USS Illuminar

Mission: In the Vanguard
Day: 3
Stardate: 2446.06.22
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(USS Illuminar - Shuttle Bay - Pilot Ensign Vic ‘Raid’ Montaro and Lt. Arthur ‘Snoopy’ Corday-
0430)
(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - CEO, Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0550)
(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - CO, Captain Sekal - 0559)
(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 0600)
(USS Raptor - Deck 4 - Transporter Room SPA LT Ariel Trei - 0601)
(USS Raptor -- Lower Deck Bunks -- Bridge Pool Office Ensign Tavay 0605)
(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 0606)
(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - Marine Major Audie Murphy - 0607)
(USS Raptor, Transporter Room 1 – ACEO Ensign Ssvresh – 0608)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Verin, Commander
Quinna Solice and Lieutenant Commander T'Mur - 0610)
(USS Raptor - Lower Deck Bunks - DCO Ensign James Shaw - 0611)
(USS Raptor - Lower Deck Bunks - Bridge Rotation Officer Ensign Tavay and DCO Ensign
James Shaw- 0612)
(USS Raptor - Deck 16 - Main Engineering – CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex – 0614)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Verin,
Commander Quinna Solice and Lieutenant Commander T'Mur - 0615)
(USS Raptor- Deck 1- Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Verin,
Commander Quinna Solice and Lieutenant Commander T’Mur- 0625)
(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Primary Computer Core Access - Lt Bohb, Lt Cal Dogan and Temas
Laredo - 0630)
(USS Raptor, Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Ssvresh – 0636)
(USS Raptor- Deck 5 - Primary Computer Core Access - CO, Captain Sekal, Commander
Sienna and Lieutenant Commander T’Mur and CSO, Lieutenant Commander Holis Gralen -
0640)
(Edmund Hillary - Pilot Cockpit - Flight Ops/Conn - FSXO, Lieutenant Tempest Greywolf - 0645)
(USS Raptor -- Multi Location -- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 0646)
(USS Raptor - Deck 6 - Crew Quarters - SO CPO P'Rah and Hercules Devers - 0705)
(U.S.S. Raptor - Deck 17 - Passageway - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 0731)
(USS Illuminar -Deck 5 - Science Lab 5 - Esteemed Scientists - Dr. Gaillus Penn and Dr. Teller-
0800)
(USS Raptor - Deck 19 - Tactical Offices - SFI Office (Catagena) - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston
-0900)
(USS Raptor - FO's Office - FO Commander Sienna Verin - 1000)
(USS Raptor - Deck 12 - DCO Ensign James Shaw - 1100)
 (U.S.S. Raptor - Deck 17 – OIC Office - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 1350)
(USS Raptor -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1435)
(USS Raptor - Deck 5 - Sickbay - ACMO - Dr. Kyllee Stev -1436)
(USS Raptor - Deck 5 - Sickbay - CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -1437)
(USS Raptor - Deck 5 - Sickbay - ACMO - Dr. Kyllee Stev -1438)
(U.S.S. Raptor - Deck 17 – OIC Office - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 1455)
(USS Raptor - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1 - DCO Ensign James Shaw -1500)
(USS Illuminar - Counseling Suite - COUNS Alaya Hammons, CPO Steven Hammons, COUNS
Temas Laredo, 3O/CMO Cmdr Quinna Solice, and SFI Michael Weston - 1600)
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(USS Illuminar - Shuttle Bay - Pilot Ensign Vic ‘Raid’ Montaro and Lt. Arthur ‘Snoopy’ Corday-
0430)

Vic had made it up to the Illuminar early so he could preflight his fighter. Arthur was already
there, completing the check on the first of the Void Sphinx’s.

“We’ll good morning, sleepy head,” Arthur teased.

‘“Its Viper’s fault,” he said with a grin. “Had me flying against two of his potential instructors,
Nasty and Badger. “ Vic paused and looked at Snoopy, “I still got it.” He began to illustrate his
tactics with his hands, “And then I came up under Nasty, scared the shit out of him and that’s all
she wrote,” he concluded.

Snoopy smiled, “That’s my boy.” He pause and looked around the hanger deck. “So I guess
we’ve gotta move these fighters to the Raptor today,” Arthur said. He stretched his arms and
made an exaggerated yawn. “Should be a riveting day.”

“Always is,” Raid replied, “Any day flying beats a day on the ground. I almost envy Jester and
Viper, but not sure I have the patience to teach the kids how to fly.”

Snoopy chuckled, “Sometimes I don’t think they have all that much patience either.”

“You have any idea why we’re moving to the Raptor?” Vic asked. “Even Viper didn’t know, or
maybe he wouldn’t tell me.”

‘Nope,” Arthur replied. “Above my pay grade. Ours is not to reason why. Ours is but to fly or
die. I’m sure they’ll let us know when it is beyond absolutely necessary.”

“Well lets kick the tires and light the fires,” Vic replied as he moved do the walkaround his craft
as part of the pre-flight check.

Arthur had already completed his check and climbed into the cockpit. He donned his helmet and
activated the HUD.

[Good morning Snoopy. You’re up early.]

“Good morning Lucy,” Arthur replied. A tech had named his AI as joke, referencing his call sign.
It just kind of stuck with him, and her. “It’s moving day. We’re all going to the USS Raptor.”

[Ooooo, a new ship. How exciting. You know how I like new places.]

“I also know how you like to hook up with other ships AI,” Snoopy teased.

Lucy giggled. [Jealous?]

Snoopy rolled his eyes and activated his comm channel. “What do say Raid. Ready to burn?”

“Copy that. You have lead,” Vic replied.
Arthur opened the comm, “Snoopy to flight we are ready to transfer to Raptor on your mark.

=^=Roger that, Snoopy, you are clear to launch. Hope you fighters enjoy their new home.=^=

=^=Copy that. Should be back soon to help move the rest. Out.=^=

He changed the channel to include Vic. He tapped the controls and the fighter shot out of the
Shuttlebay into space.

[Wheeeeee!] was the cry from Lucy.

Snoopy shook his head and reported in, “I am clear of the Illuminar. Raid?”

“Raid copies,” Vic said, “Raid is clear as well. Course is 135 by 291. Switching to Mars Flight
control.”

“Mars control, this is Maverick-2 requesting a flyby.”

=^= Negative Maverick-2 the pattern is full. =^=

Vic nodded, knowing there would be some early morning sortee’s being flow by the trainee’s.
Flipping his mike, “What do you think Snoopy? Shall we show the colors?”

Snoopy chuckled, “Well you know what they say, no guts no glory. Time to bust the tower?”

“You know it,” Vic said, “Do you want the honors?”

Arthur smiled, “I’ve never been in the brig before.”

Vic smiled “Its not so bad,” he replied.

With that Arthur fired his engines and brought the fighter to the edge of the Mars atmosphere.
With a sharp turn he skipped across the atmosphere. His heat shields began to glow as alerts
sounded in the cockpit. He silenced the alerts and pushed the engines to full impulse.

He could only imagine the panic occurring inside the Mars flight control tower.

Vic locked in the coordinates and checked his radar. It looked quiet as he punched in the
controls. He should be using his computer, but right now, some only back of the seats flying
was needed.

Following Snoopy’s trajectory, he skipped off the Martian atmosphere behind Snoopy’s fighter.
Another glowing heat shield. He waited for Snoopy to make his break, and he followed with a
nice Chandelle. He knew some poor pilot was getting into his ship to give chase.
Vic moved to his fighter to within a meter of Snoopy’s, off his left wing. As Mars control came
into sight, they rolled to the side, exposing their still glowing heat shields to the control tower.
When they were less than a kilometer away, they both flipped a switch releasing blue and silver
smoke, the Illuminar colors, filling the thin Martian atmosphere.

=^=Maverick-1, Maverick-2. You are ordered to land immediately. Follow the escorts coming to
intercept =^= came a voice over their com channels.
[Raid detecting two launches from Mars Dome] reported his AI.

“Can you identify the pilots?” Vic asked.

[Badger and Turbo] came the reply.

Vic switched his channel, “Catch me if you can,” he taunted the two escorts before flipping back
to his private channel, “What do you say Snoopy, time to head to the barn?”

“Badger and Turbo?” Arthur smiled. “Can you think of two more poorly named pilots. Barn door
is open. Lucy, give me a one second warp burst to 189 mark 3.4, then reduce to half impulse
and head to the Raptor.”

The warp burst should be enough to lose any sensor locks long enough for them to make it to
their new home before anyone realized what had happened.

Vic almost missed Snoopy’s clue. Fortunately his AI didn’t and he jumped to warp as well.

Now out of immediate trouble with Mars control, and no pursuit, the two pilots took a leisurely
flight to the USS Raptor.

“Look at the size of that thing,” Vic said as they approached the Raptor.

Snoopy let out a long low whistle. The Raptor was aptly named. She was definitely built for
battle. He could see the phaser arrays and torpedoes portals. And she was a bit larger than the
Illuminar.

“I always did love a full figures woman,” he said suggestively. “I wouldn’t mind getting my hands
on her ample phasers. If you excuse the parlance.”

“USS Raptor, this is Maverick flight of two requesting permission to land,” Vic said.

=^=Maverick Flight, USS Raptor. You are cleared to land. Message from FCO to report to her
office when you land =^=

“Guess someone isn’t happy with us,” Vic said over his private channel to Arthur.

(reply any)
(posted by Al and Tim)
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(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - CEO, Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0550)

Tegian stood at the transporter hub awaiting the others. He stood off to the side. After last
night's session with his shift heads and the quiet meal he'd had with them, he'd retired early and
caught up on his sleep. But, the base had a different noise than the Illuminar and he didn't
sleep as well as he had the first night when he'd slept for almost twelve hours from sheer
exhaustion.

He leaned against a wall with a small bag in his hand, wondering who was responsible for
making sure all of their possessions got transferred to the Raptor. The command crew and
other officers started to filter in and they all greeted each other, pleasantly as they waited for the
appointed moment.

And then they were summoned to the pad and Tegian took a free space, took a deep breath and
felt the familiar and somewhat unpleasant tingle as he was transported aboard the Raptor.

(USS Raptor - Deck 4 - Transporter Room 1 - CEO, Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0606)

Tegian held back and let everyone step off the pad ahead of him, preferring to follow behind
everyone and take his time in absorbing the details of their new ship, even if it was temporary.
The vibrations of the ship, even when it wasn't moving, was different from the Illuminar.

The Captain seemed to expect them all to follow, so he did, although he was itching to find Main
Engineering and gain access to the specifications he couldn't get last night.

As they reached the Turbolift, the Captain dismissed most of them. "Understood, Captain." He
watched the command staff take the turbolift as he turned to face his ACEO. "Ensign Ssvresh,
please meet me in Main Engineering in 30 minutes." Tegian paused. "Consult with the
computer in your quarters as to where that is."

Tegian waited for the turbolift and waited for the others with him to step in. "I presume we're all
going to our rooms?"

(Reply Any)

Tegian addressed the Turbolift. "What deck are Officer quarters?"

[Senior Officer's Quarters are on Deck 3. Executive Officer's Quarters are on Deck 2.]

"Deck 3, please."

He looked at Ensign Ssvresh and Ensign Khatri. "I don't know that your quarters are on deck 3,
but we can check."

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Keith)
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(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - CO, Captain Sekal - 0559)

The transporter officer was adjusting the touch screen controls as the command crew and
senior officers gathered around the pad. Commander Solice was in attendance, having been
released overnight after a notable cooling off period. Commander Verin stood with Sekal as his
gaze traveled over the rest. Lieutenant Commander T'Mur, Lieutenants Pex and Trei, Major
Murphy and 2nd Lieutenant Temerity were to one side while Ensign Khatri, Assistant CSO and
Ssvresh, Assistant CEO stood with them. The transporter had been configured for all. Two
individuals were absent, Commander Gregory who was now beyond reach and Lieutenant
T'shalaith who been transferred off while at Mars. Sekal had been notified by Admiral Winters
via communicator of the transfer, she had specified that an able veteran had been called up to
temporarily run the department in her absence until another Chief Science Officer could be
selected. Being over the staffing of the ship she was well within her authority. When asked who,
she had been evasive, saying that he had been recommended by the head of Scientific
Research and Development and was already aboard. He had been notified to report to the
Captain after their arrival.

Lieutenant Bohb and Counselor Laredo were in the second group and the Magillan bore the
liquid crystal device carrying the being of pure energy known as Luma'lenai.

"Captain, the ship signals ready sir."

Sekal stepped onto the first pad and waited for the others to step up..

(Reply: All)

He glanced around, noting that all had taken their places then faced the officer. "Energize."

The familiar feeling of molecular deconstruction caused a tingle which spread throughout his
body and the light faded then blurred before brightening again.

(USS Raptor - Deck 4 - Transporter Room 1 - CO, Captain Sekal - 0605)

The chamber came into focus, an azure lower wall with a light grey upper color scheme that
nearly matched the silver of the Illuminar inset by a scarlet door. To the right stood the
transporter chief behind the console. As the whine faded then died she stepped out from behind
it. "Welcome aboard Captain. Doctor Gralen said to tell you that he is at your disposal whenever
you are ready. Your things as well as those of your command crew and senior officers have
already been sent to your cabins."

"Thank you Lieutenant, notify Doctor Gralen that I will meet him in the Ready Room in two
hours."

"Aye sir."

With the others in tow he stepped through the door. The hallway was half again as wide as that
on the Illuminar allowing three to walk abreast easily. The corridor alone immediately gave a
perception of size beyond what they were accustomed. The blue topped by silver/gray walls
was repeated here as it would be elsewhere on the ship. An Ensign in security colors stepped
forward to greet them.

"The turbolift is this way, follow me please sir." Sekal nodded and matched his pace as he
preceded them to the left. They passed five doors before the security officer turned in. Sekal
stopped outside the door and turned to the others. "Commander Verin, and Commander Solice,
Lieutenant Commander T'Mur with me."

(Reply: Verin, Solice, T'Mur)

He waited for them to pass before addressing the others. "You are free to check on your
assigned quarters before going on duty at 0800. There will be a departmental briefing in the
conference room at 0800 tomorrow. I expect all to be prompt in attendance, including our
marine contingent. That is all."

(Reply: Pex, Trei, Murphy, Temerity, Khatri and Ssvresh)
He stepped into the lift and the door closed behind him. "Deck 1, Bridge."

(Reply: All)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 0600)

T’Mur looked around at the group assembled and noted the similar bleary eyes the Sienna had.
Clearly, there had been little sleep since the report to board the Raptor. She had seen many of
them on the Illuminar, closing out projects or gathering equipment that they thought they would
need. Although this was not supposed to be a permanent move, one never knew. And who
knew who would be caring for the Illuminar in the meantime?

A pang of guilt rang through her as was unable to keep her promise to Luma. She had
promised to personally ensure her safety. However, the captain was adamant about the
command crew arriving as a unified front, which was logical. That didn’t mean that she was
completely helpless. She had done the next best thing. She had put Lt. Dogan on the
protection detail. At first, the Brikar balked at the detail, stating that it was his job to protect the
captain. T’Mur reminded him that she was with Sekal, and would take care of that if Dogan
would take care of Luma. She trusted no one else. Dogan had nodded his agreement and had
been in the presence of the LACD ever since.

When they were notified that the ship was ready for them Sekal stepped onto the transporter
pad. Sienna was right beside him, and T’Mur was next to Sienna. She let her hand graze
across Sienna’s and sent her a thought.

::I find this exhilarating.::

She noted Sienna’s effort to maintain her composure.

When everyone was on Sekal ordered the transport to commence, and she could feel the tingle
of the transporter effect take hold.

(USS Raptor - Deck 4 - Transporter Room 1 - CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Murl - 0606)

When they came out of the effect T’Mur noted how similar the ship looked to the Illuminar, and
how different. The transporter chief came from behind her console, which looked quite different.
It was a holographic interface. T’Mur had spent time studying the specs of the devices and
found them… intriguing.

They all followed Sekal out of the transporter room and into the corridor. The first thing T’Mur
noted was the smell. It was antiseptic. It did not have the… lived-in smell that the Illuminar had
when she arrived there. It also did not have the scent of roses. She wondered how long it
would take Sienna to rectify that situation. It wasn’t a permanent home, but it was home for
now. They stopped at the turbolift and Sekal addressed the group.

"Commander Verin, and Commander Solice, Lieutenant Commander T'Mur with me,” Sekal
ordered.

“Aye, sir,” T’Mur replied automatically and stepped onto the turbolift as he ordered the others to
settle into their billets and be on duty by 0800. T’Mur looked at Sienna, considering that this
was going to be a long day. She wondered if she should reset the ship's chronometers for a
Vulcan day, just for today, then decided against it.

Sekal stepped into the lift and ordered it to the bridge. They all rode in silence, the only sound
was the hum of the lift. When the lift stopped the doors opened and T’Mur stepped off. There
were some crewmen already there, working at stations.

“Captain on the bridge,” she barked.

Everything stopped and the crew all came to attention. T’Mur took in her first sight of the new
bridge and there was only one word that could describe how she felt. Awe.

(reply Sekal, Verin, Solice, any)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 4 - Transporter Room SPA LT Ariel Trei - 06.01)

She felt the familiar tingle while beeing beamed over the Raptor. She mentally noted the
meeting tomorrow at 08.00. She looked over at Zara and gave her a knowing nod. This was
routine for her but is probably foreign to her. Ariel was willing to help Zara get used to the
routine. She will talk to her later but for now she needed to get to quarters and rest. She left
the transporter room to find her quarters.

(Reply none)
(Posted by Edward)
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(USS Raptor -- Lower Deck Bunks -- Bridge Pool Office Ensign Tavay 0605)

Tavay missed the party and spent her time to herself. Meditation and exercise help her mind
and body to be ready for the next mission. Of course, there was the odd game of Solitaire and
poker. She baited her time before she could board. She wanted to board as quickly as possible
so she could get the lay of the ship.

Since she was part of the bridge pool team, she also wanted to get a grip on all the controls on
the ship. She needed to be ready.

At 0600, Tavay was in the Transportation hub. She was one of the first to report and her berth
was assigned. The lower deck officer made her way to her spot. She was ready to dump her
bag and explore.

When she made it to her assigned area, she noted that someone was already occupying her
spot. Tavay then verified her Berth number with the one listed to the side. She poked the
figure. “Hey there. Is it comfy in there?”

(Reply Shaw)

“I believe you are in my assigned spot.” Tavay stood there stoic. A tight long braid slipped over
her shoulder as she leaned over to look at the invader in her space.

(Reply Shaw)
(Posted by Kris B)
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(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 0606)

The transporter officer was adjusting the touch screen controls as the command crew and
senior officers gathered around the pad. Commander Solace was in attendance, having been
released overnight after a notable cooling off period. Commander Verin stood with Sekal as his
gaze traveled over the rest. Lieutenant Commander T’Mur, Lieutenants Pex and Trei, Major
Murphy and 2nd Lieutenant Temerity were to one side while Ensign Khatri, Assistant CSO and
Ssvresh, Assistant CEO stood with them. The transporter had been configured for all. Two
individuals were absent, Commander Gregory and Lieutenant T’shalaith.

Temerity was speaking with Major Murphy while they waited to beam to the Raptor, “…the new
combat armor I acquired for the Myrmidons needs actual field trials. So, I agreed to utilize them
in real world operations, and we get them at no cost.”

(Reply: Murphy)

“For starters, Sir, the full updated kit is intended for space and ground light infantry and scout
use. At the base it is a standard, light-weight, skin-tight, extra-vehicular space-suit and helmet
with combat heads-up-display. A second, light-weight layer was added to protect
one’s…modesty. The major changes are the upgrade in the protective plating that is supposed
to absorb and channel energy from enemy weapons into the rocket pack that houses the power
source that runs every system on the kit that is connected to it.” Temerity had described.

"Captain, the ship signals ready sir." The two Marines heard the transporter officer announce.
As they stepped onto the first pad and waited for the others to step up onto the pad as well.
Then the ship’s Captain glanced around before saying "Energize."

The familiar feeling of molecular deconstruction caused a tingle which spread throughout his
body and the light faded then blurred before brightening again.

(Reply: Murphy)
(Posted: Charles Raschen)
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(Mars - Utopia Planitia - Base Transporter Hub - Marine Major Audie Murphy - 0607)

“…the new combat armor I acquired for the Myrmidons needs actual field trials. So, I agreed to
utilize them in real world operations, and we get them at no cost.” lieutenant Temerity said.

Murphy nodded, "Where the rubber meets the road," he said. "Once we're settled in, organize
some training simulations against the other three platoons."

“For starters, Sir, the full updated kit is intended for space and ground light infantry and scout
use. At the base it is a standard, light-weight, skin-tight, extra-vehicular space-suit and helmet
with combat heads-up-display. A second, light-weight layer was added to protect
one’s…modesty. The major changes are the upgrade in the protective plating that is supposed
to absorb and channel energy from enemy weapons into the rocket pack that houses the power
source that runs every system on the kit that is connected to it.” Temerity added..

Before they could continue their discussion, the transporter was ready and the team was
transported to the Raptor. Materializing on the ship Murphy looked around, another day,
another ship. "Lieutenant, we're on deck 17," he said. "Help the other platoons get setup and
we'll meet at 1400 for our first meet and greet."

(reply Temerity)
(Posted by Murphy)
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(USS Raptor, Transporter Room 1 – ACEO Ensign Ssvresh – 0608)

Ssvresh had made the most of the opportunity to be out of the close quarters and confinement
of shipboard life. After a quiet period spent away from his crewmates, he had reunited with the
senior officers for transport to their new posting: the USS Raptor.

Waiting in the transporter hub, it had been interesting to observe who was communicating with
who – and perhaps more importantly, where expected communications were not happening. It
would seem their trip to Mars had not been as peaceful or uneventful for some of the assembled
officers.

After transport, the Captain had given them leave to check their quarters before the start of the
0800 duty shift. Ssvresh had lingered, content to wait whilst others in more of a rush had
surged for the exit. Following behind, Ssvresh adjusted his kit bag on his shoulder and began
walking towards crew quarters.

(Reply any/none)
(Posted by MCD)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Verin, Commander
Quinna Solice and Lieutenant Commander T'Mur - 0610)

“Captain on the bridge!”

Sekal took two more steps then stopped to look about. There were five officers who had been
engaged in diagnostics at various consoles, at the call they had turned and snapped to
attention.

"At ease."

As they relaxed he allowed his eyes to roam. The Inquiry class nearly rivaled the Galaxy and
Sovereign in sheer size and the control center was similar in overall area. There were two points
of departure from those however in that in the center was a single command chair and the seats
for the consoles which wrapped around its periphery were not immediately evident. This class of
vessel was created for conflict and an offensive force in battle against enemies of the
Federation and the perks or frills of those other classes were absent.

There were two consoles on each side of the main viewscreen. Aft of them were doors, the one
on the port side leading to the Ready Room, they had just exited the lift door on the starboard
side. Directly to the right of the command chair and beside the starboard lift door was the station
for the first officer. The four closest to the viewer were single use stations while those to the
command chairs sides and aft were split and could be manned by two. Four tactical consoles
could be manned at once due to the multi-targeting fire control system.
Helm and navigation occupied their accustomed places forward of the command chair which
was set on the upper level, those maneuvering systems were on the lower. The carpet for the
deck was short and dark blue, the partitions and cabinets below the stations was a light, sky
blue upto halfway up then the silvery grey color extended from that point to the ceiling.

The outside station screens were high with many readout sections and the lighting strips above
were wide and bright.

"Carry on." The crewmen from tactical, engineering, helm and operations relaxed.

"Aye sir, welcome aboard." The highest ranked, a Lieutenant, junior grade in security, spoke
then all returned to their duties as the CO continued moving across the bridge to the Ready
Room.

Quinna stood behind the group. With her usual PADD in hand she felt like she was on
automatic. Familiar faces filled her view as well as some new young ones. She was eager to
get to sickbay and check out the facilities.

T’Mur waited at the side of the lift as everyone exited. Then she took a wide path to the tactical
station and watched as the technician made some adjustments in the panels. The tech stopped
and looked up at her from the floor.

“Lt. Commander,” he said.

“Ensign,” T’Mur replied, “I would like a copy of the installation and adjustment logs for the station
when you get a chance.”

“Absolutely, I will get them forwarded to you when I complete this adjustment.”

T’Mur nodded and she moved back to the group. She fell into step beside Quinna. She really
hadn’t had time to check in with her recently. The reconnection with Sienna had taken much of
her time, then the preparation for the move.

“How are you feeling?” she asked in a quiet voice.

Quinna nodded her head, “I am ok.” she really felt like she had no other choice in the matter.
She knew how to fake it until she could make it.

T’Mur raised an inquisitive eyebrow, but remained silent. When Quinna was ready to say more,
she would.

Sekal's eyes were taking in every detail as they crossed to the port side. Illuminar was still
pristine but familiarity noted imperfections that were cropping up over time. Raptor was new and
while small imperfections were there one had to look closely as well as know WHAT you were
looking for to spot them. It was to be hoped that the things that were not seen were working
perfectly.

Sienna smiled as she silently surveyed the Bridge. She was enjoying the aura she was sensing
- their people were curious, hopeful and excited in taking out a new ship. It made her so happy
for the ship to be launched. She remembered the happiness and worry when the illuminar had
launched. She nodded, taking it all in. She found herself looking for her station, with bright
eyes. She was used to sitting beside the Captain, his literal right hand. Being off to the side felt
wrong. But, after running her hands over the console that gave her access to all the systems,
that was more efficient…. She smiled as she chided herself. She’d adjust, eventually.

(Reply: None yet)
(Posted by Charles, Mel, Kris and Al)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Lower Deck Bunks - DCO Ensign James Shaw - 0611)

Shaw was exhausted. The sadist of a training officer decided that they needed a surprise drill at
2 am. It was a very convoluted problem that pushed the team to the edge. By the time they
were finished, they were tired, sweaty and exhilarated that they solved the problem.

After finishing the review of the teams response and a shower, he finally hit his bunk at about 4
am or so. With the adrenaline still in his system it took him longer to sleep, but by 5 am or so,
he was out, too tired to even dream.

As he rolled over, he felt something poking him in the side. He swatted at it, and rolled over
again.

"Hey there. Is it comfy in there?" came a female voice through the fog of sleep.

He moaned "five more minutes."

“I believe you are in my assigned spot," came the voice again. He slowly opened his eyes and
looked up to see a woman with a braid standing over him. "Who are you?" he asked (reply
Tavay) "Nice to meet you, now can you please let me get back to sleep. I was up till 4 am
running a drill and I need to be on duty in a few hours." (reply Tavay) "I think you are wrong," he
said. "Computer, who is this berth assigned too," he muttered. [Berth 0912 has been assigned to
Ensigns James Shaw and temporally assigned to Ensign Tavay] Shaw opened his eyes and sat
up, hitting his head on the top of the bunk. "Ouch!" he said grabbing his head.

(reply Tavay)
(posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Lower Deck Bunks - Bridge Rotation Officer Ensign Tavay and DCO Ensign
James Shaw- 0612)

"Who are you?" he asked

“I am Ensign Tavay.” She said stoically.

"Nice to meet you, now can you please let me get back to sleep? I was up till 4 am running a
drill and I need to be on duty in a few hours."

“And this is my rack. So you can move over or go find yours.” She demanded.

"I think you are wrong," he said. "Computer, who is this berth assigned too," he muttered.

[Berth 0912 has been assigned to Ensigns James Shaw and temporally assigned to Ensign
Tavay]
Shaw opened his eyes and sat up, hitting his head on the top of the bunk. "Ouch!" he said
grabbing his head.

Tavay winced at the pain that Shaw just endured. “Are you ok?”

“It only hurts when I laugh,” Shaw said.

“Find, macho man.” Tavay started, “I am going to the Quartermaster about this. Are you going
to come with me?”

“I better, if nothing else than to watch you,” he said “and make sure I have a place to sleep on
the ship.”

(USS Raptor - Lower Deck Quarter Master Office - Bridge Rotation Officer Ensign Tavay - 0620)

The two explained the situation to the quartermaster on duty. She looked at the two… Quarter
Master. "Oh Gee, yeah. I can see how a bunk will not work for both of ya. I can see how it can
be tight quarters. Let me see what I can do." The young lady started typing away on her
computer console. Her fingers typed across the keyboard feverishly. "Ahh yes, I have some
quarters, bigger for you both." She then handed each of them their new location. Without
looking, Tavay thanked the woman and then exited the area. With her bag, Tavay headed to her
newly assigned quarters. Tavay was surprised it was not a bunk but a small set of quarters.

Shaw was right behind Tavay, and pushed past her into the room. “Now this is more like it,” he
said with a smile. “You’re pretty smart there Ensign Tavay. Do you like Irish Music?”

Tavay closed her head and threw her head back. This was going to be a long mission.

(Reply None)
(Posted by Kris B and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 16 - Main Engineering – CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex – 0614)

Tegian had found his cabin quickly, but having nothing to really unpack as his belongings hadn't
yet arrived, he went to Main Engineering and walked around the nearly pristine room. He
visited the Warp Core and then wandered to the Auxiliary Warp Engine.

He then went to check out his office. It was much nicer than the one on the Illuminar. With
enough chairs for all of his shift leaders to sit comfortably at the same time and a food replicator
in the room as well. "Well, isn't this a step up."

Tegian sat down behind his desk and registered himself with the computer and brought up the
specs on the Raptor, setting an alarm for 0635.

USS Raptor - Deck 16 - CEO's Office – CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex – 0635)

Tegian's alarm went off and he wandered back out to Main Engineering just as Ensign Ssvresh
was walking in.

“Reporting as ordered, Sir.”
"Thank you, Ensign. I hope your quarters are satisfactory. I don't think the other shift leaders
are aboard just yet, but I wanted to ask you to start reviewing the specifications of this ship and
get to know it. I'll call a meeting at 1400 for all of Engineering to encourage our team to wander
this new ship and get familiar with it. And, we're going to need to book as much holodeck time
as we can to run drills in maintenance and repair of the different critical systems of this ship as
they're different from the Illuminar. Can you please look into scheduling for the three shifts?"

(Reply Ssvresh)

(Posted by Keith)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Verin,
Commander Quinna Solice and Lieutenant Commander T'Mur - 0615)

Sekal walked through the door which slid open before him. To his left was the ships' sideboard
with four objects lying atop it. The anelurian crystal lay beside its base and the dark matter
phaser beside its display mount. He would arrange them properly later. The replicator for the
room was inset into the wall beyond.

He passed the couch against the right wall and the two chairs before his desk. The wall coloring
was silver gray above sky blue and the padding of the chairs azure which continued the color
scheme throughout the ship. The sideboard was of burnished oak as was traditional and the
frame of the chairs, couch and desk were the same.

He stepped behind the desk and was speaking as he stopped.

"Computer, initialize." The pause lasted only a few seconds.

[Working. Identification required.]

"Sekal, Captain. ID #1495386."

[Identification accepted. Voice print match. Biosignature and command code verification.]

A square lit up outlined in yellow on the desktop, he placed his hand on it as he spoke. "Code
45 gamma, 33 blue, 9 alpha."

[Command code accepted. Biosignature match. Welcome Captain Sekal. Terminal
personalization available.]

He gestured to the chairs. "Please be seated."

T’Mur stood at the door watching Sekal set up his computer. She looked around the room noting
the color scheme and the boxed decor. Sekal would have this looking like his office in short
order.

Quinna cautiously sat as she looked back. Truth be told, she would have liked to have been the
one in the back. Her curiosity as to what would be coming next was about to reveal itself, she
hoped. She looked around and started missing Dieter. Then she remembered that she was still
angry with him. But immediately suppressed that thought.
Sienna followed, one of the last in. She moved to stand near T’Mur, brushing her hand against
her mates'. She wanted to sit on the couch, but anxiety said be near her mate. She really
wanted to hold her hand. Sy’s eyes drifted to her friend, Quinna. Well, Sy wasn’t sure they
were still friends. She would try to fix that. Sy was glad that Dieter had taken the kids and left
the ship, she hoped they would survive. The nightmares that had haunted her had returned, the
memories of the Xenolithe were bothering her. They needed to do the scouting.

Sensing her mate’s duality of needs, to be with her, and to be near Sekal, she followed Sienna
and in the chair next to hers. This was a senior staff meeting, and she wondered why she had
even been asked to be present. She had presumed it was because of a security matter.
Besides, she had switched duties with Dogan. He was tending to Luma and she Sekal.

Sekal took his seat last. "It is time to fill you in on our objectives." He looked toward the
replicator. "Number one would you prepare some drinks please?"

Sienna rose and ordered orange juice, coffee and scones. Carrying the tray back, she poured
the orange juice for the vulcans, the coffee for her and Quinna and grabbed a blueberry scone.
Sy offered the coffee cup to Quinna with a worried smile. She was worried by what was coming.

Quinna waved her had as she passed on the offered coffee, “No, thank-you.”

He placed his hands on the desk, his fingers interlaced. "Command has placed a classification
of Alpha 1 on the priority of this mission. They have spared no details to place the most
competent crew aboard to see it to its successful completion. I am aware that some liberties
have been taken in that area." He looked directly at Quinna.

(Reply: None yet}
(Posted by Charles, Mel, Kris and AL}
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor- Deck 1- Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Verin,
Commander Quinna Solice and Lieutenant Commander T’Mur- 0625)

Quinna looked directly back at the captain, “It is all resolved.” She said with a monotone voice.

"Not quite." He noted. "At the recommendation of Vice-Admiral Aimee Bracken of StarFleet
medical you will be taking on a limited duty during this mission. The counselor and Dr Kyllee will
monitor your participation. I believe the archaic term for this is light duty. While we gain the
benefit of your experience and knowledge at the expense of your medical leave we will not be
overusing you."

Quinna was taken a back. Did she just hear him correctly? With a calm confirmative tone
Quinna verified in her terms, “So I am here as an advisor capacity only? With Commander
Gregory gone, I assumed that I would be taking on his responsibilities.”

"Negative. You will be continuing as third officer and chief of medical with some restrictions,
similar to Commander Verin's restrictions last mission. It has been decided to fill the role of
second officer due to the loss of Commander Gregory; Lieutenant Commander T'Mur will be
filling the position while on the Raptor."
Quinna took a back glance at T’Mur. It was then she realized….”Of course, it is, at this point,
best for the mission and the crew.” Quinna saw the logic of it all. So why was she not excused
from the meeting at this point?

T’Mur was as surprised by the announcement as Quinna. She heard her friend acknowledge the
logic of the situation, but her vocal inflection did not match her words. It was difficult to gauge
how she should react based on the doctor’s incongruity.

“I will endeavor to fulfill the obligation to the best of my abilities,” she said. “And hopefully we
can be able to support each other, Quinna. I know I will need your help.”

“I will not let you down,” Quinna replied not knowing what she actually can do.

Before Sekal got into the heart of the command crew briefing, Sienna quickly spoke, "One
Admiral demanded we take someone who is supposed to be the FO when this ship sails as 2/O.
One Admiral kept making commentary about my mate's fitness for command. " Ah the
simmering anger still there. "The Captain put his boot down, rather firmly, on that particular bit of
shenanigans" Sy moved back to her place, seated with her mate. She glanced over as Sekal
began speaking.

"Secrecy for this mission has been absolute as you know due to the fact that preparations for
war are ongoing." He held up one hand to forestall questions for the moment. "Fifty years ago
the Federation was at war with an alien race called the Xenolithe and the carnage that accrued
from it was considerable, hundreds of thousands died on both sides and the fleet was severely
weakened. The civil war resulted within the vacuum caused by the conflict as Admiral Rodrigo
Doenitz seized power. Because of this, details of a coming conflict with them have been highly
classified."

T’Mur was aware of the Xenolithe, in that she had heard of them during her time in the
academy. But there had been no confirmation by any of the instructors, nor had there been any
information in the academy’s database. She had chalked it up to the human propensity towards
a… boogeyman. Now she knew why she was at this meeting.

Quinna needed to go back in her memory. She had heard of this outside of the traditions of the
classroom. She could not put a finger on it but was sure that she would remember when she
was busy doing other things.

Sienna’s reaction was visceral - these beings terrified her. She tried to cover it with a quick sip of
her black coffee. She was tired and running on fumes, but this was important, and she had an
idea that she wouldn’t be sleeping anytime soon.

"Why do we believe that war is coming?" He picked up his drink and took another sip. "Shortly
after launch the Illuminar encountered Q, Lieutenant Commander T'Mur is the only one here
who was not on the ship at the time and he has meddled in our affairs a number of times since
but in that original encounter he imparted to Commander Verin some psychic abilities. One of
those was precognition, we believe, an ability to foresee future events. At one point she had an
experience, a vision perhaps. She brought this to Ambassador Mias, a noted telepath as you
are aware and he positively identified them as being that enemy. Ambassador Mias had
encountered these creatures before, Commander Verin has never seen them."
Sienna nodded, “The visions were bloody and graphic that I saw with Q’s ‘gift’.” She made air
quotes. “I saw what seemed like monsters tearing through Starfleet ships. I saw living ships
screaming for freedom. I felt Luma’s pain as one of the Xenolithe ripped her from the core of a
ship I did not recognize at the time and take her from us. The Admirality made it very clear that
this was never to happen. We are to perform evacuation drills where Temas, one of our pilots -
the Admirals were leaning towards Montero and Cordey - familiarize themselves with the path
and steps to remove Luma from the core and get to the Hillary and escape with her while we
provide a distraction.”

The Captain nodded. "Our preparations have been ongoing since that time. We have made
strides in technology to strengthen the fleet and gain technical superiority while working to gain
or strengthen ties with allies. Command has decided that it is time to see how close our
enemies may be. We will be backtracking the same route of invasion the Xenolithe used before
in the most advanced attack vessel in the StarFleet armory to determine if they are, at this time,
an imminent threat."

“And if they are a threat?” T’Mur asked. Quinna was about to ask the same question.

"This is a scout mission only, we are not to engage in battle unless forced to do so. We will be
entering the Typhon Expanse to determine if they are there and no more. Those are our orders
as they have been laid out to us. Are there questions over what I have covered so far?”

T’Mur knew how that kind of scouting mission typically went. The Borg was a prime example.
Originally they had been a tool used by the Q Continuum to teach the Federation that they were
not alone, and that they were not prepared. That nearly cost the entire human race their very
existence.

“Captain, do we have any information on the Xenolithe?” T’Mur asked.

"Computer display file 3058, classified briefing." He spoke as he sat back, lifting his arms from
the desktop.

The image of the Xenolithe appeared above the desk and rotated slowly to give everyone a
good view then was replaced by a view of a Nageri, one of the slave ships.

"This file contains everything we know about the Xenolithe, including some graphic video and I
will make it all available to you along with the record of the briefing. Another thing, a veteran of
the war between the Xenolithe and Federation will be accompanying us, Commodore Tahl. He
will be along as an advisor only. We will make use of his experience as we find it logical and
beneficial."

He had thrown a lot at them. "Are there any more questions?"

“What about our Federation allies?” Quinna started, “Do they know anything or has there been
any chatter between them?”

"Discussions between member worlds are ongoing at the very highest levels only in order to
maintain secrecy."

“And our non-member allies?” From what Quinna is interpreting, this could ultimately become
something bigger than the Dominion War in a short amount of time, if they are not careful.
"Such as the Klingons?" He asked in reply. "Command is drafting a communique to send to their
high command on the hazard pending our findings. While we take the warning as well verified
we can not use it as a basis for warnings to other entities who will wish to see the evidence."

Sienna spoke up, "The Xenolithe may not be a threat as of yet, but the Admiralty believes a
threat is imminent, hence the shuffling of a tried and trusted command crew and a ship that has
big enough teeth we can use to escape. This is not just a shake down cruise for a new ship, this
has the potential to ignite a war. We will be holding a briefing once we leave UP's dock. We
secured permission to share the graphic videos from the previous encounters with security and
the marines. As the Captain said, we are under the highest security. Once personnel report
aboard, there will be NO outgoing transmissions or transport off the ship without the approval of
the people in this room."

“Got it.” Quinna responded as she made vague notes on her PADD. She wondered how much
their resident spy already knew.

“Understood,” T’Mur echoed. She looked at Sienna and sent a comforting thought through their
connection. She knew that her mate had been hiding something from her, and now she knew
what it was. She also believed that there was more to her concerns that has been discussed in
this meeting. The will have a more private conversation when they have time.

Sekal stood up. "Luma is due aboard soon and I must speak with Doctor Gralen. Any who wish
to accompany us are welcome but it is time to make our way to the primary computer core. This
meeting is dismissed. You may review the transcripts of the briefing at your leisure. The
departmental meeting is tomorrow at 0800."

As the others filed out he spoke. "Computer, idle setting." Followed closely by activating his
communicator. "Doctor Gralen meeting me in the primary computer core."

=^= Yes sir, on my way. =^=

Having done that he followed them out, he would arrange his office later.

(Reply: Any)
(Posted by Charles, Mel, Kris and Al)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Primary Computer Core Access - Lt Bohb, Lt Cal Dogan and Temas
Laredo - 0630)

Bohb had spent a sleepless night in the Computer Core. He had tried to go to sleep but he
could not get his brain to shut off. His biggest concern, at this point, was the fact that he had not
overseen the modifications of the core access on the Raptor. The ship had way too many
secrets that they were going to have to uncover. He, of course, had spent a lot of time already
going through his holodeck schedule, and which systems he wanted to know first. He had
already decided that the propulsion system was the most important.

Temas entered the room full of smiles. He had spent the evening with Luma in his head and it
left him… influenced by her abundant joy.

“Morning Bohb,” he said.
“Good morning Temas Laredo,” Bohb tried to match his exuberance, but it was a little too much
for the Magillan. “Are we all ready to do this?”

“I am,” Temas replied. “Luma is a little nervous still, but also a little excited.”

“Understandable,” Bohb replied. “I think we’re ready to go”

He lifted the LACD from its stand and draped the chain across his neck. As they stepped out of
the Core Access Cal Dogan was waiting for them. He stood in front of Bohb and held out his
hand. Bohb gave him a look and then decided the argument wasn’t worth it. He handed Luma’s
container to the Brikar and the trio headed to the Shuttlebay

(USS Illuminar- Deck 9- Main Shuttlebay - Lt Bohb, Lt Cal Dogan, and Temas Laredo - 0630)

“I have procured the shuttle Achilles,” Dogan informed them as they entered the bay.
“Achilles?” Temas asked. “The Greek hero with a single weakness?”

“Indeed,” replied Dogan. “But beyond that he was impervious to harm. I thought it appropriate.”
Temas turned to Bohb and whispered, “I wonder what Cal would consider our single weakness.”
“Rest assured,” Dogan said without looking at his companions, “it would not be me.”

They entered the Achilles in silence.

Dogan positioned himself in the back of the shuttle and Bohb settled into the pilot’s seat. Temas
sat next to Cal and Luma. After Bohb did his preflight he opened a comm channel.

“Shuttle Achilles prepared to exit the Shuttlebay,” he said.

=^=Roger that Achilles. You are cleared for launch.=^=

Bohb tapped the controls and the shuttle lifted off the deck plating and eased out of the
Shuttlebay exit. Bohb brought the shuttle around to take a good view of the exterior of the
Raptor.

“Do you two want to see this?” Bohb said, a little excited.

“I’m good,” Dogan replied with complete disinterest. He didn’t really car what the outside of the
ship looked like.

“I’m interested,” Temas said. He clambered up to the cockpit and sat in the copilot’s seat.
He took a moment to take in the sight with awe. Then he closed his eyes and opened his mind
to Luma, giving her her first view of her new “skin”.

(reply Luma)

Bohb brought the shuttle to the bow and lined it up for docking in the forward-facing Shuttlebay.
He opened a channel.

“Shuttle Achilles to the Raptor. We are on approach to the Shuttlebay.”
=^=Affirmative Raptor. We have you in range. Approach and dock. You have the ball.=^=
Bohb smiled, “Roger that. Achilles has the ball.”

With that he flew the shuttle into the bay and made a perfect landing.

“Achilles to Illuminar, we have landed on the Raptor,” Bohb report.

=^=Roger that, Raptor. The Achilles has been officially transferred to the Raptor.=^=

Bohb closed the channel and then opened a new one.

“Bohb to Sekal, Luma is now on board the Raptor. We are headed to the computer interface
now.”

(reply Sekal)

Bohb powered down the shuttle and the trio left the shuttle to head to the computer core access
station.

(reply Sekal, Luma)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor, Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Ssvresh – 0636)

Ssvresh would have preferred quarters nearer to the engine-room, but even on this simple
practicality the larger scale of the Inquiry-class vessel was felt. She was bigger than Illuminar
and an altogether different energy flowed through her superstructure.

On walking into main engineering, Ssvresh was relieved to find a fairly standard Starfleet
architecture – work bays arrayed around a central chamber housing the main warp core. The
core itself pulsed with the gentle ‘at rest’ rhythm of a starship waiting, and the Selay Ensign
found himself hypnotised for just a moment before remembering himself and approaching
Lieutenant Pex.

“Reporting as ordered, Sir.”

(Reply Pex)
(Posted by MCD)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor- Deck 5 - Primary Computer Core Access - CO, Captain Sekal, Commander
Sienna and Lieutenant Commander T’Mur and CSO, Lieutenant Commander Holis Gralen -
0640)

A middle aged Betazoid was waiting beside one of the standing terminals in the chamber which
was packed with instrumentation. He was wearing spectacles and his thinning hair was going to
gray. He gave a crisp bow to the group and smiled.

"Captain and crew, welcome to the USS Raptor. I'm Doctor Holis Gralen, not medical no…'" he
gave a brief chuckle. "... PHD'S in high energy particle physics and quantum mechanics. I've
just been assigned to the ship as chief science officer." His eyes twinkled as he looked toward
Sienna and bowed. "Commander, Lieutenant Commander welcome." His eyes had swiveled to
T'Mur.

"Commander Sienna Verin and Lieutenant Commander T'Mur,..." Sekal introduced them. "My
first and second officers."

Sienna stepped forward to make it clear that this was her love, her mate that this strange male
was staring at. “Our Second Officer,” Sienna spoke pleasantly, but heat in her tone, “Is Lt. Cmdr
T’Mur, my wife.” She gave Holis a fierce smile.

=^= Bohb to Sekal, Luma is now on board the Raptor. We are headed to the computer interface
now.=^=

He answered the communication. "Acknowledged. We are waiting in the primary computer core
access."

Sienna made a happy sound, “I really hope Luma likes the bigger skin. I wonder how long it will
take her to spread through the bigger connections. Temas said that she was excited and
nervous all night. Ahem. Luma wants to make the engines go vrooooom.” Sienna could not
help giggling, enjoying Luma, even when there were clashes and she decided someone needed
a ‘time out’. “Oh. I need to have Lt. Greywolf bring the ‘Time Out’ Shuttle aboard.” Sy put the
thought into action and hit her commbadge “Lt. Greywolf, do me a favor and go back aboard the
Illuminar to bring the ‘Time Out’ Shuttle aboard. Luma is likely going to need it and the devil that
you know...”

=^= Yes sir. I'm about to launch the Edmund Hillary. I'll arrange for the other. Greywolf out. =^=

"Oh?" Holis asked. "A time out shuttle?" He gave the Captain a confused look.

"Luma'lenai, a non-corporeal being is being transferred into the primary computer." Sekal
continued. "She is very fastidious concerning proper etiquette, primarily good manners and
comportment."

Holis' eyes got big as he considered the implications. "Ooh! This is something I want to see.
When did you acquire her? Is there anything I can do to help?"

Sienna took a deep breath and her voice was ice cold, “We did not acquire her. She is a
thinking, real being, and the crew of this ship love her and her quirks.”

Holis chuckled. "You misunderstand me commander, perhaps the proper way to say it would be
when you became introduced to her…," He leaned back against the console. "..., at any rate I'll
observe unless you find my presence here distasteful. You seem not to be very happy with me."
He smiled again. "You are much like your mother." His dark eyes glinted. "I'm far older than I
look and a 52nd fleet veteran. I'll say no more right now."

Sienna blinked, “Thanks, I think. My Mom’s pretty amazing. “I didn’t realize you might know her.
I’m sorry I got my hackles up. Luma’s pretty important to us. People think she’s something like
Data, an artificial being. She’s not. She’s as real as you and I.” Sienna wasn’t going to go into
the truth of Luma’s extraordinary abilities.
"I don't doubt the truth of that." Holis made himself comfortable with his mind carefully shielded.
Commander Verin had been hostile and aggressive from the first introduction for whatever
reason. Oh well. He shrugged and settled in with anticipation. He wasn't a powerful telepath,
more like average, his brain tended much more to intellectual pursuits than expanding his
mental repertoire. And little did the Captain know just how familiar he was with their forebears.

T’Mur stood in the background watching the interactions between Sienna and Gralen. Sienna
had taken immediate offense to a phrase that he had used. T’Mur and learned long ago about
how the imprecision of people’s language caused a myriad of problems. Penn and Teller may be
troublesome to comprehend at times, but the use of anecdotal references did eliminate
misinterpretation of meaning, once you recognized the reference.

Moments later the door to the Primary Core Access opened and Dogan stepped in carrying
Luma. He was followed by Bohb and Temas. Nodding to his immediate supervisor he held out
the container holding Luma.

“One Lenai, delivered as requested,” Cal said.

T’Mur relieved the Brikar of his “burden” and said, “Thank Lt. Dogan. Please wait outside to
ensure we remain undisturbed.”

Dogan nodded/bowed, “Ma’am.” Then he turned and exited.

Bohb had already set to work, inspecting the interface. Looking over his shoulder he said, “Who
was responsible for setting the harmonics of the interface for the exchange?”

Sekal walked to the central core and a panel attached to it. "This control…" he pressed a yellow
lit button and a panel opened, a framework rose from it. "... the temporary habitat snaps into it.
Once it is in place it will retract back into the panel and Luma will be free to transfer her
consciousness into the mainframe. When the time comes to extract her she merely has to return
to it and once the transfer is completed it will extend for retrieval. The entire process is
automated."

Holis was peering intently at the receptacle. "She actually bonds with the computer…" It wasn't
a question, it sounded as though he were musing or recalling a distant memory.

Sekal spoke to him over his shoulder as Bohb placed the habitat. "Pure thought and
consciousness doctor. Luma will become one with the ship in time through the computer
system. She feels pain when the ship, her skin is damaged and is highly protective of those
aboard her. Dr. Riven Mias finds her to be delightful."

“As do most who come to know her,” Bohb added, as he watched the LACD disappear inside
the machinery. He began to scan the mechanism to check the flow of power. The power
coupling wasn’t particularly necessary as his battery could probably power a good portion of the
ship, although he did not want to test that theory with Luma’s essence in play.

"Riven?" Holis gave a pleased laugh. "The old coot! The greatest mind healer of our time and a
great friend as well. He never told me she was on your ship."

Sekal turned to face him. "Luma's existence is highly classified, he would not have revealed the
knowledge unless he found it to be necessary."
"I can understand that." Holis continued to watch intently. "You might be surprised to hear that I
already know her."

The Vulcan gave him a quizzical look. "How?"

Holis grinned. "I once served on the Mystique as well as the Hades. Having to leave her behind
hurt us all, including your father. By the way, he was the one who called me out of inactive
status."

Sekal gave a sudden jerk of his head. "You know my father?"

"Vice-Admiral Saleke, formerly captain of the Hades and first officer of the Mystique? Indeed I
do."

Sekal's attention was arrested at Bohb's call and he turned to watch the final stage of
integration.

Once satisfied that everything was set, having made his final adjustments to the harmonics of
the mechanism, Bohb stood back. “Well friends, I believe we are ready. Temas?”

Laredo closed his eyes and felt for Luma’s presence. He smiled at her excitement. “Luma is
ready.”

Sienna also closed her eyes, reaching for Luma. Luma was thrilled. She was elated. Sienna
caught the image of a sports car from some old earth cartoon and through the speakers, Luma
trumpeted, =^= Our Sekal gave Luma a sports car!!! Vah-rooooom! Can we race the Hades?
Leave that tug-boat in the gates while we run!!! =^=

Sienna couldn’t help it. After the stress of too many hours without sleep, she found herself in a
fit of giggles as Luma’s infectious desire to test the ship made her want to run too, chased by
T’Mur… Sienna looked at her mate and smiled. “I…. am so pleased Luma likes the ship.
Captain, is there anything you need us for? I’ve not seen a bed in over 40 hours and I’d really
enjoy 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep?”

Luma was so happy, racing through the connections, testing and pushing the limits of the
technology. Through the ship, a Lenai song of welcome was heard. The Illuminar people were
used to Luma’s random bouts of beautiful song and her roses. While the Raptor lacked Luma’s
roses, Luma seemed to love the engines. She’d likely be spoiling the Engineers soon enough.

Sekal was satisfied as the alien notes floated from the intercom speakers. "Dismissed. Find your
quarters and rest. I will be acquainting myself with ships' systems and reports." He looked
around. "All are dismissed until noon. Find your quarters and settle in." He looked at the new
officer. "Doctor Gralen, there will be a departmental meeting tomorrow at 0800."

Holis gave a quick smile. "Of course Captain." He then turned to listen to the music. "Ah! The
memories this brings back."

(Reply: Any)
(Posted by Charles, Mel and Al)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Edmund Hillary - Pilot Cockpit - Flight Ops/Conn - FSXO, Lieutenant Tempest Greywolf - 0645)

As flight squadron executive officer it had been up to her to coordinate the exchange of craft
from the Illuminar to the Raptor. Two in the department other than pilots were currently on
Illuminar managing the transfer ship side. Tempest had already done the preflight checks and
was preparing to decouple when the comm activated.

=^= Lt. Greywolf, do me a favor and go back aboard the Illuminar to bring the ‘Time Out’ Shuttle
aboard. Luma is likely going to need it and the devil that you know...=^=

"Yes sir. I'm about to launch the Edmund Hillary. I'll arrange for the other. Greywolf out."

That changed things but could be managed, she commed flight Ops. "T'shar, have Jelan prep
the Leif Erikson after I cast off. As soon as I drop off the Edmund Hillary I'm coming back aboard
to take her over."

=^=That's in addition to the fighters, correct?=^=

"You've got it."

=^=Roger.=^=

"Checks are done. I'm ready to depart."

=^=You are cleared for launch sir. Decoupling.=^=

There was a vibration that swept through the aeroshuttle as the clamps were detached.
Tempest gave the engine a bit more power then activated the ventral thrusters for a short burst
which pushed the craft away from the ship. The line of the lower hull of the saucer section was
broken as the yacht detached and emerged.

Tempest was watching the controls closely until she had well cleared the hull then dove down
and away from Illuminar before banking away from the ship and dock, she was well within the
window given by space port control and there was no traffic in the area though a lot of chatter
was coming through the comms now as she changed over to fleet monitoring.

She had time so she continued to gain distance as she held the turn until Illuminar came into the
forward viewer. The ship looked dead nestled into the dock which wasn't a sight she relished
and she gave a grimace. "We'll be back girl, we'll be back. Don't worry." Having made her
goodbyes for now she turned about and ramped up the thrusters, impulse wasn't needed for a
journey this short.

Illuminar was the first ship of the line she had piloted and would always be her first and favorite
and she was going to miss her until their return. It felt like abandoning an old friend.

(Edmund Hillary - Pilot Cockpit - Flight Ops/Conn - FSXO, Lieutenant Tempest Greywolf - 0653)

As she rounded the curve of the dock her jaw dropped, the first thing that hit her was the scale.
"Damn!"
Illuminar was nestled up to a repair bay on the back side while Raptor was on the far side from it
and took up not one but two new build slots. Her breath caught after the exclamation.

Raptor was freaking huge! Nearly twice as long as Illuminar and proportionately wide and tall
and the saucer section was poised like a hooded cobra forward of the warp pylons. Starfleet
had completely departed from the detached secondary hull starting with the Galaxy class and
this ship looked like what it was, a descendant of that engineering philosophy as the saucer
swept down into it. The ship looked as powerful and lethal as she had been told it was.

The Edmund Hillary coasted well away from its starboard side as she moved forward and her
practiced eye was picking out details. Phaser strips had been replaced on this class with phaser
cannons which could cover a wide arc and had overlapping fields of fire. The two aft torpedo
tubes were mounted below and between the impulse vents.

Having the shuttlebay forward was a large departure in design and it felt strange to take the
Captain's yacht to berth in one. The Hillary wasn't used to that as it has always filled in its berth
in the lower hull but space had been cleared for it and the fighters. The shuttlebay, despite the
size of the ship hadn't been designed for so many craft and there was no secondary bay. Adding
the Leif Erikson hadn't been calculated but she assumed there would be space, taking aboard
visiting craft would have to be carefully controlled.

The aeroshuttle finally came around and she swung to face it, the shuttlebay was wide with a
pronounced porch before it with a torpedo launch tube on each side. She leveled the Hillary with
it and did a double take, there were four more torpedo tubes below.

"Holy hell!" The Raptor was loaded for bear! Not designed primarily for exploration, this was a
warship.

She opened the comm. "Raptor flight control, this is Lieutenant Greywolf bringing in the Edmund
Hillary."

=^=Copy that Lieutenant, Hillary is cleared for landing, bring her in. Berth 5, lighting it for
you.=^=

She goosed the aeroshuttle forward until it cleared the awning and passed through the shimmer
of the force field. Beyond was the bay and one of the berths on the left was outlined with lit
glowstrips so she made for it.

"Aligning with the berth and setting down." She fired thrusters and maneuvered until the board lit
green showing her in position then gave short, fast bursts of the ventral thrusters until it bumped
against the deck. "Hillary is down."

=^=Welcome aboard. Technicians enroute to secure her.=^=

"Roger that." Tempest began powering down the impulse engine which had barely been used at
more than idle. "I'll be in shortly. We have another shuttle to bring over."

=^=Another one? We haven't got the fighters aboard yet and have our own shuttles. I
recommend leaving it aboard Illuminar.=^=

"Negative. First Officer's orders. We can swap out a type 8."
=^=Roger that Lieutenant, I'm sending out someone to warm one up. Meet with crewman
Andrapose in berth two.=^=

"Berth two, copy. Notify flight control on Illuminar I'll be bringing a bird back."

=^= On it.=^=

Tempest signed off and began post flight power down and checks. Piloting a shuttle back to
Illuminar saved her the time of finding a transporter room.

(Reply: None)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor -- Multi Location -- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 06456)

When the meeting was finished in the ready room avoiding any eye contact with the others.
Quinna was the first to leave. She did not wait around and she was not asked to stay. Quinna
felt like the odd person in the room. She knew her place with the crew. She made the
assumptions when none of them bother to visit her after the baby. She was never asked for her
report. No, this was the first she saw them since. And now that the meeting happened, she had
been given her orders. Limited duty. And she was fine with that. She knew that she was not
mentally ready to be back on full duty.

Quinna’s recovery plans had been different. She found a nice health resort spa. She and
Michael could take the time and mentally heal as well as her body physically heal. With her
plans adjusted, she was not sure if she could heal the way she needed to.

She thought about going to sickbay but that was not her playground during this time. She would
leave the office for Dr. Kyllee. She decided that her place would be in her quarters when she
was both on and off duty. She would make it her office. She figured that she would handle the
administration of sickbay and she could do it without getting in the way.

Quinna entered her temporary quarters. Her bag was in the corner. She glared at it. She
decided to ignore it. It was not like she needed what was in it anyway. A uniform was all she
needed and was able to take care of that order before boarding.

Going to her computer terminal in her computer she sent a message to Dr. Kyllee, “I would like
to meet before we depart so we can make arrangements.”

(Reply Kyllee)

Quinna’s next message went to the general counseling team, “I would like to make
arrangements to come in next week. Let me know who is available and what time.” Quinna
knew this was mandatory. This was not what she imagined but this is what she has.

(Reply Counseling team)

Quinna closed out the computer and took hold of her PADD. She made her way to bed where
she started reading her notes for pending mission. She wished she had more information.
What she really wanted was to talk to Michael and hear about his day.
(Reply any)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 6 - Crew Quarters - SO CPO P'Rah and Hercules Devers - 0705)

The two security officers took a day to sweat out the drinks from the day before. Between the
meds the doc gave them and their own workouts the two of them were no worse for wear.
Following the directive, they had beamed aboard the USS Raptor, the new home away from
home.

"Where first?" Devers asked "Security or the gyms?"

P'Rah moved over to the computer, "Gyms are deck 10 and security is on deck 19. Looks like
the marines are on deck 17. Wonder if any of them were at our dance?"

Devers shrugged, "If they are, I'm sure we'll get another chance to waltz Matilda."

"Let's check in at the office and see about our rotations, then we can go to the gym. Did you
bring the records of the ladder?" P'Rah said

Devers nodded, "Of course, see if anyone can take over the crown. Hey, maybe we should
invite the marines."

The two left their quarters and headed to the turbolift.

(USS Raptor - Deck 19 - SO CPO P'Rah and Hercules Devers - 0730)

"Got that new ship smell," P'Rah said, "You humans probably don't smell it like I do."

"Its the cleaners they use to make everything shiny," Devers said as they signed in.

"Let's go test out the firing range," P'Rah said.

"You're on. Usual bet?"

"You know it. I need to beat you somewhere."

(reply none)
(posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(U.S.S. Raptor - Deck 17 - Passageway - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 0731)

As directed by Major Murphy, as the Marines arrived aboard the U.S.S. Raptor, they were sent
to Deck 17 (or Marine Country). This was one of the few times Charles decided that rank should
have some kind of privilege. With that in mind, he took it upon himself to assign rooms. The
two largest rooms (Condos) he had set aside for MAJ Murphy (Marine Commander) and CPT
M’Melar (Intelligence) as they were the two senior ranking. From there, the rooms that were the
next size down (large one-bedroom apartments) went to the Second and First Lieutenants along
with the First Sergeant and the four platoon sergeants. From there the small single bedrooms
(one bedroom suite) went to the junior NCOs with the junior enlisted getting studio apartment
style rooms. What surprised Temerity was that they still had rooms to spare. While he planned
top down, he gave out rooms lowest ranking and working up the chain with the idea that a
leader should see to the troops first.

“Listen up, Marines! We have our own Mess Hall on this deck. Once you toss your gear into
your room, go feed your face and then put your shit away. Myrmidons, Gunny Rembrandt and I
will conduct room inspections after the 1400 leaders meeting.” He said to the Marines as a
whole. Followed by a series of sounds of acknowledgement to his directives.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -Deck 5 - Science Lab 5 - Esteemed Scientists - Dr. Gaillus Penn and Dr. Teller-
0800)

Penn looked around the lab one more time to make sure that they hadn’t left anything of
importance… or danger. They had left direct orders that all of their equipment had to be
physically moved to the Raptor as some of their experiments would not survive the transporter
process, and a couple might actually prove to have disastrous results to subspace if molecularly
disassembled in a carrier wave. There had been grumbling, but they stood their ground. The
last thing they needed was Lucky Day on a larger scale.

He walked over to Teller and said, “Kate McAllister to Peter McAllister about Kevin.”

“Samantha, her nose wiggling,” Teller he chuckled. He looked at his latest fascination, a double
pendulum. He appreciated the chaotic movement of the device and watching it, he’d clear his
mind for more detailed calculations.

All of the rest of the equipment was packed in Star Fleet issue cases. Teller had disassembled
the still with reverence, each piece packed for the short trip, not sure how careful the
stevedore’s would be.

“John Bigbooté at Yoyodyne. Buckaroo Banzai and the electric shock.” He motioned around
the room before shutting down the computer interface.

He patted his friend on the shoulder, “Stevenson. Robert Louis Stevenson,” he said, “Darmok
and Jalad on the ocean.”

(USS Raptor - Deck 6 - Science Lab 5 - Esteemed Scientists - Dr. Gaillus Penn and Dr. Teller-
1100)

Traveling to the Raptor by shuttle to watch over their cases, the two scientists finally made it to
the Raptor. While Penn was directing the placement of the various cases, Teller began
downloading their unique computer shorthand into the computer memory banks.
His eyes sparked with glee as the still and bar were wheeled in. Shoving the men away, he took
ownership and rolled them to the corner where he began to carefully unpack the important
equipment.

When the last case was delivered Penn started pushing the men out the door. “Thank you for
your services, gentlemen, but we have it from here.”

“Are you sure you don’t want any help unpacking, doctor,” a petty officer said. “Some of this
stuff is heavy.”
“Stuff!” bellowed Penn. “Stuff?! Are serious, young man. This is not “stuff”. This is all highly
sophisticated equipment that, if you even touch it wrong could end your existence in this
universe.” He thought it important to keep the Lucky Day incident fresh in everyone’s memory,
even if they had no idea what it was.

The petty officer looked to see what Teller had been unpacking and looked at Penn,
“Sphisticated?”

Penn, with shove, replied, “Very.”

With that the door closed and Penn pulled out a box and put it beside the door entry
mechanism. He pressed a small button and a red light come on. A moment later it flashed
green. With a look of satisfaction he pulled the box from the wall and moved over to his partner.
He had been carefully setting the pieces of the still in the order in which they needed to be
attached.

He put a hand on his shoulder and said, “Johan Wolfgang Goethe, in Slazberg.”

(Reply none)
(Posted by Al and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 19 - Tactical Offices - SFI Office (Catagena) - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston
-0900)

Weston stepped into his new office and looked around. It was, as expected, quite barren. He
actually was comfortable the way it was. There was a desk to the side with computer station by
it. Lastly there was a table against a wall that held a box with his belongings from the Dungeon.

He had always been amused by the name others had given his office on the Illuminar. It was
quite fitting as it was in the lowest level of the ship, and few really knew what horrors occured in
it. But now his office was not in the bowels of the ship. It was not centrally located either. He
had become part of the tactical department. What next? Strategic Operations? He laughed at
himself. ~Nooooo, I don’t think so Michael. Stick to what you know best.~

He went to the box and rooted through it for a moment. Then he pulled out the one item that he
would never have had on display as field operative. It was a holo-image of Quinna, smiling at
him. An image he had captured of her soon after their first meeting… before everything else.
Smiling at the image he moved over to his desk and set it on the back corner.

As he stepped back he chastised himself for the self indulgence. Just having that image put
Quinna in a certain amount of danger. Displaying it was almost foolhardy. Once his enemies
discovered her importance to him she would become a target, or worse, a pawn. He moved to
tip the image over, but couldn’t bring himself to do it. He would have to take his chances.

“You’re getting soft buddy,” he told himself.

His finger fished around in his pocket and touched the data chip that the Director of SFI had
given him. He pulled it out and shrugged his shoulders. No time to start work like the present.
Sitting down at the computer station he put the disk in the access port.

[Access denied]
Michael frowned, “Computer, access all files of Michael Weston. Access code gamma epsilon
579 alpha 01.”

The computer processed the order then repeated, [Access denied.]

~Damn it!~ His access to SFI records had been denied since his burn notice. He’d hoped he’d
have gotten some access, but clearly he was still in the outs with SFI, as far as anyone other
than the director was concerned.

He fished back into his pocket and pulled out his gold card. He inserted that into a second slot
and tapped in a series of code commands. He sat back and waited. Three minuteds later the
computer beeped.

[Access granted.]

He smiled and withdrew the gold card. He pocketed it again, knowing that now he had the
access he wanted… and more.

“Display the data from the disc,” he ordered.

Suddenly the screen came to life, displaying images of the Xenolithe in battle. At first Michael
watched with interest, then in horror. What the Xenolithe were capable doing was… incredible.
But what they were able to withstand was frightening. Then there was video detail of the
Xenolithe ships. The Negiri. They seen near indestructible. Finally there was a video of a lone
fighter craft. It seemed to be doing a kamikazi run. At the last minute it shifted directions and
vented plasma as it turned away. Spinning on it’s access it turned and fired into the plasma ball
and the screen flashed, then went blank.

“What the…? “ he said, cursing under his breath. “What happened next?”

“What happened next, Mr. Weston,” a voice said behind him, “has never been discussed in over
forty years.”

Michael spun out of his seat and turned in a combat stance to face an aging Zakdorn. He did
not relax his stance, but looked at him with curiosity.

“I apologize for entering your office without knocking,” the Zakdorn said, “but you really will want
to upgrade the locking system on your door. It wasn’t even a challenge.”

“Who are you old man?” Weston asked threateningly.

“Ahhh,” the Zakdorn said, “I am Commodore Tahlmari. Strategic Ops… retired… sort of.”

“Retired?” Michael questioned, starting to relax his stance.

“Semi,” Tahl said with a chuckle. “Apparently I’m a little too old to be any use in the fleet. It’s a
young man’s universe.”

Tahl limped over to a chair, and Michael finally noticed the can he used. The Zakdorn sat down
and took a deep breath. “Everyone seems to think old means useless, but they’re way too nice
to tell me that so I’ve been allowed to keep a rank that holds no real authority, and do a job that
nobody else has wanted to do. And that was, keep track of the Xenolithe. Now am all useful
and stuff.” He chuckled.
Weston had never met a Zakdorn like him. They were typically a serious and dour people,
devoid of fun beyond playing outlandishly complex strategy games. This one seemed positively
jolly.

“Are you sure you’re a Zakdorn,” he asked.

Tahl burst out into a peel of laughter, “My friend, I am one of a kind, as Zakdorns go. And I will
leave it at that.” There was no need to bring up his Moroni syndrome, of Bob. “I see you
managed to break through the access code and see what we’re up against. I fugured you
would. Your reputation precedes you. So I thought you would be a good place to start. I am
here to help.”

“Well,” Michael said, “I have questions.”

Tahl chuckled again, “I’m sure you do. Get me a glass of cold apple cider, and we can chat.”

Michael nodded and moved over to the replicator. “Apple cider?”

“My wife introduced me to it a long time ago, and I got a taste for it,” Tahl said. “It is a reminder
of her.”

Michael brought the glass over and handed it to Tahl. “Commodore Tahlmari.”

“Please, just Tahl,” he said taking the glass. “Only my homeworld calls me Tahlmari, and well,
let’s just say we’re not on speaking terms and leave it at that.” He took a sip of the sweet cider
with closed eyes and smiled. “Mr. Weston, I think Alexandra would have like you. You have a
… vibe about you.”

“Call me Michael,” Weston said, “and I guess that’s good.”

“So you have questions?” Tahl said. “Ask away and let’d see how smart you really are.”

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - FO's Office - FO Commander Sienna Verin - 1000)

Sienna had just made it into her office when she had a tirade from Mars Flight Control. From
what little that Sienna had managed to understand in the unrelenting torrent of words, several of
the fighters had ignored Mars Flight Control and had shown off. Viewing the recording, Sienna
was amused, though she had covered her reaction. She had to have words with those idiots,
that much was true.

=^= Quartermaster. Can you send a gift basket to Commander Jane Riley in Mars Flight Control
- an apology from the Captain. =^= Sienna knew her job - this would be taken as an appropriate
bribe, and the official record would be forgotten. Idiots. She needed to come up with an
appropriate punishment.
=^= Commander? =^= He asked in suprise.

"More of the crew are being idiots about having their leave cut short and I need to placate the
woman."

The Quartermaster laughed, =^= I have the perfect wine. I'll take care of it. =^=

Sy shook her head as the connection was broken. This Quartermaster, this guy was excellent
and seemed to understand. Now to spank her naughty pilots. But dang, their flying was
amazing and Sy was damned proud.

But they were still idiots.

"Lt. Greywolf, I just had the most amazing rainfall of words from Mars Flight Control. I'm sending
an appropriate present to the Commander, have you dealt with your naughty boys?"

=^=Not as of yet, Commander but it's priority one.=^=

"Will it be good?"

=^= Yes, Ma'am. =^= Tempest replied proudly.

"I leave it in your capable hands then. Them boys did some damned good flying. I sent the
non-existent recording to you." Sienna cut the connection and finally allowed herself the release
of howling with laughter. She made sure to save the recording. Her Brother would enjoy the
flying; if he'd been out there, Trip would have been having fun too...and protecting his buddies
after as Sienna was doing.

(reply any)
(posted by Mel)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 12 - DCO Ensign James Shaw - 1100)

James was dragging this morning. After the late night, or early morning
followed by the rude awaking by one of the new crew members. The Raptor
had been quiet with only a small crew running the checks on the system.
Now it looked like an invading army.

His team was on Deck 12, familiarizing themselves with the ins and outs
of this deck. They were running a speed drill moving from point to
point as quick as they could while in their protective suits and
carrying their kits. They were hot, but if this was an actual
emergency, they would be protected.

Zixx was in the lead as they moved through the superstructure from the
Main Deflector Control System to the Antimatter tanks. Once they passed
the tanks, they would take the Jeffries Tube up to deck 11.

Zixx made it to the ladder and started up. V'loth was second and Savu
third. Shaw was the the last on the ladder.
As he started climbing, he heard some banging. "Lookout below," Zixx
called. Looking up, Shaw saw a tool kit falling down towards him. How
it missed V'loth and Savu was dumb luck as it bounced off one side of
the tube and then the other.

Suddenly, the kit hit a cap and knocked it off. As the cap fell, white
foam started pouring out of the nozzle that was revealed.

James took it full in the face, fortunately his suit protected him from
the worst of it. The ladder became slippery and he lost his grip.
Sliding down, he hit the deck and slide out into the main hall. Looking
up, covered in white fire suppression foam, was an audience looking
quite surprised.

(reply any)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 (U.S.S. Raptor - Deck 17 – OIC Office - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 1350)

As with all things done in the military, time was an interesting creature to say the least. If you
are early, then you are on time; if you are on time, then you were late; and if you are late, then
you are screwed. As a platoon sergeant, Charles attended all leader meetings with his platoon
leader; with that in mind, he had Gunnery Sergeant Sonja Reddington attend the meeting with
him. When they arrived, he was glad to see the other three platoon sergeants there as well.

Sonja Reddington was an Amazon of a woman standing at just over 185cm and weighing in at
almost 91kg at five percent body fat with bright fiery red hair and a Celtic complexion. She
could be calm and collected and moved with a ballerina’s grace and she could be one of the
single most fearsome foes anyone could have to deal with. She wasn’t the best when it came to
firearms, let alone simply good, but she excelled in knife-fighting and had the record to back it
up. In 15 years in the infantry, she had racked up almost 75 confirmed kills (60 of which were
with bladed weapons). And Charles was glad she was on his side.

(Reply: Murphy, Any)
(Posted: Charles Raschen)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1435)

After an extended nap in her quarters, Quinna was now standing in the sickbay of the Raptor.
She was looking around with the crew unpacking supplies. She walked over to Stev. There
were many things she needed to discuss but all in due time.

“Dr. Kyllee,” Quinna said quietly. “We need to talk.”

(Reply Kyllee)

Quinna took a deep breath, “Look you know I am not ok. I know I am not ok, but I have to suck
it up. This is what I am proposing.” Quinna started, “You are in charge of the medical aspect of
sickbay, take on the daily activities and such.”

(Reply Kyllee)
“If you agree I will take on the administration. Reports and such. You can take the CMO office
here and I will be working in my quarters, I will come in only in case of an emergency.” Quinna
said.

(Reply Kyllee)

“What does sickbay still need to be ready to go?” Quinna asked.

(Reply Kyllee)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 5 - Sickbay - ACMO - Dr. Kyllee Stev -1436)

Stev Kyllee had been in the fleet, well one fleet or another, for a long time. His experience on
the Rhyne’s had slight transposed him out of time by about 20 years. But the equipment on this
ship was way beyond anything he had dreamed up. He had his nose buried in the PADD with
the instructions of the biobeds and he was fascinated by them. He couldn’t wait to try them out.

“Dr. Kyllee,” Quinna said quietly. “We need to talk.”

Stev jumped slightly, startled, nearly dropping the PADD, “Sweet mother of…. “

He looked round, grasping the PADD and then smiled. “Quinna! You should see this stuff.”
Then he saw the look on her face and sobered up. “Are you ok?”

Quinna took a deep breath, “Look you know I am not ok. I know I am not ok, but I have to suck
it up. This is what I am proposing.” Quinna started, “You are in charge of the medical aspect of
sickbay, take on the daily activities and such.”

He wasn’t sure what was going on here, and looked at her with concern “What do you mean?”

“If you agree I will take on the administration. Reports and such. You can take the CMO office
here and I will be working in my quarters, I will come in only in case of an emergency.” Quinna
said.

Stev shook his head, “That is not what I told the Adkiral you needed, Quinna.”

“What does sickbay still need to be ready to go?” Quinna asked.

“It needs its Chief seeing patients,” Stev said, looking at her with a mixture of irritation and
concern. “But if you mean supplies, we’re still taking inventory. Once we know what we have,
we’ll know what we need.”

He looked at his boss and said, “Look Quinna, as your doctor, and as your friend, I really think
you need to stay in sickbay. Light duty does not mean no patients. I know what I’m talking about
here.”

(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 5 - Sickbay - CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -1437)

Stev shook his head, “That is not what I told the Adkiral you needed, Quinna.”

“What does sickbay still need to be ready to go?” Quinna asked.

“It needs its Chief seeing patients,” Stev said, “But if you mean supplies, we’re still taking
inventory. Once we know what we have, we’ll know what we need.”

He looked at his boss and said, “Look Quinna, as your doctor, and as your friend, I really think
you need to stay in sickbay. Light duty does not mean no patients. I know what I’m talking about
here.”

Quinna heard what he was saying but she did know what she was talking about. “Mentally, I am
nowhere ready to see patients. Physically I cannot stay awake more than 4 hours without
needing a nap. That can be more mental than physical. My body aches. My body needs time
to heal.” Quinna continued, “I already put in a request with the counselors. I am waiting to hear
back. If I don’t, when we have our medical staff meeting I will talk to them at that point.”

(Reply Kyllee)

“I will note your complaint in my by official but this is happening,” Quinna stated. The thing is,
she is not upset, put out, or angry. She was emotionless. “Look, If I was pregnant, this would
not be an issue. I wouldn’t be heartbroken. If I had the baby, this too would not be an issue
because it would be off caring for her until she was at least 6 weeks but no. I lost the baby, she
is gone and I am being punished for it by not being allowed my time not only to heal but to
grieve. At least with this plan, we can all get what we need.” Quinna stated in a quiet hushed
tone. “When also you may want to consider I have 3rd officer duties to contend with as well.”

(Reply Kyllee)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 5 - Sickbay - ACMO - Dr. Kyllee Stev -1438)

Stev listened to what Quinna had to say, and had to admit that she had a point. Having had lost
an entire family, he felt that he, more than most, had an insight to how she was feeling,
emotionally. She had a pretty grasp that the physical aspect of her recovery was really
emotional recovery, and he also knew that he tried to do the same thing after watchin his wife
and child die at the has of the Empire. And if he hadn’t been force to keep working he might
have been driven to madness, or worse.

Nodding he said, “I understand what you’re saying. You know that I do. Although I neve
experienced exactly what you have, I know the trauma your mind is going through. I know that
Temas has been a little busy today with the move but I’m sure you won’t have to wait that long.”
He paused and sat on the edge of the biobed behind him. “I’m just worried and I don’t want to
see you cut yourself off. It’s easy to do.”

Her reply was calm and, if nothing less, emotionless. He knew that she had already turned her
emotions off. That too was an easy out, for now.
“I will note your complaint in my by official report, but this is happening,” Quinna said. “Look, If I
was pregnant, this would not be an issue. I wouldn’t be heartbroken. If I had the baby, this too
would not be an issue because I would be off caring for her until she was at least 6 weeks old
but no. I lost the baby, she is gone and I am being punished for it by not being allowed my time
not only to heal but to grieve. At least with this plan, we can all get what we need.” She paused
for a moment and added, “When also you may want to consider I have 3rd officer duties to
contend with as well.”

Stev harumphed and grumbled softly, “Well I’m not getting what I want. However I will “give you
your space”, for now. But don’t expect me to disappear, Dr. Solice. You’re not just my boss, or
my patient, you’re also my friend.”

He wanted to hug her, but wasn’t sure how that would be taken. There was an awkward
moment of silence where he stood up and then froze. Finally he broke the silence saying, “And
if I find out you’re shirking on your 3O duties, I’m gonna drag you back to sickbay and put you to
work. Now get out of here, cause now I’ve got your work to do as well as mine.”

With that being said he started to walk by her. He stopped as they stood side by side and
quickly leaned over and gave her a brotherly kiss on the cheek. As he walked away he said,
“You ever tell anyone I did that I’ll deny it.”

(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(U.S.S. Raptor - Deck 17 – OIC Office - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 1455)

“I have something, Sir.” Temerity stated when the Major asked the general question of if there
was anything else. “If you recall, you asked me to go through the personnel files of the Marines
that would be joining us.”

(Reply: Murphy iyw)

“It turns out, sir, that a number of them are Reservists like myself, and their civilian skillsets open
an array of opportunities for us depending on mission parameters. A prime example is Corporal
Motoko Kusanagi. On the civilian side she works at the Utopia Planitia shipyards as a starship
pilot. We also have a third-engineer for a cruise liner, two freighter engineers, and Sergeant
Maria Villa is a civilian instructor at Starfleet Academy teaching astrogation. All that in addition to
me being a licensed freighter captain.”

(Reply: Any)

“We will also have two small craft pilots coming in. Brother and sister. She is a fighter pilot with
a secondary as a medivac pilot and he is the opposite. She’s the older sibling. We also have a
trauma surgeon, Sergeant Solak.”

(Reply: Any)

“All of them had the same response for not wanting to be commissioned officers, ‘wanted a
break from that much responsibility.’”

(Reply: Any)
(Reply: Murphy iyw, Any)
(Posted: Charles Raschen)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1 - DCO Ensign James Shaw -1500)

James was tired. It took his team almost three hours to clean up the fire suppression foam and
repair the damage that the falling toolkit had caused on Deck 12. It was quite a mess.
Fortunately nothing was too horribly damaged and the repair was pretty easy.

He had filed his report of the incident with his training officer and hoped that was the end of the
situation. After getting cleaned up and checking his suit, he came down to the holodeck and
started up his program "The Parting Glass," which conjured up a traditional Irish pub, complete
with dart hall and a small stage. The name was derived from a classic Scottish song, adopted
by the Irish. After today, James needed some home away from home time.

James sat on a stool sipping his drink and waiting for his turn. His opponent had just finished
his throw leaving himself with 134. James was at 140 points and needed a good throw (triple
20, triple 16 and a double 16 to end). He picked up his darts and stepped to the line. He let the
first dart fly and *thwak* he hit a triple 16. Concentrating, he took aim and let the second dart
fly. It landed just outside the triple 20 ring. Making a quick calculation, he needed 72 to close
out and no way he could do that one one dart, especially since he had to double out.

Taking aim, he threw the third dart and hit the triple 19. He walked up to retrieve his darts and
marked his score, 15 points left.

His opponent threw his darts in quick success and closed out the game. James shook his hand
and headed back to the main bar while the next person stepped up to play darts.

There was a band playing some classic songs. The crowd was joining along in the chorus.

The singer motioned to James to come on stage. Not shy, he stepped up on the stage and
pulled out his penny whistle, joining the band.

The song finished and the singer motioned to James to take the microphone. He nodded to her.
"This song is about the Monto, which was the largest and most famous red light district in
Europe in the late 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. It eventually was shut down."

He turned to the band who started playing, and James began to sing, his rich tenor filling the
room. "
Well if you got a wingo. Take her up to ringo. Where the waxies sing o all the day.
If you've had your fill of porter, and you cant go any further give yer man the order "Back to the
Quay"

And take her up to Monto, Monto, Monto. Take her up to Monto, langeroo, to you."

The crowd began to stamp their feet and joined in the humorous song.

(Reply any, IYW)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Counseling Suite - COUNS Alaya Hammons, CPO Steven Hammons, COUNS
Temas Laredo, 3O/CMO Cmdr Quinna Solice, and SFI Michael Weston - 1600)

Alaya and Steven had arrived first. The Counseling Suite was Alaya’s home, although she was
more diplomatically focused and often did behind the scenes negotiations when the Illuminar
was headed into potentially bad locations. But this, this was hard. Alaya had known that
something bad had happened. She was a strong telepath, and she lived with Leeza. So when
the scuttle-but that the Captain’s yacht had returned without Leeza and Commander Gregory,
Alaya had waited. She had asked Luma for more information but Luma didn’t know anything
either.

Clutching Steven’s hand, Alaya sat on the extremely comfortable couch, and cursed it’s comfort.
She didn’t want to be comfortable. Alaya wanted to hurt, and she wanted to do that hurting in a
private place. Looking up as the other’s entered, the blue haired betazoid’s haggard face and
tear streaked eyes said she knew that the child that she had been beginning to accept was
gone.

Steven's face was a mask, the rumor mill had already been grinding hot and heavy since the
return of the captain's yacht and the showdown on the bridge. Luma didn’t have to say anything,
the tongue of at least one of the bridge crew had already been wagging. He flexed his hands
and shifted in his seat as he sent a heated look toward the door.

Temas entered the chamber from his office to find the Hammons sitting together. He had
received the same warning from Luma. Trouble was brewing, and the feeling he got from
Steven concerned him. So much anger.

“Steven, Alaya,” I… it’s good to clear up the news and not work off of rumor and innuendo.”
Temas spoke as he entered.

The haggard look on Alaya’s face said it all. “I didn’t know that I had bonded with her, but I
guess it was inevitable. I felt her die, Temas. She was there one moment and then was not.
I..what kind of parent was I for not knowing she had snuck off…again?” This had been Alaya’s
reasoning since she sensed it, since she realized that the child that they were trusted with had
outwitted them again. She turned back inwards, shielding her thoughts from Temas. She
couldn’t calm her mate down, and she couldn’t handle her emotions.


The worst part was that no one thought they needed to know until this..whatever it was going to
be. A fiasco perhaps. Alaya didn’t want to think like an adult. She wanted to scream and rage
as well.
Temas nodded, “Leeza was her own person. She was a three year old with the input of a
symbiont that had lifetimes of experience. I understand what you’re saying, but it really was not
a reflection of you as a parent. Leeza was a … rascal.”

The words that Temas spoke washed over Alaya as Quinna and Michael made their arrival.

Quinna had wrapped her arm around Michael’s arm. They were eachother’s strength. She
looked at him as they walked. She had a data chip in her hand. But not sure why she brought
it. She felt like she needed something. “Are we sure we are ready for this? I am not but with
you I will be.” Quinna said, “Say the word and we can just leave.” Quinna was still dealing with
her loss and still had that empty feeling. She was comfortable with Michael but she had not
been with anyone else.

Michael shook his head, “No, they need this and deserve this.” His mind was a fool with his
loss. In one fell swoop most of what he cared about had just… disappeared. His friend, his child,
and Leeza, the sister he had come to love as much as himself. He knew what the Hammons
deserved. And it was much more than they were going to get.

He reached up and put his hand against the door chime. The door opened and they stepped
inside.

Quinna took in a deep breath and stepped in with Michael. She looked to see Steven and Alaya
and then she looked at Temas. “Hello, everyone.” Quinna said.

Alaya looked up at Quinna then back down at her hand, clutching Stevens. Her grounding.
This was Temas’ territory, he was orchestrating this.

Michael noted how the room was set up. Steven and Alaya were sitting in a pair of chairs, side
by side. There were three other set. One across and one on each side of them. It was a very
strategic setting. The first move was Michael’s. Sit across from the Hammons and face them, or
sit next to them and try to come together. He led Quinna to the seats across from them.

Quinna noticed that Alaya turned her eyes away from her. Quinna sat in one of the pairs of
chairs. Her stomach was starting to not feel so good. She looked for a focus in the room.
Something she could look at. She straightened up and vowed not to let out any emotions. She
gave Michael an extra tight squeeze on his hand. A million things were going through her brain.
‘What do I say?’, ‘Should I say something?’, ‘I am here to support Michael.’ Quinna turned her
head to look at him. Like her, no one could see his pain. No one but Quinna.
Temas was not surprised by Weston’s choice, but had been hopeful of a different one. “Michael,
Quinna, thank you for coming. Perhaps you should start the conversation.”

Michael nodded. The look from Steven spoke volumes. But it was well deserved. He sighed and
then started.

“First, let me say that Leeza had not been invited along,” Michael said, “but like always she
seemed to know what was going on with Dieter and wasn’t going to be dissuaded. None of us
knew what was going on in Dieter’s head. We all just knew he was hurting and wanted to help.”

He stood up and began to pace behind the chair. The words started to come fast and he could
not stop them.

“When we arrived at Deep Space 9 we somehow got taken into the wormhole of the prophets.
Aggie was there with them. First they took…” He stopped to choke back his emotions. “First
they took the baby. Just reached out and she was gone. No concern to how it would affect
Quinna.” He looked at his partner and a tear tried to fight its way out. He fought it back.

Steven glanced over at Quinna, something needed to be said before this went any further. "I'm
sorry ma'am to hear about this, I really am. I have no clue as to how deep those feelings are
running right now. We both want you to know how sorry we are and if you ever need anyone to
talk to…" His voice had trailed off as he looked back toward Weston.

Quinna looked at Steve and back to Alayna. She nodded. “Thank you. I’m…” Quinna was a
bit relieved. She had assumed that things were going to be more heated and accusatory than
compassionate. She is still working through the rawness of everything.

Michael looked at Steven and Alaya, gratitude in his eyes. He recognized the look he received,
not quite as welcoming. He was used to that.

He continued his story, “Then they said that Leeza was out of time. That she had to go with
them. If she didn’t she would surely die. I know it’s a little hazy on detail, but it was all so surreal.
What do you say to a god who says that to save her life you have to lose her now.”

"A god? You're kidding right? Who made them ****ing gods? Who gave them the authority to
play god? Why the **** are you even condoning them playing god with other people's lives?
They're ****ing aliens. An advanced form of alien sure but they are no more gods than Q!"
Steven snapped to his feet and gripped the back of his chair, turned and threw it with all his
strength into the bulkhead behind them leaving a scuff mark then rounded on Weston. "You dare
call those ****ers gods after what they did to Quinna? And they just waltzed off with a toddler!
Stole her clean as a whistle. How dare you deign to give those deviant sons of *****es that kind
of authority, Bajoran religion be damned!"

Quinna jumped with Steven’s outburst. It too her by surprise. He was the opposite of what she
was. Quinna softly almost inaudibly spoke, “please, don’t.”

Michael nodded and looked into the eyes of the infuriated man before him. Instinctively he went
into alert, but he refused to defend himself. If Hammons decided to start hitting him he decided
to let him. It was no worse than he’d been doing to himself.

“Yes,” Michael said plainly, “I did just that. Maybe it was the shock from the baby, maybe it was
the realization that wherever she went I knew she was with Dieter. Maybe it was simply the look
on her face as she pleaded with me to let her go. It was as though she just… knew it was what
needed to happen. But yes, I just let her go.”

"Yeah! A three year old should know what's best for herself, right? Isn't that why she was placed
with someone who would take care of her rather than a gaggle of uncles who let her steal rides
on the Captain’s yacht? Thank the real God the captain has shut that **** down! But not before
the damage was done." Steven was standing directly in Weston's personal space now, his face
scarlet.

Michael had little to say to that. It was indeed the reason he didn’t take on Leeza himself. He
had known that his lifestyle was not conducive to raising a child. But the three of them had
pretended that they were still on the Rhyne the whole time. And for most of that time it was just
the two of them, after Dieter was injured.

He didn’t look away. He was almost daring Hammons to hit him, wanting him to. That way his
body would hurt almost as badly as his heart did. He could feel Steven’s breath on his face. The
flames of his emotions burned at him.

“Okayyy,” Temas said, stepping forward, “let’s just take a moment.”

He had already known Michael’s feelings. Although he was a master of masking them under his
bravado, and his rare ability to keep most telepaths from sensing them, he was, at this moment,
a man on the edge. As was Steven. But he could sense no real urgency to violence. Only the
anger and loss.
“Maybe we should hear from the ladies?” he suggested, as a cooling off period.

Quinna was trying hard to hold it in. She knew she needed to hold it together, she had no
choice but he just attacked the one she loved. And though she knew that Michael could
completely handle himself, Quinna had to now say something. She quickly stood, but almost
regretted it. She was now face to face with Steven. “I am sorry for your loss. I came in here
knowing that you blamed Michael,” Quinna leaned over to look at Alaya, “and me for this. But
we are all suffering here. Leeza may be the reason why we are here and the only one you care
about but she is not the only one that was lost. If you have something to say then say it, but
don’t take our heads off while doing it.” To no surprise. Quinna lacked the emotions that she
normally would have had prior to this. Quinna stepped back to take her seat again.

Alaya sat there and listened to Quinna’s plea for understanding. “Leeza did what Leeza wanted.
We tried. But Gregory and you, Weston, enabled her. You gave her access to the ship that a 3
year old shouldn’t have and she used that enablement to do as she wished. The Captain gave
her to me and Steven to balance the 3 Uncles. But, Leeza didn’t want to be with us, not really.
She gave us no real respect.” Alaya was going to say more but Quinna needed to speak and
the Counselor in her allowed it.

“I am sure we all know that Leeza did not like me. She would sneer at me. She always found
ways to keep Michael and I apart. But there was a different side of her. A more mature and
decisive side. More of what you would see when a total blending between host and symbiot.
Michael was right on what he said. I was not conscious most of the time but when I was, I saw
it.” And a tear, an emotional sign, fell down Quinna’s cheek as she put a hand on her empty
belly. “We are all grieving parents here.” Quinna looked for her focus. She needed get her
emotions under control.

Michael slipped a supportive arm around Quinna and gave her a squeeze. She was working
hard to hold herself together, and being exceptionally brave. It only broke his heart just a little
bit more.

“We might all be grieving, and I am sorry they took your child too Quinna. But I felt the moment
they tore Leeza from this reality. I felt her die.” Alaya looked up at Weston, “I do blame you.
Gregory was incapable of thinking, and when you realized Leeza was aboard you should have
turned that damned ship around and brought her back to her home. If you had done that, she
wouldn’t be gone. What the blessed hells am I supposed to tell the Trill Authorities? The ones
that demand quarterly reports?” Alaya stood up, going to Steven and putting her hand on his
shoulder.
“To you, Leeza was a child, to Steven and I she was a daughter; but to the Trill authorities Leeza
was an experiment that should have been terminated and the symbiont returned to a more
suitable host. The agreement was that as long as her body continued to adjust to the symbiont,
that she stayed alive.” Alaya was concentrating on work, on the one problem that she could
think about rather than the pain of losing a child. Alaya was disassociating to handle the grief.

Hammons felt the hand on his shoulder but it didn't calm him down, he was well past furious at
the whole situation. He had doted on Leeza when given the chance and those had been few
and far between. She had bonded with the men that had been on the Rhyne with her and spent
all the time she could with them. Steven hadn't been given a fair shot. And would never get
another.

At that point, with the verbal lashing that Quinna took, Quinna fears were realized. She was to
blame. Quinna lost her focus piece. But she could not find it. She started breathing heavily to
keep from having a breakdown. Her hands trembled. She held onto Michael.

“I envy you,” Quinna choked out. “The brief moment you got to spend with your daughter and I
am sorry. It is all my fault you do not get to have more. I was selfish to only think about myself
these days, instead of thinking about getting everyone else instead. I have no excuses. I have
this though,” Quinna tossed the data rod she had been carrying on the table. “I do not know
how or why but I have a message, I want you to see. And I know I don't have rights to ask
anything any longer…” Quinna started to choke up. She was trembling now. “..I do not wish to
be around when it is played and I would not like it to go past this room.” Of course she was
talking about the message from Dieter.

Steven glanced at the data rod then back to her and nodded. He then stepped away from
Weston before giving him a hard look. "I don't know why Quinna is taking blame for any of this
but I do know one thing. You had best stay out of my sight for a while. At this moment all I can
think of is giving you the beating of your life for taking Leeza along on a joyride to relive old
times and I won't be forgetting it anytime soon. The only reason I'm not taking you apart right
now is that she doesn't need to see it in the state she is in."

Michael shrugged, “I am where I am Steven. And if that’s what you want, you can have it. I
won’t deny it to you.” His gaze didn’t waver. It wasn’t defiance that reared its head but
resolution.
He’d gotten used to being hated, but in the past he had always known that he did what he did
for a greater good. Even now, he knew that what happened with Leeza, painful as it has been,
was for her best interest. He only hoped that one day they’d see it too.

“Quinna is… a woman with her own mind and makes her own choices," he said. “Sometimes
even I can’t fathom her reasoning.”

Alaya glanced over at Quinna and was alarmed by what she saw. “Quinna needs several weeks
of leave, and a personal series of therapy tailored to her. This has obviously brought up a lot of
issues in her that need to be resolved. As being involved… I am not a good choice for Quinna’s
continued care. But you Weston, I blame for Leeza’s death.” Alaya took a deep breath and
stepped into Weston’s personal space and aimed a punch for his right chin. She put her weight
behind it, intending it to hurt. Steven had thought that he’d be the one to hit Weston. Alaya was
shocked by her behavior. How much of this anger was Stevens?

Weston saw the punch coming. He steeled himself for it. It had good weight and follow though.
She’d obviously been taught to punch. But she didn’t really have to skill or strength to knock him
back. His chin absorbed the blow and twisted his head back. He could feel the muscles in his
neck strain slightly, and the welt that already started to form.

Quinna looked with wide eyes. As she could feel the punch through Michael.

He looked into Alaya’s eyes, defeated and accepting of her anger and hatred.

Temas was taken by surprise by the sudden surge of animosity and violence that came from the
woman he’d come to admire and respect.

“Goddammit Weston! You were supposed to be the adult there. P’Rah’s a playboy, Dieter
wouldn’t’ve known responsibility if it’d smacked him in the face. Quinna was pregnant. Why
didn’t you…You know what?” Alaya sighed and the emotion just went out of her. “I know why
you didn’t. You guys thought you had the perfect family built up.” Even the bouncy blue curls
that Alaya was so proud of looked lank and disheveled. “And now it’s all -gone-. What the
blessed goddess do I tell Trill?”

Uncaring of Steven’s support, Alaya collapsed against the wall and slid to the floor. The look in
her eyes was haunted. She looked exhausted. Alaya had always known that being part of the
Fleet would change her, she had never anticipated this scenario. Alaya was past reasoning.
Michael looked down at Alaya and said plainly and coldly, “You tell them exactly what happened.
Due to my reckless decision making and carelessness Leeza has gone to where she is no
longer their problem.”

He paused and then looked at the data rod, “But know this, that Leeza is safe, and loved,
and…” he fought to maintain his own composure, “no longer their problem. If they wish to exact
some punishment out of me, I will accept that as well.”

Hammons glanced at the data rod with fury in his face. "Maybe that makes you feel better
Weston, use it all you want but I won't forget."

Michael sat back in his seat, all energy left him. What more could be expected? Now, all that
was on his mind was taking care of the one person left in his life. The one person who still didn’t
hate him. And much like Alaya, he couldn’t figure out why.

The pain and torment in the room was almost more than Temas could handle. He could feel
Weston’s self isolation and his own heart felt for him. He could feel Quinna’s desolation and
loss, hoping he could help her through that. He could feel the anger and betrayal in both of the
Hammons and understood how they felt.

They all had a chance to speak, but nobody was ready to listen. There was just too much pain.
He had hoped that in their gestalt that they could help each other through their respective pains.
But it appeared that what they needed, more than anything else, was time.

Quinna stood, “That is enough!” Quinna put a massaging hand on Michael’s red cheek. Things
have lost control and It was time to bring it back to the proposed intent. “Let's get a few things
cleared. As for leave, not happening. I am going to be around. I have already implemented a
new recovery plan. Apparently you did not check the message I sent to the counseling team.
Secondly, Leeza is not dead. Forgive me for not knowing all about Betazoids… about the range
of your senses. I don’t understand.” Quinna held Michael tight. “Please watch the video
message on the data rod.” Quinna started to lean against the back of Michael’s chair. Her
hands touching him. “I cannot seem to make things better. Hate us all you want. But promise
you will watch it.” Quinna pled, “and no more physical attacks.”

Steven reached for and snatched up the storage device then pulled Alaya up with him,
supporting her limp form while he glared around the room. "I'll watch it but that doesn't mean I'll
believe it. This sounds like some sort of propaganda from the wormhole aliens. At any rate I'll
form my own opinion. It's time to leave my love." His eyes locked with Quinna. "You still don't
understand. How could I put any blame on someone who's gone through such a loss?" He
shook his head.

Quinna leaned over and whispered into Michael’s ear, “I cannot stay for much longer.” It was
much more of mental fatigue than physical fatigue.”

"Goodbye counselor." Steven snapped as he walked Alaya from the room.

Quinna looked at Michael and Temas and then followed them out the door by herself. “Wait.”
Please wait a second.”

Steven stopped as he closed his eyes but he turned anyway and looked at her. "What doctor?
What more is there to say?"

“Look, believe us or not, I don’t care. Call me a liar to everyone, go for it. But please take what
you see with an open mind.” Taking a deep breath, “The wormhole aliens took my family, my
child, one of my best friends, along with Leeza, but that recording... I cannot put my finger on it
but there is something there.”

Steven's anger dissipated suddenly, leaving behind only sadness. "Look, I don't know why you
keep wanting to take part of the blame but I don't blame you and I'm not calling you a liar. I'm
calling the wormhole aliens liars, demagogues and scum. That's what I'm doing. I'm glad it
brings you some sort of peace."

“Oh, don't get me wrong. I am insanely hurt and jealous, and you will see why. I may never be
at peace again.” Quinna turned and went back into the office and let them be.

As the door closed Temas could be heard saying, “I’m glad you stayed. We should talk.”

(Reply: None)
(Posted by Al, Kris, Charles and Mel)
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