USS Paladin

Compiled by Calvin Capps
========================================================================================================================
Mission: Piercing the Iron Curtain
Mission Day: 7
Stardate: 2407.01.16
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Security Quartermasters store - ATC/ASO Ensign Sam Moto - 10:20)
(USS Paladin - Deck 12 - Security Officer, Ensign Natalie Conaty - 10:45)
(USS Paladin - Security - TAC/SC Kerge - 10:51)
(USS Paladin - FO Office - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1109)
(USS Paladin - FO Office - Lt Cmdr Capps - 1110)
(USS Paladin - FO Office - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1111)
(USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1120)
(USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - ACMO Ensign(jg) Tar Loxari - 1120)
(USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1120)
(USS Paladin, COPS Office - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1300)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1325)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1855)
(USS Paladin - Ten Forward - CSO/2O Lieutenant (jg) Joran Brownlee - 18:56)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1856)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1857)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1858)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Ensign(jg) Tar Loxari - 1858)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1859)
(USS Paladin - Ten Forward - Lt Cmdr Capps - 1900)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1900)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1900)
(USS Paladin - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Kerge - 19:01)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign JG K'Palla - 1901)
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1901)
(USS Paladin - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Kerge - 19:03)
(USS Paladin - 10 Forward - ATC/ASO, Ensign Sam Moto AND Security Officer,Ensign Natalie Conaty, 1905)
(USS Paladin - 10 Forward - ATC/ASO, Ensign Sam Moto, 1941)
(USS Paladin - 10 Forward - Security Officer, Ensign Natalie Conaty, 1946)
(USS Paladin, Holodeck 2 -  ACEO LT (JG) Steven Matrix - 2040)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Security Quartermasters store - ATC/ASO Ensign Sam Moto - 10:20)

Sam was impressed by the young ensigns initiative as she explained, 
about 
the two decks that were to be searched and her way of tackling the 
obvious 
problem of the size of the two decks. ~How the hell did she manage to 
not be 
promoted after all these years?~ Sam was shocked at the ensign?s 
ability to 
be undiscovered in her talents. ?Are they sure I need to be on this 
task of 
ours? You seem to have everything pretty much worked out and under 
control!?, Sam laughed, ?Maybe I should let you have ATC/ASO position 
and 
I?ll stick to being a Security officer!?

(Reply: Nat, Brown IYW)

What surprised Sam more was the ?greeting? she gave Ensign Brown as she 
walked in, ~it was not so alike from that of a Klingon officer~ Sam 
thought. 
He shook the ensigns hand and introduced himself, then set about 
organising 
his team, dividing the equipment between them, stowing the phaser Nat 
had 
presented him with carefully in the holster at his waste, and grabbing 
the 
tricorder, they made their way to deck 12, the first of the decks to be 
searched today.

Nat broadly stepped out of the turbo lift in front of Sam, with Lee 
following close behind. She turned. "We are your team to command, Sir. 
What 
are your orders?? Sam smiled inwardly, ~and a little too outwardly~ he 
thought, at this. His first commanding role in Starfleet. It gave him 
some 
confidence that the Ensign he had come to know in the last few hours 
had 
just said that, and he spent no time sitting around. He was about to 
speak 
when a scuttle was heard behind some containers, to the right and 
behind 
Nat. Her and Brown quickly pulled out their phasers and circled the 
containers slowly, keeping themselves between the noise and Sam. He too 
pulled out his phaser, setting it to Stun. They leapt forward but found 
nothing. Sam suddenly became weary, ~Something?s not right here~ he 
suddenly 
felt, he did not know how but he felt it.

Nat and Brown walked back towards him, stowing their phasers before 
reporting, "Must have just bin some dry mettle or something" She said 
as she 
turned to Moto. "Your orders, Sir?" She repeated.

?Ok, I?ll take the fore of the ship, Nat, you go Aft and set up your 
tricorder, Brown remain here and wait for us to return.? He paused to 
make 
sure he knew exactly what he was to say next. ?I want you to be careful 
in 
here, I know this place has been scanned for any unidentified 
presences, but 
I have a feeling we aren?t alone in here. Maintain constant contact, 
report 
anything, no matter how small you may think it is, keep an active life 
sign 
scan with your Tricorders, and phasers primed, just in case. Make sure 
they 
are low levels only though, one hit from your phaser on one of these 
Torpedoes could inginte the whole ship in an instant!? Sam was sure 
that 
this may sound a bit drastic, but he couldn?t shake this feeling that 
something, or some one was out there, and he wasn?t going to loosed 
anyone 
on his first day of duty!

(Reply: Nat, Brown)

Sam watched as Nat disappeared behind a container before making his way 
into 
the gloom of the storage deck,  Tricorder in hand, moving cautiously, 
one 
step at a time.

(posted by Nick)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Deck 12 - Security Officer, Ensign Natalie Conaty - 10:45)

Nat did as she was told and headed to the section she was designated, she set her Tri-corder as she walked over to the 
section, it took her just under 5 minutes to get to her section, the Paladin was a BIG ship, and shouldn't be under 
estimated.
 
She placed her tri-corder, in position and and began to open a COMM Link with Moto when she heard a deafening scream. 
It was Lee, she had heard that scream before.. ~Oh know whats he done...~ She tapped her COMM Link.
 
"Conaty to Brown, Whams going on?" She said, she got no reply. ~O oh...~ She tapped her COMM Badge again, "Conaty to 
Moto, Are you with Lee? Did you hear him scream? I think something's gone wrong..." She said.
 
(Reply Moto)

It sounded like Moto was running to the scene. Nat quickly decided to run also. "Ok, ill see you there in a minute." 
She began running, phaser out. Her second tri-corder taking in readings, as she went. As she turned the corner to where 
Lee was ment to be, she stopped dead on. It seemed Moto had got there first, he had his phaser raised. She blinked, 
~How could? Impossible...~ She neared the situation with her phaser raised, she couldnt believe her eyes...

(posted by Jono)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Security - TAC/SC Kerge - 10:51)

=/\=Three Security teams to Deck 12, Immediately.
Intruder alert=/\=

The comms had been abrupt & sudden, an element of
urgency in the voice of the officer that had sent it.
Kerge however, imediately raised his head from what he
had been doing to begin barking off orders in responce
to it. Quickly he pointed to two of his officers
standing nearby & ordered them to gather their teams &
attend the alert.

=/\=Ensign Natalie Conaty to Lieutenant Kerge, Sir you
might want to get to Deck 12 immediately. Intruder
Alert. I have Ensign Sam Moto with me, Sir.=/\=

"On my way now Ensign", said Kerge as he himself
headed out the door & ran off towards the turbolift
with the others.

"What is the nature of the intruder Ensign?", said
Kerge, "What are we dealing with?", he added.

(Reply Conaty)

"We will be with you shortly", said Kerge as he
ordered the turbolift to deck 12.

(posted by Alan)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - FO Office - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1109)

=/\=Enter.=/\=

The doors hissed open and Aya entered the FO's office. The man sitting at the desk looked at her and put down the PADD 
he was reading and quickly straightened his desk.
 
"Counsellor Ayesha Kotal reporting as ordered, Sir," she said, coming to attention.

Capps stood and walked around his desk. He raised his arm and opened his hand to shake her hand. "It is nice to meet 
you, and your presence is nice to have. This crew needs you right now. Please have a seat."
 
Aya took the offered hand and shook it as she replied, "Thank you, Sir," before sitting down.
 
The First Officer walked around his desk once again to sat back down in his chair. "I am not for sure what you have 
been briefed on, but I have been planning a memorial service for tonight."
 
He handed a PADD over to Aya. "I was hoping I could get some feedback from you about the service, and see if there 
needs to be anything added."
 
"May I take a moment to look through this?" Aya asked, activating the PADD and reading it.

When she finished she looked up.

"It looks like you have thought of almost everything, Sir. I don't know anyone here yet really, but if I may make one 
suggestion that I've found people seem to appreciate in memorials like this?"

(reply Capps)

"If you have a point where you ask for anyone who wants to say or do something to commemorate a friend or colleague 
in their own way, perhaps towards the end, then you are sure that everyone will feel included, whatever their customs. 
Some cultures find a neutral memorial to be not as... fitting a way of saying goodbye to the ones they lost. Whilst 
others would rather it was over as soon as possible. So if you have this opportunity at the end of the memorial, then 
anyone who wishes to may participate and those who do not will not feel they have to sit through something which has 
little meaning for them." 

(posted by Liz)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - FO Office - Lt Cmdr Capps - 1110)

"It looks like you have thought of almost everything, Sir. I don't know anyone
here yet really, but if I may make one suggestion that I've found people seem
to appreciate in memorials like this?"

"I am will be happy to hear it." Calvin said listening close to what she had to say.

"If you have a point where you ask for anyone who wants to say or do
something to commemorate a friend or colleague in their own way,
perhaps towards the end, then you are sure that everyone will feel
included, whatever their customs. Some cultures find a neutral memorial to
be not as... fitting a way of saying goodbye to the ones they lost. Whilst
others would rather it was over as soon as possible. So if you have
this opportunity at the end of the memorial, then anyone who wishes to
may participate and those who do not will not feel they have to sit
through something which has little meaning for them." Ayesha suggested.

Calvin did not even have to think about it. "It sounds like a wonderful
idea Counselor. I will have that set up immediately. Unless you have any
other suggestions I have nothing further for you except...Welcome aboard."

(posted by Calvin)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - FO Office - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1111)

"It sounds like a wonderful idea Counselor, " Capps replied straight away. "I will have that set up immediately. Unless 
you have any other suggestions I have nothing further for you except...Welcome aboard."

"Thank you, Sir," Aya said with a smile. "If you will excuse me, I should report in down at Medical now and introduce 
myself, then check out my office. I'll be at the memorial service later," she added. It was not the kind of thing she 
looked forward to but she felt that it was only right to honour those who had given their lives in the battle she had 
missed. 

(posted by Liz)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1120)

Aya entered sickbay and looked around, wondering whether the CMO or ACMO were available. She approached a medical officer 
and said, "Excuse me. I'm the new Counsellor, Ayesha Kotal. Could you tell me if the CMO or the ACMO is available? I'd 
like to introduce myself."

(posted by Liz)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - ACMO Ensign(jg) Tar Loxari - 1120)

Upon the arrival of the new Counsellor, Dr. Loxari immediately tapped 
on
his comm badge.  

"Cancel that last order, transporter room." ~Well now, it's moments 
like
this that make being a doctor all worth it~ Tar thought to himself, 
trying
to suppress a wry grin and offered his hand. "I'm the ACMO here.  Dr. 
Tar
Lanien Loxari, and you would be?"

(posted by Rhone)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1120)

"Cancel that last order, transporter room."

Aya looked around at the words and saw a tall, red-haired human... no, he had the black pupils of a Betazoid.  ~Maybe 
he's mixed race, like me~  she thought to herself.

He grinned a little wryly and offered his hand. "I'm the ACMO here.  Dr. Tar Lanien Loxari, and you would be?"

"I'm the new Counsellor, Ayesha Kotal," Aya replied with a friendly smile of her own, shaking his hand. "I thought I 
should come and introduce myself to you and the CMO, and also arrange for a boarding medical examination? I can come 
back later, if you're busy," she added hastily, recalling his cancellation of the transporter orders.

She got a good feeling from this Dr Loxari, and hoped they would work well together.

(posted by Liz)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, COPS Office - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1300)

Michael had adjourned to his office to continue going through PADDs of
reports, requests and manifest lists.  Chief of Operations was hard,
being one on a Meredeth Class ship that just so happened to be the
flag ship of a 20 ship task force, in the midst of a civil war...well
lets just say it added to the work load.  As it was he still had some
of his staff helping Engineering with their repairs.  The industrial
replicator was in full swing, replicating parts for other ships, as
well as restocking the Paladin.  The smaller fabrication shops were
also working at a good clip.

One of his assistants was currently sitting opposite him, as Michael
went through the PADDs.

"Ok, add the Engineering requests to the list, Medical should be up
next so lets see about getting their stuff done and out of the way,"
Michael said as he approved the amended priority list.  "As soon as
you hear from Sickbay that they are done with cargo bay 3, I want it
stripped down and all of the equipment gone over with a fine tooth
comb, I want to make sure that nothing in there took too much of a
beating."

"Aye sir.  Next up is the manifest from Starbase 234.  As we have been
able we have been moving through the cargo bays.  They were definitely
gearing up for war sir."

Michael picked up the PADD and looked it over.  "All right, All
offensive and defensive equipment, forward to Commander Rulestaad,
I'll let her decided who to send it too, in case she wants to keep
some toys for herself.  Draw up a list of excess medical supplies,
anything that is above and beyond what a starbase needs to operate,
and forward the list on to Fleet Medical.  Send a list of any excess
engineering supplies or parts to Commander Sarouk, see if he wants or
needs anything, have him get back to me, and anything extra after that
I'll forward on to the remaining ships in the task force.  Also send a
full list of what we found, as well as what was taken by the taskforce
to Fleet Supply, just so we keep them in the loop,"  Michael said as
he came to the bottom of the list, there in his favorite spot in the
alphabet was two cases of something he found rather amusing, stored in
the corner of the cargo bay, and marked for captain's eyes only were
some very old whiskey.

"Wait, scratch item number B234-D-75 and 74," Michael said and
received a grin from his assistant for it.  "Have 75 delivered to the
USS Patton, only to be opened by General Roberts, courtesy of the USS
Paladin.  Have 74 delieverd to Captain's mess, I'll take care of
informing her, myself," Michael said.  "We're all set for now, send me
any additional reports.

Michael watched his assistant leave, already giving instructions for
new jobs to be added to work orders.  Michael turned in his chair and
looked at his computer terminal.

"Computer, begin recording Message," Michael said and the computer
chirped in acknowledgement.

==
Captain Straton,

In our cataloging the contents of the cargo bays of Starbase 234, it
seems we have come across two cases of Jameson's Whiskey, from 2360 no
less.  As I could not guarantee it's safety during it's stay at the
starbase or to Fleet Supply, I have delivered the two cases to two
separate locations to ensure at least one of them is able to fullfill
it's purpose.  The first case was placed in General Roberts care, as
her Marines displayed their skill and devotion to duty, this past
week.  The other case has been placed in the Captain's Mess, under
your care, on our ship, as our cargo bays are currently being
rearranged.  I simply wished to ensure that this precious commodity
was allowed to perform it's duty.

Signed,
Ensign Michael O'Connor
==

"Computer send message to Captain Straton."  Michael said then leaned
back in his chair for a moment before he stood up and headed out the
door of his office.

(posted by Patrick)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1325)

Michael walked into The Forward, and saw that it was being made over
for the memorial service.  A couple of his petty officers were still
setting up the chairs, working around those officers who had decided
on a late lunch, like Michael.  Grabbing one of the still unmoved
tables he took a seat, looking around to see if he noticed anyone he
knew.

(posted by Patrick)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1855)

Michael walked into Ten Forward a couple of minutes before the service
was supposed to start.  Looking around he felt extremely new, his
dress uniform adorned with a single hollow pip, and no extra ribbons
or awards.  He didn't let that phase him and he walked in to the room.

The mood was relaxed, not happy, but not sad either, Michael
understood that to some extent.  He could say he knew anyone who had
died in the mission, he had only made it on board a week earlier, and
had been extremely busy the entire time dealing with the prep for the
battle, the battle itself and then recovery.  Still he was here to
show his respect for those that had passed, and his support for those
who had lost friends and loved ones.

He waded through the large crowed, searching for someone he knew just
so he could actually stand with a friend through the service.  Before
he could finish his searching, he stumbled into someone, quite
literally.  He quickly caught his balance, and put his hand on the
officer's arm to steady her, before noticing who it was he had nearly
run over.

"Aya, I'm sorry," Michael said, truly apologetic, his cheeks blushing
slightly with embarrassment as he took his hand off her arm.  "I
should have been watching where I was going."

(posted by Patrick)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Ten Forward - CSO/2O Lieutenant (jg) Joran Brownlee - 18:56)

Joran walked into Ten Forward with Christian and Rana, all three in their dress uniforms, and began to look around at 
the other people in the room. Christian noticed one woman over in the corner in her dress uniform, who seemed more moved 
than the others in the room. He went over to her, and said, "I've never seen you around here before. Are you new?"
 
"Yes, I just transferred from the Starbase."
 
"Ah, another defector, eh?"
 
"Yes, you could say that. After all, I was an admiral before and supported LoDona."
 
"Ah, so you're joined?"
 
"Yes, I'm Olesia Belden."
 
"Belden?" Christian was impressed. "As in Fleet Admiral Belden?"
 
"Yes, he was my last host."
 
"I am honored. May I get you a drink," he said, smiling.
 
Olesia smiled. "Yes, I'd like that."
 
Christian brought her over to the bar, where Joran and Rana were standing. "Joran, Rana," he said, "I'd like you to 
meet Olesia Belden."
 
Joran shook her hand. "Yes, we've met. She is serving in my department. Olesia, I'd like you to meet my fianc?e, Rana 
Apar."
 
Olesia shook Rana's hand. "Good to meet you."
 
Once Joran and Christian had passed the drinks all around, they heard a glass clanging from the center of the room, 
and all four turned to see Cmdr. Capps raising his glass, and saying,
 
"A toast. This... is to our fallen. Our brave men and women officers... that gave their lives so we may live on for 
freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to get rid of tyranny..... To save worlds from evil..... We thank them...
we adore them.... and we respect them.... To our fallen....Thank you."
 
All four raised their glasses, and repeated "To our fallen."
 
Joran then went up to join Capps, and said to him, "If there is no objection, sir, I wish to add to this service, an 
ancient Earth dirge, with your permission."
 
(posted by Spencer)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1856)

Aya looked around Ten Forward, looking for one of the few people she knew well enough to stand with. Michael, Sam, Dr 
Loxari... she didn't count the COP or FO. She tugged surreptitiously at the collar of her dress uniform. Whilst she 
knew it was preciesly the same size as her regular uniform, somehow this one always felt less comfortable.

At least there was a calm feeling about the room. Aya had been to one or two memorials where the feelings of grief and 
anger were so overwhelming that she had actually found it hard to remain there, but this felt better. She wondered if 
it had something to do with the type of vessel. ~Or maybe it's the feeling they get from the Captain and the FO~ she 
thought. She knew how much difference the command team could make to the 'feeling' the crew had.

Suddenly someone stumbled into her and she was almost sent flying, but saved by a steadying hand on her arm. She looked 
around to see Michael, blushing with embarrassment as he took her hand off her arm.

"Aya, I'm sorry,"he said, truly apologetic, "I should have been watching where I was going."

Aya smiled. "That's OK, Michael. I was so busy looking for another familiar face in here, amongst all these unfamiliar 
ones, that I wasn't really paying attention either. So let's just say that from my poitn of view I'm glad we bumped 
into one another. Would you mind if I stood with you for the memorial?" she asked a little shyly. "I'd feel better 
with someone I know, rather than next to strangers at a time like this, but if you have friends you'd rather be with, 
of course I understand."

(posted by Liz)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1857)

"Aya, I'm sorry,"he said, truly apologetic, "I should have been
watching where I was going."

Aya smiled. "That's OK, Michael. I was so busy looking for another
familiar face in here, amongst all these unfamiliar ones, that I
wasn't really paying attention either. So let's just say that from my
point of view I'm glad we bumped into one another. Would you mind if I
stood with you for the memorial?" she asked a little shyly. "I'd feel
better with someone I know, rather than next to strangers at a time
like this, but if you have friends you'd rather be with, of course I
understand."

"And what...You aren't a friend?"  Michael asked with a smile on his
face.  "Course you can stand with me, hell, it might hurt my ego if a
beautiful woman and someone I count as a friend, didn't want to stand
next to me..." Michael said before switching to a conspiratorial
whisper, still grinning a friendly grin, "Might start to think I smell
or something."  Standing back up straight, he smiled a warm smile at
her.  "Can I get you anything to drink," Michael asked.

(posted by Patrick)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1858)

"And what...You aren't a friend?"  Michael asked with a smile on his face.  "Course you can stand with me, hell, it 
might hurt my ego if a beautiful woman and someone I count as a friend, didn't want to stand next to me..." Michael 
said before switching to a conspiratorial whisper, still grinning a friendly grin, "Might start to think I smell
or something."  Standing back up straight, he smiled a warm smile at her.  "Can I get you anything to drink," Michael 
asked.

Aya blushed slightly at Michael's compliment and smiled back at him warmly. "That would be nice," she said. "Do you 
think they have any Guava juice? If not, some iced water will do."

(posted by Liz)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Ensign(jg) Tar Loxari - 1858)

Aya blushed slightly at Michael's compliment and
smiled back at him warmly. "That would be nice," she
said. "Do you think they have any Guava juice? If not,
some iced water will do."

Not ten seconds later, Tar waltzed up with a glass of
guava juice in one hand, and a stein of classic Irish
beer in the other, synthol based of course.  "Here you
are, milady" Tar bowed and looked at Michael. 
"Anything I can get for you?"

(posted by Rhone)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1859)

"And what...You aren't a friend?"  Michael asked with a smile on his
face.  "Course you can stand with me, hell, it might hurt my ego if a
beautiful woman and someone I count as a friend, didn't want to stand
next to me..." Michael said before switching to a conspiratorial
whisper, still grinning a friendly grin, "Might start to think I smell
or something."  Standing back up straight, he smiled a warm smile at
her. "Can I get you anything to drink," Michael asked.

Aya blushed slightly at Michael's compliment and smiled back at him
warmly. "That would be nice," she said. "Do you think they have any
Guava juice? If not, some iced water will do."

"Well, on a ship this size, they probably do, let me go and check."
Michael said, with a smile and a wink then headed to the bar.

(Reply Aya)

Michael quickly grabbed a bar tender and asked for some Guava juice.
It took a few moments, but finally the bartender passed him a glass of
the juice Aya requested and a glass of iced tea for himself.  He
wandered back over to where he had left Aya to find her still there.

"Well here is your juice, it looks like you aren't the only person who
likes it on the ship," Michael said as he passed the glass to Aya.
"Can't say I have ever tried guava juice, we don't get a lot of that
in Ireland."  Michael said as he stood next Aya.

(posted by Patrick)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Ten Forward - Lt Cmdr Capps - 1900)

Calvin walked in Ten Forward with his dress uniform on. On his dress uniform he
wore his two gold pips and one hollow pip. On his chest he bared three
decorative medals. It was nicely pressed, and didn't look half bad on him.
 
He walked even further into the room and saw all the people that had already
gathered to pay their respects for the fallen. It was nice to Calvin to see so many
people there. As he went by people, officers waved and said hello. The First
Officer replied with a normal greeting to each one of them.
 
The bar was filled with trays of small finger food, and in the middle their were plenty
of drinks to go around. There were a few waiters, and waitresses carrying trays in
the middle of the room as well.
 
To Lt Cmdr Capps the feeling of the room was comfortable. Not too much
sadness, but not alot of happiness either. He could over hear people telling stories;
sad ones and funny ones.
 
He picked up a glass and walked up to a point in the room that seemed to be a
center point. He walked up one of the stairs so that everyone could see him a
little better.
 
"A toast." He said raising his glass high into the air. "This... is to our fallen. Our
brave men and women officers... that gave their lives so we may live on
for freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to get rid of tyranny..... To
save worlds from evil..... We thank them...we adore them.... and we respect
them.... To our fallen....Thank you."

(posted by Calvin)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1900)

"Well, on a ship this size, they probably do, let me go and check." Michael said, with a smile and a wink then 
headed to the bar.

Aya watched Michael as he disappeared in search of the drinks and then looked around, wondering if Sam or Dr Loxarian 
were there. There were a lot of people though and she couldn't spot either of them.

"Well here is your juice, it looks like you aren't the only person who likes it on the ship," Michael said as he passed 
the glass to Aya. "Can't say I have ever tried guava juice, we don't get a lot of that in Ireland."  Michael said as he 
stood next Aya.

"I had a friend in the Academy whose family came from the Caribbean," Aya replied. "She introduced me to it and I kind 
of got addicted. Would you like a taste?" she added politely, offering him her glass.

Just then, Commander Capps entered and, nodding to those that he knew on the way through the room, picked up a glass 
and walked to more or less the central point. He walked up one of the stairs so that everyone could see him.

"A toast." He said raising his glass high into the air. "This... is to our fallen. Our brave men and women officers... 
that gave their lives so we may live on for freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to get rid of tyranny..... 
To save worlds from evil..... We thank them...we adore them.... and we respect them.... To our fallen....Thank you."

"To our fallen," echoed Aya quietly. She could feel the solemnity that fell over the whole room as everyone drank the 
toast.

"batlh Daqawlu'tah", said a tall Klingon Lieutenant as he placed his glass back onto the table beside him with a 
thud.

She frowned slightly, trying to remember what that meant, then smiled as she thought she had it. Something about 
honour. It seemed appropriate.

"Who's that?" she whispered to Michael.

(posted by Liz)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1900)

Aya had just explained to him where she managed to pick up a taste for
guava juice and asked him if he wanted a sip.  He was about to say
yes, when the XO walked in and headed for the center of the room,
getting everyone's attention.

The XO gave a short speech, and a toast, followed by Lt. Kerge saying
something in Klingon.

"Who's that?" she whispered to Michael.

"Lt. Kerge, our Chief of Security and Tactical, good at his job, and
thoroughly Klingon," Michael whispered back, being a bridge officer
had it's perks, he actually got to meet most of the senior officers,
or at least learn their names simply by being on the bridge most of
the day.  "Yea, I imagine it is going to take a few days, or one major
staff meeting, to get everyone's names attached to faces."

(posted by Patrick)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Kerge - 19:01)

For a Klingon warrior such as Kerge, it was always
with honour that the dead were celebrated when they
had fallen in battle. There were many in the room now
that shed tears freely at the loss of those they cared
for, it was a human thing that the Security chief had
come to respect, regardless of his own society`s
views.

That aside however, Kerge had been undecided as to
what he should actually wear to the memorial to honour
them, tact favoured his starfleet uniform but his
instincts suggested the uniform of a Klingon warrior
to respect those they were honouring. After all,
Klingons had fought alongside them in their battle to
take starbase 234. Would it not be prudent to be
honouring them also?

In the end he had compromised, he wore his starfleet
uniform but had chosen to wear also the upper body
armament of a Klingon warrior along with a Mek'leth
attached to a traditional six button belt to
commemorate the memories of Klingons that had died in
battle, past & present.

It seemed appropriate......

Upon noting the First Officer allighting the stairs,
glass in hand however, Kerge imediately reached to the
table beside him to pick up his own glass, filled as
it was with the remainder of the blood wine that the
last security chief had left behind in his drawer.

It seemed that this was as appropriate an occasion to
drink it & one worthy of his indulgence.

"A toast.", said the FO raising his glass high into
the air. 

"This... is to our fallen. Our brave men and women
officers... that gave their lives so we may live on
for freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to
get rid of tyranny..... To save worlds from evil.....
We thank them...we adore them.... and we respect
them.... To our fallen....Thank you.", said the
Lieutenant commander.

Kerge listened to the First Officer`s words & then in
unison with everyone else, he uppended his glass to
drink the wine before speaking out his own tribute in
his own tongue.

"batlh Daqawlu'tah", said Kerge as he placed the glass
back onto the table beside him with a thud.

(posted by Alan)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign JG K'Palla - 1901)

K'Palla dressed in her Klingon battle armor, which was appropriate for honoring the fallen, and stood in the back of the 
room.  Although she normally would made her presence known, at least to Oak-honor, but when it came to paying respects, 
she preferred a more subdued profile.
 
She took a pint of Guiness and held onto it, waiting for the appointed time to drink.
 
Just then, Commander Capps entered and, nodding to those that he knew on the way through the room, picked up a glass and 
walked to more or less the central point. He walked up one of the stairs so that everyone could see him.

"A toast." He said raising his glass high into the air. "This... is to our fallen. Our brave men and women officers... 
that gave their lives so we may live on for freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to get rid of tyranny..... To 
save worlds from evil..... We thank them...we adore them.... and we respect them.... To our fallen....Thank you."
 
"batlh Daqawlu'tah", said Lieutenant Kerge, as he placed his glass back onto the table beside him with a thud.  K'Palla 
smiled as she added her own words.
 
"ta'mey Dun, bommey Dun!" she said, then downed her drink in one pull, then slammed the glass onto the nearby table.
 
She wanted to howl for the dead, but that time had passed.  Their souls had already reached Sto-vo-kor.  With a smile, 
she got another drink and was about to approach Oak-honor but saw that he was "preoccupied", and so stood by herself.

(posted by John)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1901)

"Lt. Kerge, our Chief of Security and Tactical, good at his job, and thoroughly Klingon," Michael whispered back. "Yea, 
I imagine it is going to take a few days, or one major staff meeting, to get everyone's names attached to faces."

Aya smiled. "Yes, it would be nice to have a big staff meeting soon. Otherwise I can see it will take a long time for 
me to get to know who's who. Although some COs do like to have the Counsellor on the Bridge from time to time. Do you 
know if Captain Straton is one of those? Or has the situation not arisen since you've been on board?" she added, 
remembering he had not long been there either. 

(posted by Liz)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Kerge - 19:03)

"ta'mey Dun, bommey Dun!", cried the Klingon Ensign as
she too slammed her glass onto the table after the
security chiefs words.

Kerge simply turned his head towards her, caught her
attention & then nodded his agreeance. He hoped the
souls of all of those they had lost would indeed be
singing songs of greatness in the halls of Sto-Vo-Kor
& discussing their past battles amongst one another. 

As of their non Klingon comrades, he hoped that they
too would be in the place where they would want to be
after such a battle as the one they had just fought.

Kerge closed his eyes briefly & drew a deep breath as
he clenched his fists tightly whilst thinking of his
own battles. He had achieved much honour along the
path of his life thus far & he hoped that when it was
his turn to die, he would do so with the blood of his
enemy`s running down the entire length of his blade.

The thought filled him with pride, but this was not a
time for such thoughts, this was a time for others.
Kerge opened his eyes & looked about once again. Then
he sat quietly at a nearby table whilst others
continued to talk amongst themselves.

(posted by Alan)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - 10 Forward - ATC/ASO, Ensign Sam Moto AND Security Officer,Ensign Natalie Conaty, 1905)

Nat looked around, she noticed Sam walking rather smartly towards ten
forward. After this afternoons adventure she wasn't quite sure what to think
of him. Although he did look rather dashing. "Hey Sam." She said as he got
closer...

As Sam neared the final corridor that lead only to 10 forward, a huge hall
due to the Paladin's size, he saw Nat walking towards him from the other
direction, they had only parted a few hours ago after the afternoons events,
but Sam felt glad too see her again. She was walking briskly towards him.
She seemed to break a smile as she saw him, ~but maybe that was just wishful
thinking~ Sam thought. He could not help but notice how beautiful she
looked, the long, flowing white dress made her look elegant and graceful,
although her Comm Badge was still pinned to her breast. They could have been
anywhere n the universe at the moment, not a Starship going to a memorial
ceremony, but perhaps a ball, or to dinner, Then Sam snapped back into
reality. Her rose red mouth spoke with a fluidity and grace.

"Hi!" Sam replied. They stood at the entrance to the corridor facing each
other, not speaking or moving. Sam felt that he was being pulled towards
her. ~I'm probably gonna regret this!~ he thought, "Nat, I was wondering,
well only if you want to, but would you, I'm mean its ok if you don't." He
was fumbling his words and the situation was getting increasingly awkward,
"Would you like to come with me to the ceremony?" ~there I've done it!
Ruined another friendship! Well done Sam, you've known her a couple of
hours and just because you feel a lot for her, especially after this
afternoon,
doesn't mean she feels anything for you, you idiot!~

Nat looked at him, ~I'm sure that was our agreement anyway..... he must be
one of these people who has to check every now and then.~ Pretending she
had forgot she smiled gently and said. "Of course!" She opened her arm, as
if she wanted him to link with them. ~Now that's stupid~ she thought....
"I know we've only know each other for . . ." Sam Began but then he realised
what she had said. "You will?" He could not help but look like an excited 7
year old, he was glowing inside! He noticed her open her arm and he gently
took it, linking with her. He smiled at her and she smiled back, together
they began to walk down the corridor to 10 Forward.

As they walked down the corridor she said to him. "Sam, I'm sorry if i get a
bit emotional inside. It's just i knew several people who died for this
cause." She said quietly, not expecting an answer as they entered Ten
Forward.
 
She nodded respectively to people mourning, also some of the
officers seemed to be having quite a good time. ~Different cultures...
different views~ She thought too herself. She lead Sam over to the bar and
ordered a drink before turning to Sam, "Would you like something?"

"I thought I was supposed to ask you that question!" Sam chuckled. "I'll
have a Vodka Martini, Straight, if thats ok?" He looked at her with a smile
on his face, and she smiled back.

Nat nodded, she motioned for the Bartender to get them these drinks. Once
they got them she motioned for them to sit down at one of the tables. "So,
what do you think of the Paladin so far?" She asked.

~Mmmm, have I really thought about the Paladin since I got here?~ Sam mused.
"Well it's huge! And I have know idea how I'll find my way around, although
your map did help me get here!" he beamed, "but this is some ship, some ship
indeed, not just because of the ship, but its crew is what makes it."

"Well its a good ship.... once you know your way around. That gets some
getting used too. But it seems you made it here ok.." She said almost
laughing. She became very aware of the environment around her. They were at a
memorial service, this was not proper manners for that such environment. If
she wanted a date with him, maybe that should wait until some other time.

Sam began to feel more like they were on a date than at a memorial, and he
thought he saw this feeling in Nat too, and she quickly stood up.

She quickly said "I'll be right back, if you dont mind!" She smiled at him
and quickly walked away to look at the plaque, it had so many names on it.
She looked for one she was searching for. ~Ahhhh there you are...~

"Pas'ort...." She whispered under her breath, and then suddenly she burst
into tears.

She tryed to hide it from Sam who seemed to have began to come over, to see
what she was doing. She couldnt do it, tears streaming down her face
silently she turned to face him...

Sam had watched Nat moved to the plaque commemorating those who were lost in
the battle. He saw her scan the names until she found the one she seemed to
be looking for. He could see a tear fall down her soft cheek and he walked
over. She turned to him tears streaming down her face, he held her and she
held him back. Looking over her shoulder at the plaque he saw who the person
she had known and was now so distraught over, their picture and biography 
scrolling on the screen. Nat continued to cry in Sam's arms and he tried to
comfort her as best he could, but waited for her to speak, giving her time
to let it out.
 
She smiled at Sam, as he let her go. "Im sorry, if got your shoulder all.... wet."
She said as she looked at it slightly worryingly. ~oooppss..~ She wiped her
face clean.
 
(Reply Moto)
 
"She was my best friend for many years. She died in the battle, it was the way
she would have wanted to go though, so i dont dispute that." She looked up at
the bored again, she shook her head and headed back to the table, leading
Sam by the hand. She sat down and put her head to the table and then lifted it
 
"I'm sorry Sam, i shouldn't burden you with my problems. I'll just have to move on
with life, maybe find a new 'best' friend. As it was." She said smiling more than
usual. She looked around the room, the place was now beginning to fill up. It would
become more interesting as the night went on she sensed...

(posgted by Jono and Nick)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - 10 Forward - ATC/ASO, Ensign Sam Moto, 1941)

As Sam gently let go of Nat, after what seemed like an age, ~but a 
rather 
good age~ Sam thought, She looked up at him a smiled warmly, wiping 
away her 
tears, "Im sorry, if got your shoulder all.... wet." Was the first 
words she 
said, which made them both let off a breath of laughter, and made them 
both 
smile more.

She seemed worried by it so Sam reassured her, ?Don?t worry about it, 
it?ll 
give laundry something to do at any rate.? Smiling at each other he 
waited 
for her to continue.

After looking again at the board where the image of Nat?s companion 
still 
bore, she turned to Sam again, "She was my best friend for many years. 
She 
died in the battle, it was the way she would have wanted to go though, 
so I 
don?t dispute that.? Breathing a deep sign Sam felt her hand slowly 
slip 
into his, closing gently around his. She lead him back to the table, 
looking 
straight ahead, and keeping Sam close, but not looking at him. As the 
Sat, 
opposite each other, still holding each others hand, She buried her 
head in 
the table, before looking back up at Sam. "I'm sorry Sam, I shouldn't 
burden 
you with my problems. I'll just have to move on with life, maybe find a 
new 
'best' friend. As it was."

Sam felt shocked and upset at this, he had not expected this from Nat, 
even 
though they had know each other for only a few hours he thought she 
could 
see that he was there for her. ?It?s ok, I?m here to listen, take your 
time, 
and don?t forget your friend, or try to replace her, she was important 
to 
you, and you should make sure she is still important to you, she should 
not 
have died, in any way, but she has, but it doesn?t mean we let go of 
those 
we love.? Sam was beginning to feel emotions he had kept hidded for 
many 
years, but he quickly suppressed them, ~it has been too long, yet 
still, I 
remember those most important to me in my past,~ Sam could not bring 
this up 
now, it was Nat?s time.

Nat didn?t say anything, but she smiled, her face, tear stained, began 
to 
light up, and this made Sam feel so much warmth inside, and they both 
sat 
for a while, smiling and still holding onto each others hand, for a 
long 
time looking each others eyes, before there surroundings brought them 
back 
into the room with everyone else.

Sam looked around the room, looking at the nameless faces around him. 
Some 
nodded or said high to Nat, and one or two to Sam in politeness, but 
Sam 
still had no I dead who anyone was in this crew, that is until he saw 
Aya 
standing with a man across the room. Sam squeezed Nat?s hand gently, 
she 
looked at him. ?theres someone I?d like you to meet,  a good friend of 
mine 
who travelled with me to the Paladin.?

(Reply: Nat iyw)

Standing up, the two of them began to cross the room, weaving between 
the 
crowds of people, never letting go of each others hand.

(posted by Nick)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin - 10 Forward - Security Officer, Ensign Natalie Conaty, 1946)

Nat hadn't realised how much of a big bomb Nat had planted onto Sam, she had told him allot of things she never told 
anybody. ~Why?~ She asked herself, It must have been something to do with the fact that it was an over emotional time 
for her.
 
"It's ok, I'm here to listen, take your time, and don't forget your friend, or try to replace her, she was important to 
you, and you should make sure she is still important to you, she should not have died, in any way, but she has, but it 
doesn't mean we let go of those we love." Sam said to her softly.
 
Nat nodded, and smiled. She wasnt sure what to say, This man was much more deeper than she had expected. She had been 
expecting some hollow approach of blowing her off, it was always a good test to start crying on a 'first date' kind of 
situation. It made sure your 'date/friend' didnt mind being there for you in times of need.
 
She smiled and her face sprang into abit more of a lively mood. She watched as Sam looked around the room obviously 
looking for something else to speak about to take their minds of the loved ones they had lost.
 
Sam squeezed her hand gently, it was the first time she realised she was actually holding his hand. They must have just 
slipped together in the hug and never let go. She smiled and looked up at him, "Theres someone I'd like you to meet,  
a good friend of mine who travelled with me to the Paladin."
 
~Oh.~
 
"Oh, ok. If you want." She said sounding abit deflated, she was hoping to find out abit more about Sam in someway. He 
was abit secretive, and didnt let allot out about himself, he seemed quite precautious about his past. She followed 
him with her hand tightly in his, she seemed quite comfortable with him. Even though she had only met him literally 
hours ago, ~What's happening to me?~
 
Sam stopped infront of the new counsellor he had come on board with, ~Another woman?~ Nat thought, she wondered how 
close they were. ~Well, I'll find out...~
 
(posted by Jono)
========================================================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Holodeck 2 -  ACEO LT (JG) Steven Matrix - 2040)

Matrix smiled as he watched the two officers, "Well gentlemen I'll 
leave you
to your game. I was just wondering what was causing the increase in 
power
consumption on the Paladin. Glad to see its going to good use. Enjoy, 
I'm
off to engineering to see if I can keep the bulb light for you guys." 

Matrix called for the arch and left the holodeck and to engineering.

(posted by Steve)
========================================================================================================================
END OF COMPILE

I hope you enjoyed!