office -- CMO -- Lt.J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1232) (USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1245) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 13.00) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge - 2O, Lt(sg) Carson Peters - 13.02) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge- ACOUS ACMO Ariel Trei - 13.05) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge - 2O, Lt(sg) Carson Peters - 13.07) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 13.10) (USS Illuminar -- Holodeck 2 -- Deck 5 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1945) (USS Illuminar - Holodeck 2 - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 19.50) (USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - FO- Lieutenant Sienna Williams-Verin & SPC Entity Luma'lenai - 2340) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: "The Root of Decay" Day: 1 Stardate: 2445.09.01 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Illuminar - Main Bridge - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal - 0755) (USS Illuminar - Main Bridge - Ops- CPO Charles Tamblyn - 0757) (Illuminar, Bridge, Acting CEO Ensign sg Taya, 0801) (USS Illuminar - Bridge - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 08.02) (USS Illuminar - Main Bridge - FO- Lieutenant Sienna Williams-Verin - 0807) (USS Illuminar - Main Bridge - 2O - Lieutenant Carson Peters - 0809) (USS Illuminar - Bridge - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 08.11) (Bajor - Ashala – Temple Rectory- Kai Hetel Krevi – 1030) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: -2 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Indigo – Security - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0015) “Chief Pitella. You wanted to see me?” Janice looked moved over to the chiefs desk and stood beside it. The chief was old going well onto the sixties and it showed a lifetime of hard graft over his face. “I did,” he said in a wispy voice, “Quiet frankly – your not good enough to be here. Im very disappointed in you.” “What?” she sat down in a chair. She couldn’t understand it. He’d never been disappointed in her. “Was it my duties? I don’t understand?” Her perplexment was one of confusion siding on anger at how she got here. “No your doing your duties just fine. But you’ve got no ambition or drive. You’re just doing your job,” he looked back at her stone faced. “You need to do better.” “Do better? But im trying my best. Last time checked I was a better marksman than you,” she tried to defend herself. She looked about the room quickly looking for someone to back her up but everyone looked away. Almost blurry to her like they were shadows in the room. People just standing by. Spectators to life – the very thing she was being accused of. “Your telling me you cant do better?” he leaned on his desk as a dark shadow cast over his face. “Yes.. no – I don’t know. How about giving me an opportunity to be useful here,” she retaliated. “An opportunity to be useful... you need to wake up and smell the roses. You need to make your opportunities im not going to be here spoon feeding you all the time. Like you were when you were a kid,” he stood up and took her over to a transporter pad. “Im not a kid any more! Im NOT!” she pushed him back, “I don’t even know who you are anymore.” “You’re right, you don’t,” he laughed pushing her onto the pad. She stood frozen as he body seemed to fade away and the room was filled with shadows on the walls. The lights from the transporter pad roof being the only one on now. The shadows started to multiply moving towards her, “NO...Stop stay back! Stay away from me all of you!” She reached for the transporter controls trying to get away but as she pressed them she felt water rising from her feet sharply up to her waist. As the light started to dim, “GET AWAY FROM ME!” she screamed out. A whisper came out of the shadowed void around her as the water reached her neck quickly, “Smell the roses... wake up...” (Bajoran Space – Runabout Othellio - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0015) A sharp gasp of air inhaled into her as she sprang up in her bunk. Eyes wide she realised it was just a dream. A terrible dream. She could still feel the water on her, sweat. Lunching over the side of the bed she grabbed the closest container and promptly returned her dinner to it. “ughhhhhhh,” She groaned turning the lights on a bit to dispose of the container, “Computer, water cold.” A small replicator on a table produced a glass of water for her as she took a slow drink from it and avoiding to make any more eye contact with the glass than was required to grab it. She sat back down on the bunk and lost herself in thought before looking back up at the small room she was in. “I need to get out,” (reply none) (posted by Adam) (Errant – Bounty Hunter– Charles Tamblyn - 0950) “Good Lord; for once, it would be nice if when I identify myself, these yahoos don’t just pull out their phasers and start blasting away.” Tamblyn said to himself as he kicked the base of the stasis-pod he just finished placing his unconscious bounty into. “She didn’t even commit a violent crime, why in the hell did she start shooting?” Once in the cockpit area of his personal Runabout, Errant, Charles got his ship underway as quickly as possible. Once he went to warp, an incoming communication signal lit up on the comm-board. “What the hell now?” he asked as he opened the channel. The message was text only. From: Starfleet Reserve Command Office of Personnel To: Charles Tamblyn Chief Petty Officer Starfleet Reserves CPO Tamblyn, you are hereby mobilized to active duty status and are ordered to report to LCDR Sekal aboard the USS Illuminar, NCC-61240, as the vessel Operations NCOIC. Rendezvous with the assigned vessel at Mars, Utopia Planitia Space Dock, no later than 0800 local 2445.08.31. Note: Operations OIC not currently assigned. Shaking his head as he read the posted orders, the primary thought that went through his head was “well hell.” as he set course for DS9 and increased his speed. “Computer forward a copy of my orders to Lieutenant Commander Sekal. Attach message; will see you tomorrow.” (Reply Sekal iyw) (Posted by Charlie) (Mars base– Science Annex, 5th floor- CSRD office- CO - Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1005) It had been a year and three months since Mars base had been restaffed and returned to its original purpose. In that time Sekal ha gone from being a scientist on a mission and a researcher to Chief of Scientific Research and Development. Fourteen months ago the breakthrough had been accomplished as it had been proven at the molecular level that the subject crystal unlike dilithium had its ties to subspace rather than null space. The impediments to the investigation had then fallen like a house of cards. Not only was it understood from whence the energy field that permeated them originated but it explained how they amplified the properties of energy that resulted from the matter/anti-matter reaction. The crystal had been tested on the Republic and after a rough beginning followed by adjustments and replacement of outdated parts the new technology had worked. New engines to make use of the crystal had been designed, ordered, delivered and installed on Republic then dialed in on a test run. The whole EPS power grid had needed redesign to most efficiently use the low energy plasma, the ship's shields converted to use high energy plasma and other systems adapted to use the higher energy plasma as well. Almost every component in the power grid had needed redesign to handle input power from the warp engines and auxiliary fusion reactors due to less low energy plasma and that work had proceeded while waiting for the new engines. The redesign had worked. Once the engines were installed and hooked up the bugs had been worked out and the Republic was running again since everything from holographic interfaces to ODN components had been replaced as well. Refit time two months. Four months later Exeter was outfitted and running as Illuminar began construction. In concert with CEO Merek the redesign had been brainstormed, enacted and proven. Illuminar was now back at UP spacedock waiting on the crew and officers for her maiden voyage. Three months ago he had been promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Two months ago his command crew had been assigned. He had continued using this office because no CSRD had yet been promoted so he retained his quarters in the science complex as well. Lieutenant Sienna Williams-Verin had been essentially homeless so he had assigned her quarters on Illuminar as soon as they could be completed then sent her out on the ship for its test run. He remained here to continue directing a project targeted for the next generation of starships at his father's request. The project was to scale down the size of new ships. This could be accomplished because of the greater power supply enabled by the anelurian crystal technology. StarFleet had found in the past that the increasing size of ships dependent on dilithium crystals had slowed construction down to a crawl not to mention the enormous cost. Thanks to the new crystal drive this could be reversed as in time theoretically a ship the size of Illuminar could take the place of gargantuan ships like Republic as top tier ships of the line. This would take time though as the materials for offensive and defensive systems that could handle the increase in load still needed to be developed. Illuminar had first generation upgrades to her phasers and shield emitters that made them more powerful. The second generation was nearing completion. The issue now was staffing Illuminar with capable officers, the crew had already been chosen. One glaring weakness remained Operations. He had no bridge capable officer on the roster. His monitor flashed and he noted the arrival of a message from StarFleet Command. ------------ To Sekal, Lieutenant Commander and Commanding Officer of the USS ILLUMINAR. NCC 61240 Chief Petty Officer Charles Tamblyn, Operations Officer returned to active status and added to Officers pool. CPO Tamblyn contacted and acknowledged. Vanyssa Winters, Vice-Admiral, StarFleet Command. ------------------- "Computer acknowledge receipt of communication." =^= Acknowledgement sent. =^= Luma'Lenai was already aboard Illuminar as was her mind bondmate Ensign Vex'ahlia Jordaan therefore the computer was voiced by the default AI. His acknowledgement was immediately followed by another transmission and a more formal copy of the order appeared on the screen. From: Starfleet Reserve Command Office of Personnel To: Charles Tamblyn Chief Petty Officer Starfleet Reserves CPO Tamblyn, you are hereby mobilized to active duty status and are ordered to report to LCDR Sekal aboard the USS Illuminar, NCC-61240, as the vessel Operations NCOIC. Rendezvous with the assigned vessel at Mars, Utopia Planitia Space Dock, no later than 0800 local 2445.08.31. Note: Operations OIC not currently assigned. Postscript: Will see you tomorrow Charles Tamblyn. CPO, StarFleet Reserve The reply had been made quickly and efficiently. The Vulcan tapped a reply and sent out. * From Lieutenant Commander Sekal, Commanding Officer, USS Illuminar. Orders and acknowledgement received. Berthing confirmed for senior officer's quarters, deck 2. Welcome aboard.* The final piece to the assigned officer's pool was now in place. He shut down the monitor and rose from the chair. His father was at UP and his mother would arrive soon. He would meet them in the viewing lounge. It was time to get be moving. (Reply: Tamblyn iyw) (Posted by Charles G) (Utopia Planitia Space Dock, Lounge 2- CO- Lt. Commander Sekal- 1635) The Vulcan was standing at the viewing window and looking down upon one of the ships that had recently been completed. The docks were a beehive of activity and had been for the last calendar year. Dock three to his right had been vacated as the Hades had been moved out to clear the way for new construction. Beyond that though the Mystique was still visible. Republic had been the first ship refit having received the new crystal drive engines and replacement equipment for the tech that had been removed. The updates and upgrades were extensive along with repair and reconditioning of the hull and new lettering molecularly bonded to it. The designations had been returned to it. StarFleet no longer wished to allow it to be buried along with its purpose or fade into obscurity as a memory that they wished forgotten. Republic had become the centerpiece and flagship of a new fleet with a renewed sense of purpose. Entropy was indeed slowly being pushed back. The energy expended to do so was enormous and would have to be continued in the coming years but 120 member worlds were involved to lay the foundation of a new push to the boundaries of knowledge. Republic was currently in orbit around Mars and ready to be called upon, commanded by Captain Remae. Exeter had been the next ship completed. The bones of the ship, its flesh and vital organs had been intact, it had been missing only its heart. That heart had been implanted though with the installation of the Anelurian crystal drive and component upgrades to make use of the greater supply of energy at its disposal. The phaser arrays had been reworked with some of them being replaced with dark matter phaser components. The new phaser type had proven to be wickedly effective against material and in concert with standard phasers would wreak havoc on an enemy vessel. This was a somewhat smaller class of vessel, a return to the old Constitution class look and general size but it was more powerful than a starship many times its heft and in time its teeth would become longer and sharper. "Trip" Williams had been given command of Exeter with orders to take it out. Exeter had also finished its trials months before and was in orbit around the planet. Sekal's focus though was on the ship immediately below him. It was a brand new ship, built from scratch according to his specifications and working in close harmony with CEO Merek and had just returned from a month of trials and testing. The base frame was that of the Intrepid class which had changed only slightly with the Bellerophon redesign. That Bellerophon redesign had also been heavily updated and upgraded so that this ship was now the first of her class. It sported the new crystal drive which was now standard on any new starships being built. Smaller craft such as the shuttles which she carried still had the older dilithium crystal warp engines since they were hardy, efficient and proven. Some of this was also due to the greater rarity of the Anelurian crystal which had so far been found in only two adjoining sectors near to the Federation's border with Orion space. The saucer section was elongated rather than round, narrow at the bow and growing wider toward the stern. In shape it gave the impression of a viper's head and the deepening of it as one looked aft gave the impression of a serpent swallowing its prey. It's lines were anything but straight and smooth however. The hull was highly detailed and to the eyes of a non Vulcan could be considered beautiful. She wasn't designed to be pleasing to the eyes but that was the way she had been formed like the work of a master craftsman molded from clay. The lettering stood out brightly against it's hull and was highlighted by brilliant light from the zenin gas reflectors that framed it. USS ILLUMINAR NCC-61240 The engineering section and the variable geometry warp nacelles at the aft of the craft were sleek and understated which belied the impression of her true speed. The Intrepid class had been the fastest ship of her time and Illuminar carried that acclaim forward. She was faster and more maneuverable than any Federation starship in existence and any currently on the drawing board. She had also had some of her phaser strips replaced with the new dark matter phasers emitters. Footsteps neared him and he looked up to see the reflection in the viewing window as the Admiral approached. Saleke stopped beside his son and gazed out at the panorama laid out below, the two standing silently as he took in the scene. The Admiral assigned to oversee Research and Development didn't turn his head as he spoke to his son. "She is a fine ship. The test results have been exemplary. The issues that were found appear to have been settled." Sekal nodded but didn't reply. He had pored over every fraction of data that had been accumulated during her test flight and was satisfied that she was indeed ready to have her hobbles taken off and released into service. "What did you see before you took the Hades out on its maiden voyage?" Saleke turned his head to look at his son. "An interesting question. I saw a fighting ship that was poised to serve the fleet in whatever capacity it should be called upon." He regarded his son for several silent seconds. "What do you see?" Sekal took a moment to consider the question. "I see the culmination of a year of development, planning, testing and construction." He paused momentarily. "I also see a multipurpose vessel that is capable of a wide variety of mission types and can do them all well." He finally turned his head to look at his father."Other beings would see much more but I am unable to." Saleke nodded. "They see through the eyes of emotion which colors their assessment while we see only to the core of purpose. The uses which your ship will be put to will define that purpose." "Agreed." Sekal returned his attention to Illuminar, his gaze seeking any flaw. Saleke however was looking at the other ship. "I am told that Luma'Lenai was quite pleased at the gift of the Mystique." "She and Ensign Jordaan have taken the Mystique out three times and Luma's joy upon her return from those excursions was quite… stimulating. She is already aboard Illuminar settling into the systems and appears to have developed quite a fondness for it." Saleke nodded, he was aware of Luma's emotional peaks. They both looked around as another set of footsteps neared. Saleke stepped away from the window to meet his wife as she approached. T'Kess met her husband with right hand and the first two fingers outstretched. Saleke did the same and as their fingers touched she spoke. "My husband. Parted from me but never parted…" ".... never and always touching and touched." He concluded for her as their thoughts merged and entwined. T’’Kess had been on Vulcan for her off rotation and tending to the ancestral dwelling. She had returned early in order to witness the launch. Sekal turned from his parent's meeting in consideration of their privacy and his gaze returned to the ship. One day he would return to Vulcan to take a wife as Saleke had but that day should be years away. The day when Pon Farr would bring them together at the appointed time. Tomorrow he would board Illuminar at 0600 along with his command crew and do a walkthrough of the vessel. The rest of the crew would board at 0800 and report in. It was time to ready her for her first mission. There would be face-to-face meetings to conduct, assessments and a briefing of the officers. The ship was ready, he had a good crew, good officers, their orders were set. It was nearly time to take the training he had received and put it into service. Would he be capable of the task? He was not his father who had distinguished himself so profoundly in the Fleet and history would be his judge. But he was informed, he was trained and he was ready. As were they all. It was time for Illuminar to fulfill her commission. (Reply: None yet) Posted by Charles G (Sekal, Saleke) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: -1 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars, Personal Quarters - 2O, Lieutenant Carson Peters - 05:00) ~Looking at the ship from above, standing on the Observation Deck he couldn’t help but wonder how this had come to be. In his recent trip to Earth, his mother had told him to accept the promotion and move on. “Live your life.” she had said as she looked over Carson’s shoulder at the woman he had brought to meet her. “I love her and I think you do too.” she had said, looking into her son’s eyes. Live your life and he intended to do just that. But that didn’t mean he was about to let the case drop. With Admiral Cayne’s trial now over and done with, so many of the subversive elements that had once been a part of Starfleet had been scattered. His conscience would not allow him to forget his friend, his mentor, a man that had been like a Father to him in the time they’d known each other. He would continue to hunt for justice for Trask. No matter how hard Admiral Janeway made it for him. He was sure Janeway had a hand in this promotion, even though the man continued to refuse to speak with his nephew, Carson was aware of the looming influence he had on his life and career. More for the sake of his mother's relationship with her brother, he’d attempted to reach out over the past two years to no avail. Knocking on the glass with his knuckle, he then walked away and headed to the turbolift which would take him to meet with the Command team of the USS Illuminar. He closed his eyes for a second as the lift carried him far down within the shipyards and then opened them finding the door open. He walked through and spotted Sekal & Sienna standing waiting outside the airlock. Speeding up, he closed the gap to them quickly and nodded to each of them, “Morning- Captain, First Officer.” “What are you doing here?” The Captain responded somewhat spitefully. Not expecting that response, it took him a second to gather his thoughts and reply, “You asked the Command Team to meet for the Ship Inspection prior to the crew boarding, Sir.” He watched as Sekal looked at Sienna and then back to him. “Yes, so why are you here? You are not a part of the Illuminar’s command team in any way.” The last word hung in the air. “Wha..? I don’t understand.” Was Sekal joking? Was this an initiation? Something told him Vulcan’s probably weren’t a race that would haze or initiate. “Security.” The First Officer shouted, “Please escort this man out. He doesn’t BELONG HERE.” Two men in yellow security uniforms appeared at his side. One of them grabbed his right arm forcefully and the other began to move in a standard training procedure to put himself between Carson, Sekal and Sienna. “Is this a joke?” he asked meekly. Sienna’s words had been a gut punch and were ringing in his ears. “A JOKE? Who are you anyway? Guards, please, get rid of this man. Take him back where he came from.” Sienna’s voice screamed at him. He attempted to pull his arm away and as he did he felt the officer from behind pull around his phaser rifle and suddenly there was a pain in the back of his head and his body lurched forward.~ Carson sat bolt upright in bed as his eyes opened. He blinked for a second and felt the back of his head checking for damage. Nothing was there. It took a few more seconds for his body to realise that the fight hadn’t been real, the humiliation and disappointment he’d felt was all coming from inside his own head. Taking a deep breath he let his body fall backwards onto the bed and then turned over, reaching his arm out for the one he knew instinctively should be, but wouldn’t be there lying next to him. He sighed. She’d been gone for almost a month, putting the finishing touches on the ship he was about to be Second Officer on. They’d seen each other briefly and spoke daily via their personal communication devices, but it was never the same as being in the same room. ~Come on Peters. Up. Up. UP~ he thought to himself he forced his body to stand up. Today was the day. ~THE day.~ He stretched out his muscles as he tried to exercise the memory of the dream from his head. Turning the shower on, he stepped in immediately and allowed the comfort of the hot water washing over his body to help himself relax. Running through the memory of receiving his assignment to the USS Illuminar, to help remind himself that he was in fact the Second Officer on a brand new, top of the line, Starship. One of the first that Starfleet had engineered in it’s revitalised efforts to be the grand space-fairing presence it once was. It had been a few months since the assignments had been handed down, the fact that Carson would continue to be working with a large portion of the people he’d gotten to know well here on Mars over the past year made the assignment even more exciting. He and Sekal had already worked together on several projects on Mars, so he was comfortable with him as his Commanding Officer. Sienna however was somewhat of an unknown quantity to him at times, but he’d made a lot of effort to spend time with her over the past few months. Knowing he’d be working closely with both in the future, Carson had made every effort possible. The shower shut off. The automatic timer she’d set on it to do so, frustrated him daily. One of his weaknesses was spending too much time standing under the hot water and ruminating on all of his concerns. ~Time to go to work~ He stepped out of the shower, stretched his shoulders and then headed to get dressed. (Utopia Planitia Shipyards - 2O, Lieutenant Carson Peters - 05:45) Unable to shake the dream he had left his personal quarters and headed to the Utopia Planitia Observation Deck. Standing in the same place he had during the dream, he looked out over the ship and as he had during the dream, thought that it looked like a magnificent beauty. Unlike the dream, he felt no crippling anxiety about the journey he was about to embark on. Checking the time he took one last look at the Illuminar and then swiftly turned on his heel and headed back to the turbolift. As he waited for the turbolift, he caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection of the glass. Red. He wasn’t sure he fully suited it yet, yesterday he’d still been in yellow, still the Chief of Security for Mars and now standing there, he was in Command Red. He smiled and the doors opened to the turbolift. (USS Illuminar, Deck 14, Tactical Offices - 2O, Lieutenant Carson Peters - 06:17) The turbolift doors opened and Carson stepped out into the Tactical & Security section of the ship. He knew there was more to check out, but his heart told him this should be where he started. As a trained Security Officer, the deck plans were already memorised and this wasn’t his first time walking the ship. But it was the first time doing so in an official capacity. Knowing Sekal as he did, he was sure the Captain would be doing the same thing and wondered whether he would bump into either he or Lieutenant Verin-Williams on his walk around. He was somewhat surprised by the amount of activity on the ship already, admonishing himself for that was at the top of his priority list. As he walked through the department, he eye’d the Chief of Security’s office, the armory and the brig. He was happy with the promotion, but he knew a part of him would always be a Security & Tactical officer. He was also happy with the people he’d managed to bring across to the Illuminar with him to run the department in his absence. Once he’d lost Taya to her Engineering studies, Ensign Saarsgard had proven his worth over and over again whilst working with him on Mars and was looking forward to working with him on the ship. Stopping for a moment outside of the Firing Range, he stood and admired the amount of effort that had been put in. Everything he could see, touch and smell was brand new. In complete contrast to when he’d first landed on the Mars base. He smiled and then moved on. (USS Illuminar, Deck 11, Main Engineering - 2O, Lieutenant Carson Peters - 06:34) Stepping into Main Engineering the sounds of the hustle and bustle enveloped his senses. Engineers were running around, there were shouts of “Got it,” “Almost, try again” and conversations happening across the floor. Happy to stay quiet, blend in and watch his crew in action without interfering, he quietly made his way through, nodding his head to anyone that cared to notice him. Knowing exactly where he wanted to go, he nimbly moved towards the Main Computer core room and noted with a pleased feeling the extra Security precautions which had already been put in place. The Security officers nodded to him and stood to attention as he approached, he stepped through the door and into a spacious room. He shivered a little, as the temperature of the room was much colder than he was used to. Standing with her back to the door and typing into a console whilst whistling out loud was the officer he had been looking for. Moving forward, she turned around, apparently having sensed his presence. “Morning you.” He stopped for a second and then allowed a grin to take over his face, in an attempt to maintain professionalism he said, “Good Morning, Ensign.” he bit his tongue as he grinned at the look on her face. “Typical.” she tutted, “You could have given me a kiss at the very least. You haven’t seen me in, what is it now? A week and a half.” He could tell she was playing with him. The room was empty, barring it’s one consistent occupant but he knew Vex was joking. “You’ve been missed.” he said as he moved closer and touched her hand. As he did, the unspoken permission between the two of them broke down his mental barriers and he shared his thoughts, emotions and concerns with the woman he truly had missed to the point of breaking. The relationship was still relatively new, they had spent many late nights working on Security procedures for both the Illuminar and the Mystique to keep Luma safe. The Illuminar’s computer core and auxiliary computer cores were now better protected than any ship in Starfleet history. Those late nights had led to this and now here they both were about to start out on what could possibly be the greatest adventure of their lives. They broke apart, both sighing as Carson said, “and Good Morning to you Luma, I hope you’re keeping well?” =^= Luma is pleased with the skin. It feels better than the Mystique did. Oh and good morning to the Carson. Luma enjoys the feelings you evoke in her Vex.=^= Early on there had been some slight jealousy until Carson got to know Luma as herself. “That’s excellent news. Truly. Could you let me know if the Commander is onboard yet?” He’d become closer to Luma than he had previously ever expected to do so, you couldn’t get close to Vex without knowing Luma. She was a part of his family now and asking her in an official capacity to do something, felt fairly odd. Especially something as innocuous as checking some information on the computer. He could see Vex staring at him, he knew her feelings on people asking Luma to do things they could easily pull up with the tap of a button, so he shrugged at her. =^=Which one? Our Sekal is here but his mind is quiet and it is difficult for Luma still to isolate the enhanced sensor readings. Our Sienna is not yet, but she said she was expecting roses and the freighter did not arrive last night. =^= Luma had been thrilled that Sienna had planned small floral enclosures in and around dead space like turbolifts for Luma's enjoyment. It was yet another thing that made this ship unique. (USS Illuminar, Deck 1, Main Bridge - 2O, Lieutenant Carson Peters - 06:55) Exiting the turbolift directly onto the Main Bridge of the Illuminar was something Carson never found old. He’d been here when the Bridge had been under construction, but nothing could take away the goosebumps he got upon stepping onto it now. Moving almost immediately to the left, he ran his hands over the Security and Tactical consoles. Looking around he avoided looking at the command chairs until there really was nowhere else to look. There were three of them, one for the Captain and First officer and a third for either himself or the ship's counselor depending on the duty roster. There would be plenty of time, he thought to himself, that he’d be asked to be sat in the “Main Chair” also. Being in command on a Starship had oddly, never really been a part of his aspirations upon joining Starfleet. He was really only looking for a stable job in Security and now here he was. He turned and headed directly for the Commanders Ready Room, ready to report in to Lieutenant Commander Sekal and begin the journey. (Reply all/Sekal) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (USS Illuminar- Deck 2 - First Officer's Quarters - FO Lt. Sienna Williams-Verin and SPC- Luma’Lenai- 0530) The night prior, Sienna had moved her final belongings aboard. Once her quarters had been finalized about a month before, she had transferred the vast majority of her belongings into storage. She had brought the basics, her teddy bear and flute and Kenna. Everything else was currently in storage. For a number of reasons. Trip had married a woman in the previous year. Ashln Jones, now Ashlyn Williams, and he would be commanding the other ship, the one that their father had worked on, the Exeter. Trip had taken Ailynn there the very first night that they were all on Mars, to look at the ship. Ailynn, her perhaps still girlfriend, maybe, and his FO now officially. Sienna did not know what she had been doing that night, probably dealing with the mess of the environmental systems. She remembered when she found out it had hurt, a little bit. The first of those tiny little hurts. People had said that Lynn was going to be the greatest Fleet surgeon since her Mom, and instead of doing that, instead of fulfilling her calling as a doctor, to save lives, to heal... Lynn had decided to take command courses and become a FO. And in that time Lynn had left her behind. Lynn's destiny apparently was to be with her twin. Lynn's family member, her Aunt was going to now his wife. Sy had tried not to let it hurt. But her heart hurt so terribly. She could not be on the same planet as Lynn in the last few months, she had a hard enough time being in the same place with her twin and he was blood of her blood. No one had really understood the way that Sy's heart had so quietly broke in the previous year. Trip had been pursuing his own caree and although they had tried, their meetings had dwindled to about once a week and then less and less since his wedding. Ashlyn's wedding to Trip had been the final straw, and Sienna would have slept on bare deckplates rather than be on Mars where they were after the first couple days. Her empathic awareness of Trip was rubbing her raw inside when she had been in their shared quarters. Trip had tried to compensate and get him and his new wife out of the shared space and into quarters in a different building on the sprawling campus. Trip had tried, for her. But it had not been enough. Less than a week later, she had received permission to move into the town, but that distance still was not enough. One of the counselors had suggested she move onto one of the ships. At that point pride prevented Sienna from using the Exeter to bunk, and using the Mystique was not fair to Luma. So she had slept in a bunk room on UP, then on the ship when she could move into the FO's quarters. She was not unaware that Sekal had prioritized the finishing of her quarters over his so that she would be comfortable. There were whispers about why Sienna was chosen to be Sekal's FO. It had to do with her virus research. The research she had begun over a year before had quickly bore fruit and she had literally stood on the backs of people in Starfleet Command to get the vaccine distributed to Trill, to make sure it was done equitably and fairly and that it was not used as part of some political package. Sienna knew that she was lucky that both of her parents were now on the inner circle of Starfleet and had firmly stood behind her on this. It had made waves, but in good ways. She was the lead author of two galaxy wide scholarly journal papers on the trill virus. Her belongings sat in the crates and trunk that were in her room. She had not unpacked yet because, it was not real until the dedication ceremony happened and the ship was actually commissioned. Sienna had learned a lot in the last month on the trial. Sekal had trusted her to lead the trial and get some command experience. He had understood that she needed a challenge to get away from her overthinking and emotional self. For a Vulcan, he was really not that bad. Sienna pulled her knees up to put her chin on them as she thought. She was past tears at this point. There was something that she wanted to do before the ships left, and she did not know if they had time to do this. She wanted to go back home for a night. She wanted to sit with Trip under the stars, back to back and smell the campfire. Roast marshmallows. Just them. No Lynn, no Ash. Some part of Sienna's mind was constantly trying to find and locate Trip. She had always been the one that was more attuned to him. She had always been the one with issues and she had been told, over and over, to work on them. She had naively believed that somehow they would always be together. That as his twin, he would want her. But Starfleet wasn't really about wants, was it? She glanced at the chronometer. It was 0530 and she needed to be up and meeting with Sekal and Peters soon. Sienna closed her eyes for a moment and leaned back against the headboard on the very comfortable, large bed that was too big for one small curvy woman and her fluffy cat. The problem was with her. And this time, this distance should do it, right? The Illuminar was going to be a scientific research vessel. She sighed. She had forgotten. That freighter that was overdue, she needed to get over to shipping and receiving part of Utopia Planetia and find the rose bushes. When it had been confirmed that this beauty of a ship was going to be Sekals and that Luma was going to be integrated from the inside out rather than an afterthought, Sienna, Vex'ahlia and Sekal had worked to make that a reality. When it was clear that diplomatic envoys might be aboard, Sienna had taken some of that space and made inset panels by turbolifts that rosebushes could grow in. Luma was a lover of roses and Sienna had rose seeds and starts from over fourty member worlds. She had put out a call for a horticulturist and they should be here this week. Swinging her legs over the bed, Kenna protesting, Sienna stood and moved over to the shower where she took a civilized, sonic shower. But she missed the showers, with real, hot water on Mars. It was one of the few things she missed. To be fair, the thing she missed the most right now was Trip's chocolate chip pancakes. She put on her red uniform with the changed pips, still shocked that her research had gotten her the promotion, and braided her hair back. It was getting too long again and she would need to go down to Mars for that and she was not going to do so. Maybe when she had proven herself further in her own head, would she go there. (Utopia Planetia - Shipping and Receiving Office - FO Lt. Sienna Verin-Williams - 0610) Sienna had been at the clerks office when it opened at 0600, much to the Human woman's obvious dismay. "Your ship, the Freighter Yslana, came in over the night. The plant material has been assigned for and will be transferred to the Illumiar in two of the hours." Sienna listened, having trouble keeping track of the cadence that the other woman spoke. "Excellent. And the spare parts? Particularly the holo emitters?" Those holo emitters had been ridiculously difficult to source and they did not have enough even now to fully outfit the vital areas with the upgraded ones. "Analyse, you promised me you would find those emitters! We need them!" Sy spoke passionately, taking a bar of real hershey's chocolate from her supply out of her bag and slid it across the counter to the white haired woman who had ran UP forever. Her father had been the one that clued her in that Analyse Devereux loved hershey's chocolate and woe be you if it was replicated. "Duke William's dottir, do you have an understanding of what it is like in the tryings to obtain these emitters that you seek? I can obtain buckets of the last generation, they are practically giving them away. Why can not these do as they do on the other refits? Why must you have all the most special ones?" Sienna counted to ten slowly, in betazoid then standard, "Because we hav... Ah ah ah." Sy laughed, the first time this morning that she had felt a real smile come to her features. "Good try. If I had coffee in me I would not have given that much away. We just do. I promise there is a good reason for it. And maybe one day I'll be able to get permission to tell you why. It's not just that the ship is beautiful and spectacular and the latest and greatest. She's all that obviously. I hope you attend her christening Annalyse." Sienna slid another chocolate bar across the counter, "We'll need them if you can get them but if we can't we'll make due with what we have. Try please? It makes the engineers less grumpy." Sienna looked at the chrono, jumped, and paged through the data padds, "People to see, places to be. Thanks for getting the stuff transferred over. If I make it back to Earth before we launch, I'll bring you back several more." She did not let on that those came from her own personal chocolate horde. Sienna blinked back the tears that were threatening and turned away, hurrying back to the ship. She needed to get back aboard to meet with Sekal and Carson. (USS Illuminar- Ready Room-- FO - Lt. Sienna Williams-Verin - 0655) Sienna had her padds, and she had the information. What she had not had was food or drink, but coffee was her choice. She had things that she needed to do, but the first thing was this meeting with Carson Peters and Sekal, the first of their command meetings. She chimed the chime and waited for permission before entering. "Good morning Sir. I heard Luma's song as I was hurrying back for UP. May I get some coffee from the replicator before we begin?" She smiled, the smile not quite reaching her eyes. "We have a lot to discuss." (Reply: Sekal, Carson, any) (Posted by Melinda G) (Illuminar, Sickbay, Acting CEO Ensign sg Taya, 0558) Taya was sitting on a biobed with her legs crossed. She had removed the panel of the display console so she could search for what was causing the bed to not function properly. She was leaning forward, a flashlight in her right hand, her antennae slowly following the beam. She could have used an engineering tricorder and found the issue in a few seconds, but being new as an engineer, she wanted to test herself. After forming a tactical team on Mars, things had fallen into a routine. Daily duties had become tedious and Taya was anxious for something more. Because of the harsh conditions of her home planet, the more skills a person had, the better their chances were of survival and the more value they brought to the clan. It was ingrained in Andorians to attain more abilities. Because of this, she had minored in engineering at the academy. When word came that Lt. Sekal had made a breakthrough with his crystal research, and that new ships would be based on that technology, Taya jumped at the opportunity to take courses to learn it. Once a new fleet of ships were launched, if she was one of the first group of people to be qualified in it, she would have a better chance to get off Mars and be assigned to a starship. She liked security, but anyone could do it. In the early years of the crystal technology, only few would be able. She aimed to be one of the few. As things progressed in building the new ships, three were at Utopia Planitia, once Taya passed all her tests, she was reassigned to help on the Illuminar. Leaving her second to run the tactical team, she jumped at the opportunity. She had been there a month, and they were now only days away from heading into space. She had hoped to just be one of the engineers. She was shocked when she was named acting chief. In a short time, her entire life was going to change. "Aha! There you are." Taya pulled a chip out of its slot and held it up to the light in sickbay. It had a scorch mark on it. Using her tricorder now, she scanned the components. The slot was bad, which blew out the chip. They were common parts, so she had extras in her kit. Grabbing the right tool, she replaced them and ran another scan. The biobed was ready to go. Taya hopped off, picked up the panel and put it back. Placing her tools in her kit and closing it, she heard the sickbay doors open and someone walked in. (reply any) (posted by Rob) (USS Illuminar- Deck 8- CO - Lt. Commander Sekal and SPC- Luma’Lenai - 0600) Sekal stepped through from the concourse entry tube onto the deck of his ship officially for the first time as its commanding officer. The interior bulkhead and walls fairly gleamed and he was aware that facility maintenance had worked around the clock to ensure that the vessel was cleaned up properly for her maiden voyage. The walls were platinum in color with a wide horizontal stripe of deep blue that ran the length of them and the corridor was well lit. His steps took him to an intersection and he turned left, after a couple of minutes he passed the CSO's office and stopped at the door of the Astrometrics lab then turned inside as it whooshed open automatically. The lab had five multiple use and programmable consoles lining the port and forward sides of the room, a wraparound viewscreen on the aft wall and a holotable in the center of the room. The bridge also had a direct link with the lab and the sensor scans would be processed here. The new Mark-17 auxiliary computer core manufactured on Binar served this lab directly. . Satisfied that nothing was out of place he turned and left the room. Command officers routinely made way directly to their quarters or the bridge in such an instance but he had been intimately involved in every facet of the ship’s construction. Because of his degree of involvement there were a number of places he was going to visit first. (USS Illuminar- Deck 9- CO - Lt. Commander Sekal and SPC- Luma’Lenai- 0615) He left the turbolift and followed the hallway until he stood before a set of reinforced double doors with a seam running down the center. He stopped and checked the atmospheric pressure reading on the monitoring unit to the right of it before speaking. “Luma please verify the status of the Aerowing shuttlebay." =^= Luma welcomes the Sekal to the ship. The Vex told Luma that she must not disturb the Captain as he takes his first walkthrough of Luma’s skin. Is the Sekal pleased at what he sees? =^= The excitement in Luma’s voice was palpable and she appeared to be enjoying herself immensely. He quirked an eyebrow at the reply. “The tour is satisfactory so far. And I am a Lieutenant Commander Luma. Is the Aerowing shuttlebay pressurized?” =^= Luma likes the new skin almost as much as she likes her old skin. It is taking some time for Luma to understand all of the new systems. The computer is faster though. =^= There was a brief pause. =^ Luma has checked the shuttlebay as you asked. There is sufficient atmosphere for the Sekal. =^= Luma was almost giddy at the prospect of going back to space with this group of small ones and it showed. This test had told him what he had been seeking. It would take time for Luma to fully integrate into the computer system. The auxiliary core would not be directly affected by her though she would be able to access it and its sensor data in time. For the expansive primary computer into which she had been integrated however there would be a substantial learning curve. The Binars had changed the root structure in the new model. It could take up to a week for her to become intimately familiar with the ship. “Thank you Luma.” He stepped forward and the door split down the center then pulled back into the wall on either side revealing the Captain’s yacht that abode inside. The bay was spacious enough for technicians to service and repair the vessel and it extended to the deck above where tractor emitters were inset which could lift and move the vessel. It couldn’t exactly be called small since it was spacious enough to carry sixteen persons among them six flight crew. He walked around and inspected its exterior minutely, looking for stress fractures or micrometeorite impact. Finding none he nodded his head and moved back toward the door. The Aerowing had also been flown and tested during the preceding month and performed flawlessly. Very few of its systems had been modified except to facilitate processing speed and thruster velocity. Being based on a tried and true design insured minimal issues with its systems which would be checked by the flight crew vigorously after coming aboard. (USS Illuminar, Deck 10- Flight Control Center - CO - Lt. Commander Sekal and SPC- Luma’Lenai- 0630) He stepped through the door into the control center which had two technicians who were running diagnostics on the flight control systems. An expansive transparent aluminum window looked out onto the main shuttlebay. He had time to count the shuttles and verify the correct number before one of them looked up at him, noticed the empty third pip, realized who had just walked in on them and came to attention. “Commander on deck…,” he barked and the woman who was with him dropped her PADD onto the control console, whirled around and came to attention as well. “At ease,” he said and the two relaxed. “What is the status of the shuttlecraft and work bees?” The woman spoke up first, not quite a bark but not normal conversational tone either. They knew he was due in today but had not expected a visit from him. They were running a simple level three diagnostic to kill some time before the crew arrived that would be completed shortly and had been caught completely off guard. “All craft are in optimum working order sir.” “And the Aeroshuttle” “Including the Aeroshuttle sir. All craft operations were checked and rechecked on the way back from the test flight. I can provide all of the data you require sir.” He nodded and she relaxed visibly. “Send the report to my ready room. I will consider it shortly.” “Yes sir!” Her partner barked. “Right away sir.” Sekal paused for another brief look over the visible craft in the bay that were berthed in their proper places then turned on his heel and left the center. The man sighed loudly as the door closed behind him. “Wow! I wasn’t expecting that!” “Neither was I!” She snapped. “You heard the CO, get that data sent out right away. This is for real and we don’t want to get on his bad side.” “If Vulcans have a bad side… or a good side” He muttered but set right to it as soon as he sat down. (USS Illuminar- Bridge-- CO - Lt. Commander Sekal and SPC- Luma’Lenai- 0645) He stepped out of the turbolift onto the port side of the bridge aft. Against the forward bulkhead was the main viewscreen. Technicians were bustling about doing last minute checks. He heard a cry of. "Commander on the bridge!" That stopped them in their tracks and they turned as one. "At ease." He walked forward toward the helm station until he had passed the gull like swept wings just forward where the command chairs were set. There were three. CO's chair in the center facing forward, first officer to his right and the chair to his left in which a third command officer or ships Counselor would be seated. To the port side against the bulkhead to his left was the tactical/security and engineering stations behind a short screen. To the right of the command chair and against the starboard bulkhead were science and communications. Between the command chair and the main viewer was helm and operations of course, helm to the left and ops to the right. The color of the domed ceiling was charcoal and operational lighting which would serve as emergency lighting cast accents of purple and blue. There was also a stand alone console aft between the turbolift and the ladder that led to the Captain's quarters on the third deck. Having looked about he continued to the door forward and starboard which led to the Ready Room. Before he reached it, Luma realized that Sekal was on the bridge. Using the upgraded state of the art holo emitters that were installed in all the major areas, Luma caused twinkling star-like lights to fall around Sekal in a 'blessing' while she sang the blessing in the language of the original Illumini people. It was beautiful. Sekal came to a halt and looked about at the starfall in motion, the song coming through the speakers of the bridge had a haunting, wholly alien quality which resonated with the Vulcan. He quirked an eyebrow and when it had come to its end spoke. “Thank you is I believe the correct response Luma. From where did this originate?” Luma seemed delighted, even ecstatic when she replied, =^= It was the blessing that was sung when the Illumini went out from the ship, in search of their new homeworld. It asks their Goddess to watch over the greatest resource they possessed, their people and bring them all home again. =^= Luma paused a moment, =^=Our Vex said that it would not be best to sing it at the dedication ceremony, instead to just sing it for you. Luma desires all of her small ones to return home again. =^=. “Fitting then and logical…,” he noted “...since the ship itself is named after that race of beings. You have my gratitude.” Coming from the communication implant behind his ear, he heard a whispered, =^=Luma loves her Sekal. Our Vex said not to say that where others can hear too.=^= With that, the display of lights ended and the techs on the bridge stared at Sekal. "Uh, Sir?" One of them asked. "Was that the AI?" He turned his eyes to the man who had spoken and looked at him dispassionately. “That was not an AI crewman but a sentient being.” The man’s eyes opened in surprise and he dropped them in sudden embarrassment. “I apologize sir.” Sekal spoke in a low voice concerning the private transmission as he resumed his walk to the Ready Room. “Curious.” (USS Illuminar- Ready Room-- CO - Lt. Commander Sekal and SPC- Luma’Lenai- 0650) As he stepped inside the desk and chair were directly ahead of him, there was a couch to the left and a sideboard on the right. Captains were known to use the sideboard to place display objects on it like replicas of old sailing ships or other nautical paraphernalia. He had a display piece that would serve for the time being and was waiting in his cabin since all of his belongings and T'Lah had been brought aboard immediately after he had set foot on the ship. StarFleet was an organization steeped in tradition and such entrances had long ago been well choreographed. A plaque mounted to the center of the bulkhead above the sideboard was relegated to those ships that were the first of their class as Illuminar was. A complete departure from any ships made before using the new crystal technology and heavily upgraded with advanced components. He moved past the couch to the replicator. "Computer one pitcher of water and one glass." There was a muted hum an instant later and the door retracted. He removed the items and passed around the two chairs as he moved to the back side of the desk then sat down in his seat after placing the items to his right. He would enable the monitor, position it for his use then begin going over the report from flight control on the support craft. During the transit he would be visiting all of the departments for a thorough walkthrough and inspection as well as talking with the department chiefs in a meeting. There was going to be a massive amount to do before they got to their destination. And that didn't count meeting all of the senior officers and a full briefing on the upcoming mission. He filled a glass of water and took a drink then got to work. (Reply: All) (Posted by Charles G And Melinda G (Luma’Lenai) (Mars – Civilian Sheriff’s Office - OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn- 0650) “Sheriff, how you are doing these days?” Charles asked the civilian sheriff of Mars. “Chuck, I am in no mood this morning. I got some rabble-rousers in the jail. So just get to the point, what do you have for me and how much does the Fed owe you?” Sheriff Shamin replied. With a shrug and a nod, Charles handed the sheriff a PADD with the files of the two fugitives that he had in stasis aboard the Errant. “Here are their files along with copies of what I got from the FDCJS (nrpg: Federation Department of Criminal Justice Services). Each bounty currently listed is 75,000; so 150K. And to help expedite things, I already filled out the paperwork and just requires our signatures.” “Damn Chuck. What’s the rush?” Letting out a sigh, “Well, you know I am a member of Starfleet Reserves. Yesterday, I received orders to report in this morning by eight.” Tamblyn responded. “Well alrighty then, let’s get you paid and on your way.” Once all of the formalities and fund transfers had been completed, Charles made arrangement for his private runabout, Errant, to be placed in storage, he packed up the few possessions, secured his ship and proceeded to the nearest transporter. (USS Illuminar – Deck 2 - OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn- 0743) Charles attempted several times to enter his assigned quarters aboard the Illuminar, but to no avail. =^=Quarters reserved for Chief Petty Officer Charles Tamblyn; Entrance not authorized; Biometrics not recognized on ship’s active duty file. Report to Captain. =^= “Computer, location of the ship’s captain.” =^= Ship’s captain, Lieutenant Commander Sekal is on Deck one. =^= “Isn’t that something. Computer recognizes me enough not to call security, but not enough to let me into my own assigned berthing. That’s Starfleet for you.” Tamblyn quipped as he adjusted his duffel bag on his shoulder and proceeded to the turbolift. (USS Illuminar – Deck 1 - OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn- 0758) Charles stepped off the turbolift onto the bridge wearing light blue coveralls with a black button t-shirt underneath and black hiking shoes, and his dual shoulder holster with twin disruptor pistols, and carrying a duffle bag over his left shoulder. He did have the forethought to remove the PADD that had copies of his orders and service record on it. He looked around the bridge and was surprised that Starfleet would actually mobilize a reservist to fill a posting on such a new and modern ship. Tamblyn then shifted his objective to finding the captain. It wasn’t long before he spotted the Vulcan. Charles walked over to where Sekal was and waited until he had been acknowledged. (Reply Sekal) Charles held the PADD out to his new commanding officer stating, “Chief Petty Officer Charles Tamblyn reporting in as ordered, sir.” (Reply Sekal) “I do apologize for my appearance; I had every intention of changing into uniform when dropped my duffle off in my quarters. Unfortunately, the ship recognizes me enough not to contact security, but not enough to allow me to enter the quarters you assigned to me.” (Reply Sekal, any iyw) “As I am a Reservist called up to active duty status, I need to resubmit my biometrics and codes and have them confirmed by an officer holding one of the top three command slots on the vessel. Its more of an inconvenience than anything.” (Reply Sekal, any iyw) (Posted by Charlie) (Illuminar -- Sickbay -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 0702) Quinna stood in sickbay looking at the medical manifest on the PADD in her hand. Quinna was determined to do a physical inspection. Taking the PADD to storage, Quinna laid the PADD down and pull up the 3-D Display. Quinna was in shock when she found all equipment was accounted for and neatly organized. There was only one thing missing from the storage closet. Quinna ruffled through her medical crate she brought with her. She found the rather large box with all sorts of chocolates. She stashed was needed in the supply closet. She moved the rest of the crate into the CMO office. She had a few things to unpack to make things a bit more personal. But did not feel like doing it at this time. It was time to test the replicators. Over a cup of coffee that tasted too good to be true, Quinna read profiles of the medical staff. (Reply Any) (Played by Kris) (USS Illuminar - Deck 8 - SecO- Petty Officer (1st Class) Steven Hammons- 0720) Hammon's brain was awhirl as he stepped onto the ship. Never in a million years had he expected a posting like this. Mars base? Hell yeah! That was more his style, feet on the ground, bad guys to winnow out and round up, drunk and disorderly to put in the hoosgow. The common stuff. But something strange had happened along the way. He had been given an opportunity to step up his game and it had netted a big kettle of fish. They had lost the suspect to assassins, that had rattled him at the time but she had evidence on her that had rooted out the whole network on Mars.So what looked like a gaffe at the time had been a boost to his career. So it had assuaged the sting somewhat. He suspected that was most of the reason that Carson Peters, security chief at the time had promoted him. It came with a little bump in pay and assignment to better cases. And his relationship with Alays had deepened until he didn't have just a girlfriend but a lover. Once orders had come through that they had both been assigned to Illuminar they had both requested and received shared quarters. Which was why he was now loaded down like a bay mule with baggage. Alaya herself would be arriving shortly, no doubt with decor for their room since why should a beautiful and immaculate new starship be allowed to go without spiffy new decorations? He was wearing a pack on his back, carrying a large case in each hand and grinning like a fiend. This was the last of the stuff he was bringing on board, the rest was already in their room. This load was the heaviest though and he was clomping along when an officer was gracious enough to pity the NCO and offer to carry one of the cases. (Reply: Any) "You don't know how much I appreciate this sir." He gave a wink. "If Alaya could have stuffed Mars into a bag I swear she would have tried to bring it aboard." (Reply: Any) They squeezed into the lift and he ordered it to take them to the second deck. Senior officer country which he ordinarily wouldn't be included in but his counselor better half was and since they were together he got a bump up in accommodations. The lift whirred as they started climbing. "So what are your thoughts on the ship so far? She's a real beauty from what I could see." (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar- Deck 8- Flight ops/Conn - Lt. (jg) Tempest Grey Wolf - 0730) Orders had been to report to the ship by 0800 so she was well within the time frame as she walked through the access tube and stepped onto the deck of the ship. What met her eyes was brighter than she had expected. Being the pilot of smaller craft including fighters and with extensive fleet experience would be helpful on such a ship but the full blood Cherokee was aware that this would be far different from anything she had been posted to before. She had never piloted a starship but her spirit guide had directed her here. There had been rumblings of it in the fleet for the past year. Two ships had been under refit and a third under construction when the wolf dreams began, the visions during her meditations. She remembered the cold and the evergreens clearly and the wolf running before her until they had arrived at the base of a snowy peak. The walls of it had been sheer and she had hesitated to approach but her spirit guide had been insistent, circling behind her and with a snarl and a baring of canines urging her forward. The climb had been difficult but when she reached the summit the wolf spirit had been waiting for her. It looked out across the land below and she followed its gaze to see fires raging in various locations. The same was true as she circled the peak. The edges were treacherous and she avoided the crumbling rocks that were loose or cracked. She could feel no cold in the wolf dream nor did her breath steam from her nose. They were not campfires but burned bright and tall as though many logs had been interlocked in the shape of a sweat lodge or ancient teepee. They were not signal fires and she could see no discernible pattern but they were spread out like stars upon an ocean of green. That had been the way the first wolf dream had ended and there had been others. She had no medicine chief to speak to concerning the visions and they had continued unabated for three months as the construction for Illuminar had neared completion.. Three weeks before that day arrived the final vision had come upon her as she was off base in a quiet clearing beside a nearby lake. She had brought the drums and was sounding them in time to the ancient cadence as she sang out to the earth, the sky, the air and the water. This had summoned the wolf spirit to lead her again as she slipped into a meditative state. She had found herself once again upon the peak and her spirit guide with her. The fires had grown, blazing higher. Threatening to spread and engulf the surrounding countryside. For the first time she spoke. "What must I do?" The spirit turned its head to her and its form changed. The woman she saw was tormented, her eyes haunted. Tempest knew this woman, this officer from the base and she knew what she must do. She had turned in a request for assignment the next day to the Illuminar. There had been a position available and she was notified quickly of acceptance and begun training for the helm position of the ship. Her training completed she had waited for Illuminar to return to Utopia Planitia and orders to board. This was where she had been directed. She shouldered her heavy duffel and moved down the corridor to the turbolift. (USS Illuminar- Deck 3- Flight ops/Conn - Lt. (jg) Tempest Grey Wolf - 0735) She entered her quarters and moved to the desk where she set her baggage down and began sorting it. The drums were set carefully to the side. They were generations old and had served her ancestors well. A leather pouch held a fresh clump of white sage with roots and soil. This had been the last packed and she would leave quickly to take the starter to the Arboretum where she would plant it. Properly cultivated it would take only a season for it to spread into a small bush which could be easily harvested. Another pouch contained dried leaves of the white sage which she could use to grind for medicinal purposes or burn for purification though fresh leaves were far more effective. Her other personal items were minimal except for a prayer shawl and beaded leather slippers. Simple clothing and spare uniforms would be easy to replicate. The garments she had brought were important for her meditations and irreplaceable. Her shower would wait until she returned from planting the sage so the gathered the bundle up and left the room. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar- Deck 2- Flight ops/Conn - Lt. (jg) Tempest Grey Wolf and SPC Luma'Lenai- 0740) The Cherokee woman tapped her combadge with her right hand as she cradled the leather wrapped bundle of white sage in her left. "Computer direct me to the arboretum." Luma's voice was a strong, cheerful, emotional timbre that was nothing like the standard computer. =^= Hello! Who are yous!? Luma could look but our Vex says it is best to ask first. =^= the voice sounded young and curious as well. “What?” The Indian was shocked. “Who is this? I was querying the database for directions. I am flight operations officer Tempest Grey Wolf. Please reply.” =^= Welcome aboards the Illuminar, the Tempest. I am Luma'lenai and I am the Entity that lives in the ship's skin. I am everywhere and I love all the small ones that live in the skin. Is not the new skin beautiful? It is so much better than the Mystique and Luma can be out in the starsong again. Luma is still integrating and she heard you and did not know you. Why do you want to go?=^= Obediently a flashing light, like should have happened before, appeared. =^= Do you like roses? Our Sienna brought roses for Luma from all over. She often goes to the arboretum because sticking her hands in the dirt of growing things makes her feel better. Does it help you too?=^= The young sounding voice chattered like a child. Tempest shook her head feeling completely out of her element. She had heard of the entity called Luma that had been inhabiting the computer system on Mars base yet hadn’t encountered her until this point. “Hello Luma and thank you for the directions.” She followed the lighted trail and vowed silently that she would study the deck plans for the ship after returning to her quarters. “I have a clump of white sage to plant. I use it for medicine and purification. I also enjoy working the soil and the joy of nature and growing things. Had my spirit guide not directed me to StarFleet I would have remained with my tribe living close to the Earth spirit.” Luma was silent for a moment as she listened so curiously, =^= Our Sienna has many forms of cooking herbs planted, she took them from the base. Is this different?=^= ‘ “The white sage is not used for cooking no. It is used to cleanse the body and the spirit.” Tempest entered the turbolift and noted the deck indicated by the prompt “Deck 6.” The lift began to move quickly to her destination. =^= Excellent. You, The Tempest, will cleanse the spirit of Our Sienna and fix her hurt. Luma is pleased you have come.=^= Tempest gave no reply. Luma’s words recalled to mind the form the wolf spirit had taken in the final vision and the entity’s inference hit very close to home. Was this her spirit guide’s intent? The lift stopped at deck six. Luma beamed internally as Tempest followed her instructions. Luma had planted the first seeds to help her good friend heal. Luma was proud of herself. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles Gatling (Tempest Grey Wolf) and Melinda Gatling (Luma'Lenai)) (USS Illuminar - Bridge - ENS SG ACOUNS ACMO Ariel Trei - 08.05) She checked out her office before going to report for duty. She walked onto the Bridge and stood at attention before LT CDR Sekal. "ENS SG ACOUNS ACMO Ariel Trei reporting for duty sir." (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) (USS Illuminar - Transporter Room 2 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 0800) Stennin blinked a few times as the shimmer of his transporter hue dissipated. He looked around as he saw the transporter room. It appeared to be even more modern than most other Starfleet ships. The Illuminar was truly a new ship, he perceived. He looked at the Transporter Chief, a short Tellarite woman, and nodded. As he stepped of the platform, he approached her. "Could you tell me, where is the Chief Science Office located?" The Tellarite woman tapped on her console for a second, and then looked up. "Your offices are located on the Seventh Deck, Ensign Stennin, sir." Stennin nodded fervently and tugged at his backpack. He turned to the door, and then walked to the turbolift. With a firm voice he spoke against the computer, and the lift began to move. Even quicker than he expected, it opened at the seventh deck. Even the turbolifts were a new type, he surmised. (USS Illuminar - Chief Science Officer R&D Office - Deck 7 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 0810) Stennin walked into his office and looked around. It was clean, with a desk in the centre, two cabinets in the wall, and several wall shelves. Behind his desk was also an LCARS panel, and in his desk was a console as well. Next to the wall panel was his replicator. He put his backpack down on the desk as he sat down in the seat. The office was nothing fancy, but it was a step up from his limited space on the Mars base. He opened his backpack, and took out his tricorder and two PADDs he had been given. He began reading the first one, which was the deck layout. When he was certain he memorised it, and that was quick, he took the second PADD, which was on the technical specifications. (Reply: None yet) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (USS Illuminar - Bridge - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 08.06) Sekal and his command staff had just completed their meeting and all three were exiting the Ready Room. He noted Counselor and medic Ariel Trei in attendance and as he neared she came to attention. "ENS SG ACOUNS ACMO Ariel Trei reporting for duty sir." Sekal stopped before her. She had undertaken intensive training to expand her skillset into the medical side and had earned her new credentials. "At ease Counselor." (Reply: Trei) He nodded. "Congratulations are in order for your advancement Ensign and welcome to Illuminar. Your new skillset will be of use to Chief Medical Officer Solice. You will be working directly under her as she has oversight of both counseling and medical. Do you have any questions for me at this time?" (Reply:Trei) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Bridge - ACSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 0807) Jaton had come aboard the evening before and used the opportunity to settle in and regain his space legs somewhat. Now this morning he woke with an extra spring in his step and came onto the bridge with a smile on his face. He saw Sekal out on the bridge talking to Ensign Trei, who seemed to also just be reporting in. He strolled down and joined the group. "Lieutenant Alyl reporting as ordered, commander." He nodded slightly in deference as he presented the PADD (reply Sekal, Trei any) (posted by Spencer) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Bridge - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 0809) Sekal noted Lieutenant Alyl approach and turned his attention from the ACMO momentarily. "Lieutenant Alyl reporting as ordered, commander." He proferred a PADD. The Vulcan extended his hand and took the device. The PADD would contain the ACSO's orders of which he was intimately familiar along with the officer's bio and history. Again details which the CO was intimately familiar with. Jaton Alyl had been promoted by Sienna Williams-Verin to his current position before she had left that department for command and like Ensign Stennin was in line to take the next step up on Illuminar. "Greetings Lieutenant and welcome aboard the Illuminar. I noted in the duty roster that you had already checked aboard yesterday evening. Have you had an opportunity yet to make an inspection of the labs?" (Reply: Alyl) Sekal nodded. "Ensign Stennin has toured the labs and filed a preliminary report. I expect a report from yourself also when time permits. After the ship is underway I will be making an inspection of all the departments and am compiling a baseline for comparison." (Reply: Alyl) "Do you have any questions at this time?" (Reply: Alyl, Trei, any) (Posted by Charles G.) (USS Illuminar - Security Office - Deck 14 - SO Ensign Tressa Talence - 0813) The last few days for the young Tressa where a whirl wind of adventure. She had just made it to Mars earlier in the day her transport from earth had been delayed do to mechanical issues or so they said. That was how they said was behind her now. She basically threw her gear on her bunk before leaving her quarters to make her way though the lower decks of the Illuminar to report to her senior officer. The security offices were already a bustling hub of activity. Making her way through the controlled madness she found her way to the chiefs office. She pressed the entry chime and waited to be allowed entry. (reply Saarsgard) Once inside she stood before the man that would be her new direct supervisor. "Ensign Talence reporting as ordered, sir." (Reply Saarsgard) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Illuminar – Bridge - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 0814) Sekal was in a small clump of officers who were reporting in when he caught sight of Chief Tamblyn out of the corner of his eye entering the bridge. ACMO Trei had stepped away and Jaton Alyl now dealt with he turned his attention to the new arrival who was weighted down with baggage, still in his civilian clothing and heavily armed. A security officer had noticed this as well and was walking over with a stern look. Sekal caught his gaze and shook his head then indicated the officer should resume his station. The man scowled but complied. The last time Sekal had talked with Chief Tamblyn had been in the Red Sands Tavern the night Sienna had sung. "Chief Tamblyn welcome aboard." “Chief Petty Officer Charles Tamblyn reporting in as ordered, sir.” Sekal took the PADD from his hand and added it to the one from Jaton Alyl as he spoke. "It would appear you have had some issue with your quarters?" “I do apologize for my appearance; I had every intention of changing into uniform when dropped my duffle off in my quarters. Unfortunately, the ship recognizes me enough not to contact security, but not enough to allow me to enter the quarters you assigned to me.” The Vulcan nodded. "The issue is easily rectified." “As I am a Reservist called up to active duty status, I need to resubmit my biometrics and codes and have them confirmed by an officer holding one of the top three command slots on the vessel. Its more of an inconvenience than anything.” "And you are doing so now." Sekal handed the PADD he had received from Jaton Alyl to a yeoman with instructions to hold it while he dealt with issue. He activated the PADD given to him by Chief Tamblyn and linked it to the ship's computer network then tapped in his command code making the device command accessible. He then scrolled through the orders, codes and personal information including biometrics contained therein. The biometric data was in order so he selected it and downloaded the data verification protocol. It was a matter of a few sparse seconds before the biometrics were uploaded, verified and noted as available. That concluded he blanked the PADD and handed it to the Yeoman as well then tapped his combadge. "Luma verify that Chief Tamblyn has access to his quarters please." =^= Luma checks. =^= There was a short pause. =^= Luma has verified for the Sekal. The Tamblyn can use his quarters now.=^= "Thank you Luma." He turned to Tamblyn. "Your quarters are now available. I would suggest taking the rest of the day to familiarize yourself with the ship and it's energy routing protocols. There are a number of differences from the older Intrepid/Bellerophon class due to the inclusion of high energy plasma into the general power grid. If you have any questions Ensign Taya or one of the command crew should be available." (Reply: Tamblyn iyw) (Posted by Charles G.) (USS Illuminar - Chief Science Officer R&D Office - Deck 7 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 0820) Stennin placed down the PADD and took a look at his desk console. He tapped some commands, and then proceeded to log in on the ship systems. With a few taps, he opened the R&D directory. There wasn't much in it for now, but the few files that were, he needed to memorize. He wasn't Assistant R&D Chief for nothing. After a few moments, he took four empty PADDs at hand and stood up. He needed to inspect the facilities. From what he had gathered from the deck layout, there were multiple across the ship. From the replicator he took a small shoulder bag so he could store his PADDs. On his current deck, High Energy Physics and Atmospherics. Below, astrometrics. He needed to inspect them all, but that would be a good opportunity to familiarize himself with the ship. (USS Illuminar - Astrometrics - Deck 8 - 0855) As Stennin entered the astrometrics lab, he noticed two human men inside. Judging by their yellow collar, they were engineers. As he stepped in, they turned their heads toward him and nodded. They appeared to be performing some maintenance. When Stennin stepped closer, he saw that they were booting up the astrometrics programs. "This is next level programming, sir. No ship has even used these subroutines yet. So we gotta make sure they're working." One of them said. Stennin nodded fervently, and took a PADD in hand. He made some notes for the Astrometrics team, and then looked around the room again. With a few more taps, he noted some other details. He turned back, and nodded to the engineers again. After that, he left for the door and let them work in peace. (USS Illuminar - Geology Labs - Deck 2 - 0945) Stennin cleared his throat for a moment as he tapped his last details into the PADD file, and then placed it in his bag. He had been working for an hour now, inspecting more than 15 different labs. He had worked his way up, and was now on the second deck, beneath the bridge. Most of the labs had been empty, aside from the Astrometrics and Biology labs. In the latter, he had seen the two Trill women from the Mars base working on another microbiology project. Apparently, this one had to do with a Bajoran variety. As he had finished his rounds, he returned to the turbolift. He had to examine his notes and send it up to the Science teams immediately. For now, that would be his job for the day. (Reply: None yet) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (USS Illuminar - Chief Science Officer R&D Office - Deck 7 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1000) Stennin logged his final notes into the LCARS system. The science files were slowly filling up as science officers around the ships made additions and further notes. He nodded, and got up. It was time for him to check in with the commanders of the ship. He knew Sekal and Sienna would be capable leaders, and found it agreeable that they had been promoted to lead the Illuminar. For now, he took a PADD in hand where he had compiled his lab rounds and his personnel files. He walked to the turbolift, and it ascended to deck 1. (USS Illuminar - Bridge - Deck 1 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1010) As the turbolift opened, Stennin looked around the bridge. It was a clean and modern bridge, somewhat similar to those of the Intrepid class, but also sporting some new inventions. At some of them, he noticed that the LCARS panels were supported by a holographic display, and the viewscreen also showed several new elements, like a small window at the bottom where he perceived several numbers, most likely coordinates or ship variables. Some officers greeted him, and he stopped at one of the science stations, where a young human woman was working. She smiled to him, and Stennin returned a nod with stoic expression. He looked over at the panel behind her, where an geography program was running. He recognised Mars. The program was most likely a testing routine, as Mars was certainly well catalogued. As the woman looked over to where Stennin was looking, she smiled and nodded slowly. "Just a booting program, to make sure everything works. Not much use in cataloguing Mars now, is there?" She said. Stennin nodded fervently, and left her to her work. As he walked to the Ready Room, he clicked on the panel to sound the chime. He waited until a voice from inside answered. (Reply Sekal, Sienna, Carson) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1015) As Stennin stepped in, he noticed his commanders. It was still strange to see his two former Science COs in Red collars, but he would manage. It would be illogical to trouble himself over the colour of an officer's collar. " Ensign Stennin reporting in, Commander. Lieutenants." (Reply Sekal, Sienna, Carson) " I have just completed my inspection rounds of the ship's labs. The details are in the LCARS system." (Reply Sekal, Sienna, Carson) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1016) "Come." Sekal replied at the chime and looked up from the monitor which he had been using to update himself on the available data from the test flight overseen by his first officer. Support craft had functioned within specifications. Luma'Lenai was expected to enhance computer processing speed as she was integrating herself into the system and he had run some checks on that as well but it was too early upon which to found a forecast. The ships roster was also updating as more officers and crew were arriving. " Ensign Stennin reporting in, Commander. Lieutenants." Sekal nodded. "Welcome aboard Ensign Stennin. Have you acquainted yourself with the facilities?" " I have just completed my inspection rounds of the ship's labs. The details are in the LCARS system." "Very good Ensign. You may take a seat. We have an item to discuss." He deactivated the monitor and it slid into the desktop as the Vulcan seated himself. (Reply:Stennin) Sekal leaned back in the chair with his eyes firmly affixed upon the other Vulcan. "You have been working as assistant chief of scientific R&D since I left the position as Chief of that department with my promotion to command and your work has been exemplary. My father assumed oversight of R&D after the shakeup in the Admirality and is close to naming a new chief." (Reply: Stennin) Sekal nodded. "I have put your name forward as my choice for a successor in that capacity and he is considering it. Once we have completed our shakedown cruise I expect that we will have an answer." (Reply: Stennin) "A full breakdown of your duties will be forthcoming in the event my recommendation is accepted. For the time being you are the only officer in that department represented on the ship. You are free to choose the subject of your experiments with an eye toward later integration into the Fleet and I will expect you to also be available to lend assistance to Lieutenant Alyl. The department will continue to operate as it has been since it was formed." He then picked up the glass of water at his right hand and took a sip before continuing. "Do you have any questions for me?" (Reply: Stennin) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1017) "Very good Ensign. You may take a seat. We have an item to discuss." Sekal said. Stennin nodded and sat down. He looked as Sekal shut down the monitor. "Do you have any assignments at the moment, commander?" Stennin looked as Sekal leaned back. For a moment, it appeared an illogical move for a Vulcan to relax his posture, but Sekal's eyes told the difference. "You have been working as assistant chief of scientific R&D since I left the position as Chief of that department with my promotion to command and your work has been exemplary. My father assumed oversight of R&D after the shakeup in the Admiralty and is close to naming a new chief." Stennin nodded slowly and rose his brows. "Your compliment is appreciated, but highly warranted. It is only logical that i fulfil my duties to the upmost of my abilities." Stennin then leaned forward. "What would this shakeup entail in terms of personnel?" Stennin watched as Sekal nodded slowly. "I have put your name forward as my choice for a successor in that capacity and he is considering it. Once we have completed our shakedown cruise I expect that we will have an answer." Stennin blinked a few times, but then nodded. "Your trust is acknowledged, and I shall uphold it. What would such a office encompass?" "A full breakdown of your duties will be forthcoming in the event my recommendation is accepted. For the time being you are the only officer in that department represented on the ship. You are free to choose the subject of your experiments with an eye toward later integration into the Fleet and I will expect you to also be available to lend assistance to Lieutenant Alyl. The department will continue to operate as it has been since it was formed." Stennin nodded. He had not had the chance to study the crew manifest, but the presence of Doctor Alyl was a welcome one. The Trill had proven to be quite skilled in his field. Stennin refocused as Sekal took up a glass and sipped at it. "Do you have any questions for me?" Stennin shook his head slowly as he thought. "At the moment, none, commander. I trust the mission briefing will be sufficient information for me." (Reply Sekal) "That is Agreeable." Stennin answered, as he nodded. He slowly rose up from his seat. He raised his hand in the Vulcan greeting, and greeted Sekal. "Dif-tor heh smusma." (Live Long and Prosper) (Reply Sekal) Stennin slowly nodded and turned to the door. As was evident, he had work to do. If the timetable was any help, the ship was bound to launch in two days. (Reply Sekal) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal - 1018) The shaking of Stennin's head and pause gave note of his consideration "At the moment, none, commander. I trust the mission briefing will be sufficient information for me." Sekal leaned forward in the chair with his elbows on the desk. "Indeed. The briefing will take place at 1400 tomorrow after we are on our way. Launch will take place at 0800 at the beginning of alpha shift." "That is Agreeable." Stennin answered, as he nodded. "Dif-tor heh smusma." (Live Long and Prosper) Sekal returned the salute. "Dif,-tor heh smusma Ensign Stennin. You are dismissed." After the Ensign had left the ready room Sekal brought the monitor back online to check the ACSRD's report on the labs. He would be making his own round of inspections during the transit to their destination but the compiled reports of the department chiefs would give an effective baseline of comparison. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 -CMO -- Lt.J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1023) Quinna spent some time thinking as she was walking to the Captain’s ready room She knew all the crew would be boarding soon. She wanted to meet each one individually and plan a breakfast meeting for the team. Quinna reached to ring the chime. She wanted to check in and and be ready for departure. (Reply Sekal) “Commander Sekel,” Quinna stood in front of the Lt. Commander. “Checking in” (Reply Sekal) “I also have a supply report.” Quinna handed Sekal the PADD. “Everything has been visually accounted for.” (Reply Sekal) (Played by Kris) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 -CO -- Lieutenant Commander Sekal-- 1024) The administration of running a starship was formidable, especially in the stage before the initial launch and Sekal was once again poring over reports when the ready room buzzer sounded. "Come." He spoke then looked up as the door opened and Illuminar's CMO entered. “Commander Sekal,” She said as she stopped before his desk. “Checking in” "Welcome aboard the Illuminar Lieutenant." He said simply. “I also have a supply report.” He extended his hand and took the PADD she held out.. “Everything has been visually accounted for.” "Excellent." He pointed toward one of the chairs as he set the PADD on the desktop. "Please take a seat." (Reply: Quinna) He regarded her as she sat down. "I have followed your work closely since being notified I would be commanding this vessel and asked that you be assigned as my chief medical officer. I anticipate that your skillset on the administrative side as well as your medical expertise will fit the needs of this ship exactly." (Reply: Quinna) He.nodded. "Your oversight will extend to counseling as well of course. Counselor Trei has been training to extend into the medical side also and has taken the role of assistant chief medical officer. I requested this due to the limited number of officers and crew on the ship and the smaller medical staff." (Reply: Quinna) He indicated the monitor. "I have the list of medical personnel coming aboard of course and will require a report from you on what further training they may require to meet your expectations. That need not be done immediately but can wait until we are under way and you are settled on the ship. Now. Are there any questions that you have for me?" (Reply: Quinna) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar - Ready Room - Deck 1 -CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1025) "Excellent." He pointed toward one of the chairs as he set the PADD on the desktop. "Please take a seat." Quinna nodded and seated but still remained on the edge of her seat. She was not sure how comfortable she was allowed to be yet. "I have followed your work closely since being notified I would be commanding this vessel and asked that you be assigned as my chief medical officer. I anticipate that your skillset on the administrative side as well as your medical expertise will fit the needs of this ship exactly." “I appreciate that, Sir.” He nodded. "Your oversight will extend to counseling as well of course. Counselor Trei has been training to extend into the medical side also and has taken the role of assistant chief medical officer. I requested this due to the limited number of officers and crew on the ship and the smaller medical staff." “Sounds great, and expanding ones skillset. A welcomed help.” He indicated the monitor. "I have the list of medical personnel coming aboard of course and will require a report from you on what further training they may require to meet your expectations. That need not be done immediately but can wait until we are under way and you are settled on the ship. Now. Are there any questions that you have for me?" “Can you give me a heads up about where we are going?” Quinna wondered. (Reply Sekal) “If that is all, I want to get to know the staff.” (Reply Sekel) (Played by Kris) (USS Illuminar - Stennin's Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1100) Stennin watched around as he walked down the corridor of deck 2. An engineer stood outside the door to his quarters, apparently. As he approached, the woman looked at him. She was repairing the panel next to his door. "Just making sure that we trip no intruder alerts, sir." She said, smiling. Stennin rose a brow. Such an event would be highly unlikely, as well as high illogical. "That is agreeable, crewman. Are my quarters accessible?" Stennin inquired. The woman nodded, and tapped the console. The door slowly opened. Stennin nodded and stepped in. The room was quite large, especially considering his quarters at the Mars base. The colour scheme had a reminiscence from both the Galaxy- and Deviant-class ships. Most of the room was empty, and the lights were dimmed. He looked to the windows, which were at the bow side of the ship, and looked out to mostly empty space. It had been some time since he had done this. He took of his backpack, which he had carried from his office. He tapped his commbadge. =/\= Stennin to Transporter Room 2. Has my personal inventory been delivered yet? =/\= The transporter chief replied. =/\= Confirmed, sir. We have three boxes at the ready. Oh, and a special package. There is a message attached. I think you'll like it. =/\= Stennin rose a brow. He did not know what this mystery box implied, or who it came from. He shook his head, and answered. =/\= I need it all delivered to Room 15 on Deck 2, my personal quarters. =/\= The other end of the call confirmed and the call link chimed as it was ended. A few seconds later, the white hue of the transporter appeared as the boxes materialized. Stennin recognised the first three, but the fourth was a smaller wooden box. Stennin rose a brow, and approached it once the hue had dissipated. He saw a small note attached to the Box. It had a all too familiar messenger. 'Hello my Vulcan friend, In this box I put some of your favourite spices and vegetables for you too enjoy. All home-made and carefully assembled for your delicate taste. But I have some exiting news: I am coming aboard the Illuminar! Yes, that's right, Vulcan friend, they need a chef and they asked me! I look forward to meeting you again and exchanging recipes of your excellent Vulcan kitchen. Hopefully our voyages will give me new opportunities to try some new recipes and ingredients. I am very excited. Your chef, Edwin Glasmaker' Stennin rose his brows in surprise. Edwin was a very old friend, and one of his few human friends. He opened the box slowly, and saw many small jars and and pots filled with many things. He saw powders with different colours. He opened a few, and took in the strong smells. One particular pot interested him most. As he opened it, he rose his brows and turned his head slightly sideways. (Reply: none) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (USS Illuminar - Stennin's Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - ACSRD Ensign Stennin - 1110) "Vulcan blue potatoes." Stennin muttered. He took one out of the pot and looked at it closer. "That must have been a difficult job, Glasmaker." He put the pots down again and closed the box. He took it up, and carefully placed it in the cool space. Then, he returned to the other boxes. He opened one of them, and took out some items. His personal idol of Surak, his IDIC banner, and his meditation rugs. He carefully placed them all, so that the energy of his room was logical. After he emptied the bag with all his Vulcan items, he opened the other. In this one, he had kept all his personal trophies and pictures. He took out two books with Vulcan writing on them: 'On Surak' and 'Dojyr's Miracle Papers, Condensed version'. He looked at them closer, and an observant viewer might have noticed the many creases on the sides of vivid reading and re-reading. He slowly emptied the bag, which also held several pictures of his parents, his VSA colleagues, and several papers in frames. Stennin stopped as he grabbed his personal drum sticks. He held the two wooden sticks in his hands for a moment, before placing them carefully on the top of one of his shelves. He made a mental note that he needed to practice his skills in the holodeck as soon as it was open. After a short while, he emptied the second bag. He opened the third one, where he kept his clothes in. He all hung them in the designated clothing cabinet. He had put his meditation robe at the very bottom, and held it in his hands for a moment. He walked over to the LCARS console in the wall, and looked when his next shift was starting. He had two hours left. With that, he put on his robe, and carefully adjusted the rug. He took the meditation lamp from the shelf, and placed it before him. He knelt down, and closed his eyes. (Reply: none) (Written Yoerik van Heugten) (USS Illuminar - CMO Office -- CMO -- Lt.J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1232) The Beef broth steamed on the desk, Quinna pulled the computer to take a look at the medical team. Quinna was pleased to see her staff. She was going to miss the others that were on Mars but a smaller ship meant a smaller staff. Quinna composed messages for each person to make time and meet. She wanted to know how each member was doing. “Computer, Record Message,” Quinna said, setting up for her first message. “Ensign Trei, Ariel, I am pleased you are here, I would like us to get together before we meet with the rest of the Med team. Let me know what is best for you. Quinna.” After recording the message, Quinna said. “Computer, Send Message.” (Reply Trei) Quinna then turned to send one more message. Their message went to the whole team. “Hello all. I know everyone needs time to settle into their quarters. I would like to A. Know when you are onboard, to please send me a small message that you are here and B. I would like everyone to meet this evening at 2000 hrs for a get together. Dessert will be provided. We will meet in holodeck 2. Dress is casual.” Quinna ended the message. “Computer send messages to Ensign Trei, Ensign Ravenstone, Ensign Dalton, and CPO Miller) (Replies Trei, Ravenstone, Dalton, Miller) Quinna sat back and too ahold of her broth and took a sim. She hoped she was starting things off the right way. Quinna had the door for sickbay open allowing anyone stilling on for whatever she could do to help. (Replies anyone wanting to stop by.) (Played by Kris) (USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1245) Quinna was set to leave when an unexpected visitor arrived. Quinna recognized the patient. I was her former roommate when she first arrived to Mars. Apparently she had cut open her hand. As Quinna healed the wound, The two caught up. There was not much to talk about. She was apparently dating some petty officer in engineering. She herself was the housekeeper for the officer mess. Fifteen minutes later, Quinna finally left to meet with Trei (USS Illuminar -- Lounge Deck 11 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1307) Quinna entered the lounge. She saw Trei but she only saw the back ends of who was with her. She approached the table. “I am so sorry I am late. As I was walking out, Sickbay saw it’s first patient.” “I am so glad you are onboard with me.” Quinna commented (Reply Trei) “I wanted us to get together first. See how you were doing and your thoughts and ideas.” Quinna said. The meeting idea sounded better in her head, Now Quinna is stumbling on her thoughts. (Reply Trei) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 13.00) She walked into the small lounge and sat at a table looking out into space. The view was beautiful. She may come here more often. She ordered an Iced tea and tapped her COMM. "Trei to Solice. You requested to meet me. I am in the Deck 11 Aft Lounge. See you there Trei Out." (Reply Quinna) (Posted by Edward) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge - 2O, Lt(sg) Carson Peters - 13.02) It had been a busy old morning, he'd been up and across the ship multiple times checking in on departments and technology. The ship was thriving and everyone seemed extraordinarily excited to get this new adventure underway. He had organised to meet with Vex'ahlia for a post of lunch in the Aft Lounge and had just made it through the doors when he spotted one of the Illuminars senior officers and someone he actually needed to speak with. Noticing she was on a call, he waited politely for it to finish and then popped over. "Ensign Trei, lovely to see you here. Are you all settled in?" (Reply Ariel Trei) Carson nodded, "It's a busy ship for sure, I'm looking forward to setting away. Unusually I didn't join Starfleet for the travel, but I now can't wait." (Reply Ariel Trei) "Whilst I have you... should I be seeing yourself or Counselor Ravenstone about appointments? I will need to transfer my bi-weekly session to one of you on the ship." Carson lowered his voice and moved closer as he said this. (Reply Trei, Solice if you're waiting) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge- ACOUS ACMO Ariel Trei - 13.05) 2O Carson Peters approached her and asked her if she was settled in. She wasn't really settled in at the moment and expressed that much. She was asked about counseling appointments that he had twice a week. She was happy to talk with him until Quinna showed up. "I am happy to talk with you until Quinna shows up." (Reply Peters) (Posted by Edward) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge - 2O, Lt(sg) Carson Peters - 13.07) "I am happy to talk with you until Quinna shows up." the Counsellor said somewhat flatly. ~I hope I haven't offended~ Carson thought to himself before responding, "Well... thanks. So would it be yourself or Counsellor Ravenstone I'm best speaking with about appointments? Oh I'm sorry, I shouldn't be interuppting your 'off-work' time," (Reply Trei iyw) At that moment a hand appeared on his shoulder, "and what are you two talking about? Hey Ariel." Vex moved herself around her date and nodded to the Counsellor. (Reply Trei) "Meeting Quinna? Well feel free to come say hello, we'll be sat over there!" and she span and pointed to a table by the window. Carson smiled, "Nice chatting with you, Ensign." and moved off with his arm linked with Vex. "Good day so far?" she asked as they reached the table. "It just got better." he smiled and sat down. (Reply Trei, any present) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 Aft Lounge - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 13.10) She sipped her Iced tea and pointed to a chair for Quinna to sit down, She felt her nervousness and tried to calm that. "Please sit down. What do you want to know about me?" (Reply Quinna iyw) (Posted by Edward) (USS Illuminar -- Holodeck 2 -- Deck 5 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1945) Quinna entered Holodeck two. She brought along a cart of desserts. If she was going to meet with everyone, it was not going to be with holodeck deserts. “Computer, Quinna 1 please.” Quinna was pleased that she was able to create a basic holographic program. The environment transformed to the ruins of Asclepeius. She felt it was the most fitting place as it was the Greek Temple of Healing. A small area was set up with a round table and a pergola to twinkle lights. On a Buffet type table, Quinna laid out assorted Fruit, Cheeses, Pies and Cakes. She was not sure what everyone likes. The door opened to the holodeck. Quinna turned and smiled, “Welcome.” (Replies All Medical Staff.) (played by Kris) (USS Illuminar - Holodeck 2 - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 19.50) She walked into the holodeck to see a Greek temple scene. She never visited Greece before so this was nice to see. She saw a table with various deserts displayed . She took a seat and sampled a mini pie that looked like a strawberry tart. It was delicious. She loved strawberry tarts. She waited for the others to arrive. (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) (USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - FO- Lieutenant Sienna Williams-Verin & SPC Entity Luma'lenai - 2340) Walking into the Illuminar's primary holodeck, standing on the black with white lines grid, she thought a moment, "Computer, load a generic tavern, circa 2015 Earth. Add background band. " Sienna nodded as she appeared on the stage, "Add microphone." Sienna nodded, "And add stool." She clapped her hands, "Yes!" She sat down on the stool. ::Luma, do you want to jam with me?:: Sienna asked softly. ::Holodeck 1.:: Luma's beautifully crystalline form appeared as the entity twirled around. Luma preferred to speak telepathically if she could in these situations. ::Why are we here and why are you not in your rest period? To command the small ones, you must make much of the restings. If you do not rest, the blood disorder will flare and the Sol's Ice will be forced to take the Commands away from you as per her duties. Luma has extensively studied the Starfleet regulations and Luma knows that coffee is not an acceptable substitute for sleep in a Betazoid/Human. Even if you are a mostly Betazoid version. Is it because you are missing your Eimsanna?:: Luma's version of what that word had originally meant made Sy's heart hurt terribly. "I do miss her, yes. She's on my brother's ship, the Exeter. She's very close, but very far away." Sienna tried to block the pain that the jagged shards of her Imzadi bond with Lynn was causing. She breathed through the pain. It was so hard for her. It would be so very much better when ::The shell Mystique is between us. We could...:: Sienna could see where this idea was headed. "No, Luma, thank you, but Starfleet has very strict orders about what is acceptable and boarding another Starfleet ship without acceptable authorization is a court martial-able offense, even when it is your twin's ship." Sy was very kind but also very firm. That had been the tone that worked best with her on Mars. "Luma are Vex and Carson happy?" Sy asked curiously. ::My Vex and Our Carson are very happy together, our Sienna.:: Luma twirled, beautiful bursts of lights coming off her. Sy nodded again. It was good that they were. Sy turned back towards the stage, frowning, "Computer, add acoustic guitar and set up please." She hopped onto the stage and picked up the guitar, closing her eyes. She began to strum, humming along with it as she "tested" the main holodeck. She tuned the strings, adjusted the microphone and closed her eyes. "Made a wrong turn, once or twice Dug my way out, blood and fire Bad decisions, that's alright Welcome to my silly life" Luma stilled in her twirling dances and watched Sienna sing, the pain behind the words almost visible to the Entity. Sienna sang for close to twenty minutes before yawning interrupted the words of her song. Sy hopped down, and touched one of the fragile seeming 'limbs' of Luma's structure. "Thank you for listening Luma." Sy spoke with a soft smile. "I will be going to bed like you ..." (First Officer's Quarters, next day, 0214) "Suggested." Sy finished speaking after the site to site transport instituted by Luma, "Also.." She yawned. "End the program too would you?" Sy sprawled across her bed, face first, too numbed by exhaustion to think, only dream a dark, dreamless sleep. (reply none) (posted by Mel) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: 1 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Illuminar - Main Bridge - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal - 0755) Sekal was standing before the command seats as the hour approached, face unmoved and manner relaxed. The countdown had begun. The main viewscreen had been activated and showed Utopia Planitia being framed by the red planet in the background. Lieutenant (jg) Tempest Grey Wolf was manning the helm left and forward, CPO Charles Tamblyn was to her right and ready to begin routing power once the Illuminar came to life. (Reply: Tamblyn) Being currently at space dock she was running on dock power alone but that would be rectified shortly. Seated at the consoles to his left was Ensign Saarsgard manning the tactical and security station and verifying that the ship was locked down prior to departure. (Reply: Saarsgard) To his right Lieutenant Alyl was manning science and Ensign Taya Engineering. (Reply: Alyl, Taya) The Vulcan was aware that other officers stood behind the command chairs whose presence was not needed for other duties. The inaugural departure of a ship was an event of which even he was aware, even more so when she was the first of her class. And Illuminar had that distinction. There was the clearing of throats from nervous spectators and more than one bridge officer shifted uneasily. (Reply: Any) =^= Illuminar this is Utopia Planitia control. Prepare to disembark. =^= He spoke. "Utopia Planitia control this is Illuminar, preparing to disembark.." "Ensign Taya bring auxiliary power and impulse reactors online. Maintain status at standby." While Taya was firing up the reactors Chief Tamblyn would be routing the power to all ships systems until his board read green showing sufficient available power. "Notify when ready." (Reply: Taya, Tamblyn) Sekal turned and moved to the command chair then seated himself between his first officer and counselor. His second officer stood beside First officer Verin. (Reply: Taya, Trei, Verin, Peters) The ready lamp turned green. With the reactors online and power available it was time to set the departure in motion. "Chief Tamblyn retract power couplings from Utopia Planitia. Ensign Taya bring reactors to full power." (Reply: Tamblyn, Taya) With the ship now under her own power he spoke again. "Utopia Planitia control Illuminar is operating under her own power. Requesting clearance to depart." =^= This is Utopia Planitia control. Clearance granted Illuminar. God speed. =^= "Lieutenant Grey Wolf thrusters at one quarter, back us out slowly." Tempest Grey Wolf felt as though her fingers were wooden sticks as she began inputting the correct thruster velocity. It took only a heartbeat but seemed to last an eternity. "Thrusters at one quarter, backing away from Utopia Planitia." She fired the forward thrusters in short bursts to minimize inertia resulting in a smooth and even departure from dock until they were clear. "Position five hundred meters from dock." "Turn us about 118° Mark 2." The Vulcan's voice was calm and unhurried as though at a walk in the park. "Turning us about. 118° Mark 2." She disabled the forward thrusters and fired port forward causing Illuminar to pirouette gracefully to starboard until she had found her new course. Tempest followed the readout carefully as the ship's command gain in respect to galactic center cycled around to the appropriate heading. She stopped the thrusters short allowing the ship to continue to turn by inertia then fired the starboard forward to counter that spin and stopped it dead on the new heading. "On course. Locking it in." "Bring Navigational Deflectors online Mr. Tamblyn. Ahead one quarter impulse." (Reply:Tamblyn) "One quarter impulse." Tempest replied crisply as she initiated thrust through the impulse exhaust vents. The ship began to build up speed as it left Mars orbit, responding effortlessly to her every command. "Increase speed to full impulse." "Increasing to full impulse." There was a muted hum as the impulse fusion reactors increased their output. Within moments they were running only slightly less than one quarter light speed. Sekal didn't turn his head. "Ensign Taya bring the warp reactor online. Notify when ready." (Reply: Taya) Sekal waited patiently. It would take the warp engine one half hour to warm up to operational status and two hours for them to clear the gravitational influence of Jupiter. Once in the outer solar system they could enter warp. "Lieutenant Alyl maintain scans." (Reply: Jaton, all mentioned, any in attendance) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar - Main Bridge - Ops- CPO Charles Tamblyn - 0757) The countdown had begun. The main viewscreen had been activated and showed Utopia Planitia being framed by the red planet in the background. Being currently at space dock the Illuminar was running on dock power alone but that would be rectified shortly. A few short minutes later, the power transfer had been completed. “Powering up all ship’s systems, sir.” The Operations NCOIC reported. =^= Illuminar this is Utopia Planitia control. Prepare to disembark. =^= Sekal spoke. "Utopia Planitia control this is Illuminar, preparing to disembark." "Ensign Taya bring auxiliary power and impulse reactors online. Maintain status at standby." While Taya was firing up the reactors, Chief Tamblyn would be routing the power to all ships systems until his board read green showing sufficient available power. "Notify when ready." Charles watched his board carefully as he began transferring to the Illuminar’s systems. Charles was not familiar with ships this up to date; the reserves usually get 20-year old Miranda, Excelsior, and Runabout derivatives, if they were lucky. His board started showing warning lights about how some systems were drawing too much power to fast while other systems were not pulling it fast enough, so some just simply were not getting enough power at all. “Power is not flowing at the same constant to all systems simultaneously. Adjusting and regulating power as needed.” Tamblyn reported as he worked. After a brief minute or two, Tamblyn reported, “My board is green, captain.” Sekal turned and moved to the command chair then seated himself between his first officer and counselor. His second officer stood beside First officer Verin. The ready lamp turned green. With the reactors online and power available it was time to set the departure in motion. "Chief Tamblyn retract power couplings from Utopia Planitia. Ensign Taya bring reactors to full power." “Aye, Sir” was all Charles said as he started punching in the commands on his board. =^= This is Utopia Planitia control. Clearance granted Illuminar. God speed. =^= Tamblyn was focusing on his duties when he heard "Bring Navigational Deflectors online Mr. Tamblyn." “Roger, Nav-Deflectors online.” He responded as he carried out the order. (Reply None) (Posted by Charlie) (Illuminar, Bridge, Acting CEO Ensign sg Taya, 0801) Taya was seated at the bridge engineering station, her heart pounding with excitement, her antennae moving in rapid circles. The Illuminar was leaving space dock and the next adventure of her life was beginning. Adding to the joy of the moment, she learned the Kumari had come to send them off, so she was able to see Tesha again. Life was good! When Taya first arrived on the bridge, she instinctively moved towards the tactical station. When she realized what she was doing, she made a deft change in direction, hoping that no one noticed. When she was where she was supposed to be, she began communicating with Vex, who was in charge in the engine room. "Ensign Taya, bring auxiliary power and impulse reactors online. Maintain status at standby," said Sekal. "Aye, Captain," said Taya. She entered the commands. "Auxiliary power and impulse reactors are online. Status on standby." "Power is not flowing at the same constant to all systems simultaneously," said Tamblyn at ops. "Adjusting and regulating power as needed." A minute passed. "My board is green, Captain." "Confirmed, sir," said Taya. "We're at green." With everything that was happening, time on the bridge seemed to fly. "Chief Tamblyn, retract power couplings from Utopia Planitia. Ensign Taya, bring reactors to full power." Taya tapped her console. "Reactors at full power." She was having fun. When they had received clearance to leave, Taya kept one eye on her console, but she also watched as the Illuminar moved out into space. The feeling inside her was indescribable. "Ensign Taya, bring the warp reactor online. Notify when ready." "Yes, sir," said Taya. She knew it would take the warp engines about thirty minutes to be at operational status, so it was odd to her that Sekal waited until now to order them to be brought online. Shrugging inwardly, she put that thought aside. They were going into space now, and that's really all that mattered. (reply any) (posted by Rob) (USS Illuminar - Bridge - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 08.02) As the go for launch was given, She sat to the left of LT CDR Sekal watching to scene unfold on the screen. Leaving space dock the scene never gets old. She felt some apprehension for the unknown but that was trumped by great anticipation for the adventures to come. She was ready to consult Sekal in any way she can. (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) (USS Illuminar - Main Bridge - FO- Lieutenant Sienna Williams-Verin - 0807) Sienna was impeccable in her dress and hygiene today. No dirt on her face, or encrusted under her nails. No burn stains on her uniform or other blemishments like she often had during the trials. Every hair twisted into place in a regulation hair style. She looked like an ornamental piece sitting in the seat by Sekal, her face a mask. She wanted all the pomp and circumstance to be over, she wanted to be on the way and not on show right this moment. She had her retractable screen set to view another angle, the Exeter's departure at the same time as theirs. It made sense, if one of the ships fell flat, the other was showy enough to distract the badly needed good press. The tugs were ready in case something catastrophic occurred. But nothing would. Sekal was in excellent command as he directed the show on his bridge. He was not at all flamboyant as befit a vulcan, but he was skilled at it. She had never seen her parents when they had been in command positions aboard starships. She had never been outside the sol system before the trill mission, ever. And now she had her dream, at least part of it. She was going to be part of the leading team on a federation starship. One of the bright new generation. But one without her twin and her Imzadi. Both were aboard the other ship, going who knows where. Someone had said Bajor, which she thought was where they were going too. This mission was being played close to the chest so it might have diplomatic consequences. They would know more when they were on their way. Sometimes being at dock really sucked. Oh there were excellent side benefits like real food at times, and things to buy, but the level of gossip was so high it basically held the walls up, some people would claim. Sekal came back to sit next to her and Peters while Sienna listened both with her mind to Luma and Vex, but to everything that was happening around them. What had started out an ordeal began to change perception for the young telepath. This was magical, this was amazing, this was her life now. This was no less amazing as the first time she had done this on the Mystique headed to Trill. A glance towards Trei as she was an empath and would likely catch the elation in the change of Sienna's mood. It would be ok. She would be ok. She looked down at her secondary view screen of the Exeter and splayed her fingers across it, almost as if she could touch the few precious people she had aboard that ship. Sienna may be quiet while the ship was launching, but she was hyper-aware of everything. ::I love you, Trip, Lynnie, Rissa... Godspeed and good luck, my family.:: Whether or not they head was not the point. It settled something in her. . (reply any iyw) (posted by Mel) (USS Illuminar - Main Bridge - 2O - Lieutenant Carson Peters - 0809) The ship had been prepared to launch for the better part of an hour, everyone on board, Engineering and Operations had reported all systems across the board green. Security and Tactical were happy with the weapons and personnel complement and the ship had an electric current jumping from crew member to crew member. The excitement was palpable. Standing to the right of Sienna as she sat in the First Officer’s chair, Carson had spent the last few moments quieting down the complement of unnecessary observers which had made it onto the Bridge to be a part of the launch. Considering he himself was probably considered an unnecessary observer, with no official position on the Bridge whilst the ships counsellor sat in the third command seat he felt it was the least he could do. He watched and listened carefully as the Commander went through the pre-flight checks with Tamblyn & Taya and Carson eyed the Chief Engineer with interest, watching to see her in a different environment to the one he had grown accustomed to. =^=Illuminar this is Utopia Planitia control. Prepare to disembark.=^= Came the call from the base. He noticed a change in Sekals posture as he mentally prepared himself to Command a vessel in space, sat down in his chair and asked the Flight Officer to begin maneuvering the ship out of drydock. He continued to watch the viewscreen as the ship began moving, first slowly and then quicker as the Commander ordered extra power from Engineering. Further and further away from Mars and out into the solar system itself. Carson couldn’t help but smile. Looking around the Bridge at the spectators and the officers with active roles it seemed everyone was just as transfixed. "Lieutenant Alyl maintain scans." Sekal said as the ship began slipping out towards the rest of the Universe. Another smile crept over his face, but this time it was a sarcastic one. It always amused him when Commanding Officers gave out redundant orders. As someone in Command he understood why Sekal had said it, but he also assumed that the Lieutenant had been maintaining scanning everything for the last hour- the man was unlikely to stop now. (Reply Alyl, everyone on the Bridge) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (USS Illuminar - Bridge - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 08.11) She could feel the change in mood from Sienna. It was a sense of saying goodbye wishing well to family and friends. She suspected Sienna was thinking of Trip as the Exeter went their separate way. She was not a strong telepath so she could not know for sure. A strange feeling came over her at the moment. It was like her Father was trying to send soothing thoughts to her on her adventure and departure from space dock. She will explore this feeling later in her quarters. She opened herself to the feeling of the crew as they left space dock. Mostly she felt immense pride and excitement on the inaugural voyage of the Illuminar. She felt some fear of the unknown which she understood. She felt some of that herself. Anxiety and nauseousness rounded out the emotions felt. She tried to send out happy calm thoughts to the crew as they left space dock. She hoped that will help them. If not, she will help them when they reached warp. (Reply Sienna, Any) (Posted by Edward) (Bajor -- Ashala – Temple Rectory- Kai Hetel Krevi – 1030) Kai Hetel Krevi entered the chamber with a heavy step. Around the verge of the circular refectory the walkway was raised above the central floor and was covered by a gold and burgundy fabric that was less carpet and more of a heavy drape though firmly affixed to the platform. Before her were three steps down to the sunken level. Central to it was a heavy table which was circular and at nine points around its circumference were sturdy frameworks of the same richly lacquered material. In each of these reposed the squat metal containers that bore the true treasures of her people. Her steps took her around the one set directly before the door she had entered as she passed it in a clockwise direction. She stopped before the first and after lifting her hands intoned. "The Prophets show us our destiny through the visions they bestow upon us. Through them we are warned or comforted." Before this one she had stood sixty three days ago and received the first warning of ill to come and every seven days afterward she had moved to the next in the circle. At each one the danger grew more pronounced though the meaning was still hidden from her. She lowered her hands and moved to the next repeating the gesture. "Through the Prophets our pagh are protected and strengthened." She then moved to the next. "The Prophets show us the truth of our way, lighting our path." The fourth was now before her. "Before the Prophets we stand in unity, strengthened by our faith." Those bestowed upon the Bajoran people by the Oralian Way and Vedek Yevir had now been recognized, she continued her circuit. "Through the visions come wisdom and instruction to guide the people." Four remained. "The wisdom of the Prophets are in prophesies that are revealed in their time." Three were left. "Though the material world changes the Prophets remain the same." Two. "The Prophets are timeless, existing beyond our understanding." She now stood before the receptacle of the ninth orb, together known as the Tears of the Prophets they were the link between her people and those they worshipped who abode in the Celestial Temple. She raised her hands again. "The Prophets sent the Emissary to deliver us from servitude and guide us to freedom." The orb recognized she lowered her hands to either side at the lower edge then raised them. The shutter before her lifting to reveal the glowing orb of mystery and wonder. The light filled her vision and her heartbeat rang in her ears. She stood in a meadow with an unmerciful sun bearing down upon her and draining her strength. A broad tree stood tall before her, its branches low and heavy with leaves. Beneath them cool shade beckoned. She walked forward to shelter under its branches as her strength waned. As she approached the dark recesses the leaves turned brown and fell to the ground then the tree itself once so welcoming now shriveled before her eyes until it was no more than a dead, dry skeleton. The vision blurred and her heart once more beat loud. She saw at last a mahogany skinned man walking toward her, a smile brightening his face. His steps were measured and effortless. The Emissary Sisko stopped only a few paces away. The welcoming smile did not leave his face. "The leaves of a tree are fed from its roots and as they decay the tree itself dies." She shook her head in confusion. "Emissary I do not understand these warnings. He shook his head, the smile upon his face diminished. "The roots must be fed and healthy or the leaves die. This is the way of all life." The vision clouded as she reached out her hands to grasp the uniform he wore which was the same as she had seen in the holopics. "I do not understand." As the light receded she blinked her eyes then lowered the shutter once more. Nine weeks she had come for wisdom, every seven days she had searched for it in the next tear. She was no more understanding of the message now than when she had begun. Darkness clouded her vision as she collapsed to the floor. (Bajor -- Ashala – Temple Quarters- Kai Hetel Krevi – 1850) The darkness was soon interrupted by voices heard dimly and as they rose in strength she began to make out individual words followed by snatches of phrases. "... found this way on the floor of the rectory.... not long I think..... she's drifting in and out.... shouldn't be long...." Soon they faded. Before her eyes opened she felt the softness of the surface beneath her and the gentle caress of blankets that seemed like clouds. She turned over to her right side snuggling the plush pillow against the side of her cheek and brow and heard a movement nearby. "She's waking up." The memory of the snatch of voices she had heard earlier returned and she opened her eyes to see one of the physicians who was quartered in the temple grounds standing over her. He knelt down next to the bed, the d'ja pagh he wore sparkled in the soft light coming from a window in which the curtains had been opened. "Kai it is good to see you awake." He picked up a medical sensor from the small table beside the bed and held it over her head. The device made a soft humming sound as he did so. "I feel so comfortable and relaxed...' she yawned '... how long have I been here?" "Nearly seven hours...' a voice spoke up from the foot of the bed and she turned her head on the pillow to see Jisel standing there. "You were found in the rectory before the Orb of the Emissary unconcious." His words brought the memory of the vision flooding back and she brushed aside the physicians hand as she sat up, her torpor forgotten. "Vedek Gele why wasn't I awakened immediately?" He bowed at the waist before answering. "Kai Hetel they attempted to wake you but were unsuccessful so you were moved here." "I...remember... voices" Her words slowly drawn out as she searched her clouded memory. "Yes." The physician attempted to push her gently back to a reclining position but she resisted and he withdrew his hand immediately. "You were very weak so we gave you a sedative to help you sleep. How do you feel now?" She used her hands to push herself back into the pillow and against the headboard. She was dressed in a gown that was soft against her skin but of a substantial material which was ocher in color. Her medium length brown hair brushed against the back of her neck and wafted over her cheeks. "Well I am feeling stronger now." Her voice was firm as she grasped the soft blanket and drew it up to her waist. "What happened Kai..." the Vedek began but the physician broke into his question. "Kai Hetel should be resting not answering questions." She turned her head and waved him to silence. The look on her face was sufficient and he stepped back and bowed solemnly. She turned her attention back to Jisel. "I had a vision from the orb and afterward the Emissary..." "The Emissary appeared to you?" The Vedek asked breathlessly. "Yes. He spoke to me. It was about the vision." The Vedek's look was reverent as he got to his knees and closed his eyes in contemplation. "It was about the tree." His eyes snapped open. "What tree?" "The tree in the vision. I sought shelter under it from the sun but it withered away before my eyes." He frowned. "That is troubling. What did the Emissary say?" She fought to remember his exact words because content as well as context were vitally important to interpreting a vision. "He said if the roots of the tree are not fed and healthy then the leaves die." There was something else, what was it. "That is the way of all life." Vedek Gele pushed himself to his feet. "The leaves?" "Yes." Her voice had gotten stronger as she was speaking. "Before the tree withered all of its leaves became dry and fell to the ground." She said nothing to him yet about the visions she had received from the other orbs. She needed time to weigh them against this new warning. Perhaps they were all meant to be interpreted together rather than seperately with that from the Emissary providing the clue to unravel their meaning. She would think on this. Jisel nodded. "I am sure this has given you much food for thought. Now that you have come to I will let the others know that you are awake. The day is nearly spent, would you like to have your dinner sent here?" "No I..." "Yes." The look on the physicians face as she rounded on him brooked no argument. "Yes she will." She frowned and found a more comfortable sitting position. "Fine. I will take my dinner here then and since I'm being treated like an infant I'd like a jumja stick with my hasperat." The Vedek laughed as the physician smiled and nodded his head. "She can have a little spring wine if she wishes as well. I think she will sleep very well tonight." She didn't argue, while she wasn't really sleepy she did feel tired. She sighed. "I have been pushing myself rather hard of late. Perhaps staying in is not such a bad idea." Vedek Gele took his leave and the physician as well after telling her he would return in an hour. Her strength was returning and sitting up in bed was uncomfortable so she slid her feet into a pair of slippers and moved to the chair beside the window the physician had been sitting in. Her legs were weak at first but firmed up quickly beneath her. She turned the overstuffed chair so that she could look out over the temple grounds and eased herself into it with a sigh. The sun was lowering in the sky and casting long shadows over the courtyard and while she couldn't see it directly she knew that Jisel had spoken accurately, sunset was less than an hour away. She was still pretty at her forty eight years and somewhat slender. She had never married despite having had a number of suitors at various times in the past. There was no edict against marriage in the Way of the Prophets but her dedication to her faith had consumed her life to the point that such things as having a home and raising a family had not appealed to her. Appointment to the office of Kai had always been viewed as a political rather than religious exercise which made her own election confusing to many. There were those who had argued that having never raised children how could she understand to guide those who were new to the faith? Some had called her too young and untrained. The whispers against her ascension had been many and varied but in the end she had taken the office. Why? She was not sure of that herself though she had sometimes pondered the question. Having exhausted all angles she had decided that perhaps she had been put forward because the Vedek Assembly had been too divided over other candidates touted by various factions within it to reach a quorum and her name had come up as a compromise. The reason however did not matter as she had shunned political alliances and immersed herself in being a leader of the people and the voice to guide them unerringly down the path of the Prophets. It was this determination that had caused her to return to the tears every seven days after viewing the vision from the orb of destiny in an attempt to unravel the mystery she had been shown. She yawned as she sat back and watched the shadows lengthen on the grounds. They were not far advanced when her supper and a cup of spring wine was brought along with a tall glass of iced water, she laughed at the sight of the jumja stick on the tray with the plate that bore her entree. After taking a drink of the refreshing but slightly tart beverage she cut into her meal and began eating off of a small folding table that had been brought in for her. Of necessity she had been turned away from the window so when the door opened she saw the physician enter. "How are we feeling Kai?" He stopped and pulled the sensor from a pocket as she finished chewing her mouthful. "I'm still a little tired. Must you do that?" She asked as he activated it and swept it around her. "Can't you see that I'm eating?" He smiled and turned it off then put it back in his pocket. "I apologize but you gave everyone a fright today." "I understand that." She grumped. "But it's disconcerting to be scanned while I'm eating. You could at least have waited until I had finished my hasperat and was getting ready to nibble on my dessert." He chuckled. "I beg your pardon Kai." "Now that you've interrupted my meal you can tell me what you found." He shook his head. "I found nothing except your metabolic processes were low but they seem to be strengthening. No disease that I can tell or organ issues. If you're asking for a medical opinion I would cite overwork." "Perhaps." Krevi mumbled around a bite of the sweet. Having chewed and swallowed she then continued. "Tomorrow would be a good day to walk around the grounds I think and relax. Since the first vision I have been driving myself. It is time to reflect and consider now." The physician smiled and nodded. "Excellent! Three days of quiet is in order for you." "Three days?" Her shock was evident. "One day, perhaps two but three?" "That is my recommendation." "We shall see." Her mood lifted when she bit into the Jumja stick again and was swept along with the flavor. (Reply: None) (Charles G (Kai Hetel Krevi)