USS Hades

Mission: The Medusa Dilemma
Day: 8
Stardate:2446.08.05
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(USS Hades – Bridge – CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0933)
(USS Hades – Bridge – FO –CMDR – Ire Williams - 0934)
(Starbase Freedom– Level 2 - Main Ops - Captain’s Office – Base CO - Captain Casian Dahr-
0935)
(USS Hades – Bridge – CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0936)
(Starbase Freedom– Level 2 - Main Ops – Base CO - Captain Casian Dahr- 0940)
(USS Hades - Sickbay - CMO, Lt. Dural Methor DrPH - 0942)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Medical Plaza - Emergency Department - Chief I’d Rmergency
Medicine - Doctor Mark Edwards - 0944)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Medical Plaza - Emergency Department - Chief of Emergency
Medicine - Doctor Mark Edwards - 0946)
(USS Hades - Sickbay - CMO, Lt. Dural Methor DrPH - 0947)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Medical Plaza - Emergency Department - Chief of Emergency
Medicine - Doctor Mark Edwards - HADES CMO, Lt. Dural Methor DrPH - 0950)
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Day 10
Stardate:2446.08.07

(USS Hades - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0745)
(USS Hades - Deck 1, Bridge - CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0800)
(USS Hades – Bridge – FO – CMDR – Ire Williams- 0815)
(USS Hades - Deck 1, Bridge – FO – CMDR – Ire Williams - 0821)
(Starbase Freedom - Main Ops - CO’s Office - CO - Captain Casian Dahr - 0825)
(USS Hades- Deck one Bridge - CSciO/20, Lt. Commander. Tinmanrion Jayc- 0835)
(USS Hades - Deck One, Bridge -CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0836)
(USS Hades- Deck one Bridge - CSciO/20, Lt. Commander. Tinmanrion Jayc-0837)
(USS Hades - Deck One, Bridge - CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0840)
(USS Hades - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO, Captain Keira Merek & Engineer - WO1 Sa’aha
Kamat - 0850)
(Starbase Freedom - Subsection, Corridor - Dahr’s Quarters - Captain Casian Dahr, Captain
Keira Merek, Cmdr. Ire Williams, Lt. Cmdr. Tinmanrion Jayc, Dr. Roxanne Dahr, Dr.(Lt.) Navi
Doshi, Lt. Cal Dogan - 1815)
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(USS Hades – Bridge – CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0933)

Keira strode onto the bridge after being informed they were nearing contact range of Starbase
Freedom. She motioned with a nod for the person holding the center chair to vacate.
Keira thought back to the last time she had been in orbit of Trill Prime. It was on the Mystique, a
practically ancient Akira class ship with a sentient energy based being residing in the main
computer. Luma was her name. Keira couldn't figure out if she was lonely from so many eons
wandering the cosmos alone, or if she was just curious about the beings on board, maybe a bit
of both. Ailynn found out she's allergic to Trill wheat, and Keira found out the hallucinogenic
properties don't agree with her. Now less than a day out from orbit and there is a large space
station parked in orbit.

"Hail Starbase Freedom." Keira ordered.

"One moment, Captain." OPS responded. Shortly afterwards they nodded.

"Starbase Freedom, this is Captain Merek of the USS Hades, please respond." Keira said and
waited for the response.

(Reply SB Freedom)
(Posted by Todd)
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(USS Hades – Bridge – FO –CMDR – Ire Williams - 0934)

Ire watched as the view of Starbase Freedom grew larger in the view screen. He smiled
mentally as he remembered the first time that he had seen the Starbase. They had left Earth on
their first big mission after arriving at Mars. Squeezing onto one ship and traveling here to start
the process of building Freedom. Apart from a certain issue planet side and subsequent ass
chewing his time here had been quite pleasant he hoped that their return would be also.

He glanced at his PADD and began looking over the stores and replacement requests that
would be sent to the starbase when they docked. He did not know where they would be sent
next but knowing command it would be at short notice. He wanted to make sure that the Hades
would be ready to depart when needed with everything that they would need for what ever
mission they were required to do.

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Robbie)
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(Starbase Freedom– Level 2 - Main Ops - Captain’s Office – Base CO - Captain Casian Dahr-
0935)

Casian sat back in his seat fighting off the exhaustion of pulling an all nighter in the conduits of
the power relays. There had been a catastrophic failure in the relay to the lower sections of the
station and it has been all hands on deck for the needed repairs.
They had managed to restore power two hours ago, but afterwards was finding the cause and
making sure it didn’t reoccur. Then there was the clean up. Now he tried to get his muscles to
relax, wishing Roxanne were home, but she had gone planet side to visit family.

He wiped his head with his work cloth, leaving a streak of dirt across his face.

=^=Captain, in coming message from the USS Hades.=^=

He tapped his badge and replied, “Put it through here.”

He tried to sit up a little straighter as his screen blinked to life.

=^=Starbase Freedom, this is Captain Merek of the USS Hades, please respond.=^=

“Good morning Captain,” he replied. “What can I do for you.”

(reply Merek)
(Posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Hades – Bridge – CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0936)

=^= Good morning Captain,=^= he replied. =^= What can I do for you?=^=

Keira looked over to Ire. "We're just giving you a heads up. We were scheduled for Starbase
Four, but, Command redirected us to you..."

(Reply Cpt. Dahr)

"We certainly could entertain picking up a transfer for you, Captain. I understand not having any
other assets you can spare, however one Captain to another, we have a great number of
wounded on board from Research Outpost Forty Seven and another sensitive matter." Keira
tried her best to be diplomatic.

(Reply Cpt. Dahr)

"Absolutely right, I probably should have led with that." Keira admitted. "The outpost is gone,
Captain I have what is left of the station's officers, crew and other station personnel."

(Reply Cpt. Dahr)

"Close to forty percent survived, Captain. I have eighty patients ready for transport." Keira said.

(Reply Cpt. Dahr)
"I'll have my CMO contact your CMO. Can you take all the patients? Do your wards have
room?"

(Reply Cpt. Dahr)
(Posted by Todd)
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(Starbase Freedom– Level 2 - Main Ops – Base CO - Captain Casian Dahr- 0940)

=^=We're just giving you a heads up. We were scheduled for Starbase Four, but… Command
redirected us to you.=^=

“Interesting,” Dahr said, as much to himself as to the monitor. “Perhaps you could make a quick
stop over and pick up my new xenobiologist on if it’s on your way.”

=^=We certainly could entertain picking up a transfer for you, Captain. I understand not having
any other assets you can spare, however, one Captain to another, we have a great number of
wounded on board from Research Outpost Forty Seven and another sensitive matter.=^=

Dahr sighed, “Well that would have been good to know. I guess Lt. Galen will just have to wait.
We need to take care of your wounded first.”

=^=Absolutely right, I probably should have led with that." Keira admitted. "The outpost is gone,
Captain, and I have what is left of the station's officers, crew and other station personnel.=^=

“How many people are we talking about?” Dahr asked.

=^=Close to forty percent survived, Captain. I have eighty patients ready for transport.=^=

Dahr made a thoughtful face. “Just let me know what your people need. Our resources are at
your disposal.”

=^=I'll have my CMO contact your CMO. Can you take all the patients? Do your wards have
room?=^=

He smiled, we have a full functioning hospital. Captain Merek, with all the bells and whistles.
Everything a hospital needs, except a chief medical officer. He has yet to arrive on station.
However, my chief of the emergency department has been filling in nicely. Have your CMO
contact Dr. Edwards.”

(Reply Merek)

“We’ll be ready,” Dahr assured Merek. “See you shortly.”

When the line closed he tapped his comm badge. “Dahr to Dr. Edwards.”
=^=Go ahead, Captain.=^=

“Prepare for incoming casualties from the USS Hades. They should be arriving soon. I’d
estimate at least 80 with a variety of conditions. You should be hearing from their CMO shortly.”

He could already hear the bustle as he was sure the doctor was activating his emergency
department. =^=Roger that. Good thing it’s been a slow week.=^=

(reply Merek)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Hades - Sickbay - CMO, Lt. Dural Methor DrPH - 0942)

=^= Captain Merek to Sickbay. =^=

Dural lumbered over and took the call from the wall panel. "Sickbay, Dural here."

=^= You may have heard Doctor that we are now within transporter range of Starbase
Freedom.=^=

Dural smiled slightly, "Skuttlebutt has reached sickbay, yes ma'am."

=^= Are your patients ready for transport? =^=

"Very nearly." Dural admitted. "Do I have a point of contact, who is their CMO?" Only minor
things stood in the way of a smooth transfer.

=^= Your point of contact is their Chief of Emergency Medicine, a Dr. Edwards. We will patch
you through.=^=

Dural imagined the Captain's silent but cool control of the bridge, a nod or other gesture
accompanying her commands.

(Reply Dr. Edwards)

"Greetings Doctor I have roughly eighty patients very nearly ready for transport."

(Reply Dr. Edwards)
(Posted by Todd)
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(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Medical Plaza - Emergency Department - Chief I’d Rmergency
Medicine - Doctor Mark Edwards - 0944)
The moment he’d been contracted by the captain Mark began to organize his staff. His glib
comment to Dahr about it being a light day had not been a wrong. They had only seen six
patients this morning, all with minor injuries or illnesses. All quickly tended to and had been
released.

The hospital wing was only housing three patients at the moment. It hadn't really been open
long enough to have more. This would be his staff’s first major trauma since the power cell
explosion in the relay core eight weeks ago. They only lost two of the eighteen caught in that.

Now they were expecting an exponentially greater number of people and their conditions did not
sound good.

“Doctor,” an Andorian nurse called over to him, “we have the Hades on the comm.”

Mark moved over to the screen. “Greetings Doctor. I understand that you have a little gift for
me.”

=^=Greetings Doctor I have roughly eighty patients very nearly ready for transport.=^=

Mark nodded, “We’ve already cleared out space. Do you have all of the charts you can send
me?”

(Reply Methor)

“Thanks,” he said. “I could also use a couple of hands, if you have any available. We’re still a
little short on medical staff.”

(Reply Methor)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Medical Plaza - Emergency Department - Chief of Emergency
Medicine - Doctor Mark Edwards - 0946)

Mark looked at the data as it downloaded to his PADD. He glanced at the categorized list of
injured patients, ordered by severity and need. They had, indeed, performed amazing work to
keep them all alive. He could see why they would need a break.

He sighed heavily knowing that their need might well indicate what his limited staff will have to
do.

He turned to his chief nurse and ordered, “Get hold of all medical staff, no matter what their
shift, and get them in here, now.”
Then he turned his attention back to the view screen. “That’ll have to do Doctor. Thanks. Is
there anything else we can do for you?”

=^=We do have some auxiliary craft that will likely need repairs, caustic nature of the nebula as I
understand it. Alas I am not a pilot. I have not a clue where to start on how long the repairs will
take.=^=

Mark chuckled, “I was thinking more of your staff than the ship. I’m afraid I’m with you there. I’m
trained to save lives, not ships. The good news is we can easily transport your patients without
all of that.”

=^=I can sympathize. I'll beam over to help supplement until the start of the next shift.=^=

“I’d appreciate whatever help I can get, even if it’s just to make the triage easier. You may begin
your transport at your convenience. We are prepared to receive your wounded.”

(reply Dural)

Moments later the him of transporters began and his team went into action. This looked like that
art of a very long day.

(Reply Dural)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Hades - Sickbay - CMO, Lt. Dural Methor DrPH - 0947)

=^= I’d appreciate whatever help I can get, even if it’s just to make the triage easier. You may
begin your transport at your convenience. We are prepared to receive your wounded. =^=

"Sending Immediate patients.." Dural said, "followed by Delayed...."

"I'll be joining you shortly. After securing things over here. Dural out." the Cardassian said before
closing the channel.

He quickly drafted a written order, affixing his thumb print to sign. He forwarded it to all
surgeons, the First Officer and Captain.

"Transporter room," Dural called. "One for site to site transport to station Medical Plaza
Emergency Department. Energize."

(Reply any)
(Posted by Todd)
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(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Medical Plaza - Emergency Department - Chief of Emergency
Medicine - Doctor Mark Edwards - HADES CMO, Lt. Dural Methor DrPH - 0950)

Moments after Mark had closed the channel people started to materialize in the cleared out
trauma center. The first twenty were easily dealt with. They were ambulatory and required
observation. He quickly assigned them to rooms in the hospital wing and then STS transported
them to their rooms.

“Computer, initialize ENHs in the rooms of the patients just transferred,” he ordered.

=^=Emergency Holographic Nurses initialized. Chart information has been transferred to the
individuals’ EHN.=^=

The next wave of patients required more attention. The trauma room was partitioned and
patients were moved into a series of side rooms, categorized by the injuries. These injuries
were not life threatening, but serious enough to require ongoing treatment.

Once they had been visually confirmed by his staff Mark took a step back. They could handle
this.

“Computer, activate EMH mark 5.”

Hologram shimmered into existence before him in the form of a Bolian. “Please state the nature
of the medical emergency.”

“Ah, Doctor Mark,” he just wasn’t comfortable with just calling him EMH. “These patients still
require treatment. Access their treatment plans in their charts and continue with treatment.”

“All thirty-seven patients?” the EMH clarified.

“Yes, Doctor,” Edwards replied. “All thirty-seven. Have the remaining patients sent to the
surgical center. I’ll be there .”

As Edwards left the trauma center the EMH muttered, “Lucky,” then went to work.

The Cardassian materialized in the reception area of the Medical Plaza Emergency Department.

“I am Doctor Dural, Chief Medical Officer of the Hades, on loan….” Dural began.

“They’re expecting you, Doctor.” the receptionist said and the door opened.

Dural stepped through, recognized Doctor Edwards from the communications and waived. Mark
waived back and motioned the Cardasian over to him. They shook hands brriefly.
“Where do you need me?” Dural said pleasantly.

“Why don’t you take me through the patients left,” Edwards replied. “Let’s start with gentleman
right here.”

“Ah, yes he’s our star patient.” His usual pleasant demeanor broke into a decidedly more
serious and somber tone. “Petty Officer Tarol Aurin, was one of the first serious patients we
received. While the bulk of them are some form of hypoxia and malnourishment, he’s one of the
few with actual trauma. Acute thermal and radiation burns, with the accompanying radiation
sickness. Patient was present for the initial blast of the third fusion reactor on station, and at
least one other. According to bystander reports, the Petty Officer did not present with signs and
symptoms at that time. Patient’s illness initial onset was over seventy two hours ago and status
post return to irradiated area after donning full PPE. Patient obtained scans of one of the
remaining intact reactors allowing Hades crew to determine origin of the hazard. He had
sustained in that time a dose of over one thousand rads by our estimates.”

Mark whistled, “I’m surprised he survived the initial exposure.”

“We know that the suit model he wore had an onboard radiation meter it was rated for up to five
hundred rads, on his return the meter was non-functional due to over exposure of ionizing
radiation. The patient has sustained a mixture of thermal and radiation burns over thirty-five
percent of his external surface. Vital signs are blood pressure ninety-three systolic forty-five
diastolic, heart rate eighty-nine beats per minute, respirations at nineteen per, with an overall
oxygen perfusion at ninety-seven percent. The patient has acute radiation sickness, partial and
full thickness burns of over thirty percent. We are treating him pharmacologically with a
continuous intravenous infusion of Hyronalyn, push infusions of Arithrazine every four hours as
needed titrated for effect. Crystalloid electrolyte replacement based on the Parkland formula.
Patient is sedated under Kayolane, and is not conscious at this time.” Dural took a breath and
sighed. “Do you have any questions?”

Mark shook his head. He place a red marker on the patient’s shirt and motioned for a med tech.
“Hector, this one to ICU bed 1. Continue his meds as ordered.” He handed the tech a PADD.
“Then prep the rad chamber.”

He turned to Dural and said, “We had a little incident here a couple of months ago. In treating
some of the patients we developed a sort of stasis chamber that can draw the radiation out of
his cells, and also begin dermal regeneration.”

“That would be an interesting addition to any sickbay.” Dural said, focusing on the thought of
such an apparatus. “We’ll have to take a closer look when we get more time.”

“How about this young lady here?” he asked, moving to the next patient.
“Twenty-Nine year old Andorian female enlisted crew member presents with crush injury to left
lower extremity. Acute malnourishment and hypovolemia signs and symptoms were also
present. Injury caused by falling strut from structural collapse following number two reactor
implosion. Patient was evacuated via stasis stretcher and remained at a time dilation rate of one
per million, until the stretcher battery depleted. For her, only six seconds had passed. She was
rescued by Hades crew shortly, only a few hours after that point, and placed back into stasis on
arrival to Hades. Following patient acuity levels, she was assigned an order of precedence and
given a regimen of medications for the swelling to go down, and was placed under sedation. On
day two, swelling was low enough for Doctor Vulon to perform vascular surgery to her left
extremity, stabilizing vasculature and increasing cellular perfusion to the extremity. Force field
stabilization lattice held bones in place until tissues were able to take deep tissue regeneration.
Doctor Vulon’s notes are attached.”

Mark pulled up the notes on his PADD and transferred them to the chart that appeared on the
bio-bed she occupied. “You’ve certainly had you hands full. What’s her current condition?”

“Current status, vital signs are; blood pressure One hundred over sixty-five, heart rate one oh
two, respirations eighteen. Adequate perfusion in all extremities, pulse oximetry at ninety-seven
percent on room air.” Dural looked for a moment to familiarize himself with the station’s model of
biobed. He pressed a button and a holographic image popped up. “Scans revealed compound
fractures in left lower extremity involving all major structures; tibia, tibial plateau, fibular head,
patellar body, lower femur and condyle structures.” Dural explained, he brought up initial scans
and placed them side by side with current ones.

“That must have hurt,” Mark said more to himself than Dural. “That’s more work than the typical
osteogenic regenerator typically has to do. It was fortunate that you were able to save the leg.
How is

“As you can see the regeneration schedule has begun and already yielded some results.” The
Cardassian pointed out the differences between the before and after images. Fractures and
fissures that were present in the first image were still present in the second but structures had
already begun to reach toward each other, though not quite fully approximated.

“Indeed,” Mark nodded. “That’s a great start. We may have a regenerator that can do more in
less time. Combined with calcium infusion therapy, so we don’t put the body into shock, we
should be able to help her.”

“She’s still on low dose anestazine for pain. Due to be weaned off that today in favor of a PRN
or even a patient controlled analgesic, but that's open for discussion.” Dural said with a shrug.
“Your thoughts?”

“About weaning her off the pain meds?” Edwards reiterated. “I’m all for it. Although pain
management is important, it needs to be driven by the patient's needs. We’ll monitor her to
make sure that a dependance isn’t created.”
He looked around the room to see that there were still about a dozen patients, all still requiring a
serious amount of medical attention. Dural and his staff had done a phenomenal job with what
they’d been dealt.

“Your people seem to have covered everything,” Edwards said. “Other than continuing care, is
there anything else my people can help you with?”

“The opportunity for R and R alone is amazing. We’ll be rotating according to a schedule, I'll
send the by name to you,” Dural said evenly. “I have yet to deal with those minimally affected,
many who refused initial care who will be disembarking onto the station. I'll be back, likely in the
latter half of alpha shift.”

Edwards nodded and offered his hand, “I look forward to it. We’ll take good care of your
patients until your people come on to shifts. I will send you a duty schedule as soon as I receive
your roster. And Doctor, welcome to Freedom.”

(reply none)
(posted by Al and Todd)
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Day 10
Stardate:2446.08.07
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(USS Hades - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0745)

"Computer, begin Log Recording," Keira started picking up her tea from the replicator.

The computer toned indicating readiness.

"Captain's log, Stardate Two-Four-Four-Six-Point-Zero-Eight-point-Zero-Seven USS Hades,
Captain Keira Merek recording."

"After offloading auxiliary craft and transporting all the critical survivors to the station and leaving
a contingent of Physicians, Surgeons and other officers, we decided to return the favor and
complete a transport mission for Captain Dahr. This was to help complete a host of around
twenty..." Keira paused while looking up the figure, "Twenty one transfers for the station and
ourselves. Of the transfers three belong to us and the rest belong to the station. Seven of those
bound for the station are a contingency of physicians and surgeons Starfleet suddenly
remembered they had earmarked for the station."

~ Wonders never cease...~

She took a sip of her hot tea.
"At least Starfleet finally allowed us to stretch our legs a little and lifted our warp speed limit,
they're still not allowing our advanced drive, however they are no longer making us crawl
through sectors of space that the most interesting thing is a class two comet. We're due to arrive
back to Starbase Freedom within the hour. It'll be good to get all of our people home. End log."

The computer chimed again.

"Save log." Keira ordered

(reply none)
(posted by Todd)
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(USS Hades - Deck 1, Bridge - CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0800)

Keira stepped through the ready room door and glided towards the center chair, she nodded at
her XO. He had already brought the ship to the edge of docking controlled space.

(Reply Ire)

"Ops open a channel to Starbase Freedom." Keira ordered while sitting down.

"Channel open." OPS reported.

"Approach control, this is USS Hades, ready for docking maneuver," the Captain said.

=^= USS Hades, this is Freedom, you are cleared to dock. =^=

"Helm, lock on." Keira commanded.

" Systems locked, we've got her in neutral, " Helm responded. "Ready for tractor guidance."

"Space dock you have control." Keira called back.

The transition was imperceptible, at least to Keira as the station's tractor took hold of the ship.

=^= Affirmative, Hades, we've got you. Enjoy the ride!"

"Hades confirms," Keira said, shifting her weight. She crossed her right leg over her left.

"Helm, standby to receive gravitational and umbilical supports." Keira said.

"All systems standing by." Helm confirmed.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Todd)
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(USS Hades – Bridge – FO – CMDR – Ire Williams- 0815)

“Sir we have arrived at Freedom.”

Ire looked up from his PADD and nodded.

“Understood helm. Bring us out of warp please.”

He watched as the viewscreen changed from its image of streaking stars to the reassuring sight
of the gigantic starbase Freedom as it passed in front of Trill. Every time he saw Trill he would
remember their first mission even though they had not been away for very long this time the
memories would still appear. This also happened every time he saw Mars so he guessed that
this would happen for a while.

~It looks like Freedom is getting busy~

He watched as the icons of numerus starships appeared heading towards and away from
Freedom’s docking area as well as a lot of orbital traffic. The pilot in him began to look at the
types and size of the ships in the Hades vicinity.

~There are a lot of ships with Federation registry along with other non-Federation ships. It looks
like Freedom is still a growing hub~

“Sir. Freedom’s Approach Control as given us approach vectors to our docking position.” Said
the officer at Operations.

Ire nodded

“Thank you. Helm match course and speed from approach control and proceed at impulse
power.”

“Yes sir. Matching course and speed with approach control orders and proceeding at impulse
power.”

Ire paused for a moment making sure that he was happy before tapping the comm button on his
aim rest.

“Williams to Captain Merek. Sir we have arrived at Freedom and on approach. We should make
our arrival time on schedule baring any unexpected.”

(Reply Merek, any)
(Posted by Robbie)
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(USS Hades - Deck 1, Bridge – FO – CMDR – Ire Williams - 0821)

Ire nodded as Merek emerged from her ready room.

“Captain we are about to start docking maneuvers.”

He looked back at the view screen as Merek took her command seat.

"Ops open a channel to Starbase Freedom." Merek ordered

"Channel open." OPS reported.

"Approach control, this is USS Hades, ready for docking maneuver," the Captain said.

=^= USS Hades, this is Freedom, you are cleared to dock. =^=

"Helm, lock on." Merek commanded.

"Systems locked, we've got her in neutral, " Helm responded. "Ready for tractor guidance."

"Space dock you have control." Merek called back.

Ire watched with a critical pilot’s eye as the star base’s tractor beams reached out and took hold
of Hades

=^= Affirmative, Hades, we've got you. Enjoy the ride=^=

"Hades confirms," Merek said.

Ire nodded to himself as he saw all the Hades being maneuvered into the docking space. He
understood why they were being maneuvered with tractor beams but the pilot in him would have
preferred to have done it hands on.

~There are protocols for this, and the Hades is not a fighter. A small bump would be disastrous~

"Helm, standby to receive gravitational and umbilical supports." Merek said.

"All systems standing by." Helm confirmed.

He watched as the station support umbilical’s snaked out and attached to their respective
hardpoints on the Hades. With in a few moments, they were secure taking power, air and other
amenities from the station.
“Docking sequence is confirmed.” Helm stated.

“All umbilicals and gangways are attached and showing green across the board.” OPS reported.

Ire smiled to himself and nodded before looking over at Merek.

“Do you want a fifty-fifty crew shore leave rotation or everyone off with only a skeleton crew on
board?”

(Reply Merek, any)​
(Posted by Robbie)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Main Ops - CO’s Office - CO - Captain Casian Dahr - 0825)

Casian had been watching the progress of the Hades as it returned to the sector. He was
anxiiis to get his new science officer. It was the one department that the fleet had not set as a
priority. But now they were ready.

 “Captain,” Ensign Parson called out, “we are being hailed by the Hades.” Dahr nodded to have
it out through.

=^=Approach control, this is USS Hades, ready for docking maneuver.=^=

Dahr recognized the voice of Captain Merek.

“USS Hades, this is Freedom,” Parson replied, “you are cleared to dock.”

=^=Space dock you have control.=^=

Dahr was impressed that Merek was willing to take the logical outlook of the station being in
control of the dock. He’d seen Marie than his fair share of Captains, and pilots who had too
much ego and insist on their helmsman kept the ball.

“Affirmative, Hades” Parson replied, also sounding pleasantly surprised, “we've got you. Enjoy
the ride!"

=^=Hades confirms.=^=

Well I guess we better make it a smooth docking, Mr. Parson.”

“Aye, Captain,” the ops officer replied. “Activating tractors.”

A look of concentration took over the ensign’s face and Dahr couldn’t help but smile. Parsons
had done this maneuver hundreds of times, granted with smaller ships.
“Easy, Ensign,” the captain cautioned, “just remember to compensate for the higher mass and
let the momentum work for you.”

He watched as the ensign guided the starship into alignment with the porting lock then said,
“And now, gently push back.”

The ship eased into place and with a clang the port clamps locked into place.

“The Hades is docked, sir. Umbilicals are in place and extending the gangways. Requests are
coming in to allow Hades crew to disembark.”

Dahr nodded, “Hail Captain Merek.”

(reply Merek)

“Captain Merek, welcome to Starbase Freedom,” Dahr said, facing the view screen with a smile.
“If any of you crew would like quarters on station let me know and I can assign them quarters on
level 9, and afford them holodeck privileges.”

(reply Merek)

“I’d also like to invite you and your senior staff to dinner tonight, in my quarters.”

(reply Merek)
(posted by Al Muir)

(USS Hades - Deck 1, Bridge - CO, Captain Keira Merek -0830)

"We're getting a hail from Station OPS, Captain."

(Reply Any)

A look of curiosity washed across Keira's face. "Why not, patch him through."

=^= Captain Merek, welcome to Starbase Freedom,=^= Dahr said, facing the view screen with
a smile. =^= If any of you crew would like quarters on station let me know and I can assign
them quarters on level 9, and afford them holodeck privileges. =^=

"Thank you for the invitation, Captain. Since we'll be running on minimal power most of our
facilities will be unavailable. I'm sure the officers and crew will enjoy it." Keira said with a smile.

(Reply Any)
=^= I’d also like to invite you and your senior staff to dinner tonight, in my quarters. =^=

Keira looked over to her First Officer to gauge a quick non-verbal reaction. Was he as surprised
as she was? She would have done so with her Second Officer as well, but his station was not in
view.

(Reply Ire)

"Will this be a formal occasion, Captain?"

(Reply Dahr)

"...of course we accept," Keira held up a finger, "one last question though, are you partial to
coffee, or alcohol?"

(Reply Dahr, any)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Hades- Deck one Bridge - CSciO/20, Lt. Commander. Tinmanrion Jayc- 0835)

"Excellent suggestion, Commander," the Captain’s pitch raised at the diplomatic solution., then
changed to a soft teasing tone, "You weren't poking around in my head, were you?"

Jayc gave a little smile, ~I can’t ignore what people are mentally shouting,~ he thought to
himself with an amused glance at the captain and the XO.

“The main viewer was enough to note sir. Your general offer is an assortment of alcohol as I’ve
witnessed.”

Then he tur

He looked over at Ire as he tapped his pads.
“And my portion of personnel reviews are in for you sir.”

Ire nodded his acceptance of the information.

"I don't want to put you out, Jayc if you have enough to spare or share, I'd hate to obliterate your
stock." Keira said.

“We bought extra as intended gifts. This is a perfect use,” Jayc acknowledged. “I’ll retrieve it and
get an appropriate wrapping.”

(Reply any)
(Posted by tinmanjayc)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Hades - Deck One, Bridge -CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0836)

=^= Sadly, I do not drink alcohol, =^= Casian said sheepishly. =^= It has an odd… affect on my
body, and my wife would not be happy if she found out. I do drink a great deal of iced tea from
various cultures.=^=

~ Fvadt, there goes both of my plans. ~ Keira thought. It was tradition when one Captain visited
another on a social call, that the visitor bring a small gift, she wanted to make a good
impression. As if on cue.

“Captain, Semaj and I just obtained a selection of Betazed, Vulcan, and Bolian tea varieties
when we were on our stop at DS14 if you’d like.” the Second Officer offered.

"Excellent suggestion, Commander," Keira beamed, then changed to a soft teasing tone, "You
weren't poking around in my head, were you?"

(Reply Tinman)

He looked over at Ire as he tapped his pads.
“And my portion of personnel reviews are in for you sir.”

(Reply Ire)

"I don't want to put you out, Jayc if you have enough to spare or share, I'd hate to obliterate your
stock." Keira said.

(Reply Tinman)
(Posted by Todd)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Hades- Deck one Bridge - CSciO/20, Lt. Commander. Tinmanrion Jayc-0837)

"Excellent suggestion, Commander," the Captain’s pitch raised at the diplomatic solution., then
changed to a soft teasing tone, "You weren't poking around in my head, were you?"

Jayc gave a little smile, ~I can’t ignore what people are mentally shouting,~ he thought to
himself with an amused glance at the captain and the XO. “The main viewer was enough to note
sir. Your general offer is an assortment of alcohol as I’ve witnessed.”

Then he turned. He looked over at Ire as he tapped his pads. “And my portion of personnel
reviews are in for you sir.”

Ire nodded his acceptance of the information.
"I don't want to put you out, Jayc if you have enough to spare or share, I'd hate to obliterate your
stock." Keira said.

“We bought extra as intended gifts. This is a perfect use,” Jayc acknowledged. “I’ll retrieve it and
get an appropriate wrapping.”

(Reply any)
(Posted by tinmanjayc)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Hades - Deck One, Bridge - CO, Captain Keira Merek - 0840)

“We bought extra as intended gifts. This is a perfect use,” Jayc acknowledged. “I’ll retrieve it and
get an appropriate wrapping.”

"Excellent." Keira said with a smile standing. "You've saved the day, yet again. I'll be in my ready
room. I'll see you gentlemen at the appointed time and place."

(Reply Ire, Jayc)

"Ops, call me if anything happens, I'll be in the Ready Room." Keira said.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Todd)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Hades - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO, Captain Keira Merek & Engineer - WO1 Sa’aha
Kamat - 0850)

Warrant Officer Kamat, who preferred to be referred to as “Midshipman” had orders to report
aboard the Hades. “It” was an energy being of the species Mayeti, and had been affiliated with
Starfleet for quite some time, offering Its services aboard this vessel or that. Kamat saw itself as
a liaison between its own species and the various entities in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants.

Mayeti lived on a Type-R or “Rogue” planet that they had anciently overhauled to serve as a
starship. Some few Starfleet personnel of great age likened the Mayeti homeworld of
Khenes-Shasu to the Fabrini asteroid-starship Yonada.

Kamat had been separated from its own “people” for a considerable time, but the “Midshipman”
enjoyed the life it now led. The Hades would surely provide opportunities for a long list of new
experiences for Kamat to (one day) relate back to his “people” on Khenes-Shasu!

Hovering at a door, the colonial structure of energy “globules” was ready to report for duty. It
used a modicum of its emanations to trigger the doorbell. The Mayeti Engineer politely waited to
be acknowledged.
“Enter.” Keira called out to the sound of the chime.

Kamat passed through the Ready Room door. This was convenient for the energy being. The
sensors in the doorframes aboard Federation vessels could not detect the Mayeti’s presence.
Fortunately, doors were made of materials transparent to Kamat’s species.

“Warrant Officer Kamat.” Keira paused. “Yes, I just received your transfer orders.”

“I prefer to be called ‘Midshipman. I have consistently — persistently — declined Commission. I
should inform you that I have asked that what few personal effects I possess be held in
transporter stasis. I should like to have these items beamed to whatever quarters I will be
assigned to, once a berth is available.”

“I see no reason why not, Midshipman.” Keira said. “I must admit, you’ll be the first energy being
I’ll have served with.”

“It is my understanding that the Federation’s exposure to energy beings is rare, and likely to
prove hazardous to Biologics. Medusans spring to mind. Yet, the Klingons claim to have killed
their ‘gods’ and they are not above being genocidal if one even cursorily examines their
back-history. And some of their fore-history, I suppose. I do look forward to serving with you,
Captain. I have some concepts I’m excited to continue development of, should they meet with
your approval. Or even merely pique your curiosity. But is there any immediate need you’d like
me to begin to address?”

“Straight to the point,” Keira said with a smile, “I like you.” The smile dulled some, but her
demeanor was still friendly, “ I usually offer refreshments at this point, but I don't know what you
eat..” she was searching for the correct piece of vocabulary “..absorb for sustenance?”


“Mayeti’s consumptions are largely autonomous. Members of my species absorb ambient
energies as needed. If available. Except in circumstances of extreme duress, we don’t feel what
Biologics have labeled ‘hunger.’ I cannot ‘eat’ any energies known or even considered to be
sentient. That would be an offense to Ethics and Morality, of course.”

The Romulan woman pondered for a moment. “You were asking for something specific to do…”

“Yes, of course. Something to keep my ‘hands’ busy, if you will.”

“You’ve caught us in a furlough. So, the task lists are not typical; I think we can assign you some
things.” Keira quickly checked his security clearance; it was high enough to allow him to work in
Engineering with their warp core.

“You’ve said, yourself, I’m an atypical crew-person. Atypical tasks would seem appropriate.”
“Two main tasks in no particular order, the engines are powered down, you'll not have a better
time to look at them. Familiarize yourself with them. You'll be working with our chief engineer.
Our warp core is so far unique, as our vessel is a prototype. Underworld class, first of her type.”
Keira said, boasting a little. One could easily tell she was proud of the ship, what she’d
accomplished.

“The starship I’ve become most familiar with was the U.S.S. Resolute, which I believe either has
been or will be decommissioned. It had a unique power plant as well, having been constructed
by representatives of three local empires in order to fight a fourth. While they christened it the
Resolute, I would have thought naming it for the maxim ‘A camel is a horse designed by
committee’ might have been more fitting.”

“Two main things set us apart, her warp core is a “dark star” drive, instead of just matter and
antimatter it can also use dark matter, increasing output considerably. We have three. We also
have the only coaxial drive in Starfleet. Instead of standard warp just bunching space up in front
of us to skirt around Einstein's laws we can take to points and allow them to touch briefly so that
we may pass through from point to point.” She explained.

“I’m not unfamiliar with unfamiliar drives, at least in general principle. The core of
Khenes-Shasu, for example, is a White Hole Generator.”

“The second task is to have a dialog with our CMO Doctor Dural. Our knowledge on your living
processes is lacking and we need to know what to do if you're injured.”

“Fair, of course. And quite reasonable. My emanations do presently seem to confuse Federation
scanning devices, but I will work on designing a more reliable medical tricorder for your
edification.”

Remembering how the new crew person entered her ready room. “While you're at it, feel free to
make adjustments to the door settings allowing you to pass without having to phase through the
door. We have numerous different species and cultures serving on board and each has a
different definition of privacy.”

“Privacy, yes… It is a difficult concept for a telepathic colony creature. But I shall endeavor to
build anti-Mayeti safeguards into your protocols. Will there be anything else, Captain?”

“Wouldn't necessarily call them “anti-Mayeti”, just putting you on an even footing. It will also
allow easier access to some of our ship's systems for you.”

“Life is life. An even footing doesn’t take into account all that may have or may will affect us. We
cannot expect fair treatment by a universe that has no concept of ethics. Would you not agree?”

“True.” Keira admitted. “Not meaning to insult, but are you familiar with the concepts of equity
and justice?”
“We are. We Mayeti predicate out culture upon ethics and morality, perhaps in much the same
way as Vulcans esteem logic. Logic, we think, does not always provide a moral way forward.
Consider the Human quandary: ‘Would you time-travel back and murder baby Hitler? Or baby
Kahn?”

“I mention them because they mean something here in the confines of this ship, while I don’t
presume that I can change the constants of the universe, here I have a modicum of say on what
goes. As her commanding officer I strive to treat everyone fairly and equally according to their
actions and conduct. That's all my aim is.”

“While I might, and may always, suggest what is outside your ‘universe’, I will ne’er insist upon
my perspective.”

“But let us understand each other, please. We Mayeti are not ‘conventional beings’,to your
understanding. This is why i have declined commission. Repeatedly. Absolute time cannot exist,
given your understanding of physics. If something happens anywhere in the universe, and
something else happens else where and when in that same universe, presumably at the same
time, which happenstance occurred first is immaterial if one is not causal to the other.”

“Perhaps we’ll have more time later so that we can discuss quantum realities, or metaphysics,”
Keira said. “For this moment I have docking reports that are due, and you have some people to
catch before they go on furlough.”

“Furlough has always confused me, Captain. ‘Let me not be me away from where I am me.’ I
don’t understand.”

“If there is nothing else time-sensitive, Midshipman, you are dismissed.” the Captain said.

“It is my understanding that time-sensitive is in fact emotionally senititve to Biologics,Sir,”

“Again, welcome to the Hades.”

“Did you just welcome me to Hell, sir?”

Keira’s left eyebrow shot up inquisitively, “ Ah, I can see the misinterpretation. Hades is the
afterlife of Greek mythology. Greece is a country, a socio-political gathering of people who share
a similar culture on Earth. Its culture was one of the earliest with a written record and had great
influence on the development in later origins of much of the European continent and later
through their colonies, the Western Hemisphere. Some of those influences bled into other
references like religion. Hell is a concept that has many similarities in many humanoid religions
or cultures. The Hades is named so because, following traditional naming parlance of the
theme, since the ship's class is an Underworld Class vessel, the names of those ships follow the
theme, that of the fabled afterlife. If this ship ends up being desired in whole they will make
more based on her design. Likely named for afterlives of other cultures, Valhalla, Sto-vo-kor,
Sha Ka Ree, et cetera.” Keira made a circular motion with one of her hands while she listed off
fictional places. “...but you didn't come here for a mythology lesson.”

“I would delight in a mythology lesson, but Starfleet did not assign me here to receive one. By
your leave, sir, I shall commence our own mythology, based upon this starship.”

“You're dismissed to carry out your duties as you see fit.”

Kamat departed through the door, all of the entity but for one “globule” which hesitatingly
hovered near an accoutrement of the Captain’s decor before it too left the room.

(Reply None)
(Posted by Frank & Todd)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Subsection, Corridor - Dahr’s Quarters - Captain Casian Dahr, Captain
Keira Merek, Cmdr. Ire Williams, Lt. Cmdr. Tinmanrion Jayc, Dr. Roxanne Dahr, Dr.(Lt.) Navi
Doshi, Lt. Cal Dogan - 1758)

Keira and the trio walked down the corridor of the station towards their destination. Keira kept
track of how close they were based on the room and section numbers. Admittedly, she was
more accustomed to seeing her officers in uniform. It wasn’t often she saw them in social
situations off duty. Keira found herself wearing a deep earth toned unitard that seemed to be
popular last season with a dark suede leather jacket and ankle length boots.

Keira heard heavier than average foot falls rapidly approaching from behind. She turned around
to see Doctor Doshi the Head counselor jogging down the hall. To her credit she was not winded
at all.

“Doctor Dural sends his regrets, he is tied up in sickbay.” Navi said as she caught up. Wearing
flats and a sundress no less. Some of her implants were more visible than usual. She saw the
Captain look at her attire. “Something wrong?”

“Not at all, Doctor. I know Dural is kicking himself in the posterior for missing this. He always
seemed to love social functions.”

“You know it, sir.” Navi said with a smile.

An even heavier footstep boomed down the corridor as Cal Dogan walked at a faster than
typical pace. He was wearing a one piece elastic body suit that he had to be talked into
wearing. Typically, in a social setting, Brikarian went without clothing. It showed they had no
weapons or bad intentions. Since uniforms had been forbidden, and the last social function he
appeared naked at didn’t go as he felt it should have.
“Captain,” he said with a nod, forgive my tardiness but getting into this… outfit was not as easy
as it looked.”

“You’re fine, not in any trouble.” Keira said smiling. “There is such a thing as fashionably late,
which we won’t have to worry about. If that’s the worst case scenario, I’m happy.”

Ire headed towards the gathered group as he moved down the corridor. He had made sure that
he was on time rather than late. He had navigated through the corridors of the starbase and not
for the first time wondered how people would ever find their way around

Jayc wore the traditional semi-formal attire traditional on Betazed. He’d looked up the latest
men’s fashions and picked one he enjoyed. The black onyx style amulet shined but was a little
larger than he would have liked.

The quietly compared himself to the captain and the XO’s chosen attire when they met at the
docking port. They were well dressed and he was glad he hadn’t overdone.

As the group arrived at the CO’s quarters Cal reached up to tap the door chime.​

Dahr’s senior staff, in true fashion, showed up bearing dishes for the meal. Hank had brought
some fresh baked bread. His wife had recently taken to making homemade sour dough. It had
taken her a while to get the starter right. But now that she had, she found she’d made enough to
“sell” it to the inhabitants of the base. Sell was a relative term as she often just gave it away,
especially to families with kids.

Zerin had brought his usual salad made with a mixture of Vulcan and Trill leafy vegetables. His
salad dressing was delicious and nobody had been able to weedle the recipe from the Vulcan.
He knew was aware that an enthusiastic fan might just analyze the dressing, but it seemed
more fun to deduce the ingredients from him.

Mark Edwards was the only bachelor on the senior staff and the only one to honor Roxanne
Dahr’s request to come empty handed. He did appreciate these monthly events that got him out
of the hospital and his quarters. He hadn’t been on Freedom long enough to develop any
friendships.

The dress of the evening had been casual and they had all learned after the first gathering to
take that seriously. This was truly a chance to relax, unwind, and bond.

Casian greeted each of his guests warmly. The warmth was returned as each of the senior
officers had come to appreciate their new commander.

Zerin went as far as to give Casian a hug. They had known each other the longest. Dahr was
wearing dark slacks and a blue turtleneck shirt that fit him well and showed his fit form,
especially for a Trill of his years.
Roxanne looked about the table. She was once again rearranging the table's food so everyone's
dish was available. She gently slid Hank’s sourdough closer to the salad bowl, tucking a serving
knife beneath the linen. Zerin’s vibrant mix of Vulcan greens had ended up awkwardly behind
the bread—again—and she corrected it with practiced ease.

“Next time,” she murmured with a half-smile, “I’m assigning positions like a dinner battlefield.”

She stepped back, hands on her hips, giving the spread a final inspection like a surgeon
double-checking her instruments. The smell of fresh bread, roasted vegetables, and warm
spices filled the room with a comforting sense of home.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mark standing near the edge of the room. No plate, no
drink—just watching. Roxanne picked up a wine glass, filled it halfway, and made her way over.

“Empty-handed, just like I asked,” she said, handing him the glass with a knowing smile. “You’re
officially my favorite tonight.”

He chuckled softly and relaxed a little. “Why Mrs. Dahr, whatever will your husband think?”

Across the room, she caught Casian’s eye. He looked too good in that blue turtleneck, and he
knew it. She raised a brow, giving him a look that said you owe me—not just for the dinner, but
for letting their anniversary turn into a diplomatic open house.

She smoothed her skirt, took a breath, and smiled at the gathered officers.

The door chime rang and Dahr moved to the panel and the door slid open admitting the Hades
crew.

“Captain Merek,” he smiled and reached out his hand. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

The suite was surprisingly larger than it appeared. It was a bi-level chamber. The upper level
was the Dahr’s bedroom, office and a private playroom. The lower level was an expansive living
area, dinning room and kitchen. The furnishings clearly showed that Roxanne Dahr had a hand
at selecting them, to anyone who knew Casian.

Keira accepted the customary greeting as warmly as it was given. Her sharp sense of smell was
bombarded with pleasant smells; it wasn't hard to put on a smile. Ever thankful she didn’t exhibit
the touch telepathy of her Vulcanoid cousins, contact greetings were easy to accept.“Thank you
for your hospitality.”

Keira looked around taking it all in. “If you’re comfortable with it you can call me Keira.” she
offered.

“Absolutely,” he said, “my quarters are a place where there is no rank, at the insistence of my
wife. Please, Casian.”
“My senior officers,” she introduced, “well the ones that don’t have time sensitive matters to
attend to.”

“My First Officer and right hand. Comma..” Keira nodded to the hostess, “ Ire Williams.”

Ire smiled and nodded.

“Thank you for the invitation sir.”

“Ire,” Casian said offering a hand, “welcome.”​
​
“My Chief Science Officer, Tinmanrion Jayc.”

“Pleasure to meet you all,” he said warmly. He tightened his mental shields at the barrage of
mental and emotional psionic noise hitting him. The crew seemed very comfortable and used to
one another, but a room full of internal monologue could be distracting.

Casian smiled and put a hand on science officer’s shoulde. “The pleasures is ours. Come in and
make yourself comfortable.”​
​
“My Chief of Security and Tactical, Cal Dogan.”

Cal was uncomfortable at most. Social settings, this was no different. He had a difficult time
being “informal”. He looked around the quarters and nodded to the station CO. “Captain. Nice
place.”

Casian looked up at the behemoth before him. He was well aware of their lack of social graces
and stoicism. “Lt. Dogan. I’m. Sure we can find a place for you to sit.”

The doubt of the statement ran across Dogan’s face but he simply said, “Thank you,” and
moved to a side of the room that had the fewest adornments.​
​
 “My CMO was not able to make it, he’s still handling casualties. I can’t thank you enough for
accepting them.”

“Mark will be disappointed, but I’m sure he’ll understand. It was the least we could do. And
according to him your medical team did most of the heavy lifting.”​
​
“We were able to bring our Head Counsellor Doctor Doshi.”

“Hi. Navi, please call me Navi. ” the petite woman smiled and waved.

“Navi,” Casian couldn’t help but notice the neural implants that stood out against her dark skin.
“Welcome.”

Then he turned and motioned to his staff. “My senior staff. My chief engineer, Zerin.”
The Vulcan nodded and raised an eyebrow. Then he beamed a giant smile at them. “Finally,
some new people to talk with. You can’t imagine how dull it is talking to the same people.” He
finished with a wink.

“My chief of Security, Hank,” Dahr continued.

The tall El Aurian nodded, “I look forward to getting to know you all.”

“And, you know my interim head of the hospital and chief of emergency, Mark.” Casian made a
point to only introduce them all by their first names, to show the informalness of the gathering.

As they crew from the Hades was introduced they broke off into smaller groups for welcomes
and conversations. He noted that they tended to break of into pairs dependent on departments.

His eye caught Roxanne's as she moved towards them. “And the mastermind behind tonight's
dinner and the best pediatrician on Trill and in the quadrant, my wife, Roxanne.”

“Nice to meet you in your lovely home.” Keira said sincerely.

“Well then,” she said, loud enough to carry across the room. “Everyone find a seat before this
bread turns back into bricks.”

(reply none)

(posted by Al, Kris, Todd, Robbie and Jayc)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Subsection, Corridor - Dahr’s Quarters - Captain Casian Dahr, Captain
Keira Merek, Cmdr. Ire Williams, Lt. Cmdr. Tinmanrion Jayc, Dr. Roxanne Dahr, Dr.(Lt.) Navi
Doshi, Lt. Cal Dogan - 1815)

Admittedly, Keira wasn't aware the gathering was going to be this big. She replayed the initial
communique in her head, trying to figure out where she had falsely assumed. Why couldn't this
be a straightforward Klingon gathering? Bloodwine, roasted targ over a fire… straightforward.
Others had brought dishes she had brought enough tea for the Captain and his family, but not
enough for everyone assembled. She reasoned that coupled with others not bringing a gift and
presenting hers publicly would be an unintentional faux pax. She used the movement everyone
searched for chairs to sit on, walking on the outside of someone else, sliding the small box
behind another decoration discreetly.

She ended up sitting next to the Vulcan Engineer, “Zerin? Was it?”

“Why yes, Kiera,” the Vulcan beamed, “you have an excellent memory.” His voice carried a tone
which might have been blissful joy, or hard sarcasm.

“Zerin,” Casian shot the Vulcan a warning glance, “play nice.”
Zerin gave his CO a shocked look. “Captain! I’m appalled.” Then he burst out in a peal of
laughter. He looked at Merek and with a wink he said, “Sometimes I just can’t help myself.”

“It’s not often I see…” Keira began, “A cousin being as Jovial as you.” Ironically, it was Starfleet
who gave her the most information on her Vulcan cousins, a name for a sect of Vulcans that
embraced rather than repressed emotions illuded her recollection at the time.

Zerin shrugged. “My experience with the V’tosh Ka’tur came late in my life, and I saw wisdom
and logic in their perspective on Vulcan emotional control, and the Vulcan original condition. And
to be honest, I’ve been much happier since my transition. Although I must admit that my family
and peers in the Vulcan Engineering Council have been… less than enthusiastic.”

~That’s what they’re called.~ Keira thought, now recognizing the name. “Chief Engineer? I was
the Chief Engineer on Exeter, I helped put her together out of Mars. How long have you been
on the station?”

“I’ve been here almost since conception,” Zerin said. “I was a civilian engineer who started
putting this… jigsaw puzzle of a station. We have had our rough moments, to be sure, but who
else can say they built something designed by six major races in the Alpha quadrant.”

“I bet the power distribution alone….” Keira sympathized, “ was a tangle.”

Zerin nodded, “You have no idea. But power distribution was really the least of the major
issues. The big one was getting all of those operating systems

Jayc watched the gathering of people. He’d always shied away from larger gatherings when he
could, preferring more intimate occasions and get-togethers. What was it Illandrid said, -when
on Delta…-

He made his way over to the table and noted the delicious food that had been prepared for
them. The sound of the Vulcan’s laughter distracted him and turned to watch the interaction
between the Zerin and Captain Merek.

-I wonder how he and Semaj would get on,- Jayc wondered, then wondered how his research
was going into the energy signatures of that vessel.

Mark found a seat between Jayc and the councilor, Navi. His main intention was to talk with her.
He was intrigued by the woman’s implants. He’d met several liberated Borg but had never really
had an opportunity to speak with one.

“Navi,” he introduced himself, “Mark Edwards. I don’t want to be rude but I’d love to get a
chance to speak with you about your implants and your experiences with the Borg.”

~He isn’t the first one.~ Navi thought. “Since I spent the first part of it before I was rescued by a
Starfleet vessel in a maturation chamber, I’m sorry there isn’t a lot of experience I can speak of.”
She took a sip of her wine. “Imagine going to sleep when you’re six and waking up at sixteen.”
“Yikes,” Mark exclaimed. “Now I can imagine that you missed out on a great deal of typical
growing up drama.”

“I can tell you I had a great deal of growing up to do very quickly,” she said. “Body of a teenager,
emotional maturity of a child, strength of an ox….”

Mark chuckled, “Sounds like my ex-wife. No, just kidding. I never thought of Borg children. It
doesn’t sound like much fun. Interesting that you should choose psychiatry and counseling as a
career. Do you think your experiences give you a pretty good insight to how others think or
feel?”

“I work well with those that feel powerless, marginalized, rock-bottom as it’s been called.” Navi
began and tapped her Borg implant. “Thanks to this I can recall lots of things I’d rather forget.
Helps me empathize with my patients.”

“Amazing,” Mark said, truly impressed with not only what she had to overcome, but her drive to
help others. “We haven’t been assigned a counselor yet so those duties have fallen on yours
truly until we do. Perhaps you could drop by the med center while you’re here and give me
some tips. I’m an excellent surgeon, but I’ve never been accused of being the most… empathic
of people.”

Navi took a sip of her drink to avoid blurting out what was on her mind. ~Calm down not
everyone who is nice to you is flirting.~ Placing her glass back down, “Since most of the people
who were on the station declined counselling services, I can probably find some free time later.
When were you thinking?”

Mark shrugged, “I hadn’t really thought about it. With your people helping out my schedule has
opened up. Whenever is convenient for you? As you say, we he fleet crew always seem
reluctant to partake in counseling, although I’m never really sure why. However, most of our
patients are civilians living on Freedom. Perhaps tomorrow afternoon?”

“Sounds like a…” Navi quickly corrected herself. “...plan.”

Cal had taken the precaution of having his reinforced chair transported to the station. Typically
he would never consider sitting at the table with two captains, however tonight he was an invited
guest and to do otherwise would be… rude.

He’d been accused of “hovering” when he was around the captain. So he made an effort to not
appear to be on protection detail, although by definition it was his primary task. So he opted to
take a seat next to the First Office. His seat moaned slightly as the Brikarian settled his weight
into it.

Hank watched as the behemoth sat next to him. He watched as Cal’s eyes were locked onto his
commanding officer. Smiling, he leaned over, being careful not to invade the Brikar’s body
space.
Softly he said, “Your captain is quite safe… Cal?

Slowly, with what appeared to be great effort Dogan’s head shifted and he looked down at the
tall man beside him. His gravely voice let out a noise before he spoke.

“That remains to be seen,” was all he said, looking at the El Aurian intently.

It was pretty rare that Hank felt small. He quite large, for an El Aurian. By nature their bodies
appeared to be designed to fit in, but Hank tended to stand out, being a head taller that most.
But this Brikar was a full head taller than him. It gave him a unique perspective.

“I imagine being a chief if security on a starship gives you few opportunities to actually relax,”
Hank added.

“Not really,” Cal shot back.

Hank nodded. He’d forgotten how difficult it was to carry on a conversation with the Brikar. They
were beings of few words, but often said much in those few.

Dahr took his seat next to Kiera and held his hand out for Roxanne to join them. He looked at
Romulan and smiled.

“This is a social gathering, so the standing rule is no shop talk unless absolutely necessary,” he
announced. “I know many bridge officers are uncomfortable with becoming… friendly with those
they oversee. I’ve found, in the end, they tend to regret getting to know those they serve with.
What is your opinion Kiera?”

“There is a line that is drawn, certainly..” Keira began remembering the last time a relationship
with a fellow officer became too personal. She thought of Ravok for a moment before
recentering herself. “The regulation states undue influence. Friendships are never out of bounds
as it brings a closeness and familiarity that wards off infiltration. We would be able to tell when
something is off. As for any farther than that, I trust my officers to conduct themselves
accordingly. As long as both parties are willing and professional, I don’t see any harm. If undue
influence occurs, interventions may be required.”

Casian smiled remembering a time, long ago, on the USS Ezri. In the early days of his career,
before he met Roxanne, he had learned the foibles of crossing that line of personal vs
professional and understood the pull of “undue influences”. It was brief and did not end well, but
he had learned his lesson.

“I agree,” he said, “there is a line as commanding officers we cannot cross. But the building of a
respectful camaraderie amongst your senior staff is vital.”

Jayc observed everyone. Cal appeared uncomfortable and though he was engaged in real
conversation with the station security chief, his eyes never lost where the Hades senior staff
stood.
He turned to Ire, “Small talk has never been my strong suit. I’m too problem-solution oriented.”

Ire smiled back at him. “Yes I know what you mean Greta is much better at this type of thing
then me. I guess we could talk about work but that would defeat the point of this meal.”

Roxanne sat quietly and watched the crew interaction. Taking a sip of her wine, she became a
silent lurker. She thought that Casian was definitely in his element, and Roxanne, the dutiful
wife that allowed Casian to be great amongst the crew.

Casian rearranged himself in his seat and sat forward rubbing his hands together. He winked
at his wife, who had outdone herself in the meal.

“Friends, new and old,” he announced, “don’t be shy. Help yourselves and enjoy.” With that he
reached over and cut into the meatloaf. Steam escaped from the food as he moved several
slices of the food onto his plate then passed it along to Roxanne. He watched as the others
followed his example and began the meal.

(reply all)

(posted by Al, Kris, Todd, Jayc and Robbie)

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