Compile#9 January 01-08 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Personal Logs Day 2 Stardate: 2414.02.13 Compile Summary (USS Rosenante - Ready Room-Dean of Sciences, Daystrom Institute-Dr. Bruce Maddox - 1156) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 2, 1159) (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1200) ======================================================= Mission: Personal Logs Day: 4 Stardate: 2414.2.15 Compile Summary (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1508) (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 4 - 1531) (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 4 - 1516) (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1518) (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 4 - 1522) (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1525) ======================================================= Mission: Personal Logs Day: 5 Stardate: 2414.02.16 Compile Summary (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - aCMO - Lt (sg) Kitty Fisher - Day 5 - 1105) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMDR Liam O'Neill - Day 5 - 1109) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - aCMO - Lt (sg) Kitty Fisher - Day 5 - 1112) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMDR Liam O'Neill - Day 5 - 1118) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5, 2019) (Starbase Geneva - Unknown Location - ATAC/SC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day 5 - 1315) (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson - 20/COPS - Day 5 - 20) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson, 2O/COPS Day 5, 2015)(SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACSO - Lt. Viskhard, Day 5 - 2017) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5, 2017) (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 2038) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - Ambassador- Dralar, Day 5, 2040) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson, Day 5, 2043) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - Ambassador- Dralar, Day 5, 2045) (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 2046) (Starbase Geneva - Deck 21 - Formal Dining Facility LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson 2O/COPS Day 5 2047) (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 2054) (SB Geneva – Personal Quarters - FO Josh Caskie and aCMO Kitty Fisher - Day 5 - 2103) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - FO Josh Caskie and aCMO Kitty Fisher - Day 5 - 2107) SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson - 2O / COPS Day 5 - 2109) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - Lt. Commander Tom & Dahlia Jackson, 2O/COPS, Day 5, 2203) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - Lt. Commander Steven Matrix, Day 5, 2204*) (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5, 2205) (Starbase Geneva - Formal Ballroom - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 2206*) (Starbase Geneva - Deck 21 - Formal Dining Facility LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson 2O/COPS Day 5 2207) (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 2208) (Starbase Geneva - Formal Ballroom - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 22.10) ======================================================= Mission: Personal Logs Day: 6 Stardate: 2414.02.17 Compile Summary (Starbase Geneva, The County Cork, CO, Captain Alan Durand, Day 6, 1455) (SB Geneva - Deck 21 - Formal Mess Facility LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson 2O / COPS - Day 6 - 2102) ======================================================= Mission: Personal Logs Day 7 Stardate: 2414.02.18 Compile Summary (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1305) (Starbase Geneva, Medical Waiting Area, SO, Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 7, 1404) (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1407) (Starbase Geneva, Main Medical Offices- Recovery Ward, SO, Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 7, 1408) ======================================================= Mission: Personal Logs Day 8 Stardate: 2414.02.19 Compile Summary (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1330) (Starbase Geneva, Main Medical Offices- Recovery Ward, SO, Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 8, 1331) (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1400) (Starbase Geneva, Main Medical Offices- Recovery Ward, SO, Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 8, 1403) (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8 - 1405) ======================================================= Mission: Personal Logs Day: 10 Stardate: 2414.02.21 Compile Summary (Starbase Geneva - Personal Quaters - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 0415) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - aCMO - Lt (sg) Kitty Fisher - Day 10 - 1445) (USS Rosenante- CSO- Sick Bay- LT David M. Tamblyn- 1820) ======================================================= Mission: Personal Logs Day 12 Stardate:2414.02.23 Compile Summary (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1300) (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1305) (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1310) (USS Rosenante - Ready Room- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid Day 12-1312) (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1313) (USS Rosenante - Ready Room- Ned Soma-1312) (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1316) (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs- 1324) (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1332) (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1340) (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1347) (Starbase Geneva - Counseling office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1355) (Starbase Geneva - Promenade - SO- Ensign Eva Saint Jean - 1358) (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1359*) (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1400) (Starbase Geneva - LVL 53 - Abrigarian Bistro -aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1412) ======================================================= Mission:Personal Logs Day 13 Stardate: 2414.02.24 Compile Summary (Axtis III, Highlands, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma, 0703) ======================================================= Mission:Personal Logs Day 15 Stardate: 2414.02.26 Compile Summary (Axtis III, Axtis City, Lieutenant sg Sanok, 0700) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 15, 1600) ======================================================= (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - Dean of Sciences, Daystrom Institute - Dr. Bruce Maddox - 1156 "I wholly agree with you Doctor." Ahmed replied evenly, "yet Andrew did make a decision, one that he should not have been difficult to make correctly. One that he was prepared for in his academy training as well as in his life as a Starfleet officer. He was given an opportunity to do the right thing, and he did not. I cannot possibly salvage him as an officer if I do not make the consequences for his actions dire enough that he learns his lesson." the Captain replied. Obviously willing to take Andrew as a sentient being and not as just an artificial life form. "I apologize, then for miscalculating your reaction slightly. Perhaps I misjudged your intentions?" Bruce admitted, but it wasn't an easy thing to do. "Perhaps them Doctor, there will be two of you that will learn a lesson from all of this." Ahmed responded. "Touche. So then he can be salvaged? You are fighting off the vultures as we speak?" the aging scientist asked. "I will give it some consideration, but that will be dependent upon Andrew." Ahmed replied. "As a matter of fact, that would be your son now." As the door opened, Andrew stepped in. Bruce thought it was a bit surprising that his son was not surprised to see him. "Dad, not here not again. I'm a big boy now and I can handle my own affairs." Andrew said sternly. "...and a fine job you did of that, didn't you?" slipped out, and Bruce immediately realized his mistake when he saw the look on the younger version of himself's face. "That wasn't fair of me." he admitted. "It took me this long, almost 30 years to realize I have to let go and let you make your own mistakes. Especially when mine open the door for them." Now the surprise on the younger man's face. It was not hard to tell that his father had very rarely admitted when he was wrong. "I'm sorry that I never told you what you actually are." Bruce said somberly. "That I'm just a collection of sophisticated machinery made to look like a human?" Andrew said thinking he finished his parent's sentence but was way off. "That fact however, does not change who you are! You are still my son, in every real way that matters. I know that and some times I overlook it when it's staring me in the face. I think that people especially those in power will not be able to look past your heritage and see that you are more then the sum of your parts. Then I meet Captain Ahmed Salid, and he shows me there are more people even in power that can and do look past that and see the man I raised. Enough of me on my soap box, Captain I believe he was here to see you with a decision. (Reply Captain Salid, Andrew Maddox) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 2, 1159) As the younger Maddox entered, Ahmed took a moment to observe the interpersonal exchange that took place between them. Although it seemed that they were intimately familiar with each other, Ahmed could tell that they still had the capacity to learn about the other and to grow as a result. "That fact however, does not change who you are! You are still my son, in every real way that matters. I know that and sometimes I overlook it when it's staring me in the face. I think that people especially those in power will not be able to look past your heritage and see that you are more than the sum of your parts. Then I meet Captain Ahmed Salid, and he shows me there are more people even in power that can and do look past that and see the man I raised. Enough of me on my soap box, Captain I believe he was here to see you with a decision." he finished. "Yes, indeed he was." Ahmed replied before looking at Andrew. "have you made your decision?" "Yes I have," Andrew answered directly and firmly. He was no longer the more reserved man that Ahmed remembered. He had changed- grown since the previous day. ~Very good~ he thought to himself. "I can ask your father to leave if you prefer. before you tell me your decision." Ahmed offered. The offer either fell upon deaf ears, or Andrew had already decided that his father's presence would not influence his decision. Instead of saying anything, he made a gesture. He reached up and removed his single pip from his uniform collar. He in turn placed it on the desk next to the Elder Maddox's half-empty cup of coffee. "I do however have one single statement on my own behalf, if I may be permitted." Andrew stated. "Of course," Ahmed replied, "But I have to inform you that whatever you say will become a matter of record, and is therefore subject to scrutiny. And that you have the right to the presence of counsel." "I formally waive that right for this statement." Andrew answered. "Very well then. proceed." the captain said, with a nod of permission. "I would just like to point out that even though my error or combination of errors was grievous, that once the failing and naiveté was recognized, I did fall-in with Ensign Willowbrook aiding in the defense of my Captain, Ship, and the Federation. While I throw myself at your mercies, I urge you to consider this in your judgment." he stated. it was a simple request, one that was not too demanding and also not one that should be difficult to fulfill." "It is because of these acts, that you are being offered this opportunity rather than face a general court-martial. I have long believed that at the core of Every starfleet officer there must be truth. Truth to yourself, truth to others and truth even when truth is painful. Without truth, you have no business being an officer. We are fundamentally bound by nothing more than the truth of the oath that we took as officers when we graduated from the academy. Those words that promised that we would uphgold the constitution of the federations, defend it, safeguard its citizens and property. That's the most powerful oath that I feel a being can take." He paused. "That said, you have violated that oath. You put federation lives at risk. You put the very Federation itself at risk and then you ask me for mercy?" Another pause. "Answer me truthfully Mister Maddox, why should I trust that the actions you took were a result of anything more than self-preservation?" (reply Maddox) "You're right I cannot. And until you earn my trust and show me that you are worthy of it, I will not give it to you. Still, there is a chance that you are learning a valuable lesson from all of this. And so, I am willing to reduce the punishment that you will be faced with, and providing that you regain my trust and that you show me that you are sincerely learning from this experience something worth learning, I will continue to allow you to serve a light sentence. But you know me, and so I'm only going to say this one time." He paused for affect. "If you do not show that you are learning the right lesson, or that you are incapable of regaining my trust, you will regret the day that you failed to complete the task that the Borg designated for you. Are we clear?" (reply Maddox) "Very good. Then listen up. Starting immediately you are reduced in grade to that of crewman, your commission as a Starfleet officer revoked. You will be held to maintain a 85% efficiency rating in your departmental status reports and performance reviews. You are restricted from recreational holodeck use until further notice. You will spend 24 hours of every week for the next month in the brig to remind you of your transgression, and you will be required to undergo psychological counseling with a ship's counselor at least once per week, unless released from this requirement by the supervising counselor. Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in an immediate leveraging of all the original punishments I outlined for you under the captain's mast during our meeting yesterday." Another pause to allow Maddox to soak in everything that Salid had said. "Now is the time to ask any questions that you may have. If you have none, then you are dismissed until your next duty shift crewman." (reply Maddox) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1200) Andrew arrived at the Captain's ready room door ready to make his decision. The chime sounded and Andrew straighted his uniform tunic just as the door parted to one side, which revealed Maddox senior sipping coffee with Captain Salid. "Dad, not here not again. I'm a big boy now and I can handle my own affairs." Andrew said sternly. "...and a fine job you did of that, didn't you?" Andrew's father quipped, and then all but retracted his statement. "That wasn't fair of me." he admitted. "It took me this long, almost 30 years to realize I have to let go and let you make your own mistakes. Especially when mine open the door for them." Andrew's face told the story of what he was thinking. ~ Now that is surprising. He actually admitted a mistake.!~ "I'm sorry that I never told you what you actually are." Bruce said somberly. ~I see where this is going. I'll head him off at the pass.~ "That I'm just a collection of sophisticated machinery made to look like a human?" Andrew said but was way off. "That fact however, does not change who you are! You are still my son, in every real way that matters. I know that and some times I overlook it when it's staring me in the face. I think that people especially those in power will not be able to look past your heritage and see that you are more then the sum of your parts. Then I meet Captain Ahmed Salid, and he shows me there are more people even in power that can and do look past that and see the man I raised. Enough of me on my soap box, Captain I believe he was here to see you with a decision." he finished. (Reply Captain Salid) "Yes I have." Andrew answered the Captain's question directly. (Reply Captain Salid) He reached up to his collar and removed the single solid pip. He then placed it gently on the desk of the Captain's ready room. Close to his father's coffee cup, if that was on purpose to prove a point either consciously or subconsciously, or just a coincidence, even Andrew didn't quite know. "I do however have one single statement on my own behalf, if I may be permitted." Andrew said. Some how the scared little boy that had left the Captains office the day prior was no where to be found. (Reply Salid) "I formally waive that right for this statement." he answered. (reply Salid) "I would just like to point out that even though my error or combination of errors was grievous, that once the failing and naivete was recognized, I did fall-in with Ensign Willowbrook aiding in the defense of my Captain, Ship, and the Federation. While I throw my self at your mercies, I urge you to consider this in your judgment." (Reply Salid) (Posted by Todd) ======================================================= (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1508) "I'm sorry, Sir. I assumed you were informed of my appointment as your temporary counselor, or I would have been specific." He handed the Captain a PADD with his credentials and then sat back, awaiting his reply. Ahmed smiled and took the proffered PADD and began to scan it, speaking as he did so. "It's a non-issue, Lieutenant. There are a great many things taking place on and around the Rosenante at the moment, and to be frightfully honest without a Yeoman, I'm finding it difficult to keep up with all the personnel transfers and status updates. That said, I still believe that a captain should handle his own paperwork for the administration of his ship. So tell me a little bit about yourself." Ahmed placed the PADD on the desktop and made eye contact with the man sitting across from him. "I spent the last two years at Starfleet Medical working as a trauma counselor and assisting Dr. Leogen in his research into holodeck therapy for patients with post traumatic stress disorder." Parker explained, "Prior to that, I completed my secondary degree in Psychology while serving as a counselor at the Brian Hill Penitentiary on Vagosa III," he offered, referring to the Federation Penitentiary for incarcerated former Federation personnel. Ahmed nodded. "That's quite an impressive resume." I think you'll find that the Rosenante has a way of putting your skills to the test. Still, it sounds like you have a solid background. Have you ever served aboard a starship?" (Reply Parker) "Well, I want to make it clear the sort of things that I expect from a counselor serving aboard my ship. I expect them to be opinionated, to tell me when I'm wrong and to be able to do so in accordance to the protocols that we all adhere to in the fleet. I also expect them to act as conscience, counsel and to not be afraid of saying what needs to be said when it needs to be said." Ahmed smiled, "Moral strength comes from facing difficult decisions, and no one, not even a starship captain can make the correct decision every time. That's why a counselor is so critical. As this ship's counselor, you will be assigned to some shifts on the bridge, as well as being responsible for the mental well-being of this ship's crew. It's a tall order, so if you don't feel up to the challenge, please tell me now, so I can request a replacement." (reply Parker) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 4 - 1531) "Yes indeed Parker." Ahmed replied, "I've had more time that I preferred, although to be honest I found that focusing on the non-human aspects of the mission offered me a sort of protective buffer from the stronger emotions that I faced on our journey home." ~The Captain is a thinker,~ Parker thought. An introspective man as well as a resilient one. He could see why the mission was a success. "And what were those emotions?" The question followed naturally, fitting into the conversation like a puzzle piece because Parker knew Ahmed already planned to tell him. "Anger mostly." Salid replied honestly, "Anger at the Borg for forcing us into this position. Anger for my inability to adequately control the situation, anger for the betrayals that took place on the mission, and most pointedly anger at the fact that so many people died and that I was unable to stop it." Parker nodded, allowing him to continue. It was very clear to him that the Captain wanted to get this off his chest, and the experience itself could be therapeutic. "I know that those are irrational things, some of them, but it doesn't change the fact that it's the way I feel about it. A captain should always be in control. He should do his best to safeguard his crew and his ship. But most importantly, he should be miserly with the lives of those in his care. I don't know that I was as miserly as I should have been. I ordered people to their breaking point, and beyond. I may well have caused some of them to be killed because I pushed them too hard or too far, which means that in effect. I am responsible for their death." He didn't react to that. He knew that nodding understanding or even a slight reaction in his face could result in a misinterpretation, and he didn't want the Captain thinking that he held him responsible for the deaths that occurred on his crew. He seemed very resilient, very put together, and very mentally healthy from where Parker was sitting. But he had lost half the people under his command, and that was almost, but not quite, like losing a child. Parker simply made it clear he was paying attention. "The thing that worries me most is that I don't know that I would have done anything differently. I think I would make the same decisions and send the same people to their death that I did before. I would still be facing the same families, the same crew and telling them that I did everything in my power to save their loved ones. That I didn't sacrifice them without cause. And that there really was no alternative. Do you understand what I mean by that?" "I definitely understand that there was no alternative," Parker stated carefully. "But I'll make no presumption to know what it's like to send people to their death, as I haven't done so myself." Although it wasn't directly taught in the Academy, humility was something Parker felt should be drilled into every counselor. He came from a background where having a past really meant something, and for one person to assume something about what another must be feeling or must have gone through, without direct experience, was a grave insult to the person's honor. In Counseling speak they called that 'invalidation', making a person feel as though their experience didn't matter. (reply Ahmed iyw) "I think you probably agree with me that there's a difference between regret and remorse," Parker started. "Remorse is generally viewed as a reaction to having done something wrong. Regret is generally viewed as a reaction to having made a decision. From what you described, you feel remorse for the results of some of your decisions, but no regret for having made them. If I may ask you a question..." when he received no negative response he continued, "Do you believe in fate, Captain?" He had noticed some of the memorabilia around the room, and it reminded him of the cultural roots of his own religion. He wondered if one of the reasons Salid was introspective was because he had some religious or at least philosophical reason to be so. It would probably be in his file, but Parker had not been able to read his file in its entirety before this meeting. (reply Ahmed) "You probably would agree that it seems a cruel fate of those who were ordered to an assignment that would end their lives, of all the assignments that could have occurred. And plenty of people would tell you that they signed on for the job, they knew the risks, that there were no alternatives, and that their deaths saved countless other lives because they were instrumental in stopping the Borg." (reply Ahmed iyw) He sat back slightly and folded his hands. "Those answers don't fix your anger or your worry, though. But I'm going to propose that you shouldn't fix either." He waited for the Captain's reply--his techniques occasionally brought raised eyebrows and odd looks, but he had a feeling that a deep thinker like Salid wouldn't have a problem understanding where he was going. If he did, he was ready to explain. (reply Ahmed) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 4 - 1516) Ahmed nodded. "That's quite an impressive resume." I think you'll find that the Rosenante has a way of putting your skills to the test. Still, it sounds like you have a solid background. Have you ever served aboard a starship?" "No, Sir. This will be my first starship," Parker said. He was looking forward to it. "Well, I want to make it clear the sort of things that I expect from a counselor serving aboard my ship. I expect them to be opinionated, to tell me when I'm wrong and to be able to do so in accordance to the protocols that we all adhere to in the fleet," the Captain explained. ~I can definitely be opinionated,~ Parker thought. "I also expect them to act as conscience, counsel and to not be afraid of saying what needs to be said when it needs to be said." Salid smiled, "Moral strength comes from facing difficult decisions, and no one, not even a starship captain can make the correct decision every time. That's why a counselor is so critical. As this ship's counselor, you will be assigned to some shifts on the bridge, as well as being responsible for the mental well-being of this ship's crew. It's a tall order, so if you don't feel up to the challenge, please tell me now, so I can request a replacement." "I do feel up to the challenge, Sir. I'm ready to meet that challenge and I hope to exceed your expectations. I agree with you--moral strength comes from past experience. I also believe it comes from faith, whatever that faith may be. And I feel I have the experience, the moral character," he smiled, "and the hard-headedness that will serve you well, Sir." (reply Salid) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1518) "I do feel up to the challenge, Sir. I'm ready to meet that challenge and I hope to exceed your expectations. I agree with you--moral strength comes from past experience. I also believe it comes from faith, whatever that faith may be. And I feel I have the experience, the moral character," he smiled, "and the hard-headedness that will serve you well, Sir." Parker agreed. Ahmed nodded. "Excellent, That's what I was hoping you'd say. Welcome aboard the Rosenante counselor." (reply Parker) "I can only imagine that you have a need or a desire to discuss the prior mission with me? My outlook of things, how I feel and the like?" (reply Parker) "Very well." Ahmed said as he turned the PADD upside down, so that it could not distract him."If you'd like to discuss it now counselor, I'm willing. If that makes you uncomfortable, we can arrange a session at your discretion. I'd be glad to attend, but must warn you that I have a great deal of work to do, reports to write and the such, so we may be rescheduling before we can actually sit down again to discuss things. What would you like to do?" (reply Parker) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 4 - 1522) The Captain nodded at his response. "Excellent. That's what I was hoping you'd say. Welcome aboard the Rosenante, Counselor." "Thank you, Sir," Parker responded. The Captain surprised him with his next statement. "I can only imagine that you have a need or desire to discuss the prior mission with me? My outlook of things, how I feel and the like?" ~He's a man with a 'to-do' list,~ Parker thought. Of course, all captains had a 'to-do' list in their heads 24/7, but usually a counseling session did not rank very high on the list. Understandably so, as starship captains were necessarily selfless when it came to ship's business and their own personal well-being. "Well, Sir, there's a requirement for us to have a meeting at some point to discuss it, but the timing of that meeting is entirely at your discretion, within reason." He leaned back and waited to hear what the Captain would decide. Parker realized he very quickly had to get into this man's head and shift from 'interview' mode to 'counseling' mode. During a session, the Captain was to be respected but treated as an equal, not a superior. The title 'Sir' would be dropped whenever possible and replaced with 'Captain' and eventually 'Ahmed'. Parker would do his best to change his body language and demeanor to reflect that this was now a casual conversation, not a superior-subordinate interaction. The first few of their sessions were likely to be difficult, because not only was Parker new aboard the ship and a fairly young counselor, but Parker not know Ahmed Salid aside from reading the man's file. It was something he needed to fix, sooner rather than later. "Very well," the Captain said. "If you'd like to discuss it now Counselor, I'm willing. If that makes you uncomfortable we can arrange a session at your discretion. I'd be glad to attend, but must warn you that I have a great deal of work to do, reports to write and such, so we may be rescheduling before we can actually sit down again to discuss things. What would you like to do?" Parker may not have known Salid, but he knew starship captains were like leprechauns--one needed to hold onto one once he was finally caught. Their schedules were typically a complex beast that would confuse a warp theorist. And that was on a good day. The Captain also seemed to be eager to discuss it. It was a rare occasion that someone in his position volunteered information, and Parker thought that his deliberate mention of his busy schedule preventing another meeting from happening for quite some time might have been a subconscious way of urging the young counselor to meet now. Finally, it wasn't about Parker's comfort. This job, particularly this task, was about serving the captain and his well-being. "I'm fine with talking right now, if you've got the time. I take it that long journey home gave you plenty of time to analyze your last mission," he started with an opening for the Captain to share his thoughts, because it seemed to him that Salid was slightly eager to talk and would have plenty to say. (reply Salid) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1525) "I'm fine with talking right now, if you've got the time. I take it that long journey home gave you plenty of time to analyze your last mission," Parker replied, fluidly switching gears. ~That's a sign of skill in a counselor.~ Ahmed thought as he prepared his reply. "Yes indeed Parker." Ahmed replied, "I've had more time that I preferred, although to be honest I found that focusing on the non-human aspects of the mission offered me a sort of protective buffer from the stronger emotions that I faced on our journey home." (reply Parker) "Anger mostly." he replied honestly, "Anger at the borg for forcing us into this position. Anger for my inability to adequately control the situation, Anger for the betrayals that took place on the mission, and most pointedly Anger at the fact that so many people died and that I was unable to stop it." "I know that those ore irrational things, some of them, but it doesn't change the fact that it's the way I feel about it. A captain should always be in control. He should do his best to safeguard his crew and his ship. But most importantly, he should be miserly with the lives of those in his care. I don't know that I was as miserly as I should have been. I ordered people to their breaking point, and beyond. I may well have caused some of them to be killed because i pushed them too hard or too far, which means that in effect. I am responsible for their death." He paused for a few moments. "The thing that worries me most is that I don't know that I would have done anything differently. I think I would make the same decisions and send the same people to their death that I did before. I would still be facing the same families, the same crew and telling them that I did everything in my power to save their loved ones. That I didn't sacrifice them without cause. And that there really was no alternatives. Do you understand what I mean by that?" (reply Parker) Daniel Greene ======================================================= (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - aCMO - Lt (sg) Kitty Fisher - Day 5 - 1105) "Doctor Fisher? My name is Liam O'Neill. I'm currently commanding the USS Kelman. Do you have about ten or fifteen minutes to spare?" Kitty blinked. To be honest she never liked it when a superior officer came to call. It always meant trouble with a capital T as far as Kitty was concerned. Kitty smiled at him. "Please take a seat Sir, would you care for something to drink? (Reply Liam O'Neill) After setting out the drinks Kitty regarded the officer in front of her. "What exactly can I do for you Sir. (Reply Liam O'Neill) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMDR Liam O'Neill - Day 5 - 1109) Kitty smiled at him. "Please take a seat Sir, would you care for something to drink? Liam nodded as he sat. "I'd like water, please. Thank you." After setting out the drinks Kitty regarded the officer in front of her. "What exactly can I do for you Sir." He took a drink of water and passed a PADD in her direction. Then he stated, "I'll let you read what's on that PADD while I set up some security procedures in this room. Don't be alarmed. This is a confidential medical matter. Computer, close and lock this office door. Initiate Security Procedure 7103-c. Authorization O'Neill-foxtrot-oscar-1275." [Authorization accepted. Security procedure initiated.] He pulled out his tricorder and scanned for listening devices, and once he was assured there were none, he addressed Dr. Fisher. "Doctor, I apologize for all the security. If you've glanced at what's on that PADD, I'm sure you understand the reason." (reply Fisher) He nodded. "Of course. What I'm about to tell you is not to be repeated to any officer, regardless of his clearance level. Captain Salid has requested your assistance in a covert, classified mission. This mission is officially unsanctioned because Starfleet Intelligence indicated that they are not willing to take the risk and spare the resources to recover a captured officer. But it is critical to Salid's personal safety and to Jessica Signos' life that we embark on it. Jessica Signos, whose records you've just read on that PADD, has been kidnapped by the very people who made her the way she is. We suspect a man who runs a shoe store on the Starbase. When we've retrieved her, she may be in very dire condition. I am a trained medical doctor, though I'm not currently practicing. I'm also a pediatrician, which makes me specifically qualified to work on Jessica Signos," he explained. Her physiology made her body more like an adolescent than an adult. "We need to do two things. We need to retrieve any DNA-specific particulates that have been transferred onto her body from her captors. Then we need to run brain scans to attempt to narrow in on the signals that are sent by Section 31, if any. If we can track those signals, Captain Salid believes we'll be able to anticipate when she moves to assassinate him. We expect her to do this as soon as he sends a packet of information to her suspected captor, indicating that he knows this man's position in Section 31 and is going to go public with the information. Between the signals and the particulates, we are going to track the suspect and hopefully expose the entire rogue operator cell on this station." (reply Fisher) "I know it's a lot to take in. But for security reasons, I need your reply now instead of later." He looked at her sympathetically. "I'm not any happier about this mission than you are, and in fact I'd like nothing better than to wipe my hands of it completely. I don't want any involvement with this cloak-and-dagger business...but this is a time when duty calls. In my opinion, at least. As doctors, we don't always get to choose when we're called." (reply Fisher) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - aCMO - Lt (sg) Kitty Fisher - Day 5 - 1112) After he took a drink Cmdr O'Neill passed a padd to Kitty for her to read. "I'll let you read what's on that PADD while I set up some security procedures in this room. Don't be alarmed. This is a confidential medical matter. Computer, close and lock this office door. Initiate Security Procedure 7103-c. Authorization O'Neill-foxtrot-oscar-1275." [Authorization accepted. Security procedure initiated.] He pulled out his tricorder and scanned for listening devices, and once he was assured there were none, he addressed Dr. Fisher. "Doctor, I apologize for all the security. If you've glanced at what's on that PADD, I'm sure you understand the reason." Kitty looked up at him and frowned. "Given what is on this padd I indeed do however I'm not sure why exactly you are showing it to me." Once he explained Kitty nodded again. "I understand Sir. Just exactly what do you expect of me since to be honest I am probably the least qualified medical officer you could get." "I know it's a lot to take in. But for security reasons, I need your reply now instead of later." He looked at her sympathetically. "I'm not any happier about this mission than you are, and in fact I'd like nothing better than to wipe my hands of it completely. I don't want any involvement with this cloak-and-dagger business...but this is a time when duty calls. In my opinion, at least. As doctors, we don't always get to choose when we're called." Kitty took a sip of her drink and regarded the Commander across the table. "Sir, if I may be blunt, let's just call a spade a spade here and stop dancing around. This is exactly when you tell me I have no choice in the matter. That's fine by me. I've been in this fleet long enough to accept that and I have never been one to pussyfoot around when there is work to be done. But please don't insult me by telling me that this is when 'duty calls' because you and I both know that 'duty' to medical officers means many different things on many different levels Sir. You have told me that Captain Salid requested my assistance. To be honest sir that is all that I need to know and not just because he is my superior officer. So my relpy is Yes Sir. How may I help you?" (Reply Cmdr O'Neil) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMDR Liam O'Neill - Day 5 - 1118) "Sir, if I may be blunt, let's just call a spade a spade here and stop dancing around. This is exactly when you tell me I have no choice in the matter. That's fine by me. I've been in this fleet long enough to accept that and I have never been one to pussyfoot around when there is work to be done. But please don't insult me by telling me that this is when 'duty calls' because you and I both know that 'duty' to medical officers means many different things on many different levels Sir. You have told me that Captain Salid requested my assistance. To be honest sir that is all that I need to know and not just because he is my superior officer. So my relpy is Yes Sir. How may I help you?" ~She's direct. I like that,~ he thought. He truly believed it would be harder to convince a younger doctor to participate in an unsanctioned mission that, if anything went wrong, could jeopardize her career and easily put her in Section 31's crosshairs. But she didn't seem to be concerned. "When we locate Jessica Signos, she'll be transported to this Sickbay. We need her in isolation and we need to restrict access to ourselves and to the minimum number of medical staff possible. The cover story will be that she's been exposed to a contaminant that, with her current Signos Thread condition, has made her extremely susceptible to contracting illnesses and that she'll require twenty-four hour isolation. While she's in isolation, we'll be collecting the nucleopeptides on her skin, hair, and clothing. We'll also be monitoring her brain waves closely. I'm going to be doing some research into neurology--I suggest you do, too. It's not an easy thing to engineer another personality and then somehow integrate it into someone's existing neural network, but if Section 31 figured out how to do it, it's obviously doable. So we need to know as much as we can about it to be able to undo it or at least track it." (reply Fisher, room for more) "Do you have any questions for me, Doctor?" (reply Fisher) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5, 2019) "May I ask, Miss Mohandas, what you're position is on the Pangaea?" "I am the Chief Medical Officer now." Jasmin replied. "I was the assistant to the department for three years before that. Viskhard divulged a bit more of his own position, "I am only recently aboard the Rosenante. I was stationed on the Hades, but while I had been on Temporary assignment here on Geneva to complete some studies I have been pursuing, BUPERS caught up with me and I was transferred and promoted." "Congratulations." Ahmed's lovely date replied with a smile. "It's always nice to be promoted. I hope the transfer was a good one?" (reply Viskhard) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Unknown Location - ATAC/SC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day 5 - 1315) ~ Lies, ~ Jessica screamed into the darkness of her own mind. ~Is that all my life is anymore. Why is it that everything I hold dear has been striped from me. ~ Jessica raged with the confines of her mind. ~ I know not the reasons Section 31 decided to perform the evils the did upon you has we are both tools to serve there greater ambition.~ Lily responded trying to comfort her other half. Jessica nearly snapped at her other persona but checked herself. Jessica knew that Lily as indeed right they were both tools used in a deadly game. Jessica turned to Lily. ~ I want them dead, all of them for what they did to us, what they would have us to do.~ ~Really Jessica,~ Lily snapped back. ~ Even if that means killing a part of yourself.~ Jessica mentally stepped back, as Lily continued. ~Why else would they need such a large genetic sample, think about it. ~ Jessica thought about it and what came to her mind chilled her to the bone. ~They wouldn't~ ~The Signos thread is a wonderful thing.~ Lily answered. ~ We already know they have the ability to implant a desired personality into a person, but what if it wasn't a person but a clone, where there would be no battle for a dominate personality.~ ~...and with the Signos thread the clones would not age. Section 31 would grow with a minimum need of recruitment.~ Jessica finished seeing where Lily was heading with her line of thought. In a few years there could be hundreds like Lily and in a dozen years what then, it was more than Jessica wanted to think about. ~ And you would be mother to them all.~ Lily spoke the true horror that was hiding in the back of Jessica's mind. ~Do you know this for fact, Lily.~ Jessica asked her atler ego, in cold even tone. ~Yes, ~ Lily replied. ~The first series of clones are already seeded with their parents and being raised, and trained for entry into Section 31. You see Jessica you will never truly leave Section 31 alive.~ It was about this time Jessica began to come to. She was still in the sling but the area around her was devoid of life, and quite nearly to quite. It took Jessica some time, good deal of gymnastics, and pulling her left shoulder from it's place to twist her body in the unnatural positions needed so Jessica could find herself freed from her bonds. She fell from the slings sudden release, and her own weaken state she fell to the floor further damaging her left shoulder. She kept the scream barred behind gritted teeth, has she gathered herself on the floor. Holding her left with her right hand and using a near by wall for support Jessica made her way to her feet. "Something's not right." Jessica told herself, Section 31 operatives were trained not to leave people in the same area where the cell operate. She was quite listening to the deep silence, going over the details in her mind with Lily. Lily knew a counter intelligence operation when she saw one. Shaking her head she whispered quietly "Idiots," they knew of an operating cell but they don't know Section 31 capabilities and that was the deadly part. If they didn't know of the ghost team on the station they were doomed to suffer a deadly consequence. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson - 20/COPS - Day 5 - 20) Tom smiled at his friend Eian as he explained the game of Hockey. Tom never could stand up on skates - his favorite sport was camping. His favorite trip was the trip just before his admission to the Academy. Tom traveled to Alpha Centuri and spent the next two weeks alone doing some soul searching. Tom chose SF over Pez's merchant fleet Tom peered closely at his friend. Jackson felt something was troubling his young Eian. "Eian, please join us" Tom asked. (Reply: Eian) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson, 2O/COPS Day 5, 2015) Tom looked around the gaily decorated facility. ~Wow look at all the brass! Making their brownie points~ Tom thought disgustedly. His disdain for politics was well know. He had resigned himself long ago to be what he was ' OPS'. Yet fate was most curious in her treatment of Tom Jackson. He was a 2nd Officer and a LCDR. He had a taste of what a CO/FO go through during the last mission. Fate had seemed to bear out the CO's faith in Jackson. His friend had always encouraged Tom - giving him more responsibility as Jackson matured. Tom's thoughts came back to the present as his friend entered with a striking woman on his arm. ~Good for you old friend~ Tom thought. ~You deserve it~. The pair headed over to say hello. ((Reply: none) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACSO - Lt. Viskhard, Day 5 - 2017) Visk strode the last few strides to the Captain, slipping around an unsuspecting young ensign who was obviously more uncomfortable than himself. "Mister Viskhard, I am well, thank you. And yourself?", Captain Salid replied to his query. "I am well, though I have been unable to ascertain the reason for this formal gathering." Visk allowed himself to relax a little, the Captain knew him already - and some of the Denobulan idiosycracies - and so wasn't nearly as much of an unknown for interaction. "Please allow me to introduce my date for the evening. Lieutenant commander Jasmin Mohandas of the USS Pangaea, this is Lieutenant Viskhard. He is the Assistant Department head for the Rosenante's Sciences department." "It's a pleasure to meet you Viskhard." Jasmin responded. Visk smiled and inclined his head politely. "Miss Mohandas," he chose the more informal form of greeting to hopefully elucidate his desire to stay relaxed. He sipped at the Til'amin froth in his hand while he attempted to find conversation material. His mind worked fast and he managed to find two lines of query. He chose the more concrete subject. "May I ask, Miss Mohandas, what you're position is on the Pangaea?" (reply Jasmin, Salid iyw) Viskhard divulged a bit more of his own position, "I am only recently aboard the Rosenante. I was stationed on the Hades, but while I had been on Temporary assignment here on Geneva to complete some studies I have been pursuing, BUPERS caught up with me and I was transfered and promoted." (reply Jasmin/Salid) (posted by Lori) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5, 2017) The room was slowly filling, and Ahmed noted a few of the diplomatic attaches as well as some of the starbase brass mingling about. Officers and crew from the Rosenante and the boudicca were present, although there were several senior officers that had either not chosen to attend or who had not been invited, as the case may be. Jasmin seemed content to lead him down the short stairs onto the main level of the ballroom floor amidst the few tables. She smiled politely, greeted few people that made eye contact and otherwise looked radiant on his arm as they slowly meandered around the room. Ahmed picked up a flute of champagne, which he had no intention of consuming. He had found it helped ease any discomfort in such a social setting, where his personal religious beliefs were concerned. "Captain Salid, how are you this evening?" A voice called out to him. The captain of the Rosenante turned to see Viskhard, his newest addition to the sciences department standing before him. He seemed a little uuncomfortable, but then again most officers were when they were forced to wear a dress uniform. "Mister Viskhard, I am well, thank you. And yourself?" he asked (reply Viskhard) "Please allow me to introduce my date for the evening. Lieutenant commander Jasmin Mohandas of the USS Pangaea, this is Lieutenant Viskhard. He is the Assistant Department head for the Rosenante's Sciences department." "It's a pleasure to meet you Viskhard." Jasmin responded. (reply Viskhard) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 2038) After everything that happened that day, Eian wouldn't have dreamed of going to the ball. He hated ceremonies and formal parties to begin with, and normally tried to find a way out of them. His father had been the one to 'suggest' that he go. Liam had even stated that he would make it an order if he had to. They were in the middle of an unsanctioned clandestine mission and they couldn't afford the discovery from Command. Eian had received an invitation, so his absence would breed suspicion. He had protested, arguing that he hadn't had his psych evaluation yet because he technically wasn't released from medical care, and that this could be used an an excuse. But it was a weak argument and he knew it. So he donned his dress whites and snuck into the formal ballroom with a crowd of officers he didn't know, hoping not to be seen. He had succeeded thus far, and had been there for about a half hour without having to socialize with anyone. He thought perhaps if he just got lost in the crowd and continued to wander away whenever he got close to someone who might want to talk to him, that he could avoid socializing altogether. Unfortunately, his luck was about to run out. He had been spotted by Tom Jackson and his wife. They were a good looking couple and Eian was happy for them, but he really wasn't in the mood for 'pleasant' conversation, or even worse, some kind of congratulatory statement from Tom on a job well done during the mission. Before Tom reached Eian's spot on the floor, though, he vaguely recalled a conversation they had before engaging the Borg, just as one normally recalls moments in time that stand out, but aren't enormously significant. As soon as his mind sparked the initial thought, he flashed into the past as if it were playing on a holovid, and saw, heard, and smelled the surroundings of the Bridge. ~"Eian, I appreciate your prayers,"~ Tom had said softly, placing a hand on Eian's shoulder and leaning in so that only Eian could hear. He remembered that he had just stated that he was praying for their crews. Tom continued, ~"God willing we will prevail. We have the best people in SF command, the best gear and we have right on our side. Besides, if my wife and I are blessed with kids, the kids will need an uncle. So consider this an order - you are to survive - understood?"~ He saw Tom as if looking through his own eyes, even noticing the officers moving around them. He saw Salid at the command seat, and the viewscreen out of the corner of his eye. He smelled the clean, crisp smell of a starship bridge before consoles had exploded and bulkheads had burned. He heard the chatter of status reports and beeps of consoles. And he heard himself reply that he understood the order, would follow it wholeheartedly, and was looking forward to teaching Tom's kids how to play ice hockey. Then the vision was gone. ~What's happening to my mind?~ he asked himself, seriously shaken. That was twice in one day...first his mind had given him a definition of something he had never heard of. Then he had flashed into a memory that was so crystal clear that it was almost like watching a recording. And yet, he didn't lose perception of his surroundings, he didn't black out, he was as aware of the ballroom as he was of the past. ~Is this a consequence of assimilation? Some kind of link I still have?~ The thought of being connected to the Collective was so disturbing that he wanted to turn and walk away from Tom, leave the formal, and go back to his quarters to isolate himself. But Tom had reached him, and Eian forced a smile. "Sir, Ma'am," he greeted the Lt. CMDR and his wife. He normally struggled with names, but as soon as he asked himself the question of what his wife's name was, the answer came to the front of his mind. ~Dahlia.~ Was this new capacity his memory seemed to be endowed with, a permanent addition? Was it something that would wear off with time? (reply Jacksons) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - Ambassador- Dralar, Day 5, 2040) The Ambassador-at-large, Dralar of Skoria stepped into the Formal dining room with a gleam in his eye. He was excited by the prospect of attending a formal affair, and as such, he was wearing the robes of his office. To anyone who was unaware of Skorr tradition, they would have thought that the long 3-meter long ornate rod was a throwback from an earlier time. In fact it was a weapon as much as it was an icon of his position and status. The gold wrap overlaid a rich stout woven cylinder of hearty Frogas Plant. It was a hearty, flexible and light fiber that resembled a mix between a terrestrial long bladed grass and a wood. The staff of office was very light, although the precious metals seemed to give it the impression of weight and authority, a task for which it was designed. The Skorr ambassador's robes looked remarkably similar to his starfleet uniform. In fact, the latter had been constructed from the same pattern as the former, although it was not as ornate as the one he wore currently. The uniform was a rich orange and gold and was made of a fabric the allowed the light to cause the colors to appear to shimmer as it reacted with the fabric. He wore his princely Brocade that clearly announced his heritage to the trained eye. His badges of office and right of lineage were pinned to his breast for all to see. His foot talons were tipped with Golden caps, a ceremonial version of the claw blades that his people still wore into battle. Rich elaborate ribbons made of the same material as his formal attire wrapped around his lower legs below the feather line. His royal feather crown had been coated with a light dusting of gold and orange fleck. The only special indicator of his lineage. Even if he were complete stripped of all other affairs of state, his head feathers would immediately identify him as a member of the royal lineage. It was a genetic disposition that only the members of his bloodline carried. It had been that way for millennium and dated back to the time of Alar the greatest member of their people, first High King and savior of the Skorr species. Now he was attending a formal function in the capacity of Ambassador rather than just a member of a Starfleet crew. A thought which simultaneously made him excited and somehow reserved at the same time. (reply Any who would like to speak with Dralar) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson - 2O/COPS - Day 5 - 2041*) Tom and Dahlia were chatting with the others at their table. They were enjoying their friends and talking about the future. The atmosphere was one of fun and friendship. Eian O'Neill entered. Tom stared at his friend closely. Eian was recovering physically - mentally only time would tell. Tom rose to go get Eian but he reached Tom and said "Sir, Ma'am," he greeted the Lt. CMDR and his wife. He normally struggled with names, but as soon as he asked himself the question of what his wife's name was, the answer came to the front of his mind ~Dahlia.~ Was this new capacity his memory seemed to be endowed with, a permanent addition? Was it something that would wear off with time? "Hello Eian. This is my wife Dahlia - honey this Eian O'Neill. Remember I told you that I've asked him and Steve Matrix to be our baby's uncle's". (Reply: Eian) "Oh yes Thomas. Hello Eian. I'm Dahlia" Dahlia said. (Reply: Eian) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson, Day 5, 2043) The variety of clothing worn at the affair was amazing. Of course, there was the expected SF uniforms. The civilians were - what was it his mom would say? Dressed to the nines. He was more relaxed than he had been in a long time. Tom Jackson felt more blessed than a man should be. He was moving upward and he was about to be a dad. Lieutenant Dralar entered in a most regal manner. Dralar was the only Skorr Tom had ever met. Dralar walked among the crowd. Tom noticed that several SF diplomatic corps members were clustered around him. Dralar moved over towards their table. Tom rose and addressed him formally. "Good evening Ambassador. I hope you're enjoying the festivities" Tom said bowing slightly. (Reply: Dralar) (Posted By: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - Ambassador- Dralar, Day 5, 2045) The ambassador made his way into the room, chatting here and giving a moment of his attention to the various personnel that he met along the way. He was here in an official capacity, as an ambassador, to be certain- but more importantly he was here because these people were his comrades and friends. And he had just recently been advised that one of their number was expecting offspring. Eventually he spotted Lieutenant Commander Jackson and made his way towards his table. Apparently the Chief operations officer and Second Officer saw him inbound and decided to meet him by rising from his seat. His lovely wife remained seated, as was proper. "Good Evening Ambassador. I hope you're enjoying the festivities." Jackson inquired with a slight bow. "I am Commander Jackson." Dralar replied and mimicked Tom's bow. he understood it was a human sign of respect among some cultures. Among the Skorr it would be considered a sign of infirmity and weakness, or at the very least deference. Still Dralar understood that Jackson was not weak or infirm, otherwise why would he be allowed to breed? "I have been recently told that you are expecting a child. I am pleased to hear it is so. I suspect that your offspring will grow to be strong and intelligent. How long is it now, before your wife's egg hatches?" He inquired. (reply Jackson) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 2046) "Hello Eian. This is my wife Dahlia - honey this Eian O'Neill. Remember I told you that I've asked him and Steve Matrix to be our baby's uncle's". Eian continued his diplomatic smile and nodded in response to the introduction. "Oh yes Thomas. Hello Eian. I'm Dahlia" Dahlia said. "It's a pleasure to meet you," Eian said, and shook her hand. He was distracted by what his brain had just done, and worried at the prospect that he could still be connected to the Collective. But he tried to make conversation. His eyes fell on Dahlia's baby bump and he asked, "How far along are you?" (reply Dahlia) He smiled. "I'm looking forward to teaching the little one how to play hockey," he said, and then explained, "If you're not familiar, it's a game from Earth that's played on a sheet of ice." Thoughts of carefree hockey in the holodeck, not driven by the need to get physically well, seemed almost foreign to him. His life before the mission seemed so far away, as if it had occurred ages ago. ~I wonder if I will ever get back to that again?~ With what his brain was doing, this new 'video' memory of his and the tendency to remember things he could never have remembered before, he doubted he would ever be the same again. ~But would you have been anyway?~ he countered. It was more than his body that had changed on the last mission--his faith had been taken, his mind had been altered, and his girlfriend was revealed for who she truly was. His life was irrevocably jostled. (reply Dahlia) He was starting to run out of small talk. "Are you two enjoying the party?" (reply Jacksons) He nodded. "It's nice to relax after that mission." (reply Jacksons) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Deck 21 - Formal Dining Facility LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson 2O/COPS Day 5 2047) Ambassador Dralr spoke to Tom and Dahlia “I have been recently told that you are expecting a child. I am pleased to hear it is so. I suspect that your offspring will grow to be strong and intelligent. How long is it now, before your wife's egg hatches?" He inquired. Tom and Dahlia smiled Dahlia replied “Thank you - we should see the baby in about sixth terran month’s Ambassador” (Reply: Dralar) “Ambassador, would you mind helping us out by being a godfather to our baby?” Dahlia asked, beating Tom to the punch for once. (Reply: Dralar) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 2054) "Eian, please join us" Tom asked. Eian nodded his agreement, realizing that he couldn't get out of it now. "I'd be happy to." He sat at a table with Dahlia and Tom, and was served the meal that everyone else was having. He didn't even bother to note what it was, just a type of meat, some potatoes, and vegetables, and he cut his food in preparation for digging in. Maybe food would be a good excuse not to talk, he thought. (reply Jacksons) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Personal Quarters - FO Josh Caskie and aCMO Kitty Fisher - Day 5 - 2103) Neither Josh or Kitty were shy about making an entrance, well, maybe Josh was indeed shyer that Kitty, but Kitty had never been one to be backwards about coming forwards and Josh did indeed feel more comfortable when Kitty was leading. So Kitty, knowing that Josh would have blended quietly into the background if she hadn't taken steps had indeed taken steps. Instead of agreeing to meet Josh in the Ballroom Kitty had stopped by Josh's quarters to make sure and as far as Kitty was concerned it was a good thing she had too since Josh simply stood there in the middle of the room staring at her dress whites with an expression of disgust on her face. Kitty knew what the problem was. Although they did look similar and at times when they had both worked together in Sickbay they had indeed been called the 'terrible twins' there was a big difference between them. Kitty's colouring was that once step darker so that she could get away with dress whites. Josh simply looked washed out by them, so Kitty, understood the problem. Talking one look a Josh's face she picked up the whites, threw them back into the wardrobe and pulled out the less formal long jacket. Almost throwing it a Josh, Kitty went over to the drawer where she knew Josh kept all her medals and opened it. "And you will wear every single one of these even if I have to use stitchit 101 to glue them to your uniform. Not even waiting for Josh to argue Kitty turned, and glad to see that Josh had at least put on the formal jacket began pinning the medals on to the jacket and was incensed to see that just as quickly as she pinned them on, Josh began taking them off again. Standing back and putting her hands on her hips she regarded Josh. "Jennifer Caskie, I am telling you here and now that you will wear each and every one of these medals. This is a formal occasion and no matter what you think, you are indeed entitled to wear every single one of them." She stopped suddenly and grinned at Josh. "Besides, Dralar is coming in his Ambassadorial uniform and let's face it if he is in his formal get-up who's going to notice you. I tell you girl, you could probably stand next to him with nothing on and he would still outshine you. Sad I know, but what can I say, he just has more....bling that you do." Finally glad to see Josh laugh Kitty gave her the once over. "Ok, hair fine, makeup fine, uniform, oh well, not much we can do with that. All the civilian women will be better dressed than us, but just remember..." and she tapped Josh's medals with a finger... "Your bling means something. Their's is just decoration. Now we are going to be fashionably late. But if you don't start putting one foot in front of the other out that door, we are going to be very unfashionably late and I am far, far too good looking to be court martialed." --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - FO Josh Caskie and aCMO Kitty Fisher - Day 5 - 2107) Sliding quietly into the back of the ballroom Kitty grabbled a couple of glassed off a passing waiter and handed one to Josh. "You don't have to drink it. Although to be honest one glass would probably do you some good. I can see the rest of the crew at a far table, follow me. Kitty began to lead the way and turning back to make sure that Josh was following her she sighed. "It's not a court martial, no-one is going to shoot you so for pities sake smile." With that said they reached the table where the rest of the joint crew had gathered and Kitty, kicking Josh on the ankle, began greeting everyone. (Reply anyone who wants) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson - 2O / COPS Day 5 - 2109) Josh and Kitty entered and soon joined the group. Introductions and congratulations went around the table. The air was light and conversation flowed freely amongst the group of friends. Old abd new. Tom moved over to Josh and whispered in her ear "Josh, I am worried about CAPT Durand". (Reply: Josh) "While I am new to the command team, the captain seems well very troubled" Jackson said. (Reply: Josh) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - Lt. Commander Tom & Dahlia Jackson, 2O/COPS, Day 5, 2203) Tom and Dahlia were happy feeling more blessed than a couple had a right to be. Their attention was drawn towards the host of the get together. Captain Zephyr took center stage and began his speech. "Good evening everyone. May I have a your attention please?" said Captain Zephyr. As the lights lowered a podium swung out from the right side of the stage area and stopped center stage. Captain Zephyr made two steps forward and placed his hands on either side of the podium and waited for everyone to take their seats. "Thank you...thank you all for attending this evenings celebration. I hope the dinner met with your approval tonight. I would like to thank the Geneva's chefs for tonight’s culinary feast...you should all know none of this evening's food was replicated. Something I know all of you off-landers would appreciate." Laughter filled the ballroom. "I realize that the invitations were vague at best and that was by design, but I suspect some of you know the reason for this occasion. I'll get to that in a moment. First I would like to welcome home the crews of the USS Boudicca and the USS Rosenante and their Captains Durand and Salid respectively. On behalf of Star Fleet Command and the Geneva welcome." said Zephyr. Tom smiled - his first assignment had begun at Geneva. This was his home. He hoped one day to live here permanently. Zephyr went on I ""This evening, we celebrate many things. The return of the USS Rosentante and the USS Boudicca crews to the Geneva. We celebrate your service to the Federation of Planets, Star Fleet and the countless members of the federation, search for knowledge and exploration. To boldly go where no one has gone before." continued Zephyr. "We also celebrate and honor our fallen crew-mates who sacrificed so much in the line of duty on this latest mission. Their sacrifice honors us and we honor them tonight and always." the Captain paused briefly as the audience applauded. "Would Captain Durand and Captain Salid please join me?" said Zephyr as he waited for each of the ship's captains to join him on the stage. Tom watched as his friend and Alan Durand joined Zephyr on the dais. A small commotion caught Jackson's ear. The marines marched quietly two-abreast down the center of the room and split into two groups of three and stood behind the three Captains. As the marines stood at attention a large covered structure quietly moved directly behind the podium. The object was draped in a black velvet tarp and was just over 4 meters tall, appeared to be curved, spanning about 3 meters wide. Captain Zephyr presented each ship's captain with a special award for gallantry. The audience erupted in well deserved applause. Then the unveiling of the shrouded structure went on. The velvet tarp gently fell to the ground to reveal the black marble sculpture. It was monolithic in appearance with a gentile concave curve and a large white marble base. A large gold plaque on the base read, "In Honor and Remembrance to the fallen crew members of the USS Boudicca and USS Rosentante." Each of the fallen crew member's names were etched in its base under the name of each ship. The monolith itself contained an etched view of each ship, the Federation of Planets emblem and the star date of the dedication. Visible on the black face of the monolith was a photo etched depiction of each fallen crew member. Captain Zephyr continued, "On behalf of Star Fleet Command I hereby dedicate this monument to your fallen crew members in honor of their service. This monument will be permanently displayed on the observation deck of the Geneva to remind all who come aboard of the dedication and sacrifice of these gallant individuals working as a team for a common goal." Tom rose with the others and applauded. His heart was full - pride and sadness. His eyes teared and he bowed his head. Dahlia squeezed his hand gently. (Reply: Any Present) (Posted by; Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - Lt. Commander Steven Matrix, Day 5, 2204*) Captain Zephyr took center stage and began his speech. "Good evening everyone. May I have a your attention please?" said Captain Zephyr. As the lights lowered a podium swung out from the right side of the stage area and stopped center stage. Captain Zephyr made two steps forward and placed his hands on either side of the podium and waited for everyone to take their seats. "Thank you...thank you all for attending this evenings celebration. I hope the dinner met with your approval tonight. I would like to thank the Geneva's chefs for tonight’s culinary feast...you should all know none of this evening's food was replicated. Something I know all of you off-landers would appreciate." Laughter filled the ballroom. "I realize that the invitations were vague at best and that was by design, but I suspect some of you know the reason for this occasion. I'll get to that in a moment. First I would like to welcome home the crews of the USS Boudicca and the USS Rosentante and their Captains Durand and Saild respectively. On behalf of Star Fleet Command and the Geneva welcome." said Zephyr. The audience applauded. Zephyr continued, "I recognize many of you, many more I do not, but I assure you that I am very proud to be among the finest crews in the fleet." Again the audience applauded. "This evening, we celebrate many things. The return of the USS Rosentante and the USS Boudicca crews to the Geneva. We celebrate your service to the Federation of Planets, Star Fleet and the countless members of the federation, search for knowledge and exploration. To boldly go where no one has gone before." continued Zephyr. "We also celebrate and honor our fallen crew-mates who sacrificed so much in the line of duty on this latest mission. Their sacrifice honors us and we honor them tonight and always." the Captain paused briefly as the audience applauded. "Would Captain Durand and Captain Saild please join me?" said Zephyr as he waited for each of the ship's captains to join him on the stage. At that time the large screen behind Zephyr lit up with the official Star Fleet Federation logo and the lights illuminated the federation flags on either side of the stage. At the opposite end of where Zephyr was standing, the entrance to the ballroom opened up quietly behind everyone. The walkway also illuminated and a team of fleet marines could be seen gathering in formation at the entrance. The marines marched quietly two-abreast down the center of the room and split into two groups of three and stood behind the three Captains. As the marines stood at attention a large covered structure quietly moved directly behind the podium. The object was draped in a black velvet tarp and was just over 4 meters tall, appeared to be curved, spanning about 3 meters wide. Each Captain stood on either side of Captain Zephyr, "On behalf of Star Fleet Command I would like to formally recognize each of you, your exemplary service to the Federation and to your respective crews. It is my honor to bestow Star Fleet's citation for 'Gallantry in line of duty against hostile forces of the Federation.'" Captain Zephyr presented each man with the citation and shook their hands. "Congratulations Captains. Everyone please give your Captain's a round of applause." Everyone in the room stood and applauded. After a few moments the room quieted. "Captain Durand, Captain Saild, on behalf of Star Fleet Command and the Federation of Planets, I would like you to help me unveil a special recognition to those of your crews who have fallen in battle in this latest mission." continued Captain Zephyr. The center podium was moved quietly out of the way and the six marines moved in unison off stage. A large gold braided rope hung on either side of the sculpture and Captains Salid and Durand took hold of the rope and pulled. The velvet tarp gently fell to the ground to reveal the black marble sculpture. It was monolithic in appearance with a gentile concave curve and a large white marble base. A large gold plaque on the base read, "In Honor and Remembrance to the fallen crew members of the USS Boudicca and USS Rosentante." Each of the fallen crew member's names were etched in its base under the name of each ship. The monolith itself contained an etched view of each ship, the Federation of Planets emblem and the star date of the dedication. Visible on the black face of the monolith was a photo etched depiction of each fallen crew member. Captain Zephyr continued, "On behalf of Star Fleet Command I hereby dedicate this monument to your fallen crew members in honor of their service. This monument will be permanently displayed on the observation deck of the Geneva to remind all who come aboard of the dedication and sacrifice of these gallant individuals working as a team for a common goal." "I would like to close this dedication to your Captains and your crew mates, by again thanking each of you for your service. Feel free to mingle and enjoy desert and the spirits offered. A word of warning...the liquor is not synthihal so enjoy in moderation." said Captain Zephyr. The room erupted in applause. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva – Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5, 2205) Ahmed and the others had finally settled into their tables for a delightful meal. He spotted Jennifer and Kitty, both looking exquisite in their uniforms, and he had to remind himself, as he had on other occasions, about the appropriateness of fraternizing with persons under his command. Besides, Jasmin had been nice enough to accompany him to the event and it would be improper to be caught staring at another woman. Certainly they had been lovers once. But that had died almost 5 years ago when the Rosenante and half the entire Starfleet suddenly disappeared only to return 5-years later. For Ahmed it hadn't been that long, but for Jasmin. Well, for her, it had been five years and she had moved on with her life as she should have. that fact didn't make it any easier to deal with though. He was broken from his unpleasant thoughts by Captain Zephyr, who had asked Durand and he to move to the podium. Not really certain what this was all about, Ahmed and Durand gave each other a glance before complying. As they moved into position, it quickly became apparent that Zephyr had somehow managed to arrange a commendation for both COs, and then with some minor instruction to the two surprised captains, they unveiled a monument to the fallen members of the two crews. Not normally a man of emotion, Ahmed had to focus on maintaining his demeanor and candor. With an eloquence that Ahmed had rarely heard, Captain Zephyr ended the ceremony and everyone went back to the party. "I'll see you in a few minutes Ahmed," Durand stated. "I need to get a little air." Ahmed nodded at Alan and watched as the man made his way from the compartment. He noticed that the captain of the Boudicca seemed dejected or depressed. ~Not really surprising~ Ahmed thought ~It was a hard fight and he blames himself for every loss of life.~ The captain of the Rosenante turned his attention to captain Zephyr. "captain. Thank you." he said as he approached the man, offering him a sturdy handshake. "This means a great deal to me." (reply Zephyr) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Formal Ballroom - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 2206*) Detron listened to the speech given by CPT Zephyr honoring all who died in sacrifice on the last mission against the Borg. He felt a great sense of honor to them for he had fought along side them in battle. They will be honored forever in stories and song of their actions. He stood up and applauded as was the right action and gave each fallen warrior a chest pump along with a fist raised to the air. He walked over and grabbed a champagne flute. He took the champagne back to the table and sat next to CDR Jackson. He had some unfinished business with him for being ignored of his blessing to the soon to be born child. It is generally known to ignore a Klingon is an insult that may be met with death. He liked CDR Jackson and his wife Dahlia so it was hard to understand why Jackson would jeopardize the relationship this way. He confronted CDR Jackson. "CDR Jackson. I hope you know of the serious consequences that result from ignoring a Klingon Warrior's extended blessing to your expected child or ignoring a warrior in general. It is said to result in a wish to die for the dishonor you have inflicted. I hope you have something substantial to make up for the insult.You will have to earn back my trust sir." He turned and drank more of the champagne. (Reply CDR Jackson, Dahlia) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Deck 21 - Formal Dining Facility LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson 2O/COPS Day 5 2207) Trei turned to Tom and spoke about some unfinished business with him for ignoring his blessing to the soon to be born child. It is generally known to ignore a Klingon is an insult that may be met with death. He liked CDR Jackson and his wife Dahlia so it was hard to understand why Jackson would jeopardize the relationship this way. He confronted CDR Jackson."CDR Jackson. I hope you know of the serious consequences that result from ignoring a Klingon Warrior's extended blessing to your expected child or ignoring a warrior in general. It is said to result in a wish to die for the dishonor you have inflicted. I hope you have something substantial to make up for the insult. You will have to earn back my trust sir." Dahlia had overheard and jabbed Tom hard in the ribs - indicating Tom had stuck his foot in his mouth yet again Tom sighed and knew he had offended a good man and officer. He also knew that honor was all important to this man. “Lieutenant - I am deeply sorry. My wife agrees with you entirely. I am ignorant of many social things. I want to make amends - What does the Klingon Code of Honor require? Tom asked. (Reply: Trei) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Deck 21 Formal Ballroom A - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 2208) Eian watched the scene as the sculpture was revealed in a very moving ceremony dedicated to those who lost their lives. ~You were almost one of those faces,~ he told himself. He applauded when it was appropriate to applaud and was silent when it was appropriate to be silent, but something was missing. There was a hole in his heart. He knew he should feel something greater, something spiritual, at a moment like this. But he was unable, and so he was simply silent. He didn't see his father, but Liam O'Neill was in the back of the room, having arrived a little later to give Eian his space. He hadn't bothered his son, knowing that Eian was going through a hard time and had only attended because it was mandatory. He also knew about this small ceremony, and wouldn't have missed it for the world. The acting captain of the USS Kelman quietly stood in the back and applauded with everyone else when the two heroic captains entered the stage. He had only been in command a short while, but he had an appreciation for exactly what was expected of these two men in the face of extraordinary circumstances. They had brought their crews through what seemed like a hopeless situation, and managed to come away from an encounter with the Borg with half their crew still intact. They had kept command when communications were cut, fought tooth-and-nail--sometimes literally--to prevent the destruction of the Federation...they had "saved the world." But these two Captains, particularly Salid, would always have his gratitude and immense respect for another, deeply personal reason. They had brought his son home. When the sculpture was revealed, Liam solemnly applauded as the room erupted in a standing ovation. Those near him may have noticed, or perhaps they were too distracted by the monolith before them. But as he applauded, a tear ran down his cheek and he continued to stoically clap his hands together. He was more than a Starfleet Officer. He was a father whose little boy was finally home. (reply none) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Formal Ballroom - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 22.10) CDR Jackson expressed how sorry he was for ignoring Detron's blessing. He asked what it said in the honor code to fix the dishonor inflicted. He thought for a moment. "There is nothing specific about blessing to expected babies. Perhaps you can formally repeat the said blessing from me and publicly acknowledge it as a start to mend the dishonor. Let it be known that the path you are walking now is deathly dangerous until the dishonor is mended." (Reply CDR Jackson, Dahlia) (Posted by Edward) ======================================================= (Starbase Geneva, The County Cork, CO, Captain Alan Durand, Day 6, 1455) Ahmed gave the shaken officer across from him a smile. "It's not a matter of your junior officers trusting you captain. It's a matter of you trusting yourself. As a Commanding Officer, surely you realize that if you have confidence, even false confidence, that your people will trust in you to make the right decisions and to decide the things that need to be decided. Discipline and trust aboard a starship starts with the Captain trusting and disciplining himself. Without that stalwart appearance and irrefutable confidence, everything will come apart around us. Even when we don't know what to do, we must know what to do. Sometimes we're wrong, and sometimes we're not. We either learn, adapt and survive or we don't. We are the Anthropological leaders of our starship tribes and without our strength and guidance, the tribe breaks down and everyone suffers. What you need to ask yourself is , 'Do I trust myself to go out again? Do I trust myself to get us through adversity?' Because if you don't no one else will either." Alan nodded, "Yes there's something to that, I suppose." he replied, "I guess the question then is something that only I can answer for myself." Ahmed nodded, "Yes it is. Only you will know if you trust yourself to make mistakes and live with the consequences. Making decisions that are successful are easiest to deal with. It's the ones that fail that tear us up inside." Alan nodded solemnly for a moment. He finished his coffee, much to his detriment and rose from the table. "Thank you captain for the insight. I have a great deal to think about and if you don't mind I'd like to do that sooner rather than later." Another nod from Ahmed accompanied his response, "Of course captain Durand. I have confidence that you will make the right decision." (reply none) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Deck 21 - Formal Mess Facility LCDR Tom & Dahlia Jackson 2O / COPS - Day 6 - 2102) Tom was hoping CMDR Caskie was going to drop over and say hi. He Wanted to thank her for using him as the a/FO during the last mission. Tom wanted to express his concern about CAPT Durand to her. He was worried about the man (Reply: any present) (Posted By: Bill W.) ======================================================= (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1305) Henry had come to from the operation for some time now and he laid there listening to the commotion of the doctors and nurses cleaning up after the surgery. There was one voice in particular that stayed with Henry throughout all the noise; he had heard Commander Caskie offer to stay with him until he regained consciousness. He could not decipher how long the surgery had taken but the only assurance he had was that he had been in the best hands since the commander participated in the surgery. Feeling the need to let his presence be known Jacobs attempted to open his eye. Without trouble his left eyelids began to flicker. It wasn't until this attempt that Henry realized the weight of the bandaging over his right eye. He could feel the right eyelid move with pain but continued to do so until they moved in unison with the left eye. The dryness in the air caused his left eye to water and tears began to trickled down the corresponding cheek. It would be sometime before the bandage would be removed from the right but Henry was confident the surgery was a success. It was clear that the commander was aware that Henry had regained consciousness as she began to speak out to him. "Henry, it's Dr Caskie here. Can you hear me." His one eye followed the sound of her voice and once it locked in he began to respond. " I can hear you just fine, although you may only have half my normal attention." Henry smiled and listened as the doctor explained what was going to happen over the next 24 hours. He was to remain in sickbay under monitor and supervision and after that rest period he would undergo light therapy to see how the implant would respond to light. Henry hung off of every word she spoke as he could not wait to experience his new found vision. He would just have to wait another day for it. The only other thing on his mind was how Eva was doing and when would be the next time he would lay both his eyes on her. (reply none) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva, Medical Waiting Area, SO, Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 7, 1404) She hadn't been forced to wait too long, because just a few minutes after the surgery was scheduled to end, Commander Caskie exited the surgical ward and approached her. "Eva. Henry is being taken down to a ward just now. His operation went well and, I will make sure that as soon as he is settled you can go see him." She said, getting straight to the point. Eva smiled, "Thank you sir. I hope everything went well?" As if in answer, Jennifer turned and gestured to one of the starbase nurses. "As soon as Ensign Jacobs is settled could you have someone escort this visitor to his room. Five minutes only." She directed with a short gesture to the waiting security officer. Turning back to Eva she smiled. "Five minutes only Eva and then you need to let him rest until he is discharged. I will be examining him at 1400 tomorrow to make that decision. If you happen to be here to help him back to his room, I would have no objections, ok?" Eva smiled, "Yes sir." she replied, "Thank you commander." --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1407) Commander Caskie had left Jacobs in the highest of spirits. She assure him that there were no difficulties encountered during the surgery and that therapy could begin as soon as tomorrow. The lingering thought in his mind was if he would have to wait until that time to see Eva. It would seem the surgery had given him a touch of clairvoyance as he continued to think about Eva the room doors slid open. Through the walkway entered a nurse and in tow was Ms. Saint-Jean. He smiled as she made her way to his bedside. "How are you feeling?", Henry asked as he gaged her responses to how he looked and the bandage covering his eye. (reply Eva) It seemed a bit awkward at first but then Henry decided to defuse the situation by bringing up an incident from Valentine's Day. "So how is that back of yours? Feeling any better?" (reply Eva) The question itself was all kinds of inappropriate but it was necessary to break up the tension that had filled the room. "just thought I should ask, I was concerned I had hurt you." (reply Eva) "Well, I am glad you came to visit. Commander Caskie just left. It appears we will test the eye out tomorrow, will you be here?" (reply Eva) "I would appreCiate it, I could use the extra help around my quarters if I get released. Not to mention this cat that has made my quarters it's home." (reply Eva) Jacobs watched the conversation develop into more reminiscing about the fun the two had on Valentines day. It lasted for a few minutes until a nurse had returned to escort Eva out so that Henry could get some rest. (reply Eva, any) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva, Main Medical Offices- Recovery Ward, SO, Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 7, 1408) It hadn't taken long for the medical staff to get Henry situated, and so Eva had been escorted to his recovery room rather quicker than she had expected. A nurse guided her into the small private compartment, where Henry was reclining in recovery from his surgery. Eva was smiling to see him alert, the bandage somehow making him look a little roguish. "How are you feeling?", Henry asked. "Isn't that my line?" Eva retorted, a small smile spreading across her face in humorous reply. "I'm not the one who just had surgery." There was a moment of awkwardness, a pregnant sort of pause which Henry decided to exploit. "So how is that back of yours? Feeling any better?", he inquired. Eva's face turned three shades of red, which wasn't an easy task to accomplish, since she served the majority of her career with a bunch of post-pubescent sexually-minded men in uniform. Still, she found herself turning away for a moment, until the nurse, giggling finally made her way out of the room. "You're encourage-able." she replied. "Just thought I should ask, I was concerned I had hurt you." he replied with a slight shrug. Eva let out a puff of air that disturbed one of her stray locks of hair. "Henry Jacobs, I assure you, I'm a great bit more resilient than that. I was a Starfleet Ranger, after all." she replied as she settled on the edge of his biobed. "Well, I am glad you came to visit. Commander Caskie just left. It appears we will test the eye out tomorrow, will you be here?" "Do you want me here?" She asked. "I would appreciate it, I could use the extra help around my quarters if I get released. Not to mention this cat that has made my quarters it's home." "cat?" she inquired. From there, the conversation evolved into their Valentine's day trip. They had decided to go rock climbing on one of the more challenging programs in the holodeck. It had turned into a wonderful date, unlike anything that she had experienced before. Just the two of them, perched precariously on the summit of an alpine mountain, flesh naked to the coolness of the air at that altitude. The conversation probably would have continued, except a nurse arrived to escort Eva out. Her time was up. "I'll see you tomorrow, Henry. Get some rest now." she said and allowed herself to be escorted from the compartment. (reply none needed) Daniel Greene ======================================================= (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1330) The room had began to come alive as nurses entered and exited the room making preparations for the unveiling of Jacobs new eye. It was almost like a piece of art was going on display at a museum as the majority of the medical staff wanted to participate in the latest surgery. For all of the commotion not too much noise was being made and no words were spoken. This mainly because Jacobs remained on the surgery bed still asleep. The next person to walk in happen to be Eva and she made her way to Henry's bedside. As she walked in one of the nurses notified her that he had not come to yet. Jacobs for some reason could sense that she was there and right out of his sleep prompted her. "I knew you would make your way here a bit early, I counted on it." (reply Eva) Henry sat up in the bed to give Eva his full attention even thought he could not see her with his right eye, at least not yet anyway. He reached to a shelf just over his head where two padds rested. He handed one to Eva and told her what was on it. The padd she held described the different modes of view that the occupation implant would allow Jacobs to view. The page that was open had information on the thermal spectrum and how the implant could be used to detect body heat and other natural entities that emitted a thermal signature. The padd in his lap covered information on the psychological effects of ocular implant surgery and the difficulties in adjusting to it's use. He understood that it was going to be a transition but the excitement was killing him and he was waiting to see what it would actually be like to have a bionic eye. The two continued to talk about how Henry felt about the surgery until Dr. Caskie entered he room. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva, Main Medical Offices- Recovery Ward, SO, Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 8, 1331) She had decided to arrive a few minutes early to see if Henry needed anything before the unveiling. She had just slipped into the room, which was readily occupied by at least a half-dozen nurses performing some test or setting up some equipment or another, when Henry spoke to her. "I knew you would make your way here a bit early, I counted on it." "I'm glad I didn't disappoint." She replied, as she settled into the visitor's chair on the left side of the bed. Henry pulled himself into a m ore upright sitting position and then reached behind himself, to a small shelf and retrieved a PADD, which he promptly handed to her. He went on to explain the amazing abilities that the implant possessed, even as Eva gave it a quick once-over on the PADD. The sheer volume of information was amazing, and Eva couldn't imagine having such an implant of her own. "Henry, this is simply amazing." She said after a moment, his excitement becoming somewhat infectious. "I mean you can actually SEE, electromagnetic lines of force with your new eye?" (reply Henry) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1400) The conversation Jacobs and Eva were having was cut short ad the doctor entered the room. Jacobs smiled as she walked towards him. "How are you Dr.? Ready to get this show on the road?" (reply Caskie) "Depending on how well things go today, I should be able to return to my quaters correct?" (reply Caskie) "And how long do you expect me to be off duty? I am almost sure that many of the repairs are complete to the Boudicca and I just want to make sure the yard boys have bot screwed anything up." (reply Caskie) He turned his head towards Eva as the Dr. responded. With a look that could only be described as a mix of uneasiness and impatience he nodded at her and then turned back to the Dr. "Well then by all means I am ready when you are." (reply Caskie, Eva) ( posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva, Main Medical Offices- Recovery Ward, SO, Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 8, 1403) It didn't seem that she and Henry had been talking for a half an hour, discussing the various modes, displays and abilities of the prosthetic eye, when Commander caskie stepped into the room. Eva, responsibly slid back into her chair, leaving the edge of Henry's bed once again vacant as Jennifer entered. She settled in, knowing that for the moment it would be best for her to observe rather than participate, unless her assistance was required. So for the time being she watched, waited and listened. (reply Jacobs, Caskie) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Main Medical Offices - Recovery Ward - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8 - 1405) No sooner had Josh waked into the room than Jacobs addressed her. "How are you Dr.? Ready to get this show on the road?" Josh smiled at him. "I'm fine Henry, more to the point, is how are you feeling?" (Reply Jacobs iyw) "However, I am, as you so able put it, ready to get this show on the road." Josh nodded and smiled at Eva as she moved away from the bed to allow Josh to begin her examination. "Computer. Dim the lighting to 5% of normal." Once the computer had responded Josh brought over the tray that a nurse had left for her and began to remove the covers over Jacob's eye. Running a tricorder around that side of his head Josh examined the readings, removed another layer of coverings and ran another scan. She kept doing this until there was only a very light covering over the ensign's eye and Josh eventually instructed the computer to lower the lighting down to 2% before she finally removed the last covering and scanned the eye again. "Well Hendry. How does that seem? Is there any pain or discomfort. You shouldn't be able to see things clearly yet with that eye but that will change fairly quickly once your brain learns how to process the information it receives." (Reply Jacobs) As she began to re-cover his eye she smiled at him. "Everything seems to be going well and I am quite willing to discharge you back to your quarters now since Eva is here and able to help you to get back. However, the coverings over your eye stay where they are until I say otherwise. Every so often I will remove another layer and turn the lighting up more until we are sure that you and your new eye are fine with normal light levels. If you have any problems don't hesitate to contact me, but for now, if you are happy I will go and see to discharging you." (Reply Jacobs) (Posted by Marilyn) ======================================================= (Starbase Geneva - Personal Quaters - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 0415) Jacobs woke to a pitch black room. In the distance he could hear the monotone pattern of scratching and knew that the kitten that had been temporarily staying with him was somewhere in the room destroying some upholstery. Henry called out to the feline to get it to stop. " I hear you out there, now stop it" There was no break in rhythm as the cat continued to scratch away at it's target. Henry managed to grab a comb from his night stand and chuck it into the abyss of the room. Again the scratching was uninterrupted as if the cat understood that he had not been seen and was not in any sort of immediate danger. Henry was not the type to take a loss laying down and he was not going to get out of bed to make the cat stop. He removed the bandaging from his left eye as he had an idea. "Thermal view," he called out to activate his ocular implant. Jacobs right eye responsively turned like a gear and the view from it was all too familiar. As if his right eye was a thermal chart Henry could see different heat signatures throughout the room. There was a low level signal coming from the replicator and a similar signal that bordered the ceiling from where the lights were positioned. After the wonderment of what he had seen had worn off he zeroed in on his target. Looking down at the ground he saw a flare of heat coming from the kitten that was standing on it's hind legs scratching at the armrest of one of the chairs in the living room. He called out to it one last time. "I suggest you stop now, or you are gonna get it." This time the cat stopped, looked in the direction of Henry as if he knew he was being watched, and the. Proceeded to scratch away. That event Henry saw with his eye and accepted that at that point the cat wad just being spiteful. Jacobs got out of the bed and walked to a counter where a spray bottle rested that he had replicated. Knowing that cats also could see in the dark he made sure he was behind an object so the cat would not see his approach. At this time Henry stood behind the cat without being detected and unleashed a fury of water from the bottle. With his eye still in thermal view Jacobs watched the cat climb the chair is shock, leap into a random direction and sprint across the room into the bathroom. Henry walked back to his bed satisfied both by the fact that his eye was working remarkably and that the cat learned a valuable lesson that morning. (reply none) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - aCMO - Lt (sg) Kitty Fisher - Day 10 - 1445) "Tradewinds it is. Casual dress good for you? Or do you prefer something more formal?" Kitty smiled. "Casual is fine by me thank you." "Okay. When we are done with my physical I'll be calling it a day. When will you be calling it quits for the day?" Kitty grinned. "Lucky you. I'll probably be finished in around six months or so... but would 1800 suit you?. I can call in some favours if I need to and be out of here by 1730." (Reply Tamblyn) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- CSO- Sick Bay- LT David M. Tamblyn- 1820) When David entered Sickbay; he had already sat in Trade Winds for a half hour without any sign of Doctor Fisher. But research had always been one of his handiest skills. He found out what she ordered regularly. So guess what he ordered to go for her. He went straight to the CMO’s office with dinner for two in hand. Lucky for him her office door was opened. He didn’t want to have to use his head to knock on the door. His mom, academic colleages, and his old shipmates off the Cavalier used to tell him about how hard headed he could be at times. Tamblyn looked at Fisher as she sat behind her desk and noticed the clock on the wall had apparently stopped. “A wise man once said ‘Beware strangers bearing gifts’. I’m not sure if delivery counts as a gift though.” Tamblyn quipped. (Reply Fisher) “Mind if I sit, Doc?” (Reply Fisher) (Reply Fisher) (Posted Charlie Raschen) ======================================================= (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1300) Most of his patients were one-time visits from the Rosenante. The vast majority of the Rosenante personnel were adjusting well to life after the traumatic battle where they lost coworkers and friends, suffered personal injuries, witnessed gruesome sights, and were threatened with death and assimilation. The counseling offices on the starship were ready, but many people chose to meet with him off-ship, which was something he could understand. It might feel odd, even stressful for some people, to talk to a counselor about their experience in the same place where the experience occurred. He had seen mostly people from the Rosenante, but also some of their family members and some of the Boudicca personnel who chose to talk to him over a Starbase counselor who in some ways was even more distant from the event than he was, considering he was technically assigned to the Rosenante. He wouldn't presume to be a part of the crew, though. Not yet, when he hadn't been underway with these survivors. Statistics dictated that most people are resilient after traumatic events and only a minority experience PTSD or permanent troubles. Those statistics held true in this instance, and were supplemented by the existing resilience within a Starfleet-trained crew. It would be hard to break their will, and even harder to break their solidarity now that they had been through hell and back, together. It was mentally exhausting for Parker, though. He heard horror story after horror story, read assimilation report after assimilation report, was forced to familiarize himself with the extent of every patient's injuries, at least briefly, before seeing them to spare them the pain of retelling their story. He had just taken a much-needed lunch break and felt refreshed and ready to get back into the game. Looking down at his PADD, he saw his next patient was Henry Jacobs, the new CEO of the Boudicca. ~Lost an eye,~ he read. He was cleared to hear classified details of the mission, and was now occupying the classified-approved counseling office so that personnel could share any detail they wished. He read that Henry Jacobs was instrumental in stopping the Borg through the distribution of a viral code. ~Underwent surgery to replace the lost eye with a bionic one...had that for Just as he had finished reading, his patient walked in the door. Parker stood and smiled. "Henry Jacobs?" (reply Jacobs) He extended his hand. "I'm Counselor Davis. You can call me Parker. Please, have a seat anywhere. Would you like something to drink?" (reply Jacobs) Parker walked over to the replicator and ordered, and then walked back to sit near Henry but far enough away to give him his space. He always liked to have a drink of water while he met with patients because it was sometimes useful for creating conversational pause that encouraged patients to speak. It was also good for setting people at ease and letting them know that this was not an interrogation, it was a conversation. "So Henry, what would you like to talk about?" He never led with a question, but always let the patient lead. He found that he learned less from asking specific questions and more from listening to what others had to say. (reply Jacobs) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1305) It had been five days since Henry had been released from his implant surgery and apart of the rehabilitation was regular counseling visits to address any psycho-social affects the surgery may have had. Henry was not to keen on sitting around and talking about how he felt but he knew Commander Caskie was going to be on his case if he did not comply. In Henry's mind he was having no problem adjusting to the implant. Besides some occasional stinging the new eye was more than he could hope for. He hoped it would prove even more useful then his original eye and would be an extra tool while working in engineering. He had spent the past 5 days playing with the new eye and its many modes of view like a toy received at Christmas. He wanted to know the ins and outs before having to return to duty. Jacobs had made his way to the counseling offices to begin the first session in a series of what he hoped to be a quick evaluation of how the implant had not had an adverse effect on Henry's psyche and work performance. If all went well he would see him self back on duty preparing the Boudicca for her next mission. Henry walked into the office and was greeted by the counselor. "Henry Jacobs?" the man asked him. Henry shook his head and acknowledged that he was indeed the man who owned that name. The man sitting extended his hand and began to speak. "I'm Counselor Davis. You can call me Parker. Please, have a seat anywhere. Would you like something to drink?" "That would be appreciated. Ginger Ale please." Henry watched as the man walked over to the replicator, ordered the Ginger Ale for Jacobs, and a glass of water for himself. When he walked backed to the area Jacobs was sitting in he asked him what he wanted to talk about. ~What do I want to talk about? There really isn't anything i want to talk about~ "Well the thing is... I don't want to talk about anything. I am here because the physicians felt it necessary for me to attend to make sure that I would remain sane after the surgery. Its been 5 days I feel great, the eye feels great. I really dont have an issue right now." (reply Davis) "I mean did you make an evaluation of me as i walked in. There is nothing to determine at this time I am merely getting used to the new eye." (reply Davis) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1310) "Well, the thing is," Henry answered his question, "I don't want to talk about anything. I am here because the physicians felt it necessary for me to attend to make sure that I would remain sane after the surgery. It's been 5 days, I feel great, the eye feels great. I really don't have an issue right now." Parker noticed that he ended his statement with 'right now'. Although Henry might not have consciously meant anything by it, everyone practiced nuances and micro-expressions in their body language and spoken language that indicated deeper psychological meaning. He never took any notes during these sessions, as it made patients uncomfortable, but he was able to store the information away for later use. He nodded at the engineer's statement. "It's normal for doctors to recommend to patients that they see a counselor after they've received a prosthetic or an implant," he agreed. "I mean, did you make an evaluation of me as I walked in? There is nothing to determine at this time, I am merely getting used to the new eye." Parker nodded again and said, "I agree completely, it is very early for a psychological evaluation of any kind. Think of this session as a conversation so we know each other ahead of time. As you get used to the new eye, you may have questions for me or you may be perfectly fine. I'm more of a resource that you can come to at your own discretion than I am a judge of your sanity," he said the last with a bit of a smile. "So how do you like it so far? You seem to be getting around with it alright." His one concern was that Henry, as an engineer, would have a natural tendency to treat the device as a tool rather than a body part. In his mind, it would be healthier for the man to think of the eye as part of himself. It would not be a cause to prevent him from going back to duty, but it may result in later psychological troubles if not worked out in the beginning. He wouldn't suggest that at this point, though. It was still extremely early in their conversation (reply Jacobs) "Does it do everything you expected it to do?" (reply Jacobs) "I've never had an implant," Parker explained. "From what I've read, they're able to make them now to be extremely user-friendly and there's not much of a learning curve to use them." (reply Jacobs) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Ready Room- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid Day 12-1312) "Children can be very rewarding Captain, they are always so optimistic and care free. They can also be taxing on the nerves just the same." He smiled. "Everyone should make time for a family, I can't imagine my life without mine." "Ben tells me your second officer is expecting a child, hopefully they don't experience the sleepless nights accompanied by colic. Ben suffered from colic until he was twenty three months old, it made things interesting to say the least." Ahmed nodded. "I plan to have one some day myself, Mister Soma. As soon as I feel the time is right. As for Tom," Ahmed smiled, "I think that all the intricacies of raising a child will be good for him. He's a solid officer and one of my best friends. We graduated the Academy in the same class and he has always wanted a family. I fully expect to enjoy the experience of watching him raise his child and spoiling him or her rotten." He paused. "Besides possibly increasing the size of your family, what do you have planned? Are you considering going back into shipping? Or is it a nice quiet homestead in your future?" (reply Ned) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1313) "So how do you like it so far? the man asked as he stared at Henry waiting for a response. It was weird in Henry's mind that the man sitting in front of him was more so trying to get a feel for Henry than just make an assumption and write it down to paper. "The eye has been nothing but a pleasure so far. I have my sight again! I can take in my entire environment again instead of assuming what i dont see or taking twice the amount of time by using just one eye. Reading has become easier and the different modes are very interesting to experience." Jacobs drank from his glass of Ginger Ale while the counselor continued. "Does it do everything you expected it to do?" "Well I have not put it to full use, I have used the thermal view to play hide and seek with this kitten that made itself a home in my temporary quarters. Also I have used the magnification mode around the quarters. I dont expect to put it to full use until I get back to full duty. Overall it is proving to be amazing and everything that I hoped it to be." (reply Davis) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Ready Room- Ned Soma-1312) "Besides possibly increasing the size of your family, what do you have planned? Are you considering going back into shipping? Or is it a nice quiet homestead in your future?" The Captain asked. Ned hadn't actually given much thought to his future beyond recovering from what the Borg had done to him, he wanted to spend some time with his son as well. Beyond that he was uncertain. "After were finished with the medical procedures I guess we'll head back to Earth for a while, get used to being human again. I'm sure there's been a few changes in the last decade." Ned replied. "I have a few old friends who might be surprised to see my wife and I alive and well." Ned thought for a couple seconds and smiled. "I've never been very good at staying in one place for long, later on I might look into getting back into shipping." He continued. "There are always colonies out there needing supplies, Starfleet even had a few contracts for me in the past." Ned sat back in his seat. "I don't need to tell you what it feels like being out there, wondering what's waiting for you on the other side of that nebula or the satisfaction that comes from lending a hand. I enjoyed every minute I ever spent on a freighter, I grew up on one and met my wife on one. It's the only life I've known. Ben has been the first Soma to break from tradition, I understand why but part of me always hoped that one day he take my place. I'm glad he's happy here just the same. You have a fine ship Captain and from what I've seen a fine crew." (reply Salid) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1316) "The eye has been nothing but a pleasure so far. I have my sight again! I can take in my entire environment again instead of assuming what I don't see or taking twice the amount of time by using just one eye. Reading has become easier and the different modes are very interesting to experience." "Does it do everything you expected it to do?" "Well, I have not put it to full use. I have used the thermal view to play hide and seek with this kitten that made itself a home in my temporary quarters." ~Interesting,~ thought Parker. He supposed a Starbase was like a city and that there would be stray animals here and there, but that Henry had kept the animal instead of turning it into Security was a point of interest. "Also I have used the magnification mode around the quarters," Henry continued. "I don't expect to put it to full use until I get back to full duty. Overall it is proving to be amazing and everything I hoped it to be." "It sounds like it's pretty easy to use," Parker commented. He noted that all of Henry's comments were about what the implant could do, but not about how he felt about it. That was to be expected, coming from an engineer who had a passion for new toys. He found in his counseling of engineers in the past that they tended to view their bodies as tools or machines as much as they viewed them in any kind of spiritual or personal context. However, at a certain level, everyone had an attachment to parts of their body and the loss of one part ended up meaning more than the loss of its function. Eventually, Parker would bring this up with Henry. But for now, they were still getting to know each other and Parker wanted Henry to trust and respect him enough to be able to answer a comment like that. "It's good to hear that you're happy with it. I'll bet you did a lot of research beforehand to figure out exactly what kind of implant you wanted." (reply Jacobs) "Have you ever known anyone with a prosthetic or an implant?" (reply Jacobs) Parker nodded. "Sometimes it helps to see others' experiences before you go through something yourself. I know a lot of people watch the personal logs of others who have gone through the same thing they're about to, before they undergo a medical procedure. Did you do any of that, or was that not something you were interested in?" (reply Jacobs) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs- 1324) Parker commented that it seemed the use of the eye was simple and didn't require much hassle and Henry couldn't agree more. "Absolutely. It's almost as if after the surgery the implant and my body took to each other right away. I feel like even though it is new to me it's apart of me and for that reason I am not having any issues with it. " The conversation was turning out to be better than he had expected. He didn't feel like he was being interrogated. It was a genuine conversation. Jacobs didn't know how long this feeling would actually last seeing as he was there to talk about his feelings, and had yet to do so. "It's good to hear that you're happy with it. I'll bet you did a lot of research beforehand to figure out exactly what kind of implant you wanted." Henry thought back to when he had gotten a moment to actually think about the missing eye. "Yea the trip back from the Dovek system was a long one. Both the ships were damaged and engines were not producing enough to get us to Starbase 989 any quicker. When I wasn't making sure the ship wasn't falling apart I used my free time to access all I could on ocular implant surgery. Also I looked up who was best suited to spearhead the surgery. It was not to my surprise that the Boudicca's first officer came up several times as an experienced physician in the area. " He drank again from his glass and continued. "It was a low blow to us all to find out that the Starbase could not accommodate both ships and that we would have to drag ourselves here to Geneva. It only gave us more time to lick our wounds. Personally my outlook was growing darker and darker until we arrived. All the time I had to research only made me that more determined to have the surgery." "Have you ever known anyone with a prosthetic or an implant?" "I have seen a few people with prosthetics, no one personally. But from what I could surmise they had a firm grasp and didn't let the prosthetic hinder them." The counselor continued and asked Henry if he went the extra step of reviewing someone elses personal logs who underwent the same process. This idea had iluded Henry but at the same time he didn't find it necessary to have done so. "It had not crossed my mind to do so. Like I said before I was pretty much bent on having the surgery. The less time I wasted the better. And here we are now." (reply Davis) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1332) Parker could relate to the long journey to Starbase Geneva from Starbase 989. The crew of the Rosenante and Boudicca, though they had plenty to do to keep the ships operable, were more like passengers than officers. They had a destination, but they had no mission. Their mission accomplished, their only objective was to survive long enough to get to their shore leave. Working to keep each ship running was no longer serving a larger purpose--it was the purpose in and of itself. This was much like prison, or in his case, a rehabilitative juvenile center. Each 'passenger' was more like a prisoner, unable to leave but forced to work. The journey was long, and after the hope of shore leave on 989 was pulled from them in a cruel twist of fate, the journey was more like a sentence. His therapy work with incarcerated individuals as well as his own teenage years in Detroit's J. Samuel Juvenile Detention Center, both gave him a feel for what many of the crew must have felt like. Especially those waiting for medical treatment that could only be dispensed at Geneva. He listened to Henry explain that he simply didn't think of looking into others' logs. "It had not crossed my mind to do so. Like I said before I was pretty much bent on having the surgery. The less time I wasted the better. And here we are now." Parker agreed with a nod and a slight smile as he said, "It seems like you made a good decision, one that greatly improved your vision and may even improve your work as an engineer." (reply Jacobs) Sometimes talking about an event in and of itself brought emotions to the forefront, but only after a delay. Parker didn't want to push Henry to talking about how he felt about what he went through, not so soon after the event. He definitely wanted to give the man time on his own to think about how he felt, and make sure that when he did talk about his emotions, they weren't cookie-cutter responses that would simply declare him psychologically fit and allow him to 'escape' future counseling altogether. In Parker's mind, Henry needed to make the decision himself to discuss any psychological problems with a professional. However, they didn't have forever because the Boudicca would eventually depart and Parker was going with the Rosenante. So he decided to plant some seeds that might help Henry think about how he felt about the new implant, and about the mission that took his original eye. "Well, from our conversation here I think it's clear that you're definitely not insane," he told him with a smile that communicated the obviousness of the statement, "and that you appear to be well-adjusted to the idea of having an ocular implant. But Starfleet regulations make me ask certain questions during these discussions, and I promise you I'll make it fast. Just answer honestly, and remember that if you don't feel comfortable answering, you can decline to answer. That's also a response. And if any question is confusing, just let me know and I'll try to clarify." (reply Jacobs iyw) Parker never wrote anything down, even when reciting the textbook questions and listening to the patients' responses. He could usually remember their responses and wrote the relevant ones down in his report that he would fill out in the end of their session. It wasn't technically a Starfleet regulation to ask the questions, but rather more like a guideline. But Parker was bending the truth slightly in the interest of helping Henry think about his emotions. "Do you feel fully connected to your implant?" (reply Jacobs, room for more) "Have you dreamed about your new eye?" (reply Jacobs, room for more) "If you have a significant other, how has this person responded to your new eye?" (reply Jacobs, room for more) "When you look in the mirror, do you see yourself any differently than before the surgery?" Accounting for the fact that Henry was an engineer and would most likely answer literally like most science and engineering personnel, Parker added, "And I don't mean the mere difference of there being an implant there where before there was none." (reply Jacobs, room for more) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1340) The conversation Jacobs and Davis were having maintained it's rhythm to the point where Jacobs stopped noticing the location and was just content having someone go to talk to, especially in regards to the cybernetic eye. It appeared that the conversation got too familiar as the counselor found his opening and began to ask Henry questions to get him to explore his acclimation at a deeper level. "Do you feel fully connected to your implant?" "It's all still new to me. I know that it's apart of me now and I am not feeling any animosity towards my eye." Jacobs responded to the best of his ability not knowing if there was a better way of answering such a question. "Have you dreamed about your new eye?" This question made Henry think hard about the type of dreams he had been havoc since the surgery. The note he concentrated the faster he got to the same conclusion. "Actually since the surgery I have not had any rememberable dreams. Not to say that I have not dreamt, I just don't know if there is anything to remember from them." "If you have a significant other, how has this person responded to your new eye?" "At the moment I don't have a significant other." Henry instantly thought bout Eva but knew not to assume anything before anything was definite. The two of them had been spending quite a bit if time together but nothing was laid out on the table and Henry would not be caught with his pants down assuming anything. "When you look in the mirror, do you see yourself any differently than before the surgery?" Accounting for the fact that Henry was an engineer and would most likely answer literally like most science and engineering personnel, Parker added, "And I don't mean the mere difference of there being an implant there where before there was none." Henry thought back to the last time he walked past a mirror. The last time he actually took a self exam in front of the mirror he did realize that the only difference he saw was the color of the implant compared to his other eye. "The first day or two the eyes were not in sync but since then I have been returning to normalcy." As Davis asked the questions Jacobs continued to answer to the best of his ability. (reply Davis) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1347) Henry's answers were what he expected--cookie-cutter, 'right' answers that would get him a positive psychological evaluation. He was a brilliant man and it didn't take a genius to realize what the 'non-crazy' answers were. He hoped that the questions would spark some thought in Henry's mind, though. "It's all still new to me. I know that it's a part of me now and I am not feeling any animosity towards my eye," was the first answer. In response to the dreaming question, Henry stated that he couldn't remember any of his dreams as of late. That was unusual, considering the high intensity of everyone's emotional state. One tended to remember dreams that caused emotions to flow in their brains. Dreams were caused by a 'discharge' of information stored over time in a part of the brain called the Pons. The Pons was right next to the visual cortex, so this discharge of information during REM sleep was processed in pictures, and people's brains connected those pictures into a story to make sense of the phenomenon. How one connected those pictures told a great deal about their current emotional state. Dreams that didn't spark any particular emotional state were usually not remembered, but everyone dreamed every night. It was essential to human sanity to do so, or the Pons became flooded and dreaming occurred during the day, resulting in irrational actions. The fact that Henry couldn't remember his dreams told Parker that he had not yet begun to emotionally process his experience. It would happen eventually...Parker's job was to make sure that when it did, it wasn't dangerous to Henry's psyche. He claimed he didn't have a significant other, but Parker noticed the microexpression change in Henry's face that told him he was lying. He thought of someone immediately, perhaps a prospective significant other or someone who didn't know of Henry's affection. It was information Parker stored away for a later time. Henry's last answer was very telling. He had specifically asked Henry not to talk about the actual appearance of the eye, and yet that was exactly what the engineer did. That told Parker that his patient had no idea how to go about talking about how the eye fit into his personality and personal appearance other than the literal nature of how it looked. But the psychologist didn't react--he was trained not to. Instead, he nodded, mentally noted all of the responses, and then smiled. "I'm through with my questions, Henry. Thanks for your candid answers. Do you have any questions for me?" (reply Jacobs, room for more conversation) "You seem very psychologically healthy to me," Parker told him. "I'll need to see you once more before the Boudicca departs the starbase. I'm giving you a clean bill of mental health, though, and you are free to visit me as often or as little as you like. My initial assessment is that you haven't had enough time to really emotionally process what you've been through, and you need to do that at your own pace. If you want some help with that or you feel like you'd like to talk through everything, then by all means, I'm hear to talk." (reply Jacobs) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Counseling office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1355) For the better part of the hour the two men discussed the acclimation process Henry was undergoing with his eye. The majority of the conversation was freelance but when it went off on tangent Davis was there to guide it back on track with questions concerning the psychological state Of Henry's mind. To the best of his abilities Henry answered the questions and approached answering them the same way hd would answer an engineering problem. Direct and to the point. He didn't see the necessity in exploring his inner most thoughts when there was nothing visibly wrong with him. As the next hour approached the counselor gave him a basic evaluation. Henry was glad to hear that he was not insane, eventhough he knew this before entering the session. Counselor Davis established the fact that this would not be the last time the two would talk. He frankly put it out that the two would talk again before the Boudicca would leave port. Nodding in acknowledgement Jacobs stood to begin exiting the office. "I would like to think that being able to talk with you has assisted in my getting use to my new eye. It is also reassuring to know that I can be able to talk to you at any time needed." (reply Davis) "I will send you a personal message when I am available for the next appointment." Jacobs turned from talking to the counselor And exited the office. He was now wondering what Eva was doing and decidedto find out. "Jacobs to Eva" (reply Eva) "I have got some free time. Do you have anything planned for the day?" (reply Eva) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Promenade - SO- Ensign Eva Saint Jean - 1358) Eva stood before the vendor as he explained the process by which Yridian Moss agates were harvested. It was an interesting process, and the difficulty involved was meant to add intrinsic value for the jewelry for which they were negotiating. "And then the stones have to be washed in a special acid bath in order to remove any impurities of Commonite crystals that would be destructive to the gems. That process is a delicate one, and you can not use a machine to do the work, therefore each stone is washed and inspected by hand." the merchant explained. Eva nodded, "I completely understand that, but honestly, a strip and a half of gold-pressed latinum is robbery. I'd give you no more than a half strip, and even that is pushing it." "But there are thirty stones here!" the merchant protested. "That's a lot of work to make this beautiful necklace." "Yes, work for which the workers were probably paid bare minimum wages to produce in the first place. And antimatter or transporter energy doesn't cost much, so the only real overhead is the purchase of the product, and that, as I said has already been paid. So the additional mark-up is much too high." Eva continued. "But!" The merchant began to protest again, when Eva's commbadge, nestled into her pocket, chirped. She raised a hand to silence the merchant and fished the small device from her pocket, just in time to hear Henry's voice. =^= Jacobs to Eva=^= A smile crossed her face. She squeezed the device and replied still smiling, the happiness that she felt was apparent in the tone of her voice. "I'm here Henry." she said simply. after all, they were off duty. =^= I have some free time. Do you have anything planned for the day?=^= he asked. ~Just shopping~ she thought to herself, but said, "Not really. i was just on the promenade doing some shopping. Why don't we meet someplace for a late lunch. Maybe the Abrigarian Bistro on level 53?" she asked. (reply Jacobs) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 1359*) "I would like to think that being able to talk with you has assisted in my getting use to my new eye. It is also reassuring to know that I can be able to talk to you at any time needed," Henry said. Parker smiled and stood. "You're always welcome to call, even in the middle of the night." "I will send you a personal message when I am available for the next appointment." "Sounds good. It was good to meet you, Henry. I'll see you again before the Boudicca gets underway." He shook Henry's hand, and then watched as the man left. He then compiled his report on Henry, which he estimated would take about twenty minutes. His next appointment was at 1430. (reply none necessary) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - Counseling Office 17a - aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1400) =^=I'm here Henry.=^= Hearing her voice made Henry smile, especially to the prospect of her answering his next question correctly. "I have some free time. Do you have anything planned for the day?" Jacobs asked. =^=Not really. i was just on the promenade doing some shopping. Why don't we meet someplace for a late lunch. Maybe the Abrigarian Bistro on level 53?=^= "Sounds like a plan to me." Henry was content with being able to meet up with Eva regardless of the venue. Having gotten his answer and his next appointment Henry left the counseling office and headed for the nearest turbolift. As he walked down the corridor he began to whistle in a lively tone, the melody was energetic and filled with vest. As others passed him in walking they turned around to look at why he was in such a good mood and whistling down the corridor. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase Geneva - LVL 53 - Abrigarian Bistro -aCEO Ensign Henry Jacobs - 1412) Henry could see Eva sitting at a table for two close to the establishments entrance as he walked up. By this time the whistling had stopped but Henry's positive attitude was still quite visible. He walked through the entrance door and sat down at the table while Eva looked up at him. "I'm glad you have some free time on you. How's your day going?" (reply Eva) "At least you made it out for some fresh air. I am just coming from my first counseling session with Counselor Davis. " (reply Eva) "The conversation was pretty harmless which was not what I expected. I thought he was gonna hound me about how it was mandatory for me to express my feelings and tell him how I wasn't loved as a child and how it is somehow coming back to me in the form of pain with my new eye." (reply Eva) "We just talked about the new eye and how i was adjusting to it. There were some other harmless questions like how were my dreams and how my significant other reacts to the implant." Henry wished that there was some kind of way to judge Eva's true emotions when it came to how she felt about him. He had always wanted some advantage to know when he should invest his time or just move on. He thought all of this while looking at her and telling her about his session. ~She is really good at not showing it on the outside, if only I could see it on the outside or have a way to see whats on the inside~ He felt a tingling sensation coming from his implant and without prompt or query it switched to thermal view. The last sentence he spoke to Eva must have caused some emotional impact because he could see a spike in her body temperature. (reply Eva) Henry was well aware that ocular implants had the capability and capacity to assign itself different shades and hues but only after a mental signal was sent from the brain. While Eva's body temperature was telling him one thing her outward appearance was not. In fact she had not changed her demeanor what - so - ever. The ocular implant was now red and he continued to read her body temperature while she talked. He had inadvertently gained a lie detector for an eye, and he liked it. He knew from previous practice that the implant changes color when a corresponding view was activated. This very important fact had slipped his mind at the time and he continued to watch the responses he got from her mouth and compared them to the responses he was getting from her body overall. (reply Eva) (Posted by Darryl McDaniel) ======================================================= (Axtis III, Highlands, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma, 0703) Sanok, Matan and Damok came out of the forest. Sanok immediately went to Ben's aide dumping the contents of his backpack on the ground in search of medical supplies and began tending his wounds. "I cannot tell you how agreeable it is to me to see that you are still alive," said Sanok. Ben was about to make a joke when he noticed the look in his friends eyes, it had been brief but it was there. "There was a moment when I had my doubts if I'd survive." Ben replied. "If the dagger beast didn't look away when it had I don't think we'd be having this conversation." Ben remembered opening his eyes only to see the beast looking down at his exposed throat and suddenly looking away, he didn't know what caught it's attention but he was thankful for the distraction. Matan and Damok joined them, with Damok going directly to Ben. He placed his right hand on top of Ben's head and said something over him in his own language. "Another blessing?" Ben asked as Damok moved to the beast and began cutting into it's flesh, Matan nodded. "Damok will take meat from the beast," said Matan. "Of course, you get your portion first. Whatever remains, will be given to the scavengers of these lands. Nothing will be wasted." "That's a prudent course of action." Ben stated. Damok removed something from inside the beast. Facing Ben, he bowed and offered it to him. "The liver," said Matan. "We will return to Axtis City where the second phase of the ch'mok will be done before the full Council. You fought well, Ben Soma." Ben accepted the liver from Damok, though he wasn't completely sure what to do with it. Matan sensing Ben's confusion removed some cloth from his pack and proceeded to instruct him on how to wrap it properly for the journey back to the city. When he had accomplished the task he placed the wrapped liver in his pack and turned to Sanok who had finished playing medic and was returning the contents of his pack to their rightful place. "I hope this is all worth it, Ben," whispered Sanok. Ben nodded. "You and me both." He replied. Damok had built a small fire and placed a portion of the daggers beasts remains on the fire. "He's making an offering to the Gods." Matan explained. "Thanking them for the dagger beasts sacrifice and your victory." Ben watched as Damok made several gestures over the small fire and looked to the sky and chanted in his language, it reminded him of video footage he'd seen about Earth's native peoples. They all offered thanks for what their gods provided for them. When the ceremony was over Matan said it was time to head back. The group walked in silence for the most part, each reflecting on what had happened that morning. When they reached the rendezvous site the sun was high over head and looked like the sky would remain clear for the day. They sat and rested while they waited for the others to arrive. Almost an hour passed before Turok and his party came out of the forest. The Nausican had also been injured in his hunt, his right arm was in a sling and he had a noticeable limp. There were bandages on his chest and his face also contained fresh scratches. He simply looked and Ben and snorted, Shren's antennae dipped as he saw that Ben had survived the encounter. "So good to see you survived the hunt." Shren said sarcastically. "Sorry to disappoint you." Ben responded in kind. Matan went to Ulrich and both compared notes for a couple minutes then both turned to the group and announced. "Phase one, the hunt, goes to Ben Soma." Matan said. "He successfully completed his hunt first and killed the dagger beast in under an hour." Turok growled and Shren glared at him. "You got lucky pink skin." Ben smiled at him. "You have no idea." He replied. "Let's get moving." Ulrich stated. "The council will be eager to learn the results of the hunt and have to prepare for the next phase of the ch'mok." Everyone turned to stand and gather their supplies. Ben turned to Sanok and whispered. "If surviving that hunt didn't earn their respect I don't know what will." (reply Sanok iyw) (posted by Milo Young) ======================================================= (Axtis III, Axtis City, Lieutenant sg Sanok, 0700) The trip back to Axtis City was an ordeal to try the patience of the most stoic of Vulcan.s. Matan and Damok, and the other council member and Axtian guard, barely spoke, which was fine with Sanok. Most of what was said, were taunts, insults, and snarls from Turok and Shren. Adding the body odors from everyone for being in the wilds, and sleeping outside on the ground, Sanok was ready for the sterile surroundings of modern technology. It was now the morning of the second phase of the ch'mok. To insure fairness, both livers had been taken by the Council and secured. Ben and Turok had also been placed into secure cabins, under guard, to insure neither did anything to cheat. Apparently, there were natural remedies that had certain enzymes that would enable a person to consume the liver paste and not become ill. When Sanok wakened, he cleaned himself in the stream in the woods, ate some native fruit and an emergency ration, and hurried into town. The liver phase would be done inside the tournament arena, before the full council, with only the aids allowed to be present. As he expected, there was already a throng waiting outside, with vendors selling food, and tables with people taking bets on who would win. A few people in the crowd taunted Sanok and insulted Ben, but Sanok ignored them. Reaching the gate, the large man guarding it, allowed him to pass, grunting a greeting. Sanok passed through the bleacher area and found Ben in one of the back rooms that was used for combatants to prepare for their matches. "Good morning, Ben. How was your night?" (reply Soma) (posted by Bob B.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 15, 1600) Ahmed was actually smiling as he reviewed the latest refit and repair reports. With his enhanced engineering staff working diligently on getting the ship back up and operational. The internal structure of the vessel had been restored. Some equipment was still being installed and a great bit of the superstructure was also still under repair, but slowly his starship was being restored to it's pristine condition. There was a chirp and Xim's voice sounded over his commbadge. =^= Captain I have Admiral Richardson on the channel for you sir. He has indicated that it is urgent.=^= Ahmed tapped his commbadge and replied, "put him through to my workstation here in the ready room lieutenant." =^= Aye sir.=^= A moment later the United Federation of Planet's logo on the screen dissolved and was replaced by the face of Admiral Richardson. "Admiral, how can I-" Ahmed began. =^= Did you know about this Captain?=^= the admiral asked. Ahmed was somewhat surprised. "I'm sorry Admiral, to what are you referring?" =^= Don't play games with me Salid. Answer my question?=^= Still confused, the Captain responded to the best of his ability, "Admiral, sir. I assure you I have no idea to what you are referring. If you would elucidate me, I'd be glad to answer your inquiry." Richardson seemed to struggle for a few moments with his anger before taking a deep breath, holding it for a few moments and then releasing it. Once his composure was regained, he went on to explain. =^=Why is Lieutenant Trei still a lieutenant, when the summary mast was handed down to you over a week ago captain?=^= he asked. ~Ah-ha~ Ahmed thought. "Admiral, I turned that summary mast report over to Captain Durand. As Trei's commanding officer, it was his place to discuss the Mast's findings with Trei. I don't understand why it hasn't already been handled. I am certain that there is a good explanation for his behavior sir." =^= A good explanation, Captain?=^= The Admiral replied, a dangerous edge to his voice. =^= Captain Durand has resigned his commission two days ago, leaving you in command of the Boudicca until such time as a new Commanding officer is found. Are you going to tell me that you were unaware of this fact, Captain?=^= Ahmed took a deep breath, "Sir, I was unaware. But I assure you that everything will be handled forthwith. I will handle the mast within the next hour and assume temporary command of the Boudicca officially. I assure you sir, had I known, I would have already had this matter resolved." =^= See to it that you get that ship in order Captain and this mast handled or we'll be discussing your own mast as well.=^= Richardson growled. Ahmed nodded. "I understand Admiral. I'll take care of it personally and immediately." Richardson glared at him. =^=You'd better Salid. Richardson out.=^= The channel closed with a snap and Ahmed allowed his frustration to show for a few moments in the privacy of his ready room. After a few moments, he regained his composure and tapped his commbadge. "Captain Salid to Commander Caskie" (reply Caskie) "Commander, have a security team pick up Lieutenant Trei and have him escorted to the Conference room aboard the Rosenante within the next twenty minutes. I will need to speak to you first, so please meet me in my ready room in ten." (reply Caskie) "There's a great deal to explain commander and a very short time in which to do it. I will fill you in when you arrive. Salid out." (reply Caskie) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------