USS Hades

Compile Summary

Day 5

(USS Hades - Sickbay - CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati - 1340)
(USS Hades - Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 1343)
(USS Hades - Sickbay - CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati (jg) - 1347)
(USS Hades - Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere) - 1349)
(USS Hades - Sickbay - CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1352)

Day 8
 
(USS Hades - Deck l, Main Bridge - CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati (jg) - 0920)
(USS Hades - Turbo Lift - CEO Norman Harper - 1005)
(USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter Room 1 - CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati - 1028)
(Romulus - Senatorial Receiving- CSEC- Lt. Baylon Trinin- 1035)
(Romulus - Senate Building, Senatorial Receiving - Ambassador Brianna
Frazier - 1036)
(USS Hades, Deck One; Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie 10:48 hours)
(USS Hades - Turbolift - FO Commander Jonas Lemar - 1053)
(USS Hades, Inbetween Decks One, Two, Three and Four, ACSO Ensign (JG)
Kenneth McKenzie 10:54 hours.)
(USS Hades - Deck 1, Bridge - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1101)
(USS Hades - Transporter Room 2 - Security Officer- Ensign T'Sol- 1101)
(USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter Room Two - FO Commander Jonas Lemar - 1102)
(USS Hades - Transporter room - CEO Norman Harper - 1102)
(USS Hades, Deck Five, Transporter Room Two, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth
McKenzie, 11:03)
(USS Hades - Ten Forward - Crewman Denise Lebranski - 1103) 
(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1104)
(USS Hades - Transporter Room 2 - Commander Rhian - 1104)
(USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter Room Two - CTAC Lt. Ammon Ranae - 1105)
(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - Crewman Denise Lebranski - 1105)
(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1108)
(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - Crewman Denise Lebranski - 1109)
(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - FO Commander Jonas Lemar - 1111)
(USS Hades - 10 Forward - Lieutenant Ardena Carrow - 1115)
(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1116)
(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh - 1120)

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Begin Compile
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Stardate: 2408.01.03

(USS Hades - Sickbay - CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati - 1340)

Having heard that at the briefing that Captain Sash was improving, Jon made
his way to Sickbay to see for himself. He hoped, if appropriate, to use a
combination of acupressure therapy and possibly telepathy to bring the
captain back to full consciousness.  

Jon was aware that he needed a doctor's current assessment of the Captain's
condition so he found the doctor on duty.. 

"Doctor, I was wondering how the Captain was progressing and is he well
enough to tolerate the use of acupressure therapy and perhaps telepathy to
bring him around? The crew morale is beginning to suffer without him in
command. Cmdr Lemar would be happy to have him back on the Bridge in the
center seat."

(Reply Wendy Kildare, Angeni Windsong Trommashere, any doctor in Sickbay)
(Posted by Jim McCrary)

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(USS Hades - Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 1343)

Angeni had been sitting quietly in her office.  She gently rubbed her hands,
both of them throbbing.  She had forgotten what it was like to manually take
out suitures and staples, and she had done as such to remove the chest tubes
from Sash.  She had gentle music playing, her back to the door when she
heard the door to her office slide open, and a familiar voice speaking in
gentle tones to her.

"Doctor, I was wondering how the Captain was progressing and is he well
enough to tolerate the use of acupressure therapy and perhaps telepathy to
bring him around? The crew morale is beginning to suffer without him in
command. Cmdr Lemar would be happy to have him back on the Bridge in the
center seat."

Angeni spun in her chair slowly, reaching to her desk to pick up Sash's
padd.  She scrolled through it as she came to face Jon.

"In my professional opinion...I believe he is ready to be woken up.  Mind
you, I need to bring him from under full sedation first, which may take
about 10 or 15 minutes to really bring him around and to dissipate the fog
of anesthetics.  How long do you have?"  She smiled gently at Jon.  She
stood up, walking to him, and she gently gripped his arm, a smile on her
face as she let him go.

(Reply Jon)

She turned away from him, picking up her lab coat and she draped it over her
arm, not taking the moment to fix the collar; she just didn't care.

"How are you doing?"  She put an emphasis on the word you.  "I told Cmdr.
Lemar what was going on...not sure if you heard or not..."

(Reply Jon)
(Posted by Kari)

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(USS Hades - Sickbay - CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati (jg) - 1347)

". . . The crew morale is beginning to suffer without him in command. Cmdr
Lamar would be happy to have him back on the Bridge in the center seat."

 In response to his inquiry about restoring captain Sash to consciousness
through a use of acupressure and telepathy, Dr. Windsong scrolled through
her priority patient's medical  PADD quickly.  Jon could see the intensity
of her concern for Sash in her bright almost iridescent aura.  But Jon also
hoped  to see a bit of passion for him in Angeni's shimmering aura as well.

Then turning to face him, Dr.Thrommashere said.  "In my professional
opinion...I believe he is ready to be woken up.  Mind you, I need to bring
him from under full sedation first, which may take about 10 or 15 minutes to
really bring him around and to dissipate the fog of anesthetics.  How long
do you have?"  

As the lovely Terrestrial Indian doctor spoke, Dr, Angeni rewarded him with
one the most beautiful smile Jon had ever seen.  Dr. Windsong gracefully
approached him and Jon thought wistfully back to the wonderful times they
had spent previously together.

Dr.Thrommashere touched his arm for a brief, tender moment, Jon said; "do
what you must do for captain Sash, I'm not going anywhere. As far as captain
Sash and you are concerned, Angeni, time is not relevant now."  So speaking,
Jon hoped that his face mirrored both the strong compassion he felt for Sash
and the powerful passion he now felt for Dr. Windsong-Thrommashere.

(Reply Dr. Thrommashere, Any)
(Posted by Jim McCrary)

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(USS Hades - Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere) - 1349)

Angeni stood before Jon, an etherial smile on her face.  She picked up
several hypo sprayers and walked out to Sash.  She stood before him for a
moment; all rank between them had dissapeared.  He was her patient and she
was his doctor.  She touched his hand, whispering gently into his ear.
 

"Please, for the love of all things sacred and holy, please wake up,
Sash..."

As she sent the reversal through his system, she stood, watching the
computer.  All of his vitals and brain scans began to show massive
improvement, but they seemed to dip for a moment, then stabilize.  She was
trying to will his vitals to stay normal, then, in the blink of an eye, they
plumeted back down.  Bells and whistles began going off, his heart rate
making a great laser tracing on the screen before her...flat line...

"Oh No!"  She ran up to him, pulling out the stepstool, and she hopped up
next to him, punching him square above his heart.  She had read during
medical school that a well placed punch was an equivalent to a 250j
defibrilation.  She watched as his heart did a little dance, and she began
doing manual compressions.  Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead as she
fought with the devil, pulling Sash's life back from thr edge.

~Please don't die...you can't die! I won't let you! Please Devin...please!~
She bit her bottom lip.  Those around her were working, but half heartedly.
He had been through so many ups and downs that everyone was afraid that the
next time would be his last.

"Come on! Work harder!!!"  She looked at those around her, her eyes slowly
brimming with tears.  She wasn't sure if it was fondness for her Captain, or
if it was seeing him as a person, not just a rank, but it struck her to her
soul. Each compression, each breath seemed to be futile.  She stepped back,
watching his arm fall limply to the side.  She turned to look at Jon, and
just seeing him...she didn't want to fail in front of him.  She turned to
Sash, and she didn't want to fail him.

"Bicarb! Sodium Bicarb!  Three amps...stat!"  She pumped away again as the
Bicarb was loaded and sent through.  She heard a low gurgling noise, and she
watched as air bubbles started forming in the tube.  Suddenly, the monitor
picked up, and she sighed softly.

"Thank the Mother!"  She bowed down slightly, whispering in his ear.


"I'm so sorry...but please...don't do this ever again...I want you as my
Captain..."

(Reply Any, None)
(Posted by Kari)

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(USS Hades - Sickbay - CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1352)

BRIGHT LIGHT!!

Sash covered his eyes at the suddenness of the light.  It was like a portal
had suddenly opened before him.  As his eyes adjusted, he moved his arm away
and looked into the brightness.  Oddly enough it didn't seem dangerous, or
even strange.  The warmth coming from the light was actually comforting,
almost beckoning.

He reached out with his left hand to try and touch it, or at least find the
source.  Slowly, with great trepidation, he inched his way forward, towards
what he thought might be the source.  His skin tingles, and his ears rang
slightly.  It was as though he were hearing a loud noise, but there was no
discernable sound.  Perhaps it was something ultrasonic that his enhanced
hearing was picking up.

Then something seemed to be forming in the middle of the light.  It was
moving towards him.  As the form got closer from what seemed to be a great
distance, it began to take the shape of a humanoid.  Even before he could
readily make out the person, he knew who it was.  He hadn't expected to see
her again so soon.  Or had it been a long time?  He couldn't really
remember.

"Hello love," the voice of his wife spoke.

"Lynda," Sash beamed as he stepped towards her.   "I thought you'd left
me... again."

"I told you love," she said softly, "I am always with you.  But you were
supposed to go back."

Sash's smile faded and he looked down.  "I couldn't.  I won't leave you
again.  I don't want those responsibilities any more."

Lynda sighed, "That is not your decision to make.  We all have our
destinies, Devan Sash.  Mine was to go through what I went through.  Yours
is to be something greater than you are now.  You must fulfill your
destiny."

Sash shook his head.  "No," he was sounding like a stubborn child, "I don't
want to.  I want to stay with you."

Now it was Lynda's turn to frown.  "That choice is, as it has always been,
your own.  There is more to this than you're admitting to yourself.  You are
not only affecting your own destiny.  You're being selfish."

"Damn it," Sash turned red, "I know I'm being selfish.  But I have a right
don't I.  Why can't I be selfish, just once in my ... life."  The last word
dropped off as he realized the irony involved in using it.

Lynda's frown turned to a weak smile.  "Yes love, you have that right.  But
I would hope that the realization of who was depending on you would be
enough to cause you to keep fighting.  If you wish to join me, then come my
love, and join me.  Leave the universe to its own devices, and your
responsibilities to it are done."

As she reached out her hands to take his, her words sliced through Sash's
heart.  What was he missing?  Whose destiny is he affecting by giving up
this one fight?  He was so tired of fighting.  But he did not take his
wife's hands.  He looked at them, for a long time.  The battle of choice
waged in his own mind.  Finally he turned from he and the bright light.

"Damn you," he said softly.  "Fine, I'll stay here."  Still the petulant
child, but feeling his years start to weigh on him again he said, "I'm not
sure what I'm fighting for any more, but I'm sure I'll find out sooner or
later."

"Be sure of it my husband," Lynda said, and kissed his neck warmly.  "I will
still be here when the time is right."

He felt her move away, and then the warmth of the light disappeared, as fast
as it appeared.  He turned just in time to see the last of the light leave,
and again, he was plunged into darkness.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)

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Stardate: 2408.01.06

(USS Hades - Deck l, Main Bridge - CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati (jg) - 0920)

Once it was realized that the six war birds that decloaked were escorts
rather than aggressors, the emotional atmosphere of the bridge calmed down
greatly.

Though still on duty, Jon permitted himself the luxury of partial
relaxation. He spent time continuing to practice both the Romulan language
and his correlation between their spoken tongue and the emotions he was able
to read from the face-to-face interactions, using his PADD. His research had
further been assisted by the brief ship to ship exchanges between FO Lamar
and Commander Rhian. He was fairly confident of his ability to read the
Romulan emotional correlations and discrepancies. 

Jon had just finished congratulating himself on his accomplishment, when he
saw on his PADD that his computer terminal in his office had forwarded him a
message. Clicking through the information he had stored on his PADD, he read
the message from Ambassador Frazier. 

"We have been invited to meet with the Romulan delegations at 1030 hours.
Please meet me in Transporter Room One at 1025 for beam down." 

He saw that the message had also been sent to Paris Kolar, Raizel Grem, Will
Banowsky, Lieutenant Carrow, and Lieutenant Jackson.  

Jon acknowledged the message by sending a brief note back saying that he
would be there

~This will give another chance to truesight Raizel Grem. The last time I saw
her was that strange catfight between Lt. Carrow and Brianna Frazier. It
will be interesting to figure out is what is going on with her.~

(Reply any)
(Posted by Jim McCrary)

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(USS Hades - Turbo Lift - CEO Norman Harper - 1005)

Norm leaned against the turbo lift railing and chewed on his lower lip.

~Meeting Romulans...~ He had never had a feeling quite like this one before.
It was as though he was going to meet with a unicorn or something equally
fantastical. "Meeting with Romulans,"

It started to roll out of his mouth in a sing-song fashion by the time the
lift stopped moving and the computer announced his arrival in the
transporter room.

(USS Hades - Transporter Room - CEO Norman Harper - 1007)

He halted his chant of "meeting Romulans" as he stepped out. He nodded
toward the officers who had made it before him, and made his way over to his
regular waiting spot. It was where he had stood during the arrival of the
ambassador, and during so many arrivals of now crewmates. 

~Meeting with Romulans~

(reply any)
(posted by Justine)

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(USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter Room 1 - CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati - 1028)

After changing into a more presentable uniform, Jon arrived at the
transporter room. Entering, Jon found that the others on the team were there
except for Brianna Frazier.

Jon greeted everyone. Brief pleasantries were being exchanged as Brinaa
Frazier and her security escort arrived. Jon returned her smile and was
struck by her considerable attractiveness and her aura of confidence.

(reply: Banowsky, Carrow, Jackson, Trinin, any)

When the team was assembled the Ambassador checked her watch, and then made
her way onto an empty transporter pad saying, "Right, well I think we're all
here now.  I don't think we ought to be late."

Jon stepped onto a Transporter Pad with the others. As they assembled beside
Ambassador Frazier, she gave her commbadge a quick tap.

"Ambassador Frazier to Commander Lemar; We're just about ready to go here."
She smiled as she looked to others around her.

Jon prayed, "May the Great Spirit bless our mission of peace."

=^= Then good luck to you and your team, Ambassador.  Lieutenant Trinin,
keep an eye on them for me. =^=

(reply: Trinin)

The transporter officer activated the controls and the room disappeared in a
shimmer of energy.

(Reply Trinin, Any)
(Posted by Jim McCrary)

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(Romulus - Senatorial Receiving- CSEC- Lt. Baylon Trinin- 1035) 

Almost immediately after the transport was complete Baylon noticed the
grandeur of the receiving area. The tall domed ceilings bespoke of a type of
ancient architecture that reminded Baylon of a few Christian Cathedrals in
Europe.

The center of the room was dominated by the glorious crest of the Romulan
Star Empire in all it's glory. The Martial characteristic of the symbol was
apparent, but not as apparent as the centurions standing nearby to perform
honor guard for their arrival.

A fairly tall Romulan stepped forward from his already advanced position
between the Federation Delegation and the Centurion Honor Guard.

"Welcome to Romulus, I am Ejuil, personal aid to Praetor Vrih." he said in a
clear and concise tone. 

(reply Frazier) 

Ejuil bowed slightly, "These centurions are here to honor you, as I take you
to the Praetor.  It is important that you stay with me and observe our
protocols while you are in my charge."

Baylon smiled ~ that is to say do not stray and we are watching you.~ he
thought. 

He allowed himself to begin receiving the scattered empathic vibes of those
around him. He was not surprised to find those present in the room were calm
cool and collected. They were exceptionally disciplined minds, and as Baylon
had expected they were giving off very few emotional clues that he could
pick up on.

~Great.~ he thought.~ so much for that edge.~ 

(reply Any present) 
(posted by Daniel Greene)

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(Romulus - Senate Building, Senatorial Receiving - Ambassador Brianna
Frazier - 1036)

As Brianna materialised, she was stunned by the surroundings of the Romulan
architecture.  She stood in a large dome-shaped area that was ornately
decorated, clearly as a sign to impress those that entered.  From the lavish
carvings in the stone walls, to the intricate design of the glass above
them, it was all designed to promote grandeur, and Brianna expected nothing
less from the Senate Building of the Romulan Star Empire.

As she glanced down briefly to the imposing emblem of the Romulan Empire, a
bird clutching two planets in it's talons, she brushed down her
Ambassadorial garb gently.  Her Ambassador's garb was quite similar to a
Starfleet uniform, but with some very distinct differences.  The first was
purple high-necked vest.  The second was her feminine-styled jacket.
Although the jacket was coloured with grey shoulders and black body, as most
Starfleet uniforms were, it was longer than most, coming just below her
bottom, like a very short dress.  Around her waist was a black belt with an
elaborate gold and silver buckle, with a distinct Starfleet insignia in the
centre.  In addition, she had gold lining of the zipper and purple forearm
straps.

Stepping forward from the people standing nearby, one Romulan, dressed in
clothes that Bree recognised as those worn by Senators and their aides,
spoke to them in greeting.  "Welcome to Romulus, I am Ejuil, personal aid to
Praetor Vrih."

Frazier stepped forward while not taking her eyes from Ejuil.  "You have my
thanks.  I am Brianna Frazier, Ambassador to your empire from the
Federation."

Ejuil bowed slightly, "These centurions are here to honour you, as I take
you to the Praetor.  It is important that you stay with me and observe our
protocols while you are in my charge."

Frazier nodded in acceptance of what they had just been told.  "As you wish.
Lead the way and we will follow Ejuil."  Frazier ignored her instincts to
engage this Romulan in conversation.  It was not the aide that she had come
to see, but the Praetor himself, and the sooner they were taken to him then
the sooner talks could begin."

As Ejuil turned to lead the group toward an exit from the chamber, Frazier
glanced around at her group briefly.  Paris gave her a look of assurance, as
if she were ready for anything.  Raizel simply wore a look of indifference.
Everyone else looked as blank as they could manage, although Bree could
sense their mixed feelings of trepidation and anticipation.

As she began to move toward a large stone arch, two Centurions stepped from
their positions to fall into formation with the group as they walked.
Wearing her token smile, she looked straight ahead.  She tried her best to
sense anything from the Romulans, but it seemed that they were either void
of emotion, or well trained at keeping it in check.  Either well, it was
clear that it had been foreseen that she would be present , an empath with a
potential to gain unseen and unspoken information.

::What do you think Jon?:: she called out with her mind to the ships
counsellor who was in-step behind her.  ::Anything out of the ordinary?::

(reply: Nayati, any)

(Romulus - Senate Building, Conference Chamber Four - Ambassador Brianna
Frazier - 1042)

Bree had paid attention to her surroundings as they were led through the
elaborate and ornate Senate Building to a chamber where she assumed the
negotiations would take place.  As they entered the room, a large stone
table dominated room at its centre.  Each of the four walls were as
classical as the rest of the building that they had seen, donned with stone
pillars and carving of varying magnificence.  Bree was sure that each one
told a story, and part of her longed to know what that story was.  ~Jericho
would have loved this~ she thought with a pang of sorrow.

As the final few of the group entered the chamber, Ejuil came to a stop and
turned to face them.  The centurions took this as a signal to move away from
the group and take up ceremonial positions against the walls near to the
door.  Flashing Baylon a quick look, she alerted him to her immediate
concern.  No doubt he was already aware of it far before she had become so.

"If you would all like to take seats, the Praetor will be with you shortly."
Ejuil bowed his head momentarily, then made his way toward the exit.  As he
did so, the centurions filled out into the corridor.  As Ejuil passed
through the arch, a large stone door slid into place and the group were
alone.

"Well then, let's make ourselves comfortable," said Bree, flashing a smile
across to Tom Jackson.

(reply: any on team, Vrih, Terrh, any)
(posted by Dave)

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(USS Hades, Deck One; Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie 10:48 hours)

Kenny was not sure what else to do at his console. He had done his system
check, and everything looked fine. He had been giving no other orders, so
he'd been looking at the way the sensors worked to see if they could be
improved. It was really more of personal objective and nothing really to
report to anyone just yet. He was not much of an engineer, but if he could
improve the sensors, then he would submit a report later. He heard footsteps
approach him and he saw Commander Lermar walk past him and turned to several
people as he walked to the turbo lift. Kenny was one of them.

"Ammon, Guarastine, McKenzie. You're with me." He said.

Kenny was suprised that he was going anywhere with the Commander without
prior notice, but he followed orders. He turned to the other Ensign at the
Science Station.

"Ensign; take over here."

The male Bajoran Ensign nodded and took Kenny's seat as he stood up and
joined the Commander and others in the lift. He decided to ask the obvious
question.

"Sir; What are we going to do?"

(Reply Commander Jonas Lemar)
(Posted by Gavin Work)

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(USS Hades - Turbolift - FO Commander Jonas Lemar - 1053)

As Jonas stepped into the turbolift, followed by Lieutenant Ammon and
Lieutenant Guarastine, Ensign McKenzie followed behind a little less
enthusiastic than he would have hoped.  As the Ensign finally entered the
turbolift and the cab began to move, the Ensign asked "Sir, what are we
going to do?"

Jonas looked at the Ensign with a raised eyebrow.  ~Is he kidding me?~ Jonas
wasn't sure whether he was serious, but he could help but answer, "Have you
been asleep on my bridge, Ensign?"

(reply: McKenzie)

"We're going to Transporter Room two to meet with Commander Rhian, commander
of the IWS Donatra."  Jonas looked at the motionless Guarastine and Ammon,
who weren't even reacting to the question.  "I sent you a memo telling you
of the mandatory attendance to the Luncheon in ten-forward that we're
holding for them.  Please tell me you read your messages Ensign?"

(reply: McKenzie, any)
(posted by Dave)

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(USS Hades, Inbetween Decks One, Two, Three and Four, ACSO Ensign (JG)
Kenneth McKenzie 10:54 hours.)

Kenny walked into the turbo lift along side the other officers. The
Commander turned to him to ask his question as the lift moved.

"Have you been asleep on my bridge, Ensign?"

"Sir?" Kenny asked.

"We're going to Transporter Room Two to meet with Commander Rhian, commander
of the IWS Donatra. I sent you a memo telling you of the mandatory
attendance to the Luncheon in Ten Forward that we're holding for them.
Please tell me you read your messages Ensign?"

"Oh. Yeah, Sir. I knew that, and I did get the memo, I was just busy working
on something at my console on the Bridge, I guess time fly by..."

(Reply Commander Jonas Lemar)
(Posted by Gavin Work)

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(USS Hades - Deck 1, Bridge - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1101)

Having a little time on his phalangi while they were parked in orbit over
Romulus, Maraht decided it wouldn't hurt to do a log. It might be a while
before the Cmdr was back on the Bridge. He found himself missing Captain
Sash's stalwart and pragmatic presence, but since there was little he could
do about it, he pushed the thought away. He depressed the correct button
with his main phalange and began.

"Stardate 2408.01.06, supplemental log. Chief OPS Lt. Maraht temporarily in
command of the Bridge.

"We have made it to Romulus, the home planet of the Rihannsu people. We have
made repairs to our decks that were damaged during the explosion and, thanks
to a hardworking crew, we have prevented any more such explosions from
occurring. I am still not convinced that so many faulty chips in place and
the explosion occurring at such a crucial time were both coincidences, but
so far no more evidence has surfaced of which I am aware to prove
differently."

"The Captain is still recovering in Sickbay. While he is doing so, Cmdr
Lemar has invited the Romulans on board the ship for a meal, referred to as
a luncheon, to help improve relations between us. It is my sincere hope that
this will be wildly successful and establish a strong basis of trust to help
encourage the negotiations to proceed without undue incident."

"With the death of Ambassador Jericho Nolan, one of his aides, Brianna
Frazier, has stepped up to the plate. I hope that she hits a few home runs
in this situation with the Romulans. From what little I have seen of her,
she is quick of wit and may have some talents that will be of use, based on
the fact that she is part Betazoid and has been a Starfleet officer in the
recent past on another ship." 

"I and the rest of the crew are committed to this mission and would like to
see no more wars or protracted battles with any other species or neighbors
of the Federation. One Civil War within the Federation was enough. Perhaps
we can usher in a new era of cooperation and trade between the Romulan Star
Empire and the Federation during this time of rebuilding."

"Computer, end supplemental log."

(Reply any)
(Posted by Sheila Mayer)

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(USS Hades - Transporter Room 2 - Security Officer- Ensign T'Sol- 1101) 

T'Sol watched with great care as the Romulan commander and his personnel
transported aboard. Her first impression of the Commander was unexpected.
~He's likeable.~

Which of course was a completely illogical thought to have had in the first
place.  T'Sol pushed it from here mind and listened intently as the Romulans
were introduced, and then as the Senior Officers on the Hades were also
introduced.

Despite the fact that she had prepared herself to speak with the Romulan
commander, she was not surprised when Commander Lemar did not introduce her.
It was of course a logical choice. It was well documented that Vulcans and
Romulans were uncomfortable in the presence of the other. 

Their History was a long and complicated one, with more in common than
either side cared to speak about. 

(USS Hades - Ten Forward- Security Officer- Ensign T'Sol- 1114) 

T'Sol had led the way, with two security officers between her and the main
party and another two following behind them. She had taken the precaution of
clearing every intersection corridor for a section in any direction and
erecting a security forcefield at the far end of the restricted area.

This gave the appearance that this portion of the ship was effectively empty
while preventing any unwanted interruptions of any would be saboteurs from
turning assassin during the walk to ten forward.

As she led the way, she monitored the deployment of Lieutenant Tarus'  team
via PADD.  Their arrival in ten forward, while taking longer than she had
anticipated was met without incident.

The honor detail broke into teams and assumed a honorary guard position at
each of the entrances/exits to the room. 

T'Sol waited and observed, ever vigilant for any sign of trouble. 

(reply Any Present) 
(posted by Daniel Greene) 

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(USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter Room Two - FO Commander Jonas Lemar - 1102)

Jonas had been very pleased that all the officers he had requested had been
present for the Romulan Commander to beam over.  He was especially impressed
that Chief Harper had managed to get here in time.  ~An improvement on last
time~ he thought, recalling the arrival of the late Ambassador Nolan and how
Harper had been delayed for some reason or another.

As the Romulans fully materialized, Jonas was first struck by their
uniforms.  They were bold, dark black and grey, and appeared to be padded in
some fashion, giving the appearance that the body was fuller than it
actually was.  He also noted the sashes worn by most of them, depicting
emblems of rank and allegiance.  It fascinated Jonas how other cultures did
things so differently to his native Federation.  It was at that exact point
that he thought ~I might actually enjoy this~.

He stepped forward with a smile, and the Romulan seemed to do the same.  ~A
smiling Romulan~ he thought to himself suspiciously.  ~There's a site for
the record books~.  The Romulan held out his hand in greeting and said,
"Commander Lemar, it is a pleasure to meet you face-to-face finally."

Jonas grasped the hand firmly and shook it solidly.  Many said that the
measure of a man could be gauged by his handshake, and Jonas was intent to
make a strong impression on the Romulan commander.  "Yes, I have to say I
have been looking forward to meeting with you."

Rhian gave a dismissive look and then said, "Might I introduce my own Chief
of Security, Sub-Commander Lhaes, my advisor, Centurion Mavus, and personal
aid, Uhlan S'Tarleya."  As he spoke, he indicated to each of his party in
turn.

Jonas nodded respectfully to each in turn and examined each with a quick
glance.  Laying eyes on Lhaes first of all, he was clearly a warrior,
judging by his build and posture - very apt for a chief of security.  Jonas
couldn't help but wonder how many of Lhaes methods for security would be
against their own Federation regulation.  He definitely looked like the
'shoot-first-ask-questions-later' type of person.

Jonas smiled politely to the two others, Centurion Mavus and Uhlan
S'Tarleya.  Looking back to Rhian Jonas countered, "And allow me to
introduce my Chief Tactical Officer, Lieutenant Ammon, my Chief Engineer,
Lieutenant Harper, and my chief Helmsman, Lieutenant Guarastine..." Jonas
indicated to each in turn before turning slightly toward the others, "...my
Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Trommashere, my assistant Chief Counsellor,
Ensign Ripley, and my assistant Chief of Science, Ensign McKenzie."

(reply: Rhian, any IYW)

Jonas finished his round of introductions, wondering if he had invited too
many people to this small greeting, but soon shrugged off the thought as he
turned back to Rhian.  "Well, it seems it's gotten a little crowded in here.
If you'd like to come this way, we'll go to our main lounge where we can get
to know each other a little better."

(reply: Rhian, any IYW)
(posted by Dave)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

(USS Hades - Transporter room - CEO Norman Harper - 1102)

It was as though he was dreaming. When the Romulans materialised on the
transporter pads, Norm had to consciously work to keep himself from pinching
himself. He caught himself staring a few times before introductions were
passed.

"And allow me to introduce my Chief Tactical Officer, Lieutenant Ammon, my
Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Harper, and my chief Helmsman, Lieutenant
Guarastine..." Jonas began.  

Norm bowed his head at the mention of his name and gave a soft, short
rhetorical "Howdy do?" And allowed the introductions to pass over him. As
names kept spilling from the FO's mouth, Norm found himself hoping in the
back of his mind that the Romulans didn't feel as grossly out-numbered as he
knew he would feel in the same situation.

(reply whoevah)

(USS Hades - Ten Forward - CEO Norman Harper - 1113)

There was a burning need to socialise by the time they made it to Ten
Forward, but there was also a significant lack of things to say. He hoped,
as he followed the parade of officers into Ten Forward, that someone would
start talking soon. 

(reply any)
(posted by Justine)

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(USS Hades - Ten Forward - Crewman Denise Lebranski - 1103)

She gave the senior security officer a wane smile as she gave him a list of
places she'd masked for convenient listening devices. At the minimum they
could scan for raised voices and stressed, at the maximum they could record
heartbeats. She really didn't know what the Security Chief had planned for
observation and detection, but her job was only to make sure the toys he
wanted to play with could be placed on the field.

The stasis field around the ice sculpture of the dragon in mid-flight
flickered, and she gave it an eye. She tapped her conn badge to Operations.
Too bad Maraht had his phalange full and Jackson was down on the planet.
Either of them would probably have it fixed without a twitch. "Ensign
Russel, the stasis field on the ice sculpture isn't stable, I expect
Romulans here in about 2 minutes, you get to try and fix it while looking
casual."

=/\= Wonderful. On my way. =/\=

Of course, Maraht might be at the luncheon.. And what Romulan could possibly
understand the movements and actions of a Horta? If he arrived before
Russel, she'd commandeer him.

Stifling a yawn behind the back of her hand, Denise checked her mental list.
With Miller freaking out about her working from sickbay, she'd instead been
spending Beta and Gamma shift at the Captain's side. She'd dozed at best
through the night since the explosion. Occasionally the medical staff had
expressed concern and tried to shoo her off, but she'd refused to go. Her
job was to be at the Captain's side. Besides, her mother had told her to
take care of him and not following her mother's orders always had always
resulted in thirty five foot long, six hundred pound Twinkies of bad.

Really, she could probably beg off and flee the scene. No one expected her
to be here, she wasn't senior crew, her Captain wasn't going to be here, but
two things kept her in Ten Forward. The first was Captain Sash would want to
know every detail of what happened when he woke up. She wasn't a Vulcan or
something with an eidetic memory, but she had a pretty good eye for detail.
And secondly, she was very curious as to what these Romulans were up to and
how they were going to act. She didn't understand all the fuss about
learning Romulan when they had perfectly good translation programs, besides,
body language was where it was going to be at.

Assuming Romulan body language shared common traits with the average
Federation humanoid.. ~Ugh, I'm turning into a counselor.~ She snatched an
ice wafer cookie from her pile and nibbled on it nervously.

~Almost show-time. You can do this Lebranski. Wait till you tell your older
officer brother you got to talk to ROMULANS!~

(Reply any)
(Posted by Lorna)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

(USS Hades, Deck Five, Transporter Room Two, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth
McKenzie, 11:03)

Kenny followed the other Officers as they entered the transporter room.
Kenny took a position just slightly behind Commander Lemar, letting the
others stand as they please.

As the person at the transporter controls used them to bring the Romulans
aboard, Kenny felt a little nervous. Granted; He didn't trust any Romulan
ship run by the Tal'Shiar, but it's unlikely that they would attack such a
ship as the Hades, even if they were out numbered... It would be no less
than a declaration of war on the Federation, and he knew that Star Fleet
would learn of something like the deliberate discrustion of the Hades, not
matter what lies the Romulans might spread. But at least they seemed willing
to talk. That was a good sign.

But Kenny was going to be polite and diplomatic, even if the Romulans began
to dispense with subtle racial arguments, as they were known for. He placed
his arms behind his back and cupped his hands... Then he decided that it
might be better if he did that, but placed his arms in front of him instead.

The Romulans appeared on the transporter pads. Their uniform was dark and
padded, with large sholder pads. They stepped of the transport pads and
aproced the party.

"Commander Lemar; It is a pleasure to meet you face-to-face finally," said
the leader.

"Yes; I have to say I have been looking forward to meeting with you."
Replied the Commander  "Might I introduce my own Chief of Security;
Sub-Commander Lhaes. My advisor; Centurion Mavus and personal aid; Uhlan
S'Tarleya." As he spoke their names, he gestured to each person.

Kenny looked at the people that Rhian spoke of; The first, Sub-Commander
Lhaes, was large, even with the padded shirt that he wore. He wore a large
belt with little pockets which Kenny could not help thinking contained
somthing like little posioned throwing daggers or little mini-phase
disrutors for emergencies, but he knew that the transporters would pick them
up... He hoped.

"And allow me to introduce my Chief Tactical Officer; Lieutenant Ammon, my
Chief Engineer; Lieutenant Harper, and my chief Helmsman; Lieutenant
Guarastine, my Chief Medical Officer; Doctor Trommashere, my assistant Chief
Counsellor; Ensign Ripley and my assistant Chief of Science; Ensign
McKenzie."

As Commander Lemar mentiond Kennys' name, he nodded and exstened his hand to
Rhian.

"Well; It seems it's gotten a little crowded in here. If you'd like to come
this way, we'll go to our main lounge where we can get to know each other a
little better."

Kenny followed the rest of the party to their next location. So far so good,
he thought.

(Reply anyone)
(Gavin Work)

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(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1104)

Maraht, having been told by Jonas Lemar to expect Lt. Hollister to take over
the CONN, was able to be in Ten Forward ready to greet the Romulans. He had
rumbled in the door and found a vivid and surprising array of stalk food
waiting for the visiting Romulans. 

He meandered around the table and did not find what he was looking for and
so approached Yeoman Denise Lebranski who was busy nearby. "Yeoman
Lebranski, you have done a very fine job here. It all appears quite colorful
and attractive." 

(Reply Denise Lebranski)

"There is, however, something missing. I see nothing here for me to digest.
So I hope you don't mind if I have the food replicator work up my favorite
dip of crude oil flavored with iron filings. I dip used burned out data
solids in it and I find it very tasty," explained Maraht. "But it is only a
snack for me. If I ate that much rich food all the time, I'd gain so much
magnetic energy that I might erase data files off of the memory chips in our
equipment when I passed by them. I am sure the Captain and Cmdr Lemar would
not be pleased with me, nor would anyone else."  Maraht waved his main
phalange gently in humorous appreciation. 

(Reply Denise Lebranski)
(Posted by Sheila Mayer)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

(USS Hades - Transporter Room 2 - Commander Rhian - 1104)

Rhian nodded at the collection of officers presented to him.  They all
seemed... normal.  He'd heard a great deal about the diversity of Federation
starship crews, but these all seemed so similar.  He did note that the Chief
Tactical officer was and odd species.  She appeared to be Cardassian... with
Bajoran traits.  Interesting indeed.  He was certain there was a story
there.

There were a lot of people in the now cramped transporter room.  Rhian
wasn't sure if he should be honored or concerned.  He did notice the lack of
armed lackies, so he had to assume it was meant as an honor.  Before
anything further could be said Lemar spoke.

"Well, it seems it's gotten a little crowded in here.  If you'd like to come
this way, we'll go to our main lounge where we can get to know each other a
little better." 

Rhian bowed with interest, "A main lounge?  Intriguing.  Please lead the
way."

With that Lemar turned and lead the group out of the transporter room.

(USS Hades - Deck 5 - Commander Rhian - 1105)

As they entered the corridor of the impressive vessel Rhian stopped for a
moment.  Down one way he saw a room that had a plaque stating it was the
Saucer Engineering.  They went the opposite direction.

"I understand that this vessel has the ability to split into three
sections," Rhian said, matter of factly.  "It would be interesting to
witness how it performed under battle situations."

(reply any)

A moment later they were at the turbolift.  The door opened and reluctantly
he stepped on.  He would like to have seen more, but there would be time for
that later.

(USS Hades - Turbolift - Commander Rhian - 1107)

"Your ship looks quite impressive, Commander," Rhian stated.  "Perhaps we
could get a more thorough tour, if time permits."

(reply Lemar)

(USS Hades - 10 Forward - Commander Rhian - 1112)

Rhian continued to look around, with open curiosity.  It wasn't a curiosity
borne from suspicion but one of genuine interest.  These were the first
humans he had personally come across, and he found it fascinating that they
were so similar in so many ways.  It was even my curious that they allowed
all of these lesser species to interact with them so completely.  It was
almost as though they wanted to give them the impression of equality.

However, looking at the command structure of this ship, it was quite clear
that humans held the reigns.  Even though he knew that the captain, Devan
Sash, was Angossian, he also thought it quite interesting that the captain
had found himself... incapacitated during such a crucial mission, and a
human was allowed to maintain the command.  This similarity was actually
comforting to the Romulan.

Lemar explained the purpose of the lounge, and Rhian noted that it was
already being used for such a purpose as socialization.

"Socializing on a war ship?"  Rhian was clearly confused.  "Don't you feel
that the crossed purposes of such a room with the purpose of such a vessel
is confusing to your people?  After all, this is obviously a ship of war.
Making such social interactions would almost be counter productive.
Especially with such a diverse crew."

Rhian's eyebrow rose greatly at the sight of the, for lack of a better
description, giant rock that just rumbled into the room and approached the
woman that he had seen Lemar nod towards at their entrance.  A lover
perhaps?  They were quite a similar species indeed.

Rhian nodded to his entourage and they began to spread throughout the room.
It was clear that they were equally as curious as their commander.

(reply Lemar, any)
(posted by Al Muir)

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(USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter Room Two - CTAC Lt. Ammon Ranae - 1105)

The short trip in the turbolift from the Bridge to Deck 5 had been a little
unpleasant when the Commander had reprimanded Ensign McKenzie for asking
what they were going to do.  She fully understood the aCO's irritation but
wished she hadn't had to witness it and kept her face expressionless during
the ensign's ordeal.

It was a relieved Ranae who had followed Lemar into the Transporter Room and
stood quietly by while the awaited guests beamed over, keeping her
expression one of impassiveness while the Commander greeted the Romulans,
and when she was introduced she gave a bow of her head in acknowledgment but
refrained from saying anything as she didn't have anything to say, nor did
she particularly want to speak.  She would observe for a while and see how
things went, noting the names, ranks and positions of those who had
accompanied the Romulan Commander.

~Chief of Security, Sub-Commander Lhaes, advisor, Centurion Mavus, and
personal aid, Uhlan S'Tarleya.~  Ranae repeated their names three times in
order to memorize them.

As the Commander led their guests out of the transporter room to head to Ten
Forward, Ranae fell into line behind them.  If nothing else she might learn
something about them while the atmosphere, hopefully, would be a little more
relaxed.

(reply: any IYW)
(posted by Sal)

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(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - Crewman Denise Lebranski - 1105)

"Thank you Lieutenant!" She wasn't quite sure of proper address of those
with only one name. Well, okay it was easy with Vulcans, but the other
races? Best to refer to him by rank, it seemed safest.

"There is, however, something missing. I see nothing here for me to digest.
So I hope you don't mind if I have the food replicator work up my favorite
dip of crude oil flavored with iron filings. I dip used burned out data
solids in it and I find it very tasty," explained Maraht. "But it is only a
snack for me. If I ate that much rich food all the time, I'd gain so much
magnetic energy that I might erase data files off of the memory chips in our
equipment when I passed by them. I am sure the Captain and Cmdr Lemar would
not be pleased with me, nor would anyone else."  Maraht waved his main
phalange gently in humorous appreciation. 

"Oh ye of little faith," Denise teased the Ops officer. "I remember from my
Mum's party." She gestured to what appeared to be a miniture rock garden
with plants in the far corner, "Food for our non-humanoid members of the
party. I aimed for asthetically pleased *and* tastey, but I'll confess.."
She reddened a little, embarassed to admit it, "..I don't really know what
tastes good to you, Ensign Shayhiloosh or Petty Officer t'kk'k."

(Reply Maraht)

"I don't suppose you could do me a *little* favour?" She asked in her best
wheedling voice. She'd have batted her eyelashes if she'd thought it would
*any* effect on the Horta. Russel had yet to show up and she was starting to
get a little desperate. "The stassis field on the ice statue keeps
flickering, I don't suppose you could work your magic on it?"

(Reply Maraht)
(Posted by Lorna) 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1108)

"Oh ye of little faith," said the Yeoman teasingly. "I remember from my
Mum's party." She gestured to what appeared to be a miniature rock garden
with plants in the far corner. To Maraht it looked quite delightful and very
Earthlike. The large pink gnoss granite stones were offset from each other
in graceful curves surrounded by what looked like white marble gravel and
large flat chunks of limestone. Interspersed among them were small sections
of unmulched soil with large potted plants, a few of them blooming. 

"Food for our non-humanoid members of the party. I aimed for aesthetically
pleased *and* tasty, but I'll confess, I don't really know what tastes good
to you, Ensign Shayhiloosh or Petty Officer t'kk'k." The human's face turned
red with what Maraht guessed was embarrassment. 

To assuage her discomfiture, Maraht said, "Venerable Mother always used to
say that one could never go wrong with high quality granite for whatever
ails a Horta. That looks most delicious to me and the marble gravel will be
like a filling side dish due to the high amount of crystallized calcite it
contains. You did a very nice job. It looks splendidly scrumptious from a
Horta point of view. However, I cannot speak for Mr. Shayhiloosh or Petty
Officer t'kk'k." 

(Reply Denise Lebranski, Any)

"Apparently you have done your homework on researching the Horta species,"
Maraht said in congratulations. "Next time you might include my favorite dip
if you think of it, but only in very small amounts."

"I don't suppose you could do me a *little* favor?" asked the young Yeoman.
She sounded a little desperate. "The stasis field on the ice statue keeps
flickering. I don't suppose you could work your magic on it?"

"Now Yeoman Lebranski, you know there is no such thing as magic, and I am
most certainly not capable of working it," Maraht chided her and shifting,
he rumbled over to the ice sculpture to check the small stasis field
generator hidden cleverly on the platter at its base. His phalange reached
out and he wrapped its tip around a nearby butter knife set out for the
buffet by the plates. Inserting his phalange into the flickering field, he
pried gently at the small generator's edge. Propping it up just a bit, he
made a few adjustments, mindfully watching that the heavy ice sculpture did
not come toppling down. 

Setting the mechanism back flat, he watched how the field stabilized and
pulled out his phalange, still holding the butter knife. The field sparkled
around his appendage, but was not uncomfortable, though it tingled
strangely. "It tickles," he told the Yeoman nearby and undulated his
phalange in an effort to rid himself of the odd feeling. "But I know it is
working well. Stasis fields do that to me when they are properly set up
correctly on the right frequency." 

(Reply Denise Lebranski, Any)

"What shall I do with this?" he asked the Yeoman, gesturing with the butter
knife. "I can put it in the food replicator to be recycled," he offered. 

(Reply Denise Lebranski, Any)
(Posted by Sheila Mayer)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - Crewman Denise Lebranski - 1109)

Maraht seemed more amused that anything else. Actually, Denise had never
seen the Horta in any mood other than easy going and amused. He was
certainly a very easy being to get along with. "Venerable Mother always used
to say that one could never go wrong with high quality granite for whatever
ails a Horta. That looks most delicious to me and the marble gravel will be
like a filling side dish due to the high amount of crystallized calcite it
contains. You did a very nice job. It looks splendidly scrumptious from a
Horta point of view. However, I cannot speak for Mr. Shayhiloosh or Petty
Officer t'kk'k." 

"Call me a coward, but I'm not sure I'd want to try and feed PO t'kk'k and
Ensign Shayhiloosh at the same table." She said with a wry smile.

"Apparently you have done your homework on researching the Horta species,"

Maraht said in congratulations. "Next time you might include my favorite dip
if you think of it, but only in very small amounts."

Maraht denied his abilities as magical but saved the day anyway in her eyes.

"It tickles," he told the Yeoman nearby and undulated his phalange in an
effort to rid himself of the odd feeling. "But I know it is working well.

Stasis fields do that to me when they are properly set up correctly on the
right frequency." 

"Call it what you like, but its all magical to me." She replied. "Thank you
kindly, Lieutenant. I had this mental picture of the statue melting all over
the Commanders boots."

"What shall I do with this?" he asked the Yeoman, gesturing with the butter
knife. "I can put it in the food replicator to be recycled," he offered. 

"Hand 'er over. They're from the ambassador's set. I'll put it in with the
others to be cleaned and returned." She half turned and then turned back to
bend over and gave Maraht a kiss on the top of his shell. "Thank you for
saving my bacon." And hopefully he wouldn't bring her up on charges of
sexual harassment!

(Reply Maraht/any)
(Posted by Lorna)

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(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - FO Commander Jonas Lemar - 1111)

The trip had taken a little longer than Jonas had expected.  It seemed the
Romulans were quite a curious people, something they had in common, and so
the pace had been more like that of a leisurely stroll than a quick march to
Ten Forward.  When they finally arrived in the last stretch of corridor,
Jonas was feeling more like he was playing tour guide than anything else.

"This is our main function room onboard.  It's more often used by officers
and crewman when they are off duty, for socialising, eating, or if we have
an event of some kind onboard." Jonas spoke as he stepped through the double
glass doors into Ten Forward.  As he glanced around he was pleased to see
that appropriate arrangements had already been made for their arrival.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Denise Lebranski doing something that
he was quite certain of, and he flashed her a smile and a nod, as if to
thank her for doing this on such short notice.

(reply: Lebranski IYW)

Looking around the rest of the room, Jonas was glad that many of the
available senior staff had made the effort to be present.  Given that he had
given an order that attendance was mandatory he wasn't surprised, but he was
still glad that most appeared to smiling and welcoming.  As the small group
of Romulans spread out a little, Jonas turned to Rhian and stopped.  "So, I
imagine this is much different to a military ship such as yours?"

(reply: Rhian, Harper, Trommashere, Ripley, McKenzie, Carrow, Maraht, any
others I have forgotten!)
(posted by Dave)

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(USS Hades - 10 Forward - Lieutenant Ardena Carrow - 1115)

Ardena was running late. Unusual for the usually prompt, if not early,

scientist. It was probably a good thing that Janet hadn't been scheduled to
appear at the lounge, as she'd been forced to steal the woman since her
knowledge of the botany labs was ten thousand times her own. In the chaos of
the explosion things has been moved all over, but eventually they'd found
the plant she'd been looking for in with the Japanese plants. Obviously an
operations officer had sorted them. She'd released Janet back to her work
with little hope she'd beat the Romulans to Ten Forward.

She was probably being a boob and was probably about to start an
international incident. She knew her father's people wouldn't be
particularly happy with her, but that was okay, she was more human than
Vulcan anyway. In her hands she carried, in a replication of a sacred pot,
the t'Saar flower.

It was once the flower of the house of the leader of those that had become
Romulans. For whatever reason, the Romulans had been unable to take a true
one with them, or it had died out in transit to their new home. A Vulcan
admiral had once haughtily replied to a Romulan missive of surrender that
the Romulans would set foot on Vulcan the day they had a t'Saar flower in
their hands and not a day before.

A lot of blood had been spilled between the cousin races in the millennia
since. No flower, no matter it's legend could make a difference, she knew.
Most Starfleet botany labs had one or two because of the inordinate amount
of o2 they generated from minimum amounts of CO2 during times of oxygen
starvation. She vaguely remembered a paper in the Academy about their
storage of gasses, but the main point was, when the environmental were out,
they gave a few more hours of life in key parts of the ship.

She looked at the gathered Star Fleet officers and the smattering of
Romulans. It seemed Maraht was in his usual cheerful mood, teasing those
around her. She was a bit surprised to see the Captain's yeoman present, was
the woman of rank and position to be here? The commander's Yeoman wasn't
here after all. Ah well.

She approached Commander Rhian, he wore the mantle of command with ease and
had what her mother called 'command presence.' She waited until he noticed
her and she gave the graceful half-bow of her father's people. 

(Reply Commander Rhian)

She presented the plant almost casually, in the sacred bowl of peace, with
the blue dyed waters. She knew there were a thousand things she could say,
like, only use this for peace, but frankly, she thought that would insult
the intelligence of the Romulan before her. "From my father's people, to
yours, sir." Was all she said in the end.

(Reply Commander Rhian)
(Posted by Lorna)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1116)

Maraht had rumbled over to the rock and plant area that Yeoman Lebranski had
so solicitously set up for the non humanoid contingent of crew at the
luncheon. He wanted a closer inspection of the arrangement and thought it
sufficiently tantalizing that he nearly salivated. Making sure his main
phalange was curled up properly beneath him, he studied it and saw that
Shayhiloosh would indeed enjoy the small mound of loamy soil if he could
root deeply enough into it.

He was in full view of the main doors to Ten Forward. He felt very nervous
and was unsure of what he should do. He stayed where he was and decided to
watch and wait first to see what their guests would do and how they would
act. He forced his phalangi to stay motionless and not ripple with
apprehension by purposely relaxing next to the neighboring rock and plant
buffet. ~Nothing here but a bunch of dumb rocks, all looking appropriately
motionless and decorative.~

It was easy enough to pick out the four Romulan officers in their dark
uniforms as they entered with Commander Lemar and the others. They filed in
with an honor guard or perhaps it was more aptly called a watchful security
force.

Interested, Maraht studied the four Romulan stalks, hoping to see some sign
of kindness and humor instead of contempt, derision or hatred. He remained
motionless and waited to see what would happen. 

Maraht recognized Commander Rhian from the Bridge viewscreen. Another was
obviously more of a fighter, a stalk that was large and tall by comparison
with the others. There was another older woman who was smiling broadly, and
looking about with undisguised curiosity. The fourth was a younger looking
woman who was more stoic, although Maraht wondered if it was laughter or
something else he might be seeing flashing now and then from her dark eyes. 

~Maybe I should introduce myself and just rumble through it. That older
female stalk looks friendlier. I think that smiling with these stalks must
be much the same as for humans. I think I will try talking to her.~

Maraht shifted his bulk and rumbled forward, firmly keeping his main
phalange tightly coiled underneath him and shoving down his apprehension. He
was no newborn pebble, but an adult sentient being capable of intelligent
thought and action. He could make the first move with dignity and show them
how a civilized well educated Horta acted. He would be positive, forthright
and friendly, or at least he hoped so. 

It was not a long distance and Maraht reached her in a few moments. "Hello
and welcome to our ship. This is Ten Forward, where we often socialize and
have meals together. I am Lt. Maraht, the Chief Operations Officer. Might I
offer you a drink of some kind?" 

(Reply Centurion Mavus)
(Posted by Sheila Mayer)

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(USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh - 1120)

Shayhiloosh was sternly upbraiding hirself all the way to Ten Forward. S/he
and Shureshlee had been resting on the Dreamplane and both had been warily
eyeing the ships that had shown up to escort the Hades once they approached
Romulus.  

Shayhiloosh had to confirm what was happening and explain it all to hir
child to make sure Shureshlee was in control of hir emotions, especially
fear. Manifestation of the more negative emotions of fear and anger on the
Dreamplane could prove disastrous for any Arborian and any that were
telepathic that might be drawn there. Shureshlee had shown some fear and
Shayhiloosh had been concerned and had stayed to reassure hir offspring. 

As a result, Shayhiloosh was delayed leaving the Arboretum and had to arrive
at Ten Forward a little later than s/he had planned. Upon entering,
Shayhiloosh saw the familiar humanoids among the crew and spotted Maraht,
the Chief OPS officer in addition to Cmdr. Lemar, Lt. Ammon, Lt. Carrow,
Ensign T'Sol and others. There were four beings that were less familiar, and
Shayhiloosh guessed they were their Romulan guests that s/he had seen from a
distance on the Dreamplane. 

Shayhiloosh approached the First Officer and waited to speak with him when
appropriate. "Sir, I apologize for my late arrival. I was unexpectantly and
unavoidably detained. I can explain what happened privately if you like."
S/he felt parentally protective and was unwilling to mention Shureshlee in
front of the Romulans. S/he unhappily drooped some of hir minor branches in
embarrassment, trying to make sure hir main branches stayed upright in front
of hir crewmates and guests. 

(Reply Jonas Lemar, Any) 

All three eyestalks bobbing in agreement, Shayhiloosh straightened up and
resolutely turned hir attention to the Romulan in closest proximity. S/he
bowed slightly from hir trunk and spoke in hir whispery voice through hir
leaf-like bladders. "Clear waters and warm breezes to you. I must express
regret for my abruptness of arrival. I am Ensign Shayhiloosh, Assistant
Chief Science Officer. I am an Arborian." 

(Reply Romulan)

"I bid you welcome to the Hades. I hope you enjoy our hospitality while you
are here."

(Reply Romulan, Jonas Lemar, Any of the Romulans, Any)
(Posted by Sheila Mayer)

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End Compile
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