<div dir="ltr"><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-390993a7-7fff-0c45-97e6-846d02451d21"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Mission: The Tholian Brief</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Day:1</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Stardate: 2446.09.10</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center-Illuminar CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1310)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“So tell me about the last month.  What have I missed?”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“Oh, the same thing as always.  Take an away team to a planet.  Met alien Artificial intelligence (AI)  with a child like mine of curiosity.  As true to a child mentality, AI had a tantrum and kicked us out. Mission over.  But it was an intergalactic zoo.  There is that.”  Quinna said in a “Just the unusual tone.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Quinna turned to find a chair and bring it closer to the bed.  She figured she might as well set herself up to sleep there as well.   “I think you would have found it interesting, however, it would not have been up to your specialized position.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">The doors opened to the room cutting their conversation short.  The Captain if the station, Dr. Peele, and a third person, a security officer entered.  Quinna jumped to her feet as respect to the senior officer in the room.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Dahr stepped forward, “Lt. Michael Weston, I’m Captain Casian Dahr, the CO of this station.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Quinna turned to the struggling Michael to help him.  She wanted him to lay back down but was as stubborn as always.  “Captain Dahr, yes, of course. It’s an honor to meet you.  I’d stand but I’m afraid one of these doctors would throw me back down on this bio-bed in a most inglorious manner.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Quinna stood there and listened to the conversation but was careful not to interfere with the discussion.  Michael was being cryptic and knew that when the Illuminar arrived, she as going to get more to the story.  She also knew that this research was probably more personal. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">The Captain seemed to accept Michael’s answers for now but to Quinna, “Okay, Lieutenant.   But you will oblige me to stay on Freedom until we get to the bottom of this explosion.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Michael nodded, “Of course.  That was my plan anyway.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“And perhaps we can discuss your… research… at a later time,” Dahr suggested.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“I hope so, Captain Dahr,” Weston said.  </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“Then I will leave you to your recovery,” the Trill said.  “I’m sure that you are in good hands.”  He turned to Quinna, “Doctor, a pleasure.”  Then he turned to Peele, “Doctor, good luck with this one.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“Yeahhhh,” Peele replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “thanks.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> “Well, looking at these readings, and gauging by your conversation with Casian, I think I can safely release you from sickbay, under the watchful eyes of Dr. Solace.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">She nodded at Quinna and smiled.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“Got it.”  Quinna winked at Michael.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“But if anything comes up,” she said, pointing a finger at him, “and I mean any problem, you are to get your butt back here on the double.  Is that clear, mister?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“Crystal,” Michael said with a smile.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">She looked at Solice and put out a hand.  “A pleasure to meet you Doctor Solice.  Perhaps we can get together over the next few days and get to know each other.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“I think that can be arranged.  Thank you, Dr. Peele.”  And then Quinna and Michael were in the room alone again.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Quinna turned her attention back to Michael.  She noticed him sitting up.  “Hey, take it easy.”  Quinna started/  </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“Ummm… some clothes might be nice,” he said, looking at Quinna playfully.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Quinna moved along the storage in the biobed.  Traditionally, that is where she kept extra scrubs for patients.  Sure enough, she found some for Michael, including a pair of slippers.  This would be good enough until she could get him with his clothing.  </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“Here, this should fit.  Do you have a room on the station, or other clothing, or anything?”  Quinna asked.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">(Reply Weston)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Quinna helped Michael get dressed.  She made sure she was there to help steady him if he needed it when he stood.  She did a visual assessment and noted the scars and the bruising.  “You know you are damn lucky,”  Quinna commented.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">(reply Weston)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">“Ok then, let's go.”  Quinna took Michael close and held his hand.  All he needed to do is lean a bit to be more steady.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">(Reply Weston)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">(posted by Kris B)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.9872;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">(reply Quinna)</span></p></span><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></div>